Why is a LinkedIn summary and profile important? A good LinkedIn summary and profile is important because it is one of the three key components that make a job candidates first impression on LinkedIn. The summary, along with your name and headline appear in quite a few places, such as:
- Search Results
- Connection Invitations
- Employee Listings
- Company Pages
- Messages
When writing a LinkedIn summary keep the recruiter in mind. A stellar LinkedIn summary tells recruiters a story. It should be engaging and interesting and should make a recruiter want to learn more about a job candidate.
Consider the target audience. The style of a LinkedIn summary will vary depending on the audience. The summary of an elementary school teacher should be much different than the summary of an accountant. Summaries should be written in first person and stay conversational in tone.
Use keywords. LinkedIn summaries can boost placement in searches and should show a command of industry jargon to tell a story while avoiding unnecessary buzzwords that can detract from the message.
Be brief but make a connection. LinkedIn recommends not letting summaries exceed more than four sentences, but remember, the most important part of a summary is to make a connection with the target audience and to tell a compelling story. Stay brief when possible while staying focused on the story that is being told.
A stellar LinkedIn summary includes a call to action. A stellar summary leaves the reader wanting more and encourages the reader to connect with you.
Want to see some great summaries? Check out the examples in Step 2: Need a great profile? Make your “LinkedIn summary” unforgettable and 3 Brilliant LinkedIn Summaries That Will Inspire You to Update Yours Right Now.
Want some more tips on writing a great summary? Read Want A Better LinkedIn Profile Summary? Paint it Red., How to Write the Perfect LinkedIn Summary, 4 Key Elements of a Killer LinkedIn Summary, and 5 Templates That’ll Make Writing the Perfect LinkedIn Summary a Breeze.
Still searching for more in-depth assistance regarding your transition, education, or job search? Contact your installation’s Transition Readiness and Family Member Employment Assistance staff and ask the Marine for Life Network on LinkedIn.