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Summary of Qualifications for a Resume (With Examples)

11 min read · Updated on March 27, 2024

Ken Chase

Learn how a summary of qualifications can boost your job search

To capture an employer's attention and compete for a fantastic job, you need a truly compelling resume that conveys your qualifications in the best way possible. But how can you maximize your chances of ensuring that employers spend more than five or six seconds skimming your resume? The answer is simple: you need a great resume profile that can capture your reader's attention! And when you need a profile that really stands out, a summary of qualifications can be a great option.

In this post, we'll explain this type of resume profile and examine how it differs from a resume summary or objective statement . We'll also provide the tips you need to learn how to write a summary of qualifications for your resume and some useful examples that you can refer to for inspiration and guidance.

What is a summary of qualifications for a resume?

If you're familiar with objective statements and resume summaries, then you should readily understand the purpose of a summary of qualifications in a resume. Like those other types of resume profiles, a summary of qualifications - also sometimes referred to as a statement of qualifications - serves as an introduction to your resume. It is also exactly what the name suggests: a summary of the qualifications highlighted in your resume.

An effective summary of qualifications will provide key details about your skills , experiences , and accomplishments . Done properly, this brief summarization of those qualifications should spark enough interest in the reader's mind to entice them to read the rest of the document.

Resume summary, objective statement, and summary of qualifications: how they differ

It's also important to understand the differences between a summary of qualifications for a resume and the other two main resume profile options - the objective statement and resume summary. Each of these profile types is designed to introduce you to an employer. However, they each do that in a unique way:

The objective statement

The resume objective statement has been around for many decades. These statements tend to focus on the job seeker's career goals and how the desired job aligns with those objectives. Though the objective statement remains popular with many recent graduates, it is increasingly viewed as obsolete by job seekers who want to focus their profiles on how they can meet the employer's needs.

The resume summary

The resume summary fulfills that goal by emphasizing the job seeker's relevant skills and experiences. In addition, an effective summary also highlights how the job seeker used those skills to achieve measurable results for past employers. In short, it focuses on the type of value that you can provide to a prospective employer by citing specific examples of your notable achievements, using real numbers.

Summary of qualifications

As great as a resume summary paragraph can be, there may be times when you need a profile that can pack an even greater punch. That's where the summary of qualifications can be your best option. Like the resume summary, this profile option focuses on the skills, experiences, and achievements that make you a great candidate for the job. However, it does it in a different way.

You see, it doesn't use the same formatting that you see in standard objective statements or resume summaries. Those two profile types are written as three to five-sentence paragraphs. The summary of qualifications uses a different format altogether. Instead of being written in paragraph form, with complete sentences, it presents your qualifications in bullet point form, using achievement statements like those you would include in your professional experience section.

Related post : Resume Profile Explained (with Examples)

How do you write a summary of qualifications for your resume?

To create your own summary of qualifications for a resume, it's helpful to have a step-by-step guide for creating those bullet point details. The following tips and strategies should provide you with all the information you need to know to draft your own summary.

Select the details you want to include

Before you can create your bullet point summary, you need to decide which information you want to highlight. It's usually best to stick to your most compelling resume details and rewrite them for this summary. You should always start with a bullet point listing your professional title and length of experience in that role, and then include several bullet point examples of notable achievements.

Align your achievements with the role's qualification requirements

When you pick those accomplishments, make sure that they relate to the job you're seeking. Each achievement needs to demonstrate that you have what it takes to not only perform the job's duties, but to do so in a way that adds real value to the organization.

Use numbers to quantify results

To show value, you should ensure that your achievements show measurable results. Some possible examples of quantifiable achievements can include:

Revenue that you brought in for the company

The value of client accounts that you worked with

The number of customers you served

The size of any budget or project that you managed

Numbers related to increased profits, productivity, efficiency, and so on

Use your active voice for these bullet points

Each achievement should be described using an active voice to ensure that your resume summary of qualifications is as compelling as possible. To do that, you should use action verbs and make sure that the reader can understand that your actions produced the results. Consider the differences between these two achievements:

Passive : Inefficiencies were reduced by 12% over three years

Active : Implemented new workflow process that reduced inefficiencies by 12% over three years

The passive example is unclear about how those inefficiencies were reduced. The active example not only ensures that the reader knows you reduced those inefficiencies but also explains how you did it. While both examples do a great job of including real numbers to highlight measurable results, the active example is a far more compelling way to convey that information.

Note also that neither example uses first-person words like “my'' or “I” to describe the job seeker's actions. When it comes to resume writing , you should never begin your bullet points with that first-person emphasis. Instead, start each example with an action verb.

Related post : 100 + Keywords, Verbs and Action Words for Your Resume

Use keywords from the job posting

Your resume profile can be the perfect place to use the keywords your resume needs to get past any applicant tracking systems that the company may be using to screen applicants. You'll need a reasonable concentration of those keywords in your resume if you want your resume to be found in searches. 

To identify likely keywords, review the job posting to find any words or phrases related to specific qualifications - like needed skills, educational credentials, and experience. You can insert those keywords into your achievement bullet points to ensure that the ATS can find the words and phrases it's looking for.

Make sure that your achievements highlight your unique value

Finally, you should always strive to ensure that the summary of qualifications in your resume accurately reflects your personal skills, experience, and value as a potential hire. Don't be afraid to boast about your accomplishments here, as long as you're not stretching the truth. Remember, it's up to you to sing your own praises - none of your rivals are going to do it for you. Focus on the actions you took and the results you achieved.

At the same time, you want to be relatively brief. This is, after all, a summary of qualifications, not a comprehensive essay. Try to limit your bullet points to no more than five or six important statements. That should be enough to capture the hiring manager's attention and make them want to read on to learn more about you.

Summary of qualifications for a resume: examples

We'll end this by looking at some summary of qualifications examples to see how these tips can be used to craft your own summary. We've included examples for several distinct job roles. You can use or customize them to fit your employment needs.

1.     Salesperson summary of qualifications example

  • Sales Account Representative with eight years of experience in product sales and client management

Led sales team campaign, doubling sales revenue each year for four consecutive years

Expanded seven major accounts, boosting combined revenue by $2.3 million

Developed and implemented training program, reducing team onboarding time by 43%

Recognized as Salesperson of the Year for 2019 - 2023

2.     Marketing Manager summary of qualifications example

  • Dynamic marketing manager with six years of experience in brand enhancement

Led effort to rebrand ABC Corp, increasing market share by 12% and boosting profits by 12%

Designed and implemented digital marketing campaigns for client accounts valued at $15 million

Reorganized DeltaOne's marketing department, reducing costs by 19%

Launched more than two dozen social media advertising campaigns, increasing client customer engagement by an average of 75% per client

Bachelor of Science in Marketing, Anytown College, Anytown (2017)

3.     Software Engineer summary of qualifications example

  • Creative Software Engineer with seven years of experience in game and app design

Led seven-person team that designed three of the most popular idle hero games for mobile

Designed characters and locations for definitive version of Big Dog console game

As Mega Media Head Designer, created concept art for company's online and television advertisement campaign, expanding market reach by 16%

Master of Arts, Graphic Design, Pretty Pixels University (2015)

4.     CPA summary of qualifications example

  • Data-driven CPA with ten years of experience in payroll management, tax filing, and accounts auditing

Implemented new payroll system that reduced administrative costs by $10,000 annually

Streamlined tax filing process, while identifying more than $30,000 in unused deductions

Executed audit that identified $8,000 in monthly waste and redundancies

Bachelor of Science in Accounting, Money University (2011)

5.     Summary of qualifications example for entry level workers

You may be wondering whether newcomers to the workforce can use this type of resume profile to summarize their qualifications. After all, what achievements can they point to if they've just graduated from school and lack any meaningful work experience? Well, we've put together a summary of qualifications example for students that shows how recent graduates may be able to use this option too.

  • BS in Marketing, Marketing Experts University (2024)

Creative marketing specialist, specializing in digital marketing and eCommerce

Partnered with ABC Corp for lab project, revamping their branding and contributing to 23% increase in customer outreach and sales

Internship with ABC Corp, serving as understudy to firm's Marketing Director

Three summers active in Search Engine Marketing bootcamp

You can also employ a similar technique if you're a career changer - even if you lack any direct experience in the industry you're trying to join. All you need to do is focus on transferable skills - skills that you've used in your previous career that can also prove valuable in your desired job - and identify achievements that used those skills. You can think of them as transferable accomplishments, or simply achievements that demonstrate your capability to do the job you're trying to land.

When choosing transferable accomplishments, focus on past achievements that demonstrate vital transferable skills. Those skills can include things like collaboration, leadership, conflict management, communication, and other broad interpersonal skills that are invaluable across a wide array of industries and job roles.

Related post : Make the Perfect Resume for a Career Change

Use a summary of qualifications to capture employers' attention!

To break out of a crowded field of rival candidates, you need to make sure that your resume quickly earns the attention it deserves. Using a summary of qualifications for your resume can be a fantastic way to ensure that employers see your best qualifications laid out right at the beginning of your resume, capturing their interest and increasing the chances of an interview and eventual job offer.

Need more tips on using a summary of qualifications for your resume? Get your free resume review from our team of experts today and find out how we can help you create the resume you need for job search success.

Recommended reading:

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See how your resume stacks up.

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Resume Summary of Qualifications: Complete Guide for 2024

resume examples summary of qualifications

When it comes to crafting a successful resume, the Summary of Qualifications (also known as a Career Summary, Professional Summary, or Executive Summary) is a crucial element. This section of the resume immediately follows the header and objective statement and serves as a snapshot of the job seeker’s most relevant skills and experience.

Defining the Purpose of a Summary of Qualifications

The purpose of a Summary of Qualifications is to provide a concise, high-level overview of the candidate’s most impressive selling points. Instead of diving deep into every minutiae of the job seeker’s work history, the summary provides an executive overview that enables the employer to quickly and easily determine if the candidate has the necessary qualifications for the position.

The summary section usually consists of a short list of bullet points or sentences that highlight the candidate’s most compelling achievements, skills, and experiences that relate explicitly to the job they’re seeking.

Benefits of Using a Summary of Qualifications

There are several benefits to using a Summary of Qualifications in a resume, including:

Capturing the employer’s attention: By providing a high-level view of the candidate’s most impressive qualifications, the summary section immediately catches the employer’s attention and makes them want to keep reading.

Highlighting the most relevant information: The summary section helps to filter out all the extraneous information that may be clogging up your full resume, allowing the employer to focus on the information that is most pertinent to the position.

resume examples summary of qualifications

Tailored to each job application: Since the summary section is meant to capture the most relevant qualifications, candidates can tailor this section to fit each application they submit. It’s a great way to highlight specific skills and accomplishments that match the job description while removing anything that isn’t relevant.

Comparison with Other Types of Resume Summaries

While the Summary of Qualifications is the most common type of resume summary, there are other options, such as a Professional Summary or Objective Statement.

A Professional Summary is similar to a Summary of Qualifications, but it doesn’t focus as much on the candidate’s achievements. It instead provides a brief overview of the candidate’s skills and experience.

An Objective Statement is a brief statement at the top of the resume that outlines what the candidate is looking for in their next job. Objective statements aren’t as common today as they were 20 years ago, as most experts believe that they don’t provide enough value to a resume.

The Summary of Qualifications is the most effective type of resume summary. It enables candidates to showcase their most impressive qualifications, capture the employer’s attention, and highlight the most relevant information.

Writing an Effective Resume Summary of Qualifications

A well-crafted summary of qualifications can be the difference between getting an interview and being overlooked by hiring managers. To create an effective summary, it’s imperative to keep in mind the specific employer and job you’re applying for. By researching the company and job posting, you can tailor your summary to highlight the skills and qualities they’re looking for.

To capture the attention of the reader, start off with a powerful and attention-grabbing headline. This should be a concise statement that sums up your experience and qualifications. Instead of using generic phrases like “highly qualified” or “experienced professional,” be specific and consider incorporating relevant buzzwords from the job posting.

Once you’ve hooked the reader with your headline, it’s time to showcase your relevant experience and skills. This section should focus on your most impressive accomplishments and contributions. Be sure to use metrics and quantifiable results whenever possible. Numbers can help demonstrate the tangible impact you’ve made in previous roles.

While it’s important to highlight your achievements, remember to keep it concise and engaging. The summary of qualifications should ideally be limited to 3-4 bullet points or sentences. Avoid using lofty language or industry jargon that may not be easily understood by those outside of your field.

By following these guidelines, you can create a resume summary of qualifications that effectively communicates your value to potential employers.

Structure of a Resume Summary of Qualifications

When crafting a winning resume summary of qualifications, it is essential to pay attention to the following elements that make the content stand out:

Components of a good Summary of Qualifications:

  • Concise value proposition – use a strong statement to communicate your worth
  • Core competencies: Highlight your most relevant and impressive skills and abilities
  • Industry-specific keywords: Incorporate industry buzzwords, acronyms, and jargon to ensure the ATS picks up your resume

Ideal length and format

Your summary of qualifications should be no longer than four to six lines or 50-100 words. They should be easy to scan and read, so use bullet points, bold fonts for emphasis, and sufficient white space to increase the visual appeal of your document.

resume examples summary of qualifications

Examples of effective Summary of Qualifications

Here are some examples of effective summary of qualifications that you can consider including in your resume:

Marketing Manager with over 7 years of experience in devising and executing well-strategized campaigns that convert leads to sales while building brands’ reputation. Skilled in digital marketing, SEO, PPC, and email marketing.

Results-driven IT professional with over 10 years of experience in programming, systems architecture, and network administration. Adept in project management and collaboration with cross-functional teams to design solutions that improve operations efficiency.

Accomplished Customer Service Representative with 5+ years of experience in handling customer queries and complaints with professionalism and empathy. Skilled in conflict resolution and communicating solutions to customers, effectively improving overall satisfaction scores.

Your summary of qualifications serves as the teaser that helps recruiters determine whether or not your application is worth reading further. Ensure that you include only the most relevant and compelling details about your work experience, skills, and achievements, so it stands out among the sea of others seeking employment.

Resume Summary of Qualifications: Complete Guide

Personalizing your summary of qualifications.

When creating your resume’s summary of qualifications, it is essential to personalize it to showcase your unique value proposition, strengths, and achievements. This section of your resume gives employers a quick snapshot of your most relevant skills and experience related to the job you are applying for. Here are some tips on how to make your summary of qualifications stand out:

Identifying your unique value proposition

Your unique value proposition is what sets you apart from other applicants. It highlights your specific skills, experience, and accomplishments that make you valuable to the employer. To identify your unique value proposition, ask yourself:

  • What are my top skills and strengths?
  • What sets me apart from other applicants?
  • What have I achieved that demonstrates my value?

Your answers to these questions will help you create a summary of qualifications that highlights your unique value proposition.

Focusing on your strengths and achievements

While it’s essential to include your work experience and education in your resume, the summary of qualifications is where you can show off your strengths and achievements. When describing your strengths, be specific and use concrete examples. Mention any awards or recognition you’ve received for your work.

When highlighting your achievements, focus on the impact you’ve made in your past roles. Talk about how your work resulted in cost savings, increased productivity, or improved customer satisfaction. Highlighting your achievements shows employers that you are a results-driven individual.

Using keywords and phrases relevant to the job

Employers often use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to screen resumes before a human ever sets eyes on them. These systems scan resumes for specific keywords and phrases related to the job. To make sure your resume makes it past the ATS and onto the desk of a human recruiter, use keywords and phrases relevant to the job.

Carefully read the job description and make a list of the keywords and phrases that are essential to the job. Then, make sure to include those keywords and phrases in your summary of qualifications.

Your summary of qualifications is your chance to make a memorable first impression on potential employers. By identifying your unique value proposition, focusing on your strengths and achievements, and using keywords and phrases relevant to the job, you can create a summary of qualifications that sets you apart and lands you an interview.

Mistakes to Avoid in a Resume Summary of Qualifications

When it comes to crafting a summary of qualifications for your resume, it’s important to strike the right balance between being descriptive and concise. However, there are several common pitfalls that you should avoid at all costs.

Common pitfalls to avoid

The following are some of the mistakes that job seekers commonly make in their resume summary of qualifications:

Overgeneralizing or using cliches:  Steer clear of vague statements that do not really reveal your skills, experiences or strengths. Avoid commonly used phrases like “detail-oriented,” “team player” or “strong communication skills” without providing any concrete examples or evidence to support them.

Being too vague or too specific:  Writing a summary of qualifications that is either too broad or too narrow will not serve the purpose of the summary. Try to avoid being too general by listing skills without specificity, or being too specific by including irrelevant or redundant information.

Writing in the wrong tone or style:  A summary of qualifications should be written in a professional tone that mirrors the job you are applying for. Avoid using informal language or humor, and be mindful of the language used in the job posting to ensure that your summary is appropriate for the position.

Tips for Making Your Summary of Qualifications Stand Out

A successful resume summary of qualifications can be a valuable asset in securing your dream job. While it is crucial to get your point across succinctly, it is equally important to make your summary stand out to catch the recruiter’s eye. To achieve this goal, we recommend following these tips:

Customizing your Summary of Qualifications for Each Job

One of the most important things you should do is customize your summary of qualifications for each job. Read the job description carefully, and take note of the necessary qualifications and skills the position requires. Then, tailor your summary to highlight your relevant achievements and experiences that align with those requirements. Doing this shows the recruiter that you have taken the time to consider their specific needs, which makes you a more compelling candidate.

Using Active Verbs and Varied Sentence Structures

Another way to make your summary of qualifications stand out is by incorporating active verbs and varied sentence structures. Using active verbs such as “created,” “analyzed,” and “managed” shows that you are a proactive person who takes initiative. Including varied sentence structures also helps keep your summary from becoming monotonous and tedious. Aim to include both short and long sentences and avoid using the same words repeatedly.

Making it Visually Appealing

Another way to make your summary of qualifications pop is by making it visually appealing. Create a clean, easy-to-read format with bullet points, bold text, and appropriate fonts that will attract the recruiter’s attention. By doing this, you will make sure that important points stand out and are easy to read.

Incorporating Calls to Action and Contact Information

Last but not least, don’t forget to incorporate calls to action and contact information in your summary of qualifications. Closing your summary with a call to action invites the recruiter to take action, whether that’s reaching out to you or scheduling an interview. Additionally, include your contact information, such as email and phone number, to make it easy for the recruiter to get in touch with you.

Customizing your summary of qualifications for each job, using active verbs, making it visually appealing, and including calls to action and contact information are crucial in making your summary stand out. Follow these tips, and your summary of qualifications is sure to capture the attention it deserves.

Examples of Great Resume Summary of Qualifications

When it comes to creating an effective resume summary of qualifications, one of the best ways to get started is to look at examples from various industries. Here are some examples that can serve as inspirations:

Sample 1: Marketing Professional

“Highly skilled marketing professional with over a decade of experience in creating and executing successful marketing campaigns. Proficient in developing and implementing marketing strategies that deliver results. Demonstrated ability to build and nurture relationships with key stakeholders and drive revenue growth through effective marketing efforts.”

Analysis:  This summary effectively showcases the candidate’s extensive marketing experience and skills. The use of specific quantitative data like “over a decade of experience” and “drive revenue growth” helps to establish credibility and authority.

How to adapt it:  If you’re a marketing professional, you can take inspiration from this summary by highlighting your specific skills and accomplishments in your own summary. For instance, you can mention your expertise in developing effective marketing campaigns or your proven track record of driving revenue growth.

Sample 2: Software Engineer

“Experienced software engineer with a strong background in developing scalable, high-performance software applications. Proficient in a variety of programming languages and frameworks. Expert in software design, testing, and deployment.”

Analysis:  This summary is short and to the point, but effectively showcases the candidate’s technical expertise and experience. The use of specific technical terms like “scalable, high-performance software applications” and “software design, testing, and deployment” demonstrates the candidate’s depth of knowledge.

How to adapt it:  If you’re a software engineer, you can take inspiration from this summary by highlighting your technical skills and experience. For instance, you can mention your proficiency in programming languages and frameworks, your experience in software design and testing, or any notable projects you’ve worked on.

Sample 3: Sales Representative

“Results-driven sales representative with a proven track record of exceeding sales targets. Skilled in building and maintaining strong relationships with clients and identifying opportunities for growth. Excellent communication and negotiation skills.”

Analysis:  This summary effectively highlights the candidate’s sales expertise and accomplishments. The use of specific quantitative data like “proven track record of exceeding sales targets” and “identifying opportunities for growth” helps to establish credibility and authority.

How to adapt it:  If you’re a sales representative, you can take inspiration from this summary by highlighting your sales accomplishments and customer relationship management skills. For instance, you can mention your experience in exceeding sales targets or developing strategies to identify new sales opportunities.

These examples demonstrate the power of a well-crafted resume summary of qualifications to showcase your skills and experience to potential employers. By analyzing what makes these summaries effective and adapting them to your own resume, you can create a summary that effectively highlights your unique strengths and qualifications.

Summary of Qualifications for Different Career Stages

When writing a summary of qualifications for your resume, it’s important to tailor it to your career stage. Here are some recommendations for entry-level, mid-career, and executive positions.

Entry-Level

If you’re just starting out in your career, focus on showcasing your relevant skills and education. Include any internships or volunteer experiences that demonstrate your work ethic and passion for the field. Don’t be afraid to mention any clubs or organizations you’ve been a part of that are related to your field of interest.

Here’s an example:

For those who have some years of experience under their belt, highlight your accomplishments and demonstrate your ability to take on leadership roles. Focus on your quantifiable achievements, such as increased revenue or improved processes.

For those in executive positions, it’s important to focus on your strategic vision and ability to lead teams to success. Highlight any industry awards or recognitions you have received.

Career Changers/Employment Gaps

For those who are changing careers or who have gaps in their employment, focus on highlighting transferable skills and any relevant experiences. Consider including any volunteer or freelance work that you’ve done.

Tailoring your resume summary of qualifications to your career stage is crucial to making your application stand out. Focus on showcasing your relevant skills and experiences and don’t be afraid to highlight your achievements. For career changers or those with employment gaps, concentrate on your transferable skills and relevant experiences.

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resume examples summary of qualifications

Dive Into Expert Guides to Enhance your Resume

How to write a qualifications summary on a resume

The achievements that make you stand out

RC Team

As an introduction to your resume, the  qualifications summary is a an excellent option to make sure your application stands out  and grabs the attention of a potential employer.

Hiring managers or human resource staff spend hours looking through resumes when they have a vacancy, this can become very tedious when all of the applications they receive have similar work experience or skill sets. That is why learning  how to write a winning qualifications summary for your resume  could be the key to earning you a chance at an interview for your dream job.

Having an attractive,  optimized resume introduction  like a  qualification summary , also known as a  professional profile  or  summary of qualifications , which showcases your strengths in a short, clear section right at the beginning of your resume is a surefire way to capture the reader’s interest.

Read on for a  simple guide on what to include in a qualifications summary on your resume , tips on how to write it and practical qualification summary examples to help you create one of your own.

The qualifications summary tends to be used more often in  functional or combined resume structures  as opposed to the classic  chronological format  but this is not always the case and can be a great addition to any resume.

What is the Qualifications Summary?

Knowing  how to write a qualifications summary for a resume  can mean the difference between an average application and one that stands out from other candidates.

A  qualifications summary is one of three options for a resume introduction  that begins by  showcasing the most relevant and influential aspects of the candidate’s experience,  such as their major achievements, skills and qualifications.

Contrary to the  resume objective  or  summary statement , a qualifications summary is written in  bullet point format , highlighting the most impressive elements of your professional profile ensuring to  focus on the position  being applied to.

There are  different ways to start a resume  and the qualifications summary is an optional section which can be added or replaced depending on each candidate’s needs. The  resume format  you choose to employ and your level of experience, whether you are writing a student, entry-level or  professional resume , will influence your decision to use the qualifications summary or another of the possible resume introductions.

The  qualifications summary on a resume  is a useful tool for candidates whose resumes will likely be reviewed by Applicant Tracking Systems. The reason for this is that ATS software is designed to read through resumes in order to discard any that do not include the keywords that have been programmed for that particular position. This is a subtle reminder for jobseekers to ensure they  use keywords taken from the job description  etc. to detail their abilities and knowledge.

To  write a qualifications summary  which presents the most inviting information about your professional profile, you must ensure that this section  concentrates on the benefits that you can bring to the company or position  in question. That means that it will include your most outstanding achievements and skills which are  relevant to the sector  and role to which you are applying.

A qualification summary on a resume often attracts attention from potential employers  because it makes their life easier. Hiring managers save time and energy usually spent reading through the entire resume by reading the  highlighted qualifications in the summary  and are able to get a basic understanding of what that candidate can offer the business.

Key qualifications to include on your resume

Whether you use a resume template or not, it is worthwhile to have an idea of some of the  key qualifications to include in your resume  to use as a guide.

The following is a  step-by-step guide to help you get a better understanding of how to write a qualification summary for your resume  using these 6 different points:

1. Start with your expertise : Begin by introducing your  years of experience  in the field or in similar positions for  professional resumes . You can indicate a general overview of your responsibilities in these jobs. Mention here any  special courses or training  you have undertaken. For  students or entry-level candidates , you will  include your highest degree  and can emphasize majoring or minoring in a subject, any projects, or your final thesis, as long as it is relevant to the vacancy.

2. Show off your creative side : Explain an instance in which you have  introduced, implemented or created a program or practice  or found a new solution which has been beneficial to the company or association in some way.

3. Prove your efficiency : Include an  example of when you have increased productivity or revenue for the company  by any means such as using resources well, personal effort, saving time or energy, updating, renewing or improving practices.

4. Acknowledgements : Mention any  awards or honors  you have received for your work or collaboration. If you have been commended in any  publications  or been praised for your actions in any way  related to the position or industry  you are applying to, state the source and the reasons for the recognition.

5. Management : Describe any  positions of leadership  you have held, including the number of people under your supervision, any specific management styles you pertain to, or ways in which you have  managed a project or assignment  and seen it through to the end.

6. Interpersonal skills in practice : Finally, also  include an explanation of your interpersonal skills  and communication. This can allude to relationships with coworkers, junior or senior staff, customers, clients or suppliers. Or you could demonstrate your skills in terms of public speaking or giving presentations.

As well as these 6 points which should be addressed as fully and clearly as possible, you can also introduce any other aspects that are  relevant to the position  and you feel would  benefit your application  or would be advantageous to offer the company.

Although it is highly recommended to  focus your attention on quantifiable examples  and the basic information from these points, you can also  include other soft or hard skills or certificates which may be unique to your application , whilst still tailoring your information the position in order to stand out in the process. Learn more about how to include  professional certificates on your resume .

Following these rules and remembering to  tailor your qualification summary to the position  on offer will help you to create a resume that will get noticed for the right reasons.

Remember, if you need a little extra guidance, you can also use an  online resume builder  to help you  construct an effective resume for your ideal job  with an outstanding qualification summary to boot.

Tips for writing a good qualifications summary

Whether you’re just learning  how to write a qualifications summary for your resume  or you just need to give it a new spin, these top tips will help you make the most of this all-important resume tool.

The  qualifications summary on a resume is a very effective tool  for candidates who have an extensive work history either as a professional in that sector or as a  career changer who has transferable skills .

Examples of Qualifications Summaries

To be able to  create an effective qualification summary introduction , check out some of these examples to grasp the structure and style of qualification summaries.

Key Account Manager Qualifications Summary Example

  • Sociable – Organized – Goal-oriented
  • 5 years experience in customer and client relationship building.
  • Exceeded sales targets by more than 60% two years running.
  • Landed and managed several individual client accounts worth $100,000+.
  • Effectively trained and led team of 8 Sales Executives.
  • Received Top Sales Award from company 3 consecutive years.
  • Spearheaded new marketing plans with research and media strategies which have improved profits by $2.6 million gross per annum.

Executive Chef Qualifications Summary Example

  • Creative – Team player – Excellent time management
  • 12 years experience in Michelin star restaurants in NYC and Paris.
  • Expertise in French haute cuisine.
  • Prepared between 700-1000 covers daily.
  • Reinvented menu to improve attendance by 110% and profits.
  • Specialist knowledge of FDA requirements.
  • Catered for a wide range of 3 and 5-course fine dining galas, fundraising events and festivals.

Entry-Level IT Associate Qualifications Summary Example

  • Analytical – Resourceful – Flexible
  • Two years experience in Library Helpdesk Technical Assistance.
  • Graduate of BSc in Computer and Information Technology with 3.50 GPA.
  • Proficient in several programming languages, software applications, operating systems and database management.
  • Exceptional troubleshooting skills resulting in an improvement of 30% in issue-resolution.
  • Accustomed to fast turn-around times for maintenance and technical tasks.

The qualifications summary on a resume differs from the summary statement simply by the manner of formatting the information included. As seen in these  qualification summary examples , the general layout is what makes the  difference between the summary statement and the qualification summary  as opposed to the content or focus.

If you prefer to offer a paragraph format for your summary or to get extra  resume help with your summary statement,  you can take a look at our guide to writing one to ensure you create the best possible introduction to your resume for your job search.

If you need help putting together your qualifications summary,  ResumeCoach  also offers an  online resume maker  which gives you professional advice and clear, practical examples to follow, to ensure you get the most out of your resume.

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Status.net

Summary of Qualifications: 50 Powerful Action Verbs & 2 Examples

By Status.net Editorial Team on November 25, 2023 — 3 minutes to read

A qualifications summary is a statement at the top of your resume that showcases your most relevant skills, experiences, and achievements. This snapshot is your chance to make a strong first impression.

Key Components:

  • Relevant Skills: Highlight the skills that are most relevant to the job you’re applying for. This could include technical skills, languages, or leadership abilities.
  • Experience: Summarize your professional experience that demonstrates your qualifications for the position. Stick to impressive stats and achievements.

Crafting Your Summary:

Start strong with a punchy opening line that captures your professional identity. Think about what makes you a great fit for the role. Maybe you’re a ‘seasoned marketing specialist with a knack for driving engagement’ or an ‘efficient project manager known for meeting tight deadlines.’

Tailoring It:

Make sure to tailor your qualifications summary for each job application. Pinpoint keywords from the job description and weave them into your summary. This tailored approach shows you’re a perfect match for the role.

Summary of Qualifications: Template and Examples

Crafting a summary of qualifications can be smoother with a few examples to get you rolling.

Summary of Qualifications Template

Your Professional Title Years of Experience in Industry/Sector

  • Proficient in Skill #1 , Skill #2 , Skill #3
  • Experienced with Tool/Software #1 , Tool/Software #2
  • Adept at Task or Responsibility
  • Proven track record of Achievement or Outcome
  • Effective communicator with Type of Communication Skill skills
  • Committed to Value or Goal

Summary of Qualifications Example 1

Customer Service Supervisor Over 7 Years in Retail Management

  • Skilled in team leadership, conflict resolution, and customer relations
  • Experienced with CRM software and Microsoft Office Suite
  • Adept at managing multiple priorities and delivering exceptional customer service
  • Proven track record of increasing customer satisfaction rates by 20%
  • Effective communicator with bilingual (English/Spanish) skills
  • Committed to improving team performance through hands-on coaching

Crafting a summary of your qualifications allows you to demonstrate your strengths and highlight your professional achievements. Tailor this snapshot to align with the job description of your targeted role. Focus on the most relevant skills and experiences that will catch the eye of hiring managers.

Summary of Qualifications Example 2

Digital Marketing Specialist 5 Years in Online Branding and Campaign Management

  • Proficient in SEO, content marketing, and social media engagement
  • Experienced with Google Analytics, AdWords, and Hootsuite
  • Adept at developing and executing online marketing strategies
  • Proven track record of increasing web traffic by 30% year-over-year
  • Effective communicator with strong writing and editing skills
  • Committed to leveraging analytics to drive brand growth and ROI

Each qualification should be a beacon, shining a light on your unique skill set and experiences.

Use action verbs to give your points energy and clarity, and quantify achievements to provide a scale of your impact.

50 Powerful Action Verbs to Elevate Your Qualifications Summary

1. Achieved 2. Advanced 3. Amplified 4. Analyzed 5. Built 6. Collaborated 7. Created 8. Delivered 9. Designed 10. Developed 11. Directed 12. Drove 13. Enhanced 14. Established 15. Executed 16. Expanded 17. Expedited 18. Facilitated 19. Formulated 20. Generated 21. Guided 22. Implemented 23. Improved 24. Innovated 25. Integrated 26. Launched 27. Led 28. Managed 29. Mentored 30. Navigated 31. Optimized 32. Orchestrated 33. Overhauled 34. Pioneered 35. Planned 36. Produced 37. Programmed 38. Projected 39. Promoted 40. Redesigned 41. Reduced 42. Refined 43. Rejuvenated 44. Resolved 45. Spearheaded 46. Streamlined 47. Strengthened 48. Transformed 49. Unified 50. Yielded

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you craft a standout qualifications summary for your resume.

Start with your years of experience and top skills. Follow this with any notable achievements or recognition you’ve received. Tailor each point to reflect the job description you are targeting, ensuring you emphasize how your skills match.

How do you tailor your qualifications summary to a specific job description?

Review the job posting closely and match your qualifications with the keywords used there. Your summary should mirror the most important qualifications from the job description. This demonstrates you are attentive and specifically fit for the role.

What are some effective strategies to highlight your qualifications in a CV as a student?

Focus on academic achievements, projects, and coursework related to the field you’re interested in. Include any internships or volunteer work that demonstrate your skills. This approach shows your dedication and potential to grow in your desired industry. Related: Impressive Resume with No Work Experience (for Students)

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Career Sidekick

24 Resume Summary Examples That Get Interviews

By Biron Clark

Published: November 8, 2023

Biron Clark

Biron Clark

Writer & Career Coach

A resume summary statement usually comes right after a job seeker’s contact info and before other resume sections such as skills and work experience. It provides employers with a brief overview of a candidate’s career accomplishments and qualifications before they read further. Because of how early it appears on the document, your resume summary statement (or your CV “profile” in the UK) is one of the first places recruiters and employers look. And without the right information, they’ll doubt that you’re qualified and may move to another resume.

So I got in touch with a select group of professional resume writers, coaches and career experts to get their best resume summary examples you can use and adapt to write a resume summary that stands out and gets interviews.

As a former recruiter myself, I’ll also share my best tips to write your resume summary effectively.

Why the Resume/CV Summary is Important

You may have heard that recruiters only spend 8-10 seconds looking at your resume. The truth is: they spend that long deciding whether to read more. They do glance that quickly at first and may move on if your background doesn’t look like a fit. However, if you grab their attention, they’ll read far more. Recruiters aren’t deciding to interview you in 8-10 seconds, but they are ruling people out in 8-10 seconds. And this is why your resume summary is so crucial. It appears high up on your resume (usually right after your header/contact info) and is one of the first sections employers see. So it’s part of what they’ll see in the first 8-10 seconds.

Your resume summary statement is one of your first (and one of very few) chances to get the employer to stop skimming through their pile of resumes and focus on YOU.

Watch: Resume Summary Examples That Get Interviews

10 resume summary examples:.

These career summary examples will help you at any experience level – whether you’re writing a professional summary after a long executive career, or writing your first resume summary without any experience! After you finish this article you’re NEVER going to have to send out a limp, weak resume summary statement again (and you’ll get far more interviews  because of it).

1. Healthcare Sales Executive Resume Summary Example:

Turnaround & Ground Up Leadership – Concept-to-execution strategies for untapped products, markets + solutions that yield 110% revenue growth – Negotiates partnerships with leading distributors + hospitals—Medline to Centara + Novant Health to Mayo Clinic –  Revitalizes underperforming sales organizations via scalable, sustainable infrastructures emulated as best practice –  C-Level networks of clinical + supply chain leadership acquired during tenures with XXX, XXX and XXX

Why this resume summary is good:

This resumes summary example’s strength lies in the detailed, unique information that has been included. By including revenue stats, names of past employers and partners, the reader right away sees that this person will bring to the role a strong networking ability with key players in his industry, and more importantly can build, grow and revitalize a sales organization, market or product.

By:  Virginia Franco, Founder of Virginia Franco Resumes  and Forbes contributor.

2. 15+ Year Business Owner Resume Summary Statement:

Dynamic and motivated marketing professional with a proven record of generating and building relationships, managing projects from concept to completion, designing educational strategies, and coaching individuals to success. Skilled in building cross-functional teams, demonstrating exceptional communication skills, and making critical decisions during challenges. Adaptable and transformational leader with an ability to work independently, creating effective presentations, and developing opportunities that further establish organizational goals.

Why this is a good summary section:

This is a resume summary statement that was for  a candidate returning to work after having her own business for 15+ years. Because of this, we needed to emphasize her soft skills and what she can bring to this potential position. In addition, we highlighted the skills she has honed as a business owner so that she can utilize these qualifications as a sales professional, account manager , and someone knowledgeable about nutrition, medicine, and the overall sales process.

By: Dr. Heather Rothbauer-Wanish. MBA, Ph.D., CPRW, and Founder of Feather Communications

3. Human Resources Generalist Resume Summary Example:

Human Resources Generalist with progressive experience managing employee benefits & compliance, employee hiring & onboarding, performance management processes, licensure tracking and HR records. Dependable and organized team player with the ability to communicate effectively and efficiently. Skilled at building relationships with employees across all levels of an organization. Proficient with HRIS, applicant tracking and benefits management.

Why this is a good resume summary:

The applicant highlights their experience across a wide range of HR functions from the very first sentence, and continues this pattern throughout the rest of the summary. They then use easily digestible langue to showcase their hard skills (in the first & fourth sentences) and soft skills (in the second & third sentences). They also integrate a variety of keywords to get past automated job application systems , without sounding spammy or without overdoing it.

By: Kyle Elliott, MPA/CHES,  Career Coach and Consultant

4. Social Media Marketing CV Profile Example (UK):

Social media expert with successes in the creation and management of social media strategies and campaigns for global retail organisations. Extensive experience in the commercial utilisation of multiple social media channels including Facebook, Twitter and YouTube; I build successful social strategies that increase brand awareness, promote customer engagement and ultimately drive web traffic and conversions.

Why this summary is good:

This summary is well-written, short, sharp, and gives recruiters a high-level explanation of the candidate’s core offerings in a persuasive and punchy style. A quick scan of this profile tells you the exact type of social media platforms the candidate is an expert in, as well as the campaigns they have experience running and types of organizations they have worked for. Most importantly, the summary is rounded off by showing the results that this person achieves for their employers, such as increased web traffic and conversions.

Editor’s note: This CV profile summary was written for the UK market… this is a great one to use/copy, but make sure you put it through a spell-checker if you’re applying for jobs in the US (utilisation vs. utilization, etc.)

By: Andrew Fennell, Director at StandOut CV , contributor for The Guardian and Business Insider

5. Marketing Manager Professional Summary Example:

Marketing Manager with over eight years of experience. Proven success in running email marketing campaigns and implementing marketing strategies that have pulled in a 20% increase in qualified leads. Proficient in content, social media and inbound marketing strategies. Skilled, creative and innovative.

This resume summary stands out because it gets straight to the point. By immediately introducing the number of years of experience the candidate has, the HR manager doesn’t need to spend time adding up years. The candidate also jumps right into his or her strongest skill, provides a statistic , then gives additional skills.

By: Sarah Landrum, career expert and contributor at Entrepreneur.com and Forbes

6. Warehouse Supervisor Resume Summary Example:

Warehouse Supervisor with Management, Customer Service, & Forklift Experience –  Dependable manager with 15+ years of experience in warehouse management and employee supervision. –  Skilled at managing inventory control, shipping & receiving, customer relations and safety & compliance. –  Certified Power Equipment Trainer, Forklift Operator and Reach Operator skilled at coaching other staff. –  Promoted to positions of increased responsibility given strong people and project management skills.

The applicant was applying for a warehouse supervisor position that required them to have demonstrated management, customer service and forklift experience. As such, the applicant showcased their experience in these areas with a few keywords in the title, followed by additional details in the accompanying bullet points. Their final bullet shows a record of promotions, while reinforcing the applicant’s customer service and project management skills.

7. IT Project Manager Resume Summary Example:

Experienced Project Manager with vast IT experience. Skills include computer networking, analytical thinking and creative problem solving. Able to apply customer service concepts to IT to improve user experience for clients, employees and administration.

Because this candidate is switching career paths, it’s important he or she take skills used for previous positions and apply those skills to the new job listing. This is a great example because the candidate makes it clear that his or her experience is not in the new field, but that they are still able to bring relevant experience to the table. When writing your resume summary, keep these tips in mind: Use writing that is straight to the point, clear and concise, you’ll have a higher chance of getting noticed by the hiring manager.

8. Career-Changer Resume Summary Example:

Earn trust, uncover key business drivers and find common ground as chief negotiator and identifier of revenue opportunities in sales, leadership and account management roles spanning e-Commerce, air travel and high-tech retail. Navigate cultural challenges while jumping time zones, lead international airline crews and manage corporate accounts to deliver an exceptional customer experience. A self-taught techie sought after as a go-to for complex billing systems and SaaS platforms alike—bridging the divide between technology and plain-speak. – Tenacious Quest for Success + Learning . Earned MBA and BS in just 3 years while working full-time – gaining hands-on experience in research- and data-driven product roadmap development, pricing and positioning. – Results-Driven Leadership. Whether leading Baby Boomers, Gen X or Millennials—figures out what makes teams tick, trains and transforms individuals into top-performers. – Challenger of Conventional Wisdom. Always ask the WHY. Improve the user experience through smart, strategic thinking that anticipates outcomes. Present cases that influence, and lead change that drives efficiency and profitability.

This client was eager for a career change and had moved from role to role and industry to industry. After completing her Master’s degree, she was eager to tie her skills together to land a role – which she did – as a Senior Technology Account Strategist for a global travel company. Although a bit longer than a traditional summary, its strength lies in the details. Without ever getting to the experience section, the reader gets a clear idea of the scope of responsibility, and hard and soft skills the candidate brings to the table.

By: Virginia Franco, Founder of Virginia Franco Resumes  and Forbes contributor.

9. Project Management Executive Professional Summary Example:

15+ years of initiating and delivering sustained results and effective change for Fortune 500 firms across a wide range of industries including enterprise software, digital marketing, advertising technology, e-commerce and government. Major experience lies in strategizing and leading cross-functional teams to bring about fundamental change and improvement in strategy, process, and profitability – both as a leader and expert consultant.

Why this resume summary is good:

“Project Manager” is one of those job titles that’s REALLY broad. You can find project managers earning $50K, and others earning $250K. The client I wrote this for was at the Director level, and had worked for some of the biggest and best tech companies in her city. So this resume profile section shows her level and experience, and the wide array of areas she has responsibility for in her current work. You can borrow or use some of the phrasing here to show that you’ve been responsible for many important areas in your past work.

By: Biron Clark, Founder of  CareerSidekick.com.

10. Startup And Finance Management Consultant Career Summary Example:

Experienced strategist, entrepreneur and startup enthusiast with a passion for building businesses and challenging the status quo. 8+ year track record of defining new business strategies, launching new ventures, and delivering operational impact, both as a co-founder and management consultant. 

Why this resume summary example is good:

This summary was for a highly-talented management consultant looking to break out of finance, and into trendier tech companies like Uber . His track record and educational background were great, so the goal of this summary section was to stand out and show he’s more than just the typical consultant with a finance background. So we emphasized his passion for startups, and his ability to think outside the box and challenge the status quo. That’s something that companies like Uber and other “disruptive” tech companies look for.

14 Resume Summary Examples for Various Industries

Compassionate and effective 5th-grade teacher with experience overseeing the classroom and preparing lessons. Extensive experience encouraging students through positive reinforcement and motivational techniques. Collaborate well with school administration and other members of the teaching team. Ensure all students meet learning requirements, including literacy, social, and arithmetic skills.

2. Teacher’s Assistant

Goal-oriented teacher’s assistant with ten years of experience working with elementary school children. Aid teachers with lesson planning, classroom settings, and group instruction. Model positive behavior and maintain order in the classroom. Willingness to take on additional responsibilities to meet learning objectives.

Tech Industry

3. computer programmer.

Innovative computer programmer with a proven track record of writing high-quality code and supporting team needs with subject matter expertise. Adept in multiple programming languages, including Python, JavaScript, and C++. Ability to troubleshoot complex programming issues with inventive solutions. 

4. Cybersecurity Analyst

Dedicated cybersecurity analyst with ten years of experience in online security research, execution, planning, and maintenance. Proven track record of identifying business risks and proactively resolving them. Experience designing and instituting layered network security for large-scale organizations. Train users and other staff members on IT safety procedures and preventive techniques.
Skilled healthcare professional with ten years of experience in patient care, diagnosis, and providing appropriate treatments and medical services. Manage medical staff and resolve complex medical cases with maximum efficiency. Communicate the patient’s condition and treatment plan in easily understood terminology. Remain current with the latest advancements in medicine and research to ensure patients receive proper care.

6. Registered Nurse

Seasoned registered nurse offering comprehensive patient care in emergency room settings. Experience handling diverse patient populations and caring for various conditions. Proven leadership managing nursing teams and other staff. Focus on enhancing patient care and satisfaction through empathetic communication and excellent customer service. 

7. Digital Marketing Manager

Forward-thinking digital marketing manager experienced in all facets of digital marketing, including social media management, PPC advertising, SEO, and email marketing. Proven experience creating comprehensive marketing plans that improve lead prospecting and enhance brand awareness. Up to date with the newest tools available for digital marketing campaigns.

8. Marketing Analyst

Industrious marketing analyst well-versed in analyzing marketing campaign analytics and making recommendations to improve performance. Collaborate with account managers and use KPI metrics to explain the results of marketing initiatives. Meticulous with a strong work ethic and robust communication skills.

Food and Service Industry

Experienced wait staff member capable of managing orders, processing payments, and upselling menu items. Ensure restaurant guests feel welcome with attentive service catered to their needs. Remain current on updates to the menu and assist guests with selecting orders to meet their dietary requirements. Maintain a positive attitude and focus during busy restaurant periods.

10. Hotel Receptionist

Friendly hotel receptionist with extensive experience handling guest check-ins, check-out, and payments. Facilitate a positive guest experience with polished customer service skills and a readiness to address common inquiries and complaints. Collaborate well with other hotel team members, including executive administration and on-site restaurant staff.

Business/Office Jobs

11. financial analyst.

Highly motivated financial analyst with a proven track record of recommending appropriate financial plans based on financial monitoring, data collection, and business strategizing. Experienced in qualitative and quantitative analysis, forecasting, and financial modeling. Excellent communication skills for building and fostering long-term business relationships across the organization.

12. Tax Accountant

Experienced tax accountant with ten years of experience preparing federal and state tax returns for corporations and partnerships. Monitor changes in laws to ensure the organization properly complies with reporting requirements. Assist with tax audits, ensuring the team receives proper supporting evidence for tax positions. Analyze and resolve complex tax issues. Look for available tax savings opportunities for corporations with an aggregate savings of $500K last year. Excellent analytical skills and attention to detail.

Sales and Customer Service

13. sales representative.

Enthusiastic sales representative with expertise in identifying prospects and converting qualified leads to paying customers. Provide quality customer service and contribute to team sales success. Offer exceptional communication skills and seek to understand client needs before making the appropriate product recommendations. Continually meet and exceed sales goals. Leverage extensive knowledge of available products to provide appropriate client solutions and enhance customer loyalty and retention.

14. Customer Service Associate

Knowledgeable customer service professional with extensive experience in the insurance industry. Known as a team player with a friendly demeanor and proven ability to develop positive rapport with clients. Maintain ongoing customer satisfaction that contributes to overall company success. Highly articulate, with a results-oriented approach that addresses client inquiries and issues while maintaining strong partnerships. Collaborate well with the customer service team while also engaging independent decision-making skills.

Now you have 24 professional resume summary statements and some explanations of why they’re effective. Next, I’ll share tips for how to write your own in case you’re still unsure how to begin based on these examples above.

How to Write a Resume Summary: Steps and Hints

We’ve looked at 10 great resume summary examples above. As you begin writing a resume summary for yourself, here are some helpful tips to keep in mind:

  • Read the employer’s job description. Your career summary shouldn’t be a long list of everything you’ve done; it should be a refined list of skills and experiences that demonstrate you’re a fit for their job.
  • Mention your current job title if relevant. One common way to begin your resume summary is to state your current job title.
  • Explain how you can help employers achieve their goals or solve their problems.
  • Consider using bold text to emphasize one or two key phrases.
  • Include any relevant metrics and data like dollar amounts, years of experience, size of teams led, etc. This helps your resume stand out.
  • Focus on making the employer want to read more. The goal of your resume summary isn’t to show everything you can do, but to grab their attention and show enough that they continue reading.

Creating a Customized Resume Summary

While general summaries are appropriate when applying for jobs requiring similar skills and experience, a customized resume summary can enhance your chances of moving on to the next step in the hiring process. 

That’s because most companies use automated tracking systems (ATS) to review submitted resumes for content directly related to the job posting. If you use keywords and natural language phrases in your summary that interlink to the job description, you’ll have a much higher chance of passing the ATS review.

Let’s look at an example of a resume summary that is customized for the specific job description below:

Social Media Specialist Job posting

“Highly motivated social media specialist with strong project management skills. Creative marketer skilled in crafting innovative social media campaigns that resonate with a target audience. Regularly develop compelling copy and social media content to enhance lead generation and brand awareness. Detail-oriented with extensive project management skills that ensure proper prioritization of tasks and projects. Work with various social media management and analytics tools to examine results and make adjustments as necessary.”

This summary directly addresses the key points in the job description but rewrites them so the customization is natural and flows well. It’s personalized for the open role and uses similar terms with a few strategically placed keywords, such as “social media content” and “project management.”  

How Long Should a Resume Summary Be?

As you read the resume summaries above, you probably noticed there are some short single-paragraph resume summary examples and much longer career summaries that are two to three paragraphs plus bullet points. So how long should YOUR professional summary be? If you have relevant work experience, keep your summary to one or two paragraphs. The piece you really want the hiring manager to read is your most recent work experience (and you should make sure you tailored that info to fit the job description). The resume summary is just a “bridge” to get the hiring manager into your experience.

If I were writing my own career summary right now, I’d likely use one single paragraph packed with skills, accomplishments, and exactly why I’m ready to step into the job I’ve applied for and be successful!

Even for a manager resume summary, I recommend a very short length. However, if you’re changing careers, or you’re looking for jobs without any work experience , the summary section needs to stand on its own, and should be longer. That’s why some examples above are a bit longer.

Formatting Your Resume/CV Career Summary

You may have noticed a variety of different formats in the career summary examples above. There isn’t one “right” way to format this section on your resume or CV. However, I recommend either using one or two brief paragraphs, or combining a short sentence or paragraph with bullets. Avoid writing three or four long paragraphs with no special formatting like bullet points. That’s simply too much text for your summary section and will cause recruiters and hiring managers to skip over it in some cases.

Should You Include a Resume Objective?

You do not need to include an objective on your resume, and doing so can make your resume appear outdated. Use a resume summary instead of an objective. Follow the resume summary examples above and focus on discussing your skills, qualifications, and achievements, rather than stating your objective. Employers know that your objective is to obtain the position you’ve applied for, and the resume objective has no place on a modern resume/CV in today’s job market.

Examples of Bad Resume Summaries

Now that we’ve seen a few exemplary resume summaries, let’s look at some that you should avoid at all cost.

1. Typos and Grammatical Errors

“Experienced cashier who knows how to run the register cash. Responsible with the money and can talk with the customer. Knows when to stoc up the invenory and checks it all the time. Can count change and run credit card tranactions. Get the customer happy by good service. I am always cheerful and organized.”

Why this resume summary is bad:

If you read the summary carefully, you’ll notice several spelling errors. The words “stock,” “inventory,” and “transactions” are all spelled wrong. Grammatical errors make the summary choppy and difficult to follow (“Get the customer happy by good service”).  A summary like this probably won’t fly with a company looking for a detail-oriented cashier responsible for managing in-person sales.

2. Lacks Relevant Keywords

“Talented worker with experience managing a team of staff. Creative and responsible with knowledge of organizational processes. Can keep up with the busiest of environments. Stays focused when at work, ensuring prompt task completion. Dependable and willing to collaborate with a team to get things done.”  

In this example, the chef doesn’t use keywords relevant to cooking, restaurants, or kitchens. The summary is very generic and can apply to nearly any job. A manager who receives the application isn’t likely to understand what value the candidate can bring to the restaurant.  To fix the summary, the applicant must rewrite it to include relevant keywords and phrases. 

3. No Numbers to Quantify Achievements

“An experienced and hardworking manager ready to align procedures for maximum revenue and profits. Proven track record of streamlining and strengthening processes, resulting in higher sales and better customer satisfaction. Collaborate well with sales team members, ensuring they have the resources and knowledge to support customer purchases and inquiries. Develop strong rapport with clients and maintain ongoing relationships.”

This isn’t a terrible summary for a sales manager, but it has room for improvement. For one, the first two sentences essentially duplicate each other, mentioning an aptitude for improving processes with the objective of higher sales. The other issue is a lack of quantifying achievements. 

The applicant mentions they have a proven record of increasing sales, but they could strengthen the summary by quantifying their results. For example, they might say, “Proven track record of streamlining and strengthening processes, resulting in a 25% increase in sales over the past year.” The quantifier provides additional credibility. 

4. Not Targeting the Specific Job

“Looking for work in a role that requires great customer service, project management, and communication skills. Able to collaborate with people from diverse and varying backgrounds. Highly organized and reliable worker with a strong work ethic. Responsible and reliable worker you can count on.”

While the candidate lists various skills they have, including customer service and project management, there’s no indication of prior roles held or what position they’re applying for. The summary could apply to numerous positions in a variety of industries. To improve the resume summary, the applicant must specify the job they’re applying for and indicate their prior experience in a similar role, if they have any.

After You Start Getting Interviews, Make Sure to Take Advantage…

If you follow the advice above, you’ll have a great professional resume summary to make your qualifications stand out to employers. But landing the interview is only half the battle… So make sure you go into every interview ready to convince employers that they should hire you, too! If you write a great resume summary example that gets employers excited to interview you, they’re going to ask you questions like, “tell me about yourself” early in the interview to learn more about your background. So make sure you’re prepared with an answer.

I also recommend you review the top 20 interview questions and answers here.

Your resume caught their interest, so naturally, they’re going to follow up with a variety of questions to learn more about your professional background.

The bottom line is: A strong professional resume summary, followed up by other well-written resume sections will get you the interview, but your interview performance is what determines whether you get the job offer!

Biron Clark

About the Author

Read more articles by Biron Clark

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I would recommend to customise the skills section of your resume, and ensure that it matches the job posting. The higher the number of phrases within the resume matching the job requirements the more are the chances that the recruiter will pick you for the job.

I just wanted to say, “thank you!”. This was very helpful. Instead of jumping from one website to the next there’s so much useful, relevant information right here.

Hi, I have been having trouble creating a resume as My old one is so long, I’ve worked for a government agency for the past 14 years and held multiple positions doing many different duties for each and now I have to relocate to another area where they do not have an agency like mine in my new area within a 3 hour drive, how can I squeeze all my experience and duties on one page and where do I even start, I’m so nervous, it’s been so long since I’ve attempted the job hunt. So I’m wondering, I do not want to cut anything out that may hurt my chances and I can’t afford to have my resume rewritten by a professional. Can you guide me as to where you think would be a good place to start, I’ve been staring at this laptop for weeks trying to decide on a resume template, there are so many. I thank you for your time and any input will help.

Hi, I am a new graduate and do not have any experience in my field which is Nursing. I want to apply for the jobs but I have no idea about what to mention in my resume.

Hi, this article should help with the resume summary, at least: https://careersidekick.com/summary-for-resume-no-experience/

Other than that, you need to put your academic experience. And internships/part-time jobs if you’ve had any.

Dear Biron,, Thanks for sharing the 10 examples of professional summaries in your article, and especially the reasons why they were considered to be good. However, as a HR professional, I would most likely skip over most of them and would not read much past the first or second sentence. The summaries were mostly too wordy and boring, and did not demonstrate ‘oomph’ at first cursory reading. Simply indicating certain skills or behaviors does not give an idea of the level of expertise, and could simply be wishful thinking on the part of the resume writer.

Just goes to show that there are many ways to see what makes a good summary.

I am a chemical engineer and project management professional with 15+years experience. My experience is between process engineering and project management . How can I marry the two in my profile summary?

It’s not about showing everything you’ve done. It’s about showing employers evidence you’ll succeed in their job. You can show a bit of both but focus heavily on what’s most relevant for the jobs you’re applying for right now. 80/20.

This was absolutely helpful and amazing! Thank you very much!

Hello, I am an active job seeker. I hold a law degree from a foreign country and currently in college for an associate degree. My question is, how do I blend both my foreign job experience with that of the United States in my resume. Thank you.

I’d put your work history in chronological order, starting with the most recent up top. That’s what I’d recommend for 95% of people actually. Then it doesn’t matter where you held each job.

And then in your Education section, I’d include your foreign degree and the current degree you’re pursuing in the US, too (for the US degree, you can say “in progress” or “graduating May 2019” for example).

I am 40 years old & B.A degree holder I have experience in many fields.I would like to join any one fields

I am a fresh graduate, who has five years teaching experience and some months customer service representative experience. Pls kindly assist me to put the resume summary together

I’m an active duty service member and finding in a little difficult creating a good transitional summary from 20 year profession in tactical communications to a drug and alcohol counselor. Do you have any recommendations how I should approach this? Any assistance would be helpful. Thanks

Great piece

How to write the CAREER ABSTRACT in resume for ware super visor retail business?

Just wanted to say thank you.Your advise and information was clear and easy to understand , sometimes there is nothing pertaining to what im looking fot in particular, buy you have sermed to cover everything I n a short quick easy to understand method.It will help tremendously.

Thanks! Glad to hear it helped :)

Very informational

What if you have work experience, but the job your going for(teachingeducation) has nothing to do with warehouse work? How should I build my resume?

In the summary, describe yourself and then say, “…looking to transition into ___” (the type of work you want to be doing now).

This is a bit like a resume “Objective”. I normally don’t recommend an Objective section (and I recommend a Summary section instead), however the one time an Objective does make sense is when you’re trying to change industries or make a big change in the type of role you have.

So that’s why my advice here might seem like I’m telling you to combine an Objective with your resume Summary.

Then “tailor” your previous work to be as relevant as possible. Even if you worked in a different industry you can still show things like leadership, accountability, progress/improvement, hard work, achieving goals, strong teamwork skills, etc. You can do all of that in your resume bullets and work history.

Don’t u have Resume Summary of legal secretary/legal assistant?

No, sorry about that. There are hundreds of different professions/job titles, and we aren’t able to include an example for every scenario out there. These resume summary examples are designed to give you a general idea of how to write yours.

The summaries listed are excellent example and have helped me develop a stand out summary for a new position.

Hello, I been trying to land the job of my dreams. I need help with my resume if i want the recruiters in airlines to notice me. I’ve applied before but haven’t had complete success to making it to a face-to Face Interview. It is a career change – yet i feel i am a great candidate bc i have had many customer service and I even attended an academy for that specific position. Can you please tell me what I am doing wrong on my resume ?

what if i never had a job experience?

Great question. If you don’t have any work experience, take one of the formats/examples above and put your accomplishments and qualifications from your academic studies.

Your headline could say: “Motivated Bio-Sciences Graduate With Expertise in ____”.

And then you might talk about accomplishments in school, group projects you worked on or led, etc.

Basically, when you have no work experience, your school/studies BECOMES your recent work. You should talk about that like it’s a job, because that’s the experience you do have.

really amazing article and too useful , thanks

Hi Mr. Clark, I have been out of the work force for about 18+years and I have been a small business owner for the same number of years. However, I want to go back to the work force. But my problem is that, I don’t know how to prepare my resume or resume summary statement. I had a degree in Communication,Arts and Sciences and a postgraduate degree in Public Administration. I’m a bit confused as to how to incorporate all these experiences into my resume. Please can you help?

Hi Dorothy, I can recommend a professional resume writer if you want. But they’re typically not cheap, so it’s something you’d have to be willing to invest in. If not, there’s a lot of free info online about how to “tailor” your resume for specific jobs. I can’t help one-on-one unfortunately, but I’d recommend thinking about which type of jobs you want, and think of what experience you have that is most relevant. that’s what to put on your resume. Your resume isn’t only about you, it’s about them – what do they want/need? (if you want to get a ton of interviews, that’s how to do it :) ).

Can I have a professional resume writer?

I use a similar format when writing my opening statement for my coverletter. How do you recommend differentiating the two? Or is it ok to use largely the same language?

I think it’s okay to use something similar. I might be more brief in the cover letter… it needs to be about them just as much as it’s about you. Whereas the resume is all about you, at least in the summary section. (The later sections should still be tailored to THEIR needs..)

Struggling to write a Summary Statement for a Secretary/Administrative Assistant position. I have 15 years government experience but have been away from the government since 9/1993 and have spent 15 years as a Substitute Teacher after taking off for 10 years to raise my children.

Hiya! I am a mother of three attempting to return to the workforce. I have been a stay at mom for about 13 years, so I have a (large) gap in my employment history; which doesn’t look great. I have a college education and have obtained a few certifications whilst not employed, plus many volunteer hours. I know that I should probably use a functional resume format. Would love some advice on what I should include in my summary statement.

Hi Juniper,

I rarely like functional resumes, but it might be worth trying. I’d “split-test” it (a marketing term). Create two resume styles, send out 50% one way, 50% the other way, and track results for a week.

I’d treat the resume summary statement just like any other resume. Highlight your skills and past wins/accomplishments.

how do i explain long term gaps in employment? leave them out?

Hi Paulette,

Don’t mention them on a resume summary. But do mention the gaps on a cover letter or lower down on the resume. Here’s an article on how to explain gaps in employment:

https://careersidekick.com/explaining-gaps-in-employment/

I am student in civil engineering field. Have 1.5 yrs of work ex. How should i structure my resume. Thanks.

Hello My name is Shataka and I’m a current job seeker trying to land my dream job as a Counselor. I have Master degree in Counseling Psychology and a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work. My experience lies in many different fields. I’m currently a Substance Abuse Counselor, with a teaching background and over 5 years of social service experience. I guess my question is how would I sum up all my experience to help me find a job as a Counselor.

Comments are closed.

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How to Add a Summary of Qualifications to a Resume [+Examples]

  • January 17, 2024
  • In Resumes & Cover Letters

How To Add A Summary Of Qualifications To A Resume

The summary of qualifications, or highlight of qualifications, is one of the most critical sections, and you will want to ensure that you get it right. Potential employers need to look at your resume and see all the information required to form a judgment about you without the unnecessary waffle.

When it comes to adding a summary of qualifications to a resume , knowing exactly how to present the list and what order to put things in will help ensure that your resume provides the best possible first impression of you and your skills .

What Does a Summary of Qualifications Mean on a Resume?

In most cases, a summary of qualifications is a section placed at the top of your resume. It would help if you used this section to list all of your most important achievements, qualifications, certifications, and experience. You will often need to adjust your summary of qualifications to the job you are applying for to be as relevant as possible for each role.

What Should You Include in a Summary of Qualifications?

A summary of qualifications is a section on a resume that highlights important work achievements, skills, and experience. It provides a concise overview of your qualifications and serves as a snapshot of your abilities for potential employers. 

  • Key Skills: List the skills that are most relevant to the job you are applying for. These can include technical skills, soft skills, and industry-specific skills.
  • Work Experience: Highlight your most significant work experiences and accomplishments. Focus on achievements that demonstrate your skills and qualifications for the job.
  • Education: Include your educational background, such as degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework.
  • Industry Knowledge: Mention any specific industry knowledge or expertise that you possess.
  • Achievements: Highlight any notable achievements or awards that are relevant to the job.
  • Keywords: Use keywords and phrases that are commonly used in the industry or job description to optimize your resume for applicant tracking systems (ATS)
  • Quantifiable Results: Whenever possible, include specific numbers, percentages, or metrics to quantify your achievements and demonstrate the impact of your work.
  • Relevance: Tailor your summary of qualifications to the specific job you are applying for. Focus on the qualifications and skills that are most relevant to the position.

How to Write a Summary of Qualifications?

When writing a summary of qualifications, you should include the following:

Your summary of qualifications is supposed to be an overview of the key points held within your resume, so it makes sense to write it once the rest of your resume is complete.

The idea of your summary of qualifications is to highlight the skills and abilities which make you the best person for the job. Take some time to write down the things you are good at and the skills you have learned in previous positions. This could be the targets you have achieved, the technology you have mastered, or your featured publications.

When speaking about your achievements, you should include information such as the number of years you worked within a role, the number of people in a team, and the budgets you worked with.

When applying for a new job, you should always make sure to thoroughly read the job description and check the company’s website. The information you can gather from these places offers insight into keywords commonly used terms and the skills that are often desired. Using keywords can help your resume stand out and catch recruiters’ interest.

Although you should avoid statements like “I” and “we,” your summary of qualifications should be unique to you. Take the time to consider the things which emphasize your role.

Try to avoid unnecessary words and keep your statements as short as possible.

Summary of Qualifications Examples

Here are some examples of resume summary statements for different types of experience and qualifications:

Summary of Qualifications for Students

  • Completed a 2-year course in (relevant qualification) with honors
  • Voted student ambassador for senior year
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office and similar systems
  • Three years of voluntary experience with a local soup kitchen

Examples of Qualifications Summary for Entry-Level Roles

  • Four years experience working as a volunteer for a church youth group, assigning roles and completing tasks.
  • Worked as part of a team of 8 volunteers to successfully run an easter holiday camp for 60 children aged 5-12.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office and similar systems, able to work with both Excel and Word
  • Completed (name of degree) at (name of college) in (year)
  • Studied for first aid certification and completed required assessments

Examples of Qualifications Summary for Accountants

  • Completed Bachelors Degree in Accounting at (relevant college)
  • Experienced and familiar with a variety of data entry systems and accounting software
  • Five years of experience working within a large accounting firm, achieving deadlines in a fast-paced environment
  • Promoted to team leader within my department after six months
  • Five years of experience working with a variety of accountancy software
  • Experienced in taxation and regulatory compliance

Summary of Qualifications for Administrative Assistants

  • 15 years working with a team of administrative assistants
  • Experience with a variety of different record-keeping and data-entry systems
  • Introduced a new method of data entry which helped to reduce clerical errors by 25% and streamlined processes
  • Collaborated with a team of 5 others to liaise between different departments and clients

Examples of Qualifications Summary for  Project Managers

  • Experience leading a team of 12
  • Seven years of working with the same team of staff members
  • Grew profits from 5% to 12% annually within my department
  • Met deadlines for every project within the last five years

Summary of Qualifications for Teacher

  • Ten years of experience working with special needs children
  • Five years experience as the lead teacher in the English department
  • Successful completion of special needs training, ASL, and disability handling courses
  • Five years working as head of the English department in a high school setting  

Examples of Qualifications Summary for Medical Assistants

  • Seven years of experience working within a medical environment
  • Two years working in an Emergency Department
  • Experienced in organizing and handling patient charts and documentation
  • Trained in techniques required to collect patient vitals and the best ways to document this
  • Excellent communication skills and ability to liaise between patients and doctors where required
  • Experience working within a fast-paced and highly demanding working environment which required fast reactions and attention to detail

Examples of Qualifications Summary for Financial Analysts

  • Completed Master’s Degree in Accounting from (relevant college)
  • Registered and licensed with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority
  • Three years experience working as a trainee financial analyst

Summary of Qualifications Customer Service Roles

  • Six years of experience working in retail
  • Completed relevant training to become a designated first aider
  • Promoted to Duty Manager after 12 months
  • Awarded employee of the month on five separate occasions
  • Trained in cash handling and balancing

Examples of Qualifications Summary for Management Positions

  • Successfully led a team of 25 to increase growth and revenue by 30% over ten years.
  • Reduced staff turnover by 59% by implementing a range of staff satisfaction measures
  • Increased department profits by 7% in the first 12 months
  • Implemented growth and sustainability measures which were adopted company-wide

In Conclusion

Your resume will often be the first impression a potential employer has of you, so it is crucial to get it right. Making sure you include a summary of qualifications tailored to the role you are applying for can help you stand out from the crowd, promoting your strengths and the skills that make you the best candidate for the job.

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How to List a Summary of Qualifications on a Resume

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Even though every section of your resume is valuable, you might be wondering how to really emphasize your skills to a potential employer.

Often, there are important details about your achievements, performance, or personality that you want to put front and center for a hiring manager to see. Therefore, simply putting these qualifications in your work experience descriptions may not have the impact you’re looking for.

The best way to emphasize details about your qualifications to a potential employer is by listing them as their own separate section on your resume. This section of your resume is called a Summary of Qualifications, and will give you the opportunity to share what makes you a great employee.

Key Takeaways:

A summary of qualifications presents your most qualifying traits in a section tailored for your potential employer.

Use bullet points in your summary of qualifications.

Things you can address in your summary of qualifications include years of experience you have in a select field, any specializations or unique skills you were trained in, and critical achievements.

As with most of your resume, use quantifiable data when possible in your summary of qualifications.

How to List a Summary of Qualifications on a Resume

What Is A Summary Of Qualifications

How to format a summary of qualifications, what is in a qualifications summary, other examples of qualification summaries, why is a summary of qualifications important, should i use a summary of qualifications.

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A Summary of Qualifications presents your most defining achievements or personality traits in a way that is meant to maximize your perceived value as an employee.

A Summary of Qualifications should be tailored to the employer you are applying to. Therefore, a Summary of Qualifications should only include information relevant to the job. It is located at the top of a resume to direct the reader’s attention and introduce your most important qualifications.

A Summary of Qualifications is optional, however it can be very beneficial, especially if you meet certain criteria, such as exceptional and extensive qualifications.

How you format a Summary of Qualifications is just as important as what you say. To format a Summary of Qualifications:

Keep it brief. Like other important sections of your resume , such as your education and work experience, your Summary of Qualifications should aim to be brief, while also highlighting important details.

Place it at the top of your resume. As mentioned previously, this section of your resume serves as a way to highlight your value, and should leave a memorable impact. Therefore, you should place your summary of qualifications at the top of your resume.

Avoid first person language. You should also keep in mind that the way in which you write is important. Avoid I or me statements, and instead focus on an active voice with action verbs .

Instead of writing “I was awarded for completing 85% of my group’s graphing and paperwork”, start your statement with an action verb, and keep an active voice by saying:

Awarded by the team for completing over 85% of the group’s graphing and paperwork post-excavation

Use bullet points. Additionally, in talking about impact and readable formatting, it’s important to note that the most effective way to present Qualifications Summary is through the use of a bullet list. This formatting works in favor of you and your potential employer for a few reasons:

Focus. The bullet list style will make each qualification stand out as an individual merit.

Direct. The bullet style conveys a directness that will highlight the importance of your words.

Easy to read. The hiring manager will be able to skim the summary without missing out on the critical details

Ideally, you should limit your bullet list to no more than 6 or 7 qualifications, and those qualifications shouldn’t be more than 2 lines long. In keeping to this formatting, you will maximize the benefits mentioned above.

Even though you know how to format your Summary of Qualifications, maybe you aren’t sure what to include. Perhaps you feel too average, or like you lack some of this incredible experience that some of the samples convey.

However, you shouldn’t fear. There are always clever ways to make yourself seem extraordinary, and a Qualifications Summary will only help on that front.

Here is an general template for a Summary of Qualifications:

Years of experience you have in a select field Highest degree you’ve achieved, including your major, school and graduation year Leadership experience, including how many people you worked with or worked for you Critical achievement or major project you completed, ideally including numerical data Any specializations or unique skills you were trained in Important daily tasks or responsibilities you had in a previous role Professional recognitions, including certifications or awards you received

As you can see, a Summary of Qualifications should be crisp and clean. All of the bullet notes are easy to skim without losing their punch, and this will benefit you immensely in your pursuit of that shiny new job. Though, keep in mind that this is a template, and if you feel you lack any of the items listed, you do not need to include them.

Here is an example of a Summary of Qualifications using some of the items on the template:

Summary Of Qualifications Ten years of experience working as an ER nurse and midwife Achieved a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing from the University of Boston (2018) Five years of experience leading a team of 15 nurses Reduced patient mortality rate in the ER by 11% Managed up to 20 patients a day, including recording and monitoring their condition

Even if you can’t hit all of the key points on the template, there is always something you can include as a qualification you have. No matter what, those qualifications will make you stand out above another applicant.

Additionally, regardless of what you choose to include, easy details to start with are how long you’ve been working in a certain field, and your highest education level. These qualifications are especially valuable if you’re applying to a position that requires relevant experience in these fields . You should also keep in mind that the most beneficial way to present these skills is through quantifiable data, showing exactly what you have achieved. Instead of saying that you have many years of experience, say:

7 years of experience working in X field

When in doubt, some key skills you should display in your summary are: authority, creativity, efficiency, management, and communication.

Here are some powerful words you can use to display those skills:

Authority and Management: mentored, supervised, administered, coordinated, delegated, trained

Creativity: envisioned, conceptualized, designed, performed, customized

Efficiency: maintained, organized, prepared, arranged, updated, scheduled

Communication: collaborated, persuaded, discussed, presented, clarified, facilitated

All that being said, you’re more than ready to write a glowing Summary of Qualifications.

Worked at Tom’s Groceries for nearly 2 years Achieved a high school degree from Franklin High with a GPA of 3.7 Complemented by grocery staff and teachers alike as being extremely patient and eager to learn Trained as a cashier and a cart attendant Skilled in multitasking, due to balancing a part time job at Tom’s Groceries and honors classes in high school at the same time
Volunteered for a field archaeology project in Pompeii every summer for 4 years Graduated Anthro University with a Masters in Anthropology and a 3.8 GPA Worked with 5 other Archaeologists in a unit, requiring intense communication and passionate teamwork Completed a 70 page research project, which studied the civilian life at the height of the Roman Republic Finished 14 projects before their due date, while maintaining professional quality Awarded by the team for completing over 85% of the group’s graphing and paperwork post-excavation
Over 10 years of experience in customer service Achieved a high school degree from Samson High (2010) Trained 7 newly hired sales associates, and mentored them so they could adapt to their new responsibilities Set a Black Friday record at Bob’s Electronics for checking out 287 customers Well-spoken and easy to talk to, often utilizing a proficiency in English and Spanish to communicate with customers Awarded Employee of the Month on two separate occasions, including November 2019 and July 2020.
Experience working as a Realtor in the capital region for over 6 years Graduated from Housing College with a Masters degree in Business Administration (2017) Adept at networking, and licensed to work as a realtor in New York and Connecticut Increased housing sales by 22% while working at Realtor Co. Gave 72 sellers renovation advice that resulted in a return on investment of at least $15,000 Helped 60% of buyers receive offers that were over asking Received Top Realtor of the Month for 7 months in a row from August 2019 through March 2020

Having this section as a part of your resume is not required, however, that’s what makes it stand out. If someone is competing for the same position as you, and submits a resume that lacks a Summary of Qualifications, you will gain a step up by including one. By displaying your value front and center, a hiring manager should not only be confident in your individual merit, but also your potential as a new employee.

Using a summary of qualifications depends on your circumstances. You should strongly consider providing a Summary of Qualifications if:

You have extensive professional experience. If you have a lot of experience, a Summary of Qualifications can help to summarize your most important traits. A Summary of Qualifications brings those traits to the attention of the reader a lot faster.

You are a recent graduate or have little professional experience. Conversely, you may have little experience but plenty of transferable skills and accomplishments you want to highlight, which a Summary of Qualifications can do for you.

You are changing careers. When changing careers, your resume at first glance may look like its filled with irrelevant job experience. A Summary of Qualifications helps you show you have the desired traits.

You have the space. If you find you still have space on a one page resume, a Summary of Qualifications can be a nice way to bring to the reader’s attention your most important abilities.

Remember, a Summary of Qualifications is optional, so it is up to you to decide whether or not you want to provide one.

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Jack Flynn is a writer for Zippia. In his professional career he’s written over 100 research papers, articles and blog posts. Some of his most popular published works include his writing about economic terms and research into job classifications. Jack received his BS from Hampshire College.

Don Pippin is an executive and HR leader for Fortune 50 and 500 companies and startups. In 2008, Don launched area|Talent with a focus on helping clients identify their brand. As a Certified Professional Resume Writer, Certified Digital Career Strategist, and Certified Personal Branding Strategist, Don guides clients through career transitions.

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Crafting a Powerful Summary of Qualifications for Your Resume: Tips and Examples

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A summary of qualifications on a resume can go under various names such as resume qualifications, statement of qualifications, or skills summary. The purpose is to summarize the skills and qualifications listed on your resume, which makes it different from a resume summary or personal statement .

Although a resume summary of qualifications is optional, it can be very helpful for you to provide highlights of your qualifications and achievements in the field to catch the hiring manager’s eye.

Table of Contents:

What is a Summary of Qualifications on a Resume?

What to write in a summary of qualifications on the resume, how to write a summary of qualifications for a resume, 6 tips for the best summary of qualifications for the resume, summary of qualifications examples.

A resume summary of qualifications is placed at the top of your resume or in a separate section. Instead of briefly introducing you, this part emphasizes your key achievements, work experience, hard skills, personal traits - simply put, summarizing your skills and qualifications relevant to the position you're applying for.

Unlike a personal statement or career objective , a resume summary of qualifications should be written in a bullet point format and consist of 3 to 5 most impressive elements of your professional profile. 

Adding highlights of qualifications to a resume is not a must; however, it can benefit different types of job seekers. 

  • Entry-level job seekers: A summary of qualifications is especially essential for an entry-level resume as there might not be much to write about in the employment history section. With limited work experience, fresh graduates should draw employers’ attention to transferable skills , personal projects, or extracurricular activities . 
  • Career changers: A resume summary of qualifications is a useful tool for job seekers who are switching their careers . It's an effective way to showcase their transferable skills and de-emphasize the lack of relevant experiences in the field. 
  • Experienced professionals: For job seekers with extensive work experience, a summary of qualifications is the best way to demonstrate their expertise, capabilities, and achievements without taking up too much space on the resume. 

Below are some elements that should be included in a summary of qualifications on a resume:

  • Achievements
  • Awards & honors
  • Problems solved
  • Publications 
  • Certificates
  • Initiatives

🖋 Achievements

Achievements are what you’ve accomplished in previous roles and positive impacts you’ve made, either at school or in your career. By showing the most outstanding achievement in the highlights of qualifications on your resume, you can stand out from the crowd and get a leg up on the competition. 

📚Further reading:  How to Write Achievements in Your Resume [+Tips & Examples]

🖋 Awards & honors

Awards and honors are accomplishments that are both measurable and unique to your expertise or work experience. These can be a great way to prove your competencies over other candidates.  

🖋 Problems solved

The ability to resolve problems is one of the key skills that employers seek in job applicants. Hence, you can impress them by describing how you identified issues and worked things out in the past. Make sure the problems solved that you include in the summary of qualifications of your resume are relevant to the position you’re applying for or demonstrate related transferable skills.   

🖋 Publications 

For those looking for a writing job or a career in the academic field, it’s important to include publications in the summary of qualifications to demonstrate your expertise and writing, research, and organizational skills. You can choose to highlight the number of papers that you have published or showcase your contribution to published works.

🖋 Certificates

Certifications and licenses are qualifications that demonstrate your knowledge and abilities to work in a certain field. As many industries require specific certifications, you can highlight them in the summary of qualifications in your resume. 

Normally, you can list your degrees in “ Education ” or “Educational Background”. However, there are some cases in which you should showcase your degrees in the resume summary of qualifications, for example:

  • You’re a fresh graduate with limited work experience.
  • You’ve obtained a Master’s or Doctoral Degree. 
  • The job description specifies your educational background as a requirement.

🖋 Initiatives 

Taking initiatives is a specific leadership quality, demonstrating that you proactively create opportunities and/or resolve any problems at work. 

3 ways to add these in the resume summary of qualifications: 

  • Adopt powerful verbs such as led, initiated, developed, drove. 
  • Indicate self-created roles.
  • Include side projects related to the job opening.

1. Brainstorm and list all your achievements

First, list down all achievements and accomplishments you have achieved, both professionally and academically. Then, sort out the achievements relevant to the position opening.

Here's an example of achievement to include in a resume’s highlights of qualifications: 

“Exceeded monthly KPIs by 35% for the last six months of 2020.”

2. Read the job description carefully

As hiring managers aim to recruit the most suitable candidates to fill the vacancies, make sure your resume content matches the skills and required experience set out in the job ad. Hence, go over it carefully to tailor your resume in general and the highlights of qualifications in particular. 

3. Select 3 or 4 strongest and most relevant achievements

Imagine that all candidates have the same academic and professional background. So, what makes you stand out from the crowd? 

The answer is achievements that indicate how far you’ve gone in your career and how competent you are. The more achievements you show, the greater impression you make on employers. 

4. Add numbers or specific details to prove your achievements

Quantifiable achievements on your resume are a great tool to further prove yourself and evaluate your work performance. Employers will also find your achievements more impressive and convincing when they come with numbers.

Here's an example of quantifying results in a resume’s highlights of qualifications for a writer: 

“Produced nearly 100 how-to blogs on the How To Chimp site that attract 1500+ readers per month.”

5. List the summary of qualifications in the summary header

As mentioned earlier, the highlights and qualifications for a resume should be placed at the top. You can list them under your personal information or resume summary, depending on how you design your resume. 

💡 Keep it short

Similar to a resume summary and career objective, a summary of qualifications should be brief and consist of the key highlights about you as a job applicant. Think about it as a self-introduction to recruiters about where you are and what you’ve achieved in the field.

💡 Use bullet points

Bullet points are actually beneficial on so many ways . They will help draw employers’ attention to key points while allowing them to read through your resume summary of qualifications faster. Bullet points will also help save a lot of space on your resume compared to a paragraph. 

💡 Don’t repeat similar information

When writing a summary of qualifications, you may repeat what you’ve mentioned in the resume summary, skills, and work experience sections. So, avoid this to save resume space and employers’ time. 

💡 Customize the summary of qualifications for different jobs

Customizing your resume summary of qualifications to the specific position is critical if you want to prove that you're the right fit. Since every job has its own specific requirements, you need to demonstrate your relevant experiences and skill sets to that certain job. 

💡 For entry-level job seekers and career changers: list transferable achievements or skills

If you just graduated or want to enter a different career field, you may not have plenty of relevant work experience. For that reason, you don’t have much to show in the summary of qualifications on your resume. Transferable achievements and skills thereby can be a game-changer that could prove your potential and deemphasize unrelated career accomplishments.

💡 Insert relevant keywords from the job ad.

Resume keywords are critical to helping your resume to get through the Applicant Tracking System and get noticed by employers. Hence, you should include keywords not only in the summary of qualifications but also throughout your resume to increase your chances of landing a job interview.

Below are the highlights of qualifications examples for 7 different roles. Check them out to know better how to create a summary of qualifications for your resume!

1. Summary of qualifications examples for students

To impress employers, you can highlight your academic achievements and mention your extracurricular activities or personal projects.

  • Freelancing as a translator and worked on 10+ English-Korean jobs 
  • Able to speak English, Chinese, and Korean fluently.
  • Major in Journalism, excelling in Reporting and Writing (passed with A+).
  • Volunteered for projects that helped disabled children by publishing comics.

2. Fresh graduates summary of qualifications example

If you’re writing a summary of qualifications for fresh graduates, ensure you include the internship and relevant hard skills . This way, you can demonstrate your capabilities and work experience even though you haven’t worked full-time.

  • Fast learner with a can-do attitude. 
  • Able to motivate other members within a team.
  • Adept at using Adobe Creative Suite and WordPress.  
  • Earned a paid internship in Cosmopolitan as a graphic designer.

3. Summary of qualifications example for teachers

As a special education teacher , the writer creates a summary of qualifications for teachers by focusing on relevant work experience and personal traits in the same role. Hiring managers thereby can determine whether he/she is the right fit for the job opening.  

  • Detail-oriented, passionate, and patient. 
  • Participated in 5 abroad volunteer teaching projects to help children with autism.
  • Able to create inspirational hands-on lessons and IEPs. 
  • Help special students reach their maximum potential in an adaptable educational atmosphere. 

4. Programmer summary of qualifications example

It’s important to list out essential technical skills for technical jobs like a programmer . Adding certifications and career achievements in the summary of qualifications can be beneficial for a programmer. 

  • 7 years of experience as a Sr. Programmer. 
  • Proficient in key programming languages (Python, Javascript, HTML5/CSS), frameworks (Django, Angular, ASP.NET, Laravel), and tools (jQuery, Unix, Git).
  • Led a team of 8 developers and computer programmers, ensuring 100% uptime. 
  • CEPP – Certified Expert in Python Programming. 

5. Customer service summary of qualifications example

Customer service jobs are available in all industries. Hence, you should tailor your summary of qualifications for customer service for the specific position to stand out from the crowd. 

  • Great communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
  • 7 years of extensive experience in customer service, client relations, and process improvement.
  • Engaged in various industries, including Food & Beverages, tourism & hospitality. 
  • Developed and managed a portfolio of nearly 90 client relationships, comprising more than $6 million in company assets and liabilities.

6. Project manager summary of qualifications example

The project manager qualifications summary above has demonstrated the writer’s qualifications in terms of soft skills, a brief work history, and expertise in the field.

  • Strong communication, leadership, and decision-making skills. 
  • 8 years of experience in project management and working with leadership tools & techniques. 
  • In-depth knowledge in resource planning and budgeting. 
  • Ran 45+ projects with maximum performance and efficiency. 

7. Administrative assistant summary of qualifications example

Similar to customer service, admin assistant jobs are available in all organizations. Make sure you personalize your summary of qualifications for administrative assistants by adding significant achievements in previous roles to impress hiring managers better. 

  • Familiar with the fashion and beauty industry. 
  • 5 years of experience with proven organizational, communication, and event scheduling skills. 
  • Trained 3 admin interns into full-time employees.
  • Speak English, Spanish, and Portuguese fluently.

🔑  Key Takeaways:

  • A strong summary of qualifications on a resume could earn you a chance at an interview for your dream job.
  • Showcase the best about you to pique the hiring manager’s interest from the start, including professional expertise, personal traits, and significant achievements in the field.
  • Tailor it to the job description by going over the posting carefully and inserting relevant keywords. 

With Cake’s resume builder tool, free resume templates and resume examples, you could showcase your best qualifications to land your dream job. Try making a resume online (free download) now!

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--- Originally written by May Luong ---

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How to Write a Professional CV Summary with 100+ examples and tips

How To Write A Professional CV Summary? 100+ CV Summary Examples (& Tips)

Table of Contents

Don’t let an average CV summary decide your fate. Let the recruiters know you are the one by learning how to write a good CV Summary for a specific job in the UK market. Learn simple formulas and steps with 100+ examples of a professional summary on a CV.  

What Is A Professional CV Summary?

A CV summary is the summarised version of all your skills, work experience, and achievements. These 3-5 lines of the CV convince the hiring manager to read through your entire CV and assess your skills and experience for the relevant job. Though we all know about this, it may be by different names like CV personal statement, CV personal profile, CV personal summary, CV professional summary, CV summary statement, or CV introduction.

How To Write A CV Summary Statement?

Study the job description.

It is essential to create your CV according to the job role you are applying. Therefore, tailor your CV according to the job description. An effective CV personal summary UK must show that you are apt for the specific job role of that company.

Highlight Your Current Profession 

Since a CV summary goes on top of your CV, you must start strong. Mention your key achievements in the current job role and how they can help the company you are applying. 

Reference Your Work Experience & Academic Achievements 

Though your professional experience and academic achievements will be included in the rest of your CV, it is essential to highlight the ones relevant to the job you are applying for in the CV Summary.  

Emphasise Technical Skills

The brief summary must include your essential technical skills, which will help impress the hiring manager. Furthermore, if you are applying for technical positions in engineering, software, technology, or related scientific jobs, 

Quantify Achievements

7 of 10 CVs fail to impress hiring managers because the achievements are vague. Therefore, it is essential to quantify the accomplishments in the summary on CV. Here, add the Problem-Action-Result formula to emphasise better. 

Add Relevant Keywords From The Job Description

The job description is a powerhouse of keywords that can help your resume stand out. Therefore, keywords related to skills, experience, or traits should be added to make it ATS-friendly. 

Use Power Words And Action Verbs

Not using power words and action verbs can make your CV dull and generic. Therefore, in the CV introduction statement UK, use words like dynamic, innovative, results-driven, proactive, versatile, achieved, led, executed, and transformed.

Follow The Right CV Summary Formatting 

If you closely follow the CV summary examples UK, you will notice that personal pronouns like ‘I’ and ‘My ‘are not included. Furthermore, the summary in CV is usually 3-5 lines added just below the CV or resume header. Follow these formatting styles.

Why Is A Professional Summary For A CV Important?

A CV summary is the most essential component of the CV because this brief statement can either convince the hiring manager to read your CV or throw it out the window! 

  • CV Summary Captures the immediate attention of the hiring manager as it gives a snapshot of your entire persona. 
  • You should write your CV summary to ensure the hiring manager knows what makes you stand out.
  • A CV Summary, also called a professional summary, works as a solid first impression.

Tips To Write A Professional Summary

Check out the 5 tips for writing a CV summary to make your CV stand out of the crowd. 

  • Use the position description to decide what to include.
  • Pick a standard and consistent format.
  • Describe your experiences with specificity and strong action verbs.
  • Record accomplishments and contributions, not just responsibilities.
  • Revise carefully that read your CV at least 3 times before sending it!

How Are CV And Resume Summary Different?

Aspect CV Summary Resume Summary
Purpose When creating a CV summary, include educational background, work experience, relevant skills, and achievements. Write your resume summary in a straight-to-the-point document created to apply to a specific job.
Content Education, research, publications, and professional experiences Key skills, accomplishments, and experiences
Context Of Use Academic positions, grants, fellowships, or research settings Variety of industries for job applications outside of academia

Professional CV Summary Template

Here’s a CV template that will help you write one for yourself. 

Professional CV Summary Template

50+ CV Summary Examples For Multiple Job Applications

We have curated a list of more than 50 professional summary on a CV examples that we have found helpful and proper. Click on the link below and download it!

Check Out: Unskilled CV Examples

Resume Summary Template

Professional Resume Summary Template

50+ Resume Summary Examples To Tailor Your Resume

We have shortlisted 50+ resume summary examples to inspire you to write a good and compelling resume summary. Click to download now!

Check out: Part Time Jobs in the UK

What Is A Resume Objective?

When you are a recent graduate or someone with limited work experience, use a resume objective instead of a resume or CV summary. The objective is usually 1-2 sentences long and focused on career goals. Using resume objectives when entering a new field or looking for a career change. 

Good Example Of Resume Objective

An example of resume objective showing how to write a good resume objective

Bad Example Of Resume Objective

An example of a resume objective showing a bad resume objective

How Are CV Summary And Resume Objectives Different?

Aspect Resume Or CV Summary Resume Objective
Purpose To summarise your skills, accomplishments, and years of professional experience State your goals and your expectations from the job role
Focus Candidate for the job must focus on how the employer will benefit Use resume objective instead of summary to focus on your career goals
Tone Must be professional and entirely focused on past professional experience Must be aspirational and focused on future goals
Best For Professional with a good track record Recent graduates, entry-level candidates, and candidates with limited experience

What To Put In A CV Summary With No Experience?

Writing a CV objective UK for teenagers or people with no experience can be challenging. Therefore, we have laid out a few points for you to learn how to write a summary for a Teenage CV effectively. Remember, it goes on top of your resume or CV, so the CV summary should be tailored to the job role. Apart from that, let’s check out how to make your resume stand out with the statement at the top: 

Keep The CV Summary Concise 

One of the best CV writing tips is to write a concise summary. Keep your summary to a maximum of 2-3 sentences and mainly focus on your qualifications and key educational accomplishments. 

Showcase & Highlight Your Strengths And Achievements

It is important to tailor your CV summary to the job you are applying for, so highlight the relevant qualifications. Showcase and highlight relevant coursework, academic honours, or projects.

Mention Career Goals

An effective CV summary for a fresh graduate must include career goals, ambitions, dedication to the company, and how you plan to help them achieve their goals.  

CV Summary Template For No Experience

CV summary template for recent graduates with no experience

Good CV Summary Example (No Experience):

A good CV summary example for recent graduates with no experience

Bad CV Summary Example (No Experience):

A bad CV summary example for recent graduates with no experience

Frequently Asked Questions

How can you benefit from using a summary for a cv.

A good CV summary or resume summary is a great place to speed up screening and highlight your accomplishments. Since a CV or resume summary comes on top of a CV or resume, it captures the reader’s attention really quickly. 

What Is A Good Summary For An Indeed Resume?

A Indeed summary must be technically concise (1-2 sentences), highlight key skills, and reflect work experience.  

What Is The Top Line Summary Of A CV?

The top-line summary of a CV, often referred to as the CV headline or CV profile summary, is a brief personal statement that appears at the very top of your CV, just below your contact information. It’s a one-liner or short phrase that encapsulates your professional identity and core strengths, giving employers a quick overview of who you are and what you offer.

What Is A CV Profile?

A CV profile, a professional summary or personal statement, is a concise section at the top of your CV summarising your key skills, experience, and career objectives. It provides a summary of your professional identity and what you can offer to the potential employers. The CV profile is typically 3-4 sentences long and tailored to the job you are applying for.

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Resumes and professional letters.

Even in a digital age, the skills of writing a resume that is targeted, tailored, and specifically indicates your related experiences and accomplishments is still a necessary skill to master.  The format is important in order to organize your information and create a document that is visually appealing and helps walk an employer's eye through each section.  The content should be brief yet poignant in order to showcase what, how, or why you did that task.  Resumes should also be written from the mindset of where you see yourself going in the future instead of solely a history of things you have done. Think about what are the knowledge and skills that are necessary in your field of interest and use that list to give your resume direction.  For example, if strong communication skills are important in your field, then think through your previous jobs, classes, on-campus involvement to determine when, how, and to whom did you communicate effectively and use those details to craft a bullet point. But you aren't alone in this process, the Career Education & Development staff are able to assist you with developing tailored and targeted resumes focused on your future career goals.  So stop by 108 Bailey Library or call 724.738.2028 to make an appointment today.

Resume Basics

There isn't just one way to do a resume because there isn't just one type of person or one type of job.  Your resume should be a reflection of your experiences, your skills, what you have learned, and tailored to the job that you want.  So there's no getting around the fact that it may take some time to build a great base resume that accurately reflects you, but don't worry...we are here to help!

Below are some quick tips to get your unique content into a professional and appealing format:

  • Page Length: Business, Science, Technology, Communication fields tend to seek 1-page resumes while Education, Social Sciences, Performing Arts, and Therapy-related fields tend to have 1-2 page resumes
  • Page Margins: .5" to 1" range on all sides of the resume
  • Font Size: 10-12 point with your name at the top being larger (16-20 point)
  • Font Type: Recommended fonts are Times New Roman, Calibri, Cambria, Georgia, Garamond because they are recognizable and easy to read via computer scanning software programs

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IMAGES

  1. How to Write a Qualifications Summary

    resume examples summary of qualifications

  2. 30 Resume Summary Examples + How to Write One in 2024

    resume examples summary of qualifications

  3. Resume Summary: How To Write [+ 15 Examples]

    resume examples summary of qualifications

  4. How to Write a Summary of Qualifications

    resume examples summary of qualifications

  5. How to Write a Summary of Qualifications

    resume examples summary of qualifications

  6. Standard Summary of Qualifications Sample Format Free Download

    resume examples summary of qualifications

COMMENTS

  1. Summary of Qualifications for a Resume (With Examples)

    CPA summary of qualifications example. Data-driven CPA with ten years of experience in payroll management, tax filing, and accounts auditing. Implemented new payroll system that reduced administrative costs by $10,000 annually. Streamlined tax filing process, while identifying more than $30,000 in unused deductions.

  2. How To Write a Summary of Qualifications (With Examples)

    Here are some examples of effective summary of qualification statements for an account manager resume: Four years of experience in sales and building client relationships. Exceeded sales targets by more than 20% last year. Managed four client accounts and $950,000 combined revenue.

  3. Summary of Qualifications for a Resume: 20+ Examples

    Summary of Qualifications Example. Customer Service Representative with 8+ years experience in high-volume call centers. Maintained 99% positive customer survey rank at On Point Electronics. Scored 38% higher-than-average customer retention for all call-ins. Chosen as a target example for other reps during trainings.

  4. Summary of Qualifications: Examples & Writing Guide

    Here are some examples of details to highlight: Years of experience. Key hard and soft skills. Successful projects. Awards and recognitions. Leadership positions. Make sure that each bullet point in your qualifications summary showcases new, relevant, measurable achievements from different parts of your career.

  5. Summary of Qualifications on a Resume: Examples & How To

    Let's jump right in—. Here's a good example of a summary of qualifications for a resume: Example of Summary of Qualifications—Customer Service. Friendly customer service representative with 4+ years of experience and skills in telesales and leadership. Seeking to boost upsell rate at Purple Dolphin Components.

  6. Summary of Qualifications (With Examples)

    Make the resume qualifications summary your own. Highlight your skills and experience like the following example: Before: "Competent manager that helped cut department costs by 20%.". After: "Six years of experience leading a team of 25 sales executives, during which overtime costs were reduced by 50%.".

  7. How To Write a Summary of Qualifications for Your Resume

    Here are the steps for creating a summary of qualifications, including examples for each: 1. Describe your expertise. Experience relates to how well you know your field or industry and how much time you have spent learning your role. A summary of this qualification demonstrates how your knowledge will benefit the employer.

  8. Summary of Qualifications: Examples for Your Resume

    A qualifications summary is a concise list of your top skills, achievements and experiences relevant to the job you're applying for. It's typically presented in bullet-point format and focuses on quantifiable accomplishments. Here's an example: Managed a team of 20+ employees, improving productivity by 30%.

  9. Resume Summary of Qualifications: Complete Guide for 2024

    Examples of Great Resume Summary of Qualifications. When it comes to creating an effective resume summary of qualifications, one of the best ways to get started is to look at examples from various industries. Here are some examples that can serve as inspirations: Sample 1: Marketing Professional

  10. How To Write an Effective Resume Summary (With Examples)

    More resume summary examples Here are additional resume summary examples with different types of experience and qualifications. Use these as inspiration as you write your summary statement: Business resume summary examples. Customer-oriented full sales cycle SMB account executive with 3+ years of experience maximizing sales and crushing quotas ...

  11. How to Write a Summary of Qualifications for Your Resume

    Keep your qualification summary brief and on the spot. Every bullet point should be one line long in order to keep your resume neat and intelligible. Use active voice to convey a more impactful message. Avoid using words such as 'I,' 'me,' or 'my;' start your clauses with action verbs instead.

  12. How to write a qualifications summary on a resume

    The qualifications summary on a resume differs from the summary statement simply by the manner of formatting the information included. As seen in these qualification summary examples, the general layout is what makes the difference between the summary statement and the qualification summary as opposed to the content or focus.

  13. Summary of Qualifications

    Here are two more examples of effective qualifications summaries: Example 1: Personal Trainer Summary of Qualifications. ACE certified personal trainer with 11+ years of experience specializing in corrective exercise (NASM certification) Highest 1-on-1 client retention rate (85%) during my three years at Eagle Fitness.

  14. Summary of Qualifications: 50 Powerful Action Verbs & 2 Examples

    A qualifications summary is a statement at the top of your resume that showcases your most relevant skills, experiences, and achievements. This snapshot is your chance to make a strong first impression. Key Components: Relevant Skills: Highlight the skills that are most relevant to the job you're applying for. This could include technical skills, languages,...

  15. 24 Resume Summary Examples That Get Interviews

    5. Marketing Manager Professional Summary Example: Marketing Manager with over eight years of experience. Proven success in running email marketing campaigns and implementing marketing strategies that have pulled in a 20% increase in qualified leads. Proficient in content, social media and inbound marketing strategies.

  16. How To Write a Summary of Qualifications

    A summary of qualifications is a brief section at the top of your resume that highlights your skills, accomplishments, and relevant work experience. You can use it to show hiring managers that you are the right fit for their role. When writing this section of your resume, you should try to tailor it to the position you're applying to.

  17. How to Add a Summary of Qualifications to a Resume [+Examples]

    Examples of Qualifications Summary for Management Positions. Successfully led a team of 25 to increase growth and revenue by 30% over ten years. Reduced staff turnover by 59% by implementing a range of staff satisfaction measures. Increased department profits by 7% in the first 12 months.

  18. How to List a Summary of Qualifications on a Resume

    Here is an example of a Summary of Qualifications using some of the items on the template: Summary Of Qualifications. ... If you find you still have space on a one page resume, a Summary of Qualifications can be a nice way to bring to the reader's attention your most important abilities. Remember, a Summary of Qualifications is optional, so ...

  19. Crafting a Powerful Summary of Qualifications for Your Resume: Tips and

    Below are the highlights of qualifications examples for 7 different roles. Check them out to know better how to create a summary of qualifications for your resume! 1. Summary of qualifications examples for students. To impress employers, you can highlight your academic achievements and mention your extracurricular activities or personal projects.

  20. How To Write a Summary of Qualifications (2024 Examples)

    Below is a summary of qualifications for a teacher resume: 20 years experience working as a secondary level school teacher. Designed a curriculum that provided students with extensive knowledge and practical application skills. Achieved teacher of the year for three years in a row. Contributed to the high rate of secondary school students going ...

  21. PDF Summary of Qualifications Examples for Resume

    Example 3: Summary of Qualifications Excellent communication skills and a proven ability to juggle multiple high priority tasks. Detail-oriented, with a reputation for thorough process documentation creation, review, and training. Knowledgeable in Records management life-cycle process including paper and digital-born content.

  22. 100+ CV Summary Examples to Avoid Rejection: Learn How!

    We have shortlisted 50+ resume summary examples to inspire you to write a good and compelling resume summary. Click to download now! Download The PDF. Check out: ... It is important to tailor your CV summary to the job you are applying for, so highlight the relevant qualifications. Showcase and highlight relevant coursework, academic honours ...

  23. How To Enhance Your Summary of Qualifications

    How to write resume qualifications statements. There are several important strategies to keep in mind when writing each of the qualifications for your summary. Use the following tips to craft impressive and eye-catching bullet points for this section of your resume: 1. Use quantifiable data.

  24. Resume Objectives Guide with Tips and 30+ Examples

    Here is an example of a resume objective vs a resume summary: ... Resume Summary: "Results-driven sales representative with 5 years of experience in B2B sales. Proven track record of consistently exceeding sales targets by 20%. ... It is concise yet impactful, providing a snapshot of your qualifications and how they align with the employer's ...

  25. Resumes and Professional Letters

    Summary of Qualifications/Skills (Optional) Instead of an objective statement or in addition to one, you may want to include a section that summarizes your skills and/or qualifications. This section will help you to focus your resume on specific skills, achievements, or experiences that are important to your potential employer.