Many people on LinkedIn make the mistake of copying their resume summaries into their LinkedIn Summary section. There are three main problems with this strategy:

Problem # 1: Hackneyed phrases

Often times, your resume summary is loaded with overused phrases such as “Results-oriented teamworker with a proven track record …” or “A dynamic, motivated, and experienced entrepreneur …”

If your resume summary looks like the examples above, rewrite it and hire a professional resume writer if necessary. This type of language does not belong on your resume or on your LinkedIn profile.

Problem n. 2: LinkedIn Real Estate Summary

You have 2000 characters at your disposal for a LinkedIn summary, vs. three to four lines maximum for your resume summary. Why would you choose not to use all that space to say something, really say something, about yourself?

Problem n. 3: keywords

Your LinkedIn Summary is an essential place for you to enter keywords if you want to be found on LinkedIn. By inserting a 3-line abstract, you lose the opportunity to incorporate keywords into your profile.

Resume Summary Example – For Resumes Only

Here’s an example of a very strong resume summary statement that does NOT belong in a LinkedIn summary (note that I like this statement as a resume summary statement, in fact I wrote it!):

LeeAnn Dance – Producer – Writer – Editor

Award Winning Television Producer and Groundbreaking Investigative Reporter – Experience covering topics ranging from pre-screening to international news, with a particular focus on East Africa. Creator and writer of highly acclaimed promotional videos and documentaries for non-profit organizations. Eight years as a CNN producer.

LinkedIn summary example: great model!

What would a LinkedIn summary look like for LeaAnn? Here is the statement we wrote for her:

  • Award-winning documentary and investigative television producer
  • Video production and television journalism have been my passions for more than 20 years, since I earned my master’s degree in journalism from Columbia University. I’ve produced everything from groundbreaking news for CNN to promotional videos for nonprofits, and I’m currently hosting a radio program on a blog for parents who are relaunching their careers.
  • My experience in journalism gave me the ability to distill a large amount of material and focus on what is true and important. I can pinpoint the real message that needs to be conveyed, creating a human story that moves and inspires the audience.
  • Promotional Videos for Nonprofits

As a freelance video producer, I specialize in creating high-caliber, professional and creative promotional videos for educational and non-profit organizations. I understand the budget limitations of nonprofits and will work within a variety of budgets and scope of work.

Funders respond to high-quality video presentations that effectively convey their organization’s message. I’ll take your message, focus it, and transform it into a concise and meaningful series of images, words, and sounds. Then you have the power of an impactful video to present your organization’s activities at fundraising events and across the web.

  • Back in force

In addition to being a video producer, I was a stay-at-home mom for 13 years and am committed to providing resources to women who are returning to the workforce. My blog ***, narrates my journey and shares information about the return to work process.

Blog topics include emotional hurdles to relaunching, preparing your resume, updating your wardrobe, and preparing your family for re-entry.

Check out my weekly radio talk show blog about relaunching your career, with guests including authors, career counselors, therapists, and employers. (www.blogtalkradio.com/***)

What works with this example?

  • It conveys the story of LeeAnn and her passion (the resume summary does not).
  • It contains several keywords that will get LeeAnn found on LinkedIn.
  • It covers the different facets of what LeeAnn has to offer.
  • Draw attention to the captions so readers can easily see what LeeAnn is about. The text is divided into bite-size chunks, not so blocky that no one will read it.
  • You have a call to action.

Note that the resume summary does NOT do ANY of these five things, although it is perfect as a resume summary.

Can you write a LinkedIn summary statement for yourself that does at least four of the five functions listed above? If so, great, go ahead! If you need help, consider hiring a professional to write a LinkedIn summary for you that will help you get found on LinkedIn and have the impact you want on the people who read your profile.