LinkedIn summary examples to inspire and get you hired

You’ve probably seen the memes about the different ways we present ourselves on social media: a striking selfie on Instagram, a photo cuddling a dog on dating apps and a professional headshot for LinkedIn.

LinkedIn takes itself pretty seriously – as it should. Entrepreneurs, clients, coworkers and colleagues connect here, and recruiters use the site to scope out new hires. This is the space to show off your skills and highlight professional accomplishments.

Since LinkedIn is less about fun and more about the business side of being social, it’s the one app where you can’t recycle hilarious bio descriptions. Professional summaries should have substance, and LinkedIn gives you many more characters to work with than you’ll find on other social media platforms. Use this space to flex and show a potential client or future employer why you deserve to get the job.

We’re here to help you craft a great LinkedIn summary with examples and tips that will make your professional bio as polished as your headshot.

@linktr.ee Anything with the word “link” in it is necessary. We don’t make the rules. #Linktree #LinkedIn #mybirkinanotherbirkin #jobsearch #greenscreen ♬ original sound - Charles Gross

What recruiters and clients want

Before you put virtual pen to paper, think about what potential employers and clients want to read. Here are a few ideas of what to include in your summary, no matter what line of work you’re in:

• Define your goals: Describe what you hope to achieve in your career and any current projects you’re doing to get closer to your goals.
• Talk about your career: Don’t just tell your audience where you want to go. Let them know what you’ve done to get where you are today. Summarize your professional experience, and include metrics whenever possible to demonstrate how you’ve provided value in the past. Use action verbs like “led” or “grew” when discussing your accomplishments.
• Write a stunning opening line: LinkedIn won’t display the full summary in a search, so grab the reader’s attention with a stellar opening line that will make them click “See More.” List your job title, years of experience and most recent accomplishments, and don’t skimp on the adjectives. Don’t just tell readers what you do – tell them how you do it.
• Be yourself: Your LinkedIn persona might be the most buttoned-up version of yourself, but you’re still you. Keep it professional (yes, that means skipping the emojis), but write in a voice that feels like you. Be specific about what gets you out of bed in the morning, and write in the first person to sound more genuine.

Examples of LinkedIn summaries for job seekers

Checking out what everyone else is doing can be helpful when writing resumes, CVs, and cover letters. These blurbs usually follow specific guidelines and trends, and you can use others’ work as an example. Try searching for templates and examples focused on your industry, such as “copywriter LinkedIn summary examples.” Here are a few mock-ups of LinkedIn summaries to get you started:

Creative minds

I’m a graphic designer with 15 years of experience creating successful print and digital marketing campaigns and web content for Fortune 500 companies and start-ups. In my 200+ projects, I’ve generated brand kits for new companies and helped existing ones rebrand to reach their target audiences. My most recent brand kit won a design award for Best Logo of the Year. Currently, I am helping clients in the restaurant business find their voice and image on social media, and I look forward to continuing to hone my skills in this industry.

Business

I’m a real estate agent with ten years of experience working with high-profile clientele such as celebrities and professional athletes. I’ve been awarded Top Agent by my firm five years in a row. I’ve generated more than $2 million in revenue for my company and helped more than 100 clients find their dream homes. In my spare time, I write a blog on how other agents can increase their sales, and I volunteer at the University of Wisconsin, my alma mater, advising graduating students who plan to work in real estate. I’m a people person, and my favorite part of my work is learning more about my clients and establishing trust-based relationships.

Why you should spend time making a good LinkedIn summary

If you’ve ever looked for a new job or started your own company, you know the market can be cutthroat. Many talented people are vying for a limited number of roles or clients.

Make sure your profile stands out from the crowd by putting extra effort into your LinkedIn summary, hitting the key points that tell viewers why you’re unique. Don’t miss out on a sale or interview because someone who visited your profile couldn’t clearly understand why you’d be the best person for the job. A strong LinkedIn summary should:

• Show your expertise and specialties
• Represent your personal brand
• Inspire confidence and trust
• Accurately represent your career and accomplishments

Filling out the LinkedIn summary section also makes your profile more searchable, so filling this space increases your chances of coming up in a search.

Polish your profile

After you write a summary good enough to make any hiring manager or client take a second look, create a LinkedIn profile that’s just as polished with these tips:

• Complete every section of your profile, as blanks are a missed opportunity to provide more information and sometimes even look suspicious to the reader.
• Set your profile to “Open to Work” if you’re actively looking for a job or taking clients.
• Include dates on your work experience and education so viewers can establish a timeline of your studies and career.
• Remember that your summary has a 3,000-character limit, so use the space wisely. Start strong so the preview recruiters read before clicking “See More” makes a good first impression.
• Research LinkedIn bio ideas and write a tight professional headline that fits into 220 characters. Your LinkedIn headline is distinct from your summary – it functions more like the bios you write for other social media platforms. Write a LinkedIn bio that gives readers a high-level view of your career, such as, “High-school basketball coach with 10 championship titles and a mean 3-point shot.”
• Add your LinkedIn profile link to your social media bios. With a Linktree, you can include links to your website, online portfolio, podcast or other sites that will help paint a clearer picture of your accomplishments. Include a call-to-action (CTA) in your bio to invite viewers to click the link to view your LinkedIn.