The importance of the LinkedIn profile summary feature is often overlooked by users. It is not regarded by most of us as anything essential. If we think our profile itself looks impressive enough, filling in the summary seems pointless. However, this blog is written for the sole purpose of showing you why it is necessary. And how can you write it in a way that grabs the attention of recruiters?

But before starting on any tips, here is a brief description of the summary section to avoid any confusion.

What is a Profile LinkedIn Summary?

At the top of your profile and just underneath your picture, you can find the text box for the summary. The space is open-ended and allows 2,000 characters for providing an overview of the user’s professional life.

The summary is basically the only place where you can describe yourself without the limitations of titles and dates. You can use it to display your career choices, highlight your achievement, or show positive attributes. It is a window to your best self and what sets you apart from others.

If done right, this LinkedIn section can create a first impression, unlike any other profile section. With this in mind, let us move on to the details of how to write a powerful LinkedIn summary.

Sure-fire Steps to a Winning LinkedIn Profile Summary

1. Introduction

Begin the summary with your introduction. It is recommended not to directly start writing about your unique skills or accomplishments. It is best to first let the reader get a sense of who you are as a person.

Despite being built for professional users, LinkedIn remains a social networking platform. So, the summary is a place where you can maintain a concise yet conversational tone. Here is a sample from the profile summary of a mechanical engineer:

“The workings behind a machine had always piqued my curiosity. I loved taking things apart and fixing them back together, even as a child. By the time I was 12, I was earning my pocket money by building components for construction usage. My passion continued to grow and develop and helped me obtain a mechanical engineering degree from MIT.”

2. Authenticity

Once you have mastered how to write a strong LinkedIn headline, we can move on to the rest of the summary.  Being authentic is a vital element that you must ingrain throughout the summary.

It helps you express your unique self as there will be many other users with the same skills or experiences.  Avoid using generic phrases to ensure you stand apart. You can even include brief video introductions or any other sort of relevant media content for that purpose.

3. Keywords

Recruiters search for a suitable candidate by entering a combination of keywords, including skills and job titles. LinkedIn can even show you the search queries which help others find your profile. This can be accessed through the “search appearances” option in the LinkedIn dashboard.

If you are unable to view any search terms, it means that you have to optimize your summary. Go through the job descriptions you find interesting and note the keywords and hard skills required in them. Add the words to your summary if they apply to you and your professional goals.

4. Achievements

In our quest for how to make a strong LinkedIn page, we cannot possibly overlook your accomplishments. Referring to your achievements is an excellent way to make your profile worthwhile and helps you to achieve whatever career plan you have.

Using a bullet-point format will make your key successes instantly noticeable. Keep them brief though and refrain from providing too many details.

It is also more effective if you support your achievements with figures and data. They lend tangible proof to your claims. For example, “Revenue was grown 42% over two years” enhances your accomplishments and makes them more genuine.

5. Experiences and key skills

Including the key skills and experiences relevant to your career growth is important when writing your summary. But as mentioned before, keep the information precise for greater effect.

Include examples of occasions when utilizing your skills helped attain a positive outcome. These examples can be taken from your previous work experiences. It will demonstrate you are capable enough to boost the growth of a corporation you work in.

6. Further points that can help you out

To make it even less complicated, here are several questions you can ask yourself while crafting the summary. Responding to them can automatically help you display yourself in the best possible light.

• What are my ambitions and objectives?
• Which guiding principles propel me forward?
• Why am I passionate about my chosen career?
• Are there any important lessons I learned from past job experiences?
• Do they help me bring a unique perspective and share of knowledge to the industry?
• What are the attributes you bring to the place you work at?

Thinking along these guidelines will enable you to write a summary that encompasses all important aspects.

7. Call to action

It is best to end your summary with a clear and comprehensive call to action. Inform the reader how they can interact with you, whether by sending a LinkedIn message or going to your website.

In case, you are currently employed, it is wise to take a subtle approach. Something like “Feel free to contact me” will be sufficient if you want to explore opportunities. This would be neutral enough to not alarm your employer if they come across it.

Need further help?

If you are still unsure how to write an impressive profile summary, you are at the right place. We have one of the best LinkedIn profile makeover services that enhances your entire profile to a new level. It will meet all the current trends and keywords revolving in your industry recently.

Our experienced writers help you outshine other users and convince recruiters of your eligibility for the job. It is our responsibility to optimize your profile in such a way that it instantly appears in searches. We are only a click away whether you are a newcomer to the job market or looking for a career change.