In today’s digital age, having a strong online presence is crucial for professionals looking to advance their careers. And with over 740 million members worldwide, LinkedIn has become the go-to platform for networking, job hunting, and showcasing one’s skills and experience. However, when it comes to writing the summary section of their profile, many users are left wondering whether they should write it in the third person or first person.
On one hand, writing in the third person can give your profile a more formal and objective tone, which may be appropriate for certain industries. On the other hand, writing in the first person can make your profile more personal and engaging, allowing you to showcase your personality and passion for your work. So which approach is the best? Let’s dive in and explore the pros and cons of each.
Should LinkedIn Summary be in Third Person?
When it comes to creating a professional and engaging LinkedIn profile, one of the most important sections to focus on is the summary. This section provides a brief overview of your professional background, skills, and experience, and helps potential employers or connections determine if you are a good fit for their needs. However, one question that often arises is whether the LinkedIn summary should be written in third person or first person. Let’s explore this topic in more detail below.
Benefits of Writing in Third Person
Writing a LinkedIn summary in third person has several potential benefits. For one, it can help create a more professional tone and lend credibility to your profile. By referring to yourself in the third person, it can make it seem as though someone else is speaking about your accomplishments and skills, which can be more effective than simply listing them in first person.
Additionally, writing in third person can help make your profile more searchable. LinkedIn’s search algorithm often prioritizes profiles that contain keywords related to the user’s desired industry or job title. By using third person to describe your experience and skills, you can naturally include more of these relevant keywords without sounding repetitive or awkward.
Drawbacks of Writing in Third Person
While there are some potential benefits to writing a LinkedIn summary in third person, there are also some drawbacks to consider. For one, it can be more difficult to inject personality and passion into your summary when writing in third person. This can make it harder to stand out from other candidates and make a memorable impression on potential employers or connections.
Additionally, writing in third person can sometimes come across as stilted or robotic. It can be challenging to strike the right balance between professional and approachable when writing in third person, and some readers may find it off-putting or artificial.
Benefits of Writing in First Person
On the other hand, there are also some benefits to writing a LinkedIn summary in first person. For one, it can help create a more personal and approachable tone that can be more effective at building connections with potential employers or colleagues. By speaking directly to the reader in first person, you can make it feel as though you are having a one-on-one conversation with them, which can be more engaging and memorable.
Additionally, writing in first person can be more effective at conveying your passion and enthusiasm for your work. By using personal anecdotes and examples, you can paint a more vivid picture of your experience and skills, which can be more effective at convincing others of your abilities.
Drawbacks of Writing in First Person
Of course, there are also some drawbacks to consider when writing a LinkedIn summary in first person. One potential issue is that it can come across as too casual or informal, which may not be appropriate for all industries or job positions. Additionally, it can be challenging to strike the right balance between being personable and professional when writing in first person, and some readers may find it too chatty or unpolished.
Conclusion
So, should you write your LinkedIn summary in third person or first person? Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal style, industry, and goals. If you are in a more formal or traditional field, such as law or finance, writing in third person may be more appropriate. On the other hand, if you are in a creative or more casual industry, such as marketing or media, writing in first person may be more effective.
Regardless of which approach you choose, there are some best practices to keep in mind when creating your LinkedIn summary. Be sure to keep it concise and focused on your professional accomplishments and skills. Use relevant keywords to make your profile more searchable. And, most importantly, be authentic and true to yourself in your writing style and tone. By doing so, you can create a LinkedIn summary that effectively showcases your strengths and helps you stand out in a competitive job market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions about writing a LinkedIn summary in the third person.
Why is writing a LinkedIn summary in the third person recommended?
Writing a LinkedIn summary in the third person is recommended because it gives your profile a more professional and objective feel. This can help to establish credibility and can make it seem like someone else is endorsing your skills and accomplishments. Additionally, writing in the third person can help to avoid the use of first-person pronouns, which can come across as too casual or informal for a professional networking site like LinkedIn.
However, it’s important to note that there is no hard and fast rule about whether your LinkedIn summary should be in the third person. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal preference and the tone you want to convey in your profile.
What are the advantages of writing a LinkedIn summary in the first person?
Writing a LinkedIn summary in the first person can help to give your profile a more personal and approachable feel. This can be particularly beneficial if you are trying to establish a connection with potential employers or clients. Writing in the first person can also allow you to use more descriptive language and tell your story in a more engaging way.
However, it’s important to be careful not to come across as too casual or informal when writing in the first person. You still want to maintain a professional tone and avoid using overly personal or colloquial language.
How should you decide whether to write your LinkedIn summary in the third person or first person?
When deciding whether to write your LinkedIn summary in the third person or first person, it’s important to consider your personal brand and the tone you want to convey in your profile. If you want to come across as professional and objective, writing in the third person may be the best choice. If you want to establish a more personal connection with potential employers or clients, writing in the first person may be more effective.
Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal preference and the message you want to convey through your LinkedIn profile.
What are some tips for writing a compelling LinkedIn summary?
When writing your LinkedIn summary, it’s important to focus on your unique value proposition and the skills and experiences that set you apart from others in your field. You should also highlight any notable accomplishments or awards that demonstrate your expertise and credibility.
In addition, it’s important to use clear and concise language that is easy to understand. Avoid using industry jargon or technical terms that may be unfamiliar to those outside your field.
How long should a LinkedIn summary be?
There is no hard and fast rule about how long a LinkedIn summary should be. However, it’s generally recommended to keep it concise and to the point. Most experts suggest that a LinkedIn summary should be no more than two to three paragraphs long.
Remember, the goal of your LinkedIn summary is to provide a quick overview of your professional experience and expertise. You can always provide more detailed information in other sections of your LinkedIn profile or in your resume.
In conclusion, whether to write your LinkedIn summary in the first or third person is a matter of personal preference. While there are no hard and fast rules dictating which approach is better, it’s essential to consider your audience and the impression you want to make.
If you’re using LinkedIn to build your personal brand, writing in the first person might be more effective as it allows you to connect with your audience on a more personal level. On the other hand, if you’re looking to showcase your professional accomplishments and expertise, writing in the third person can give you a more objective and authoritative tone.
Ultimately, the most important thing is to ensure that your LinkedIn summary is well-written, concise, and engaging. Whichever approach you choose, make sure that your summary highlights your unique skills and experience and showcases your personality and professional goals. With a well-crafted LinkedIn summary, you can make a lasting impression on potential employers, clients, and colleagues.