How to Write a LinkedIn Summary That Standout [With Guides and Examples]

The current job market is heavily based on Internet platforms, with LinkedIn emerging as the leading platform for professional networking and career growth. However, with 49 million people seeking employment on the platform every week, getting noticed on LinkedIn can be hard. A generic LinkedIn profile can easily get lost in the noise.

This is where an excellent LinkedIn summary can set you apart from the crowd. A well-crafted LinkedIn summary helps you get noticed among millions of users and increases your chances of making meaningful connections.

In this article, we’ll help you create the ideal LinkedIn summary by exploring the main elements that make a powerful summary. Additionally, we will also provide valuable templates to help you get started.

What is a LinkedIn Summary?

Let’s say you’re attending a high-powered networking conference. Instead of a handshake and a business card, you present yourself via a digital billboard. This billboard is your LinkedIn summary.

A LinkedIn summary is a concise and powerful snapshot intended to attract the attention of recruiters and hiring managers. Its aim should be to express your professional narrative and showcase your most important talents, experiences, and accomplishments.

Why a Good LinkedIn Summary is Important

Here’s the thing: an outstanding LinkedIn summary isn’t a choice anymore; it is a necessity. Let us understand why:

1. You Get to Introduce Yourself in Your Own Words

Unlike a resume, your summary lets you convey yourself more conversationally and intimately. You can discuss your interests, what inspires you, and why you are great at what you do.

2. You Get to Show Your Personality

Let’s be honest: a dull profile is a snoozefest. LinkedIn is all about making genuine connections, and a summary is the perfect way to showcase your strengths and show your personality. 

Whether you’re a creative problem-solver or a data-driven strategist, show them what makes you tick!

3. You Can Rank Higher in LinkedIn Search Results

Including relevant keywords in your LinkedIn summary improves your profile’s ranking in LinkedIn searches. This increases the chances of recruiters and potential employers finding you.

How to Write a LinkedIn Summary That Wows

Ready to craft a LinkedIn summary that gets noticed? Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Create a Quick Outline

Put some thought into what you want to highlight in your summary for a few minutes before you start writing. What are your superpowers (Yes, you have them!)? Find your passion by asking yourself questions like:

• Are you a data wizard capable of transforming complicated statistics into valuable insights?
  
• Are you a creative storyteller who creates marketing strategies that connect with people?

Write out your primary qualities and professional objectives. This will help you stay focused and ensure your summary emphasizes essential information.

Source

If you can, please add a screenshot of a LinkedIn profile that has a good outline. 

2. Hook Readers with a Strong Opener

First impressions count, especially online. Imagine a recruiter scanning through hundreds of profiles; how do you make yours stand out? One way is by writing an engaging opening line to capture their attention. Here are a few ideas:

• Start your overview with interesting data about your field to spark their interest.
  
• Pose a question related to your sector that will start people thinking.
  
• Share a brief anecdote demonstrating your abilities in action.
  

This personalization makes your summary more relatable and memorable.

Example

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Katelyn Bourgoin begins with an engaging personal narrative. She highlights her diversified business expertise in marketing, technology, and hospitality. She further combines achievements and failures, demonstrating perseverance. By highlighting the value of customer connection in the face of changing marketing environments, she connects readers with a relevant, memorable message targeted at establishing a loyal following.

3. Tell the Reader Why You Do What You Do

When it comes to your LinkedIn summary, don’t just list your job titles and responsibilities. Your main focus should be letting your passion shine through. 

What excites you about your field? Why did you choose this career path?

Sharing your motivations helps you connect with recruiters on a human level. This shows your genuine interest in the work you do.

Example

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Desiree Thompson’s LinkedIn description shows her lifelong enthusiasm for communication. She discusses her passion for successful communication and how it influences her job in recruitment. Furthermore, she assists individuals in recognizing and communicating their potential to hiring managers, making her profile approachable and exciting.”

4. Speak to Your Industry Expertise

Recruiters want to see that you are up to date on industry trends. Mention significant trends, their difficulties, and how your abilities may help. This exhibits your knowledge and establishes you as a thought leader in your industry.

Example

“The software development industry is evolving, and new technologies are emerging constantly. I stay ahead of the curve by participating in online communities and attending industry conferences. “

5. Call Out Your Specialties and Skills

Your LinkedIn summary is your chance to brag a little. Be confident in highlighting your most valuable skills and experiences. But remember, avoid generic phrases and focus on specific keywords relevant to your industry and career goals. 

These keywords are frequently used by recruiters to find applicants. Incorporating them in your LinkedIn summary will help boost your discoverability.

Example

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Lalaina Rabary’s LinkedIn summary confidently showcases her expertise in marketing and communications. With over 12 years of experience, she highlights her leadership role at Momcozy, a global maternity brand. She lists specific skills such as SEO optimization, social media strategy, and brand management, using relevant keywords to boost her profile’s discoverability to recruiters.

6. Provide Data to Back Up Your Results

Have you led a project that saw a 15% boost in sales? Or did you develop a new marketing campaign that boosted brand awareness by 20%? 

Quantify your accomplishments with data whenever possible. This will add credibility to your summary and showcase the tangible impact you can make.

Example

“In my previous position, I was responsible for more than simply creating social media postings; I also drove outcomes. I spearheaded a social media campaign that utilized targeted advertising and engaging content. This helped the organization to increase website traffic by 50%.”

7. Mention if Your Team is Currently Hiring (Optional)

If your team is looking for skilled individuals, state it in your description! This may attract individuals who share your beliefs and are ready to work in a similar work atmosphere.

Example

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Leah Danak’s LinkedIn profile effectively mentions her team’s hiring needs by including a #hiring tag in her profile picture. She clearly states they are looking for a Freight Forwarder Export Specialist and another position. This attracts potential candidates who align with her team’s values and work environment. This makes her summary more engaging and actionable.

8. Highlight Your Professional Interests

Sharing your professional interests can start conversations and connect you with like-minded people on the site.

Answer questions like the ones mentioned below in your summary to show what you’re passionate about:

• What motivates you outside of your primary responsibilities?
• Do you give your time for a cause you believe in?
  

Example

“In addition to my expertise in financial modeling and risk management, I also have a strong interest in sustainable finance.”

9. Include a Call to Action

When crafting a LinkedIn summary, make sure you don’t keep your readers hanging. Tell them what to do next.

Would you like them to connect with you? Do you have a portfolio website? Make it easy for them to take the next step and start a discussion.

Example

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Jay Baer’s LinkedIn summary effectively includes a call to action. He highlights his extensive expertise as a business strategist and author, and provides clear steps for engagement. Readers can explore his recent presentations, subscribe to his newsletter, or find his books. By including these actions, he makes it easy for potential connections to engage further with his work and insights.

Tips for Crafting an Engaging LinkedIn Summary

To make your LinkedIn summary genuinely stand out, keep these crucial points in mind:

1. Nobody enjoys reading walls of text. Use bullet points, white space, and brief paragraphs to make your summary easy to skim and understand.
   
2. Aim for around 250-400 words. Recruiters are busy, so get to the point and express your message clearly.
   
3. Avoid using industry jargon that might mislead those outside your profession. Use simple, straightforward language that everyone can comprehend.
   
4. Keep the tone pleasant and approachable, as if speaking with a coworker.
   

What (Not) to Put in a LinkedIn Summary

A compelling summary can be the difference between getting lost in the crowd and landing that dream job. But before you hit “publish,” let’s understand what you should avoid:

1. First things first, avoid replicating your resume. Your summary is an opportunity to showcase your unique value proposition beyond job titles and responsibilities.
   
2. Next, avoid using overly cliche terms. Phrases like “team player” or “results-oriented” have little impact. Instead, showcase your skills through quantifiable achievements.
   
3. Typos and grammatical errors create a negative impression. Proofread your summary thoroughly before publishing.
   
4. Reserve your life story for casual conversations. Keep your summary focused on your professional journey and aspirations.
   

LinkedIn Summary Examples

Let’s see some examples of LinkedIn summaries that hit the mark.

1. LinkedIn Summary for a Graphic Designer

“I am a graphic designer who is passionate about producing unforgettable and visually compelling experiences. With a sharp eye for detail and a passion for narrative, I help companies connect with their target audience via fascinating design.

I am a firm believer in the ability of design to inform, inspire, and provoke emotion. At my previous employer, I overhauled the website’s user experience, which resulted in a 15% boost in user engagement.

I’m constantly looking to collaborate on innovative initiatives and broaden my network. Let’s connect and discuss how design can help your brand!”

2. LinkedIn Summary for a Sales Executive

“I thrive in the fast-paced sales environment, motivated by a desire to build strong client relationships and exceed expectations. My communication skills and aptitude to understand consumer demands enable me to provide personalized solutions that produce the best outcomes.

In my prior position, I frequently exceeded sales objectives, including a 120% quota last year. I am confident in my abilities to contribute to a top-performing sales team.

Contact me to discuss your sales strategy or learn more about my experience.”

LinkedIn Summary Template

Still feeling stuck? Here’s a template you can use to kickstart your LinkedIn summary writing:

1. Attention-grabbing Hook: (Powerful statistic, question, anecdote)
   
2. Why I Do What I Do: (Passion, motivation)
   
3. Industry Expertise: (Brief mention of trends, challenges, and how your skills provide solutions)
   
4. Specialties & Skills: (List your most valuable skills and relevant keywords)
   
5. Results & Achievements: (Quantify accomplishments with data whenever possible)
   
6. Optional: Mention if your team is hiring or highlight your professional interests.
   
7. Call to Action: (Tell people what you want them to do next)
   

This is just a template; feel free to personalize it and make it your own!

Wrapping Up

By following the tips and examples mentioned above, you can craft a LinkedIn summary that grabs attention, showcases your talents, and helps you land your dream job.

Don’t wait any longer! Take action and revamp your LinkedIn summary today. With a strong profile, you’ll be well on your way to connecting with potential employers, clients, and collaborators. Remember, your summary is your chance to make a great first impression, so make it count!