How to Write the Best LinkedIn Summary
Since we’re all spending a little more time at home, it’s given me the opportunity to tackle some projects I’ve been avoiding. Cleaning out my closet, wash day, and this one pest known as the LinkedIn summary.
Every section of your LinkedIn profile page serves a specific purpose and like your resume, you want to make sure it counts! The summary section is like a snapshot of your professional past, present, and future. For the most part, it gives viewers a solid understanding about you, your work and your skills in less than 10 seconds.
I did a lot of research on what makes a good LinkedIn summary. But first, you need to decide what are your intentions for your LinkedIn page. Is it to get connect with recruiters for a career change? Are you hiring for your company? Maybe you’re looking to connect with investors for a business venture. Whatever the case, keep your intention front of mind so you can make the most of your LinkedIn summary.
It basically came down to three questions you should answer in your LinkedIn Summary that you should include:
Who are you?
How do you use your skills?
What you’re here for?
WHO YOU ARE: Your first sentence should state what you do currently with strong, action based language. I work in learning and development so my first sentence is: Highly-ambitious learning and development professional dedicated to bridging knowledge and skill gaps within functional units. For me, this is a simple fact that tells my reader exactly what I do in one succinct sentence. If they didn’t read any further, they would still have a solid idea about my skills, and expertise.
HOW DO YOU USE YOUR SKILLS: Next, you’ll want to include a few skills that you have to offer some information into what you do. It’s not just your skills though, it’s how you use them. your skills. Ask yourself, do you solve difficult problems for clients, communicate complex information, guide large teams? Consider what skills you perform and most importantly the result that those skills provide. Don’t forget to include key words that match your industry.
WHAT YOU’RE HERE FOR: So, you’ve shared a quick summary, some additional skills, and now, you need to tell people why they should be on your profile. If you’re in the job market, add that you’re searching for a new, challenging role that develops your skills. If you aren’t in the job market, consider adding why people should connect with you or who you’re looking to connect with. Or if you’re like me, share a side hustle (where appropriate) that people should go to. LinkedIn is still a professionally based platform so try to keep things in that area.
Pro Tip: If you feel stumped at first, don’t be shy and take peek at your colleagues or others in similar positions. They’ll be able to provide a little bit of inspiration and some starting points for you. Use your resources.
Hopefully the LinkedIn summary doesn’t sound as intimidating now!
