How to Write a Good LinkedIn Summary (With 15+ Examples)
LinkedIn provides numerous opportunities for people navigating the career world, like job seekers looking for opportunities and employers looking to complete their team of professionals.
Nowadays, one surefire way of landing a job is making your LinkedIn look promising, specifically your LinkedIn summary. But how exactly do you do that?
According to experts, these are the best ways to write a good LinkedIn summary:
If you want to write a great LinkedIn summary, make sure to include the following three components:
It should be tailored to your current or targeted field
For example, if you’re targeting sales but your LinkedIn profile speaks mainly to your teaching experience, recruiters will be confused and won’t contact you.
Even if your work experience is different from your targeted field or job, you can highlight transferable skills in your summary like:
- communication,
- teamwork, and
- leadership
These skills are needed in every profession.
Make sure your LinkedIn summary is chock-full of keywords
Print out several job postings of positions in your targeted field. Make sure the keywords in the job announcements appear in your LinkedIn summary so that you increase the chances of recruiters and hiring managers finding you.
It’s important to demonstrate your potential value
If you’re having trouble coming up with value-add statements, answer the following questions:
- What makes you stand out as a professional?
- How have you gone above and beyond in your current or previous roles?
- What specific value can you bring to the organization?
Here’s an example of a strong LinkedIn summary:
“My career in customer service management is guided by the principle of treating every customer like the first and only client.
Communicating empathy and active listening skills allow me to establish immediate trust and rapport with clients, as demonstrated by my track record of a 99% customer satisfaction rating for five years in a row.
As a manager, I have established a reputation for creating a safe, welcoming space for employees. My open-door policy allows employees to voice concerns, and provides the opportunity for mutual feedback and learning for both employees and leadership.“
Core Skills:
- Leadership
- Customer Experience
- Talent Acquisition & Development
- Budget Planning
- Creative Problem-Solving
Related: Effective Communication: How to Improve Your Communication Skills
The LinkedIn “About” section (previously called “Summary”) is one of the most underestimated areas of the LinkedIn profile. To start with, it’s not even one of the mandatory areas you must fill up to create a profile, so many of us probably do not even know it exists.
Also, based on my previous experience as a Recruiter, I can share that I was making most of the decisions about interviewing – or not interviewing a candidate – based on his “About” section. So, let’s check that more in detail.
The “About” or “Summary” works as a movie trailer: It will show the highlights of the person’s profile, and it will work as a hook to catch the reader’s attention and make the person want to keep reading.
It’s strategically positioned in one of the initial parts of the LinkedIn profile, so there is a very high chance that whoever lands in your profile will take a look at your “About.”
The keywords mentioned in this section will also increase the chances that the algorithm will find your profile when someone is searching for the skills you mention on this part of LinkedIn.
It’s essential to face another fact: people are lazy. Recruiters, hiring managers, and potential clients have busy schedules and very limited time to read LinkedIn profiles.
What happens is, if whoever is reading your LinkedIn profile could find all the relevant information and the answer to their killer questions in the “About” section, such as:
- “Does this person meets the requirements I am looking for?”
- “Is this person able to generate results?” or
- “Can I really trust this person?”
They would:
- Save their time,
- Stop scrolling down, and
- Make their important decision about contacting you or not based on what you wrote in your “About.”
Amazing, right?
The initial four lines of your “About” are the most important. Why? Because they should be intriguing enough to make people click on the “See more” bottom that appears on the right side of the screen.
Once the person clicks there, they will see your full “About” text—and that is exactly what you want!
The longer the person stays in your profile, the higher the chances you have to show your potential and eventually convince the person you are worthy of a job interview, a phone call, or at least a connection request.
You have up to 2.600 characters to write your “About,” so no excuses to be short here!
It’s also recommended to make the text about the person who is reading it:
- your ideal client,
- the kind of company you want to collaborate with, or
- your future employee.
Now, let’s check the key elements that you should mention in your “About”:
Write in the first person
Your LinkedIn profile should be approached as you introduce yourself to your reader. That is why writing in 1st person is recommended.
For example:
“I am a Career Coach, and I help my clients land remote jobs.”
Also, it creates a closer relationship with the reader.
Present achievements instead of only having a descriptive information
Show what you did instead of only saying that you can do it.
Believe me: companies will love to read results in the shape of numbers and percentages. Which company doesn’t like positive results?
It will increase your credibility and also make you stand out from other LinkedIn profiles, as very few people mention achievements in the “About” section.
Approach the “About” as your landing page
Explain, in a very clear way:
- what you do,
- for whom, and
- how.
Don’t be afraid to go personal
Add fun facts and some personal information. For many years, I was hesitant to add personal details because “LinkedIn is a professional platform,” but once I did it, I was positively surprised by the number of people who sent me direct messages.
Instead of mentioning my experience as a career coach, or my several years working remotely, I wrote, “I also love yoga” or “I am impressed that you traveled to 53 countries.”
People connect with people, and behind every LinkedIn profile, there is a human being.
Don’t be shy to show your human side because people might choose to work with the “person who loves dogs” instead of someone that just listed all the professional qualifications but sounds like a cold robot.
Add a CTA (Call To Action) and your email
Make it easy for people to connect with you. You can also share your website, portfolio, or Instagram profile or say, “Please send me a direct message and let’s keep talking.”
The important thing here is that if the person reads your “About” until the end, she is probably interested in your profile, so make sure you guide the person towards the next action to keep expanding the connection.
The appearance of your “About” section on LinkedIn is also important. Most people check LinkedIn profiles on their phones, so we should always remember that and avoid long phrases and blocks of texts that would create a bad experience for the reader.
I also like to leave blank spaces between some lines to make the text easier to read.
Another original option is to use emojis
Another original option is to use emojis and create sub-sections within the “About” to ensure that the information is easy to be understood.
In my current LinkedIn “About” area, I divided the information into:
- “What do I do?”
- “For whom?”
- “What is in it for you?”
- “Why me?”
- “What people say about me?”
- “How to get in touch?”
It’s worthy to dedicate time to review and improve your LinkedIn “About” area.
You don’t need to have a perfect one because you can – and should! Change it from time to time, but anything you write is already better than ignoring this key area in your profile.
People need to know you first, to later trust you, and eventually decide if they want to hire you – and the “About” is the perfect place to show yourself the way you want to be seen and generate trust with your ideal audience.
Create a compelling story that infuses the text with your personality
If you have an excellent LinkedIn profile that tells the story of who you are, who you help, the problem you solve, and a little about how you go about that, you should have a tight niche.
This will help attract the people who are most likely to be interested in you and your solutions and the content you will soon create that showcases your expertise in this area.
Your “About” section is an extremely valuable piece of your profile. This is not the place to focus exclusively on your work experience and job history.
You need to create a compelling story that infuses the text with your personality, the most common pain points your clients/employers are likely to experience, and the solutions you offer.
Readers of your “About” section should get a sense of who you are as well as what you do.
The summary section
Again, this is one of the most important areas to utilize well. The character count here is just 2,000, and you’ll likely need every one of them.
I suggest you take a look at mine as an example, but here’s the framework we use to create this section:
- Name
- Claim to fame
- Insight
- Elevator pitch
- Experience
- Problems your clients face
- How you solve those problems
- Personal why
- Call to action
This is a lot to cover, so you’ll need to be succinct and spare the buzzwords.
I’m still surprised by how many people leave this section blank or do a very poor job of giving people visiting their profile the opportunity they need to get to know them.
Make this your best work, or outsource to a professional copywriter. You also have the opportunity to add links to websites or videos below your summary.
Take the opportunity to add at least two pieces of high-quality external media that highlights your expertise and what you do.
Here is an example:
“Hi, Arno Markus here, Expert Resume Writer and Designer & LinkedIn Expert. I write resumes and design LinkedIn profiles that get your foot in the door.”
[Claim to fame]
“I’m the Founder of iCareerSolutions, an agency 100% dedicated to helping you utilize Resumes & LinkedIn together – the way that they really work best.”
[Insight]
“Would you want to know which is the most frequently asked question I received throughout the last year in my numerous interviews, summits, and events?”
[Experience]
“Why do some individuals have a lot of the hidden job market traction while the majority of people struggle?
So, it’s straightforward: the individuals who are obtaining job results have what we call Algorithm Intelligence.
- The job market is packed, noisy, and competitive.
- We must make a difference in this competitive environment.
- A strong personal brand is no longer a “nice to have.”
- It’s now critical to your success.
- That personal brand must include the keywords used in job descriptions to match you to opportunities.
I guarantee you interviews through my unique approach, from pinpointing resumes to particularly targeted positions.”
[Results delivered]
“Having an achievement-based resume is essential. The days of resumes as career summaries are over. Nowadays, companies are looking for how your achievements can help them.”
[Problem solved]
“Being able to help candidates fulfill their career dreams and objectives inspires me every day. My superpower is being able to understand what recruiting, and hiring managers are looking for.”
[My why]
“Want to stay in touch or get access to the free information I share? Click the blue ‘Follow’ button.”
[Call to action]
The trick is to make this section personal and use the first person. It’s not your resume or CV. Pull the curtain back on your personality! Paint a picture of what you do and why you do it.
Emojis are ok if used sparingly. The trick is to make your text scannable. Paragraphs should be three lines or less and keyword search optimized.
Your LinkedIn summary should basically summarize your CV
LinkedIn summaries are actually so important; they are sometimes the only thing potential employers or clients look at—yes, we are all getting increasingly lazier and lazier.
For this reason, your LinkedIn summary should basically summarize your CV:
- highlight the best aspects of your work,
- academic achievements,
- professional objectives, and
- personal skills.
Showcase all your personal strengths and motivations, too—any connections between your job roles, experience, and the story of your career—in a fun, flowing way.
Include some personality in your summary
Don’t forget to include some personality in your summary. Despite LinkedIn being quite formal, it shouldn’t be overly formal; you want to show a little bit of yourself off with your summary.
After all, it is your first chance to directly address all your readers.
Add keywords; include a bit of SEO
Lastly, include a bit of SEO; add keywords that might make you appear higher in search results both on the platform and on Google.
Make a hook or promise
As of 5/2022, you get 2,600 characters to craft a spectacular LinkedIn Summary, but it may not be read unless you give them a reason to click the “See more” link.
Only the first few lines of your About section will be seen initially, so starting with something that piques interest is extremely important.
Start your LinkedIn Summary or About section with something you’ve been told you do better than others, something that separates you from others in your field or industry apart from your skills or years of experience, or a work philosophy.
This is your hook or promise.
Know who you’re targeting
Your LinkedIn profile is an amazing tool for attracting career-boosting opportunities.
- If you’re using LinkedIn to seek out new job opportunities, call out which industries you’ve worked for previously or which roles you’re ready to embrace new challenges.
- If you’re aiming to position yourself for a promotion or board of directors seat, highlight the leadership strengths and expertise that you can bring to a team.
Want to land thought leadership opportunities like speaking engagements or media placements? List the topics you’d love to present or share insights on within your About section.
Don’t forget to add a clear call-to-action
Neglecting to add a clear call-to-action to your LinkedIn Summary is one of the top mistakes LinkedIn users make with their profiles.
Tell a profile viewer exactly what you want them to do next. Provide your contact information if you want them to reach out to you off LinkedIn.
Ask for connection requests or messages if your background matches what they’re looking for. If you want them to see examples of your work, invite them to explore the links or media in your Featured, Publications, or Projects sections.
Use first-person writing to be genuine
Consider how you would communicate with someone you met at a conference. That’s the tone you want your LinkedIn summary to have: genuine, personal, yet still professional.
To put it another way, give it personality and write in the first person. This will give the appearance of being friendly and human.
Writing a summary about oneself in the third person is a stage trick that makes you appear aloof, out of touch, and stuffy.
Example of a third-person LinkedIn summary:
“Paul is known for his work with college students and his advocacy for diversity. He volunteers for various humanitarian organizations in his leisure time and considers his biggest achievement to be his wife, Jane, agreeing to marry him in 1996. Jack and Jill are their two daughters.”
Highlight how you work with clients and clearly outline your experience
A great LinkedIn summary should include:
- what you do,
- who you serve,
- where you’ve been seen,
- what others are saying about you, and
- how people can work with you.
Your ideal client should be able to resonate with the language you use and the way you present yourself.
If you’ve received media attention or positive reviews, you should highlight those things in your summary. This is your opportunity to shine!
Highlight how you work with clients and clearly outline your experience so that potential clients feel like they have a clear understanding of who you are and what you do.
Here are some points to consider:
- If you are using LinkedIn to look for a new career opportunity, make sure your summary highlights your career achievements.
- If you have received awards and recognition in your industry, make sure you list those accomplishments on your LinkedIn profile.
- If you are open to new opportunities, make sure your LinkedIn profile contains your personal email address in your contact section and not just your company email address.
Potential employers should have a clear understanding of your strengths and contributions by reading your summary.
Use industry-specific keywords in your LinkedIn summary
If you use industry-specific keywords in your LinkedIn summary, you will be more visible to recruiters and potential prospects in search results. Why? Because LinkedIn uses different elements of your profile in its algorithm.
These elements include your LinkedIn headline, current title, summary section, and others. That’s why it’s beneficial to have keywords in your summary description.
Related: LinkedIn Headline Advice & Examples for Job Seekers
However, don’t try to stuff your text with too many keywords. Anything that looks unnatural will discourage LinkedIn users from exploring your profile.
Many people make the mistake of writing their summaries for the algorithm rather than for the readers. You need to address both.
My advice is to make industry-specific keywords a part of your summary, but ensure that your description is easy to read and evokes interest among LinkedIn users.
For example, if you are a marketing professional, you can write:
“My passion for marketing comes from stories from my friends, family, customers, colleagues, and industry partners. My goal is to turn these stories into marketing initiatives that positively impact the environment around me.
Apart from a college education in business administration and marketing & communication, I have 5+ years of experience in content marketing and SEO, specializing in digital PR, content creation, and analysis.”
If you follow a similar approach, you can use the relevant keywords but still include a personal touch that distinguishes you from other LinkedIn profiles.
The goal is to give the reader a snapshot of who you are and what you can do
LinkedIn is a great way to connect with colleagues and potential employers. Your LinkedIn profile is a digital resume, and it’s important that you take the time to make sure yours is as strong as possible.
The first thing I’d recommend doing is writing down your story—not in the traditional sense of “My name is this,” “I went to this school,” “I did this work,” but rather:
- What motivated you to pursue your career in the first place?
- What do you love about what you do?
- How does it make you feel?
- What are your passions?
Answering these questions will help you articulate your purpose and give your summary direction.
Next, focus on highlighting your most relevant skills and experience.
- What makes you unique?
- What can you offer that others can’t?
Be specific and use concrete examples to illustrate your point. Remember, the goal is to give the reader a snapshot of who you are and what you can do.
Finally, conclude with a call to action. Tell the reader what you want them to do next: visit your website, contact you for more information, etc. A clear CTA will help to encourage further engagement with your profile.
It should provide the reader with a brief yet authentic description of you
To write a summary:
- It should be understood what it is.
- It should do exactly what it says.
- It should provide the reader with a brief yet authentic description of you as it is one of the most necessary aspects of your profile.
- It has to sum up your qualifications, skills, and personality. Remember, this is your first impression of professionals around the world.
Tips on writing a practical summary
An excellent practical summary should consist of certain factors. Before you start writing, try making a template that you can follow.
For example, it should start with:
- a catchy heading,
- your purpose statement,
- your skills and accomplishments, and
- lastly, your call to action.
Whenever you mention your accomplishments, always provide accurate data to back it up to hold its own in front of a potential employee or a recruiter.
Try to look for popular keywords to integrate into your summary so that your resume shows up more frequently in searches.
Think of it as if you’re writing answers to a questionnaire about yourself. Answer questions like, what your goals are, your guiding principles, what you are passionate about, etc.
Example:
“I am detail-oriented, disciplined, and committed, with a positive attitude towards delivering high-end solutions to complex projects and situations using my expertise and experience in ( state your field of knowledge).
(Paragraph 2: State your qualifications)
(Paragraph 3: State why you would be an ideal choice as an employee/for an employee )
(Paragraph 4: Write about your personality and how it goes hand in hand with your attitude as a worker)”
Start strong, since the first three lines are vital
Recruiters, future clients, and other professionals will read your profile and form an opinion about you.
When writing your summary, include your professional experience, accomplishments, and awards, write in the first person, and start strong, since the first three lines are vital.
Keep the summary between 200 and 300 words long, think about the keywords employers would search for, and proofread it for spelling and grammar.
Small paragraphs and bulleted lists make it easier to read; use accurate data and figures, and always include a call-to-action near the end that includes your preferred contact method.
Here’s a summary template for professionals from different backgrounds:
“I am a [enter profession] with a strong interest in [enter trade]. Collaboration and networking are two of my favorite activities. I enjoy discussing [insert topic] on my blog, [insert blog name].
[Insert list of abilities and accomplishments] is one of my specialties. I’m always up for a discussion on [insert topic] and would love for you to connect with me on [insert social media platform]. Please feel free to contact me on LinkedIn or email at [insert email].”
Hook your audience with a powerful opening
A catchy first sentence can make all the difference. It will pique the reader’s interest to continue reading. When a user enters your profile, only the first 3 lines are visible. So, carefully craft your opening to hook and ensure that they click ‘See more.’
State your mission
Don’t just tell your readers what you do, but also why you do it. Including the things that attracted and led you to your current profession will instantly make your LinkedIn profile emotionally resonant.
Talk about your expertise and skills
The next part is to tell your readers about your specialties and skills in 1 to 2 sentences. Talk about what you are good at so that you will get job opportunities that are most aligned with your goals and skills.
Showcase your accomplishments
Now that you have discussed your expertise, it’s time to prove it. Tell your readers how your skills have delivered great results in the past.
Include a call to action
Let your reader know what you would like them to do now that they have read through your summary. Include your contact details so they can come in touch with you.
Example:
“As a high school kid, I was the go-to guy students contacted to solve their phone or laptop problems. Friends, family, and neighbors approached me to fix any tech issues.
Currently employed as a software developer at ____, not much has changed. Now, I handle technical issues and solve problems for multinational companies.
My latest project involved designing new software to optimize the efficiency of flight bookings.
In my spare time, I manage a computer club and youth volunteer society that aims to develop & mobilize youth towards socio-economic technological development. This involves training kids in software development and key technical processes.
As a pastime, I developed games, among which two were mentioned as the best game of 2021 by several websites.
To know me more, just message me or reach out to me at ____.”
A LinkedIn summary is one of the crucial parts of your profile. It should be well-written and concise so that when the recruiters skim your account, they’ll have a clearer insight about you.
The summary should be short but strong and discusses thoroughly your persona, experiences, accomplishments, and more. It should grab the attention of potential employers so that they’ll connect with you.
Here are some tips on how to write a good LinkedIn summary:
Keep it simple and concise
Never create a lengthy summary, as it will make the recruiters less interested in you. Writing a long one is not advisable because it is simply boring.
Employers don’t have so much time to read your LinkedIn summary; it is important to have a short but concise one.
You could make a synopsis, preferably under 2,000 characters, that include reasons that make you stand out, what you have achieved and why you are worthy of the job role.
Create one in the first person degree
It is necessary to write your LinkedIn summary in the first person. The profile is all about you, so you must speak as if you’re doing a monologue. It will be more natural and authentic.
The person reading your summary will be looking at your perspective, so make an effort to converse in the first person degree and direct as possible.
Example:
“I have five years of experience working in an SEO link-building agency. Currently, I work as a Junior SEO backlinks builder and I use cold email outreach strategy. I help websites rank higher on Google, increase traffic and land more customers using backlinks.
I am very competitive and do well in creating content that could attract links.
Competencies: Data science, effective communication, networking skills, and skilled with HTML and network protocols.
If you’re interested to learn more about how my services could help your company, please reach out to me via email.”
List your certifications in bullet form
Your summary (or About section) is a sales page for you. It is the best place to list your skills and top three “career greatest hits.”
List your certifications in bullet form, as certifications lead to credibility. I recommend writing in the first person (“I am a…”).
Don’t be afraid to show your personality!
Consider starting with a quote that inspires you, or List your personality test results from:
- Myers-Briggs,
- DISC, or
- Strengthsfinder.
Your summary is one of the four key areas of your LinkedIn profile to include keywords. Keywords matter because LinkedIn is a search engine. Recruiters and connections find you by searching for keywords.
Make sure you can be found by including specific keywords you want to be known for in your summary section.
Provide a detailed understanding of your true value
Most LinkedIn summaries will include a list of accomplishments, but often, they are listed in passing or in a manner that does not explain what they are. Therefore, it is a good idea to create them with greater detail.
Some people refrain from adding to their accomplishments as they fear it will appear braggadocious, yet, recruiters do not view it in the same light, and thus, it is better to approach it as a self-advertisement.
These are all great ways to not only showcase your abilities but provide a detailed understanding of your true value.
- Listing successful projects you have completed,
- Including awards or recognitions, and
- Even including testimonial endorsements.
By providing a detailed listing of your accomplishments, you are putting forth the best advertising of yourself and will answer any lingering questions that a potential employer may have about your abilities.
Create a strong opening sentence
- Start with a strong opening sentence that outlines your professional brand.
- Use the next few sentences to give a brief overview of your career journey so far.
- Use the remainder of the summary to highlight your key skills and experience, as well as your professional goals.
- Finish with a call to action, such as inviting readers to connect with you or visit your website.
Here are some examples of strong opening sentences for LinkedIn summaries:
- “A results-driven marketer with ten years experience in the industry.”
- “An experienced software engineer specializing in Python development.”
- “A finance professional with a passion for helping businesses save money.”
If you’re not sure how to start your summary, take a look at the LinkedIn profiles of some of your connections for inspiration. Just make sure not to copy anyone else’s exact wording.
Compile your most significant accomplishments and experience in a powerful and short paragraph
Your LinkedIn summary is your highlight reel. You want it to be short (3-5 sentences) and memorable.
This is your chance to compile your most significant accomplishments and experience in a powerful and short paragraph. I like to think of them as your 30-second ESPN game highlight.
Example:
“For 30+ years, I have been involved in the retail clothing world, holding every position from junior sales associate to owner. It has become my passion, and after successfully running several ‘brick-and-mortar’ stores, I decided to enter the e-commerce world in 2020.
With my customer service experience, I noticed a gap in the men’s underwear and socks service and promotion.
I was able to raise $300k in capital to start my business and have had 2+ years with 14% growth, and we service over 7k customers.”
Further insight
I have seen quite a few websites, youtube videos, and how-to guides that seem to support an overly long summary.
In some cases, this is ok, and I certainly think you could add your professional experience and highlights below your attention-getting paragraph, but people (even recruiters!) have short attention spans.
You really want to get in there, wow them, and leave them wanting to not only know you more but get you on their team.
I have tended to favor a short summary when I’m using LinkedIn to network or look for brand partners, and it has served me well!
Keep your summary minimal
A LinkedIn summary is the mini definition of what a person has done and attained in life. Also, it talks about the education, past work experience, interests, and future perspectives of the individual.
Some points to keep in mind for a creative summary include:
- Write a hooking opening.
- Create something witty and out of the box. It will attract the recruiters to look deep into your profile.
- Short and crisp. Keep your summary minimal.
- Try to include all the information about yourself.
- Add on why you like doing the job and what interests you in that niche.
- Keyword-rich. Create a profile rich with the best keywords that people might use to look out in your field.
- Since LinkedIn uses these SEOs, it will be the leading way to make your profile visible. ( e.g., content writer, affiliate marketing, Life sciences, etc.)
Provide data to back up your results and prove your expertise
When I’m hiring, I look for a good LinkedIn summary. For me, a good LinkedIn summary should tell me why you do what you do, discuss your industry expertise, name your specialties and skills, and provide the data to back up your results and prove your expertise.
If I was writing a LinkedIn summary for myself, it would include something like:
“I manage an eCommerce company that helps people find the best cable service where they live because I love working in the tech industry and helping people find the entertainment they want.
I’ve worked for various tech companies in my career and gained a long list of skills and abilities with regard to both software and hardware. Here’s what I’ve done in my career and the results I’ve created.”
You should focus on reminding the reader of the opportunities that excite you
Many people will spend a great deal of time on the body of their LinkedIn summary, only to finish with a lackluster closing. Instead, one should focus on reminding the reader of the opportunities that excite you.
The mistake that most make in their closing is:
- They think it is a simple signing-off, or
- They talk about what positions they are looking for.
Both options close off possibilities, discouraging potential employers from reaching out.
However, closing by mentioning the skills you would like to use in the future, the possibilities of working with individuals that possess specific talents, or even exploring options finishes your summary with an open-ended statement that invites contact.
By finishing your summary with a message that shows you are open to options, rather than closing them off, you will invite recruiters to reach out and open the door to possibilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should a LinkedIn summary be?
A LinkedIn summary can be up to 2,600 characters long, but it does not have to be that long. Strive for a concise, well-written summary that effectively conveys your key messages. Generally, 3-5 short paragraphs should suffice.
Here are some additional guidelines to consider when determining the length of your summary:
Audience attention span: Remember that online readers generally have a short attention span. Make sure the summary is short and informative to keep readers interested.
Quality over quantity: Focus on the quality of your content rather than trying to fill the entire character limit. Make sure each sentence serves a purpose and adds value to your summary.
Clarity and structure: Organize your summary into clear, easy-to-read paragraphs or bullet points. Use headings, bold text, or emojis (sparingly) to break up the text and draw attention to important points.
Tailor to your experience: The length of your summary can vary depending on your work experience and career stage. Entry-level professionals may write shorter summaries, while seasoned professionals with extensive accomplishments may need more space to effectively showcase their expertise.
How do I find the right balance between personal and professional?
Focus on relevant aspects: Share personal details that are related to your professional identity or highlight your unique qualities.
Be relatable: Mention your hobbies, interests, or values to give readers a glimpse into your personality without telling too much or getting too personal.
Maintain professionalism: Ensure your tone, language, and content convey a professional image. Avoid slang, casual language, or discussing controversial topics.
Should I mention my future plans in my LinkedIn summary?
Yes, mentioning your future plans can be a valuable addition to your LinkedIn summary. By sharing your goals and objectives, you show ambition and give readers insight into your career path.
This can be especially helpful for job seekers, as it helps potential employers understand your long-term vision and how it fits with their company.
Stating your goals also signals that you’re proactive and forward-thinking, which can be very interesting to potential connections in your industry.
Can I use humor in my LinkedIn summary?
Yes, you can use humor in your LinkedIn summary, but it’s vital that you do so sparingly and appropriately in a professional context. Consider the following guidelines in mind when using humor:
Know your audience: Consider the industry you’re in, the audience you’re targeting, and the image you want to convey. Humor may be more appropriate in some industries than others.
Be subtle: You can use casual language or a witty line to emphasize your personality without compromising your professional image. Avoid over-the-top jokes or humor that could be misunderstood or perceived as offensive.
Maintain the professional tone: Be careful that humor doesn’t overshadow your key messages or detract from the overall professional tone of your summary. Your main goal is to convey your skills, expertise, and value to your audience.
Test the waters: Ask trusted colleagues or mentors for feedback to ensure your humor resonates well and is appropriate for your target audience.
Using humor wisely and in the right context can make your LinkedIn summary more memorable and personable while maintaining a professional image.
How often should I update my LinkedIn summary?
It’s advisable to regularly review and update your LinkedIn summary to ensure it remains accurate, relevant, and up-to-date.
You should revise your summary when:
– You have acquired new skills or accomplishments
– You change your career or goal expectations
– You notice new industry trends or buzzwords
– You received feedback from your network
In general, it’s a good practice to review your LinkedIn summary every 3 to 6 months or whenever there are significant changes in your professional life.
Regular updates will keep your personal brand strong and relevant and help you make the most of your professional networking opportunities.