How Do I Write a Great LinkedIn Profile Summary?

If you’re not on LinkedIn, you’re missing out on one of the most powerful social media platforms available. A must if you’re looking to grow your professional network and build your career contacts, LinkedIn has a reported 500 million profiles in over 200 countries, representing over 10+ million active jobs and access to 9+ million companies.

So what do you need to master the almighty LinkedIn profile? What do you say about yourself to attract the attention of recruiters and those in a position to hire you? Well, you can write a standard summary that just runs down your resume, but that won’t engage anyone to want to learn more about you.

The key is to personalize your LinkedIn profile summary so that it provides a little insight into what makes you tick, why you’re great at what you do, but also humanizes you. A great LinkedIn profile is written in first person, and shows some personality and professionalism. You also want to stay away from overused cliches in your copy — plenty of recruiters have seen their share of “results-oriented professional” and “strategic leader,” so much so they will just move past your profile! Take a look at the 10 most overused buzzwords in LinkedIn profiles.

Here’s an example of a concise yet personable LinkedIn profile summary:

As a human resources professional with several years of adminstrative experience, I step into work every day with the driving desire to serve people to their utmost satisfaction. Service has been my passion since the day I realized that I can make a real impact in people’s lives. 

Working for Maricopa County Government enabled my strongest skill sets to shine. As the HR support administrator, I was responsible for improving the efficiencies of the HR department, assisting specialists and managers with streamlining their workflow, and improving productivity by 67 percent! This has certainly prepared me for a management role within the human resources arena. 

Many of my colleagues have described me as hard-working, resourceful, and collaborative. I also like a challenge – in fact, one of my strongest suits is that I can work well with difficult customers. In my nearly 12 years of working in a support role, I have learned quite a bit from my various experiences, and understand that the customer always comes first. 

Looking back, I did all right — I was mentored by the best, I created my own opportunities, and now I pay it forward. I enjoy volunteering at the local animal shelter and connecting with my friends at the gym.

Specialties include:

• Record and Information Management
• Employee Onboarding
• Human Resources Information Software (HRIS)

Get some more inspiration for your LinkedIn profile summary with our our bio writing ebook, “Just Add a Smile and a Handshake — A Starter Guide to Writing Your Bio.”  Our handy bio writing guide answers commonly asked questions, such as:

• Should a professional bio be written in first person or third person?
• What is a social media bio?
• How long does the professional bio have to be?
• What is a good length for a short bio?
• What achievements should be included in the professional bio?
• Should hobbies be included in the professional bio?

Remember, you want your LinkedIn profile to stand out with highlights, yet also engage and be memorable. Watch our short instructional video for more help!

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If you’d like professional assistance with your LinkedIn profile summary, contact us today at 818.488.1543 or fill out our contact form. Also be sure to check out our other professional writing services!