What to Write in Your LinkedIn “About” Section When You're Switching Careers

Introduction

If you’re in the middle of a career change, writing your LinkedIn “About” section can feel impossible. You open the blank box and wonder: “What do I even say now? My old story doesn’t fit, but my new one isn’t complete.”

That hesitation is normal. But staying silent isn’t an option. Recruiters, hiring managers, and even future collaborators go straight to your “About” section to see if you’re someone worth connecting with. This is where your career shift becomes visible—and believable.

Here’s the good news: you don’t need to have everything figured out to write something strong. You just need to show clarity about what you bring, where you’re heading, and the kind of value you create. Think of it as your bridge between past experience and future opportunities. When you write it well, you replace doubt with confidence—and confusion with connection.

This article will help you do exactly that. You’ll learn:

• How to shift your mindset from apologizing to owning your story
• A simple structure to make your “About” section flow naturally
• Real examples that show what works for career changers
  

Who this is for:

• People in career transition, especially into digital roles
• Those returning to work after a break (parents, layoffs)
• Professionals leaving sunset or unstable jobs
• Mid-career changers who want to sound credible, not confusing
  

Your “About” section is more than text. It’s your turning point. Let’s make it work for you.

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The Real Block Isn’t What to Write—It’s What You’re Afraid to Say

If you’ve opened LinkedIn and hovered over your “About” section with dread… you’re not alone. Career changers everywhere feel that pause, that knot in the stomach, when it comes time to put their story into words.

Why? Because it’s not really about what to write—it’s about what you’re afraid to say.

• “Will I sound like I’m making excuses?”
• “What if I don’t seem legit in this new field?”
• “Do I even belong in this space?”

These aren’t just questions. They’re fears that can leave your cursor blinking on an empty page.

Here’s the truth: every career changer feels some version of this. And yet, the people who move forward are the ones who stop trying to hide their story and start shaping it. You don’t need to erase your past or explain it away—you need to frame it as the foundation of what comes next.

Think of your “About” section as a bridge. On one side is your past—skills, experiences, even detours that shaped who you are. On the other side is your future—the direction you’re choosing, the roles you want, the value you’re ready to bring. The “About” is where you show how those two sides connect.

Your story isn’t broken. It’s in progress. And progress is powerful. Employers don’t expect you to have been on a straight line. In fact, career changes often stand out as proof of adaptability, resilience, and fresh perspective.

So instead of fearing that your background is baggage, reframe it as momentum. The years you’ve spent problem-solving, leading, creating, or supporting others haven’t disappeared—they’re transferable fuel for the path you’re stepping into now.

Once you see it that way, the fear eases. You’re not an imposter—you’re in transition. And transition, when communicated with clarity and confidence, is not a weakness. It’s your edge.

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Why the “About” Section Is Your New Career’s First Impression

You might think this is just a bio. It’s not.

On LinkedIn, your “About” section is often the very first place recruiters and hiring managers look. It’s the snapshot they use to decide whether to keep scrolling—or to click away. In other words, it’s your new career’s first impression.

Think of it as your personal landing page. Just like a website homepage, it needs to be clear, relevant, and inviting. If your headline sparks curiosity, the “About” is where readers come to see if the story holds together. This is where you explain not just what you’ve done, but where you’re going—and why it makes sense.

For career changers, this section carries even more weight. Your work history may not line up neatly with the roles you’re targeting. Without context, it can confuse or undersell you. The “About” is your chance to set the frame: to show how your past experience is transferable, how your skills apply, and what kind of opportunities you’re pursuing next.

And here’s the key: it’s not about overselling yourself or pretending you’ve already “made it.” It’s about offering context. You’re giving readers a reason to believe your career pivot is intentional, credible, and worth their attention.

So how do you write something that’s honest, relevant, and confident? Start here.

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A Career-Changer’s Guide to Structuring Your LinkedIn About Section

When you’re switching careers, your LinkedIn “About” doesn’t need to be long—it needs to be clear. A simple framework helps you connect the dots for readers so they see your transition as intentional, not confusing.

Here’s a structure you can follow:

Past → Why Now → What I Do Now → Where I’m Headed → Call to Connect

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1. “Why Now” Opening

Your opening line should make people lean in. Think of it as the hook that explains why you’re in career transition. Was it curiosity, burnout, a chance to reinvent yourself, or a spark of opportunity? Keep it honest, not dramatic.

Example lines:

• “After a decade in retail management, I realized the part I loved most was improving systems—not running the floor. That curiosity led me into digital tools and process automation.”
  
• “Returning to work after raising two kids, I knew I wanted a future-proof path. I turned my energy toward digital marketing, where creativity meets measurable results.”
  

Tone tip: Be direct and specific. Avoid vague lines like “I just wanted a change.”

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2. Past Experience, Reframed

This is where you show your background isn’t wasted—it’s transferable. Focus on the skills, themes, and achievements that bridge your past to your new direction.

Example lines:

• “In customer service, I learned how to listen deeply, solve problems quickly, and manage competing demands—all skills I now bring into project management.”
  
• “My years in education weren’t just about teaching—they honed my ability to explain complex ideas simply, a strength I now use in UX design.”
  

Tone tip: Highlight strengths, not titles. Skip jargon. Don’t apologize.

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3. What You’re Doing Now

Show that you’re already in motion. Mention training, certifications, side projects, or freelance work. Even small steps count—they prove your transition is active, not theoretical.

Example lines:

• “I’m completing a no-code development program where I’ve built apps, websites, and automations for real clients.”
  
• “I’ve taken on freelance projects helping small businesses set up email campaigns, giving me hands-on experience with HubSpot and Mailchimp.”
  

Tone tip: Emphasize progress, not perfection. Don’t say you’re “trying to break in.”

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4. Where You’re Headed

Make it clear what you want next. This section answers the recruiter’s silent question: “So where does this person fit?”

Example lines:

• “I’m now focused on roles in product design where I can combine creativity with problem-solving.”
  
• “I’m looking to join a mission-driven organization where I can apply automation to help teams work smarter, not harder.”
  

Tone tip: Show direction, not desperation.

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5. Call to Connect

End with an invitation. Let people know how they can engage with you—whether that’s hiring, collaborating, or sharing insights.

Example lines:

• “I’m open to opportunities in digital marketing, automation, or related roles. If you’re building something exciting in this space, let’s connect.”
  
• “I love swapping ideas with others in career transition or digital innovation. Feel free to reach out.”
  

💡 Quick Template

“I’m a [former role] now shifting into [new direction]. I’m learning [specific skill/tool] and exploring roles in [field]. Let’s connect if you’re building something great.”

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Do’s and Don’ts for Career-Changers on LinkedIn

Before you hit save, run your bio through this list.

The goal of this checklist isn’t perfection—it’s clarity. A strong “About” section doesn’t need to impress everyone; it just needs to make sense to the right people.

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3 Before-and-After Examples for Real Career Shifters

Need proof this works? Here’s how three different career changers reintroduced themselves.

1. Parent Returning After a Career Pause

• Before: “I’ve been out of the workforce for several years raising my kids and am now looking to restart my career. I’m open to opportunities in anything that fits my skills.”
  
  
• After: “After five years focused on raising my family, I’m excited to bring my organizational and problem-solving skills into digital project coordination. I’ve recently completed a certification in Agile project management and am eager to join teams where I can help deliver clear, structured results. Let’s connect if you’re building projects that need calm under pressure.”
  
  

2. Mid-Career Worker Leaving a Low-Growth Job

• Before: “I’ve worked in customer service for years but am now trying to find something new. Looking to move into tech but not sure where yet.”
  
  
• After: “For more than a decade, I’ve worked in customer service, learning how to manage conflict, listen closely, and deliver solutions under pressure. Those same skills are now fueling my shift into UX design, where understanding people is the foundation of great products. I’m building prototypes in Figma and looking for opportunities to design user experiences that feel simple and intuitive.”
  
  

3. Self-Taught Digital Learner Post-Layoff

• Before: “I was laid off from my previous role and am teaching myself some tech tools to find a new job. Still exploring what’s possible.”
  
  
• After: “After being laid off in 2024, I used the transition as a chance to dive into no-code development. I’ve built small apps and automations with tools like Bubble and Zapier, and I’m excited to apply these skills in roles where process improvement meets digital creativity. If you’re working on projects that blend business and tech, I’d love to connect.”
  
  

💡 Try It Yourself:

“I’m a [former role] now shifting into [new direction]. In [old role/industry], I built strengths in [skill 1, skill 2]. I’m currently [training/project/learning], gaining hands-on experience with [tool/area]. I’m excited to focus on [desired role/field] where I can [value you bring]. Let’s connect if you’re working on [mission/industry/project].”

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Conclusion: You’re Allowed to Evolve Publicly

Here’s the truth: it’s far better to show up imperfectly than not to show up at all. Your LinkedIn “About” section isn’t a one-time declaration of who you are forever—it’s a living draft of the story you’re writing right now.

That means you don’t have to wait until you feel “ready.” In fact, clarity often comes after you’ve put words down, not before. The act of writing helps you see your strengths, your direction, and even gaps you want to fill.

So take a practical step: block 30 minutes this week, write a rough version of your “About,” and share it with a trusted peer. Ask them, “Does this sound clear? Does it reflect where I’m headed?” You’ll be surprised how much progress you can make just by putting your story into motion.

Remember: evolving publicly is a strength. It shows adaptability, self-awareness, and momentum—all qualities recruiters value.

Your story is still unfolding—and that’s exactly what makes it worth sharing.