The 'about' section may be the only part of your profile that gets read. Make it count...
The pivotal part of your LinkedIn Profile is the summary or 'about' section. It needs to be there. It may be the only part of your profile visitors read.
Don't omit it: You are more than just the summary of your experience, so tell us your story here, above everything else on your profile.
Remember that your profile will not reach what LinkedIn terms 'all-star' status unless you include an 'about' section - so including it gives you better search visibility across LinkedIn at a stroke.
Profiles that are not 'all-star' will appear further down search results. And how often do you read page 5 of any search results?
Use the first four lines of your 'about' section creatively, because that's what people will see BEFORE they trouble to click to 'See more'.
Remember that the '…see more' link doesn't even look like a link on the page — it's just like ordinary text. You are aiming here to earn a click.
A snappy opening can make the difference whether visitors even bother to click, or read any further.
So, to summarise, your 'about' section's opening 4 lines or 350 characters need to tell the reader the concise story of you, because they may not read anything more. It's like an elevator pitch. Make it good.
No 'about' section
Could be written by LinkedIn's AI robot
Hemingway would be proud
What is your core area of expertise?
What's your big passion outside of work?
When did you make a major change in your career?
Why do you specialise in that particular niche area of the market?
What useful free information do you have to offer people?
How can you solve my problems?
Who have you solved problems for before?
How can you save me money?
Show me numbers! How have you moved the needle in your work?
Who can vouch for this - who's recommended you, worked with you, or published you?
How can I get in touch or get more information?
Write in the first person singular - "I". Don't use the third person "David Petherick makes you visible, legible..." - it's anachronistic and stilted.
You are having a virtual conversation with someone one-to-one. Talk normally, as if you were having a relaxed conversation, and don't stuff your about section with clichés or jargon.
You can now also add up to 5 of your skills to the about section, bringing more prominence near the top of your profile to your relevant skills. This also increases the prominence of the about section.
You can also add any relevant links to your online resources here. These are not clickable, but they are easy to copy and paste. Just make it easy for people to contact you or get more information.
Remember you can also add media to the new ‘Featured’ section, and to your experience sections.
This is the new 'featured' section. This appears near the top of your profile, directly below your about section.
It allows you to place Presentations, Infographics or Photos, PDF Documents, SoundCloud files, or links to specific website pages, landing pages or other resources.
This is like having a free digital billboard on your profile - you have the opportunity to add visual interest, highlight your key messages and provide links for more information. Use it!
I've written a blog on adding media to your profile on my website.
