When was the last time you reviewed your LinkedIn summary? Do you even have one? A LinkedIn summary is one of the most valuable pieces of real estate when it comes to showcasing yourself and your abilities on LinkedIn. It’s the first impression for many recruiters, potential clients and other professionals.
Business Insider says that a killer LinkedIn summary has the following characteristics:
- Engaging and original – You have 2,000 characters to showcase who you are as a professional and what makes you interesting. Begin with a captivating hook.
For example, instead of Detail-oriented business analyst with strong problem solving skills, try:
I was the kid who didn’t break apart my Rubik’s cube so that I could get all the colors lined up – I was the kid that solved it. And I’ve not stopped taking on impossible, beat-your-head-against-the wall challenges since. - Written in first person – Leave the “I’s,” “me’s,” and “my’s” in your LinkedIn summary. The tone should be conversational, which will resonate with your current and potential connections better than in third person.
- Geared toward specific people – Before you write a single word in your summary, ask yourself this question: Who am I talking to? Are you interested in attracting recruiters? Potential clients? Someone else? And what will this audience want or need to know about you?
- Be clear on what the reader should do next – Spell out to your visitors what you’re looking to accomplish and what you’d like for them to do next. Give them a call to action.
Yes, you want to align your message with your key goals and yes, LinkedIn is a professional platform. But remember that your entire LinkedIn profile is a marketing document, showcasing your professional strengths and talents. Don’t be afraid to add some engaging and conversational text to make your profile stand out.