Are you having a hard time writing your LinkedIn summary? You’re not alone—lots of people find it tricky to sum up their unique value and career story in just a few paragraphs.
Take a deep breath—writing your summary is easier than you think. “Approach your LinkedIn summary just like you would a conversation with a new friend,” says career coach Chelsea Jay. “Feel free to talk in first person. Introduce yourself, share what you do, and what makes you different.”
In this guide, we’ll dive into how to create a LinkedIn summary that people will enjoy reading, with plenty of examples to inspire you.
What is a LinkedIn summary for?
Your LinkedIn summary (also called the LinkedIn “about” section or LinkedIn bio) appears beneath your photo on your LinkedIn profile page. It’s a snapshot of your professional identity. Think of your summary as an elevator pitch—you only have a few seconds to present yourself, so you need to make it count.
Don’t just paste your resume into your summary and call it a day. Instead, focus more on your career story, goals, and passions.
“The LinkedIn summary is prime real estate to provide any insights or narrative that is NOT found in your resume,” says recruiter Kelli Hrivnak. “If your career history hasn’t been linear (which is the norm now), can you provide an overview of that journey here?”
Why is your LinkedIn summary so important?
To sum up, LinkedIn is one of the first places recruiters and hiring managers go to learn about job seekers. In fact, studies show that 6 people are hired on LinkedIn every minute!
This is why it’s important to create an attention-grabbing summary that explains who you are professionally. The summary is also a great place to express your personality and tell your story.
Don’t neglect your summary—it’s your opportunity to stand out and make a memorable first impression.
How to write a powerful LinkedIn summary
It’s important to remember that only the first four lines of your LinkedIn summary are visible before someone has to click “see more.” So try to grab the reader’s attention right from the start.
Overall, you have up to 2,600 characters (about 370 words) to work with.
The following 6 steps provide a basic outline for writing an effective “about” section on LinkedIn.
Your LinkedIn summary doesn’t have to be perfect. Just think of it as a friendly conversation where you get to share a bit about yourself and what you love doing.
“Your LinkedIn profile is a great place to let the real you come through,” says career coach Susan Schwartz. “Write in your own voice to people you’d like to reach, and you’ll do fine.”
Now let’s take a closer look at each one of these steps.
1. Begin with a hook or personal anecdote
Pique the reader’s attention right away with a thought-provoking question, surprising statistic, or bold statement related to your industry.
You could also share a story that provides a glimpse into your background or professional journey. Or talk about a challenge you overcame, or an early experience that sparked your passion.
- “Did you know that 70% of projects fail due to poor communication? This statistic ignited my passion for project management…”
- “Ever since I built my first computer at the age of 12, I knew that technology was my calling. The sense of accomplishment from solving complex problems and creating innovative solutions has driven me ever since…”
- “Early in my career, I lost my biggest client overnight, forcing me to rethink my approach and build a more diversified, resilient business strategy that continues to drive my success today.”
2. Discuss your current role and key skills
Clearly state your current job title and employer. This allows viewers to immediately understand where you are in your career.
Then highlight your core skills. But don’t recite a bland list. Instead, paint a picture of how your skills translate into real impact.
“In my role as Senior Financial Analyst at ABC Investments, I provide in-depth financial analysis and strategic recommendations to support high-stakes decision making. One of my core skills is identifying growth opportunities through meticulous data analysis, which has contributed to a 15% increase in portfolio returns for our top clients.”
3. Mention accomplishments (use numbers)
One of the most compelling things you can do in your LinkedIn summary is highlight your major accomplishments.
Always try to use numbers when talking about your accomplishments. Why? Because numbers show the measurable impact you had.
“Over the past three years, I have grown our client base by 40% and increased annual revenue by $15M. My strategic sales initiatives and focus on customer relationship management have resulted in a 25% increase in client retention rates.”
4. Highlight the value you bring to employers
Your LinkedIn summary is your chance to demonstrate to employers that you are exactly what they need.
What skills, experience, and personalities are employers in your field looking for? What problems are they trying to solve? Show employers how you can fulfill their needs in your summary.
“Employers in my field seek leaders who can identify inefficiencies and implement cost-saving measures. By reducing operational costs by 30% and increasing productivity by 25% in my previous roles, I have consistently delivered results that align with business goals. My ability to navigate complex challenges and drive continuous improvement makes me a valuable asset to any organization aiming for operational excellence.”
5. Provide a glimpse into your personality
Don’t confine your LinkedIn summary to your professional life. Try to share some aspects of your personality that would appeal to an employer, like having a positive attitude or an entrepreneurial spirit. Also touch on the passions that energize you.
Weaving in these elements helps you connect with readers on a deeper level and leaves a lasting impression.
“Outside of work, I am an avid runner and enjoy participating in marathons, which has taught me the importance of perseverance and goal-setting. I am also passionate about mentoring young professionals and volunteering at local coding bootcamps. These experiences fuel my drive to continuously learn and contribute positively to both my field and community.”
6. Incorporate keywords
Keywords are words and phrases that recruiters use to search for candidates. These keywords are usually job titles and skills. Recruiters find candidates by typing keywords into LinkedIn’s search bar. If your profile contains these keywords it will appear in the search results.
Your LinkedIn summary is one of the best places in your profile to incorporate keywords.
How do you know which keywords to add? One method is to manually scan the job postings that you’re most interested in and highlight the skills listed. Or you can use an online tool to automate the entire process.
Jobscan’s LinkedIn Optimization tool analyzes your profile against relevant job postings. It not only provides you with the exact keywords that recruiters are most likely to search for, but it also scores your LinkedIn profile.
Follow the tool’s personalized recommendations to increase your score.
The results can be immediate. “A couple of hours after I optimized my profile, a recruiter was like, oh, we have this position…It worked!” reported one Jobscan user.
7. End with a call to action
It’s crucial to add a clear call to action (CTA) towards the end of your LinkedIn summary. For example, invite people to connect with you on LinkedIn, or provide contact details like your email.
Use bold formatting, colors, or symbols to make your CTA stand out visually. But avoid sales-y language. Keep it friendly.
“Let’s connect! I’m always eager to meet new professionals and exchange ideas. Feel free to reach out to me on LinkedIn or email me at clarasmith@gmail.com. I look forward to connecting with you!”
PRO TIP: Use bullet points in your LinkedIn summary to keep things clear and easy to read. They break up the text, so readers can skim through and quickly catch the highlights of your skills and accomplishments.
10 things NOT to say in your LinkedIn summary
Instead, focus on the positive aspects of your previous roles, such as the skills you gained, the relationships you built, or the challenges you overcame. Recruiters and hiring managers appreciate professionalism and a forward-looking attitude, so use your experiences to highlight growth, not grievances.
Don’t just say you’re a “hard worker” or “team player,” demonstrate it with examples. Mention a time you led a successful project, collaborated with cross-functional teams, or exceeded targets. Providing context makes these qualities more impactful and memorable.
Keep your summary focused on your professional journey and relevant experiences. If you mention hobbies, ensure they align with skills that benefit your career, such as leadership through coaching sports or creativity through artistic hobbies.
Protecting confidential information shows integrity and professionalism. Instead of specific project details, discuss the skills or strategies you used to achieve success in a role without revealing sensitive data.
It’s important to be approachable, but maintain a professional tone. Avoid slang or jargon that may not be universally understood. Use clear and concise language that can appeal to a broad audience of recruiters and hiring managers across industries.
Overstating your accomplishments can backfire. Back up your achievements with measurable results or specific examples of how you added value in past roles.
Rather than stating you’re looking for a job or in need of new opportunities, highlight what you bring to the table. Showcase your skills, expertise, and how you can contribute to a company’s success. That will make your profile more compelling and displays confident.
Update your LinkedIn summary regularly to reflect your latest achievements, projects, and job roles. Outdated information can give the impression that you’re not actively engaged in your professional development.
When you describe your experience and skills, be detailed. For example, rather than stating you’re skilled in “project management,” specify the types of projects you’ve managed, their scale, and the outcomes you achieved.
Proofread your summary carefully to catch any errors. A polished profile conveys attention to detail and professionalism, both of which are key traits hiring managers look for in candidates. Consider using tools like spell check or asking a colleague for feedback before finalizing it.
Use this LinkedIn summary template to write the perfect profile
Use the following LinkedIn summary template as a framework to structure your thoughts, but be sure to personalize it with your own voice. You can copy and paste this template into the writing platform of your choice.
Ever since I [personal anecdote or early experience], I knew that [your field or profession] was my calling. The sense of [related feeling or accomplishment] from [related activity or task] has driven me ever since.
In my current role as [your current job title] at [your current employer], I [brief description of your main responsibilities]. My key skills include [core skills], which I use to [description of how your skills translate into real impact]. For example, I have [specific example of how you’ve used your skills to achieve something significant].
Over the past [number] years, I have [specific achievement with numbers]. My [specific initiatives or focus areas] have resulted in [specific outcome with numbers].
Employers in my field seek [skills, experience, and qualities employers look for]. By [specific actions you’ve taken], I have consistently delivered results that align with business goals. My ability to [specific abilities] makes me a valuable asset to any organization aiming for [specific goal or improvement].
Outside of work, I am passionate about [personal interests or hobbies], which has taught me [related lessons or skills]. I am also dedicated to [related passion or volunteer work], which fuels my drive to continuously learn and contribute positively to both my field and community.
Let’s connect! I’m always eager to meet new professionals and exchange ideas. Feel free to reach out to me on LinkedIn or email me at [your.email@example.com]. I look forward to connecting with you!
Example LinkedIn summary using the perfect template
Ever since I was a child, helping my younger siblings with their homework and watching their faces light up when they finally understood a concept, I knew that teaching was my calling. The sense of fulfillment from seeing students grasp new ideas and grow in confidence has driven me ever since.
In my current role as an elementary school teacher at Spring Elementary School, I focus on creating a supportive, engaging classroom environment where students feel empowered to explore and learn. My key skills include lesson planning, classroom management, and differentiated instruction, which I use to tailor learning experiences to the unique needs of each student. For example, I have successfully implemented a reading intervention program that boosted literacy rates by 15% over the past year.
Over the past eight years, I have led several initiatives to enhance student learning outcomes. My focus on hands-on learning and social-emotional development has resulted in increased student engagement and improved test scores by 20%.
Employers in my field seek dedication, creativity, and a passion for fostering young minds. By continuously adapting my teaching methods and embracing technology in the classroom, I have consistently delivered results that align with educational goals. My ability to connect with students, parents, and colleagues makes me a valuable asset to any school aiming to provide a well-rounded education that supports both academic and personal growth.
Outside of work, I am passionate about outdoor activities like hiking and gardening, which has taught me patience and the importance of nurturing growth at every stage. I am also dedicated to volunteering with local literacy programs, which fuels my drive to continuously learn and give back to my community.
Let’s connect! I’m always eager to meet new professionals and exchange ideas. Feel free to reach out to me on LinkedIn or email me at teachersmith@fakemail.com. I look forward to connecting with you!
Try Jobscan’s free LinkedIn summary generator
21 LinkedIn summary examples to inspire you
Now that you know how to write a compelling LinkedIn summary, let’s dive into some real-world examples.
Examples for students with no experience
A good LinkedIn summary is not only important for professionals, it’s also important for students who are applying for internships. Here are some examples of how to “work with what you’ve got” and make a great first impression on LinkedIn.
1. Daniel is a public policy analysis who seamlessly highlights roles, learnings, and achievements into his summary
Why this summary works
- The summary starts with an engaging anecdote about volunteering at a local community center, immediately drawing readers in and establishing a personal connection.
- It effectively highlights Daniel’s current role as a third-year Public Policy Analysis student, his hands-on legislative experience, and his key skills in writing and research, showcasing the value he brings to potential employers.
- It provides a glimpse into Daniel’s personality by mentioning his passion for public service, teamwork, and community involvement, making him more relatable and memorable.
2. Sarah is a performing arts student and highlights skills she developed throughout her career that are relevant to the job she wants now
Why this summary works
- The summary emphasizes Sarah’s insights from her performing career, including auditions, workshops, and rehearsals.
- It mentions Sarah’s six years of experience on major entertainment projects, reflecting her deep understanding of live performance and industry trends.
- It provides a glimpse into Sarah’s personality by highlighting her enthusiasm for fast-paced environments, problem-solving skills, and her knack for building meaningful connections.
3. Kelly, an arts and sciences major seeking an internship in marketing and advertising, uses life experience to fill any gaps in work experience
Why this summary works
- The summary starts with a friendly introduction, immediately making the reader feel connected and engaged.
- Kelly mentions her study abroad experience in Paris, showcasing her potential for working internationally.
- The summary shows Kelly’s personality by highlighting her drive for self-improvement and her supportive nature.
Examples for recent graduates
As a recent graduate, you should focus on your academic achievements, internships or other relevant experience, and extracurricular activities that demonstrate your skills and interests. Also try to convey your personality. The goal is to present yourself as someone people would want to connect with.
4. Tiffany is a recent cum laude graduate and directly highlights her hard skills
Why this summary works
- This summary is concise yet detailed, providing a clear snapshot of Tiffany’s academic achievements, skills, and work experience without overwhelming the reader.
- Tiffany starts with a personal note about her passion for finance and traveling, adding personality and making her summary more engaging.
- The summary quickly outlines her academic career and honors, followed by a list of her skills This makes it easy for potential employers to see her value.
5. Megan is a recent graduate who wants to work on policy reform within the justice system and she uses her summary to highlight her passion
Why this summary works
- Megan clearly conveys her dedication to social justice and policy reform, making her an appealing candidate for organizations with similar values.
- She highlights her firsthand experience working with incarcerated individuals and vulnerable populations, as well as her strong research skills.
- By emphasizing her education, experience, and eagerness to collaborate with like-minded professionals, Megan presents herself as a valuable asset to any organization focused on improving the justice system.
6. Anthony is an accounting and finance major who clearly states his personal brand and love of tackling complex issues.
Why this summary works
- The summary quickly establishes Anthony’s expertise in accounting and finance, making it easy for readers to understand his professional focus.
- It highlights Anthony’s passion for helping others and his unique approach to problem-solving.
- The casual tone makes Anthony seem approachable and friendly.
Examples for career changers
If you’re changing your career, your LinkedIn profile summary should highlight transferable skills, relevant coursework, or volunteer experiences that show you have what it takes to succeed in your newly chosen profession. Here are some LinkedIn “about me” examples to follow.
7. Jacob is an experienced airline pilot who makes a clear connection between his previous career skills and his new target career as an aviation technical writer
Why this summary works
- The first 3 lines tell the reader exactly who Jacob is and what his career change involves. It’s a perfect elevator pitch!
- Jacob provides specific examples of his aviation experience, such as writing safety handbooks and guidelines, demonstrating how his skills are relevant to his new career in technical writing.
- By mentioning his efforts to stay updated on aviation, technology, and innovation trends, Jacob shows that he is actively working to close any gaps in his education or training.
8. Michael is transitioning from the staffing industry to the SaaS world as a sales specialist and he leads with a strong clout-building statement
Why this summary works
- The introduction clearly outlines Michael’s shift from staffing to sales.
- The summary highlights Michael’s extensive industry knowledge, grit, and interpersonal skills, showcasing how his past experiences will apply to his new role in sales.
- Michael’s excitement about becoming an expert on a specific product and his readiness to make “sales magic” adds a personal and enthusiastic tone.
Examples for entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurs should show off their personalities while demonstrating their expertise. It’s OK for entrepreneurs to make their LinkedIn summary sound like a sales pitch, but don’t overdo it. Here are some LinkedIn profile examples for entrepreneurs.
9. Cassandra is an entrepreneur who clearly demonstrates why she is an expert in her field
Why this summary works
- Cassandra clearly conveys two things – her passion for helping people grow their business and her many years of experience.
- Her summary brims with energy and confidence, and clearly demonstrates why she is an expert in her field.
- By mentioning her role as a homeschooling mom and her passion for her clients, Cassandra adds a personal touch that makes her relatable and highlights her dedication.
10. Gillian, a content strategist, who uses her summary to make it clear how she can help potential clients
Why this summary works
- Gillian immediately identifies a common problem for small businesses and shows how she can solve that problem.
- She lists her services, making it clear how she can help potential clients.
- The summary uses a friendly and supportive tone, encouraging potential clients to consider working with her.
11. Michelle is a writer and graphic designer and she showcases her creativity and personality in her LinkedIn summary
Why this summary works
- Michelle’s summary uses a distinctive and playful tone, showcasing her creativity and personality.
- By mentioning her proficiency with the Adobe Suite, her writing skills, and her published work, Michelle effectively highlights her versatile skills.
- Including her service in the Air Force and her role as a mother adds depth to her profile.
Examples for professionals
If you’re a professional, the LinkedIn summary is a great opportunity to showcase your unique value proposition. In other words, shows prospective employers what you bring to the table and what sets you apart from everyone else. Here are some LinkedIn bio examples that do just that.
12. Daniel is a customer service specialist who gives details on why he is effective in his role
Why this summary works
- Daniel demonstrates his process, which allows prospective employers to see exactly how he would approach his work.
- He highlights his precision and ability to communicate effectively with teammates.
- By mentioning his additional roles as a DJ and statistician, Daniel demonstrates his high energy, passion for fun, and ability to juggle multiple responsibilities.
13. Jessica is a software engineer and she directly lists her skills and experience
Why this summary works
- Not every employer will care if you can craft a narrative in your summary. If you’re not sure what else to do, use the summary to clearly lay out your skills, tech proficiencies, and certifications.
- Jessica provides a detailed list of her technical proficiencies, showcasing her expertise across a wide range of programming languages, databases, servers, and tools.
- She highlights her responsible and detail-oriented nature, which is crucial in software development.
14. Alison is a seasoned SEO content writer and ends with a compelling CTA
Why this summary works
- Alison uses numbers in the opening line, which is a great way to grab the reader’s attention and entice them to learn more.
- Mentioning her INTJ-A Myers-Briggs result adds a personal touch, showcasing her analytical skills and strategic thinking.
- Detailing her 7 years of marketing experience and 15 years in the entertainment business demonstrates her depth of knowledge and versatility.
15. Carmen is a nurse with six years of experience and she highlights a relevant achievement (with numbers!)
Why this summary works
- The summary is clear and concise, effectively communicating Carmen’s dedication, experience, and accomplishments.
- Highlighting the 20% reduction in readmission rates provides a quantifiable achievement that demonstrates Carmen’s impact.
- Emphasizing specializations in acute care, patient advocacy, and interdisciplinary collaboration showcases Carmen’s expertise and areas of strength.
16. Cheng is an accountant and uses his summary to demonstrate his versatility and results
Why this summary works
- It highlights Cheng’s ability to streamline financial processes and reduce errors by 20%, which is a measurable achievement.
- Mentioning his proficiency in GAAP, financial analysis, and software like QuickBooks and SAP demonstrates Cheng’s technical skills.
- It emphasizes Cheng’s experience with a wide range of clients, illustrating his versatility and adaptability.
17. Roger is a high school teacher who leads with an impressive achievement
Why this summary works
- Mentioning the state-winning science fair project right at the beginning grabs attention and demonstrates Roger’s ability to guide students to impressive accomplishments.
- Using an offbeat and engaging tone makes Roger’s profile relatable and appealing, especially to those who value creativity and passion in education.
- Emphasizing Roger’s approach to hands-on learning and critical thinking highlights his innovative teaching style.
18. Yoz, a financial advisor with over six years of experience, starts off strong with a measurable achievement
Why this summary works
- Highlighting the average 10% annual increase in client portfolio returns provides a concrete measure of Yoz’s success.
- The engaging tone makes Yoz’s profile approachable and appealing.
- Yoz’s commitment to personalized financial guidance shows her dedication to meeting each client’s unique financial needs and goals.
19. Zakaria is a human resources professional who stands out with an engaging and slightly provocative tone
Why this summary works
- Showcasing a 25% boost in employee retention highlights Zakaria’s significant contributions and effectiveness in HR.
- The engaging and slightly provocative tone makes Zakaria’s profile stand out.
- Emphasizing Zakaria’s ability to align HR strategies with business goals underscores his commitment to creating value for both employees and the organization.
20. Anna is a paralegal and she starts by answering ‘what’s in it for me?’
Why this summary works
- It highlights a 15% increase in case efficiency, showing Anna’s effectiveness and value to potential employers.
- The friendly, professional tone makes Anna’s profile approachable and easy to read.
- Including personal details about volunteering and hobbies makes Anna relatable and adds depth to her profile.
21. Sam is a pharmacist with six years of experience adds depth to his profile by mentioning personal interests and community involvement
Why this summary works
- Starting with a personal story about Sam’s early fascination with medicines makes the profile more engaging and relatable.
- Highlighting the 20% improvement in patient outcomes from a clinical trial showcases Sam’s effectiveness and impact in the pharmaceutical field.
- Mentioning personal interests and community involvement adds depth to Sam’s profile.
Read more: 28 LinkedIn Profile Tips to Supercharge Your Job Opportunities
Key takeaways
- Your LinkedIn summary is a concise, compelling snapshot of your professional identity, akin to an elevator pitch.
- Use your summary to provide insights or narratives not found in your resume, especially if your career history is non-linear.
- Recruiters often look at LinkedIn first; a strong summary can make a memorable first impression.
- Highlight your professional accomplishments and skills, using numbers to show measurable impact.
- Inject personality into your summary to make it more engaging and relatable.
- Incorporate industry-specific keywords to improve your profile’s visibility and increase your chances of getting job interviews.
- Always include a clear call to action to encourage connections and interactions.
- Regularly update your summary to reflect your most recent experiences, achievements, and certifications.
FAQs
A good LinkedIn profile summary is like an elevator pitch for your job search. It should quickly present your key experiences and achievements, highlight your skills, and reflect your enthusiasm for your field.
The summary section on LinkedIn, also known as the “About” section, is located near the top of your LinkedIn profile, just below your profile picture, name, and LinkedIn headline.
Most professionals prefer the first-person approach because it allows them to speak directly to their target audience, creating a stronger connection.
Writing a LinkedIn summary without experience can be challenging, but it’s an opportunity to highlight your education, hard and soft skills, aspirations, and any relevant activities or volunteer work.
As a student, you can create a compelling LinkedIn summary by focusing on your academic achievements, relevant projects, skills, extracurricular activities, and career aspirations.
Yes, you can use ChatGPT to write your resume, cover letter, and LinkedIn summary section. However, it’s crucial to personalize the content to reflect your unique experiences and voice.
Most recruiters and hiring managers agree that a LinkedIn summary should be around three paragraphs, or approximately 300 words. This length allows you to provide enough information to give readers a good sense of who you are and what you do, without overwhelming them or causing them to lose interest.
No, your LinkedIn summary should NOT be the same as your resume summary. Both summaries should feature your skills, qualifications, and experience, but your LinkedIn summary should be more informal in tone and style than your resume summary.
If you’re unemployed, your LinkedIn summary should focus on what kind of job you’re looking for and what kinds of skills and experience you have that make you a good fit for that type of job. You don’t need to include the fact that you’re unemployed on your LinkedIn summary. You could just say you’re currently looking for new opportunities.
Most people include their current and previous job titles, as well as a brief overview of their work experience and skills. Some also choose to include their education, volunteer work, or other relevant information. In general, your LinkedIn summary should give potential employers or business connections a snapshot of who you are professionally and what you have to offer.
