We’re still working on your LinkedIn Profile. Today is all about your summary. I’ll let you in on a secret. Your LinkedIn Summary is one of the most valuable pieces of real estate on your profile. It’s the one part where you can put whatever spin on your background you want. It really defines how a potential employer will look at you.
Recruiters and hiring professionals are like the rest of us; we all respond to stories rather than dull facts. It’s proven people remember stories better than they remember lists of facts and figures. That’s the whole point of the process. To make you memorable so you land in the interview seat.
This is where the world gets to meet you. Don’t waste it by retelling your resume information. Use first person and tell a potential HR manager a story about why your history and skills make you the ideal job candidate. Include career highlights and accomplishments.
Don’t just restate your responsibilities. Weave them into an interesting first person tale that highlights the successes you achieved. Show how you solved a problem or came up with a creative solution. Be careful not to get to wordy. You don’t want to lose someone’s attention and have them scroll on to someone else.
If you are re-entering the workforce or changing careers, this section is a great place for you to highlight how your previous years of history can be applied to the area you’re searching for now. Reflect on where you want to go, not where you’ve been and why you are uniquely equipped to use your skills in this new industry.
I want to share a few examples from LinkedIn. The first one is Adrian Granzella Larssen. She’s the Editor In Chief at the Muse. Her summary is a great example of how you can use a non-traditional career path to your advantage.
“I’m not your average editor.
Of course, I have strong writing skills, know how to whip a piece of content into shape, and cringe every time I hear “The One That Got Away.” But my talents extend beyond words and grammar. I’m also a collaborative project manager, a spirited innovator, an engaging community builder, and an inspiring team leader…..
In a nutshell, my passion for content is coupled with a love for big-picture planning and operational management. I’m not the editor who just wants to write. I’m the editor who actually wants to edit—and plan, ideate, and lead. This is what I do best and love most, especially when my work supports personal development, travel, health, and well-being.
Additional “things I do well”: public speaking, brand storytelling, training and mentoring, and hiring freelancers. (I’m also an excellent party planner, so I’ve been told.)
Think we should work together? I’d love to hear from you……”
Here’s another famous example. Daymond John from Shark Tank.
“From humble beginnings to a self-made multimillionaire with over $6 billion to date in global product sales and a starring role on ABC’s newest business reality TV show, Shark Tank, Daymond John is the personification of the American Dream. He continues to set standards of excellence while expanding his interests in fashion, branding, marketing, consulting, entertainment, and beyond. This industry leader, best-selling author, and ground breaking entrepreneurial expert has evolved into a highly sought after business and motivational speaker.
As a dynamic business speaker with over twenty years of hands-on proven business experience, Daymond shares the strategies that continue to bring him financial success. As Founder and CEO, Daymond steered FUBU from a mere concept to a global fashion powerhouse with annual retail sales exceeding $350 million at its peak. Utilizing many of the same tactics commonly used today, Daymond John pioneered the art of integrating fashion, culture, and music nearly twenty years ago. From his then unprecedented guerrilla marketing and branding techniques to the continuously innovative ways in which he uses social media, brand integration, and his expertise on pop culture, Daymond remains a cutting edge business strategist.
Daymond teaches audience members how to apply his successful methods to a wide range of businesses today. He shares winning tips for negotiating and negotiating for women, boosting sales, improving employee morale, increasing productivity, and optimizing staff talents.
As a motivational speaker, Daymond’s quintessential rags-to-riches success story of sacrifice, hard work, and perseverance as well as the unique and charismatic way he communicates it, will inspire any audience.
Specialties:
• Business Strategy
• International Business Branding
• Branding Expert
• Celebrity Alignment
• Brand Development
• Brand Management
• National & International C-Suite Consulting
• Designer
• Marketing
• Motivational Speaker
• Author “
The only complaint I have with Daymond John’s is that it’s not in first person.
As you can see, you can show how your diverse experience in different fields can bring value to your work and future company. It also gives you an idea of the person’s personality and a strong sense of their skills.
Your summary is a great place to bring in non-work-related experiences to help broaden your appeal. It’s all about you showcasing the value you can bring to the table.
Don’t freak out over the length of the samples I shared. You can have a profile that is only a couple of sentences long.
For example:
Certified special education instructor with 15 years’ experience in providing a personalized learning environment for students while helping them reach their goals.
Award-winning freelancer with over 200 bylines in national magazines and blogs.
Customer service is my passion. I received the highest customer satisfaction ratings for 8 consecutive quarters. I have advanced conflict resolution skills and am a solution-driven team member.
Again, I’d encourage you to look around online at what others in your network or field are using. Your workbook has a lot of information on how to get started as well. Your summary will also play a role in your resume or cover letter going forward. So just know, the work you are putting in now, we’ll help you as we go forward.