Tips for Writing a LinkedIn Summary

LinkedIn is one of the most powerful professional job sites to showcase your skills in unique ways beyond the traditional resume. Taking the time to put together a strong personal summary is not only important; it is a major part of your online presence. Follow these steps to get the most from your LinkedIn summary and position yourself for the best results.

Sell Yourself in 30 Seconds

How long you make your summary is entirely up to you, but make sure it is relevant and creates an impact in the beginning. Like a good novel, you want to keep the reader moving through your content, answering the important questions along the way. Use this space effectively by breaking up your sentences in inviting pieces, never assuming that they will read the entire piece. Make it work effectively in the first paragraph, then back it up with specific accomplishments and share your personal goals.


The LinkedIn Summary is the first thing that your audience sees about you. It should be sharp and to the point, addressing specific needs and showcasing your skills. Write in a conversational tone just as if you met someone in an elevator and explaining what you do. Try to strike a balance between the essence of a cover letter and what your accomplishments and goals include.

Ask yourself these important questions when putting together your summary.
           
  • Why should we hire you? What problems can you solve?
  • How will your future employer or client benefit from your skills?
  • What experience can you offer and how will that help our company? Show specific results through numbers and past employer satisfaction.
  • What makes you different than someone else? Why are you special?

Offer a Solution to a Problem

Many of those who use LinkedIn often re-hash the same information as their resume, which can undermine the potential opportunities. The personal summary should be more than an objective or personal statement copied straight from your resume. You should focus on specifically how you can solve a problem by addressing a challenge that a prospective employer or customer deals with and what you do to offer a solution.

 Get Feedback from Friends and Colleagues

One of the biggest mistakes most people make when writing their resume or establishing their LinkedIn account is to not show it to others for important feedback. You want to understand how you come across to others. Have several friends and colleagues examine your summary. Read it out loud to them and see how it sounds. Is it pretentious and awkward? Does it address specific needs from the point of view of an employer? You can also contact your local Small Business Administration (SBA) center or check in with a local college career center to get feedback.

Align Your Content with Other Social Media

A great way to stand out from others is to align your social media and personal website with the content you place on LinkedIn. If you have URL links that show samples of your work as you are discussing them in your summary, this can add breadth and depth to how you market yourself to future employers and help you brand yourself toward your career goals.

Review Other Summaries In Your Field

A great way to get ideas is to look at other LinkedIn professionals in your industry. How are they representing themselves? Do they have a story?  See how they are marketing themselves through their summaries. You can tell a story that locks down your reader by capturing their interest. Keep the content engaging, conversational, approachable and have fun!

by Sara Collins


Sara Collins is a writer for NerdWallet, a site that helps readers learn about the best ways to save money, from strategic investing to finding the best online coupons.

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