The „About“ Section – Your Personal Story

You’ve got 2,000 characters. Two. Thousand. And that’s your chance to shine. Your „About“ section on LinkedIn is more than just a formal introduction. It’s your digital „self,“ your shot at reaching the people behind the numbers and job titles. Your LinkedIn profile is like a business card, but so much more: it’s the stage where you present yourself as a brand. And the „About“ section? That’s the moment you captivate your audience, grab their attention, and invite them to learn more.

The problem? Many miss the potential. They list jobs or write dry facts. It’s not wrong, but it doesn’t set you apart. Your story is unique – use it to build connections, spark interest, and show what you’re really made of.

Why the „About“ Section Matters

The „About“ section on LinkedIn is your chance to introduce yourself personally. You can show who you truly are and what drives you. For many LinkedIn users, this part is key to standing out from the crowd. If you use it right, it’s the difference between a bland profile and one that catches the eye instantly.

A LinkedIn study found that profiles with a well-crafted „About“ section have a much higher chance of sparking interactions. People want stories, and especially in the digital space, where personal contact is often missing, those who show authenticity come out on top.

For example: Instead of „I’m a project manager with 10 years of experience,“ you could write about how you overhaul processes, rally teams, and deliver results – with a touch of yourself. That sticks.

How to Build Your Story

1. Start with the „Why“

People want to know what moves you. Not just what you do, but why. What got you on this path? What fuels you? That’s your emotional hook – the part that grabs readers. Be honest, but keep it sharp.

Example: „I’m all about pushing businesses forward – with strategies, projects, or digital solutions. I saw my potential, and others threw me into the deep end. That’s where I thrive.“

This shows drive without fluff and piques curiosity.

2. Show Your Journey – Ups and Downs

Perfect success stories feel fake. Share challenges you’ve tackled – they make you relatable. What shaped you? How did you solve problems? Tie it to wins without bragging.

Example: „A hiring process was eating up too much time. I rebuilt it, saved 70% of the effort – not a heroic feat, just something that had to be done. That kind of problem-solving defines me.“

It’s concrete, shows your approach, and stays grounded.

3. Back It Up with Results

Numbers and facts give your story weight. They prove you don’t just talk – you deliver. Don’t overdo it, keep it real. No numbers? Use qualitative wins.

Example: „I streamlined workflows so projects hit deadlines and budgets. A CRM system ran smoothly after – no magic, just practical.“

This shows impact without exaggeration.

4. Bring Yourself In

This is where your personality fits. What makes you, you? Values, hobbies, perspectives – something human. It doesn’t need to be much, but it rounds things off.

Example: „Privately, I find peace diving – underwater, you learn to adapt and stay focused. That shapes my work: solving, not dwelling.“

KShort, personal, tied to work.

5. End with an Invitation

What’s next after they read it? Give a nudge – no pressure. A clear call-to-action (CTA) inspires the next step.

Example: „Let’s talk about how I can boost your business – check my website or connect with me.“

Direct, friendly, effective.

What to Avoid

While telling your story, steer clear of a few traps:

🛑 No Long Skill ListsYour „About“ section isn’t a rundown of skills. Those go elsewhere on LinkedIn. Focus on the story that explains those skills instead.

🛑 Too Many Technical TermsEveryone should get what you do, no matter their field. Skip the jargon. Use clear, simple language that works for non-experts too.

🛑 Avoid ClichésPhrases like „I’m a creative problem-solver“ or „I work hard to meet goals“ can feel empty. Be specific and unique.

Your Story Lives

he „About“ section is a living text that can evolve with you. As your goals or experiences shift, tweak it. Your profile should always reflect who you are and where you’re at – authentically. Your story will grow with you, and so will your LinkedIn profile.

Want to take your whole LinkedIn profile up a notch? Look at the other sections too – from your headline to your experience. For a full guide on optimizing your entire LinkedIn profile, check out my article „Creating and Optimizing a Successful LinkedIn Profile“ for deeper insights and practical tips.

Your Key to Success

This section is more than words. It shows who you are, what you can do, and why it matters. Use it well, and you’ll spark interest, forge connections, open doors. Your story is your trademark – tell it clearly, honestly, with impact.

Go tell your story. Turn your LinkedIn profile into your personal brand stage. And don’t forget: your story keeps evolving – keep it alive and current.

For more tips on LinkedIn profile optimization, see this post: „"Brevity is the Soul of Wit" – Your LinkedIn Headline as a Brand Statement“.

For a detailed guide on showcasing your experience, visit this post: „How to Best Present Your Experience on LinkedIn.“