Three Steps to Writing an Impactful LinkedIn Profile Summary

Danny Rubin reports:

"When writing a LinkedIn summary, keep it basic. In a nutshell, what are you known for? What’s your identity? And how does your work help other people? It’s a useful exercise to describe yourself in less than ten seconds. Plus, it’s important to think hard about the value you add to the market. Here’s an example for a young guy we’ll call 'Lamar.' 'Every day, I protect sensitive information on thousands of people from hackers and cyberattacks.' At Lamar’s professional core, that’s the work he does AND how his work improves the lives of other people...This is no time to delve into three huge paragraphs on everything you’ve done. Keep it rolling with specific details, like:

• Your title and company
• BRIEFLY what you do at the job
• Again, how your job helps people
• Specialties or areas of expertise if you need to describe your role a bit further

'As an information security analyst at Acme Hospital System in Sacramento, I manage the day-to-day flow of information into and out of five hospitals and two emergency centers. With a focus on database management, my job ensures critical computer systems, medical files and patient history remain active and never fail. My team and I stay updated on the latest trends in information security to not only keep Acme Hospital System safe but also [stay] on the cutting edge.'...In the final step to writing a LinkedIn summary, put a stamp on it. By now the reader knows who you are and what you do. Now, finish out with a strong 'closer' sentence...[W]hat’s your mission as a working professional? What are you passionate about? And I know I’m a broken record but…how does your passion help other people? Reiterate that point at the end, add a period and you’re done. Lamar’s closing line: 'A hospital never sleeps, and the same goes for IT. If everything runs smoothly and nothing suffers a glitch, then I know I did my job.'...Lamar’s LinkedIn profile summary does more than discuss his day-to-day responsibilities. The summary explains his job, showcases his personality and proves why his work makes other people better. In a vast ocean of online profiles, Lamar has a bio you will remember. And that’s the goal: to be unforgettable."