LinkedIn Summary: How To Write An Awesome LinkedIn Summary in 2023
This article explains how to create a killer LinkedIn summary in 2023. It includes tips to help you craft a compelling profile.
LinkedIn has become the most important social media platform for job seekers. It’s also the easiest way to get hired.
In order to write an excellent LinkedIn summary, you must first understand how LinkedIn works. It will help you craft a compelling profile that gets noticed by recruiters.
LinkedIn profiles are not just another resume. They’re a full-fledged sales tool that helps you sell yourself as a candidate.
If you want to land a great job, you need to master writing a killer LinkedIn summary.
I will teach you everything you need to know about LinkedIn summaries in this article.
What is a LinkedIn summary?
LinkedIn is a professional networking platform where professionals can connect and share knowledge. It’s a great place to build relationships and learn from others.
However, many people overlook the importance of their LinkedIn profiles. You can also consider your LinkedIn summary as your career story with all of your career success.
Your LinkedIn summary is the first thing that potential employer and clients read when they visit your profile.
Make sure that it accurately represents who you are and what you offer. Include a clear description of your skills and experience and links to your online portfolio.
Make sure that your profile includes a picture since most people spend less time looking at profiles without pictures.
Also, include a short bio that highlights your accomplishments and expertise. Finally, add a link to your website or blog so that visitors can learn more about you.
Statistics
- A recent study found that job applicants with an extensive LinkedIn profile are 71% more likely to receive a call back for a job interview than those with no LinkedIn profile.
Why is writing an excellent LinkedIn summary important for your job search?
LinkedIn is one of the most popular professional networks online today. It’s a great place to connect with potential employers and clients, and it’s also a valuable tool for job seekers. That’s why it’s essential to write a strong LinkedIn profile summary.
Your LinkedIn profile summary is essentially your digital elevator pitch for yourself. It’s where you introduce yourself to prospective employers and clients.
Make sure that your summary is clear, concise, and shows your skills and experience. Your LinkedIn summary can help you build rapport with your potential connections.
Career Experts have pointed out that LinkedIn is now the one tool used by recruiters to find candidates. In fact, according to CareerBuilder, 93% of hiring managers use LinkedIn to source new hires. It is a reason enough why you should have a well-rounded Linkedin summary.
Your LinkedIn summary makes the first impression.
LinkedIn is the most extensive professional network by far in today’s time, and having a profile there can help you open new avenues to your professional journey.
Whether you are looking for a job, hiring someone, or a seasoned professional, LinkedIn is the place to be when it comes to networking.
Implying, it could make your career or break it. So, making a good impression on LinkedIn is vital. According to a recent study by career experts, most employers look through a candidate’s LinkedIn profile before setting up an interview.
Nearly half of the recruiters say they would pass over someone who doesn’t have a complete profile. So, if you want to stand out from the crowd and have job opportunities lined up, write a killer LinkedIn summary.
Your LinkedIn summary is a chance to tell your story
Your LinkedIn profile is where you can share information about yourself and your experiences. Think of it as a resume for your network.
Include details about your education, employment history, volunteerism, awards, and relevant hobbies or interests.
Think about how you can add value to your network. Why would someone hire you over others? What do you bring to the table?
Use your profile to tell a story about yourself. Include examples of your work and accomplishments.
LinkedIn uses your profile summary for search results
LinkedIn has been one of the most popular social media platforms for professionals over the past decade.
It allows users to connect with others in their industry and find jobs.
But did you know LinkedIn uses your profile summary for its search results?
It means that if you write an interesting and engaging summary for your profile, it will show up higher than if you don’t.
So what should you include in your profile summary?
Here are three things you should consider adding to your profile summary:
1. Keywords
Keywords are the words that describe your professional expertise. If you’re applying for a job where keywords matter, then you should add those keywords to your profile summary.
For example, if you’re applying for a marketing position, you should include the keyword “marketing” in your profile summary.
2. Skills
Skills are the specific abilities that you possess. For example, if you’re a web developer, you should list out the skills you’ve developed, such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, etc.
3. Experience
Experience is another way to demonstrate your expertise. It is especially true if you’re applying for positions that require previous experience.
Remember, this information will appear in search results, so make sure it’s accurate!
How to Write a LinkedIn Summary
LinkedIn has over 500 million users worldwide, and it’s used by job seekers, recruiters, businesses, and anyone else who wants to connect with others online.
But what should you write about in your summary section? How do you stand out among the crowd?
The following is a step by step process of creating a killer Linkedin summary:
Create a quick outline before writing your About section:
Writing a summary is easy, and it doesn’t require much effort. All you need to do is write a few sentences highlighting who you are and what you offer.
For example, if you work in sales, you might say something like, “I’m a top sales professional with experience working with Fortune 500 companies.”
Before you begin writing your summary, create an outline that includes key points. Then, just fill in the blanks with your unique details. Make sure that you have your skills, education, and accomplishments.
There should also be ample white space while writing your LinkedIn summary. The more white space, the better.
Hook readers with a strong opener
One of the best ways to break through the noise is a strong opening line. The key here is to hook readers with a strong opener that sets the tone for the rest of your summary.
Start with a question or statement that gets the reader interested in what you have to say. For example, instead of saying, “I’m a web developer,” try something like, “What do you love most about being a web developer?”
Next, add a few details about yourself. Include your job title, company name, and industry.
Finally, end with a closing sentence that summarizes your main point. Make sure that your summary doesn’t sound too salesy or self-promotional. Instead, focus on providing value to your readers.
Tell the readers what you do:
LinkedIn profiles are a great place to share your knowledge and experience in your field.
When writing your summary, focus on speaking to your industry expertise. For example, if you work in the education sector, talk about how you can help students succeed.
Your profile summary should include a brief description of who you are, what you do, where you work, and what you offer. It’s also good to add a link to your website or portfolio. T
he last thing you want is to write a summary that doesn’t give potential employers enough information to decide whether they’d like to hire you.
You can include your employee experience, business success stories, etc.
Talk about your Industry Expertise
Start by thinking about what you’d like to say. What would you like to tell potential employers or clients about yourself? Think about your skills and experience, and then write down everything you can think of.
Talking about your current role and what you’ve learned will show potential employers that you’re well-rounded. If you had a key role in a particular project, you could also leverage that to your advantage by including it in your summary.
Here are some examples of things you could mention:
• I am a Sales Professional with ten years of experience selling to Fortune 500 Companies.
• I am a Web Developer with 5+ years of experience building websites using HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, PHP, WordPress, and Joomla.
• I am currently studying Computer Science at University and plan to graduate next year.
Next, organize your thoughts into bullet points. Start each point with a verb, and add supporting details. For example, instead of saying, “I’m a skilled writer,” try saying, “I wrote articles for my local newspaper.”
Call out your specialties and skills.
LinkedIn profiles are a great place to highlight your expertise and experience. When you write a summary, try to include a few key points about yourself. For example, if you work in sales, you could mention that you’re a top performer who has closed over $100,000 worth of deals.
Include a link to your professional profile. Include details about your education, awards, and certifications. And finally, add a personal touch by mentioning what you enjoy doing outside of work.
To make your summary stand out from others, consider including a quote related to your industry. It doesn’t matter whether it’s positive or negative; just make sure it’s related to your career path.
Mentioning your soft skills is another way to set yourself apart. If you have leadership abilities, mention them. If you have an entrepreneurial spirit, mention it. You don’t need to be overly promotional, but you should let people know what makes you unique.
Use bullet points to break down your summary into smaller chunks. It helps to give each section a clear focus and allows visitors to scan through your profile without reading every word.
Make sure that you include a photo in your summary. Photos are a powerful tool for building trust and credibility. Plus, they provide a visual representation of your personality.
Your summary should be no longer than 150 characters. LinkedIn will likely cut off anything longer than that. So, keep it short and sweet!
Provide data to back up your results and prove your expertise
LinkedIn is a powerful tool for professional networking, but if you don’t use it correctly, it can hurt your career instead of helping it. In fact, many professionals say that they have lost jobs due to poor LinkedIn profiles.
To avoid these problems, you must provide evidence to support your claims. For example, if you claim to be an expert in a specific field, include links to articles or other resources that demonstrate your expertise.
Also, include statistics from third-party sources to prove that your company has achieved success.
In addition, make sure that you write a concise yet detailed summary. Include key points that highlight your experience and accomplishments.
Avoid using too much text or including unnecessary details. Instead, focus on providing just enough information to convince potential employers that you’re qualified for the job.
Include a Call to Action
Your LinkedIn summary is the first thing people read when they land on your profile. It includes a clear call to action that encourages users to click through to your website or contact you directly.
Include a link to your website or a phone number so that people can easily reach you.
To create a solid call to action, consider these tips:
• Include a clear objective. What exactly do you want people to do after clicking through?
• Include a benefit. Why would someone choose to follow your lead?
• Include a promise. Tell people what they’ll get from following you.
• Include a deadline. When does the offer expire?
• Include a CTA button. People will be less likely to click through if they don’t see a clear call to action.
After creating a solid call to action in your LinkedIn summary, you’ll be able to attract more followers and gain more opportunities.
LinkedIn Summary Tips To Maximize Your Results
Leverage The Right Keywords
There are many different ways to optimize your LinkedIn profile, including keyword research and creating a professional summary.
Keywords are especially important because they determine where your profile appears on search engine results pages. It drastically helps in the recruiter search.
Search engine optimization is important when recruiters are scouring through hundreds if not thousands of resumes. To find the best keywords for your profile, try searching for similar profiles in your industry.
Then, analyze the top five results and look for common terms. These are likely the most valuable keywords for your profile.
Grab Some Eyeballs With Formatting And Emojis
If you’re trying to attract attention from recruiters, you might want to consider making your profile stand out.
One way to do this is by uniquely formatting your summary section. For example, instead of just listing your skills and experience, try including a few emojis or other fun graphics. It could look something like this:
This approach is practical because it shows that you’re creative and willing to break free from traditional formats. When prospective employers view your profile, they’ll notice that you’re different and likely to fit their company well.
Don’t Be Afraid To Get Personal.
LinkedIn has become a popular platform for job seekers and business owners to connect with potential employers and clients. However, many people still feel uncomfortable sharing personal details online.
But if you want to stand out from the crowd, you need to embrace LinkedIn and share your personality.
It doesn’t matter whether you’re a professional or a hobbyist; just be yourself. It means being honest about who you are and what you’re passionate about.
Don’t worry about sounding too self-absorbed or bragging about yourself. Instead, focus on showcasing your skills and expertise.
In addition to sharing your personality, you should also include a few photos of yourself. These can be taken anywhere, including your home, office, or favorite place. Ensure that the photo is clear enough to read and shows off your best features.
Check, And Double-Check Your Grammar
Grammatical errors can really hurt your credibility, especially if you’re trying to build trust with potential clients. It’s easy to miss minor errors, but it’s much harder to fix them after the fact.
Make sure that you double-check everything from your spelling to your punctuation before submitting your LinkedIn summary.
It’s also important to proofread your summary multiple times. Once you’ve written it, read it aloud to yourself and ask someone else to look over it. The last thing you want is to send off a poorly written summary and then realize later that you missed a crucial word or phrase.
What Not to Put in a LinkedIn Summary
LinkedIn is the most important social media platform for job seekers. It’s where you can get your foot in the door and build relationships with potential employers.
But it’s also where you should be careful about what you put on your profile. Here are some things you shouldn’t include in your summary:
1. References
You don’t have to list every single person who helped you along the way. Just make sure that you provide references who can vouch for your work ethic and professionalism. If you’re unsure how to choose these individuals, check with a career coach or mentor.
2. Contact Information
It includes any phone numbers, email address, and mailing addresses. Unless you have an official website, you probably won’t want to include contact information here. You should only include this information on your resume or cover letter.
3. Social Media Links
Unless you’re actively using Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Snapchat, YouTube, and other platforms or do not have an online presence, you should leave these links off your LinkedIn profile. They’ll clutter your page and make it difficult for potential employers to find you.
4. Job Titles
Don’t list your current position as well as all of the titles you’ve held previously. It makes it hard for recruiters to see your full history and could prevent you from getting hired at another company.
5. Salary History
If you’re looking for a new job, you don’t need to share your previous salary with potential employers. That said, if you’re currently employed, you may want to mention your current pay. However, avoid giving specifics like base salaries, bonuses, raises, and other perks.
6. Education
If you’re going through college, you can still add your school name to your summary. Otherwise, skip this section entirely.
Questions:
Why is a Good LinkedIn Summary Important?
LinkedIn has become a popular platform for job seekers and career professionals alike. It's a great place to connect with potential employers and build relationships with other professionals.
However, you might not realize how much value a good LinkedIn summary adds to your profile if you're just starting.
Your LinkedIn summary is essentially your online resume. It's where you tell others who view your profile everything about yourself. Make sure that your summary is concise and contains key details about your professional experience and skills.
How should a college student write a LinkedIn summary?
I would say that the most important thing to include in your summary is what you want people to know about you.
If you're looking for work, I will put something like "Looking for full-time or part-time employment" or "I'm graduating soon and looking for a summer internship." If you're working but looking for more opportunities, you could include something like "Currently seeking full-time or part-time employment."
What should you NOT include in your summary?
You shouldn't include anything negative in your summary. Don't include things like "I was laid off last year," "I am currently unemployed," or "I've been fired from several jobs." Also, don't include anything personal unless you feel comfortable sharing it. For example, don't include your marital status or children.
Is there a minimum length for my LinkedIn summary?
There isn't really a set length for your summary. The best way to figure out how long yours should be is by writing one.
Once you've written a few sentences, go back and ask yourself questions like: What do they want to learn about me? Why are they interested in learning more about me? Is there anything else I should include?
Is it better to write your LinkedIn summary in 1st person or 3rd person?
The answer is simple. It depends on who you are writing for and what they want from their audience. If you’re looking to get a job, then the best way to do so is by using third-person language.
You can also use first-person language when talking about your accomplishments.
However, if you’d instead show off your personality, you should probably stick to 1st person language.
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, if you haven’t already done so, now would be a perfect time to create your own LinkedIn summary to brighten your career opportunities.
It will give potential employers a glimpse into your personality and skills, which will help them decide if they’d like to hire you.
And since you have a lot of control over your profile, you can use it to show off your unique abilities and interests. Plus, you can always edit your profile down the line if you find that it doesn’t reflect your current career path.