How to write a LinkedIn About section that actually works

Your LinkedIn About section is 2,600 characters of prime real estate that most professionals either leave blank or fill with a copied version of their resume summary. Neither approach works. Here's how to write an About section that makes recruiters want to reach out.

Write in first person

LinkedIn is a professional social network, not a formal document. Write as you would speak to a senior colleague — confident, clear, and human. Third person ("John is a seasoned analyst...") reads as stiff and impersonal on a platform built for connection.

Structure it in three parts

The best About sections follow a simple structure: open with a compelling value statement or career philosophy, follow with two or three specific achievements or areas of expertise, and close with what you're looking for or what kind of opportunities interest you. This gives recruiters everything they need to assess fit in 30 seconds.

Front-load the most important information

LinkedIn shows only the first three lines before a "see more" click. Make those three lines count. Lead with your strongest, most keyword-rich statement — don't build to your point, start with it.

Include keywords naturally

LinkedIn's search algorithm uses your About section for keyword matching. Include the specific skills, tools, methodologies, and role titles that recruiters in your field search for — but write them naturally into sentences, not as a keyword list.