Change Your LinkedIn About Section From Boring To Brilliant

February 28, 2024 Shelley Piedmont

Neon sign that says “Be Brilliant”

I read a lot of LinkedIn About sections. And most are terrible.

Maybe that is a bit harsh.

Let’s go with uninspiring, boring, or weak.

The About section on LinkedIn is an area to tell your unique story….to make you stand out from the crowd.

However, few people take advantage of those 2,600 characters to let the reader know why they do what they do and how they make an impact.

Instead, what we get puts the reader to sleep.

A lost opportunity.

Here Is What I Mean

This is typical of an About section that does you no favors.

A highly skilled and results-driven professional with extensive experience in business, marketing, sales, growth, and product development. Demonstrating a proven track record of driving revenue growth, enhancing brand visibility, and delivering innovative product solutions to diverse markets. Adept at implementing data-driven strategies, utilizing strong analytical skills to optimize processes and improve overall performance. Known for exceptional leadership qualities, fostering a collaborative work environment that encourages creativity and cultivates long-lasting relationships with key stakeholders. Committed to staying current with industry trends and leveraging expertise to contribute to organizational success.

Ok. This person has packed a lot of keywords in it. That is helpful in coming up in search results.

But, when an About section is so generic that it could be put in anyone’s profile with the same title, you are writing it wrong.

What Is Wrong With It?

While it contains keywords and positive attributes, it falls short in several areas:

Generic & Overused: Phrases like "highly skilled," "proven track record," and "exceptional leadership" are overused and lack specifics. They tell the reader nothing unique about the individual. Take a look at how often these terms are used in About sections. When something is so common, it loses any meaning.

Buzzwords Galore: Terms like "organizational success" and "innovative" lack substance. What do they mean, really, in this person’s career? Without concrete examples or quantifiable results, the words don’t mean much.

No Storytelling: This section reads like a checklist of skills, not an interesting narrative that engages the reader by demonstrating the individual's personality and achievements. Stories stand out and make you memorable.

Focuses on Skills, not Value: It highlights generic skills but doesn't explain how these skills translate into value for potential employers or clients.

Here Is An About Section That Will Draw Attention

So, instead of a ho-hum About section, make it interesting. Here is an example of a more captivating About section.

Turning a prospect's "no" into a resounding "yes" is my daily fuel. I love the thrill of building relationships and transforming initial hesitance into thriving partnerships. As a Head of Business Development, of course, my goal is to close deals. Yet what I do best is cultivate connections that drive mutual success.

Here is what I am known for:

Strategic Vision: Spearheaded a market expansion initiative that increased revenue by 25% in a new territory within 18 months.

Relationships: Built a network of 100+ key decision-makers in FinTech, fostering long-term partnerships that benefit both parties.

Leveraging Data: Exploited market insights and competitor analysis to secure a $5 million contract with a previously unapproachable client.

Collaboration: Championed a cross-functional approach, aligning sales, marketing, and product teams to deliver a 15% boost in customer acquisition.

Continuous Learning: I constantly upskill myself and stay ahead of industry trends through conferences, workshops, and online courses.

I build bridges and foster collaboration. This is my key to driving organizational growth for both my organization and its partners.

In my spare time, I work with the Feed Out Brothers and Sisters to identify corporate sponsors and donors. I utilize my negotiation skills to secure resources that directly support their mission.

Interested in FinTech or business development? Connect with me!

7 Ways To Make Your About Section Stand Out

1. Start with a Powerful Hook:

Grab the reader’s attention. You can start with an interesting anecdote, achievement, or question that reflects your personality and expertise.

2. Focus on Value, not Skills:

Instead of listing generic skills, showcase how you've used those skills to solve problems, achieve results, and benefit your previous employers. Quantifiable metrics and data help to put your achievements in context.

3. Tell a Story:

Weave your professional journey into a narrative that highlights key achievements, growth, and lessons learned.

4. Show, Don't Tell:

Use specific examples and case studies to demonstrate your expertise and impact.

5. Highlight Your Uniqueness:

In this example, what sets you apart from other head of business development professionals? Mention unique skills, experiences, or achievements.

6. Use Keywords Strategically:

While important, don't stuff the section with keywords. Integrate them naturally within your narrative.

8. Proofread and Edit:

Typos and grammatical errors create a negative impression. Ensure it's polished and error-free.

While having something in your About section is better than nothing, it is often a wasted opportunity. Many lack personality, leaving readers feeling like they've just read something from a textbook. That is not what you want to do. You want to distinguish yourself from the crowd, give a reason for others to want to connect, and showcase your unique value.

Your About section is an opportunity to do just that. It's a space to tell your compelling story, highlight your impact, and leave a lasting impression.

Now go and tell your unique story!