Charles Sturt University logo
How to write the perfect LinkedIn summary
Share:FacebookX

How to write the perfect LinkedIn summary

It can be hard to think of how to compose yourself professionally on social media, especially in a generation where it is common to misinterpret online communication. So here are some handy tips to consider when writing your own summary on LinkedIn.

What is LinkedIn?

LinkedIn is an application used for professional networking. It is highly beneficial for students as it extends your connection to knowledgeable contacts within varying career fields. It is helpful to seek out mentors, placement and potential employment!

Key points of a good summary

  • Keep it simple: Stick to short paragraphs and have around 3-5 of them. Outline who you are and what makes you your fantastic self, but you don’t have to include everything you have ever done.
  • Avoid jargon and redundancy: Try to use words that are commonly understood, however, you also don’t want to be using overused words and statements such as ‘motivated’. Check out the most overused words on LinkedIn profiles.
  • Straight to the point: Use keywords that outline your higher skills, a good way to incorporate this into your summary is to have a list of specialties at the end.
  • Presentation: Avoid long paragraphs filled with dense information, you want to adhere to people’s short attention spans and allow them to skim your summary with flow by including bullet points and subheadings.
  • Proofread: This is an important one! You will improve you professional profile dramatically if you avoid grammatical errors and typos.
  • Know your audience: Write your summary specifically to cater for the type of people you want to attract to your profile. Think about what you want them to know about you and how you want them to feel.
  • Keep in mind these 4 V’s:
    • Victories: write about your wins, achievements etc. highlighting the value you created.
    • Values & passions: list your morals, in tandem with things that may inspire you. For example, creativity may be a value, and surfing may be a passion.
    • Valiant superpowers: list the things that you can do better than anyone else.
    • Verve: Capture things which differentiate you as an individual. For example, I like to use humour to destress and extinguish tense situations.

Is there anything I shouldn’t do?

Expressing individuality is important, however, some views and opinions should remain offscreen. Here are some key things to keep out of your summaries:

  • Criticism of people, organisations or entities
  • Inappropriate comments or photos
  • Political or religious rants
  • Proprietary details – such as company sales figures, or an organisation’s personal information.
  • Personal details – avoid personal photos and information about yourself, but also ensure you aren’t putting anything online about others too.
  • Anything unprofessional!

You will be creating connections through this app that will further your career, so ensure you remain ethical and professional and you will be good to go!

Share:FacebookX
This is an SSAF funded initiative
Write for Charlie Graphic