How to Write Your LinkedIn About Section
Is your summary section (now called About) on LinkedIn blank? If so, get on it!
The About section allows an employer to get to know you . You can show your personality, passions, and reason for choosing your career. You can even show your sense of humor.
I prefer to use first person because it sounds like you are having a conversation with the reader. Think about your audience: if you are using LinkedIn to market your own business it is going to be different than if you are seeking a job.
Start with your targets
You may have noticed that when you go to a person’s profile on the LinkedIn website, you only see the first four lines of the About section. Generally, around 428 characters will be visible until you click "see more.” Many managers and recruiters use the LinkedIn mobile app, where less characters will be visible!
I recommend that you include the job title you aim for and skills you possess related to the job you want. From there, start to tell your story. Then they will be enticed to click and read more.
“Tell me about yourself”
Don’t tell your whole life story. Instead, answer that beloved (ha) interview question, “tell me about yourself” with a slightly personal angle.
Two of the questions we ask our clients to help frame their story are:
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
How did you get into your career field?
Answering these questions will help you create a thread through your experience to lead people to where you are today. For example, when I was young, I wanted to be a Russian teacher because my first language teacher was truly that incredible!
I also wanted to be a writer and own a business. I started a small business in my parents’ house called Just Things when I was 9 and sold small toys and candy to friends.
Early in my career, I used my Russian skills, but I knew then that I did not want to teach. I got into communications because of my language skills, but my love of writing was also apparent to the hiring managers. Then I started Career Valet. Though each interest has manifested itself in different ways in my career, I’ve consistently applied my love of writing and business, and I’m teaching/coaching clients.
I didn’t even make the interest in teaching connection until I wrote this, so it shows you how powerful it can be to think about your childhood and passions. Through sharing some of this, employers gain insight into your motivations and career choices.
Proof points
Once you have the personal story you want to tell, work on the content that shows you have what it takes to do well in a new organization.
What do your colleagues and/or managers say about you?
Identify 2-3 qualitative or quantitative accomplishments.
If you’re looking to get ahead in your career, show how you’ve demonstrated those qualities that will enable you to do so.
Writing the About portion is the hardest part of the LinkedIn profile. However, if you take the time to consider your personal interests and professional accomplishments, you can weave together a unique story that will make employers not only click “see more,” but invite you in for an interview.