Virginia Franco
Don’t lose your reader by skimping on this most commonly-read section.
Few LinkedIn readers realize that after the headline, the Summary section is the second most widely-read section on a LinkedIn profile. Furthermore, studies show readers spend more than 90% of their total time focused solely on this section.
THE BOTTOM LINE? If you don’t hook the reader with a persuasive Summary Section your chances are slim the reader will feel compelled to take a deeper dive and read about your job history, education, certifications, and awards.
RECOMMENDATION: LinkedIn gives you 2000 characters worth of space in the summary section…use them to their full advantage. Here’s how:
#1 MIND YOUR TONE
Unlike a resume that is formal in tone, the tone on LinkedIn is more conversational. This allows you to tell your story in your voice and even use the word “I” without the reader frowning with disapproval.
#2 INCLUDE A VALUE PROPOSITION
No doubt you bring something to the table professionally that is unique – this is your value proposition or your brand. Make sure to spell out your value and explain how you stand out in this section.
For inspiration and/or to overcome writer’s block, imagine yourself talking to someone. Prepare an answer as to why you are amazing professionally and then come up with the response to the reply “So what?”
#3 ENTICE WITH HIGHLIGHTS
Once you’ve outlined your value proposition, what better way to back it up and prove your worth than to include a handful of highlights?
Stuck as to what highlights to include? Reflect back on your career and ask yourself with each role what you were proudest of as you walked out the door. For your current role, contemplate a response to what will you be proudest of should you land a new job and accept.
When it comes to highlights, remember that numbers often speak louder than words, which is why highlights with measurable or quantifiable statistics are ideal.
#4 INCLUDE SKILLS
Including a list of job-related skills serves two purposes. It’s an ideal place to include keywords that enhance your profile’s searchability and also allows the reader to quickly skim to see that your skills align with positions of interest.
#5 MULTIPLE POINTS OF CONTACT
Make it easy for people to connect by including several options for people to get in touch. While people can always send you a connection request or direct message you, including an email and a mobile number makes it easy for folks to reach you without the hassles of character or word limitations.
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