Most people treat their LinkedIn summary like a dusty about page. A few buzzwords. A job title. Maybe a humblebrag if they’re feeling bold. But that doesn’t get anyone curious enough to reach out.
Your summary isn’t a bio. It’s a handshake. It should show who you are, what you care about, and why someone should keep scrolling.
Let’s dig into how to turn a profile view into a message or new opportunity.
Before you write your LinkedIn summary: define your goal
What do you want to happen after someone reads your summary? Maybe you want:
- …a recruiter to reach out.Â
- …a client to book a call.Â
- …someone to follow you because they believe what you believe.
Match the message to the mission
If you want recruiters, focus on roles, skills, and keywords they scan for — but keep it human. If you’re selling a service, be clear about who you help and how. If you’re building your name, let your values and curiosity lead.
| Your goal | Focus on |
| Job search | Recent wins, clear skills, career story |
| Attract clients | Value to customers, credibility, CTA |
| Build a thought brand | Beliefs, current focus, future direction |
One summary, one job
Don’t try to write for all three. It waters down your message. Pick the lane that matters most now. You can always update it later.
A good summary starts with a clear purpose. Without that, you’re writing into the wind.
Core elements of a great LinkedIn summary
Hook: Make the first line count
Most people skim. If your opening line doesn’t hit, they’re gone. Lead with something that feels real. Not: “Experienced marketing professional with 10+ years.” Try: “I help companies stop sounding like companies.” See one example:
Or you can even try to be creative like this (just make sure it reads well):
Personal context: Say what you do and why it matters
Tell people what you do — but frame it through your values. Instead of listing your title, talk about what your work helps others achieve. Make it specific, not vague.
Example: “I work with healthcare startups to build trust with the people they serve—using clear, honest messaging that actually makes sense.”
Proof: show you’ve done the work
Anyone can say they’re good. Give one or two short, sharp examples. “Helped X company grow leads by 3x in 6 months.” “Led a research project across 5 countries.” Pick wins that match your goal. See one example:
Personality: Don’t be a robot
Use language you actually use. If you’re curious, say so. If you hate jargon, show it. If you love spreadsheets, confess it.
CTA: What should someone do next?
Invite them to connect, message, check your portfolio, or say hi. Don’t just end with silence. Even a simple “Feel free to reach out” makes a difference.
Here’s an example:
Common traps to avoid with LinkedIn summaries
Too many summaries feel like they were written by a committee. Here’s what to steer clear of:
- Clichés and buzzwords: If your summary says “results-driven” or “dynamic leader,” you’ve already lost them. Be specific or be quiet.
- Writing in third person: This isn’t a Wikipedia entry. Say “I,” not “Jane is a…”
- Copy-pasting your resume: Your summary is not a list of jobs. It’s a story.
- TMI: Don’t cram every achievement you’ve ever had. Pick a few that matter now. Leave room for curiosity.
Keep it clear. Keep it human.
LinkedIn summary examples that work
Job-seeker
“I’m a data analyst who loves spotting patterns others miss. After working with e-commerce brands for 3 years, I’ve helped teams cut waste and double their retention. I’m now looking for roles where I can dig into user behavior and build smarter funnels. Let’s talk if that’s your thing too.”
Founder
“I started my first company because I was tired of how hard it was for small businesses to get good design. Now, my team helps brands go from idea to identity in under 30 days. We care about speed, clarity, and usefulness. If you’re building something people should notice, I’d love to hear about it.” Here’s a real example:
Freelancer
“I’m a freelance UX writer working with fintech and healthcare startups. Clients come to me when they need copy that’s sharp, simple, and converts. Recent work: rewrote onboarding flows that cut support tickets by 40%. Always open to interesting challenges. Let’s chat.”
This is one example from a brand identity designer:
Creator/speaker
“I talk about leadership, burnout, and the messy side of ambition. My talks blend research, lived experience, and humor (the dry kind). If you’re looking for someone who can speak with honesty and energy, that’s my lane.”
Formatting and structure tips for your LinkedIn summary
Make it scannable
Write for the scroll. Keep your paragraphs short—2–3 lines max. Break up long ideas. Use white space like a pause.
Don’t go on forever
Aim for under 300 words. That’s roughly what fits in a mobile view before clicking “see more.” People don’t read walls of text. They skim.
Keep the shape simple
Use a clear structure: start with a hook, explain what you do, end with a call to action. Three parts. That’s it.
Think of your summary like a landing page, not a diary. It should guide the reader, not overwhelm them.
Final checklist before publishing
Before you hit save, ask yourself:
- Does this actually sound like me — or did I write it like a cover letter?
- Would I be curious enough to message this person?
- Is there a clear next step? A “connect with me” or “check this out” or even a “say hi”?
- Is this too long or trying to do too much?
And most importantly:
Would I want to talk to me after reading this?
If not, tweak it until you do. A good summary should feel like you’re inviting someone into a conversation, not listing your qualifications.
Final thoughts on writing a LinkedIn summary
A great LinkedIn summary isn’t about selling, it’s about showing up as a real person. Be clear about what you do, honest about what you care about, and warm in how you invite people in. Come back and update it often. You’re not static, so your summary shouldn’t be either.
Johnson is a Content Strategist at Column. He helps brands craft content that drives visibility and results. He studied Economics at the University of Ibadan and brings over years of experience in direct response marketing, combining strategy, creativity, and data-backed thinking.
Connect with him on LinkedIn.
