Should Linkedin Summaries Be Written In Third Person?

If you are entirely brand new to LinkedIn, welcome! LinkedIn serves as a platform for building and maintaining professional relationships, sharing industry insights, finding job opportunities, and establishing oneself as an expert in a particular field.

It is widely used by professionals, job seekers, recruiters, entrepreneurs, and businesses to connect, network, and stay informed about trends and developments in their respective industries. So, if you aren’t on it, get on it now.

Arguably, one of the most unique aspects of LinkedIn is that while it is a social media platform it is also a professional job tool, so showing a bit of who you are, your personality and your professional authenticity helps you stand out. One of the areas you can do that the most effectively is in writing your LinkedIn summary.

In this post, we discuss what a summary section is, how to write one and why it’s important in the social media networking world of LinkedIn.

What Are LinkedIn Summaries?

When it comes to crafting a compelling online professional identity, LinkedIn stands as the go-to platform for individuals looking to connect with like-minded professionals, showcase their expertise, and explore new career avenues.

It’s such an important aspect of the job searching world that as a career coach and university professor, I teach LinkedIn to not only students, but companies, organizations and even advanced job seekers. At the heart of this digital realm lies the "LinkedIn summary" – a succinct yet powerful section that encapsulates one's professional essence and aspirations.

The Essence of LinkedIn Summaries

LinkedIn summaries serve as virtual introductions, offering a snapshot of who you are, what you bring to the table, and where you envision your professional journey heading. Think of it as your online elevator pitch, designed to captivate the attention of potential employers, clients, collaborators, and industry peers within the span of a few sentences.

Some folks like to use their cover letters as the basis of their summary section as your cover letter is written in a more natural, paragraph, conversational style which is useful in summary writing. No need to start from a blank screen- if you have a cover letter, see what you can use from that to start writing your summary section!

The First Impression Paradox

In the world of professional networking, first impressions are paramount. Just as a firm handshake and confident demeanor leave an indelible mark during in-person encounters, LinkedIn summaries play a similar role in the digital sphere.

When you write your summary section, consider exploring your “why”. We know the “what” from all your content: what school you went to, your job title, your awards and achievements etc. but what we don’t know is your why. Why did you choose your school, why are you proud of your successes in your career. This type of content is new and not something people can learn from your resume or profile content alone- it advances your story from a more human perspective.

Remember, people hire people- making yourself as human and real as possible in a virtual world is one of the most important things you can do to advance your candidacy as a networker or job seeker.

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Navigating the Third-Person Dilemma

Now, a pertinent question arises: Should LinkedIn users craft their summaries in the third person? This question sparks a lively debate within the professional community. On one hand, adopting the third person imparts a formal and objective tone to your summary, mirroring the style of traditional resumes. This approach can lend an air of credibility and professionalism to your profile, aligning with the expectations of certain industries and employers.

However, it's worth considering the potential drawbacks. While the third-person narrative offers a detached and impartial perspective, it might inadvertently distance you from your audience.

LinkedIn is, after all, a platform where building personal connections is key. A summary written in the third person could feel distant, lacking the warmth and authenticity that often resonate with those seeking genuine connections.

The choice between writing a LinkedIn summary in the first or third person ultimately hinges on your personal goals, industry norms, and the image you wish to project. Striking the right balance between professionalism and approachability is an art – one that can greatly influence the impression you leave on your profile visitors.

When clients ask me how they should write their summaries, I say, “explain yourself to me like we are sitting at a bus stop or a plane ready to take off”. Keep it real, simple, straightforward and something nearly anyone can understand. If it’s too complex or not clear, people will give up and move on. That nearly always results in clients writing their summaries in first person, because that's what feels right or authentic to them.

Searchability and Keywords

Discoverability plays a pivotal role in determining the reach and impact of your LinkedIn profile. Search engine optimization (SEO) isn't solely reserved for websites and blog posts; it's a practice that extends to LinkedIn profiles as well. When recruiters, potential clients, or collaborators are looking for individuals with specific skills or experiences, they often turn to search functions within platforms like LinkedIn.

When you write your LinkedIn summary, strategize how you can facilitate seamless keyword integration. Focus on the word seamless here. As you describe your professional journey, be sure to incorporate industry-specific terms, skills, and experiences that align with your expertise.

But, if you read your summary section fully and it doesn’t sound or feel like you, change it. This isn't merely about stuffing your summary with buzzwords, but rather about organically weaving in the language that your target audience is likely to use when conducting searches.

Optimization is a way to amp up your visibility in search results, which helps you create more inbound networking and job opportunities (people coming to you). Imagine you're a recruiter scouting for a candidate with a unique blend of project management and data analytics skills.

Like an optimized headline, your summary section is a space that can effectively convey your diverse skill set in a manner that aligns with common search queries. As a result, your profile gains a competitive edge, surfacing prominently in search results that match the criteria you've strategically embedded within your summary.

Increased visibility in search results translates to enhanced opportunities for connection, collaboration, and professional growth. In a sea of profiles, a well-optimized summary can act as a beacon, guiding those seeking your particular expertise directly to your doorstep.

However, while the allure of higher visibility is enticing, it's crucial to maintain a sense of balance. A keyword-rich summary should never compromise the natural flow and cohesiveness of your narrative.

The objective here is to provide a comprehensive overview of your professional journey while strategically embedding the terms that matter most to your audience.

Final Thoughts…

In short, no, you should not write your LinkedIn profile in third person. LinkedIn is a social media platform and people are connecting humanly and genuinely so make sure your materials support your authenticity as a candidate and networker. If you are a business owner, the same ethos applies here too. Check out my LinkedIn summary and how I communicate my brand values and who I am as a professional coach to get an idea of how businesses should write summary sections.

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Meet The Writer!

Hi! My name is Nadia Ibrahim-Taney and I help people design happy and fulfilling careers through authentic career coaching. My expertise includes career exploration guidance, resume writing, interview prep and LinkedIn profile optimization. My pronouns are She/ Her/ Hers and as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I focus on how diverse identities impact and influence folks holistically and professionally. Please connect with me on LinkedIn or at Nadia@beyonddiscoverycoaching.com

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