The Blank Cursor Problem
Elena stared at the empty about section for 20 minutes. She knew she needed to write something compelling—her profile views were abysmal, and recruiters clearly weren't finding her. But every time she tried to start, she froze.
"Where do I even begin? Do I talk about my experience first? My skills? My accomplishments? Do I write in first person or third person? Should I sound formal or conversational?"
The blank cursor blinked mockingly. She closed the tab and told herself she'd come back to it later. She never did.
Here's the truth: Starting from scratch is the hardest part. Not because you don't have experience worth sharing, but because staring at a blank page forces you to simultaneously figure out structure, tone, content, and keywords all at once. That's too many decisions for one sitting.
That's why templates work. They give you the scaffolding—a proven structure you can customize with your unique story. You're not copying someone else's experience; you're filling in the framework with yours. These templates incorporate psychological triggers that drive engagement and action.
Below are 12 fill-in-the-blank about section templates by role for different industries. Pick the one closest to your situation, plug in your details, and you'll have a solid first draft in 15 minutes. Then refine from there.
For broader guidance on storytelling structure, see our 3-act framework for writing your about section.
How to Use These Templates
Each template includes:
- Structure notes: What each section accomplishes
- Fill-in-the-blank framework: Replace bracketed text with your details
- Keyword placement guidance: Where to integrate searchable terms naturally
- Tone suggestions: Formal, conversational, or somewhere in between
Customization tips: Don't just fill in the blanks mechanically. Use the structure as a guide, but let your personality come through. Add specific examples. Cut sections that don't fit. Rearrange if it feels more natural. These are starting points, not rigid formulas.
And if you need help adapting a template to your specific background or testing different approaches, tools like ANDI can help you customize the language, adjust the tone, and refine the story to feel authentically yours.
Template 1: Independent Consultant or Freelancer
Structure: Problem you solve → How you solve it → Who you work with → Results you deliver → CTA
Tone: Professional but approachable. Emphasize expertise and client outcomes.
Template:
I help [target client type] solve [specific problem they face] without [common pain point or tradeoff they usually encounter].
Over the past [X years], I've worked with [types of clients/companies] to [primary value you deliver]. My approach focuses on [your methodology or unique angle], which means clients get [specific benefit or outcome].
I specialize in [2-3 core services or areas of expertise]. Recent projects include [1-2 brief examples with results].
I'm currently accepting new clients in [industries or niches]. If you're looking for [service/outcome], let's connect: [email or calendar link].
Keywords to integrate: Your service type (consultant, freelancer, advisor), industry, specific methodologies, certifications.
Template 2: Executive or Senior Leader
Structure: Leadership philosophy → Career highlights → What you're focused on now → Thought leadership CTA
Tone: Authoritative but personable. Balance gravitas with accessibility.
Template:
I'm a [title] with [X years] of experience leading [function/department] in [industry]. My leadership philosophy centers on [core belief or approach].
I've spent my career [overarching narrative of progression]. At [Company], I [major accomplishment with measurable impact]. Before that, I [earlier highlight]. These experiences taught me that [key insight].
Currently, I'm [what you're doing now—leading a team, advising, serving on boards]. My focus is on [strategic priorities or areas of expertise], particularly [niche or emerging area].
I'm passionate about [cause, mentorship, or thought leadership area]. Connect with me to discuss [topics you're interested in engaging on].
Keywords to integrate: Executive title, industry, strategic areas (P&L management, digital transformation, M&A, etc.), leadership style.
Template 3: Sales Professional or Business Development
Structure: Who you help + what you sell → Your approach → Track record → Relationship-building philosophy → CTA
Tone: Confident and results-focused without being overly aggressive. Relationship-first.
Template:
I help [target customer type] achieve [outcome or goal] through [product/service category]. Think of me as your partner in [broader value beyond the sale].
My approach to sales is simple: I don't pitch solutions to problems you don't have. I listen first, ask the right questions, and only recommend what will genuinely move your business forward.
Over [X years] in [industry/product area], I've [quantified achievement—closed $X in deals, built X relationships, expanded territory by X%]. My clients stay because [reason—service, results, partnership quality].
If you're in [target industry] and exploring [specific need or pain point], let's talk. I'm always interested in connecting with [ideal clients or partners].
Keywords to integrate: Sales role (account executive, BDR, sales manager), industry, product/service type, sales methodology (consultative, solution selling).
Template 4: Marketer or Digital Marketer
Structure: Marketing specialty → Results you drive → Your process or philosophy → Channels/tools → CTA
Tone: Creative but data-driven. Show strategic thinking and measurable outcomes.
Template:
I'm a [marketing specialty—content marketer, growth marketer, brand strategist] who helps [target audience/companies] grow through [primary channel or approach].
What sets my work apart? I combine [creative strength] with [analytical strength]. I don't just create campaigns—I build systems that [specific outcome: generate leads, build brand authority, drive conversions].
Recent wins include [1-2 specific results with metrics]. I specialize in [2-3 key areas—SEO, email marketing, paid acquisition, content strategy] using [tools/platforms you're expert in].
Currently [what you're doing—leading marketing at X, consulting with startups, building personal brand]. Let's connect if you're interested in [topics or collaborations].
Keywords to integrate: Marketing discipline, channels (SEO, PPC, email, social), tools (HubSpot, Google Analytics, etc.), industries served.
Template 5: Creative Professional (Designer, Writer, Artist)
Structure: What you create → Your creative philosophy → Work you're proud of → Who you work with → Portfolio CTA
Tone: Personality-forward. Let your voice shine while staying professional.
Template:
I'm a [creative role] specializing in [what you create—brand identities, editorial content, product design]. My work is driven by the belief that [creative philosophy or approach].
I've worked with [types of clients—startups, agencies, nonprofits, Fortune 500s] to [outcome your work delivers]. Whether it's [example 1] or [example 2], my goal is always to [overarching purpose—tell stories, solve problems, create beauty].
Recent projects include [1-2 highlights]. You can see more of my work at [portfolio link].
I'm currently [availability status—taking on select projects, open to collaborations, employed but open to freelance]. If you're looking for [service], let's talk.
Keywords to integrate: Creative discipline, mediums or styles, software/tools, industries you serve.
Template 6: Recruiter or Talent Acquisition
Structure: Who you place + industries → Your recruiting approach → Track record → What candidates can expect → CTA
Tone: Empathetic and partnership-focused. Show you care about fit, not just placements.
Template:
I'm a [recruiter/talent acquisition specialist] focused on placing [role types] in [industries]. I believe great hiring isn't about filling seats—it's about finding the right match for both candidate and company.
My approach: I take time to understand what you're really looking for beyond the job description. Whether you're a company building a team or a candidate exploring your next move, I'm here to facilitate the right conversation.
Over [X years], I've placed [X candidates], built recruiting programs at [companies/industries], and specialized in [niche—technical recruiting, executive search, diversity hiring].
If you're a [target candidate type] exploring opportunities in [industry/geography] or a company looking to hire [roles], let's connect.
Keywords to integrate: Recruiting specialty, industries, role types (technical, executive, healthcare), recruiting tools or methodologies.
Template 7: Entrepreneur or Startup Founder
Structure: What you're building → Problem you're solving → Your journey → Vision → CTA for investors/partners/customers
Tone: Visionary but grounded. Balance ambition with credibility.
Template:
I'm the founder of [Company], where we're building [product/service] to solve [problem] for [target customer].
I started this company because [origin story or "why"]. The problem we're tackling is [scope of problem], and our solution is [unique approach or differentiation].
Before this, I [relevant background]. Along the way, I've [key milestones—raised $X, launched in X markets, served X customers]. We're currently [stage—scaling, fundraising, launching new product].
I'm always interested in connecting with [investors, partners, fellow founders, or customers]. If [what would make someone a good connection], reach out.
Keywords to integrate: Industry, product category, stage (seed, Series A, etc.), founder background.
Template 8: Coach or Consultant (Personal/Professional Development)
Structure: Who you help + transformation you facilitate → Your methodology → Background/credentials → Client results → CTA
Tone: Warm and empowering. Balance authority with approachability.
Template:
I help [target client type] go from [current state] to [desired state] without [common obstacle or sacrifice].
My coaching is grounded in [methodology, framework, or philosophy]. I don't believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Instead, we work together to [process—uncover blind spots, build systems, shift mindsets].
I'm a [credentials—certified coach, licensed therapist, former executive] with [X years] of experience in [domain]. My clients have [outcomes—landed promotions, transitioned careers, built confidence, scaled businesses].
I work with [X] clients at a time to ensure personalized attention. If you're [ideal client description], let's explore if we're a fit: [booking link or email].
Keywords to integrate: Coaching niche (executive coach, career coach, life coach), certifications, methodologies, target audience.
Template 9: Analyst or Data Professional
Structure: Type of analysis you do → Industries/functions → Your analytical approach → Tools/methods → Impact you deliver → CTA
Tone: Precise and results-focused. Show both technical skill and business acumen.
Template:
I'm a [analyst type—data analyst, business analyst, financial analyst] specializing in [domain or function]. I turn complex data into clear, actionable insights that drive [business outcome].
My work focuses on [specific types of analysis—forecasting, performance optimization, risk assessment]. I've worked with [industries or functions] to [examples of impact—identify cost savings, improve decision-making, optimize processes].
I'm proficient in [tools and methods—SQL, Python, Tableau, financial modeling, statistical analysis] and have [X years] of experience translating data into strategies that [outcome].
Currently [role or availability]. Always happy to connect with [data professionals, hiring managers, or industry peers].
Keywords to integrate: Analyst type, tools (Excel, SQL, Tableau, Python), industries, analytical methods, certifications.
Template 10: Manager or Team Leader
Structure: What you manage → Leadership philosophy → Team/project highlights → Skills you're known for → CTA
Tone: Collaborative and results-oriented. Show you elevate your team.
Template:
I lead [team type or function] at [Company/Industry], where I'm responsible for [scope—team size, budget, strategic area].
My leadership approach is rooted in [philosophy—empowering teams, data-driven decision-making, servant leadership]. I believe the best results come from [belief about teams/collaboration].
Under my leadership, my team has [quantified achievements]. I'm particularly proud of [specific example]. These experiences have sharpened my skills in [2-3 key management skills].
I'm passionate about [professional interest—mentorship, process improvement, team development]. Let's connect if you're interested in discussing [topics].
Keywords to integrate: Management role, function (operations, product, marketing), leadership skills, team size, methodologies (Agile, Six Sigma).
Template 11: Specialist or Subject Matter Expert
Structure: Your niche expertise → Why this expertise matters → Experience/credentials → Thought leadership → CTA
Tone: Authoritative and educational. Position yourself as the go-to expert.
Template:
I'm a [specialist title] with deep expertise in [narrow niche]. Most people know [general area], but few understand [specific aspect you master]—and that's where I come in.
Over [X years], I've [how you've applied expertise]. This work has [impact—saved companies $X, prevented X risks, enabled X innovations]. I've seen firsthand how [insight about your field].
I hold [certifications or credentials] and have [published, spoken at, contributed to] [relevant thought leadership]. My focus areas include [2-3 sub-specialties].
I'm available for [consulting, speaking, advising] and always happy to discuss [niche topics]. Connect if you're working on [relevant problems].
Keywords to integrate: Niche specialty, technical terms, certifications, industries where expertise applies, methodologies.
Template 12: Hybrid Role or Career Changer
Structure: Current direction + unique background → Bridge between past and present → Transferable strengths → What you bring → CTA
Tone: Confident and forward-focused. Frame your background as an asset, not an obstacle.
Template:
I'm a [current or target role] with a background in [previous field/industry]. That combination gives me a perspective most [current role] professionals don't have: [unique insight or skill].
I spent [X years] in [previous field] where I [key experiences]. Now I'm applying that expertise to [current field], focusing on [specific area or niche]. The transition has taught me [key lesson or skill].
My strengths lie in [2-3 transferable skills]. Recent work includes [example showing new direction]. I bring [what makes you different] to every project.
If you're looking for someone who combines [old skill] with [new skill], let's connect.
Keywords to integrate: Both old and new industry terms, transferable skills, target role, certifications or training in new field.
For more on positioning career pivots, see our guide on repositioning your LinkedIn profile for a career change.
From Blank Page to Compelling Story in 15 Minutes
Elena finally tackled her about section using the consultant template. She filled in the blanks with her specific expertise, added a client success story, and adjusted the tone to feel more like her voice. Fifteen minutes later, she had a solid first draft.
Over the next week, she refined it—tightening the language, adding keywords naturally, and adjusting the call-to-action. Her completed about section wasn't perfect, but it was compelling, searchable, and authentic. Most importantly, it existed—and that's what mattered.
Within two weeks, her profile views increased by 40%. Three weeks later, she got her first inbound inquiry from a client who specifically mentioned her about section as the reason they reached out.
The blank cursor doesn't have to paralyze you. Pick a template, fill in your story, and refine from there. Your LinkedIn about section doesn't need to be perfect—it needs to be present, compelling, and authentically you.
Next step: Take control of your LinkedIn relationships — Try ANDI Free.
