In today’s world, you need a LinkedIn profile to get hired. Some parts of it, like Education and Experience, are straightforward. Others, though, especially the Summary section, are a bit more challenging to get right. What do you include? How long should it be? And how can you stand out in a sea of other candidates online on LinkedIn?
That’s where ResumeSpice comes in. As professional LinkedIn profile writers, we have the tips and advice you need on nailing your Summary:
Tip #1: Focus on the lede.
This is the first sentence in your Summary and is critically important. It’s going to dictate whether or not a recruiter or hiring manager moves on to the next sentence or simply moves on to another candidate. The most effective way to write yours is like you’re telling a story.
Tip #2: Get personal.
Many candidates believe their Summary should read just like their resume. But this is actually the place to show some personality. That doesn’t mean talking about controversial topics. It does, however, mean being authentic and sharing what, for instance, you love about your industry; talking about how you got your foot in the door or discussing the accomplishment that means the most to you and why.
Tip #3: Talk about your value.
At the end of the day, employers want to know what’s in it for them if they hire you. That’s why it’s important to discuss the problems you’ve solved, the areas where you’re an expert, and the level of experience you have. Offering details on these will give companies more insight into whether you’re a good match for their needs and where you could potentially fit within their organization.
Tip #4: Keep it clear and concise.
Your summary shouldn’t be more than a few paragraphs. To get there it might take many rounds of revisions. However, the end product should clearly demonstrate your enthusiasm, the value you offer, your personality, and why hiring managers and recruiters should consider you.
Tip #5: Ask for help from a friend.
It’s tough to be objective when you’re writing about yourself. It’s therefore always a good idea to ask a friend or colleague to review your Summary and provide you with feedback on improving it.
Interested in getting professional help with your LinkedIn profile?
Call ResumeSpice at 832.930.7378. Our LinkedIn profile writers can work with you to build a powerful profile that gets noticed by recruiters and hiring managers, all so you can find the new job you want faster.
