The first two lines of a LinkedIn post do 80% of the work. If they don't earn the click on 'see more', the rest never gets read. Here are seven hook formulas that consistently outperform generic openers.

1. The contrarian take

Take an industry assumption everyone nods along to — and disagree with it in one sharp sentence. Example: 'Most resume advice is wrong. Recruiters don't read top to bottom — they scan for proof.'

2. The specific number

Specific numbers feel earned. 'I sent 312 cold emails last year. 4 turned into offers.' beats 'I sent a lot of cold emails' every time.

3. The mini-story open

Drop the reader into a scene. 'Last Tuesday a recruiter ghosted me 6 hours after a great call. Here's what I learned about follow-up.'

4. The mistake confession

Lead with what you got wrong. Vulnerability earns attention — and the lesson lands harder when you've actually paid for it.

Use them as starting points, not scripts

These work because they're specific, human, and concrete. Plug your own story in and write three variations before you pick one.