7 Approaches for a Job Seeker’s LinkedIn About Me Section

The content of your LinkedIn About Me section is as important as your CV and cover letter in terms of securing interviews. The free-form format and generous character limit mean that you can tell more of a story than in your CV summary. You also aren’t constrained by the formal structure of a cover letter. You can be sure that every interested employer will read it.

But when faced with a blank space, how do you approach the task of selling your story? Firstly, you should not change the “about” section through the course of your job search. It will seem like you are unsure about your career goals, so you need to come up with something that will work for the majority of employers that you will contact.

We share seven possible LinkedIn about me section approaches that should be mixed and matched depending on your circumstances. Which of these would work best for you?

LinkedIn about me section stories

Tell compelling stories. If a future boss feels a connection with you, they will be keen to invite you to interview. Telling one or two career stories that demonstrate how you go about your work will make them imagine what it might be like to work with you. 

Share your personal “why.” Putting your “why” into words is not an easy task, and it might serve to limit specific opportunities. However, if you are determined that you will only settle for the best, a one-sentence “this is me” is a powerful start to the summary section.

Detail your achievements. The LinkedIn “about” section allows for bullet points or various symbols to help a list of accomplishments stand out. Keep them brief, make them relevant and ensure that you quantify with numbers and context.

Show some personality. This is non-negotiable. A CV should be a factual and formal document, and a cover letter should be closely tied to a specific role. The LinkedIn “about” section allows you to tell a hiring manager who you are and what makes you tick.

LinkedIn goals

Targeted lists of hard skills. The practical purpose of a (horizontal) list of hard skills is to tick the boxes of the LinkedIn search algorithm. Recruiters will use the search function, so ensure that your “about” section is keyword optimised. Lists of (impressive) skills will help.

Outline your career objective. While a career objective is not required when applying for a specific role with a CV, you may wish to signpost your career goals and objectives in the “about me” section. This is particularly important if you are changing careers.

Use symbols and emojis. No one engages well with a wall of text. As symbols and emojis are acceptable on social media, you might choose to scatter a few across the summary to add a little colour and accentuate the most important messages.

Your job search sales pitch includes every bit of content you share online directly before and during your job search. If anything on LinkedIn catches a potential employer’s eye, they will go straight to your “about” section on your profile. Make it impressive.

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This blog is shared with Job Seeker Duetists. 

Written by former recruitment ghostwriter Paul Drury (not AI).