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How to Write a Compelling LinkedIn About Section
Your LinkedIn About section is the narrative heart of your professional brand. When written well, it can increase profile views by up to 40% and generate more recruiter outreach. In this guide we’ll break down how to write a compelling LinkedIn About section step by step, provide real‑world examples, checklists, and answer the most common questions job seekers ask. We’ll also show you how Resumly’s AI tools can speed up the process and keep your profile optimized for both humans and applicant tracking systems (ATS).
Why the About Section Matters
The About (formerly “Summary”) is the only free‑form text block on LinkedIn where you control the story. Unlike bullet‑pointed experience entries, this paragraph lets you:
- Show personality while staying professional.
- Highlight achievements with context and impact.
- Incorporate keywords that recruiters and AI search tools look for.
- Create a call‑to‑action that invites connections, messages, or interview requests.
According to LinkedIn’s own data, profiles with a complete About section receive 40% more views than those without one. That’s why mastering this section is a critical part of personal branding.
Quick‑Start Checklist (Do/Don’t List)
| ✅ Do | ❌ Don’t |
|---|---|
| Start with a hook – a bold statement or a concise value proposition. | Use generic phrases like “hard‑working professional” without specifics. |
| Show measurable results – e.g., "increased sales by 30%". | List duties without outcomes (e.g., "responsible for managing a team"). |
| Include 3‑5 relevant keywords such as "product strategy", "data‑driven", "cross‑functional leadership". | Stuff the paragraph with unrelated buzzwords. |
| Keep it readable – short sentences, white space, and a conversational tone. | Write long, dense paragraphs that require a second read. |
| End with a CTA – invite people to connect, ask a question, or visit your portfolio. | End abruptly without direction. |
Step‑by‑Step Guide to Crafting Your About Section
1. Define Your Personal Brand in One Sentence
Definition: Your personal brand is the unique combination of skills, experiences, and values that differentiate you from others.
Write a one‑sentence “elevator pitch” that captures who you are and what you deliver. Example:
"Strategic product leader who transforms data‑driven insights into market‑winning SaaS solutions."
If you’re stuck, try the Resumly LinkedIn Profile Generator – it asks a few quick questions and outputs a polished brand statement. (Try it here)
2. Highlight Core Achievements with Numbers
Recruiters skim for impact. Replace vague verbs with quantified results:
- ❌ "Managed a team of developers."
- ✅ "Led a cross‑functional team of 12 engineers to deliver a new platform that cut onboarding time by 45%."
Aim for 2‑3 bullet‑style sentences embedded in the paragraph. Use the Resumly ATS Resume Checker to ensure your numbers are formatted correctly for AI parsing. (Check it out)
3. Sprinkle Relevant Keywords Naturally
Research the top keywords for your industry using the Resumly Job Search Keywords tool. For a digital marketer, you might include: "SEO", "content strategy", "growth hacking", "marketing automation". Insert them where they fit naturally; forced insertion looks spammy.
4. Add a Human Touch – Storytelling
People remember stories more than facts. Share a brief anecdote that illustrates your passion or turning point.
"When I first launched a micro‑learning app for remote teams, I realized the power of bite‑size content to boost engagement – a lesson that now drives every product decision I make."
5. End with a Clear Call‑to‑Action
Encourage the reader to take the next step. Examples:
- "Feel free to connect if you’re interested in data‑driven product innovation."
- "Looking for a speaker on AI ethics? Let’s chat!"
Full Template You Can Copy‑Paste
[Hook – 1 sentence]
[Core achievement #1 with metric]
[Core achievement #2 with metric]
[Brief story or personal insight]
[CTA – invitation to connect or explore]
Example for a Marketing Manager:
"Growth‑focused marketing manager who increased organic traffic by 120% in 12 months. I built a content engine that generated 3 M+ monthly page views and reduced CPL by 35%. My love for data storytelling began when I turned a failing blog into a revenue driver for a fintech startup. Let’s connect if you’re looking for a data‑driven marketer to scale your brand."
Integrating Resumly Tools for a Polished Profile
- AI Resume Builder – Use it to extract the same language you use in your resume and adapt it for LinkedIn. (Explore)
- Buzzword Detector – Run your draft through this tool to eliminate overused jargon and keep the tone authentic. (Try it)
- Career Personality Test – Align your narrative with your personality strengths for a cohesive brand story. (Take the test)
- Networking Co‑Pilot – Once your About section is live, this feature suggests personalized outreach messages to expand your network. (Learn more)
Real‑World Case Studies
Case Study 1: Software Engineer Transitioning to Product Management
Before:
"Software engineer with 5 years of experience in Java and Python. Passionate about building scalable systems. Open to new opportunities."
After (using the guide):
"Full‑stack engineer who shipped 15+ micro‑services, reducing latency by 30% and saving $200K annually. My cross‑functional work with product and design sparked a love for shaping user experiences, leading me to transition into product management. I’m now seeking roles where I can blend technical depth with strategic vision. Let’s discuss how I can help your team launch market‑ready features faster."
Result: Profile views jumped 68%, and the engineer received three product‑manager interview invitations within two weeks.
Case Study 2: Sales Leader Revamping Personal Brand
Before:
"Sales director with a proven track record. Skilled in negotiation and client relations."
After:
"Revenue‑driven sales director who grew ARR by $4 M in 18 months through a data‑centric prospecting model. I built a mentorship program that lifted junior rep quota attainment by 25%. Passionate about aligning sales strategy with product roadmaps to deliver customer‑centric solutions. Open to advisory roles in SaaS startups – let’s connect!"
Result: The director’s inbound messages from venture‑backed startups increased by 45%.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How long should my LinkedIn About section be?
Aim for 300‑350 characters (roughly 2‑3 short paragraphs). This length is enough to convey value without overwhelming the reader.
2. Should I use first‑person or third‑person?
First‑person (“I”) feels more authentic on LinkedIn. Reserve third‑person for formal bios on company websites.
3. How many keywords are optimal?
Include 3‑5 primary keywords that match the roles you’re targeting. Over‑stuffing can trigger spam filters.
4. Can I add emojis?
Yes, sparingly. A single emoji can draw attention, but too many look unprofessional.
5. How often should I update the About section?
Refresh it quarterly or after major career milestones (new role, certification, major project).
6. Does the About section affect SEO on Google?
Absolutely. LinkedIn profiles rank high in search results. Using your target keywords improves visibility when recruiters Google your name.
7. Should I mention my current employer?
If you’re comfortable, yes – it adds credibility. If you’re job‑searching discreetly, you can phrase it as “currently leading a team at a fast‑growing fintech.”
8. How can I test if my About section is ATS‑friendly?
Run it through the Resumly ATS Resume Checker; it flags formatting issues and keyword gaps. (Check now)
Mini‑Conclusion: Mastering the Main Keyword
By following the step‑by‑step framework, using the provided checklist, and leveraging Resumly’s AI tools, you’ll be able to craft an About section that not only how to write a compelling LinkedIn About section but also positions you as a standout candidate in a crowded market.
Next Steps & Call to Action
- Draft your hook and achievements using the template above.
- Run the draft through Resumly’s Buzzword Detector and ATS Resume Checker.
- Polish with the LinkedIn Profile Generator for a final, keyword‑optimized version.
- Publish, monitor profile views, and iterate every quarter.
Ready to supercharge your LinkedIn presence? Visit the Resumly homepage to explore all AI‑powered career tools and start building a profile that gets noticed. (Resumly.ai)
Happy branding!
