It’s no secret that creating a compelling online presence is a key part of career growth and networking opportunities in our digital age. In terms of a professional digital persona, your best bet is looking at your LinkedIn profile, and at the heart of it lies the LinkedIn summary.
Think of your summary as an online cover letter or elevator pitch – a concise yet powerful snapshot of everything that encompasses you as a professional and what sets you apart from others. Let’s go through some of the ways you can improve your LinkedIn summary.
Unveiling Your Professional Brand with Your LinkedIn Summary
Your LinkedIn summary is your chance to introduce yourself to the world in a few sentences. It’s the first impression you make on recruiters, potential employers, and fellow professionals.
1. Know Your Audience
Before you start writing, identify your target audience. Are you seeking new job opportunities, hoping to connect with industry peers, or both? Tailoring your summary to your audience will ensure that your message resonates. For example, if you are looking for new job opportunities, you can focus more on your unique skill sets and accomplishments in your field which will make you stand out from the crowd of other applicants.
2. Start Strong
Your opening sentence should grab attention and succinctly highlight your professional identity. When someone is looking at your profile, they will only be able to see the first three lines of your LinkedIn summary before having to click to see more. You need to capture their attention and make them want to learn more about you as a professional and potential employee in those three lines!
3. Showcase Your Strengths
As your online elevator pitch, your summary should highlight your key skills, experiences, and accomplishments. You can use bullet points or short sentences to list your strengths and achievements, but don’t overdo it. Focus on those that are most relevant to your career goals.
4. Infuse Personality
Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through, especially if you are looking to gain more connections in the professional world. You can share anecdotes, insights, or experiences that give a glimpse of who you are beyond your professional accomplishments. This personal touch can make you more relatable and memorable.
This is also a great opportunity to differentiate yourself and highlight what sets you apart from others in your field. Whether it’s a unique skill, a fresh perspective, or a genuine passion for your industry, showcasing what makes you distinctive can pique the interest of potential employers or connections.
5. Keep It Concise
While you want to provide enough information, avoid overwhelming readers with lengthy paragraphs. Remember, this is like an elevator pitch so it shouldn’t take people more than a minute to read it and get a good glimpse of who you are. A good aim for a concise summary would be around 3-5 sentences and you can use bullet points or short paragraphs to improve readability.
6. Seal the Deal With A Call to Action
As you conclude your LinkedIn summary, end with a compelling call to action, which should align with your goals and the audience you’re targeting. Here are a few examples:
Seeking New Opportunities:
“I’m excited to connect with professionals in the world of engineering and explore new opportunities. Let’s connect and discuss how we can collaborate!”
Networking and Collaboration:
“I’m always open to connecting with fellow marketing enthusiasts. Whether it’s sharing insights, collaborating on projects, or simply exchanging ideas, let’s connect and make our industry thrive.”
Job Seeker:
“I’m actively seeking a design position where I can leverage my skills in UI/UX design! If you know of any opportunities or would like to learn more about my experience, feel free to reach out.”
Open to Conversations:
“I believe in the power of meaningful connections. If you’re passionate about entrepreneurship or simply looking to expand your professional network, let’s connect and start a conversation!”
Final Wrap Up
Your LinkedIn summary is your digital introduction to the professional world. By emphasising what sets you apart, you’ll create a summary that resonates, leaving a lasting impression on those who visit your profile. So, take a moment, craft your LinkedIn summary with care, and open the doors to new and exciting possibilities!