I'm an Ex-Recruiter — Putting This in Your 'About' on LinkedIn May Be Key to Landing Your Dream Job

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Courtney Dercqu156
Current Social Media Manager/Former Recruiter

If you’re currently working, chances are you probably have a LinkedIn account. LinkedIn was designed to be a networking tool for professionals. However, over the years, it has become a significant resource for sourcing and hiring new employees. 

When it comes to searching for the right candidate, recruiters will use specific buzzwords and job titles in the search bar. For example, a quick search for “Social Media Manager + Google Docs” turns up a whole page of viable candidates who meet that criteria. 

Once a recruiter lands on your LinkedIn page, they’ll poke around the same way they would any other social media platform. Your page provides ample access to your educational background, soft skills, and work experience. Your profile as a whole should put forward what your brand is: Who you are, what you do, and what makes up your identity?

But what does it take to catch an employer's eye, and how can you use each and every section of your profile to its highest potential? A key element of your profile you need to focus on is your About section. Recently, one Fairygodboss poster had a question about what your About section should say:

Here's how to write your About section in a way that sets you up for success, according to experts in the FGB Community and beyond, and myself, a former recruiter.

Tell your story

 Career coach Erin Thomas says that you need to tell your story in no less than 40 words. “This section represents your past, present, and future, and you want to hook your reader to want more of your future,” she wrote. 

She recommends that first, you lay out what is most important in your career. This shows them how you operate and what you’re passionate about. Then identify key successes you’ve had so far. This lets them know what kind of experience you have, what skills you possess and you get a chance to show off some of your accolades. Follow that with your strengths and talents. This will show what you’re capable of and what kind of worker you are. Finally, finish this section with what you’re looking for. This lets a potential employer know what your values are and what motivates you.

Remember, while LinkedIn is a social media platform, the content you provide here should solely coincide with your career goals. 

Tell them what you're looking for (and don’t forget the keywords!)

When you’re looking for work, it’s important to update your About to include what you’re looking for, not just what you've done. Ashley Stahl, a contributor with Forbes Magazine, recommends going as far as including keywords related to the kind of work you’re looking for to make it easier for potential employers to find your profile.

Make sure that you update your About section with the most relevant skills to the job in which you’re seeking. Don’t be afraid to let potential employers know that you’re looking for a new opportunity, as well. 

Overall, tell them you're unique!

I recommend taking full advantage of your headline in your About section; use a vivid descriptor that highlights your experience and expertise. Instead of labeling yourself using only your title, get creative. What title would you give yourself if you could turn your key skills and passions into a title? Use that to catch recruiters' eyes. 

Overall, your About section on your LinkedIn account is kind of like your resume; highlight the important stuff up top and you’ll be sure to grab the attention of every recruiter who lands on your page.