What are impressions on Linkedin?

A great introduction on LinkedIn can help applicants stand out to employers among the platform's 930 million users. So how can you make your online profile impressive to employers? Check out these tips suggested by experts in this article!

The LinkedIn Summary is the first touchpoint between employers and job seekers. Therefore, when using LinkedIn for job hunting, applicants need to capture employers' attention “at first glance” through the Summary section.

Why should applicants prepare a well-crafted LinkedIn Summary?

A polished LinkedIn Summary is a way for applicants to show respect and eagerness to expand their job opportunities with companies. Here are some reasons why you should invest time in perfecting your LinkedIn Summary:

• Online Introduction: Whether you're experienced or a newbie, you should provide a brief introduction about yourself to employers. The Summary helps you make a good first impression by highlighting your achievements and expertise concisely.
• Showcase Personality: The tone and writing style in your Summary allow employers to gauge aspects of your personality, sophistication, and professionalism. This helps them determine if you’re a good fit for the company culture and the target audience.
• Higher Search Ranking on LinkedIn: If your Summary contains keywords that employers frequently search for, such as content, management, and analysis, LinkedIn’s algorithm will rank your profile higher in search results, bringing you closer to potential employers.

Tips for Crafting a LinkedIn Bio That Catches Employers’ Attention

1. Outline Before Writing

The Summary is limited to 2,000 characters. To keep it concise, informative, and engaging, draft an outline first to avoid rambling. Here’s a suggested structure:

• Hook: An intriguing sentence that grabs attention within the first three lines of your Summary to make employers click “See more.”
• Mission: Inform employers about the positions and tasks you can handle.
• Expertise and Skills: Highlight what you can contribute to the company.
• Achievements: List relevant achievements related to your expertise and skills.
• Call to Action (CTA): End with your contact information (e.g., email, phone number) for employers to reach out.

2. Engage with a Captivating Opening

A compelling first three sentences can spark curiosity and increase your chances of being contacted. You can start with an interesting story to engage employers right away.

3. Explain Your Motivation

Besides demographic details, describe what drew you to your field or the circumstances that led you to your career. This narrative approach can evoke empathy and interest from employers.

4. Highlight Professional Information

Mention specific figures such as years of experience and achievements to add credibility. For example, “I have 10 years of experience in SEO.” Numbers are an effective way to persuade employers.

5. Emphasize Your Strengths

After showcasing your expertise, focus on your strengths in the field. For instance, if you’re a designer, specify if you excel in Photoshop or Illustrator. This helps both you and the company save time in finding the right fit.

6. Prove Your Expertise

Include information about your activities, lists, and achievements during your career to enhance your Summary’s credibility in the eyes of employers.

7. Highlight Your Passion

Beyond skills and expertise, show your dedication to the job. Some companies seek passionate candidates willing to pursue the role with determination. Expressing your passion can help you land the right opportunity.

For example, Desiree Thompson states her passion for not only communicating with hiring managers but also teaching them effective communication: “As a recruiter, my mission is to help them understand the importance of their role and how their communication impacts HR management…”

8. Call to Action

Conclude with your contact details. This shows preparedness and a willingness to work anytime.

9. Use SEO Keywords

SEO keywords make your profile more visible to employers. By including keywords related to your industry, skills, and achievements, you can improve your profile’s search ranking on LinkedIn. Use specific, action-oriented keywords like “increase revenue” or “improve customer satisfaction.”

10. Write in the First Person

Treat your LinkedIn Summary like a personal narrative or diary. Using the first person makes your experiences feel more authentic and relatable, making your Summary more engaging and easier to understand.

11. Clearly State Expectations

Mention your expectations and aspirations in the Summary. This helps employers filter candidates who align with the company’s environment and goals. It also aids applicants in finding an ideal job match efficiently.

By following these tips, you can craft a compelling LinkedIn Summary that captures the attention of employers and enhances your job search success.