Writing a Best LinkedIn summary is incredibly difficult – especially without examples. Should you restore your previous role? List your achievements. Should it be written in the first person? Or the third?
In this blog post, we’ll explore what to include in your LinkedIn About section, as well as some examples to inspire you. Let’s begin.
Download Now: 10 LinkedIn Summary Templates
You have a maximum of 2,000 characters (about 300-500 words) with your LinkedIn summary. In that place, it’s important to create a summary that reads more like a story than a resume recounting your professional history. In other words, try to avoid lists and aim for a compelling narrative that “hooks” employers, potential employers, or others.
About LinkedIn Summaries and Bios
What is a LinkedIn Summary?
Your LinkedIn summary is a brief yet compelling overview of your professional journey. It’s the first section visitors see when they land on your profile, making it a crucial element for leaving a lasting impression. A well-written summary not only conveys your expertise but also reflects your personality and values.
Crafting a Stellar LinkedIn Bio
While your summary provides a snapshot of your career, the bio delves into the details. Your LinkedIn bio, found in the ‘About’ section, allows for a more comprehensive exploration of your professional background, achievements, and aspirations. Together, your summary and bio create a powerful narrative that captivates your audience.
Features of an Exceptional LinkedIn Summary and Bio
1. Clear and Concise Introduction
Your introduction sets the tone for your entire profile. Craft a concise yet captivating introduction that highlights your passion, expertise, and what sets you apart. Use keywords relevant to your industry for improved searchability.
2. Showcasing Achievements and Skills
Quantifiable Accomplishments
Highlight your key achievements using quantifiable metrics whenever possible. Whether it’s increasing sales by a certain percentage, leading successful projects, or acquiring new clients, quantify your impact to add credibility to your claims.
Skill Endorsements and Recommendations
Request endorsements for your skills and seek recommendations from colleagues, supervisors, or clients. These testimonials add credibility and provide social proof of your abilities.
3. Personal Touch
Storytelling
Craft your summary and bio as a narrative. Share anecdotes that showcase your professional growth, challenges overcome, and lessons learned. Personalizing your story helps you connect with your audience on a deeper level.
Incorporating Interests and Hobbies
Adding a section about your interests and hobbies humanizes your profile. It gives others a glimpse into your personality beyond the professional realm, fostering a sense of connection.
4. Optimizing for Search
Keyword Integration
Identify relevant keywords for your industry and strategically integrate them into your summary and bio. This optimization enhances the discoverability of your profile, especially when recruiters or clients use specific terms in their searches.
Engaging Headlines and Bullets
Break down information into digestible sections with engaging headlines and bullets. This not only makes your profile visually appealing but also helps scanners quickly grasp key points.
5. Continuous Improvement
Stay Current
Regularly update your LinkedIn profile to reflect your latest achievements and experiences. This demonstrates that you are actively engaged in your professional development and ensures your profile accurately represents your current capabilities.
Seek Feedback
Invite connections to provide constructive feedback on your profile. Fresh perspectives can offer insights into areas for improvement and help you present yourself more effectively.
Why a Good LinkedIn Summary is Important?
A well-crafted LinkedIn summary is important for several reasons:
First Impressions Matter: Your LinkedIn summary is often the first thing people read when they visit your profile. It provides a snapshot of who you are, what you do, and what you’re passionate about. A compelling summary can leave a positive and lasting impression.
Professional Branding: Your LinkedIn profile serves as your online professional brand. A concise and well-written summary helps define your personal brand, showcasing your skills, experience, and unique value proposition. It can distinguish you from others in your field.
Search Engine Optimization (SEO): LinkedIn profiles are searchable both within and outside the platform. Including relevant keywords in your summary increases the likelihood of your profile appearing in search results. This is crucial for recruiters, potential clients, or collaborators trying to find professionals with specific skills or expertise.
Networking Opportunities: A good summary can open doors for networking. It gives people a reason to connect with you, whether it’s because they share similar interests, admire your work, or see potential for collaboration. Networking is a key aspect of professional growth, and your summary can facilitate meaningful connections.
Career Advancement: When recruiters or hiring managers review your profile, a well-written summary helps them quickly understand your professional background and achievements. It can pique their interest and prompt them to explore your experience further. This can be particularly important when you’re actively job-seeking or open to new opportunities.
Demonstrates Communication Skills: A well-articulated summary showcases your ability to communicate effectively. Clear, concise writing reflects positively on your communication skills, an essential trait in many professional roles.
Showcases Personality: While maintaining a professional tone, your summary can also provide a glimpse of your personality. This humanizes your profile, making it more engaging and relatable to those who view it. People are often drawn to authentic and personable profiles.
Adaptability and Growth: Your summary is an opportunity to highlight your adaptability and commitment to professional growth. Mentioning ongoing education, skills development, or new challenges you’re seeking can convey a sense of dynamism and ambition.
How to Write a LinkedIn Summary
- Create a quick outline prior to writing your about section.
- Hook readers with a strong opener.
- Tell the reader why you do what you do.
- Speak to your industry expertise.
- Call out your specialties and skills.
- Provide data to back up your results and prove your expertise.
- Mention if your team is currently hiring and invite people to apply.
- Highlight your professional interests.
- Include a call-to-action with your contact information.
- Tip: Break up large blocks of text.
Conclusion
Crafting an outstanding LinkedIn summary and bio is a dynamic process that evolves with your career. By incorporating a clear introduction, showcasing achievements and skills, infusing a personal touch, optimizing for search, and committing to continuous improvement, you can create a profile that not only impresses but also resonates with your target audience.
Invest time and effort in developing your LinkedIn narrative, and watch as new opportunities unfold in your professional journey. Boldly define your story and let your LinkedIn profile be the catalyst for your next career milestone.