How to Write Your LinkedIn About Section After a Layoff
Your LinkedIn summary is one of the most valuable pieces of real estate in your job search. Here is how to write it, what to say about your transition, and what to avoid.
Your LinkedIn About section is one of the most valuable and underused pieces of real estate in your job search. After a layoff, it is your chance to control your narrative, signal your direction, and connect with the people reading your profile.
Why the About Section Matters
Recruiters and hiring managers who open your profile read the About section to understand who you are beyond your job titles. It is the one place you write in your own voice, frame your experience the way you want, and state your direction directly. A strong About section turns a list of jobs into a coherent professional story — and after a layoff, it lets you shape the narrative rather than leaving it to interpretation.
Write in First Person
Write your About section in first person — 'I' rather than third-person description. First person reads as authentic and human, which is exactly what builds connection with the person reading it. The third-person corporate-bio style feels distant and dated. You are a person looking to connect with other people who might hire you; write the way you would actually speak about your work.
Lead With Your Value and Direction
Open with what you do well and what you want to do next, not with the layoff. Something like: 'I'm a [role] who [core strength], with experience in [areas]. I'm currently looking for my next opportunity in [target].' Leading with value frames everything that follows. The reader should understand your worth and your direction within the first two lines.
Address the Transition Briefly, If at All
You can acknowledge the transition in a single sentence — 'Following a company-wide reduction, I'm exploring my next role in [field]' — or skip it entirely and simply present yourself as open to opportunities. Either is fine. What you should not do is dwell on the layoff, explain it defensively, or let it dominate the section. One forward-facing sentence is plenty; the rest belongs to your value.
Include Specifics and Keywords
Weave in the specific skills, tools, industries, and accomplishments relevant to your target roles. These make your profile both more compelling to human readers and more discoverable in recruiter searches, which scan the About section for keywords. Be concrete: name the technologies, the types of projects, the measurable results. Specificity is more persuasive and more searchable than generic claims.
End With a Clear Invitation
Close with what you want the reader to do: 'I'm open to opportunities in [field] and always happy to connect — feel free to reach out.' A clear, warm invitation lowers the barrier for recruiters and contacts to message you. You have spent the section establishing your value and direction; end by making the next step easy. For headline guidance, see our best LinkedIn headline after a layoff guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I mention being laid off in my LinkedIn About section?
You can acknowledge it in a single forward-facing sentence, or skip it entirely and simply present yourself as open to opportunities. Either works. Do not dwell on it or explain it defensively — lead with your value and direction instead.
How long should a LinkedIn About section be?
Long enough to convey your value and direction clearly — typically three to five short paragraphs. Make the first two lines strong, since LinkedIn truncates the section and readers must click to see more.
Should I write my LinkedIn summary in first or third person?
First person. It reads as authentic and human, which builds connection with recruiters and contacts. The third-person corporate-bio style feels distant and is less effective for a job search.
Helpful tools for this topic
Read next
Educational content only. LayoffNext provides general information and is not a substitute for legal, financial, tax, or mental health advice. For matters relating to unemployment insurance, severance agreements, or personal finances, please consult a licensed professional or contact official government resources.
Practical layoff guidance, in your inbox
We're setting up a newsletter with checklists, tools, and new guides. It isn't live yet — leave your email and we'll let you know when it launches.
Early-interest list only — the newsletter is not sending yet. No spam, ever.