What a LinkedIn “About” section is — and how to make yours work
Your LinkedIn “About” section is the short, first-person summary near the top of your profile. It's often the only thing a recruiter or client reads before deciding to reach out — so it should say, clearly, who you are, what you do well, and the value you bring.
The best summaries are specific and human. Write in the first person, lead with what you do and for whom, back it with a proof point or two, and, if you're open to opportunities, say so with a way to reach you. Skip the buzzwords — “results-driven synergistic thought leader” impresses no one.
What a strong LinkedIn summary includes
- ◆Who you are and what you do, in the first line
- ◆Your areas of strength and the tools you use
- ◆A concrete result or proof point
- ◆What you're open to, and how to reach you (optional)
- ◆A natural, first-person voice — like you'd actually speak
Common mistakes to avoid
- ✕Buzzword soup with no substance
- ✕Writing in the third person, or not at all
- ✕No proof point — claims without evidence
- ✕Leaving it blank, which recruiters read as effortless
Questions
How long should the “About” section be?
A few short paragraphs — enough to establish who you are, your strengths and a proof point. Front-load the first two lines, since LinkedIn truncates the rest behind “see more”.
First person or third person?
First person. It reads as authentic and human. Third-person bios feel corporate and distant on a personal profile.
Should I include contact details?
If you're open to opportunities, a line inviting people to reach out (and how) helps. Keep it brief — the profile already carries your contact options.
How do I stand out?
Be specific and prove it. “I build financial models that have supported over KES 400M in investment decisions” beats “experienced finance professional” every time.
This tool is free to write and preview, and gives you an editable draft in professional sections — adjust the wording to your business. Downloading a clean PDF without the small watermark is KES 50 in Kenya (a one-off) and free elsewhere. No account needed; your business details are saved on your own device.