The 5 Biggest Mistakes to Avoid in Your LinkedIn Bio

You've polished your work history and updated your headshot, but what about your LinkedIn bio? Too often, professionals treat their "About" section as an afterthought. It's a huge mistake. This summary is your chance to tell your story, establish your expertise, and make a compelling first impression.

Below are the five most common mistakes we see people make—and simple ways to fix them to attract recruiters, clients, and connections.

Mistake #1: Using Vague Buzzwords

Your bio is filled with empty phrases that don't mean anything concrete.

The Fix: Be specific and show, don't just tell. Replace buzzwords with concrete skills and accomplishments. Instead of saying you're "results-oriented," mention a specific result you achieved.

Mistake #2: Writing a Wall of Text

Your bio is one giant, intimidating paragraph that no one wants to read.

The Fix: Use short paragraphs, bullet points, and white space. Break up your text to make it easy to scan. A reader should be able to understand your key strengths in 15 seconds.

Mistake #3: Not Including a Call to Action

Your bio ends abruptly, leaving the reader wondering what to do next.

The Fix: Tell people what you want them to do! Do you want them to connect? Visit your portfolio? Send you a message? End your bio with a clear, simple call to action.

Mistake #4: Writing Only in the Third Person

Your bio is written like a formal press release ("John Doe is..."), which can feel distant and impersonal on a social platform like LinkedIn.

The Fix: Write in the first person ("I am..."). It's more direct, authentic, and helps you build a genuine connection with the reader. It sounds like you're actually talking to them.

Mistake #5: Making It All About the Past

Your bio only lists things you've already done, not what you're interested in doing next.

The Fix: While your accomplishments are crucial, add a concluding sentence that is forward-looking. This is especially important if you are open to new opportunities.