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20 Superb LinkedIn Summary Examples (+Writing Guide)

Posted by CV Nation on Sep 25, 2020

The ultimate guide to writing the perfect LinkedIn summary, with 20 LinkedIn summary templates and CV Nation’s unique LinkedIn summary formula.

A strong, compelling and optimised LinkedIn summary is a vital tool for jobseekers, both when applying for jobs traditionally and when networking on LinkedIn. The summary is arguably as important as the headline .

Your LinkedIn summary is your chance to illustrate your unique value proposition, showing potential employers what you can bring to the table and what makes you stand out from the crowd.

This guide includes 20 great LinkedIn summary samples, as well as our unique formula and everything you need to know to craft the perfect LinkedIn summary.

Why are LinkedIn profile summaries important for jobseekers?

A recent study found that job applicants with an extensive LinkedIn profile are 71% more likely to receive a call back for a job interview than those with no LinkedIn profile.

But the most interesting find of this study was this: job applicants with ‘bare bones’ LinkedIn profiles or basic LinkedIn profiles are less likely to receive call backs for job interviews than those with no LinkedIn profile whatsoever.

As the study indicates, a weak LinkedIn profile can be very damaging to your job search .

This is because many recruiters navigate to your LinkedIn profile when you apply for jobs. If the content isn’t impressive, there’s a good chance they won’t pursue you as a candidate.

LinkedIn profile summaries - as well headlines - are what really let down many of these weak LinkedIn profiles. Many LinkedIn users’ summaries simply don’t articulate their value and uniqueness.

For help with your LinkedIn headline, take a look at our 15 great LinkedIn headline samples .

The LinkedIn profile summary formula

Using our LinkedIn profile summary formula is a sure-fire way of impressing other LinkedIn users, making yourself stand out and providing yourself with a greater chance of impressing potential employers.

Follow our 8-step formula to prepare yourself a great LinkedIn summary.

1. Introduction

Start your LinkedIn summary by introducing yourself. Don’t jump straight into your accomplishments or your unique value proposition. Tell the reader who you are.

Remember, LinkedIn is a social networking platform and it's best to use an informal approach. Use a conversational tone and be concise.

Take a look at the first paragraph of our LinkedIn summary templates in this guide to see examples of effective introductions to LinkedIn summaries.

2. Authenticity

Authenticity is arguably one of the most important steps in our LinkedIn summary formula.

Being authentic on LinkedIn is vital. It makes you stand out from the millions of other LinkedIn users who may possess very similar skill sets and experiences to you.

Avoid generic phrases. Ensure your LinkedIn profile’s summary is unique to you and tell the reader what makes you stand out from the crowd.

Other ways of being authentic on LinkedIn include adding short introduction videos to your summary and uploading media content to showcase your work.

3. Achievements

Illustrating your achievements is a great way to make yourself stand out on LinkedIn. Use bullet points of symbols to draw attention to your key achievements. Be succinct and don’t go into too much detail.

4. Numbers and Data

Make use of numbers and data to bolster your achievements. Numbers and data back your achievements up by providing tangible evidence of the results.

Here is an example:

‘Grew revenue by 42% over the course of two years’.

Notice how the use of numbers enhances the achievement and makes it more realistic.

5. Unique Value Proposition

The best LinkedIn profile summaries are the ones that effectively illustrate the user’s unique value proposition.

What is a unique value proposition?

It’s the key benefit that you offer to employers, making you stand out from other LinkedIn users and showing why you’re a unique candidate.

Articulating your unique value proposition in your LinkedIn summary will show potential employers why you’re a stronger candidate than other LinkedIn users. It also enables them to envision how you can add value to their organisation.

Identify your unique value proposition and ensure it comes across in your LinkedIn profile’s summary.

6. Key Skills and Experineces

Your LinkedIn profile’s summary should touch on your key skills and experiences, touching on those that are most relevant to your career objectives.

Provide examples of times you have utilised your skills to achieve positive outcomes and, if possible, tie these into your work experiences.

7. Keyword Optimisation

Your LinkedIn profile should be optimised with strategically-placed keywords to help it appear in searches and increase its traffic.

Along with the LinkedIn headline , the summary is one of the most important parts of your profile to consider when optimising it for search purposes. If done correctly, this will improve its online presence and bring more potential employers to your profile.

Ensure to include keywords that are relevant to your profession and industry. Additionally, include a specialities or skills section at the end of your summary; here you can add a list of keywords to help your ranking.

Take a look at the LinkedIn summary samples in this guide to see how we included relevant keywords.

8. Call to Action

End your LinkedIn summary with a clear, concise call to action. Tell the reader what you want them to do, whether it’s to send you a LinkedIn message or to check out your website.

If you’re already employed, you may want to be more subtle with your call to action. Something along the lines of ‘feel free to get in touch to learn more about me’ would suffice if you don’t want your current employer to know that you’re pursuing new opportunities.

LinkedIn Summary Examples

Linkedin summary example 1, project manager.

Specialising in real estate and construction, I’ve amassed over 10 years’ experience in project management. I’m passionate about translating project visions and objectives into reality, offering tangible results in line with client expectations.

My recent successes include:

- Executed and delivered the 40 million dollar ‘Coastal Build’ project, involving the construction of 8 luxury apartment properties in LA

- Generated $400k in cost savings by sourcing new construction materials

I’m adept with multiple project management methodologies including Waterfall and Agile. My expertise extends to budget management, stakeholder management and finance management.

Having recently completed a six-month assignment, I am now actively pursuing new contract roles in Los Angeles. Feel free to send me a message to learn more about me.

Specialities: Project management, construction, real estate project management, budget management, project delivery, stakeholder management, Agile, Waterfall.

LinkedIn Summary Example 2

Mechanical engineer.

I’ve always had a natural curiosity for machinery. As a child, I loved taking things apart and putting them back together. By the age of 12, I was building components for use in construction and even making a bit of pocket money for my troubles. My passion for machinery continued to develop and I soon obtained a mechanical engineering degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

Today, I’m still doing what I love. As a mechanical engineer for a major airline, I create state-of-the-art solutions and solve some of the most complex problems facing the airline industry.

Successes achieved during my time in this role include:

- Presented with the ‘Star of the Year’ award for solving one of the airline’s most challenging problems of the last decade, selected out of a field of 10,000 employees.

- Completed the 500 million dollar ‘New Age’ project as part of the construction of a new fleet of innovative aircraft.

When I’m not working on mechanical engineering projects, I’m either spending time with my family or reading mystery novels.

I love to connect with people from all walks of life, so please don’t hesitate to send me a message.

Specialities: Mechanical engineering, client management, metallics/composites, structural analysis, mechanical design, aerospace systems, fatigue analysis.

LinkedIn Summary Example 3

Real estate manager.

I’m a real estate professional with over 20 years’ experience, with a particular focus on property acquisitions and fund management.

Over the last few years, I’ve specialised in the sale of high-end residential properties to UHNW clients in Los Angles and the surrounding areas. Recent sales include a 40 million dollar beach house in Malibu. In 2019, I closed over 400 million dollars in real estate sales.

My job is mostly about relationship building, which comes natural to me. I’ve always been a big people person who loves making new friends. As a real estate agent, this skill proves invaluable, enabling me to develop broad networks of contacts and maximise client satisfaction.

In the future, I intend to continue doing what I do best: selling properties and helping clients get the most out of their investments.

Interested in discussing our portfolio of properties or other real estate solutions? Get in touch with me. I’d love to hear from you.

Areas of expertise: Fund management, investment management, real estate sales, business development, relationship management, portfolio management.

LinkedIn Summary Example 4

Software developer.

As a teenager at school, I was the kid other students approached about issues with their phone or laptop. I was the go-to guy for fixing resolving any technical problems.

Today, not much has changed. I’m still the first point of call for technical issues. The difference is I now also develop innovative software to solve the problems of multinational companies. One of my most recent projects involved designing and rolling-out a new piece of software to optimise the efficiency of holiday bookings. This contributed to a reduction in staff numbers and 12% increase in travel bookings.

In my spare time, I manage a voluntary organisation called Butterfly, which aims to help young people get involved in technology. This involves training kids in software development and key technical processes. I also create PS4 games, one of which was voted as the best game of 2020 on over 10 websites.

If you want to know more about me, send me a message or reach out to me at [email protected]

LinkedIn Summary Example 5

Sales manager.

I’m a sales manager, specialising in the sale of construction materials. Over the course of 15 years in this sphere, I have built a large network of contacts with suppliers and customers across Europe.

Currently employed as sales manager at IC2I Construction Europe Ltd., I build relationships with suppliers and clients while executing new sales strategies to generate growth. I also lead a team of six sales staff and source new materials across Europe. During my time in this role, I have finalised the sale of over 100 million euros worth of construction materials.

Among my colleagues, I am known as a tenacious go-getter. I set challenging goals and I make sure my team have the capabilities to meet them.

Having recently completed a 12-month contract in Russia, I am now open to new opportunities in the UK or across Europe. Feel free to get in touch with me.

LinkedIn Summary Example 6

Hotel manager.

I’m a hotel manager, with over 20 years’ experience in the hospitality industry. Having spent the last 10 years managing large four-star resorts in Tenerife, Spain and Gran Canaria, I have built a reputation for growing revenue and increasing hotel room occupancy rates.

I am currently responsible for manging a 3,000-room all-inclusive resort in Los Cristianos, which includes four restaurants, three bars, four swimming pools and six retail outlets. During my time in this role, I have been successful in increasing the hotel’s room occupancy rate by 8.9%.

My other key successes in recent years include:

- Increased the occupancy rate of a four-star resort in Tenerife from 74.4% to 87.2%

- Oversaw a 12% growth in profits while managing a four-star hotel in Lloret de Mar

A very hands-on hotel manager, I control all operational and financial aspects of hotel management. This extends to budget management, financial management, P&L management and staff training.

Please feel free to get in touch with me if you’re interested in connecting.

Specialities: Hotel management, operations management, general management, P&L management, budget management, financial administration.

LinkedIn Summary Example 7

Recruitment consultant.

Bad hires costs businesses a lot of money. They’re also a big stumbling block in terms of achieving business goals. My job involves making sure businesses avoid bad hires. I help companies solve their recruitment problems by finding high-quality talent to help them realise their objectives.

My strongest asset is my ability to build and maintain relationships. I’ve developed a long list of employers and businesses who turn to me when they need new talent. These range from multi-million-dollar corporations to local sole traders.

When it comes to building productive relationships, I always refer to a quote by Suzy Kassem: ‘Treat your relationship as if you are growing the most beautiful sacred flower. Keep watering it, tend to the roots, and always make sure the petals are full of color and are never curling. Once you neglect your plant, it will die, as will your relationship.’ By following this guidance when managing relationships my clients, I’ve been able to not only improve client satisfaction, but also increase revenue.

Since 2018, I have personally sourced over 12,000 candidates and presented them to employers. Over 87% of my permanently hired candidates have remained with their employer for at least 12 months.

I am always eager to hear from both jobseekers and employers, so feel free to get in touch with me to discuss job openings or recruitment solutions.

LinkedIn Summary Example 8

Marketing specialist.

As the director of one of London’s leading marketing agencies, I’m passionate about enabling businesses to grow. Whether our clients come to us because they are struggling to attract customers or because they simply want to outsource their marketing activities, we help them achieve exponential growth.

I’m a marketing consultant. In 2016 I founded Joyful & Wonder Marketing, a digital marketing agency. Since its inception, Joyful & Wonder Marketing has worked with over 500 businesses across the UK and Ireland, ranging from major corporations to SMEs. We build marketing campaigns based on data and analytics that create wonder with audiences and generate unprecedented growth.

Examples of our recent campaign successes include:

- 800% increase in sales for a major sportswear retailer

- 400% increase in sales for a London-based retail outlet

Alongside a bachelor’s degree in marketing, I have also studied consumer psychology and the behaviour behind customer decision-making. My expertise in this area helps me build marketing campaigns that get results. I have also lectured at leading Russel Group universities on consumer psychology.

When I’m not developing marketing strategies, I love hiking through the Scottish Highlands or wild camping across Europe. In 2019, I spent two weeks trekking and camping through Poland and Germany.

Want to talk about marketing? Don’t hesitate to send me a message to start a chat.

Specialities: Digital marketing, marketing consultancy, strategy development, consumer psychology, data science, behavioural science, budget management, data & analytics, client management, relationship management.

LinkedIn Summary Example 9

Business class flight attendant.

With over 10 years of experience as a flight attendant in the aviation industry, I have a proven track record of improving the passenger experience and achieving high levels of customer satisfaction.

For the past three years, I have been employed as a business class flight attendant. As the airline has a large number of returning customers, it's important that I maintain a knowledge of passenger’s preferences to ensure they receive a personalised service.

Many of my previous cabin crew roles have involved team leading. While working on long-haul flights from the US to the UK, I was the appointed senior cabin crew member, responsible for managing a team of 6 flight attendants.

My senior colleagues have referred to me as customer-oriented individual who is driven by a desire to meet the expectations of first class/business class passengers. With strong communication acumen and active listening skills, I am capable of quickly identifying customer’s requirements and building a rapport with them.

I am now actively seeking new roles as a flight attendant. If you’re interested in communicating, I would be delighted to hear from you.

LinkedIn Summary Example 10

I am a chef, specialising in French cuisine. My career as a chef started in Marseille in the 1990s. As a commis chef, I learned the ropes in the fast-paced kitchens of five-star hotels. In 2001, I moved to London, where I found work as a sous chef in some of the capital’s most prestigious French restaurants.

Cooking is my art. Whether it’s preparing a complex three course meal or French Canistrelli cookies, I always put my heart and soul into my work.

In 2014, I was presented with an award for the Ultimate Chef of the Year. I entered this competition following a great deal of persuasion from my colleagues, and I was required to produce French meals for customers on a whim. This involved preparing over 100 French meals, including French Onion Soup, Coq Au Vin and Tartiflette, on short notice, within strict timescales and with minimal preparation.

The key to my success in this competition – which featured over 2,000 chefs – was my ability to work under pressure in rapidly changing, fast-paced environments. This has always been my strongest skill, enabling me to maintain high standards under pressure.

In more recent times, I started working as head chef of a new French restaurant in Mayfair, London. My role here has involved leading all aspects of the set-up of the restaurant, from menu design and interior design to cooking and financial management. Since opening only four months ago, our restaurant has turned over more than four hundred thousand pounds and has generated over 400 positive reviews on TripAdvisor.

I am always interested to learn about new career opportunities, so please get in touch with me via LinkedIn messaging if you would like to chat.

Specialities: French cuisine, kitchen management, staff management, menu design, rota management, team building, financial management.

LinkedIn Summary Example 11

Student/no experience.

I am a mechanical engineering student at Manchester University. Due to graduate in the coming months, I am eager to secure challenging roles in mechanical engineering.

In the second year of my degree I undertook a 6-month placement at an engineering company in Manchester. I was delighted to be presented with the opportunity to utilise the skills gained during my studies to solve problems in the engineering world. During the course of this placement, I played a key role in developing a new part for the company’s manufacturing plant. This revolutionary part has since led to a cost reduction of six hundred thousand pounds.

My studies have provided me with broad proficiency in the use of mechanical engineering methods, tools, software packages and techniques. Alongside this, I have developed sound communication skills while delivering presentations to large audiences at university. As such, I am confident that I can make an instant impact in engineering roles.

I am eager to hear about potential career opportunities, so I would be pleased to chat about job openings in the engineering sphere.

My key skills include: Mechanical engineering, aerospace thermodynamics, electrical energy supply, engineering design, mathematics, fluid mechanics.

LinkedIn Summary Example 12

From a young age, I’ve always been excited by numbers. I was top of the class in maths at primary school and when I finished sixth form I enrolled as a mathematics undergraduate at Cambridge University. Today, I am an accountant. I still love getting to grips with numbers and complex data to solve problems and support business success.

With over 15 years of experience in accounting, I have built a reputation for enhancing the performance of finance departments.

In my current role as senior accountant, I prepare financial reports and statements while managing a range of finance-related tasks. I also analyse financial information to enable informed decision-making at Senior Management level.

My key successes during my time in this role include:

- Reduced company costs by 23% by meeting with departmental managers and evaluating their budgets

- Enhanced the efficiency of the management accountancy process by implementing new software

- Eliminated the need for an additional four staff members by transitioning the accountancy process to a digital format

When I’m not sitting at my desk, I enjoy playing chess. In 2019, I won two national chess competitions.

If you want to chat about job opportunities – or chess – please feel free to send me a message. I look forward to hearing from you.

Specialities: Finance management, accountancy, departmental management, financial consultancy, financial reporting, regulatory compliance.

LinkedIn Summary Example 13

Web developer.

I’m an independent web developer who is passionate about brining client’s visions to life. Since establishing my web development agency in 2017, I have managed over 1,000 projects for a diverse client base, which includes multi-million-pound businesses and sole traders.

I’m proud that my web development work has helped my clients to grow their businesses and generate more revenue. For example, after revamping the website of a Leicester-based clothing company, my client experienced a 312% increase in the sale of footwear.

My strongest skill is my creativity. Being able to gather client’s requirements and translate those into an engaging, effective and unique website is what has helped me obtain over 500 positive Trustpilot reviews.

If you would like to know more about my web development services, please take a look at my website, which is detailed below. Alternatively, check out images of some of the websites I have created in my experinece section.

LinkedIn Summary Example 14

Data analyst.

As a data analyst, my goal is to help clients make better business decisions. I enable them to perform to higher standards by analysing complex data and identifying problem areas.

In my current role, I gather and analyse data on sales and marketing, before processing the data and presenting it an easy-to-follow manner to Senior Management. I also manage a team of four and deliver training to colleagues.

If you want to know more, please email me at [email protected] to start a chat.

Specialities: Data analysis, computer science, economics, data modelling, business intelligence, data mining.

LinkedIn Summary Example 15

Executive assistant.

I’m an executive assistant. The purpose of my role is to help executives make more effective use of their time. I do this by efficiently managing all the fine details of their schedule, along with administrative and office management processes.

My most recent role involved a great deal of international travel. I accompanied executives to locations including Dubai, California, Toronto, Melbourne and Oslo to help manage their meetings, schedules and diaries. While employed in this role, I have scheduled and managed over 500 meetings across multiple continents.

Organisation is one of my key strengths that allows me to excel in executive administration. As an executive assistant, it’s vital that I maintain high levels of organisation to ensure the smooth-running of executive’s schedules.

Outside of work, I love reading historical fiction novels. If I can’t be found in the garden reading a new novel, I’ll probably be in my local library.

I left my last job post two months ago, so I am now actively seeking new employment. Please don’t hesitate to contact me to discuss employment opportunities.

Specialties: Administration, diary management, scheduling, Microsoft Office, reporting, office management.

LinkedIn Summary Example 16

I am a programmer, specialising in the app development arena. For the last 3 years, I have been developing games using C++, C# and Java programming languages.

I’m currently employed as senior programmer at App Dev One Two Developers. I’m hands on in all stages of the programming cycle, from planning and design to testing and deployment. No two days are the same for me; my tasks may involve analysing algorithms, altering code, fixing bugs, brainstorming ideas or integrating new systems.

Something that I love about programming is the opportunity to work with people from a wide range of disciplines. The software development lifecycle involves working with so many different people and departments and, as a people person and someone who loves to build new relationships, it’s great to be able to come together with other professionals who are striving towards the same goal.

Some of the games I have developed during the last 12 months include:

- Hop It Mash – A complex strategy game, which has been downloaded over 1,000,000 times

- Tea Ride in the Forest – A children’s game that has generated over $50,000 in revenue

- Calculate Ingenious – A mathematical game, which over 500 schools in the United States have brought into their classrooms

If you want to talk about programming, coding, software engineering, or anything else, drop me a line. I am currently unavailable for employment, but I am eager to hear from LinkedIn users.

Skills: C++, C#, Java, JavaScript, software development, gaming design, containers, AWS, Azure, data structures, one text editors, coding, SQL, Visual Studio Code, UNIX, Python.

LinkedIn Summary Example 17

I’m passionate about the people of organisation. Employees are the engine of businesses and it’s vital to create cultures in which they can thrive. As a human resources professional, I know how important my role is in regards to business success.

With over 9 years’ experience in HR, I am adept at enhancing the employee experience and developing positive workplace cultures. Since 2018, I have been employed in HR management for a Fortune 500 company in New York. In 2020, I won the company’s prestigious award for HR Professional of the Year.

During the course of my career, I have gained a breadth of international experience. This includes two stints in Los Angeles as a HR administrator, as well as three years in Germany as a HR manager. These experiences enabled me to obtain a knowledge of international HR practices and employment regulations.

Want to chat? Feel free to drop me a message.

LinkedIn Summary Example 18

Computer science grduate.

In summer 2020 I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in computer science from the University of Birmingham. Having now obtained my degree, I have moved to London to pursue job opportunities.

Modules studied during my degree include object-oriented programming, systems & architecture, software engineering management, operating systems, industrial network design, artificial intelligence, UX design, designing secure systems and robotics.

My natural curiosity for computers is what drove me towards my computer science degree. I’ve always been fascinated by computers and the technical mechanics behind the monitor.

Having secured a first-class degree, I am now eager to secure roles that demand use of the skills gained during my studies. I love to connect with new people and build new relationships, so feel free to send me a message.

LinkedIn Summary Example 19

Writer/author.

I’m the author of the Brian Smith crime series. Since the release of the first book in the series, over 2,000,000 Brian Smith novels have been sold in over 35 countries.

The series, which is set in East London, consists of four books, with the fifth book due to be published in Summer 2021. The first novel in the Brian Smith series, The Night, is due to commence production for a TV series in the coming months.

To read my new novel, please check out the Amazon link below. Or sign up to my email list on my website to receive a free copy of The Night.

LinkedIn Summary Example 20

Entrepreneur.

I am the founder and CEO of Starstruck and Moondust Industries. The business started five years ago as a two-person operation in London and has since grown to employ over 40 talented people. We have a complex management structure and our customers are some of the largest companies in the UK. In 2019, we increased our customer base by 50% and expanded into new international markets.

Starstruck and Moondust Industries specialise in providing consultancy services to businesses. Our goal is to make your business more effective and improve your bottom line.

Examples of our successes include:

- 54% growth in revenue for a clothing company following the implementation of new marketing and sales processes

- 882% increase in the sale of merchandise for a major football club following our bespoke marketing consultancy

Alongside Starstruck and Moonlight Industries, I am also the CEO of two construction companies and a modelling agency. If you want to know how our services can help you, please take a look at our websites below.

We hope you have found these LinkedIn summary templates helpful. Headlines are another key aspect of your profile, so feel free to take a look at our 15 LinkedIn headline examples to see what a great LinkedIn headline should look like.

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How to Write a LinkedIn Summary That Helps You Stand Out

A strong LinkedIn summary can grab people’s attention, getting them excited about the potential of learning from or working with you.

In this article, we’ll go over the factors that make for an effective LinkedIn summary as well as tips you can apply to your own summary, developing the best paragraphs possible to highlight what’s unique about you.

What is a LinkedIn summary?

Your LinkedIn summary is the “about” section on your LinkedIn page, a space where you can highlight your professional experience, major achievements, relevant skills, and other important information you’d like to share. When done well, it can grab people’s attention and get them excited about learning from or working with you.

You have a max of 2,000 characters (around 300-500 words) with a LinkedIn summary. In that space, it’s important to craft a summary that reads more like a story than a resume. Try to avoid lists and aim for an engaging narrative that “hooks” recruiters, potential employers, and others.

Why is a LinkedIn summary important?

A good LinkedIn summary can help you make a big impact and achieve your professional goals, whether that’s getting a new job or moving up in your career. Here's why.

It makes a big first impression: The LinkedIn summary is one of the first things readers see on your profile—it’s their introduction to you.

It strengthens your searchability:  Google regularly indexes LinkedIn, meaning that if you want better search visibility, you should take advantage of crafting a LinkedIn summary that helps people find you when they search for relevant industry terms.

It adds personality to your LinkedIn page: Your LinkedIn profile is full of details about your work history, education, skills, and professional organizations. But your summary is a chance to infuse some personality and help tell your story.

Elements of a strong LinkedIn summary 

Your LinkedIn summary is an opportunity to promote yourself through a brief introduction. It should read like an elevator pitch—a concise summary about who you are, what you do, and what you’ve accomplished—while showcasing your personality. Here are four components your LinkedIn summary should contain. 

It should create a hook in the first 300 words. 

There’s a reason your first 300 words need to be strong. It’s what LinkedIn displays before prompting users to “see more” and unfurl the rest of your summary. As such, it helps to pick a compelling opening so your first 300 words “hook” your readers and make them want to learn more about you.

Tell a compelling story.

Be genuine and personal. Consider starting with an anecdote, sharing your passion, explaining something major you’ve accomplished, or speaking directly to readers. Avoid opening with a question or using empty buzzwords that don’t convey much. 

It should read like a narrative. 

Similar to your hook, your entire LinkedIn summary should read like a narrative—a representation of who you are. Aim to write in paragraphs that tell a story rather than paragraphs that list your experience. 

Let your personality show through by writing your LinkedIn summary in the first person. This adds personality and ownership while showing off who you are as a person (and what you might be like to work with). 

Learn more: 10 Ways to Enhance Your Resume

It should use optimized search terms.

Include industry-specific keywords where possible, but don’t overuse them or stuff your sentences with them unnecessarily. Embedding terms when describing your skills is a natural way to incorporate keywords. For example, if you work as a software engineer , you'd likely want to highlight the programming languages you know. Similarly, if you work as a graphic designer , you'd want to highlight the programs you use.  

It should be easy to read.

No one wants to read a huge chunk of text. Break up your LinkedIn summary with short paragraphs, bullet points, and even appropriate emojis.

Use whitespace to your advantage by giving the page some “breathing room.” When listing accomplishments, for example, consider using a short series of bullet points that you connect to your larger story. You can also format your summary by making certain keywords bold to draw attention to them.

6 ways to improve your LinkedIn summary

Your LinkedIn summary should tell your unique story: who you are, what drives you, what type of work energizes you, and what you’ve achieved. Here are six ways to improve yours.

1. Open with personality. 

Use your first sentence to pique interest. In your opening, share a bit about why you do what you do. This can take the shape of a personal anecdote, a reflection, or even just a straightforward address to the reader. For example, “I love figuring out what customers want. That’s what drove me to brand marketing.” 

Discuss how you first discovered your passion for the work you do, what excites you about your work, or what you’re most proud of can be a great way to show off your personality and expertise.  

2. Discuss your background. 

You'll want to explain your professional journey. Whether you’ve followed one clear path or tried different things, this is a chance to contextualize your choices. Provide some light background about your career history in a simple story. If you opened with an anecdote, segue to your professional history and explain how you ended up where you are now.  

3. Open up about your current role. 

Once you’ve explained some of what you’ve previously done, share details about your current role. If you’re comfortable doing so, provide information like your day-to-day tasks and what you’ve managed to accomplish since starting. This information shouldn’t read like a job description. Think of it more like a window into your daily life, focusing on what energizes you about the work you perform. 

If you are not currently employed, this can be a great space to talk about your professional goals and what you’re hoping to find with your next role. 

4. Detail your accomplishments. 

Highlight your professional accomplishments by focusing on your impact. Noting your accomplishments also gives you credibility and helps you build a reputation as a successful professional in your industry. Don’t discount the power of these details. 

5. Highlight relevant skills and talents.  

Discuss what’s made you successful by detailing your specific skills, talents, and areas of expertise. You can either reference these as you discuss your professional background and previous roles, or you can create a list at the very end detailing your technical skills and even your interests.

6. Close with a call to action. 

Many LinkedIn summaries end with a list of technical skills, but a call to action can be equally effective. While a call to action isn’t always necessary, it can be immensely helpful when you’re looking for a new job. Close with some details about your goals and how you hope to achieve them through your future career moves, then encourage readers to get in touch by connecting on LinkedIn. 

If you’re not seeking a new role, you may still want to keep yourself open to new connections. Tell readers to connect with you on LinkedIn, especially if they are passionate about similar things.

Learn how to build your network with Coursera

Having a strong presence on LinkedIn can help you find new roles, advance in your career, and network with other industry professionals. Learn more about how to get the most out of LinkedIn with courses on networking and guided projects on Coursera. You can Utilize LinkedIn for Career Search and learn about using the platform to find a job, or Strategically Build and Engage Your Network on LinkedIn and learn how to connect with others.

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Here's an example of the perfect LinkedIn profile summary, according to Harvard career experts

If you want to have a successful career, maintaining an online presence on LinkedIn is crucial.

Not only is it an effective way to network with other professionals in your field, but it can get you noticed by others and potentially land you several job opportunities .

In fact, I landed a great job at a major company because I regularly updated my profile and published career-related content almost daily. (That job ultimately inspired me to start my own company.)

Believe it or not, that was six years ago — and today, LinkedIn has only become increasingly important.

The LinkedIn profile summary

Simply signing up for an account, quickly filling in the blanks and then letting your profile remain dormant won't do you any good.

Of the many elements that make up a strong profile, two of the most important ones are your professional headline and "About" section, explain career experts at Harvard University's Office for Alumni Affairs and Career Advancement .

Together, they make up what's known as your "LinkedIn profile summary," and it's one of the first things people see when they visit your page. Your professional headline is especially important because it's the text that gets displayed in search results for both Google and LinkedIn.

Below is an example of a strong LinkedIn profile summary, according to the career experts at Harvard:

NAME: Jessica Yan

PROFESSIONAL HEADLINE: Research Scientist | Ph.D. Candidate | Data Analytics, Biotech, Pharma

"ABOUT" SECTION: I'm a research scientist working to better understand how neural activity motivates and shapes human behavior. My expertise includes project design and management, data analysis and interpretation, and the development and implementation of research tools. I enjoy generating new ideas and devising feasible solutions to broadly relevant problems. My colleagues would describe me as a driven, resourceful individual who maintains a positive, proactive attitude when faced with adversity. Currently, I'm seeking opportunities that will allow me to develop and promote technologies that benefit human health. Specific fields of interest include data analytics, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals.

Here's what makes it a strong profile summary:

• Can be skimmed in 30 seconds or less
• Professional headline is below 120 characters, lists career focus and components of work
• Includes industry-related keywords, core skills, strengths, talents and interests
• Well written in a professional style, no spelling and grammatical mistakes
• Answers questions that provides deeper insight about the individual: What makes her unique? Where is her career headed? How would others describe her? What are her values and personal traits?

LinkedIn profile checklist

While your profile summary holds major emphasis, you'll need to spend time on savvying up the rest of it.

Here's a quick checklist of the basics to help you get started:

• Upload your photo . Ideally, this should be done in professional attire. Profiles with photos are 14 times more likely to be viewed, according to the career experts .
• Customize your public profile URL. The address should look something like: www.linkedin.com/in/yourname . This will make it easier for you to include it on business cards, resumes and email signatures.
• Enhance your profile with additional sections. Displaying further information (e.g., accomplishments, skills, volunteer experience, certifications, expertise) can also increase the amount of times people view your profile, notes LinkedIn . This, in turn, can help you build your network and connect to new opportunities.
• Elaborate on your work history in the "Experience" section. Use targeted keywords and include specific information about what you've done in your previous positions that led to measurable results. (Don't lie about titles or duties; you'll likely get called out by old colleagues — and it will be embarrassing.)
• Education : Include, in reverse chronological order, any programs or schools you went to.
• Customize your "Skills & Endorsements" section. Ensuring a relevant list of skills on your profile allows others in your network to endorse you. (Skills with the most endorsements will be listed first). This will also help others understand your strengths and match you with the right opportunities.
• Include recommendations. These should come from former supervisors, coworkers, clients, vendors, professors or fellow students. (Basically, anyone who will have good things to say about you and your work.)

Be an active member and build your network

Remember, the more active you are, the better. So as you move on to new jobs or master new skills, make it a point to update your profile.

Being active also means engaging with your community. You can do this by:

• Sharing updates and interesting content. This can include anything from new accomplishments and industry announcements to a blog post you've written or an article that people in your network may want to read.
• Inviting past and current coworkers, classmates, friends and family to connect. I'm often asked whether I request or accept connections from people I've never met. For me, it's a yes — but only if I'm genuinely interested in developing a professional relationship with the person and their field of work is somehow related.
• Engaging with your connections' "Recent Activity." LinkedIn allows you to see what folks in your network are posting, liking and commenting on. If they shared a blog post that you enjoyed reading, for example, why not give it a like or reply with a nice comment?
• Join groups. This will help you strengthen connections with people who share common skills, experiences, industry affiliations and goals.

Dustin McKissen is the founder of McKissen + Company , a strategic communications firm in St. Charles, Missouri. He was also named one of LinkedIn's "Top Voices in Management and Corporate Culture." Follow him on LinkedIn here.

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• Personal Branding
• How to Write a Powerful...

How to Write a Powerful LinkedIn Profile Summary

4 min read · Updated on October 12, 2022

Learn how to pitch your talents on LinkedIn in 30 seconds or less.

You have 30 seconds to describe yourself. Can you do it?

With a LinkedIn summary, that's all the time you have. Sorry, no one wants to read your entire work history — not even a little bit. 

The summary section requires brevity and critical thinking. You must explain what you're about and the impact you make on others.

So, do you need LinkedIn profile help?

The following guide is from my new book, Wait, How Do I Write This Email? , a collection of 100+ templates for networking, the job search, and LinkedIn.

Step 1: Who are you, really?

When you write a LinkedIn summary, keep it basic. In a nutshell, what are you known for? What is your value proposition? What's your identity? And how does your work and skills 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 part of a LinkedIn summary example from 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.

Step 2: What do you do?

Now take the opening line a bit deeper, but remember the 30-second rule. This is no time to delve into three huge paragraphs on everything you've done when you're writing your LinkedIn profile summary. 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

Here's the continuation of Lamar's LinkedIn profile summary example:

“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 on the cutting edge.”

Step 3: Bring 'em home

In the final step, put a stamp on your LinkedIn summary. By now the reader knows who you are and what you do. Now, finish out with a strong “closer” sentence.

Similar to your opening line, what'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?

When writing your LinkedIn summary, reiterate that point at the end, add a period, and you're done.

Here's the LinkedIn summary example from 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.”

LinkedIn Summary Example: Lamar

Every day, I protect sensitive information on thousands of people from hackers and cyberattacks. 

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 on the cutting edge.

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.

Even though it's short, Lamar's 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 when writing a LinkedIn summary: to be unforgettable.

Need LinkedIn profile help? Hire a TopResume writer to optimize your LinkedIn profile today!

Recommended Reading:

5 Tips for Delivering the Perfect Elevator Pitch

10 Ways to Create a Winning LinkedIn Profile

Resumes vs. LinkedIn Profiles: What You Should Know

Related Articles:

How to Create & Change a Custom LinkedIn URL in 3 Easy Steps

Why LinkedIn is Important: 7 Reasons to Polish Your Profile Today

12 Ways to Make Your LinkedIn Profile Stand Out (2023 Guide)

See how your resume stacks up.

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• Personal Branding
• How to Write a Compelling...

How to Write a Compelling LinkedIn Summary (+Examples)

6 min read · Updated on June 27, 2022

Make a strong first impression on LinkedIn.

LinkedIn is the place online where you can connect to other professionals in your field and build your network. LinkedIn is an essential tool for your job search and career - so you need to make the most of it. That means creating a detailed, comprehensive LinkedIn profile ‒ including a profile summary.

Also considered your 'About' section, your LinkedIn profile summary is the space on your profile where you introduce yourself to the digital world. It is your opportunity to share who you are as a professional, what makes you unique, important accomplishments and even some of your personality. You can also take advantage of key search terms that will increase the likelihood that your profile will turn up in search results. You can consider it a less formal version of the personal statement you include on your CV.

Because your LinkedIn profile summary is your first chance to make an impression on the social networking site, make sure it's the best it can be. Use these best practices to create an introduction that makes you stand out.

Target the audience you want 

A hundred different people may end up reading your LinkedIn summary example, but that doesn't matter if they're not the right people. Ask yourself a simple question: Who do you want to read your summary and, crucially, what do you want from them? 

For example, if you're a candidate on the hunt for a new role, you may be targeting recruiters and hiring managers. In that case, you should be writing a LinkedIn summary that sells you and your skills. Much like your CV, this brief overview needs to show people that you absolutely have what it takes to take the next step in your career.

Before you even dream of writing that first sentence, consider who will be reading it. Having a clear target audience will help you find a core message and avoid a long-winded, boring description. Instead, you'll be able to write something truly compelling.   

Be authentic, honest and concise 

It should go without saying that lying on your LinkedIn profile summary is a recipe for disaster. For one thing, everyone can see your page and someone can easily call you out on those little 'white lies' you're telling. Plus, there's the fact that you have to back everything you write up with facts and evidence. 

So be yourself! It might sound cliche, but it works. When writing your LinkedIn summary, it's important that you are authentic and honest about your experience. Avoid writing too much though ‒ no one wants to read your life story. Save those minor details for your autobiography instead. 

Let your personality shine through 

The recruiter or company reading your LinkedIn profile summary has not met you face to face. They have no idea of who you are or how very charming you may be. This is where your LinkedIn profile summary differs most from your CV, because you can let some of that award-winning personality shine through in your writing. This technique is used in the best LinkedIn profile summaries, and it can really work wonders when you get it right. 

Take a look at this example. Craig Japp , a solution leader, knows how to write a summary that really flows. Here's part of his LinkedIn profile summary: 

'After the realization set in that I will not be making it as a pro footballer or Wimbledon great (I wasn't close), I spent many evenings trawling the local press and digital job boards seeking the dream role that was out of reach. So it is no surprise that I now work in an industry which rewards me for helping people realize their potential and setting them on their way to achieving great things.'

Whilst you may think that starting with a joke is risky business, Craig manages to make it work. Whether you're a comedic genius or just a warm and friendly person, you need to show that to the reader in your writing. 

Note: The key word here is 'show'. Don't make the mistake of writing: 'I'm a funny, warm person…' in your summary. Paint the picture and let it come through naturally!

Explain what you do (briefly)

What exactly do you do, anyway? Your regular job duties and work history may cover a whole range of things, but you shouldn't babble in your LinkedIn profile summary. Instead, condense what it is that you do down into a manageable paragraph. Be concise and clear. The best summaries give a taste of the person's expertise and previous roles without getting too bogged down in the everyday, nitty-gritty details. Dedicate just a couple of sentences to your role and be clear. 

Show off your talents 

You know your profession better than anyone else, right? Well, then show that to those who look at your LinkedIn page. For example, educator Adam Buchbinder does an excellent job of showing off his talents and knowledge in his LinkedIn summary: 

'I am an educator passionate about leveraging podcasts to improve listening skills and narrow educational disparities. Research shows that we spend up to 90 percent of our time listening but only 10 percent of us listen effectively. This has serious consequences on students' long-term educational attainment and career readiness.'

By departing knowledge in the form of statistics, Adam shows that he has done his research and knows his stuff. These are qualities that recruiters are looking for, and so he's certain to get attention from the right people. 

Master the art of a 'closer' line

Now that you've got to the end of your LinkedIn profile summary, what is the takeaway message you want to leave with the reader? This final closing line should be both neat and memorable. Salesperson Micah Day nails it with this one-liner: 

'My superpower is my grit and my personal mantra is “Never leave anything to chance.”'

Rather than leaving the reader with the bland 'Connect with me now!' message, Micah decided to add a little pizzazz to her profile. This sentence shows that not only is she driven and hard-working, but that she also has a creative, humorous side too.

Make an impression with your LinkedIn summary

Elevator pitch, CV personal statement, LinkedIn profile summary ‒ these are all different ways through which you introduce yourself as a professional. On LinkedIn, that means a careful balance of professionalism and personality, all in the endeavour to make someone interested in learning more about you. With the right LinkedIn profile summary, connecting with HR managers and industry professionals alike will be a breeze.

Whilst your LinkedIn profile will help you connect with professionals, a compelling CV is essential to your job search. Find out if your CV makes the grade with our free CV review !

This article was updated in September 2020 by Lauren Settembrino .

Recommended Reading:

How to use LinkedIn to build your brand

Why you should customise your LinkedIn profile URL (and how to do it)

A guide to choosing the perfect LinkedIn profile picture

Related Articles:

How to establish your professional brand on LinkedIn

The worrying LinkedIn mistakes you could be making

How to pick the perfect LinkedIn profile picture

See how your CV stacks up.

Career Advice Newsletter

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Thanks! Career advice is on its way.

Share this article:

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Subscribe today to get job tips and career advice that will come in handy.

Your information is secure. Please read our privacy policy for more information.

15+ Good LinkedIn Summary Examples for Students (With Tips)

LinkedIn is a great site for job seekers of all levels, especially for students who are looking to start their careers. To make a strong first impression and catch the attention of potential employers, one must have a strong LinkedIn profile summary.

But how do you make your profile stand out? What should you include in your summary?

According to experts, here are good LinkedIn summary examples for students, with tips on how to write your own:

Founder and President,  TalentID Group

Selling yourself can be difficult. Selling yourself can be even more difficult when you don’t have much experience to back it up. But as students, you are working hard to reach your personal and professional goals so that you can go down a specific career path when you graduate. 

Even if we don’t know what that exact career path is, you should know some things you enjoy doing. With that, you can start crafting your own LinkedIn summary with four main things in mind. 

Related: What to Do If You Don’t Know What Career Path to Choose?

Tell a story — help them get to know you better

Help the reader get to know you. When you don’t have years of experience, you have to draw them in with your story. Connect with them. Leave them wanting to know you better. 

For example: 

“I was born with a crayon in hand. Writing on walls, desks, tables, sometimes paper, and now digitally on a computer screen, I’ve been honing my abilities since I was an infant. 

I experimented with different mediums and techniques, from fashion design to painting, pottery, and more. And let’s just say fashion was not my area of expertise. But I did learn in the process that digital design is kind of my thing.”

Demonstrate your passion

This is your opportunity to show that even though you don’t have a lot of experience, you have the  passion  and  desire  to learn and grow. Think about what you have done in the past that demonstrates your desire and ability to learn and grow. 

Building off the previous example, you might say: 

“Before college, I begged my parents to buy me a computer with the Adobe Creative Suite. But they said it was too expensive. So I made a deal with them and worked hard all summer to save up the money to buy one. 

When I did, I spent the next month figuring out how to use Adobe Creative Suite (I may or may not have fallen asleep in school a time or two because I stayed up too late the night before learning to use photoshop).”

Explain your experience

You may not have a lot of experience. In some cases, you may not have any experience. And that is where your story and passion come into play. 

But, if you have some experience, you can continue building off your passion. You could continue with: 

“ Once I learned how to use Photoshop, I started editing photos and then quickly caught on to Indesign and Illustrator. I began designing cards for my friends and birthday invitations; in college, I used them for school projects and papers. I would include extra flair on papers and was able to use these pieces to land my first internship. “

Related: How to Get an Internship

Include a conclusion

Your conclusion should include an easy way to contact you. It should also spell out your experience with specific programs, tools, or technologies, as well as what you are looking for next. 

You might tell readers: 

“I would love to chat with you about any graphic design internships or freelance opportunities you have available! The best way to reach me is by [email protected]. 

My experiences include Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Indesign, and Illustrator), HTML, and CSS.”

This  doesn’t  mean you need four separate paragraphs. This can be done well in one small paragraph with a few sentences. The point is that  by telling a story and engaging your readers, you have the opportunity to get them interested , so they want to know more and speak with you. 

Linda Shaffer

Chief People and Operations Officer,  Checkr, Inc.

Use concrete examples and numbers to illustrate your points

One thing all students should do as soon as they have some experience to put on their LinkedIn profile is to write a great summary. 

A great LinkedIn summary can help you  stand out  from the hundreds of other students competing for jobs. But writing one can be challenging. How do you condense everything you’ve accomplished into just a few sentences?

 Here are some tips for writing an  impactful  LinkedIn summary as a student:

• Start with a strong opening sentence that immediately catches the reader’s attention.
• Use keywords to highlight your skills and what you have to offer.
• Write in the first person and use active language throughout.
• Focus on your accomplishments and what you’ve learned rather than simply listing your experience.
• Use concrete examples and numbers to illustrate your points.
• Keep it between 200-300 words.
• Edit carefully for grammar, punctuation, and typos.

Here’s an example:

“I’m a recent graduate of XYZ University with a degree in communications. During my time in school, I held several leadership positions, including president of the student government association and captain of the varsity soccer team. 

I’m a skilled public speaker and have experience with event planning, fundraising, and media relations.

I’m a strong communicator with excellent writing and editing skills. I’m also proficient in Spanish and have experience working with diverse populations.

Since graduating, I’ve worked as a marketing assistant at a small firm. I’ve written press releases, developed social media campaigns, and organized promotional events in this role. 

I’m eager to use my skills and experience in a larger organization where I can have a greater impact. I’m seeking an entry-level position in marketing, communications, or public relations .”

Anna Berkolec

HR Manager,  ResumeLab

Aim to present yourself as a positive, dynamic, and eager learner

There are many factors to consider when looking to write an attention-grabbing LinkedIn summary. The same tips apply to students as they do to seasoned professionals.

So when looking to put your best foot forward, aim to apply these tips and best practices.

• Not too short, not too long.  Go for  balance  and (ideally) aim to write 150-250 words.
• Ensure to highlight your education  (after all, you’re still a student), your most impressive achievements (including awards), and tangible skills (both soft and technical) that would make you a valuable addition.
• First impressions go a long way, so  aim to present yourself as a positive, dynamic, and eager learner  with a can-do attitude.
• There is a reason listicles are so popular.  Bullet points make it easier to read , so use them frequently.
• Make it as quantifiable as possible.  Numbers and percentages make it easier and more precise to highlight your accomplishments and measure your impact.
• Look to  strategically select and include keywords recruiters might be using to search.   Don’t  overdo it, however, as it quickly becomes obvious and cringe-worthy.
• A call to action is key.  Provide an easy/best way to contact you.

Here is an example of such a summary:

“I am a recent New York University graduate with a double major in Psychology and Sociology looking to join a social change organization.

I am dedicated to this cause, as I would like to channel my education and life experiences to help make the justice system more just and ethical.

Having completed a few internships in this field has provided me with invaluable experiences that I would like to continue to build upon and utilize to contribute from the start.

Furthermore, throughout my studies, I’ve developed my research and statistical analysis skills, particularly through the use of software such as SPSS and STATA.”

Dorota Lysienia

Community Manager,  LiveCareer

Make it short and easy to understand

A LinkedIn summary should be like your elevator pitch: short and easy to understand. 

But that’s not enough. It should also  grab  the recruiter’s attention and show that you’re willing to go the extra mile to advance your career. Remember that it’s not  about all your educational and professional details. 

You want to spark interest in your profile by sharing some of the most exciting experiences you’ve had so far. Your goal is to explain what you did during your studies and internships in a simple and understandable way. 

Did you do something different from your peers that could add value to your profile? For example, some volunteer work or student-athlete experience? If so, you could add the following statement to your LinkedIn summary:

“As a captain of the soccer team at  [university name] , I gained my first leadership experience and learned how to motivate my teammates to achieve our goals on and off the field.”

However, don’t focus on every single point of your resume. It’s also important to talk about “ why ” you want to work in a specific industry rather than solely focusing on what you did. 

Showing your motivation is crucial for the latter stages of the recruitment process. Why? Because your motivation and things that inspired you to follow a particular path show your potential employer who you are and allow them to evaluate if you could be a  good  cultural fit for their company.

My advice is to include some aspects of your personal life , such as:

• Foreign destinations you visited

That way, you will show your  human side  and maybe find some connection with people that look at your profile.

Also, remember that your LinkedIn summary’s first sentence plays a crucial role. It often determines whether a person continues reading your text and becomes interested in your profile. That’s why you should make your first sentence  stand out  and encourage recruiters to get to know you better.

Agata Szczepanek

Community Manager, Resume Now

Proactive attitude matters

Being a student with extensive work experience? Impossible. How to attract potential employers on LinkedIn, then? No worries, job history is  not  everything. 

Focus on your proactive attitude, motivation, and willingness to develop. Be sure to mention all: 

• Internships
• Being a member of student organizations
• Voluntary work
• Additional courses
• Academic accomplishments you can be proud of

Also, provide  relevant  examples to illustrate what and how it has shaped you the way you are. 

Last but not least, make your LinkedIn summary not only informative but also  attention-grabbing .

“Hi there. If you seek an employee who treats (work) life with passion, people with respect, and new challenges with enthusiasm, I am the one you need.

I can do many different things and master new ones quickly. Fluency in English, good analytical and organizational skills, creativity, and kindness are just a few examples of what I can offer you. 

Thanks to hard work at university, the ability to learn fast, and strong motivation, I set very high standards for myself. 

I have been a member of the Scientific Circle of Psychological Sciences for three years so far, which gives me a great deal of satisfaction and precious leadership skills. I am in charge of our Circle’s magazine, having a few people on my team.

What I am really good at are people. Calling it a “superpower” would be an exaggeration; however, I find it really easy to build positive relationships, and it seems that people feel comfortable in my company. 

Those I worked with during my summer internship characterized me as “energetic, well-organized, professional, and peaceful.” On the other hand, friends, and family—if asked—would probably focus on “honesty, reliability, and an open mind.”

Education has always played an essential role in my life. Combining two full-time MA degree courses at  [Name of the University]  with the previously-mentioned scientific Circle has taught me to effectively manage my time and duties. 

Check it yourself and invite me for a job interview. I can’t wait to prove in person that I am a good candidate for many jobs thanks to my skill set, proactive attitude, and character traits.”

Iqbal Ahmad

Founder and CEO,  Britannia School of Academics

Use one-line opening

One-line opening matters when it’s relatable to your personality; it could be your favorite quote or mantra, your greatest milestone, or even a funny line. Or something you want your reader to know right off the bat. 

Mine is:  “With great power comes great responsibility within your office.”

Do talk about your strengths and advantages

Recognize the motivations behind your career choice and your goals for the positions. These will increase the  emotional resonance  of your LinkedIn profile.

Be realistic. Provide a  compelling  look into your personality since individuality and originality are key to standing out from the crowd. Develop your distinct blend of creativity and emphasize humanizing your encounters.

Do talk about your strengths and advantages. Again, personal branding is the key to getting yourself hooked on a reader.

Tell the reader about your  unique  traits. Then, write numbers, case studies, and actual examples from your experience to exemplify the results of what you have accomplished. 

This is much more  powerful  than using simple sentences to show the actions you accomplished because it gives more validity to whoever is reading it. Also, it gives them a much greater grasp and a lot more comfort in knowing that you are capable of very concrete skills.

“I was born and raised in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, attended YIS (Yanbu International School), now famously known as ISG (International Schools Group), for my high school education, and then traveled to Wales for college. I enjoy working in a social community and playing basketball and polo nationally.

I love to write, and I’m now balancing my studies and writing as a part-time academic and advertising writer (Copywriter). I’m responsible for generating a word for an advertisement. When people around me comment that I’m always thinking deeply, I frequently respond that I must come up with original concepts for my advertisements.

I have a firm grasp on time management since I can juggle my education, my passion for writing, and playing polo without wasting any of it. In addition, I frequently go to literary events to broaden my knowledge, which helps me increase my passion for writing.

Because of my sensitive temperament, I discovered myself to be an exceptional caregiver, so I pay close attention to my words and thoughts when writing or speaking.

I’m a political nerd and am very interested in global issues. However, the only reason I usually participate in discussions about world politics is to offer constructive criticism.

And in a cheerful tone, I eagerly await your response.”

A quick overview

• Outline your aims, professional values, character, and ethical practice  widely, and use this summary to exhibit your exceptional blend of knowledge, wisdom, and creativity. 
• Write one of your favorite lines to make it catchier . 
• At the end of your LinkedIn summary,  include an action point inviting people to contact you  for a productive and rewarding professional relationship.
• Instead of a resume,  focus on narrating an interesting story that expresses your personality’s positive traits  and defines your academic and professional ambitions.
• I would propose you add extra flair and humor.  

Your LinkedIn summary will give recruiters and other users an idea of what to expect if they contact you.

I would propose that adding emojis is a lot of fun. You will be more approachable if you use these subtle signals judiciously. Use them in your summary, but don’t be over-packed.

Melissa Erdman

Chief Operating Officer and Head of Client Success, Executive Resume Writers

Feature descriptive language and keywords

While crafting your professional summary can seem like a daunting task, it can be easily managed by taking the time to develop what our company calls the Unique Success Proposition™ (USP).

The USP serves as the  basis  for your summary. It should feature  descriptive language and keywords  that  clearly  and  precisely  define who you are and what distinguishes you from your peers.

USP Example:  

“A driven, results-oriented marketing student at  [insert college]  with a comprehensive background in digital advertising. I am recognized for my strong communications skills, creativity, and ability to inspire and lead high-performing teams. 

My greatest success has been assisting with the  [insert brand]  social media marketing campaign as an intern at  [insert company] .”

Now that you have crafted your foundational USP, expand on the summary by discussing key attributes that are  unique  to you and  align  with the roles you are targeting. 

Use action-oriented language that depicts what you contribute and how it drives organizational success.  Focus on showing recruiters and potential employers the skills and achievements you can leverage to support growth and strategic vision.

Additionally, research roles, academic background, and previous jobs can set the tone for your professional summary and ensure that you  reflect  your experience in alignment with the positions you are seeing.

Lachlan de Crespigny

Co-Founder and Co-CEO, Revelo

Sell yourself by promoting your experience and credentials

When it comes to making money, the most valuable commodity you have to sell is yourself. The social networking site LinkedIn is an excellent place to begin a career in the financial industry by promoting your experience and credentials.

For instance: 

“Next year, I plan to enroll at NYU’s Stern School of Business as a third-year finance major. 

After spending the past two summers as an intern at JetBlue Airways Corporation, I’ve decided to concentrate on learning about financial analysis and applying that knowledge in the real world of business. 

I am at my best when I can use my interpersonal skills in a team environment to address complex financial issues.

Personally, I adore the city of New York. Even though I grew up in New York City, I always looked forward to visiting Albany. Financial planning at New York University has long been on my radar. I hope to make a living as a financial consultant for prominent Wall Street figures in the long run. 

Thank you, New York University, for laying the groundwork for a prosperous professional future in which I assist others in taking control of their financial futures.”

Bruce Hanson

Education Wellness Expert, UCLA | CEO,  First Choice Admissions

Create an easily traceable thread

The thing to remember about writing a LinkedIn summary when you are a student is  not  to overreach. 

Everyone understands you have  minimal  job experience. Your job is to create an  easily  traceable thread from your interests to what you are studying to your work goals after school.   

This is a sample summary for a mechanical engineering student :

“I always loved numbers, and math always came easily to me. I also spent a lot of my time taking apart things around the house and (mostly) putting them back together again. 

I was thrilled when I took my first mechanical engineering class at Purdue. I felt like I had found my true passion. I made the dean’s list all four years and was selected to compete in the annual VEX robotics competition.

I had an internship with Eli Lilly during the summer of both my sophomore and junior years. I was on a team that worked to improve the manufacturing process of a heart monitor device. 

I learned how to apply my classroom knowledge creatively in real-world situations and the value of teams in solving complex problems.  

Now that I am a senior, my goal is to continue working in manufacturing and specifically focus on using robotics in manufacturing processes.”

Joshua Rich

CEO and Founder,  Bullseye Locations

From my experience, here is what I believe recruiters prefer when they are looking out for potential candidates to employ. 

Ensure you comprehensively cover your academic credentials

There are many areas that people actively searching for jobs should cover in their LinkedIn summaries. However, I believe a certain order should be followed to establish a more pressing impression with employers.

First and foremost, as a student, you want to ensure you comprehensively cover your academic credentials. Here, you seek to make clear the answers to specific important questions the employer would like to get to know you through. 

• Which institutions do you study at?
• Which courses more comfortably lie in your area of expertise?
• What are your highest scoring subjects have been?
• What are you most passionate about? 

Include professional qualifications and experience 

Next are your professional qualifications and any work experience you may have under your belt. These don’t necessarily have to include only full-time opportunities.

In fact, employers appreciate any part-time jobs, internships, training, and especially volunteer work experience. The experiences that  align  with your academic field are  noteworthy  to employers, so students should be sure to mention those.

Related: Do Internships Count as Work Experience?

Highlight their extracurricular skills and creative potential

Moreover, students must also look  beyond  their professional achievements and highlight their extracurricular skills and creative potential. 

Make sure you recall any awards you may have won, such as sporting victories, debating competition medals, etc. In addition, proficiency in a musical instrument, painting, writing, etc., can all form more than adequate representations of skills with respect to hobbies. 

Tie it up with an aligned long-term goal and plan

Lastly, in addition to the content mentioned above, it is important to tie it up with an aligned long-term goal and plan you seek to actualize. 

Mentioning appropriate values you seek to embody to help you get there may allude to employers whose company’s DNA and culture match those. 

Marie Pierce, CCC

Career Counselor, Manhattanville College

Start with a hook

Your LinkedIn summary is akin to your “ about me ” section on your blog or dating profile. But instead of introducing yourself to potential a partner or content absorbers, you are marketing yourself to potential employers and coworkers. 

So how do you utilize the space you are given to show who you are and why you’d be a great addition to a workplace team? One of the best ways to ensure a potential employer takes the time to read through your LinkedIn summary is to start with a hook. 

Grab their attention with one to two sentences showcasing your personal brand: 

• What you do
• What you feel strongly about
• What you do differently than others

Within your summary, you want to focus on  why  a company should hire you over anyone else. This is your opportunity to express: 

• Why it is you do what you do
• The joy it brings you
• How it helps to serve others 
• What motivates you

Related: How to Answer Job Interview Question “What Motivates You?”

Once you have given the reader a view into who you are, what you do great, and why you do what you do,  prove it . Quickly mention some recent achievements and highlights from your career. 

Also, don’t be afraid to sprinkle in some personal qualities and interests that live  outside  of work.  Hiring managers are interested in seeing who you are as a person, not just a workplace robot.  Close out with an eager invitation to connect and collaborate.

Linnita Hosten

Student Success Strategist

Tell the story of your “why”

Everyone’s going to do the same thing with their LinkedIn profile summary. They will copy and paste “ work jargon ” from their resume. 

I charge students to think strategically about every digital asset. Use the LinkedIn Summary to tell the story of your why. 

• What got you so intrigued with your work? 
• What are you looking to do? 
• What opportunities are you seeking to be a part of? 

Use the space to  creatively  story-tell. It’s a great way to be distinguished and human—rare characteristics in today’s traditional career industries.

Summary sample:

“At age 18, I watched my pop pop slowly dissipate in a hospital bed. His eyes closed, and his hand released my palm. He was my motivation to cure cancer.

I’m a rising dean’s list senior at Tennessee State University, passionate about quality patient care and cancer research.

I’m seeking opportunities in…”

Daniel Cook

HR Director,  Mullen and Mullen

State your value proposition

If you’re using LinkedIn to attract professional opportunities, you have to view your profile as your resume. As much as possible, fill in all necessary details about you, like your educational background and previous job experiences. 

Instead of just putting what roles you had fulfilled in what companies, it is better to put a  brief  description or overview of what you actually did when you were in that role. This allows recruiters to see if you have transferable skills that will come in handy for the job they’re offering.

Just as your profile serves as your resume, the “ summary ” section, in particular, serves as your cover letter. This is where you pitch yourself to headhunters. Instead of just describing yourself and what you do, use that section to state your value proposition. 

Related: What Is the Difference Between a Resume and Cover Letter?

What is it that you have and provide, and how does it concretely help specific companies/businesses from particular industries? The more specific and niched you can write this, the better because headhunters will immediately know what they’re looking at.

Ben Michael

VP of Operations, Michael & Associates

Use the “three-by-three” approach

I like to use what I call a three-by-three approach to LinkedIn summaries and similar brief text introductions. 

Three sentences, each with three points.  One about your  past , one about your  present , and one about your  future . 

Below is a good basic template to follow:

“Valedictorian, dean’s list, 2023 BS in Subject. Intern for X company, where I focus on A, B, and C duties. Aspiring Professional Title looking to achieve A, B, and C.” 

It’s concise, focuses on your best qualities, and shows your drive to succeed. You will inevitably be replicating some of the information elsewhere in your profile and resume with this approach, but that’s definitely part of the point. 

You want to emphasize the very  best  points of those more significant documents as a way to get people engaged and reading more. 

This approach also puts your essential information  front-and-center , making it easier  for recruiters and employers to find just the right major, skillset, and job description among potential candidates. 

It’s essential to  keep this introduction up-to-date, too.  Change it at least once a month, even if you’re just tweaking the wording, and make a point of quickly adding any new achievements or goals to get them noticed.

Director of Marketing,  Syntax Integration

For graduate students, include information on degrees already achieved

Graduate students can boost their summaries by including information about any degrees they’ve already achieved. There’s a common misconception that grad students don’t have time to network because they’re too busy with their studies, yet the opposite is true.

For example:

“I am nearing the end of my dissertation work for a Ph.D. in English Literature at Syracuse. After completing my BA in English at the University of Kentucky, I spent a year in Cambridge, drawn there by a passion for British literature and poetry, before transferring to Syracuse. 

The works of great authors like Shakespeare, Austen, and Joyce have instilled in me a deep appreciation for the English language.

Working as a TA in an Irish literature course this year has broadened my understanding of how students absorb information. My ultimate career goal after completing my degree is to teach at one of the prestigious universities from which I have benefited so greatly.”

Andrew Lokenauth

Founder,  Fluent in Finance

A great summary needs to be concise

No one has time to read a 5-minute summary. Try to keep it to a minute or less. Less is more.

• Use powerful action verbs to show what you can get done and what you have accomplished. It is crucial to illustrate your strengths through examples of prior actions.
• Do not waste space using adjectives or filler words like “ very ” in “very hardworking.”
• Your lead sentence should explain the problem you solve and the value you add. 
• Try to include as many SEO-rich words/industry jargon as possible. This will help when others search for someone with your skillset.

Here is an example of my  lead  sentence in my summary on Linkedin: 

“Andrew Lokenauth helps management translate their financials into actionable business decisions.”

Your ending paragraph should  tie  everything together and sell yourself one last time. You want to explain how you will make the hiring manager’s life  easier . 

Here is mine: 

“Andrew is adept at learning new information quickly. He has a track record of getting things done on time. His past experiences have enabled him to develop an excellent work ethic and deep. He is a multi-dimensional, accomplished, and results-oriented professional with comprehensive knowledge.”

Tyler Garns

Founder and CEO, Box Out Marketing

Show how you want to be known professionally

LinkedIn is considered an interactive version of a resume and a professional form of social media account. As recruiters search for a candidate’s name online, a LinkedIn profile will show, so it should reflect how you want to be known professionally. 

For students, your LinkedIn summary communicates to the recruiters and colleagues what professional opportunities you seek, whether a new job, internship, or networking. It also shows your  skillset  and  expertise .

Related: How to Network on LinkedIn

Example: 

“I am a freshman  (major)  student at  (university)  eager to make a difference in the field of  (your choice/interest) .

I am interested in a summer internship that will contribute to my knowledge and explore this field to enhance my skills and fuel my passion. I am currently part of a volunteer program related to my field of interest.”

Michaeal Dadashi

CEO, Infinite Recovery

Use paragraphs of a reasonable length

The ideal length of a paragraph is seven or eight lines . In this way, the reader may more  easily  grasp the significance of the whole LinkedIn summary written by a graduate student. 

In light of this fact,  avoid writing lengthy paragraphs unless you want your writing to come out as dull and unappealing to your readers. 

Paragraphs of medium or short length, on the contrary, will pique the attention of the reader and encourage them to continue reading your LinkedIn summary.

Check to see that your sentences  aren’t  too lengthy and that they’re evenly spaced out in their paragraphs. Have concise, well-punctuated phrases that allow the reader to settle down and absorb the essentials of the graduate student’s LinkedIn description.

Frequently Asked Questions 

How often should i update my linkedin summary.

Updating your LinkedIn summary regularly is good, especially as your skills and experience evolve. When you complete a new project or take on a new role, you should update your summary to reflect those changes.

You can also update your summary if you’re actively searching and want to highlight specific skills or experience relevant to the jobs you’re applying for.

In general, you should aim to review and update your LinkedIn summary at least every few months to ensure that it’s up to date and accurately reflects your current skills, experience, and career goals.

However, if something significant changes in your professional or personal life, such as completing a degree program or starting a new job, you should update your summary immediately to keep your profile as current as possible.

What tone should I use when writing my LinkedIn summary?

When writing your LinkedIn summary, it’s essential to strike the right tone because it can greatly impact how potential employers perceive you. Make sure your tone is professional but also that you come across as friendly, approachable, and someone people would want to work with.

One way to strike the right tone is to let your personality shine through in your writing. Don’t be afraid to include personal details highlighting your unique interests and experiences.

This can help potential employers connect with you on a personal level and give them a better sense of who you are beyond your professional qualifications.

However, remember that LinkedIn is a professional networking platform, so avoid writing too casually or informally. Use proper grammar and spelling, and avoid slang or overly casual language.

Remember that potential employers will judge you based on your professionalism and qualifications, and make sure your summary reflects that.

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Top 10 Personal Brand Statement Examples To Follow

Updated: March 11, 2024

Published: June 18, 2023

In a 2022 personal branding trends study, most respondents said they consider personal branding an essential component of work and their everyday life. 

It found that 75% of Americans trust someone with a personal brand, and 63% are likely to buy from someone with a personal brand. 

As an entrepreneur who is always on the lookout for customers or potential investors, you know that trust is key. Developing a personal brand for yourself can be an effective tool to help grow your business.

What is a personal brand statement?

A personal brand statement is a couple of sentences that highlights your unique skills and experience. It’s meant to be a quick introduction to people who discover you online because it summarizes what you can offer them.

Basically, it’s a catchphrase, tag line, or elevator pitch for you as a professional individual. While it showcases what you do professionally, you can also display your personality.

Why leaders should have a personal brand statement

You make a better first impression.

As the saying goes, “You only have one shot to make a first impression.” The challenge for entrepreneurs is that you don’t always know when that opportunity arises, as many first impressions happen online.

When a potential client or investor hears about you, their first instinct is to look up your social media profiles. If you’ve got a clear and well-thought-out personal brand statement, you’ve got a better chance at making them stick around for second and third impressions.

You can establish yourself as a thought leader

Thought leadership is a powerful content marketing tactic that can help you reach bigger audiences and generate leads for your business. When you’re known as a leader in your particular industry, that automatically gives you a higher level of credibility. 

A personal brand statement can strengthen your thought leadership strategy by clearly stating your area of expertise.

You can create networking opportunities

Whether you’re looking for top talent, new clients, or potential investors, networking is half the battle. 

Personal brand statements make it easy for potential connections to understand exactly what you do and what you value. Without it, you may miss out on opportunities simply because they didn’t know that you had something relevant to offer them.

Best personal brand statement examples for leaders

“bilingual creative who lives at the intersection of business & design.” —chris do.

Source: Chris Do’s LinkedIn page .

Chris Do is a multi-hyphenate: a designer, creative strategist, public speaker, founder, and CEO of The Futur, an online education platform.

What makes it great : Because he wears so many hats, Do’s personal branding statement is better than trying to explain everything he does.

“Helping people find their zen in the digital age.” —Shama Hyder

Source: Shama Hyder’s homepage .

Shama Hyder is the founder and CEO of Zen Media, a marketing and PR firm. She’s also written a book about digital marketing .

What makes it great : Hyder’s brand statement is an attention-grabbing play on her company’s name and showcases one of her key values: making clients feel a sense of calm in a fast-paced digital world.

“Write better sales emails faster with our in-inbox coach.” —Will Allred

Source: Will Allred’s LinkedIn page .

Will Allred is the co-founder of Lavender, an AI-powered email software startup.

What makes it great : Brooklin Nash, CEO of Beam Content, shares, “In one sentence, Allred captures the entire focus of his social presence: to help salespeople write better emails faster while demonstrating his authority and sharing his product in the second part of that headline.”

“Keeping it awkward, brave, and kind.” —Brené Brown

Source: Dr. Brené Brown’s homepage .

Brené Brown has a Ph.D. in sociology and is the author of several books that cover topics like shame, vulnerability, empathy, and courage.

What makes it great : Dr. Brown’s personal brand statement embodies her mission statement of encouraging people to embrace their vulnerabilities by sharing her own.

“Empowering ridiculously good marketing.” —Ann Handley

Source: Ann Handley’s homepage .

Ann Handley is a digital marketing expert and bestselling author. Her company helps marketers get tangible results.

What makes it great : Sharon Jonah, creative director and founder of digital marketing agency Buzz Social, shares, “In four words, we understand what Handley does, how she does it, whom she’s speaking to, and how she speaks.”

“Still just a girl who wants to learn. Youngest-ever Nobel laureate, co-founder @malalafund and president of Extracurricular Productions.” —Malala Yousafzai

Source: Malala Yousafzai’s Twitter profile .

Malala Yousafzai is the youngest Nobel laureate and an activist whose fund aims to remove the barriers to female education around the world.

What makes it great : Her bio highlights her impressive achievements with language that makes her sound relatable. 

“Marketing. Strategy. Humanity.” —Mark Schaefer

Source: Mark Schaefer’s homepage .

Mark Schaefer is an educator, speaker, marketing consultant, and author. He’s developed corporate marketing strategies for brands like Microsoft, IBM, and AT&T.

What makes it great : “It’s subtle, concise, and creative. It describes what Schaefer does, what he focuses on, and his unique and distinguished approach,” says Omer Usanmaz, CEO and co-founder of mentoring and learning software Qooper. 

“Empowering successful women to take control of their finances.” —Jennifer Welsh

Source: Jennifer Welsh’s LinkedIn profile page .

Jennifer Welsh founded Money School, a digital course that teaches women about personal finance. What makes it great : Welsh’s strong personal brand statement says exactly what she does and whom she does it for. 

“Let’s make Excel the solution, not the problem.” —Kat Norton (Miss Excel)

Source: Miss Excel’s homepage .

Kat Norton (known as Miss Excel) became famous on TikTok for her bite-sized Microsoft Excel tutorials. She now offers Excel courses on her website.

What makes it great : Norton’s clever statement shows that she understands her audience's problem and highlights her personality.

“‘The Customer Whisperer.’ I help marketers discover the hidden reasons why customers buy so they can become un-ignorable.” —Katelyn Bourgoin

Source: Katelyn Bourgoin’s LinkedIn page .

Katelyn Bourgoin is a creator and serial entrepreneur who founded a branding agency, a mentoring platform for female entrepreneurs, and a restaurant consulting firm. She trains entrepreneurs to uncover what makes their products “un-ignorable.”

What makes it great : Bourgoin’s clever branding statement effectively tells marketers that she can help them understand their customers better and make their brands memorable.

How to write a personal brand statement

Writing an effective personal brand statement can be tough because it requires you to be catchy yet compelling. It should give audiences all the necessary information in a sentence or two.

Here are some tips for writing your own:

Think about your unique value proposition

A unique value proposition (or unique selling point) is what makes you different. It tells people why they should try your product or service, network with you, or invest in your business.

Tip : Identify your core values, goals, and strengths.

If you don't know what those are, ask yourself:

• Why am I building my brand?
• What do I want my audience to know me for?
• How do I do things differently?
• Do I have a distinct skill set, experience, point of view, or passion?
• What value do I bring to my audience?

Keep it short and sweet

Your brand statement should be simple and easy to understand. 

The goal is to have someone look at your profile or website and immediately understand who you are and what you do, so keep it brief. Keep in mind that you don’t need full sentences either. 

Start by writing one to three sentences that outline what you do, for whom, and how you do it. You can also add a sentence about values. 

Then, look at different ways you can shorten them. Or pick out the most specific and impactful words and see what happens when you simply list them. 

Showcase your personality

Injecting your personality empowers you to share what you do without being bland or boring. Being authentic also helps attract like-minded customers, investors, and peers. 

At the end of the day, there are other people out there who may offer similar services or solve the same problems for your target audience. Your personality can set you apart.

“Don't be afraid to inject a bit of humor, quirkiness, and passion. It’ll help make you more memorable and help you stand out from the crowd,” says Usanmaz.

Ideally, you want customers to know what you do and get a little taste of what it will be like to work with you.

A personal brand statement conveys your mission, differentiates you from competitors, and attracts your target audience. Use these tips and real-life examples of personal brand statements to inspire you to write your own.

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Writing a Personal Statement

Preparing to Write

Brainstorming, don't forget, sample prompts.

A personal statement is a narrative essay that connects your background, experiences, and goals to the mission, requirements, and desired outcomes of the specific opportunity you are seeking. It is a critical component in the selection process, whether the essay is for a competitive internship, a graduate fellowship, or admittance to a graduate school program. It gives the selection committee the best opportunity to get to know you, how you think and make decisions, ways in which past experiences have been significant or formative, and how you envision your future. Personal statements can be varied in form; some are given a specific prompt, while others are less structured. However, in general a personal statement should answer the following questions:

• Who are you?
• What are your goals?
• How does this specific program/opportunity help you achieve your goals?
• What is in the future?

A personal statement is not:

• A variation of your college admissions essay
• An academic/research paper
• A narrative version of your resume
• A creative writing piece (it can be creative, though)
• An essay about somebody else

Keep in mind that your statement is only a portion of the application and should be written with this in mind. Your entire application package will include some, possibly all, of the materials listed below. You will want to consider what these pieces of the application communicate about you. Your personal statement should aim to tie everything together and fill in or address any gaps. There will likely be some overlap but be sure not to be too repetitive.

• Personal Statement(s)
• Transcripts
• Letters of recommendations
• Sample of written work
• Research proposal

Preparing to Write A large portion of your work towards completing a personal statement begins well before your first draft or even an outline. It is incredibly important to be sure you understand all of the rules and regulations around the statement. Things to consider before you begin writing:

• How many prompts? And what are they? It is important to know the basics so you can get your ideas in order. Some programs will require a general statement of interest and a focused supplementary or secondary statement closely aligned with the institution's goals.
• Are there formatting guidelines? Single or double spaced, margins, fonts, text sizes, etc. Our general guideline is to keep it simple.
• How do I submit my statement(s)? If uploading a document we highly suggest using a PDF as it will minimize the chances of accidental changes to formatting. Some programs may event ask you to copy and paste into a text box.
• When do I have to submit my statement(s)? Most are due at the time of application but some programs, especially medical schools, will ask for secondary statements a few months after you apply. In these instances be sure to complete them within two weeks, any longer is an indication that you aren't that interested in the institution.

Before you start writing, take some time to reflect on your experiences and motivations as they relate to the programs to which you are applying. This will offer you a chance to organize your thoughts which will make the writing process much easier. Below are a list of questions to help you get started:

• What individuals, experiences or events have shaped your interest in this particular field?
• What has influenced your decision to apply to graduate school?
• How does this field align with your interests, strengths, and values?
• What distinguishes you from other applicants?
• What would you bring to this program/profession?
• What has prepared you for graduate study in this field? Consider your classes at Wellesley, research and work experience, including internships, summer jobs and volunteer work.
• Why are you interested in this particular institution or degree program?
• How is this program distinct from others?
• What do you hope to gain?
• What is motivating you to seek an advanced degree now?
• Where do you see yourself headed and how will this degree program help you get there?

For those applying to Medical School, if you need a committee letter for your application and are using the Medical Professions Advisory Committee you have already done a lot of heavy lifting through the 2017-2018 Applicant Information Form . Even if you aren't using MPAC the applicant information form is a great place to start.

Another great place to start is through talking out your ideas. You have a number of options both on and off campus, such as: Career Education advisors and mentors ( you can set up an appointment here ), major advisor, family, friends. If you are applying to a graduate program it is especially important to talk with a faculty member in the field. Remember to take good notes so you can refer to them later.

When you begin writing keep in mind that your essay is one of many in the application pool. This is not to say you should exaggerate your experiences to “stand out” but that you should focus on clear, concise writing. Also keep in mind that the readers are considering you not just as a potential student but a future colleague. Be sure to show them examples and experiences which demonstrate you are ready to begin their program.

It is important to remember that your personal statement will take time and energy to complete, so plan accordingly. Every application and statement should be seen as different from one another, even if they are all the same type of program. Each institution may teach you the same material but their delivery or focus will be slightly different.

In addition, remember:

• Be yourself: You aren’t good at being someone else
• Tragedy is not a requirement, reflection and depth are
• Research the institution or organization
• Proofread, proofread, proofread
• How to have your personal statement reviewed

The prompts below are from actual applications to a several types of programs. As you will notice many of them are VERY general in nature. This is why it is so important to do your research and reflect on your motivations. Although the prompts are similar in nature the resulting statements would be very different depending on the discipline and type of program, as well as your particular background and reasons for wanting to pursue this graduate degree.

• This statement should illustrate your academic background and experiences and explain why you would excel in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (UMass Amherst - M.S. in Civil Engineering).
• Describe your academic and career objectives and how the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies can help you achieve them. Include other considerations that explain why you seek admissions to the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies and your interests in the environmental field (Yale - Master of Environmental Management).  
• Please discuss your academic interests and goals. Include your current professional and research interests, as well as your long-range professional objectives. Please be as specific as possible about how your objectives can be met at Clark and do not exceed 800 words (Clark University - M.A. in International Development and Social Change).
• Write a 500- to 700-word statement that describes your work or research. Discuss how you came to focus on the medium, body of work, or academic area you wish to pursue at the graduate level. Also discuss future directions or goals for your work, and describe how the Master of Fine Arts in Studio (Printmedia) is particularly suited to your professional goals (School of the Art Institute of Chicago - MFA in Studio, Printmaking).
• Your statement should explain why you want to study economics at the graduate level. The statement is particularly important if there is something unusual about your background and preparation that you would like us to know about you (University of Texas at Austin - Ph.D in Economics).
• Your personal goal statement is an important part of the review process for our faculty members as they consider your application. They want to know about your background, work experience, plans for graduate study and professional career, qualifications that make you a strong candidate for the program, and any other relevant information (Indiana University Bloomington - M.S.Ed. in Secondary Education).
• Your autobiographical essay/personal statement is a narrative that outlines significant experiences in your life, including childhood experiences, study and work, your strengths and aspirations in the field of architecture, and why you want to come to the University of Oregon (University of Oregon - Master of Architecture).
• Personal history and diversity statement, in which you describe how your personal background informs your decision to pursue a graduate degree. You may refer to any educational, familial, cultural, economic or social experiences, challenges, community service, outreach activities, residency and citizenship, first-generation college status, or opportunities relevant to your academic journey; how your life experiences contribute to the social, intellectual or cultural diversity within a campus community and your chosen field; or how you might serve educationally underrepresented and underserved segments of society with your graduate education (U.C. Davis - M.A. in Linguistics).
• A Personal Statement specifying your past experiences, reasons for applying, and your areas of interest. It should explain your intellectual and personal goals, why you are interested in pursuing an interdisciplinary degree rather than a more traditional disciplinary one, and how this degree fits into your intellectual and personal future (Rutgers University - Ph.D in Women’s and Gender Studies).
• Your application requires a written statement to uploaded into your application and is a critical component of your application for admission. This is your opportunity to tell us what excites you about the field of library and information science, and what problems you want to help solve in this field. Please also tell us how your prior experiences have prepared you for this next step toward your career goals and how this program will help you achieve them (University of North Carolina Chapel Hill - Master of Science in Library Science).
• After watching the video, please describe what strengths and preferences as a learner you have that will facilitate your success in this innovative curriculum. What challenges in our curriculum do you anticipate and what strategies might you use to address these challenges? (MGH Institute of Health Professions PT - They recently redesigned their curriculum)
• Your personal goal statement should briefly describe how you view the future of the field, what your goals are to be part of that future, and what brought you to pursue an advanced education degree in your chosen field. You may include any other information that you feel might be useful. (Northeastern PT)
• Personal Statement: In 500 words or less, describe a meaningful educational experience that affected your professional goals and growth and explain how it impacted you. The educational experience does not need to be related to this degree. Focus on the educational experience and not why you think you would be a good professional in this field. (Simmons PT)
• Personal Statement (500 word minimum): State your reasons for seeking admission to this program at this institution. Include your professional goals, why you want to pursue a career in this field and how admission to this program will assist you in accomplishing those goals. (Regis College Nursing)
• “Use the space provided to explain why you want to go to this type of program.” (AMCAS)
• Address the following three questions(Though there is no set limit, most statements are 1–2 pages, single-spaced.): What are your reasons for pursuing this degree? Why do you wish to pursue your degree at this institution? How do you intend to leverage your degree in a career of this field? (Boston University MPH)
• Please submit a personal statement/statement of purpose of no more than 500 words for the department/degree of choice. Professional degree essays require a clear understanding of the _______ field and how you hope to work within the field. Be sure to proofread your personal statement carefully for spelling and grammar. In your statement, be sure to address the following: what interests you in the field of _____ what interests you in a specific degree program and department at this institution and what interests you in a particular certificate (if applicable). Please also describe how you hope to use your ________ training to help you achieve your career goals. (Columbia PhD in Public Health - Epidemiology)
• Because each Home Program requires significant original research activities in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree, we are interested in obtaining as much information as possible about your previous research experiences. Those who already have such experience are in a better position to know whether they are truly interested in performing ______ research as part of a graduate program. Please include specific information about your research experience in your Statement of Purpose. You may also use the Statement to amplify your comments about your choice of Home Program(s), and how your past experiences and current interests are related to your choice. Personal Statements should not exceed two pages in length (single spaced). Make sure to set your computer to Western European or other English-language setting. We cannot guarantee the ability to access your statement if it is submitted in other fonts. (Stanford Biosciences PhD)
• Your statement of purpose should describe succinctly your reasons for applying to the Department of ____ at ___ University. It would be helpful to include what you have done to prepare for this degree program. Please describe your research interests, past research experience, future career plans and other details of your background and interests that will allow us to evaluate your ability to thrive in our program. If you have interests that align with a specific faculty member, you may state this in your application. Your statement of purpose should not exceed two pages in length (single spaced). (Stanford Bioengineering PhD)
• Statement of purpose (Up to one page or 1,000 words): Rather than a research proposal, you should provide a statement of purpose. Your statement should be written in English and explain your motivation for applying for the course at this institution and your relevant experience and education. Please provide an indication of the area of your proposed research and supervisor(s) in your statement. This will be assessed for the coherence of the statement; evidence of motivation for and understanding of the proposed area of study; the ability to present a reasoned case in English; and commitment to the subject. (Oxford Inorganic Chemistry - DPhil)

Related resources

Officials share update on inland port facility set to be built in Montgomery

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA) - Officials are giving an update on where the project stands to bring a new multi-million dollar inland port facility to Montgomery. The project was originally announced by the Alabama Port Authority in 2022.

Newly-released renderings from port authority show what the Montgomery Express will look like.

The facility will be an extension of the port authority’s container intermodal terminal at the Port of Mobile. An intermodal terminal is a facility that moves products between two modes of transportation.

“The idea is that we can get the containers for import off of the vessels, put them on the rail within a 12-hour window, get them moving up to Montgomery in about a day’s transit,” said John Driscoll, director of the Alabama Port Authority. “It extends the port’s reach to our customer base that are located in this, this metropolitan area.”

Located just west of Interstate 65, the facility will support the Montgomery region in retail, distribution, agribusiness and manufacturing.

“One of the core customers that we’re targeting is automotive parts, it’s Hyundai. So, a lot of the commodities that will be coming in are finished or products to be able to finish those vehicles. This facility is located less than a mile away,” said Driscoll, who adds one of the benefits will be the number of trucks they are able to get off the interstate.

“If you have a unit train, which is a full 100-car train of containers, each one of those, you’re taking about 250 trucks off the interstate system,” said Driscoll. “If we can be successful in moving it to rail and getting it off that interstate system, it’s going to only help the fluidity for, you know, the average person that is utilizing those important arteries that we have in the state.”

Driscoll says since this development was announced there have been over $2.2 billion dollars of investments made around the facility.

“Warehousing, distribution, manufacturing, have all made investments in purchasing property and investing in development of those type of facilities that are linked to this facility. The economic impact is far reaching,” said Driscoll.

Assessments on the property have already started. Once the Federal Railroad Administration gives the green light, the project will move closer to completion. Driscoll says they hope to have service start in the next two years.

The $84 million project was funded with federal and state funds.

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Introduction to Amex Airline Credit

Eligible amex cards for airline credit, selecting an airline for your credit, eligible expenses covered by the credit, how to use your amex airline credit, maximizing your amex airline credit: a complete guide.

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us and terms apply to offers listed (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate credit cards to write unbiased product reviews.

The information for the following product(s) has been collected independently by Business Insider: Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card. The details for these products have not been reviewed or provided by the issuer.

• Several premium American Express cards offer airline incidental fee credits** as a benefit.
• Purchases that officially qualify include checked bag fees, seat selection fees, and lounge passes.
• You'll receive statement credits up to a maximum per year after you make a qualifying purchase.

Overview of the Airline Fee Credit

One of the most valuable benefits offered by premium American Express cards like The Platinum Card® from American Express , The Business Platinum Card® from American Express , and Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card is a yearly airline incidental fee credit. When you use your card to pay for extras like checked baggage, seat selection, or inflight purchases on one eligible airline of your choice, you'll receive a statement credit toward the charge, up to a certain amount each year.

Benefits of the Airline Credit

The maximum airline fee credits you can receive varies by card, but in all cases, the benefit resets at the end of the calendar year . They don't roll over to the next year; if you don't use them, you lose them.

Here's where things get a little tricky: American Express only publishes a partial list of airline fees that qualify for reimbursement. And although the terms and conditions for the benefit specifically exclude certain types of airline purchases, some cardholders have had success triggering the credit with transactions that aren't listed as eligible.

Cards Offering Airline Fee Credit

Depending on the Amex card you have, you'll receive up to a specified amount in airline incidental fee credits on your selected airline:

• The Platinum Card® from American Express — Up to $200 per calendar year
• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express — Up to $200 per calendar year
• Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card — Up to $250 per calendar year

When you open the card, Amex allows you to choose one airline from a list with which to use the credit, and you can change your selection each January. You can make your selection under the "Benefits" section in your Amex online account, through online chat, or by calling the number on the back of your card.

Changing Your Selected Airline

Unofficially, it's possible to change your airline even if it's not January — in the past, many cardholders (self included) have been able to do so easily via online chat — but there's no guarantee this will always work. This can be handy if you've had a change of travel plans, or if it's near the end of the year and you want to use up the credit before it expires.

Once you've made your choice, you'll receive a statement credit toward eligible purchases made with the card on your selected airline, up to the yearly limit. The reimbursement typically posts within a few days of the transaction, although the terms say it can take up to four weeks.

Amex relies on airline transaction data to determine if a charge qualifies for the credit, so if you don't see a statement credit after four weeks, use online chat or call the number on the back of your card for help.

In-flight Purchases

American Express is very clear about what will  not qualify for the airline incidental fee reimbursement. According to the terms and conditions, you won't receive a credit for these types of purchases:

• Airline tickets (basically, airfare)
• Mileage points purchases
• Mileage points transfer fees
• Duty-free purchases
• Award tickets

However, these exclusions haven't always been strictly enforced. For example, until mid-2019, gift card purchases from some airlines would trigger the reimbursement even though they weren't technically allowed. And some cardholders have reported receiving the credit for cheap airfare purchases (typically less than $100) on certain airlines. That doesn't mean similar purchases will work for you, so proceed with caution if you use the card to pay for a fee that isn't explicitly included. 

Officially, the airline incidental fee credit reimbursement will cover the following charges:

• Checked baggage fees (including overweight and oversize fees)
• Itinerary change fees
• Phone reservation fees
• Pet flight fees
• Seat assignment fees
• In-flight amenity fees (beverages, food, pillows and blankets, headphones)
• Inflight entertainment fees (excluding wireless internet, which isn't usually charged by the airline)
• Airport lounge day passes and annual memberships

Anecdotal reports from cardmembers suggest other incidental fees — not mentioned by Amex — are also eligible, including priority boarding, award ticket cancellation, and mileage-redeposit fees. However, be aware that because such fees are not on the official list, you may have trouble getting reimbursement if it doesn't appear automatically.

Remember, these purchases only qualify if they're with your  selected airline. 

Some people still aren't traveling as much as they used to, so cardholders might find themselves unable to use all of their Amex airline fee credits right now. Because these credits are a good way to partially offset the hefty annual fees on these cards , it's natural to want to maximize them before they reset at the end of the year.

Even if you don't have immediate travel plans, here are a few options (all of which are officially eligible) for using up your Amex airline fee credit:

• Pre-pay for checked baggage fees, seat assignment fees, or pet fees for flights you've booked later in the year (note that this won't work if you pay the fees at the same time you book the ticket — it has to be a separate charge)
• Buy airport lounge passes for yourself or as a gift to use in the future (just be mindful of expiration dates)
• Offer to pay for a friend or family member's checked bags or seat selection fees if they're traveling soon

If you are traveling but won't have any fees or purchases to make, you could always pay for someone else's bag fee at the check-in counter or treat your seatmate to an inflight beverage or snack. You'll have the satisfaction of using up your credits, and will make someone's day a little better at the same time.

Log into your Amex account and navigate to the benefits section to select your preferred airline. Note that you can typically change your airline selection once per year in January.

The credit can be used for checked baggage fees, in-flight refreshments, and Wi-Fi, seat selection fees, and other incidentals. Note that ticket purchases, upgrades, and gift cards are usually not covered.

Yes, as long as the charges are from the airline you've selected for your credit and fall under the eligible expense categories.

Check your Amex account statement. Credits for eligible purchases typically appear within 2-4 weeks after the transaction.

Unused credits do not roll over to the next year. It's important to utilize the full credit amount within the calendar year.

For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, please click here.

For rates and fees of The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, please click here.

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

**Enrollment required.

Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Trip Delay Insurance, Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance, and Cell Phone Protection Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company. Global Assist Hotline Card Members are responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers. If approved and coordinated by Premium Global Assist Hotline, emergency medical transportation assistance may be provided at no cost. In any other circumstance, Card Members may be responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers. Extended Warranty, Purchase Protection, and Baggage Insurance Plan Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss & Damage Insurance Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

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