Something most people forget is that change doesn’t happen until you take the first step. If you want to find a new job, but have been procrastinating about optimizing your LinkedIn profile, updating your resume or looking for job descriptions that interest you, it’s unlikely a job is going to come knocking on the door.

On the other hand, if you HAVE created a keyword focused, optimized LinkedIn profile designed to attract the type of people you hope will hire you, it IS possible a job opportunity may come knocking on the door. Seems like a no brainer, doesn’t it?

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Recently, I suggested a few tips to a friend who was between jobs. A few days later, he sent me an astonished message letting me know his profile had moved from page eight to page one for the keyword he was targeting, AND that he had already heard from several local recruiters! That is a win, and it can happen for you, too. Unlike Google search results, which may take a long time, a financial investment and a lot of effort to influence, you can relatively easily improve your LinkedIn search results if they aren’t already optimized.

I thought it would be helpful to create a series of posts with suggestions to improve your LinkedIn profile. If you want to magnetically attract opportunities, you need to build the magnet first!

Tip #1: Optimize Your Headline

The information that appears directly below your name is termed the “headline” for a reason. It’s one of the most important elements of your profile, because it’s what most people will see when your profile comes up in search. Are you listing your current title? That could be helpful if you are looking for a job doing exactly the same thing, but even then, a job title is not a strong headline.

Instead, include keywords — the words people will use to find someone like you — in your headline. And, offer a pitch. In other words, what is your value proposition? What do you offer an organization? What problem do you solve for them?

For example, instead of: “Business Analyst,” you may want to list: “Business Analyst: Develop and implement systems to bridge gaps between HR and IT organizations.” This updated headline includes keywords AND a pitch, which is exactly what can help inspire people to want to learn more about you if they see your profile in a search.

You have 120 characters to use for your headline; make the most of them.

Keep in mind: I am available to transform your LinkedIn profile. Contact me to learn how I can help you position yourself to land the opportunity of your dreams for 2015!