How to write a compelling Summary

Attention! This is the key to an attraction getting Summary section on your profile. The goal is to catch the eye of your prospective employer and intrigue their interest to make them want to learn more. When you look at a profile, LinkedIn shares the first few sentences of your summary and then requires the reader to click the “show more” button to view the rest of the 2000 characters within this section. Much like reading a newspaper, headlines and big news stories are featured “before the fold.”  Same thing with your profile. You have just a glance to entice the reader to click further. So what should you do?

Begin your profile with an interesting fact, story, quote, or memory. This is your WOW statement or “hook” to get the attention of the visitor to compel them to read further. Relate your passions, interests, dedication or work preference to this previous statement. Next, talk a bit about your skills, interests and abilities and how these relate to what you do. Follow this with a few comments about achievements you have had, awards or patents.  Be sure to provide a bullet list of key words for your job and industry as this will assist the LinkedIn algorithm to match you with prospective employers looking for someone with your talents that match their needs.

Finally, end with something fun about you. Are you a marathon runner? Did you swim with Dolphins? Have you written a book? Stared in a film? Show a little of your personality as people want to work with interesting people!