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How to Write a Resume Summary with Examples

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What is a resume summary?

Who needs a resume summary, how to write a resume summary.

You should know how to write a resume summary if you’re writing a resume and applying for jobs. Resume summaries show busy hiring managers and employers what you can offer them quickly and easily on a resume. This article will explain what a resume summary is, who needs one in their resume and how to write a resume summary.

A resume summary, also referred to as a summary statement or professional summary, is a short statement at the top of your resume that describes your professional experience and key skills. Including a resume summary allows you to highlight your best qualifications and get the hiring manager’s attention right away.

A resume summary can help you get noticed faster by hiring managers, who often scan a resume to make sure the candidate is a good fit for the job before reading more carefully. 

Additionally, including a resume statement is a good way to make your resume more organized, clearer and easier to read. The resume summary is like the table of contents at the beginning of a book, shaping the reader’s expectations of what they will encounter. This will help bring the reader’s attention to your best qualities.

Not every resume needs a resume summary. If you are new to the job market, do not yet have a great deal of experience, or have a pretty simple career path, you may be better off saving the space for something else.

However, if you are an experienced professional with several years of experience, or if you are hoping to switch career paths, a resume summary can help to organize your resume. A resume summary can tie together different pieces of your experience or indicate how your skill set is transferrable to the role you are seeking.

Follow these steps to write a resume summary:

1. First, start by explaining who you are

The first sentence or bullet point of your resume summary should clearly state who you are as a candidate. Make this a powerful statement that summarizes your experience and why you are a good fit for the job.

‘High-achieving sales agent with 5+ years of experience driving sales in established accounts and developing prospects.’

‘Copywriter with attention to detail and ability to turn around projects on a quick deadline.

‘Attentive registered nurse dedicated to diagnosing patients and managing treatment.’

2. Second, highlight what you bring to the role

Before you begin writing your resume summary, take some time to make a list of your most important skills and experience, including certifications, awards or other achievements, technical skills, and soft skills. Include some of these top experiences in your resume summary to highlight what you bring to the role. 

At the same time, you will want to use your summary to demonstrate how your skills and experience will contribute to the organization’s mission and goals.

‘Dynamic and motivated project manager with proven success in designing, executing, and closing more than a dozen projects.’

‘Organized human resources professional with a master’s degree in human resources management and 20+ years of experience in employee hiring and onboarding, performance management processes, and HR records.’

‘Experienced software engineer with a passion for building startup businesses.’

3. Third, capture job posting keywords

Adjust your resume summary for each job you apply to by scanning and capturing the job posting keywords. Carefully read the job description and select the key words from the ‘requirements’ or ‘education’ sections of the posting. This will demonstrate you prepared for, and are excited about, a particular position and you clearly meet the requirements the hiring manager is looking for in a candidate.

For a job posting that says the employer is looking for someone with at least 5 years of experience:

‘Compassionate registered nurse with 5+ years of professional experience and certifications in neonatal resuscitation.’

For a job posting that says the employer is looking for someone with experience working with major brands:

‘Social media communications and advertising expert with experience in creating and managing social media strategies for global companies.’

4. Fourth, keep your summary short

A resume summary should be no longer than 2-3 sentences or bulleted points in a list. Space is limited in your one-page resume, so keep your summary short and straightforward. 

‘Award-winning digital producer with 10+ years’ experience in supervising and creating digital media content. Adept in complex and compelling storytelling.’

‘Proven leader of international sales organizations offering 20 years of experience in developing successful growth strategies and training team leaders. Known for crafting compelling marketing strategies. Effectively managed multi-million dollar, multi-product global businesses on several continents.

‘Blending lab management experience and academic training as a PhD in microbiology. Background includes office administration, event planning, and scheduling expertise.’

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Resume Summary: How To Write [+ 15 Examples]

Your resume summary, or professional summary, is a key part of your resume. Learn how to write an impressive resume summary with examples & tips.

Your resume summary can make or break your next job opportunity. 

It is the element of your resume that has the potential to excite the recruiter and keep him glued to your resume for more than six seconds. 

That’s the very first and one of the major wins for you towards securing your new job.

To help you with this very crucial step of your job search, we have compiled all the pertinent information and provided specific samples of resume summaries. 

What Is a Resume Summary?

A resume summary is your professional journey in a nutshell. 

Often called a “professional summary” or “resume summary statement,” it contains a brief description of the experiences, skills, expertise, and achievements of your career so far.

It sits at the very beginning of your resume and most probably the first thing a recruiter will read. 

So, undoubtedly, it is one of the most important elements of your resume. 

It is the place to arouse interest and attract the hiring manager like a super magnet.

Check out this sample resume summary for a marketing executive:

If you write an unimaginative resume summary, the recruiter will just skip ahead to the next candidate in line.

We don’t want that to happen! You will learn how to optimize your summary below.

What Is the Difference Between a Summary and an Objective?

Although they sound similar, resume summary and resume objectives are two distinctly different things with different goals in mind.

A resume objective is focused on what you are looking for and what you want from the job. 

It uses more “I” language.

A resume summary, on the contrary, is fully focused on your potential employer with more emphasis on what they will get from you. 

Instead of what you want to do and become, it states what you already are made of.  

As a result, in most of the cases, a resume summary is more effective than the resume objective. 

Hence, the use of resume objectives has declined significantly in recent times.

However, a resume objective can still be useful in case you are a new graduate or you are changing careers. 

When to Use a Resume Summary

Almost 90% of all resumes now use resume summaries. 

It is a great way to showcase your worth and draw the attention of the recruiter. 

It lets you easily explain why you are the right fit for the job based on verifiable experiences and achievements from your past. 

So, you should try to utilize a resume summary as often as you can. 

That means, as long as you have a sufficient number of relevant experiences, expertise, and accomplishments related to the job you are applying for, you should use a resume summary. 

If you include an objective on your resume where a summary should be used, you and your resume may look out-of-date.

There may be situations when your experiences and past career progression may not match with the job post at hand, then you can consider switching back to a resume objective. 

With a resume objective, you will be able to better highlight your transferable skills and motivation for the job.     

If you are a new graduate, a resume objective will be a better fit for you too as it will allow you to show your passion for the job. 

(If you determine that you need a resume objective, take a look at Resume Objective: How to Write, Examples & More .)

How to Write a Resume Summary

Now, let’s get into the real action: how to write the perfect resume summary for you.

Well, if you keep your focus on the right places, it is not that much of a tough task. 

The secret is to pick the most relevant and impressive elements of your career and deliver them with a bit of panache. 

Keep the following tips in mind while writing your resume summary. 

Use Keywords

Using the right keywords related to the job is crucial for two reasons: 

• Keywords are what the ATS (Applicant Tracking System) is looking for.
• Keywords easily get noticed by recruiters. 

So, keep strict attention to the use of job-specific keywords for your resume summary. 

Go through the job posting and find out all the required skills, experiences, and related achievements. 

Those are your keywords. 

As long as they describe your abilities, include those in your resume summary. 

(Learn more about How to Use Resume Action Verbs When Applying for Jobs .)

Quantify Your Achievements

While describing your most recent, impressive, and relevant achievements, try to make it quantifiable. 

Using numbers turns your accomplishments into something more tangible and concrete. 

Ask yourself questions like these to quantify your achievements:

• What was the success rate of your marketing strategy?
• What percentage of increased sales did your initiatives achieve?
• How much positive client feedback did you get for your organization? 
• How many successful events did you organize?

Any similar questions are likely to give you the numbers you are looking for. 

(Take a look at How to Turn Job Duties Into Accomplishments for more insight.)

Prove Your Experiences

You do not have much space when it comes to your resume summary. 

Focus only on the most recent, relevant, and proven work experiences that you have. 

It is okay to brag a little, but never okay to say something that you can’t prove later on. 

Faking never ends well. 

Write Your Summary After Completing the Resume 

It is a great idea to write your resume summary after you have completed all the other parts of your resume. 

By doing so you will get a clearer view over your whole career and easily pick the elements to include in the summary. 

It will also ensure that you do not miss any important information that would look great in the resume summary section. 

Keep It Short

As already mentioned, your professional summary should be short and simple. 

It should be three to four sentences only. 

So, keep only the elements that are sure to have the maximum impact. 

Leave out the skills that are common. Only include the ones that are highly valued in the industry. 

Start with your professional title modified by one or two glorifying adjectives and the years of experience you have in the field. Back it up with the most relevant achievements and skills.

Resume Summary Examples

So far, you have read all the theoretical knowledge about resume summaries and how to write one. 

Now, let’s get a practical view of real-life resume summary examples. 

Entry-Level Resume Summary Example

You are applying to an entry-level job, but you believe that you have enough material at hand to pull off a resume summary. 

Focus on your internships, part-time jobs, volunteer or extracurricular work, and any transferable skills from your academic study and coursework.  

Find out the elements most relevant to the job you are applying to. 

Then, create something like this:

Confident and motivated Computer Science graduate with over three successful software projects already helping businesses of the likes of X and Y. Utilized full-stack development skills as a freelancer with a 100% success rate and client satisfaction. Seeking to practically impact the businesses with the power of innovation.

Did you notice how even this entry-level resume summary makes you look like a pro? 

College Student Resume Summary Example

As a current student, oftentimes, you don’t have sufficient professional working experience to include in your resume summary statement. 

But you still have your academic performance, extracurricular and volunteer work, part-time jobs, and relevant academic or professional projects. 

Whatever you have at hand, you have to make the most out of it.  

Your summary may look something like this:

Inspired to create a better world, nearing the completion of the Bachelor of Social Work Degree with a CGPA of 3.84. Conducted over 15 successful offline and online social campaigns focused on creating a safer, cleaner, and prosperous society. Collaborated with X and Y nonprofits to strategize the best approach to help over 100 homeless people in the Z neighborhood.

Management Resume Summary Example

If you are applying for a management position and have a few years of relevant experience under your belt, a resume summary would be the best option for you instead of a resume objective.

Keep the guidelines described above on how to write a resume summary in mind and create something similar to this:

Dedicated and result-oriented project manager/office manager for more than 8 years. Worked at managerial positions in organizations with 500+ employees with a proven track record of success. Skilled in Six Sigma practices for improved organizational and business efficiency. Increased overall productivity by up to 25%.

Be it for a trainee management position or experienced project manager role, you can tailor this example summary for your specific situation. 

Executive Resume Summary Example

For experienced professionals applying to an executive role, a resume summary is indispensable.

Have a look at this executive resume summary:

A seasoned and experienced senior executive with a proven track record of 15 years in the world of pharmaceuticals. Proficient in market penetration for new products as well as increasing revenue from existing product lines. Established markets for over 20 new product lines with over 60% more market reach compared to major competitors.

Now, create your own depending on your industry. 

Career Change Resume Summary Example

Usually for career change situations, using a resume objective works the best for most applicants. 

However, even if you are pursuing a career change, but have a significant amount of related experience, skills, and achievements, you should go for a resume summary statement.  

A customer-centric seasoned copywriter, aiming to expand into the whole world of digital marketing with over 9 years of experience in writing for the digital audience across industries. Written high-converting industry-specific copies that boosted conversion up to 50%. Know the pulse of the people and what makes a campaign massively successful.

Notice how transferrable skills and experiences have been used for the most impact. 

Teaching Resume Summary Example

A resume summary for a teaching job should be focused on your teaching experiences and how well your teaching methods have worked with students.  

A caring and dynamic teaching professional with over 12 years of experience in reputable institutions like X and Y. Proponent of creative and innovative methods of teaching and loved by students and parents alike. Have a track record of improving underperforming students’ grades by 15% on average.

Medical Career Resume Summary Example

A resume summary as a physician, nurse, medical assistant, or any other healthcare professional should give the most importance on your care-giving abilities and previous positive patient reviews. 

A certified medical assistant with over 13 years of experience in quality patient care. Experienced in a team-oriented fast-paced work environment with 99% positive patient reviews. Skilled in personalized service in line with all the hospital regulatory standards and advanced medical technology management.

Customer Service Resume Summary Example

For a resume summary on a resume for a customer service role, give the most prominence to the number of customers you have served daily, customer conversion rates, problem-solving skills, and any contribution to overall customer experience for the companies you have worked for. 

Intuitive customer service manager with an impeccable track record of 15 years of success. Have managed teams of 30+ service representatives with 99% positive customer reviews. Maintained over a 30% conversion rate for sales-oriented customer queries over the last 3 years.

Service Industry Resume Summary Example

As a service industry professional, be it for hotel management or for the food industry, you should try to emphasize your abilities related to hospitality and customer communications. 

Energetic and customer-centric Restaurant Manager with a 5-year track record in service excellence. Ensured 98% customer satisfaction at X restaurant and increased the Yelp ratings from 3.5 to 4.5 for Y Bar. Managed up to 25 staff daily and planned marketing campaigns resulting in 20% increased revenue.

Technical Career Resume Summary Example

Show the success of your previous IT projects. 

How did your technical skills help the organizations you worked for? 

What are your core technical skills related to the job at hand? 

Seasoned Director of IT with 15 years of experience in building and leading highly productive IT departments. Proven track record of success in driving organizational strategy for IT infrastructure development, operations, and business intelligence. Skilled in managing all the aspects of the IT portfolio and finding solutions for increased business efficiency.

Engineer Resume Summary Example

Innovation, efficiency, field-specific and problem-solving skills should be the focus along with the successes of previous projects for an engineering resume. 

Inventive and passionate Mechanical Engineer with over 7 years of experience. Skilled in implementing complex designs and processes with a 100% success rate. Increased production efficiency by 15% at XYZ. Highly regarded for providing the most cost-efficient solutions keeping the manufacturing excellence intact.

Administrative Assistant Resume Summary Example

As an administrative assistant, you should display minute attention to detail and proficiency in day-to-day office tasks, related computer skills, and communications.  

Proficient Administrative Assistant with over 7 years of experience in working closely with senior managers and executives. Have handled everything administratively from data entry to client communications with flawless efficiency. Successfully redesigned administrative workflows for speedy, precise, and cost-efficient execution of assignments.

Accounting and Finance Resume Summary Example

If you are writing an accounting or finance resume summary, showcase your past experiences in the field, in-demand financial and accounting skills, and how profitable you were for the organizations you worked for.

You will need something like this:

Stringent CPA with over 7 years of professional experience in financial planning, auditing, budget analysis, forensic accounting, and cloud and software integration. Saved hundreds of working hours by implementing cloud accounting at ABC Company. Successfully managed the annual budgeting of 1M+ for XYZ.

Sales Executive Resume Summary Example

As a sales executive, give utmost prominence to the numbers in terms of sales you have made and the revenue you have increased for your companies. 

Also, give a bit of focus on strategy development and customer service experiences.

Energetic and customer-focused sales executive with 6 years of experience in the field. Increased the monthly sales at the XYZ Outlet by 5% with an innovative approach to customer handling and cross-selling. Proficient in digital sales funnel management and online customer query handling.

Marketing Executives/Manager Resume Summary Example

Again, it is all about the numbers. 

What was the conversion rate of your marketing campaigns? 

How much revenue has it boosted for your organizations? 

How pervasive were your contributions? 

Intuitive and passionate Marketing Manager with 8 years of professional experience. Managed teams of 10+ professionals including writers, designers, and developers to conduct highly successful campaigns with a conversion rate of 40%. Implemented data-driven marketing practices and customer analytics for both digital and traditional marketing success.

Feel free to use the above samples and tweak the information so it’s relevant to you!

Key Takeaways

In this article, we have found out that: 

• A resume summary is too important to not be taken seriously. 
• A resume summary is an overview of your core strengths, skills, most impressive experiences, and glaring achievements. 
• You should keep your resume summary short and only include the most recent, impressive, and relevant information. 
• Using keywords related to the job you are applying for is crucial to impress both the ATS machines and humans.
• Always try to quantify your achievements. 

Now, go through the sample resume summary statements and the guidelines once again to create a resume summary for yourself that grabs the recruiters’ attention.

For information about writing the rest of your resume, check out How to Make a Resume That Gets Past the Bots .

You can always get assistance from our certified professional resume writers at Find My Profession . We are always here to help you get the dream job that you deserve.  

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In This Guide:

What is a resume summary, resume summary samples that you can use right now, resume summary vs objective vs resume profile: which one to choose, how to write a professional resume summary, enhance your resume summary with keywords, when to use a resume summary, generate your resume summary with enhancv’s resume builder, resume summary examples by industry, key takeaways.

A resume summary is a concise, powerful statement positioned at the top of your resume. It’s meant to capture the attention of hiring managers. It’s perfectly suited for professionals who want to emphasize their key qualifications, experiences, and accomplishments, effectively conveying their potential impact on the target role.

A well-crafted resume summary is more than just a brief introduction. It's a powerful tool to make your application stand out . Crafting an effective summary for your resume positions you as the ideal candidate and seamlessly connects your past achievements with your future potential.

In this guide, we're diving into the essentials of crafting a summary for a resume that will keep recruiters reading. You’ll learn:

• The difference between a career summary, an objective statement, and a resume profile.
• How to craft your own professional summary in resume using proven techniques.
• Tailor your resume summary specifically to the job you're targeting.
• Enhance your summary with quantifiable achievements for added impact.
• Draw inspiration from our collection of 100+ powerful summary examples, spanning the most sought-after positions.

A resume summary is a concise career statement that sits prominently beneath the resume header . It’s one of the first elements recruiters see during their initial scan of your resume.

A well-composed profile summary is between three to five short sentences in length and showcases your most relevant skills and experiences.

Here's why your resume needs a summary:

• It allows hiring managers to quickly grasp your top skills and the unique contributions you're prepared to make to their team.
• A good summary allows you to distinguish yourself from the pack and spotlight your personal brand.
• It's the perfect space to write about your career aspirations and demonstrate your eagerness to grow within your targeted role.

Is your resume good enough?

Drop your resume here or choose a file . PDF & DOCX only. Max 2MB file size.

Before we start with the in-depth guide, if you’re in a hurry you can use one of the resume summary samples below. Just replace the placeholders with the information relevant to you.

General resume summary sample

Dynamic and results-oriented [Job Title] with [Number] years of experience in [Industry or Field]. Proven expertise in [Key Skill 1], [Key Skill 2], and [Key Skill 3], demonstrated through successful projects such as [Notable Accomplishment or Project]. Adept at [Relevant Task or Responsibility], with a track record of [Achievement or Outcome]. Committed to [Professional Value or Goal], ready to bring exceptional [Specific Skill or Attribute] to [Company or Team Name].

A personal resume summary that you can use on any resume. Showcases skills, years of experience, and some notable accomplishments. Make sure to keep the length appropriate to your resume.

Resume summary for entry level positions

Enthusiastic and detail-oriented [Recent Graduate or Job Title] with a strong foundation in [Field or Major]. Proficient in [Key Skill 1], [Key Skill 2], and [Key Skill 3], developed through [Relevant Experience or Coursework]. Demonstrated ability to [Relevant Task or Responsibility] through [Internship, Project, or Volunteer Work]. Eager to bring a fresh perspective and a commitment to [Professional Value or Goal] to the [Company or Team Name].

A resume summary template that is suitable for applicants searching for an entry-level job. Recent graduates can also benefit from it.

Resume summary that showcases work experience

Accomplished [Job Title] with [Number] years of experience in [Industry or Field]. Extensive background in [Relevant Area 1], [Relevant Area 2], and [Relevant Area 3], with a proven track record of [Specific Achievement or Responsibility]. Successfully led [Type of Projects or Teams], resulting in [Measurable Outcome or Impact]. Adept at [Relevant Skill or Task], and recognized for [Notable Recognition or Award]. Dedicated to [Professional Value or Goal], aiming to contribute [Specific Skill or Attribute] to [Company or Team Name].

For when you want to focus the hiring manager on your work experience, this resume summary sample is perfect for experienced individuals who’re looking for a career change.

Resume summary focused on relevant qualifications

Highly qualified [Job Title] with expertise in [Key Skill 1], [Key Skill 2], and [Key Skill 3]. Certified in [Relevant Certification], proficient in [Relevant Tools or Software]. Demonstrated ability to [Achievement or Responsibility] through [Specific Accomplishment]. Known for [Notable Strength or Recognition], committed to [Professional Value or Goal] at [Company or Team Name].

Perfect resume summary for when you want to focus the hiring manager on your relevant qualifications.

Resume summary showcasing in-demand skills

Results-driven [Your Profession] with [X] years of experience specializing in [Industry/Sector]. Recognized for exceptional skills in [Key Skill #1], [Key Skill #2], and [Key Skill #3], I consistently deliver [Quantifiable Achievements/Outcomes]. Proven ability to [Brief Description of Key Contributions], I excel in dynamic, high-pressure environments and am dedicated to [Company’s/Industry’s Goal or Value]. Seeking to leverage my expertise in [Specific Area/Skill] to contribute to [Target Company or Role].

This resume summary is ideal for highlighting specific skills that are in high demand within your industry or role.

Resume summary with quantifiable achievements

Highly accomplished and results-driven [Your Job Title] with over [X] years of experience in [Industry or Field]. Proven track record of success in driving [specific goal or objective] through innovative strategies and exceptional leadership. Adept at managing multiple projects simultaneously, with a keen eye for detail and a commitment to excellence. Recognized for exceptional ability to [specific skill or attribute] and a passion for [related field or expertise].

Great for showcasing specific achievements that are quantifiable, this resume summary provides a clear evidence of your impact.

Resume summary showing your potential value

Results-driven and highly motivated [Your Profession/Job Title] with [#] years of experience in [Industry/Specialization]. Demonstrated expertise in [Key Skill 1], [Key Skill 2], and [Key Skill 3], with a proven track record of [Brief Achievement or Success]. Adept at [Relevant Action or Process], I excel in [Specific Task or Responsibility] to drive [Type of Result or Outcome]. Known for [Unique Strength or Characteristic], I am committed to delivering exceptional [Type of Work or Service] that enhances [Type of Impact or Value].

Ideal for highlighting the potential value you bring to a role, use this resume summary template to emphasize your commitment and unique strengths.

While both resume elements serve as a brief introduction to your professional profile, they cater to different stages of a career and have distinct focuses.

Length and purpose

• Resume summary:  Typically consists of three to five sentences and provides a concise overview of your professional achievements and significant experience. It's designed to capture the employer's attention by showcasing how your background aligns with the job requirements.
• Objective statement:  Generally shorter, with 1 to 3 sentences, a resume objective  outlines your career goals and motivation for applying to the position. It is best suited for first-time job seekers, career changers, and people with employment gaps.
• Resume Profile:  Typically a resume profile is a bit more comprehensive than a summary. A resume profile highlights your professional experience, key skills, and career achievements in a few sentences to a short paragraph. It often includes industry-specific language and keywords, providing a detailed picture of your career and suitability for the position.

When to use each

• For experienced job seekers:  Candidates with a solid work history and specific skill sets that match the job description should opt for a resume summary or a resume profile.
• For emerging professionals:  If you're transitioning to a new field or have limited work experience, an objective statement can help clarify your career direction and demonstrate your enthusiasm and potential to grow within the company.

Let’s have a look at two examples of a resume summary, an objective, and a resume profile for the same position—environmental lawyer.

Lawyer resume objective

Even though the candidate has no experience, the objective clearly shows their comprehensive knowledge and direct alignment with the firm’s values and goals.

Lawyer resume summary

Unlike the objective, which focuses on aspirations and potential skills, this resume summary highlights concrete achievements  and a track record of success in environmental law. This approach reassures potential employers of the lawyer’s ability to handle complex cases and contribute to the firm's goals based on past performance.

The summary goes beyond stating a general interest in environmental law. It showcases specialization in key areas such as climate change laws and renewable energy projects, and highlights leadership skills. Hiring managers will immediately notice the candidate’s readiness to take on significant responsibilities.

Write the resume summary section last. It will be much easier to do so after you've detailed all your work experience  and professional achievements in your resume.

Choose the accomplishments from your work experience that stand out and highlight them in the summary section. From there, do the following three steps:

• Tailor your summary to the job posting . Use keywords from the job description , (Enhancv’s resume builder can tailor your summary just by pasting the job ad you’re applying for.)
• Consider your most relevant experience . Put experience that’s highly relevant to the job you’re applying for in the summary.
• Use an active voice.  Start sentences with active verbs to increase impact.
• Write 3-5 sentences about your proudest accomplishments . This will essentially form your summary structure. To craft a standout summary, you'll need to provide quantifiable achievements unless you want recruiters to say "So what?" and place you in the rejection pile.

"Here's the key point: always tailor your resume summary to the job posting. This helps you bypass ATS and catch the recruiter's attention, ideally by sharing quantifiable metrics or data. The most important thing is to tell them what they want to hear, which is usually in the top part of the job posting. Focus on how you can contribute to the business, rather than just highlighting your own achievements. Many job applicants miss this, but it's crucial for making a strong impression."

Silvia Angeloro, Executive Coach at Enhancv

Resume summary formula

[Power adjective] [job title] [level of experience] [area of expertise]. [Key skills/ contributions/ achievements/ qualifications] supported by quantifiable results. [How you want to help the prospective employer and how you plan to do it].

Feel free to adjust the following formula to suit your needs and use your unique voice to personalize the summary. After all, you might be competing with hundreds of candidates, but only a few will truly stand out.

Resume summary writing tips

Here are some dos and don’ts for crafting a resume summary:

• Start with an adjective that describes you as a professional . Words like dynamic , innovative , resourceful , or dedicated  can set the tone for your summary and immediately communicate your work ethic and attitude.
• Use strong action verbs   to maximize your accomplishments and make your achievements stand out. Verbs, like led , managed , developed , increased , or transformed , showcase your contributions effectively.
• Include figures and data to prove your statements . Quantifying your achievements with percentages and numbers makes your accomplishments concrete and understandable at a glance. For example, " Increased sales by 30% within the first quarter"  provides clear evidence of your impact.
• Avoid personal pronouns . Summaries should be concise and direct, and the best practice is to omit personal pronouns such as "I"  or "me."  This style is often recommended to maintain a professional tone and to use space on the resume more efficiently. Using the implied first-person approach, where the pronoun is left out but the verbs suggest the first-person perspective is standard practice.
• Avoid overused buzzwords . While it’s important to use keywords relevant to the job you’re applying for, steer clear of cliches  and buzzwords like hardworking , team player , or go-getter . Instead, focus on specific skills and achievements that demonstrate these qualities.
• Don’t lie in your resume summary .  Fabricating experiences , skills, or accomplishments can backfire spectacularly, damaging your professional reputation. It's better to focus on your genuine strengths and experiences, framing them in the most positive light possible.

Making your resume stand out to both human eyes and applicant tracking systems is crucial. One key strategy is the use of targeted keywords , particularly in your resume summary.

Keywords are specific terms or phrases related to the job you're applying for, including skills, qualifications, software, and industry terminology. They play a significant role in optimizing your resume for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and capturing the attention of hiring managers.

Most organizations use ATS to screen resumes, filtering candidates based on relevance to the job requirements. These systems scan your resume for specific keywords that match those found in the job description. Without these keywords, your resume might not pass the initial screening, regardless of your qualifications. Including the right keywords in your resume summary ensures that your application advances to the next stage, increasing your chances of securing an interview.

How to identify and incorporate relevant keywords

• Analyze the job description : Start by carefully reading the job posting that interests you. Look for frequently mentioned skills, competencies, and qualifications. These are your primary keywords.
• Use industry-specific terminology : Be aware of the language commonly used in your field. Including industry-specific terms shows your familiarity with the sector. However, be careful not to oversaturate your content with jargon—it still has to be easily understood by non-technical people.
• Incorporate keywords naturally : While it's important to include keywords, they should fit seamlessly into your summary. It should read naturally, engaging the reader with your professional narrative rather than appearing as a list of keywords.
• Customize for each application : Tailor your resume summary for each job application. Different employers might prioritize different skills or qualifications, even for similar roles.

How to tailor a resume summary to a job description: example

Review this actual job description for a retail pharmacist position in Hartford, CT. We've highlighted some of the key terms that could be incorporated into the resume summary.

Now, examine the pharmacist’s resume summary. Note that they’ve included their degree and licensure—crucial credentials for any pharmacy professional in the United States.

The summary integrates a substantial number of keywords from the job description, aligning well with the employer's needs and highlighting the candidate’s relevant skills and achievements.

While additional keywords from the job description can be (and must be!) woven throughout the resume, the primary goal is to capture the recruiter’s attention within the very first seconds of reviewing the resume .

Deciding whether or not to use a personal summary is fairly straightforward.

• You have more than 3 years of work experience. You’ve honed specific skills that qualify you for the job you’re applying for.
• You’re applying for a job within the same industry and field you’re currently working in. There’s a clear career trajectory.
• Your goal is to capture the recruiters attention (bonus points if you use keywords from the job description ).
• You posses in-demand skills, certifications, and licenses that you want to emphasize on,

Below we explore what can take a summary statement from good to great.

Key elements of an effective resume summary

An effective resume summary is brief and relevant. Ideally, you should adapt each summary to the job you’re applying for. Try to capture relevant qualifications for the position. A summary statement should show recruiters how you can help the company succeed.

If you’re an experienced applicant, focus the summary around your relevant skills and accomplishments. If you don’t have sufficient experience, your summary statement can also revolve around your education and certifications.

Finally, don’t forget to include keywords from the job ad to improve ATS optimization.

You've gathered your research, pinpointing experiences and keywords you want to highlight in your resume summary. Now, the challenge is piecing it all together, especially if you're pressed for time and struggling with the perfect phrasing.

Fortunately, Enhancv's resume building app  offers a swift solution. Our technology simplifies the resume creation process, allowing you to select a template, customize your layout, and explore a collection of thousands of bullet point suggestions tailored to various professions.

This extends to crafting your summary too. Should you find yourself at a loss for words, our AI assistant is ready to provide content recommendations for that section as well.

How it works

• Open the Enhancv app and upload your resume
• From the panel on the left select AI Assistant
• In the chat that opens choose the prompts that will serve your purposes
• Improve you resume within a couple of minutes

Crafting your summary quickly is entirely achievable. For those seeking a more tailored approach, our career coaching services  offer premium assistance to bring your resume to the next level.

Next, let's dive into some resume summary examples that are proven to catch employers' attention.

Crafting a standout resume summary is crucial in capturing the attention of hiring managers, especially when each industry has its unique set of expectations and keywords. In this section, we've curated a collection of resume summaries tailored to a wide array of fields. Whether you're in tech, healthcare, finance, or any other sector, you'll find targeted examples here to inspire and guide you in refining your own resume.

Accounting and finance resume summary examples

A demanding sector requires a summary of equal professionalism. In the meantime, we invite you to explore our Accounting and Finance Resume Guides  for further insights.

Accounting resume summary

Highly skilled accountant with over 10 years of experience in financial accounting, report consolidation, and internal controls, excelling in coaching and training finance teams. Expert in creating Operating Plans from financial analytics, resulting in a 15% increase in forecasting accuracy and budgeting efficiency within the first year. Specializes in translating financial data into actionable strategies, significantly enhancing financial performance.

Read our full guide on how to write an accountant resume .

Accounting analyst resume summary

Detail-oriented and proactive professional with over 5 years of experience, known for exceptional organizational and motivational skills. Utilizes keen analytical abilities and time management prowess to devise and execute effective strategies, enhancing operational efficiency by 50%. Demonstrates a strong capacity for driving growth, evidenced by successfully spearheading the launch of three new business lines, resulting in a 20% revenue increase within the first year.

Read our full guide on how to write an accountant analyst resume .

Financial analyst resume summary

Driven CFA with 7+ years of experience in financial analysis and market research, expert in leveraging advanced analytical tools to increase efficiency and accuracy in forecasting market trends. Specializing in developing comprehensive financial models that inform strategic decision-making, leading to a 15% increase in investment returns for previous employers. Eager to apply expertise in data-driven strategy and financial planning to contribute to the continued success of Apex Innovations.

Read our full guide on how to write a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) resume .

Auditor resume summary

Diligent auditor with over eight years of experience, excels in ensuring compliance with GAAP and conducting risk-based audits, significantly enhancing internal controls and reducing financial discrepancies by 30% within diverse organizations. Holds a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) certification, showcasing expertise in risk management, control, and governance processes. Keen to leverage skills in forensic auditing and compliance management to drive operational excellence at Global Finance Solutions.

Read our full guide on how to write a director of finance resume .

Business and management resume summary examples

You can find our extensive Business and Management resumes and examples  on our website. Meanwhile, check out a few of the most popular positions that people want to write summaries for.

Business analyst resume summary

Resourceful business analyst with five years of experience in Analytics, Operations, and Technology, excels in data mining, significantly improving operational efficiencies by 25%. Demonstrated business acumen, enhancing decision-making and problem-solving processes, leading to a 20% increase in productivity. Strong leadership and team-building capabilities, coupled with excellent communication and presentation skills. Aiming to drive forward initiatives at Future Tech Innovations.

Read our full guide on how to write a business analyst resume .

Business development resume summary

Dynamic business development manager with over ten years of experience, excels in identifying and leveraging new market opportunities, resulting in a 40% increase in market share. Holds a Professional Certified Marketer (PCM) designation, evidencing mastery in marketing principles and strategy development. Specializes in nurturing client relationships and strategic partnerships, leading to a sustained 30% annual revenue growth. Aims to drive innovative growth strategies at Visionary Solutions Inc.

Read our full guide on how to write a business developer resume .

Business intelligence resume summary

Innovative business intelligence solutions architect with 6+ years of experience, specializes in designing and implementing scalable BI solutions that improve decision-making processes and enhance operational efficiency, evidenced by a 50% reduction in data processing times. Certified Azure Data Scientist Associate, showcasing deep expertise in data modeling, analytics, and cloud computing. Aims to leverage advanced analytical skills and a strategic approach to data-driven decision making to support the growth and innovation at NextGen Data Insights.

Read our full guide on how to write a business intelligence professional resume .

Strategy consultant resume summary

People-oriented strategy consultant with over seven years of experience, excels in developing and executing actionable strategies that drive market expansion and revenue growth, evidenced by a track record of boosting client revenues by up to 35%. Holds a Certified Management Consultant (CMC) designation, underlining proficiency in change management, financial analysis, and competitive analysis. Aims to apply forward-thinking strategic planning and business transformation skills to foster innovation and efficiency at Visionary Enterprises.

Read our full guide on how to write a strategy consultant resume .

Management consultant resume summary

Accomplished management consultant with over nine years of experience, specializing in driving operational improvements and implementing best practices that result in enhanced efficiency and a 20% cost reduction for clients. Certified Project Management Professional, demonstrating expertise in project planning, risk management, and stakeholder communication. Eager to utilize strategic analysis and process re-engineering skills to contribute to the success of Innovative Solutions Inc., fostering a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Read our full guide on how to write a management consultant resume .

Creative and cultural fields resume summary examples

With the growing demand for new skills in the creative sector, fresh opportunities are constantly emerging. Crafting a compelling resume summary is key to setting the tone for a winning resume for the arts and entertainment  industry.

Artist resume summary

Innovative artist with over 10 years of experience specializing in digital illustration, mixed media, and conceptual art. Leveraging proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite to create visually compelling digital artwork, evidenced by winning the National Digital Art Award in 2021. Eager to bring creative vision and a fresh perspective to the design team at Imaginary Studios.

Read our full guide on how to write an artist resume .

Writer resume summary

Award-winning scriptwriter with 5+ years of experience in crafting engaging narratives, character development, and dialogue writing. Mastered the art of storytelling through a Professional Screenwriting Certificate, leading to scripts that have been shortlisted for the International Screenwriters' Festival for 3 consecutive years. Looking forward to contributing innovative storytelling techniques and a passion for cinematic excellence to the creative team at DreamFrame Productions.

Read our full guide on how to write a writer resume .

Actor resume summary

Versatile theater actor with over 5 years of experience in live performance, character immersion, and improvisational acting. Honed skills in CSVPA, leading to leading roles in award-winning productions at the National Theater Festival. Aims to bring unparalleled dedication and a knack for captivating audiences to the ensemble at Bright Futures Theater Company.

Read our full guide on how to write an actor resume .

Model resume summary

Passionate model with 5 years of experience in print, runway, and commercial modeling, demonstrating exceptional poise, physical flexibility, and fashion awareness. Completed a Professional Modeling Certificate program in 2018, leading to features in over 20 top fashion magazines and campaigns for more than 10 renowned global brands. Looking to bring a distinctive look and a commitment to excellence to the diverse modeling team at Visionary Fashion House.

Read our full guide on how to write a model resume .

Videographer resume summary

Talented videographer with over 7 years of experience in video editing, cinematography, and storytelling. Earned a Professional Videography Certificate, leading to the production of over 50 commercial videos that increased client engagement by up to 40%. Looking forward to applying innovative filming techniques and a creative vision to the multimedia team at NextGen Media Creations.

Read our full guide on how to write a videographer resume .

Data science resume summary examples

You can explore our collection of 30 data science resume examples . Remember, recruiters prioritize seeing specific hard skills mentioned right at the beginning of your science and engineering resume.

Data scientist resume summary

Innovative data scientist with over 5 years of experience, specializing in machine learning, statistical analysis, and data visualization. Mastered Python and R to deliver insights from complex datasets, leading to a 20% increase in business efficiencies across previous roles. Certified in Data Science by IBM, eager to leverage expertise to drive forward the data-driven strategies at FutureTech Innovations.

Read our full guide on how to write a data scientist resume .

Data engineer resume summary

Resourceful data engineer with 7 years of experience, excelling in cloud computing, big data architectures, and ETL processes. Developed and optimized data pipelines that reduced data processing times by 30% for previous employers, utilizing Apache Spark and Hadoop extensively. Certified as an AWS Solutions Architect, aiming to apply robust data solutions to enhance decision-making processes at TechInnovate Solutions.

Read our full guide on how to write a data engineer resume .

Data analyst resume summary

Diligent data analyst with over 3 years of experience, skilled in SQL, Python, and data visualization tools like Tableau. Transformed raw data into actionable insights that increased revenue by 15% annually for past projects. Holding a Professional Certificate in Data Analysis from Google, ready to implement strategic data analysis and visualization techniques at Innovative Data Solutions.

Read our full guide on how to write a data analyst resume .

Big data resume summary

Versatile big data engineer with over 8 years of experience, adept in managing large-scale data processing systems with Hadoop, Spark, and Kafka. Engineered solutions that improved data ingestion and processing speeds by over 40%, ensuring data integrity and accessibility. Certified with Cloudera's CCA Spark and Hadoop Developer certification, determined to leverage big data technologies to drive analytical excellence at NextGen Data Corp.

Read our full guide on how to write a big data engineer resume .

Data mining resume summary

Experienced data mining analyst, specializing in predictive modeling, data mining techniques, and complex data analysis using Python and R. Enhanced decision-making processes by identifying key patterns and trends, leading to a 25% increase in marketing efficiency for previous organizations. Certified Data Scientist with a focus on data mining from SAS, eager to apply predictive analytics to uncover valuable insights at Advanced Analytics Ventures.

Read our full guide on how to write a data mining expert resume .

Design resume summary examples

Explore our range of design and video resume examples  tailored to showcase your creativity and technical proficiency.

UX designer resume summary

Energetic UX designer with over 4 years of experience, skilled in creating intuitive, user-friendly designs and interfaces across mobile and web platforms using Sketch, Figma, and Adobe XD. Led redesign projects that increased user engagement by 30% and customer satisfaction by 25%. Certified as a Nielsen Norman Group UX Master, ready to employ cutting-edge design principles to enhance user experiences at Digital Innovations Studio.

Read our full guide on how to write a UX designer resume .

Video editor resume summary

Reliable video editor with, proficient in Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects, and Final Cut Pro, delivering compelling visual narratives and high-impact multimedia content. Streamlined post-production workflows to improve project turnaround times by 40%, while maintaining high creative standards. Certified in Adobe Video Editing, aiming to bring innovative storytelling and technical expertise to the creative team at Visionary Media Productions.

Read our full guide on how to write a video editor resume .

Designer resume summary

Innovative graphic designer with 4 years of experience, excelling in branding, digital illustration, and layout design using Adobe Creative Suite. Elevated brand identities for over 20 clients, enhancing their market presence and engagement through visually compelling design solutions. Certified Graphic Design Professional by Adobe, ready to bring a blend of creative vision and industry-recognized expertise to the design team at Creative Dynamics Inc.

Read our full guide on how to write a designer resume .

Interior designer resume summary

Passionate interior designer, specializing in space planning and sustainable design, proficient in AutoCAD and SketchUp. Transformed over 100 residential and commercial spaces into aesthetically pleasing and functional areas, achieving a 95% client satisfaction rate. Certified Interior Designer by the National Council for Interior Design Qualification, eager to bring innovative design solutions and a keen eye for detail to the team at Elite Design Innovations.

Animator resume summary

Productive animator with 7 years of experience, adept in 3D animation, motion graphics, and character design, utilizing Maya, Blender, and After Effects. Developed and executed over 50 animation projects, enhancing storytelling and viewer engagement for various digital platforms, with a notable increase in audience retention by 35%. Ready to bring dynamic visual storytelling and innovative animation solutions to the creative team at DreamFrame Studios.

Read our full guide on how to write an animator resume .

Engineering resume summary examples

What’s your passion—construction, civil, plant and manufacturing, or general engineering? Everything you need to know about your engineering resume  is available on our website.

Architect resume summary

Progressive architect with 10 years of experience, specializing in sustainable design, advanced 3D modeling, and project management. I excel in creating visually compelling and environmentally friendly structures, resulting in multiple awards for sustainable design. Certified with the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and eager to contribute cutting-edge architectural solutions to FutureBuild Designs.

Read our full guide on how to write an architect resume .

Engineer resume summary

Reliable electrical engineer, excelling in circuit design, automation systems, and power distribution. Mastered the development and implementation of innovative electrical systems, increasing efficiency and safety in previous projects by 40%. Certified in Professional Engineering (PE) and looking forward to driving technological innovations at ElectroInnovate Inc.

Read our full guide on how to write an engineer resume .

Chemical engineer resume summary

Self-motivated chemical engineer with 5 years of experience in process optimization, safety management, and chemical research. Pioneered the development of cost-effective and environmentally friendly chemical processes, achieving a 30% reduction in waste production across several projects. Certified Six Sigma Green Belt, ready to lead innovative projects and drive efficiency at ChemTech Solutions.

Read our full guide on how to write a chemical engineer resume .

Civil engineer resume summary

Accomplished civil engineer with over 10 years of experience in infrastructure project management, adept at leading cross-functional teams to deliver projects 15% under budget and ahead of schedule. Expert in utilizing technology for efficient project planning and execution, significantly reducing costs by 30% while improving quality. Eager to apply expertise in sustainable design and innovation at GreenBuild Innovations, aiming to enhance project sustainability by at least 25%.

Mechanical engineer resume summary

Innovative mechanical engineer specializing in product design, development, and optimization, skilled in CAD software and finite element analysis. Reduced product development times by 40% through streamlined processes and enhanced team collaboration. Holding a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification, ready to drive efficiency and productivity improvements at FutureTech Solutions, targeting at least a 30% increase in production speed.

Read our full guide on how to write a mechanical engineer resume .

Government resume summary examples

Highlight your commitment to public service  with a strong resume summary that communicates clearly your goals and dedication.

Military resume summary

Dedicated military police officer with 12 years of experience in law enforcement, security operations, and crisis management within high-stress environments. Expertise in leading teams to improve base security measures, resulting in a 50% reduction in security breaches, and skilled in conducting thorough investigations with a high rate of case closures. Certified in Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training (ALERRT), aiming to leverage security and tactical skills at SecureTech Innovations, focusing on enhancing corporate security protocols and reducing incident response times by over 30%.

Read our full guide on how to write a military professional resume .

Grant writer resume summary

Diligent grant writer with extensive experience in developing compelling proposals, securing funding for non-profit organizations and maintaining strong relationships with donors and stakeholders. Specializes in identifying funding opportunities and aligning projects with potential funders' priorities, successfully securing over $5 million in grants. Certified Grant Professional, eager to bring expertise in strategic fundraising and grant management to Visionary Impact Group, aiming to increase funding sources by 40% and support the launch of innovative community programs.

Read our full guide on how to write a grant writer resume .

Government resume summary

Strategic Local Government professional with 7 years of experience in urban planning, community engagement, and policy development, adept at crafting policies that have revitalized downtown areas, increasing foot traffic by 40%. Spearheaded cross-sector partnerships that leveraged $20 million in federal grants for community development projects. Certified Public Manager (CPM), keen to apply innovative urban strategies at City Renewal Authority, targeting the transformation of underutilized districts to boost economic activity by 50%.

Read our full guide on how to write a government professional resume .

Federal resume summary

Resolute Federal Correctional Officer with over 5 years of experience in maintaining high levels of security and order within federal penitentiaries, skilled in conflict resolution, emergency response, and inmate rehabilitation. Developed and implemented innovative security protocols that reduced incidents by 30%, demonstrating strong leadership and problem-solving abilities. Aiming to implement reforms that reduce recidivism rates by at least 20%.

Read our full guide on how to write a federal professional resume .

Human resources resume summary examples

The best way for a recruiter to impress a recruiter is to craft an outstanding resume. Start by exploring our Human resources guides .  

HR professional resume summary

Seasoned HR professional with over 10 years of comprehensive experience in talent acquisition, employee engagement strategies, and performance management systems. Spearheaded diversity and inclusion initiatives, resulting in a 40% increase in workplace diversity at a leading tech firm. Certified PHR eager to leverage expertise in fostering a dynamic and inclusive culture at Future Innovations Inc.

Read our full guide on how to write an HR professional resume .

Recruiter resume summary

Dynamic recruiter with over 5 years of proven expertise in sourcing top talent, streamlining recruitment processes, and implementing effective candidate assessment methodologies. Excelled in building robust talent pipelines, reducing time-to-hire by 30% at a fast-growing software startup. Holding a Certified Personnel Consultant (CPC) credential, ready to drive talent acquisition excellence at Global Innovate Tech.

Read our full guide on how to write a recruiter resume .

HR coordinator resume summary

PHR-certified coordinator with over 3 years of experience in employee relations, benefits administration, and HRIS systems. Optimized HR operational workflows, achieving a 20% increase in process efficiency at a renowned healthcare provider. Keen on enhancing employee satisfaction and operational excellence at NextGen Enterprises.

Read our full guide on how to write an HR coordinator resume .

Contract analyst resume summary

Detail-oriented contract analyst with over 7 years of experience in contract negotiation, risk management, and compliance monitoring. Developed and implemented a comprehensive contract management system, reducing operational risks by 25% for a leading financial services firm. Certified Commercial Contracts Manager (CCCM), eager to apply strategic contract analysis and risk mitigation skills at Visionary Solutions Inc.

Read our full guide on how to write a contract analyst resume .

Information technology resume summary examples

When writing your IT summary , make sure you include job-relevant skills or certifications. It adds credibility to your resume and is important to pass the ATS assessment.

Front-end developer resume summary

Innovative front-end developer with over 4 years of experience in creating responsive website designs, optimizing user experience, and implementing modern JavaScript frameworks. Enhanced website performance for a leading e-commerce platform by 35% through the adoption of React and Flutter. Certified React Developer, aiming to leverage front-end development expertise to drive user engagement and conversion rates at Creative Web Innovations.

Read our full guide on how to write a front-end developer resume .

Python developer resume summary

Resourceful Python developer with over 6 years of experience in developing scalable web applications, automating workflows, and integrating data systems. Led a team to build a machine learning model that increased prediction accuracy by 40% for a fintech startup. Certified PCPP, looking to utilize advanced programming skills and data analytics expertise at Innovative Solutions Tech.

Read our full guide on how to write a Python developer resume .

Full stack developer resume summary

Versatile Full Stack developer with over 8 years of experience in building end-to-end solutions, mastering both front-end and back-end technologies, and implementing agile methodologies. Engineered a cloud-based SaaS platform that scaled to serve over 1 million users, demonstrating proficiency in JavaScript, Python, and DevOps practices. Certified Solutions Architect - Associate, ready to bring a holistic approach to software development and innovation at TechForward Inc.

Read our full guide on how to write a full stack developer resume .

System administrator resume summary

Dedicated system administrator with over 5 years of experience in managing enterprise-grade networks, ensuring system security, and optimizing server performance. Successfully implemented a comprehensive backup and disaster recovery plan, reducing system downtime by 50% for a large healthcare organization. Certified CISSP, aiming to leverage deep technical expertise and a proactive approach to maintain robust IT infrastructure at FutureTech Innovations.

Read our full guide on how to write a system administrator resume .

IT project manager resume summary

PMP-certified IT project manager with over 5 years of experience in leading complex technology projects, optimizing cross-functional team performance, and implementing best practices in project management. Delivered a portfolio of projects valued at over $20M on time and within budget, achieving a 95% stakeholder satisfaction rate for a multinational corporation. Eager to drive technology innovation and project excellence at NextGen Tech Solutions.

Read our full guide on how to write an IT project manager resume .

Law enforcement & emergency service resume summary examples

A professional-looking resume needs a crisp summary statement. Demonstrate your commitment to community service  in the most succinct way possible.

Incident manager resume summary

Dedicated incident manager with over 8 years of experience specializing in crisis resolution, effective communication, and IT service management. I excel at quickly identifying critical issues, leading cross-functional teams towards prompt and efficient resolution, and reducing system downtime by 30% annually. Certified in ITIL Foundation, aiming to bring expertise in incident lifecycle management to the innovative environment of FutureTech Solutions.

Read our full guide on how to write an incident manager resume .

Police officer resume summary

Resolute police officer with over 10 years of experience specializing in community policing, criminal investigations, and emergency response. Excels at de-escalating tense situations, solving complex cases with a 40% higher success rate than the department average, and fostering trust within the community. Certified in Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training (ALERRT), aiming to bring a blend of tactical expertise and community-focused policing to the security team at SecureHorizons Corporation.

Read our full guide on how to write a police officer resume .

Law officer resume summary

Astute law enforcement officer with over 15 years of dedicated service specializing in investigative procedures, forensic analysis, and community engagement. Champion at employing advanced investigative techniques to increase case resolution rates by 50%, coupled with a commitment to enhancing community relations through proactive engagement initiatives. Certified in Crime Scene Investigation (CSI), eager to leverage extensive investigative skills and law enforcement experience to contribute to the security and compliance division at Global Safety Innovations.

Read our full guide on how to write a law officer resume .

Security guard resume summary

Security Management certified professional with over 5 years of experience specializing in surveillance, risk assessment, and access control. Identified and mitigated security risks, reducing incidents by 45% through strategic surveillance and rapid response tactics. Aiming to utilize keen observational and crisis management skills to ensure a safe and secure environment at SecureTech Innovations Inc.

Read our full guide on how to write a security guard resume .

Case manager resume summary

Compassionate case manager with over 7 years of experience specializing in client advocacy, resource coordination, and personalized care plans. Proven track record in building strong, trust-based relationships with clients, achieving a 95% satisfaction rate through tailored support and advocacy. Certified in Case Management, eager to apply expertise in holistic client support and resource optimization to contribute to the client success team at Wellness Pathways Inc.

Read our full guide on how to write a case manager resume .

Legal resume summary examples

Your legal resume  needs a summary statement to concisely convey your specific legal interests, expertise areas, or career goals, particularly when targeting niche fields within the law. Remember to always align closely with the hiring firm's specialties or values.

Legal assistant resume summary

Dedicated legal assistant with over 5 years of experience in supporting attorneys by performing comprehensive legal research, drafting legal documents, and managing case files with utmost confidentiality. Effective communicator with meticulous organization and an ability to multitask under tight deadlines, ensuring high levels of accuracy and efficiency. Holds a Certified Legal Assistant (CLA) credential and is eager to contribute these skills and experiences to the innovative team at Prestige Legal Solutions.

Read our full guide on how to write a legal assistant resume .

Attorney resume summary

Accomplished attorney with over 10 years of experience in litigation, client advocacy, and legal consultation within both civil and criminal law sectors. Specializes in crafting compelling legal strategies, negotiating settlements, and presenting persuasive arguments in court, backed by a track record of favorable verdicts and settlements. Holder of a Juris Doctor degree and a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, ready to leverage expertise for the dynamic team at Justice Innovators Legal Firm.

Read our full guide on how to write an attorney resume .

Paralegal resume summary

Resourceful paralegal with over 7 years of experience in providing comprehensive support to attorneys, managing complex case preparation, and facilitating client communications. Skilled in legal research, document drafting, and case management software, with a keen eye for detail and exceptional organizational abilities. Certified in Legal Project Management, ready to apply these proficiencies to enhance the legal operations at Global Legal Partners.

Read our full guide on how to write a paralegal resume .

Astute lawyer with over 8 years of experience specializing in corporate law, intellectual property, and contract negotiations. Masters complex legal analysis, effective strategy development, and robust client representation, ensuring comprehensive legal protection and guidance. Holds a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Corporate Law and seeks to drive legal excellence at FutureTech Legal Advisors.

Read our full guide on how to write a lawyer resume .

Maintenance and repair resume summary examples

Those of you in maintenance and repair roles  should highlight specific skills in troubleshooting, preventive maintenance, or specialized repair techniques. The resume summary will show recruiters your dedication to operational efficiency and reliability in a practical, hands-on environment.

Maintenance manager resume summary

Dedicated maintenance manager with over 10 years of experience specializing in preventive maintenance, facility upkeep, and team leadership. Excels in developing cost-effective maintenance solutions, reducing downtime by 40%, and enhancing equipment reliability through strategic planning and implementation. Certified in Lean Six Sigma, aiming to leverage expertise in process improvement and operational efficiency to drive excellence at FutureTech Solutions.

Read our full guide on how to write a maintenance manager resume .

Electrician resume summary

Resourceful electrician with over 7 years of experience in electrical systems installation, project management, and safety compliance. Coordinated large-scale projects, ensuring a 30% improvement in project completion time, and maintaining a zero-incident safety record through rigorous adherence to industry best practices. Holder of a Master Electrician Certification, eager to apply a blend of technical proficiency and leadership excellence at Innovative Energy Solutions.

Read our full guide on how to write an electrician resume .

Housekeeper resume summary

Meticulous housekeeper with over 5 years of experience in high-standard cleanliness, time management, and eco-friendly cleaning practices. Elevates guest experiences by maintaining a 99% satisfaction rating through exceptional attention to detail and personalized service. Holds a Professional Cleaning Certification, eager to bring expertise and a passion for spotless environments to the team at Luxury Living Spaces.

Read our full guide on how to write a housekeeper resume .

Facility manager resume summary

Strategic facility manager with over 5 years of experience in operations management, sustainability practices, and emergency planning. Leads by example in optimizing facility operations, achieving a 25% reduction in energy costs through the implementation of green initiatives, and enhancing safety protocols to ensure a 100% compliance rate with OSHA standards. Aiming to bring a proactive and innovative approach to facilities management at Global Innovations Inc.

Read our full guide on how to write a facility manager resume .

Housekeeping manager resume summary

Efficient housekeeping manager with over 8 years of experience in staff supervision, quality control, and inventory management. Spearheaded initiatives to elevate cleanliness standards, achieving a 95% guest satisfaction rating, and reducing supply costs by 20% through strategic vendor negotiations. Certified in Hospitality Management, ready to leverage a strong commitment to excellence and detail-oriented approach at Prestige Worldwide Resorts.

Read our full guide on how to write a housekeeping manager resume .

Manufacturing and warehousing resume summary examples

Supply chain, packaging, control – we got it all covered in our manufacturing and warehousing resume guides.

Manual tester resume summary

Diligent manual tester with over 5 years of experience in identifying bugs, performing regression testing, and ensuring software usability. Excelled in creating comprehensive test plans, executing test cases with precision, and enhancing documentation efficiency, leading to a 30% decrease in critical errors for high-stake projects. Holds an ISTQB Foundation Level Certification and is eager to leverage expertise in advancing software quality at TechInnovate Solutions.

Read our full guide on how to write a manual tester resume .

Procurement manager resume summary

Strategic procurement manager with over 10 years of experience in supply chain optimization, vendor management, and cost reduction strategies. Mastered negotiation techniques that resulted in a 20% decrease in material costs while maintaining quality and service standards, and implemented innovative procurement software that increased process efficiency by 40%. Certified in Supply Chain Management (CSCP) and looking to drive procurement excellence and sustainability at Global Green Enterprises.

Read our full guide on how to write a procurement manager resume .

Supply chain manager resume summary

Innovative supply chain manager with over 8 years of experience in logistics coordination, inventory management, and strategic planning. Spearheaded a supply chain optimization project that resulted in a 25% improvement in delivery times and a 15% reduction in costs, by integrating advanced forecasting tools and establishing strong supplier partnerships. Holds a CSCP designation and is poised to enhance operational efficiencies at FutureTech Logistics.

Read our full guide on how to write a supply chain manager resume .

Manufacturing engineer resume summary

Resourceful manufacturing engineer with over 7 years of experience in process improvement, quality control, and automation integration. Developed and implemented manufacturing processes that increased production efficiency by 20% and reduced waste by 15%, utilizing Lean manufacturing principles and Six Sigma methodologies. Certified in Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, eager to apply innovative engineering solutions to enhance production quality and efficiency at Advanced Manufacturing Corp.

Read our full guide on how to write a manufacturing engineer resume .

Warehouse manager resume summary

Efficient warehouse manager with over 12 years of experience in inventory management, logistics coordination, and team leadership. Streamlined warehouse operations to achieve a 30% increase in productivity and a 20% reduction in operational costs through the implementation of robust inventory management systems and effective staff training programs. Certified in Supply Chain Management (CSCP), ready to drive operational excellence and strategic growth at NextGen Distribution Centers.

Read our full guide on how to write a warehouse manager resume .

Marketing resume summary examples

If you’re a marketer looking to build an outstanding resume , spotlight your creativity, strategic insight, and specific marketing skills in your resume summary. Here are some examples.

Digital marketing resume summary

Data-oriented digital marketing specialist with over 8 years of experience, excelling in SEO optimization, content marketing, and social media engagement, demonstrated by a 40% increase in online visibility for multiple brands. Mastered Google Analytics and AdWords, leading to a 25% growth in ROI for advertising campaigns. Eager to apply expertise in driving robust digital marketing strategies at Dream Innovations Inc.

Read our full guide on how to write a digital marketer resume .

Social media manager resume summary

Dynamic social media manager with 3 years of experience, specializing in audience engagement, brand building, and content creation, evidenced by a 50% increase in follower count across platforms within one year. Certified in Digital Marketing from the Digital Marketing Institute, skillfully integrated influencer partnerships to boost brand visibility by 30%. Looking forward to enhancing social media presence and community interaction at Creative Tech Solutions.

Read our full guide on how to write a social media manager resume .

Marketing professional resume summary

Strategic marketing professional with over 10 years of experience, excelling in market analysis, campaign management, and lead generation, leading to a 35% increase in market share for previous employers. Certified in Professional Marketing by the Chartered Institute of Marketing, adept at utilizing data analytics to refine strategy and increase customer acquisition costs by 20%. Keen to drive innovative marketing strategies and growth at Future Horizons Inc.

Read our full guide on how to write a marketing professional resume .

Email marketing professional resume summary

Results-driven email marketing specialist with 4 years of experience, skilled in segmentation, personalized content creation, and A/B testing, resulting in a 45% increase in open rates and a 30% boost in click-through rates for past campaigns. Holding a Certificate in Email Marketing from the Digital Marketing Institute, effectively doubled the lead conversion rates for a major e-commerce platform. Eager to leverage proven email marketing strategies to drive revenue growth and customer engagement at Innovative Solutions Corp.

Read our full guide on how to write an email marketing professional resume .

SEO professional resume summary

Astute SEO specialist with over 7 years of deep expertise in search engine optimization, content strategy creation, and backlink acquisition, which contributed to a 70% increase in web traffic and a 50% improvement in conversion rates for past projects. Accredited with Advanced SEO Certification from the American Marketing Association, played a pivotal role in tripling organic search visibility for multinational corporations. Now seeking to leverage a proven track record of elevating online presence to drive competitive advantage at Forward-Thinking Tech Innovations.

Read our full guide on how to write an SEO professional resume .

Nursing, healthcare and well-being resume summary examples

For practitioners in nursing, healthcare, and well-being , crafting an effective summary statement is your opportunity to underscore your compassionate approach to patient care and dedication to improving health outcomes. Here are some examples.

Doctor resume summary

Patient-focused medical doctor with over 10 years of experience, specializing in internal medicine, patient care, and diagnostic proficiency, demonstrated by a consistent patient satisfaction rate exceeding 95%. Board Certified in Internal Medicine, instrumental in developing community health programs that increased patient access to care by 40%. Eager to bring medical expertise and dedication to patient wellness to the healthcare team at Health Innovations Medical Center.

Read our full guide on how to write a doctor resume .

Nurse resume summary

Dedicated nurse with over 5 years of experience in acute care, patient education, and emergency response, successfully managing care for up to 20 patients per shift with high marks for patient satisfaction and recovery outcomes. Certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), significantly contributed to a 30% improvement in the efficiency of emergency care protocols. Seeking to apply a strong background in patient-centered care and clinical expertise at Modern Health Solutions Hospital.

Read our full guide on how to write a nurse resume .

Psychologist resume summary

Insightful psychologist with over 8 years of experience in cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychological assessment, and group therapy, achieving a 40% improvement in patient mental health outcomes. Certified in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) by the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies, played a key role in developing a mental wellness program that reduced patient relapse rates by 25%. Aim to bring expertise in innovative therapeutic techniques and patient-centered care to the team at WholeMind Wellness Center.

Read our full guide on how to write a psychologist resume .

Healthcare resume summary

Skilled healthcare practitioner with over 12 years of experience in patient care management, diagnostic procedures, and healthcare technology integration, leading to a 50% improvement in patient treatment outcomes. Certified Health Informatics Specialist, enhancing patient record accuracy and accessibility, which contributed to a 20% faster diagnosis process. Aim to leverage expertise in advanced patient care and health informatics to drive innovation and efficiency at NextGen Health Solutions.

Read our full guide on how to write a healthcare professional resume .

Medical surgical nurse resume summary

Expert surgical nurse with over 7 years of experience specializing in pre-operative and post-operative care, patient education, and surgical assistance, resulting in a 95% patient recovery rate and exemplary patient satisfaction scores. Certified in Perioperative Nursing (CNOR), significantly improved the efficiency of surgical procedures by 30% through optimized patient preparation and recovery protocols. Eager to bring a proven track record of excellence in surgical nursing and patient care to the surgical team at Advanced Surgical Innovations Hospital.

Read our full guide on how to write a medical surgical nurse resume .

Office and administration resume summary examples

For those pursuing office and administration roles , the resume summary is your chance to highlight your commitment to supporting business operations and your keen attention to detail.

Administrative assistant resume summary

Dedicated administrative assistant with over 5 years of experience excelling in time management, interpersonal communication, and document preparation. Mastered Microsoft Office Suite and adept at streamlining office operations, resulting in a 20% increase in efficiency at previous positions. Certified in Project Management (PMP), eager to apply these skills and experiences to contribute to the continued success of InnovateTech Solutions.

Read our full guide on how to write an administrative assistant resume .

Front desk receptionist resume summary

Efficient front desk receptionist with over 3 years of experience specializing in customer service, appointment scheduling, and administrative support. Excelled in managing multi-line phone systems and maintaining a welcoming environment, achieving a 95% satisfaction rate in customer service feedback surveys. Certified in Customer Service Management, ready to bring a positive and organized front office experience to the team at Dreamland Resorts.

Read our full guide on how to write a front desk receptionist resume .

Administrative manager resume summary

Strategic administrative manager with over 10 years of experience specializing in operational efficiency, team leadership, and budget management. Streamlined internal processes to reduce operational costs by 15%, while enhancing team productivity through effective management and training programs. Certified in Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, eager to leverage expertise in process improvement to drive success and innovation at FutureTech Enterprises.

Read our full guide on how to write an administrative manager resume .

Office manager resume summary

Resourceful office manager with over 8 years of experience in enhancing office operations, human resources management, and financial planning. Implemented comprehensive scheduling and resource allocation systems that increased operational efficiency by 25%. Certified as a Professional Office Manager (POM), ready to utilize organizational skills and a proactive approach to foster a dynamic work environment at Creative Solutions Inc.

Read our full guide on how to write an office manager resume .

Front office manager resume summary

Dynamic front office manager with 7 years of experience in customer service excellence, staff training, and operational management in the hospitality sector. Boosted customer satisfaction ratings by 30% through innovative service strategies and staff empowerment initiatives. Holding a certification in Hospitality Management, eager to drive outstanding guest experiences and operational success at Prestige Worldwide Resorts.

Read our full guide on how to write a front office manager resume .

Project management resume summary examples

Explore over 20 project management resume examples and guides tailored to your specific role.

Product manager resume summary

Innovative product manager with over 6 years of experience in product lifecycle management, market analysis, and cross-functional team leadership. Led the development and launch of 5 market-leading products, achieving a 40% increase in customer engagement and a 25% growth in revenue. Certified Scrum Master (CSM), looking forward to driving product innovation and agile project management excellence at TechFuture Solutions.

Read our full guide on how to write a product manager resume .

Scrum master resume summary

Dynamic scrum master specialist with over 4 years of experience facilitating agile project management, enhancing team productivity, and promoting continuous improvement. Successfully increased team velocity by 30% and improved on-time delivery to 95% through effective sprint planning and backlog management. Certified Scrum Master (CSM) with a passion for fostering a collaborative work environment, ready to drive agile transformation at NextGen Innovations.

Read our full guide on how to write a Scrum manager resume .

Project manager resume summary

Results-driven project manager with over 8 years of experience in project planning, risk management, and stakeholder communication. Successfully completed over 20 high-profile projects within budget and ahead of deadlines, enhancing customer satisfaction by 40%. Certified Project Management Professional (PMP), aiming to leverage project management excellence to deliver strategic initiatives at Global Innovations Inc.

Read our full guide on how to write a project manager resume .

Program manager resume summary

Strategic program manager with over 10 years of experience in program development, team leadership, and performance optimization. Led the successful rollout of multiple cross-functional initiatives, resulting in a 50% improvement in program efficiency and stakeholder satisfaction. Certified in Program Management Professional (PgMP), eager to apply strategic planning and leadership skills to drive mission-critical programs at Visionary Tech Solutions.

Read our full guide on how to write a program manager resume .

Real estate resume summary examples

Realtors should include a resume summary  that presents their sales expertise, market knowledge, and commitment to providing exceptional client service, setting the stage for how they can benefit a potential employer or agency. Our examples can serve as a solid base, just tailor them to your specific needs.

Realtor resume summary

Dedicated realtor with over 10 years of experience specializing in residential property sales and negotiations. Excels at leveraging deep knowledge of market trends and exceptional communication skills to exceed sales targets consistently, achieving top performer status in a competitive market. Certified Residential Specialist, eager to apply expertise and a track record of success at Prestige Global Realty.

Read our full guide on how to write a realtor manager resume .

Real estate agent resume summary

Accomplished real estate agent with 8 years of experience in facilitating seamless transactions and providing market insights. Master in building client relationships, conducting comparative market analysis, and negotiating deals that benefit all parties involved, evidenced by a 30% increase in client portfolio year-over-year. Certified in Property Management (CPM), ready to bring a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record of success to Luxury Estates International.

Read our full guide on how to write a real estate agent resume .

Property manager resume summary

Resourceful property manager with over 5 years of experience in managing residential and commercial properties. Skilled in tenant relations, property maintenance coordination, and financial management, resulting in a 95% occupancy rate and a 20% reduction in operating costs. Possessing a Certified Property Manager (CPM) credential, aiming to enhance asset value and tenant satisfaction at HighRise Innovations LLC.

Read our full guide on how to write a property manager resume .

Real estate developer resume summary

Visionary real estate developer with 12 years of experience transforming underutilized lands into profitable properties. Expertise in project management, financial planning, and environmental sustainability, resulting in the successful completion of over 30 mixed-use developments. Certified in Sustainable Development, keen to leverage innovative design and strategic partnerships to drive growth at Urban Future Developments.

Read our full guide on how to write a real estate developer resume .

Sales and retail resume summary examples

With your sales resume  you offer recruiters a quick glimpse of your sales prowess, customer relationship skills, and enthusiasm for driving results.

Sales resume summary

Result-driven sales executive with over 7 years of experience excelling in high-pressure environments and sustaining revenue growth. Mastered the art of negotiation, customer relationship management, and strategic planning, leading to a 150% increase in annual sales for previous employers. Certified in Advanced Sales Strategies, eager to leverage expertise to drive market expansion and sales excellence at Future Innovations Inc.

Read our full guide on how to write a sales professional resume .

Customer service resume summary

Empathetic customer service representative with over 5 years of experience in providing exceptional customer support and resolving complex issues. Specialized in communication, problem-solving, and time management, successfully increased customer satisfaction ratings by over 90% within the first year in previous organization. Certified Customer Service Professional (CCSP), ready to apply talents in enhancing customer experience at NextGen Customer Solutions.

Read our full guide on how to write a customer service professional resume .

Sales representative resume summary

Results-driven sales representative with 8 years of experience specializing in B2B and B2C sales environments. Skilled in lead generation, customer engagement, and closing deals, resulting in a 120% achievement of sales targets consistently over the past 3 years. Holder of a Professional Selling Skills Certification, aiming to drive sales success and exceed targets at Innovative Tech Solutions.

Read our full guide on how to write a sales representative resume .

Account manager resume objective

Strategic account manager with over 7 years of experience in fostering robust client relationships and driving revenue growth. Proficient in contract negotiation, client retention strategies, and cross-functional team leadership, achieving a 98% client retention rate across the portfolio. Certified in Key Account Management, keen to utilize strategic insights and relationship-building expertise to contribute to the success of Innovative Solutions Corp.

Read our full guide on how to write an account manager resume .

Sales engineer objective

Technically-savvy sales engineer with 6 years of experience, blending engineering expertise with sales acumen to drive business solutions. Excels in technical presentations, client education, and complex solution sales, contributing to a 200% increase in product adoption rate. Certified Technical Sales Professional, eager to bring innovative sales strategies and engineering solutions to TechForward Innovations.

Read our full guide on how to write a sales engineer resume .

Salon and spa resume summary examples

Give your resume some real pampering with our pro tips on resume building for salon and spa professionals . Or start by exploring our suggestions for summary statements below.

Makeup artist resume summary

Passionate makeup artist with over 5 years of experience in creating diverse and captivating visual stories through makeup artistry, skilled in enhancing natural beauty, and adept at fashioning bold, creative looks for various occasions. Excels in color theory, facial symmetry understanding, and maintaining up-to-date knowledge of makeup products and techniques, resulting in high client satisfaction and repeat business. Certified by the Professional Beauty Association, eager to bring talent and vision to the innovative team at Luxe Aesthetic Studios.

Read our full guide on how to write a makeup artist resume .

Cosmetologist resume summary

Passionate cosmetologist with 8 years of experience, specializing in hair styling, skincare, and makeup application, delivering personalized beauty solutions to clients. Mastered the art of balayage, facial treatments, and bridal makeup, ensuring each client leaves feeling confident and rejuvenated, demonstrated by a consistent 95% client satisfaction rate. Holding a Certificate of Cosmetology from the National Beauty Institute, excited to bring a blend of creativity, skill, and dedication to the vibrant team at Bella Beauty Innovations.

Read our full guide on how to write a cosmetologist resume .

Hair stylist resume summary

Innovative hair stylist with 5 years of experience, excelling in precision cutting, custom coloring, and styling techniques that cater to clients' individual preferences and lifestyles. Thrives in delivering exceptional customer experiences, demonstrated through a track record of increasing client retention by 40%. Certified in Advanced Hair Design by the Prestige Academy of Beauty, eager to contribute cutting-edge styling trends and passion for hair artistry to the creative team at Avant-Garde Salon.

Read our full guide on how to write a hair stylist resume .

Esthetician resume summary

Experienced aesthetician with extensive experience in providing advanced skincare solutions, expert in chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and laser hair removal, achieving remarkable improvements in skin health and appearance. Specializes in tailoring skincare routines for diverse skin types, leading to a 90% improvement in client skin conditions within the first three months of treatment. Certified by the Aesthetics International Association, ready to deliver exceptional service and cutting-edge treatments to clients at Serene Glow Skincare Sanctuary.

Read our full guide on how to write an esthetician resume .

Science and research resume summary examples

Here are some objective examples of science-related roles  to choose from if you’re looking to write your resume summary.

Scientist resume summary

Progressive scientist with over 10 years of experience in bioinformatics, genetic engineering, and data analysis. Accelerated research and development processes, culminating in the publication of 20+ peer-reviewed articles in prestigious scientific journals. Holds a Certified Laboratory Scientist (CLS) credential, eager to leverage expertise in biotechnological innovations at GenTech Solutions.

Read our full guide on how to write a scientist resume .

Chemist resume summary

Dedicated chemist with over 8 years of experience specializing in organic synthesis, analytical chemistry, and process optimization. I excel in conducting comprehensive chemical analyses, leading to the development of 3 patented chemical processes. Aiming to apply innovative chemical solutions to environmental challenges at EcoChem Innovations.

Read our full guide on how to write a chemist resume .

Researcher resume summary

Professional researcher with over 12 years of experience in qualitative and quantitative analysis, statistical modeling, and academic publishing. Master in synthesizing data from diverse sources to uncover actionable insights, evidenced by authorship of 30+ articles in top-tier journals. Ready to drive forward-thinking research projects at Future Insights Lab.

Read our full guide on how to write a researcher resume .

Lab technician resume summary

Detail-oriented lab technician with 5 years of experience in specimen processing, quality control, and laboratory equipment maintenance. Excels in implementing rigorous testing protocols that enhance accuracy and efficiency, resulting in a 15% decrease in processing times. Certified as a Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT), keen to contribute to innovative diagnostic research at HealthTech Diagnostics.

Read our full guide on how to write a lab technician resume .

Lab assistant objective

Efficient lab assistant with 3 years of experience in sample preparation, data collection, and laboratory safety protocols. Supporting complex research projects by maintaining highly organized lab environments, contributing to a 20% increase in project completion rate. Certified Laboratory Assistant (CLA), eager to apply meticulous attention to detail and teamwork skills at Innovatech Research Facilities.

Read our full guide on how to write a lab assistant resume .

Software engineering resume summary examples

Wondering how to translate your technical knowledge and experience  into an easy to understand resume summary? Dive into our suggestions and remember to tailor them to the job position you’re targeting.

DevOps engineer resume summary

Innovative DevOps Engineer with over 5 years of experience in streamlining deployment processes, enhancing system reliability, and automating infrastructure management. Excels in implementing CI/CD pipelines, reducing deployment times by 50%, and leveraging monitoring tools to decrease system downtime by 30%. Certified in AWS Solutions Architect, eager to apply expertise to drive efficiency and innovation at CloudTech Innovations.

Read our full guide on how to write a DevOps engineer resume .

Software engineer resume summary

Dynamic software engineer with 4 years of experience specializing in developing scalable web applications, optimizing algorithm efficiency, and implementing robust security protocols. Python and JavaScript specialist, achieving a 40% increase in application performance and a 25% reduction in load times. Certified Scrum Master, looking forward to leveraging agile methodologies to foster innovation and efficiency at NextGen Software Solutions.

Read our full guide on how to write a software engineer resume .

Software architect resume summary

Visionary software architect with experience in designing scalable software architectures, optimizing data processing workflows, and leading cross-functional development teams. Specializes in microservices and cloud computing, achieving a 60% improvement in system scalability and a 40% reduction in operational costs. Certified in TOGAF, eager to apply architectural best practices and strategic planning to drive technological innovation at FutureTech Enterprises.

Read our full guide on how to write a software architect resume .

Angular developer resume summary

Resourceful angular developer with over 6 years of experience specializing in building dynamic, responsive web applications, optimizing front-end performance, and integrating user-centric designs. Expert in TypeScript, RxJS, and state management, resulting in a 35% increase in user engagement and a 50% improvement in page load times. Certified in Angular Development, ready to leverage cutting-edge web technologies to contribute to innovative projects at WebFuture Solutions.

Read our full guide on how to write a angular developer resume .

Android developer resume summary

Skilled Android developer with over 7 years of experience in crafting intuitive mobile applications, enhancing user interface designs and implementing efficient data storage solutions. Expert in Kotlin, Java, and Android SDK, achieving a 40% increase in application performance and a 30% enhancement in user satisfaction rates. Certified Google Associate Android Developer, eager to utilize deep technical expertise and creative problem-solving skills at MobileInnovate Technologies.

Read our full guide on how to write an Android developer resume .

Sports and recreation resume summary examples

The summary on your sports resume  should serve as a brief, impactful statement that highlights your athletic background, goals, and what you aim to achieve in your career. Here's what a well-crafted sports resume summary might look like:

Yoga instructor resume summary

Passionate yoga instructor with over 5 years of dedicated experience, specializing in Vinyasa, Hatha, and restorative yoga practices. Cultivated a transformative and supportive environment, leading to a 40% increase in class attendance among participants. Certified by the Yoga Alliance, eager to bring expertise in mindfulness and physical well-being to the team at Harmony Wellness Center.

Read our full guide on how to write a yoga instructor resume .

Sports resume summary

Dynamic sports center manager with over 10 years of comprehensive experience in facility management, team leadership, and event coordination. Excelling in strategic planning and operational efficiency, achieving a 25% growth in membership and a 30% increase in event revenue within the last year. Hold a Certified Sports Facility Manager credential and aim to drive success and community engagement at Champion Athletic Complex.

Read our full guide on how to write a sports resume .

Personal trainer resume summary

Dedicated personal trainer with over 8 years of experience specializing in personalized fitness programs, nutritional guidance, and motivational coaching. Developed and implemented workouts that resulted in an average of 50% improvement in clients' fitness levels within the first six months. Certified through the National Academy of Sports Medicine and ready to inspire and elevate the well-being of members at Elite Fitness Studio.

Read our full guide on how to write a personal trainer resume .

Event coordinator resume summary

Innovative sports event coordinator with over 7 years of experience in planning, marketing, and executing high-profile sports events. Spearheaded campaigns that increased event attendance by up to 40% year-over-year, alongside streamlining operations to cut event costs by 20%. Holding a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designation, eager to bring a track record of success and a flair for memorable event creation to Global Sports Management Inc.

Read our full guide on how to write an event coordinator resume .

Teaching and education resume summary examples

A teaching and education resume  summary should highlight your relevant qualifications, teaching philosophy, and career goals within the education sector. You should also emphasize your commitment to student development and your expertise in specific subjects or educational methodologies.

Teacher resume summary

Passionate preschool teacher with over 5 years of experience in nurturing young minds and fostering a love of learning through play-based and structured educational activities. Excelling in creating inclusive, engaging, and safe learning environments that accommodate diverse learning styles, resulting in a 30% improvement in classroom engagement. Certified in Early Childhood Education and eager to bring expertise in developmental milestones and creative curriculum design to Little Futures Academy.

Read our full guide on how to write a teacher resume .

Professor resume summary

Progressive literature professor with over 10 years of experience in cultivating critical thinking and analytical skills through the exploration of classic and contemporary texts. Practitioner of interdisciplinary teaching methods that integrate technology and digital resources, enhancing student participation by 40%. Holder of a Ph.D. in English Literature, and looking forward to contributing a rich understanding of literary trends and pedagogical strategies to the vibrant academic community at Global Humanities University.

Read our full guide on how to write a professor resume .

Coaching resume summary

Dynamic school coach with over 8 years of experience in developing student-athletes' physical abilities and sportsmanship. Excels in designing comprehensive training programs that improve team performance by 60% and foster leadership skills among participants. Certified in Sports Psychology, eager to implement innovative coaching strategies and mental toughness training at Champions Academy to enhance both individual and team success.

Read our full guide on how to write a coaching resume .

Paraprofessional resume summary

Compassionate paraprofessional with over 6 years of experience in supporting diverse classroom environments and enhancing student educational achievements. Adept at individualized instruction, behavioral management strategies, and fostering inclusive classroom settings, contributing to a 20% increase in student engagement and participation. Holds a Certification in Special Education Assistance, looking forward to bringing expertise in adaptive learning techniques and collaborative educational planning to the team at Bright Future Educational Center.

Read our full guide on how to write a paraprofessional resume .

Math teacher resume summary

Innovative math teacher with over 12 years of experience in making complex concepts accessible and engaging for students of all skill levels. Specializes in applying technology in the classroom to enhance learning, resulting in a 35% increase in student test scores. Eager to drive excellence in mathematical understanding and problem-solving skills at Tomorrow's Leaders Academy.

Read our full guide on how to write a math teacher resume .

Travel and transportation resume summary examples

Explore our range of  travel and transportation resume  summaries below.

Truck driver resume summary

Dedicated truck driver with over 10 years of experience in long-haul transportation, specializing in efficient route planning and timely delivery of goods. Skilled at maintaining vehicle condition, ensuring safety compliance on all trips, and reducing fuel costs through strategic driving techniques. Hold a valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with a clean driving record, eager to bring expertise to the logistics team at Summit Freight Solutions.

Read our full guide on how to write a truck driver resume .

Driver resume summary

Reliable driver with over 5 years of experience in urban and suburban transportation, known for exceptional navigation skills and a commitment to punctuality. Excelling at customer service, ensuring passenger satisfaction and safety, while efficiently managing time to increase daily ride completions. Certified in Defensive Driving, ready to contribute to the dynamic team at Citywide Rideshare Services.

Read our full guide on how to write a driver resume .

Pilot resume summary

ATP-certified pilot with over 15 years of experience in commercial aviation, adept at navigating complex flight routes and managing in-flight operations with precision. Specializing in aircraft safety procedures, crew coordination, and maintaining composure under pressure to ensure passenger and crew safety. Aiming to elevate flight standards at Global Airways Innovations.

Read our full guide on how to write a pilot resume .

Flight attendant resume summary

Dedicated flight attendant with over 5 years of experience in providing exceptional in-flight service, managing safety and emergency procedures and ensuring passenger comfort. Excelling at communication and conflict resolution, demonstrated through a track record of handling difficult situations with poise and diplomacy. Holds an FAA Certification in Cabin Crew Training, eager to bring talent to the team at SkyHigh Airlines.

Read our full guide on how to write a flight attendant resume .

Transport manager resume summary

Strategic transport manager with 8 years of experience in optimizing supply chain logistics, improving operational efficiency, and reducing transportation costs. Master in fleet management and route planning, evidenced by a 20% increase in delivery efficiency across national routes. Certified in Supply Chain Management (CSCM), ready to drive success and sustainability at Global Routes Logistics.

Read our full guide on how to write a transport manager resume .

Quality assurance resume summary examples

What should your QA resume  summary include? Highlight your dedication to maintaining the highest standards of product and service quality, your analytical skills, and attention to detail.

Quality control resume summary

Diligent quality control specialist with over 10 years of comprehensive experience in ensuring product excellence and compliance within the manufacturing sector. Utilizing advanced analytical skills to identify discrepancies and implement corrective measures, resulting in a 30% improvement in product quality and consistency. Holds a CQI credential, eager to apply expertise in enhancing operational standards at Innovative Solutions Inc.

Read our full guide on how to write a quality control specialist resume .

Test engineer resume summary

Dynamic test engineer with 8 years of expertise in developing and implementing comprehensive testing protocols for software development and hardware integration. Specializing in automated testing tools, enhancing test efficiency by 40%, and reducing bug resolution time by 25%. Certified in ISTQB Test Engineering, ready to leverage testing acumen to drive quality assurance initiatives at TechForward Innovations.

Read our full guide on how to write a test engineer resume .

Quality manager resume summary

Strategic quality manager with 7 years of proven track record in leading quality assurance teams and processes in the pharmaceutical industry. Master in deploying Lean Six Sigma methodologies to streamline operations, achieving a 50% reduction in process variances and a 20% increase in operational efficiency. Holder of a Six Sigma Black Belt certification, aiming to elevate quality standards and patient safety at HealthPioneers Inc.

Read our full guide on how to write a quality manager resume .

QA engineer resume summary

Detail-oriented QA engineer with 5 years of experience specializing in software testing, quality assurance, and process improvement in the tech industry. Developed automated testing scripts that reduce testing time by over 40%, and applying Agile methodologies to enhance team productivity and project delivery timelines. Certified CSTE, ready to bring a commitment to quality and efficiency to the next-generation software projects at FutureTech Solutions.

Read our full guide on how to write a QA engineer resume .

QA analyst resume summary

Analytical QA analyst with over 7 years of experience in quality assurance, specializing in manual and automated testing strategies for web and mobile applications. Expertise in test plan development, execution, and defect tracking leads to a 30% improvement in bug detection rates and a 15% increase in release efficiency. Certified Quality Analyst (CQA), keen on employing meticulous testing methodologies to enhance product quality at Digital Innovations Ltd.

Read our full guide on how to write a QA analyst resume .

We hope this guide showed you how game-changing a well-crafted resume summary can be for standing out in the job application process. Here are the main insights:

• Position your summary at the top of you resume and offer a concise statement of a your qualifications and achievements.
• Tailor the summary to the specific job you’re applying for, highlighting relevant skills and accomplishments with quantifiable results.
• Include keywords from the job description to ensure your resume passes applicant tracking systems and captures hiring managers' attention.
• Use our practical tips for writing a compelling resume summary, including starting with a powerful adjective, including strong action verbs, and avoiding overused buzzwords and personal pronouns.
• For a quickly-crafted resume, get support from Enhancv's resume building app which can simplify the resume creation process.

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• 27 Great Resume Summary...

27 Great Resume Summary Examples to Get Hired

20 min read · Updated on June 03, 2024

Your resume summary is the first impression you make on potential employers, so it's crucial to get it right

When it comes to job applications, your resume is often the first point of contact with prospective employers. It's essential to make a good impression right from the start and that's where your resume summary comes in. Your summary is a brief statement at the top of your resume that highlights your skills , experiences , and achievements , making it a key part of your job application.

In this article, you'll learn how to write the ultimate resume summary that will grab the attention of recruiters and hiring managers. You'll discover what makes a good summary and what to avoid, as well as how to sell yourself effectively to potential employers.

You may be wondering: what exactly is a resume summary and how do I write one? We'll answer these questions and provide examples of professional summaries for various industries.

By the end of this article, you'll have a comprehensive understanding of what it takes to create a standout resume summary that will help you to land your dream job.

What is a resume summary?

To understand a resume summary, it's important to understand the challenge that good summaries are designed to overcome. Employers who are looking for new hires often need to compare many dozens or even hundreds of resumes to find the best candidates for the job. Few hiring personnel have the time needed to thoroughly examine every single resume that they receive.

Instead, employers typically spend no more than five or six seconds scanning any given resume. If a resume manages to capture their interest in those few seconds, they'll take the time to read it in greater detail. 

However, if your resume doesn't grab their attention, it's likely to be rejected without any further examination. So, the challenge is to find a way to quickly earn the reader's interest and inspire them to read the rest of the document.

That's where your resume summary comes into play. As you'll see from our resume summary examples, a good summary is the resume equivalent of a salesperson's elevator pitch. 

This brief statement should highlight your experience and job title, one or two key skills, and a couple of your most prominent achievements. When your summary is crafted well, it will provide the employer with a quick overview of your potential value as a new hire.

Once you've written your summary, you should place it right after your contact information and resume headline , so that it's the first thing employers see. If you've done your job properly, that summary will be compelling enough to make the reader want to learn more about the type of value you can bring to the job.

How should you start a resume summary?

After your headline, you should include a brief opening statement that summarizes who you are. This statement should be concise and compelling, and it should clearly communicate your unique value proposition. Here are some examples of strong opening statements:

Innovative Marketing Manager with over five years of experience in developing and executing successful campaigns for Fortune 500 companies

Results-driven Sales Executive with a proven track record of exceeding revenue targets and building strong client relationships

Skilled Customer Service Representative with expertise in problem-solving, conflict resolution, and communication

Tips for writing a resume summary

To make sure you get your summary spot on, follow our top tips:

Be specific

When writing a resume summary, it's essential to be specific and quantify your achievements wherever possible. Instead of saying, "Experienced marketing professional," try saying, "Experienced marketing professional with expertise in managing successful social media campaigns, resulting in increases of up to 30% in website traffic."

This provides concrete evidence of your skills and demonstrates your value to potential employers.

Reflect on your career

When it comes to writing a strong resume summary, you should engage in some self-reflection. Before putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard), take some time to think about your key skills, experiences, and achievements. This will help you to identify the most important information to include in your summary. Review your past roles, responsibilities, and accomplishments, and think about how they relate to the job you're applying for. Ask yourself:

What have I achieved in my career?

What skills have I developed?

What makes me stand out from other applicants?

Identify your key skills

One of the most important things to include in your resume summary is your key skills. These are the abilities that set you apart from other candidates and demonstrate your value to potential employers. Begin by making a list of your top skills, then prioritize them based on relevance to the job you're applying for.

Highlight your relevant experiences

Next, think about relevant experiences that you can include in your summary. This includes any previous jobs or internships, volunteer work, or extracurricular activities that have given you valuable experience. Consider what you've learned and achieved in each role and how that relates to the job you're applying for.

You should focus on what is most relevant to your target job. Here are some examples:

Proven ability to increase sales revenue by 20% year on year

Expertise in project management and team leadership

Proficient in Adobe Creative Cloud and Microsoft 365

Confident working with a diverse range of clients and stakeholders

Keep it concise

Remember, your resume summary should be concise and to the point. Stick to the most important information and avoid filler words or irrelevant details. A good rule of thumb is to keep your summary to 3-5 sentences.

Use action verbs

When describing your experiences and achievements, use strong action verbs and adverbs to convey a sense of accomplishment and momentum. For example, instead of saying, "Responsible for managing social media accounts," say, "Successfully manages social media accounts."

Quantify your achievements

Wherever possible, use numbers and statistics to quantify your achievements. This provides concrete evidence of your skills and demonstrates your value to potential employers. For example, instead of saying, "Helped to increase sales," say, "Helped to increase sales by 20% in the first year."

Tailor it to the job

Make sure your resume summary is tailored to the job you're applying for. This means highlighting the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the role. Look at the job description and identify the key requirements, and then make sure your summary addresses these points.

Professional resume summary examples

Since there's nothing quite like seeing an example of a great summary, we've compiled twenty-seven great resume summary examples that you can use as inspirational templates for your own perfect resume . Below, you'll find summary examples for a variety of different job roles, including:

Customer Service Representative

Sales Representative

Marketing Manager

Project Manager

Software Developer

Human Resources Manager

Graphic Designer

Registered Nurse

Financial Analyst

Administrative Assistant

Data Entry Clerk 

Business Analyst

Operations Manager 

Mental Health Counselor

High School Teacher

Event Manager

Digital Marketing Manager

Content Marketer

SEO Specialist

Bank Teller

Software Support Specialist

Data Scientist

Dental Assistant

1.     Customer Service Representative resume summary example

"Highly motivated Customer Service Representative with 5 years of experience in delivering service excellence. Skilled in conflict resolution and problem-solving, resulting in a 95% customer satisfaction rate. Proven ability to multitask in fast-paced environments while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail."

Why it works : This summary highlights the candidate's experience and skills while also showcasing their relevant achievements in ensuring customer satisfaction. It mentions how much experience they have and calls out a measurable success.

2.     Sales Representative resume summary example

"Dynamic Sales Representative with a track record of exceeding sales quotas by 20%+. Proficient in consultative sales techniques and relationship building. Exceptional communication and negotiation skills with the ability to close deals."

Why it works : This summary provides a quantifiable achievement to show the candidate's success in their previous sales roles while also highlighting their key skills in relationship building and communication.

3.     Marketing Manager resume summary example

"Strategic Marketing Manager with 7+ years of experience in developing and executing successful marketing campaigns across multiple channels. Skilled in market research and analysis, campaign optimization, and team leadership. Proven track record of driving revenue growth and increasing brand awareness."

Why it works : This summary emphasizes the candidate's experience and leadership skills while also showcasing their ability to drive results through successful marketing campaigns. The candidate has also demonstrated their ability to grow revenues and raise brand awareness.

4.     Project Manager resume summary example

"Accomplished Project Manager, with confidence in leading cross-functional teams and managing project timelines, budgets, and resources. Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to build relationships with stakeholders. Proven track record of delivering projects on time and within budget."

Why it works : This summary highlights the candidate's extensive project management experience and emphasizes their ability to successfully deliver projects while working with multiple stakeholders.

5.     Software Developer resume summary example

"Innovative Software Developer with 5+ years of experience in designing, developing, and implementing complex software applications. Skilled in programming languages including Java, Python, and C++. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in Agile environments to deliver high-quality code on time."

Why it works : This job seeker has taken the time to highlight some of the technical skills they possess, while emphasizing their ability to work in Agile environments. They also call attention to the fact that they can take a software development project from design to implementation.

6.     Human Resources Manager resume summary example

"Experienced Human Resources Manager specializing in talent acquisition, employee relations, and performance management. Skilled in developing and implementing HR policies and procedures that align with business objectives and values. Proven track record of building and managing high-performing teams."

Why it works : This summary highlights the candidate's experience in various HR functions and emphasizes their ability to build and manage teams. It also shows that they can perform managerial functions like developing policies and procedures.

7.     Graphic Designer resume summary example

"Creative Graphic Designer with particular expertise in developing and executing visually stunning designs for print and digital media. Proficient in Adobe Creative Cloud, with a focus on typography and layout. Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously."

Why it works : This summary works well because it showcases their technical skills and experience while also emphasizing creativity and an ability to work collaboratively.

8.     Registered Nurse resume summary example

"Compassionate Registered Nurse with over 10 years' experience in providing high-quality patient care. Skilled at patient assessment, medication administration, and treatment plan development. Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build rapport with patients and their families."

Why it works : This summary emphasizes the candidate's clinical and patient care experience and highlights their key nursing and interpersonal skills.

9.     Financial Analyst resume summary example

“Detail-oriented Financial Analyst with a strong background in financial modeling, data analysis, and forecasting. Combines advanced Excel skills with the ability to create and manage financial reports. Able to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.”

Why it works : This summary showcases the applicant's specific skills and experience in financial analysis and highlights their proficiency in Excel, a crucial tool for the role.

10.  Administrative Assistant resume summary example

“Skilled Administrative Assistant with 8 years of experience in administrative support and office administration. Resilient, detail-oriented, and able to work under extreme pressure in a team environment. Excellent interpersonal, client management, and interdepartmental liaison skills. Committed to successful management of multiple simultaneous projects, strict adherence to deadline requirements, and accurate maintenance of schedules, meeting obligations, and records.”

Why it works : An Administrative Assistant wears many hats and experiences many challenges. This resume summary covers a lot of ground to demonstrate that the candidate understands those obstacles and knows how to overcome them.

11.  Data Entry Clerk resume summary example

“Task-driven and results-oriented professional with more than 10 years of experience in data entry, project coordination, and customer service. Uses interpersonal skills including effective communication to build rapport and positive relations with customers, gather vital information, and ensure rapid and accurate entry of data into designated software programs.”

Why it works : This resume summary is effective because it gets right to the heart of the job: dealing with customers and entering data into databases. The candidate also emphasizes their results-focused mindset, project skills, and key soft skills.

12.  Business Analyst resume summary example

“Results-driven Business Analyst with a proven record in expanding profitability by 55% in the retail industry.  Confident carrying out data-focused analysis that provides key insights and recommendations for growth strategies. Strong interpersonal and team building skills, innovative approach to problem-solving , and resolute commitment to efficiency and productivity.”

Why it works : Business analysis is all about using data and research to deliver key insights that result in improved operations and greater business success. This summary hits all the right notes as it focuses on key skills, a solutions-oriented mindset, and notable achievements that reflect real value for employers.

13.  Operations Manager resume summary example

“Results-oriented Operations Manager with more than 10 years of supervisory experience in high-level operational environments. Adept at coordinating both large and small teams, outside consultants, and mid-level management personnel. Successfully introduced Lean manufacturing principles that reduced costs by 32% via waste elimination and process revitalization.”

Why it works : This candidate's summary emphasizes key skills that the employer wants to see in any managerial candidate, while also showcasing their knowledge of best operational practices and a commitment to cost reduction.

14.  Mental Health Counselor resume summary example

“Compassionate Mental Health Counselor with more than a decade of experience addressing mental health issues and behavioral concerns. Proven success in both individual and group counseling environments, assisting clients in gaining insight and understanding of their unique conditions. Specialized focus on working with young adults and families, with an emphasis on addressing substance abuse root causes and other social factors involved in mental health.”

Why it works : This resume summary is notable for citing important skills like empathy and compassion. It also focuses attention on the candidate's experience in dealing with common mental health concerns and hints at their preferred approach to assisting patients.

15.  High School Teacher resume summary example

“Dynamic high school teacher with 12 years of experience developing approved curricula for more than 500 students in grades 9-12. Proven track record of helping students to achieve a 98% passing rate in both Western Civilization and World History instruction. Actively engaged in every aspect of education, at the district, local, and parent-teacher level.”

Why it works : This candidate's resume summary highlights their vast experience, while illustrating their success in ensuring that their students learn what they need to know to pass the class. They also demonstrate their commitment to the educational process by highlighting their involvement in every area of education.

16.  Accountant resume summary example

“Diligent and detail-oriented CPA with seven years of experience in accounting, process improvement, and problem-solving. Skilled at identifying inefficiencies and using reporting to offer insights that can guide employers to better practices and greater profitability. At XYZ Corp., identified labor usage inefficiency that motivated management to introduce new scheduling that eliminated $300,000 in labor waste.”

Why it works : In addition to highlighting a wide range of valuable skills, this candidate also focused on a quantifiable achievement that illustrates real value. This type of summary would certainly capture a hiring manager's attention and make them want to read more!

17.  Event Manager resume summary example

“Resilient and creative Event Manager with 6 years of corporate experience. Detail-oriented perfectionist with experience in project management, team leadership, and customer relations. Successfully organized and executed more than 40 major business conferences, hosting thousands of guests. Major clients have included three Fortune 500 firms with multi-million-dollar event budgets.

Why it works : As Event Managers go, this one has certainly made the rounds. That summary of achievements highlights their ability to manage even large-scale events, dealing with every aspect of the project. How could a serious hiring manager not want to learn more about this candidate?

18.  IT Manager resume summary example

“Dedicated IT Manager with significant experience in an innovative and growing tech firm. Skilled leader with experience in systems analysis, database architecture, problem-solving, and troubleshooting. Superior client satisfaction rate of more than 99%. Created and implemented IT troubleshooting process that reduced internal client service time by 30%.”

Why it works : This IT professional focuses attention on their key leadership skills , while also mentioning the hard skills that any hiring manager is likely to be looking for. There's also a nice nod to their history of satisfying clients, as well as a notable and measurable achievement.

19.  Product Designer resume summary example

“Innovative Design Engineer with 5 years of experience in the development of products and packages. Skilled in market research, brand development and alignment, and design elements. Led team of seventeen Designers in the creation of industrial products that yielded $20 million in sales in the first month after launch.”

Why it works : This resume summary uses some important keywords, action verbs, and descriptive language to describe the candidate's key skills and experiences. It also cites an impressive product design achievement, along with real numbers that showcase value.

20.  Content Marketer resume summary example

“Creative marketing professional with 7 years' experience as a Content Marketer. Skilled writer who understands how written communication empowers business growth and expansion. Expertise in development of compelling content that drives activities across multiple media channels. Adaptable , detail-oriented, and focused on a brand-building approach to content strategy that drives real results. Developed a cross-platform content strategy that boosted sales conversion rates by 37%.

Why it works : This Content Marketer focuses on their key skills and keen insights into how content impacts business profitability. They even included a measurable result that demonstrates their focus on adding value to their employer's bottom line.

21.  SEO Specialist resume summary example

“Results-focused SEO expert with 6 years of experience in keyword mastery, the promotion of sustainable content, and growing organic website search engine rankings. Proven track record of SEO success, using content development and link outreach to expand website traffic activity from 10,000 daily visitors to more than 2,000,000 per year.”

Why it works : Many hiring managers may not fully understand SEO, but they will understand the need to get more eyes on their digital content. This candidate speaks to that need by focusing on website rankings, content, and overall web traffic - while including a quantifiable achievement that demonstrates their ability to make things happen.

22.  Copywriter resume summary example

“Website Copywriter with 5 years of experience in developing content that creates real conversions. Cross-channel expertise including website content, advertising, newsletters, press releases, email, and podcast / video scripts. Proven track record of increasing social traffic by 36% and driving a 22% boost in landing page conversions.”

Why it works : This candidate's summary is focused not only on the type of things they write, but how those content pieces directly contribute to the company's online presence and sales conversion rate. This illustrates the writer's understanding of how their work aligns with their employer's business needs and goals.

23.  Bank Teller resume summary example

“Empathetic and personable Bank Teller with more than 4 years of experience in client interactions at First Bank. Detail-oriented customer management approach, focused on superior customer experiences and client retention. Strict adherence to bank policy, including safety deposit guidelines, customer account security, and due diligence. Efficiently and effectively processed more than 200 client account interactions each day.”

Why it works : For a Bank Teller, much of the role's value lies in the employee's ability to serve as the face of the branch. This summary is effective because it showcases the Teller's knowledge of bank procedures, while also highlighting their commitment to creating an excellent customer experience.

24.  Software Support Specialist resume summary example

“Problem-solving Software Support Specialist with 8 years of experience in customer-facing user assistance. Provided key problem resolution services for hundreds of customers, with a focus on maximizing their satisfaction with the company to increase loyalty and retention. Experienced in both customer and B2B interactions, with a specialized talent for explaining technical problems in language that is easily understood by the average layperson.”

Why it works : This resume summary focuses not only on the candidate's specialized skills in solving computer issues, but also highlights their ability to simplify their explanations to customers.

25.  Data Scientist resume summary example

“Committed Data Scientist focused on analytical insights that can drive company growth and development. More than eight years of experience providing data-driven analysis to Fortune 500 executives, based on comprehensive statistical models and detailed historical data patterns. Successfully provided insights and recommendations used to increase company profits by 32% over a two-year period.”

Why it works : Data science may not seem like the most exciting field, but hiring managers are always on the hunt for candidates who understand why data matters. This candidate's focus on providing insights that can translate into real value for the employer is something that is likely to earn a hiring manager's interest.

26.  Dental Assistant resume summary example

“Dental Assistant with 5 years of experience with patient preparation, processing, and administrative support. Keen attention to detail and a commitment to dental health and aesthetics. Skilled in dental impressions, hands-on assistance during procedures, x-rays, and record maintenance. Fully committed to developing rapport with patients that creates a welcoming environment and a joyful experience.”

Why it works : This candidate's resume summary not only highlights key Dental Assistant requirements, but also conveys their personal approach to teamwork and patient care.

27.  Architect resume summary example

“Creative Architect experienced in high-end architectural design and development oversight. Ten years of proven success in creating sustainable designs that earn rave reviews and commendations from clients. Skilled in adapting to new challenges and working under pressure to achieve every client's vision. Consistently produces designs and project plans that come in on time and under budget, at 10%-30% less cost than industry competitors.”

Why it works : In this summary, the candidate highlights key skills that employers will want to see, while also emphasizing quantifiable results that demonstrate competitive value for the employer. They also showcase their ability to not only design architectural structures but to do so with a conscious awareness of critical factors like budgetary concerns, deadlines, sustainability and market competition.

Bonus: how to write a resume summary if you have no experience

Of course, it's also important to know how to write a resume summary if you have no experience. Here's a quick resume summary example that you can adapt if you are just entering the job market:

“Recent Marketing graduate, seeking an entry-level position to kickstart a career in the field. Demonstrated strong leadership and teamwork skills gained through involvement in various extracurricular activities, including volunteering at local events and leading group projects. Proficient in Microsoft 365 and Adobe Creative Cloud. Passionate about using marketing strategies to create engaging content and drive brand awareness.”

Why it works: This summary works because it highlights the candidate's relevant hard and soft skills and qualifications, even though they don't have direct career experience. The use of action words such as "demonstrated" and "proficient" shows the candidate's confidence in their abilities, which can be attractive to potential employers, showcasing the candidate's potential for success in an entry-level marketing role.

Key takeaways

A well-written resume summary can make a significant impact on a job application. A good summary should highlight relevant skills and experiences, use clear and concise language, and avoid unnecessary information. Feel free to customize any of the resume summary examples we've provided to help ensure that your resume captures the attention of potential employers.

We know it can be difficult to condense a whole career full of skills and achievements into a paragraph of only a few sentences. If you're unsure about the document you've crafted, why not send it for a free resume review by our team of expert resume writers? 

Recommended reading:

Ask Amanda: How Are a Resume Objective and a Resume Summary Different?

How to Write a Standout Career Summary

Business Acumen: What It Is and How You Can Showcase It On Your Resume

Related Articles:

Do Hiring Managers Actually Read Cover Letters?

How to Create a Resume With No Education

Why You Lose When You Lie on Your Resume: Learning From Mina Chang

See how your resume stacks up.

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30 Resume Summary Examples + How to Write One in 2024

• Understand the Resume Summary
• When to Use a Resume Summary
• How to Write a Summary
• 30 Resume Summaries
• Resume Summary Recap

It’s the backbone of your job hunt, but it can be frustrating to figure out what goes into a good resume .

And one of the murky areas that hopeful applicants wrestle with is whether to include a summary or objective statement in their resume. When every bit of space on your resume is invaluable, how do you know when a summary or objective is essential?b

If you’re already a pro, head to the best AI resume builder  to build your resume before moving on to making a cover letter , or you can customize the resume below. Otherwise, join us, and we’ll clear away the confusion and give you 30 summary statement examples you can make your own.

Real Estate Agent Resume

What is a Summary on a Resume?

The summary of your resume should give a quick “snapshot” of your best qualifications, which you’ll later emphasize and quantify with your skills and experience. Your summary offers an overview of which qualifications make you the perfect fit for the job:  So, focus on the highlights of your career.

You want your summary to emphasize your  history of accomplishments and excellence , leveraging that information to demonstrate how you’ll benefit the company and enhance the position for which you’re applying. Your summary should be attention-grabbing and immediately show why you’re the ideal hire!

Is a resume summary the same as a career objective?

You may wonder whether a resume summary and a  career objective  serve the same purpose—and whether they’re interchangeable. There’s plenty of overlap between resume objectives and summaries, thus muddling the waters. 

These key differences will help you simplify and clarify a confusing topic:

Summaries are great if:

• You have extensive, quality experience
• You’re staying within your field or branching out to something similar
• You have some impressive metrics to share

Objectives are better if:

• You’re a new graduate
• You’re changing careers or breaking into the field

Wait! Is the summary the same as a summary of qualifications?

The lesser-known summary of qualifications is not quite the same as a resume summary! While your summary should describe your qualifications and relevant history in a couple of concise sentences, a summary of qualifications is more technical and usually presented in a bulleted list. The summary of qualifications lets you work in some ATS-friendly keywords and then dazzle a recruiter with metrics, accomplishments, and skills.

It’s usually recommended to keep your list of qualifications to three to six bullet points, limiting each to one or two lines. But this format eats up space on your resume quickly! So, it’s best to replace your resume’s summary or objective with a summary of qualifications if you have a long, complicated history of experience in your field and need to emphasize the highlights of your background at a glance.

Know When to Use a Resume Summary

A resume summary is  often best suited to applicants with 10+ years of experience, although standalone accomplishments  can  be equally powerful . 

If you’ve achieved an unusual level of expertise or racked up an impressive list of accomplishments during a shorter time, consider including a summary!

Our simple  free resume templates  make it easy for you to add or remove information and manipulate sections for personalization without affecting the overall layout of your resume. If you work with a resume template through a word-processing program, like the creative  Google Docs resume templates  we designed, making edits can throw everything off kilter, often causing you to start from scratch to correct the problem.

Indicators that a summary would fit nicely on your resume:

• You’ve worked long enough (10+ years) that you should condense the highlights of your career
• You have an eye-catching list of accomplishments and quantifiable achievements
• You’ve worked with big-name companies or prestigious projects
• You’ve advanced quickly within your field during an unusually short time

If the list above feels intimidating, circle back to the original question of whether a summary enhances your resume.

Indicators to exclude the summary & let your skills & experience speak for themselves:

• You’re a new graduate who hasn’t had time to build much experience 
• Your previous work experience has been somewhat run-of-the-mill
• Your background and qualifications look somewhat generic or bland once written 
• You haven’t had many opportunities that resulted in quantifiable achievements

If you can relate, your resume will be strongest if you drop the summary entirely. Instead, lead with your skills and emphasize dependability, ambition, and potential in your experience section.

How to Write a Resume Summary

If you’re bracing yourself for the process of honing your summary, don’t worry! It’ll be a breeze if you follow our tried-and-true formula and keep our handy tips in mind as you write.

Follow our resume summary formula

The process is as easy as: X + Y + Z = Attention-snagging summary!

X = Your characteristics and personality traits Y = Years of experience and quantified success/results Z = How these results apply to the specific job role

Consider this resume summary for a programmer:

You can pinpoint each element when you break this summary down:

X = Inquisitive, driven, and eager Y = 8+ years of experience, a client base of 100+ people, and a savings of 725+ manual hours Z = Specific programming skills like Python and jQuery that will enhance performance within the position

Our best resume summary tips

Now, we’ll unpack some tips to help you nail down the perfect summary to jumpstart your resume:

• Summary length:  Limit your summary to two or three sentences.
• Keywords:  Consider job-specific keywords that the ATS scans for as well as keywords that will hook recruiters.
• Quantify your claims:  When you list accomplishments and achievements, back them up with hard facts! Data like improvement percentages, customer satisfaction metrics, and client base numbers will boost your credibility.
• Tailor summaries to specific positions:  You never want your summary to feel generic, so look for specific requirements in the job description that you can respond to with relevant details from your own experience.
• Grammar and mechanics:  Proofread carefully for spelling and punctuation errors, and keep a close eye on grammar. It’s also ideal to avoid informal contractions and opening sentences with “I.” Your summary should immediately spotlight your professional value—so keep sentence structure concise and use “my” when presenting your skills.

Don’t worry if this is a little overwhelming at first glance!  Save your summary for last,  even though it appears first. Once your other sections are fine-tuned, it’ll be easier to pinpoint choice details to fill in the formula and complete your perfect summary. (And who says you have to nail your summary the first time you write it?! Go through as many iterations as you need when you  outline your resume .)

The good, the bad, and the ugly resume summary

So, what do these concepts look like in action? Take a look at this example of an excerpt from a digital marketing manager’s job description:

As a digital marketing marketer, you will plan, oversee, manage, and implement our brand’s digital marketing campaigns. You will:

• Plan each digital marketing campaign and delegate tasks in a team setting
• Oversee and evaluate the quality of digital marketing materials
• Analyze campaigns and identify how to improve performance

What kind of summary works for this job description? We’ll take it from bad to best.

I graduated with a marketing degree last year and did lots of group projects. I know how to structure a market campaign and read analytics.

Why it’s ugly:  There’s zero personality here. The claims are not only weak and vague, but there’s nothing quantifiable to back them—let alone any indication of managerial skills. Even though the summary addresses some details from the job description, they’re too generic. 

My degree in marketing makes me a great fit for this position. I can use my communication and analytical skills to help your team create great ad campaigns. I’m also familiar with Google Analytics and LinkedIn and have worked with several teams.

Why it’s bad:  While this summary addresses skills and teamwork experience more effectively, the tone still lacks the gusto that most managerial roles require. The first sentence takes up space while offering too little information, and the second two are redundant and unenthusiastic.

Ambition, creativity, and a BA in marketing empowered me to gain 6+ years of experience with a digital marketing team and boost website traffic by 67%. My proficiency in Microsoft Excel, SEO, and KPI tracking enable me to plan, create, and analyze advertising campaigns. My well-honed strategies and communication skills will elevate Nestlé USA’s marketing team to new heights.

Why it’s best:  This summary completes the formula! You can see personality, experience, and quantifiable claims coupled with the applicant’s skills that fit the exact job description. Dynamic, powerful verbs such as “boost,” “create,” and “empowered” also suggest this applicant is qualified for an advanced role.

30 Resume Summary Examples to Inspire You + Why They Work

You’ve got the basics down; now you’re ready to take inspiration from these 30 professional resume summary examples across different professions. As you check them out, keep our key formula in mind. Before you know it, you’ll have a starting point for your own incredible summary.

We begin many of these with a quick list of key points in the job description, so you can see how each summary is carefully customized to the role.

1. Accountant resume summary

Accountant job description  key points :

• Adept at creating and managing financial documents
• Maintaining ledger entries and monthly budgets
• Detailed error checking and problem-solving
• Auditing and document collection
• Mentorship and training skills

Accountant resume summary :

Why this resume works

• The applicant’s ambitious yet matter-of-fact personality is evident in a way that reinforces their desire to take an active leadership role in the accounting field.
• The solid metrics of a CPA certification and an improvement percentage also quantify the applicant’s selling points.
• And lastly, the focus is on more advanced skills instead of entry-level basics. 

Need more help? Our  accountant resume guide  and  accountant cover letter examples  have you covered from top to bottom.

2. Attorney resume summary

Attorney job description  key points :

• Adept with communication and navigating client consultations
• Familiarity with litigation and a strong ability to adapt to changing legislation
• Strategic, analytical thinking, and strong ethical problem-solving skills
• Preparing, customizing, and checking legal documents
• Forewarning clients of potential obstacles and helping them understand their options

Attorney resume summary :

• The candidate immediately demonstrates an ambitious personality alongside a quantifiable accomplishment.
• Next, the more in-depth set of abilities highlights a well-rounded approach to legal success—ending on a strong note with specific examples of how they’ll benefit the law firm.

If you need more guidance on your  attorney resume  or  attorney cover letter , we can show you the way regardless of your experience level.

3. Business analyst resume summary

Business analyst job description  key points :

• Analytical and quick, adaptive thinking patterns
• Basic IT abilities in Microsoft Excel, SQL, Google Sheets, and Agile Development
• Superior communication and interpersonal/soft skills
• Meticulous attention to detail with an ability to deliver precise reports/data and advice

Business analyst resume summary :

• The formula is all here—personality with a spotlight on skills that apply directly to the job position—and the applicant dives right into measurable achievements.
• While technical skills are touched upon, broader qualifications and personal traits that mesh with the company take the spotlight.

Take your career documents to the next level with comprehensive guidance on your  business analyst resume  and  business analyst cover letter .

4. Customer service resume summary

Customer service job description  key points :

• Impeccable communication, critical thinking, and conflict resolution skills
• Flexibility, adaptability, and reliability
• Task organization and prioritization
• Personable and an affinity for welcoming customers/patrons
• Basic technical/computer skills while monitoring metrics and applying them to better meet company goals

Customer service resume summary :

• This summary would be ideal for a candidate looking to progress to a more managerial customer service role since it offers quantifiable results alongside a strong demonstration of a go-getter personality.
• The applicant also included their experience alongside relevant skills, finally tying everything in with the specific company’s goals.

If you’re  building a resume  for the first time, glancing through our  customer service resume  guide will steer you in the right direction before you transition to your  customer service cover letter .

5. Data analyst resume summary

Data analyst job description  key points :

• Analytical and strategizing skills
• Strong ability to identify trends and problems quickly
• Organization, planning, and communication
• Collaborative and team-based abilities
• Technical database management and basic understanding of key languages like Python and Oracle

Data analyst resume summary :

• A data analyst’s job is highly technical, so it’s ideal to dive right into metrics and list several hard skills in your summary.
• While you can still find personality traits and evidence of soft skills in a team setting, this summary is more focused on measurable, results-driven improvements that the applicant can provide.

You’re in good hands (this is not a plug for Allstate, by the way) with our  data analyst resume  guide if you need some solid examples. Chances are you’ll need a  data analyst cover letter  to go with your resume; we’ve got that handled, too.

6. Data engineer resume summary

Data engineer job description  key points :

• Technical skills like database and development programming languages
• Strong ability to develop, optimize, and maintain database software
• Attention to detail, problem-solving, and communication skills
• Advanced understanding of data pipelines and infrastructures
• Adaptive ability to support stakeholders and executive teams’ data infrastructure needs

Data engineer resume summary :

• As a data engineer, this applicant emphasizes leadership qualities, showing a desire for advancement with metrics to corroborate previous accomplishments.
• You can also see technical skills presented strategically to demonstrate the applicant’s skills in light of the job description.

Start your  data engineer resume  with the right  resume template  that speaks to you and your dream role. Besides a resume summary, know what else requires good writing? Yeah, your  data engineer cover letter .

7. Data scientist resume summary

Data scientist job description  key points:

• Second-nature understanding of the Scientific Method and algorithms
• Advanced ability to organize unstructured data and information
• Clear communication alongside translating large volumes of data into easily-comprehensible business insights
• Improve data quality and streamline/implement pricing models
• Integrate stakeholder input and collaborate on constant, adaptable business model improvements

Data scientist resume summary :

• This applicant demonstrates a driven personality with a highly analytical mindset and scientific background.
• You also get a realistic idea of how they’ll use their skills to produce quantifiable results—and benefit the company.

Looking for more resources? We can help you with the entirety of your  data scientist resume  and help you understand the nuances of writing a  data scientist cover letter .

8. Graphic designer resume summary

Graphic designer job description  key points :

• Attention to detail and a solid understanding of design theory for both print and digital applications (colors, typography, shapes, composition, etc.)
• Technical expertise with digital illustration/editing programs
• Understanding of marketing strategy, advertising techniques, and social media
• Excellent communication with clients and team members

Graphic designer resume summary :

• The candidate’s bright personality shines here, quite impactful for a creative field when backed by quantifiable examples of success.
• Teamwork abilities and experience with digital marketing also take center stage, demonstrating a balance between creativity and organized planning. 

Choose a  well-designed resume template  for your  graphic designer resume , and find a matching template to boost your confidence when it comes to your  graphic designer cover letter , too.

9. Human resources (HR) resume summary

Human resources (HR) job description  key points :

• A knack for facilitating communication between peers and departments
• Ability to update company policies, benefits, employee records, and payroll
• Proactivity when it comes to helping employees understand company policies
• Performance reviews, conflict resolution, de-escalation, and corrective action
• Assist with managing meetings and fostering employee communication and trust

Human resources (HR) resume summary :

• Soft skills are important in HR, especially when addressing sensitive topics, so this applicant’s focus on the personal side of company policies is wise.
• Even so, they still supply a strong metric for previous success and specify how their traits would fit the job position.

Don’t miss our complete  HR cover letter guide , and we share what works and what doesn’t on the rest of your  human resources (HR) resume .

10. Nursing resume summary

Nursing job description  key points :

• Fast, effective communication and task implementation
• Collect patient data such as medical history, current conditions/medications, and updates
• Critical thinking and decision-making abilities regarding when to treat patients vs. when to consult doctors/supervisors for guidance
• Organizational skills and ability to interpret patients’ information, adhere to treatment plans, adjust treatment plans as needed, and administer medications
• Tactfully and kindly discuss care options with patients and families

Nursing resume summary :

• This candidate’s caring, clear-headed personality shines, and they provide an empirical metric for their experience.
• Additionally, you can easily find specific examples of crucial skills that will help them perform efficiently in any fast-paced nursing position.

The roles are endless when it comes to the medical field, so make sure you’re on the right track with your  nursing resume  as well as when it comes to  writing your nurse cover letter .

11. Operations manager resume summary

Operations manager job description  key points :

• Excellent leadership and administrative capabilities
• Analytical thinking and organizational skills
• Ability to manage communication and efficiency among departments
• Adept at hiring, training, and optimizing schedules for employees
• Oversee/analyze production methods, performance, quality assurance, and related data, relying on Salesforce and Tableau

Operations manager resume summary :

• The applicant’s focused and driven personality is evident in the way they immediately showcase their lengthy experience and various aspects of their managerial prowess!
• You also see a success metric right away alongside technical skills aligned with the job description.

Your  operations manager resume  is sure to shine when you consider our  top resume tips ; then, you’ll be primed to write your  operations manager cover letter .

12. Product manager resume summary

Product manager job description  key points :

• Strong ability to analyze product quality from manufacturing to end-of-life
• Firm understanding of company goals and the ability to align products with those goals
• Superior communication and collaboration among cross-functional teams
• Skillfully interpreting data from Google Analytics and various other sources, leveraging it for improved production/distribution strategies
• Ability to analyze KPIs and identify areas for improvement

Product manager resume summary :

• As with any management-focused job description, the emphasis on strategizing and collaborative analysis here are ideal—and the technical skills balance out the interpersonal abilities well.
• The quantifiable improvement in feedback also strengthens this summary! 

Our  product manager resume  guide will ensure your resume is in tip-top shape from resume summary to  resume format . If you’re resume’s already a success, don’t forget about your  product manager cover letter .

13. Program manager resume summary

Program manager job description  key points :

• Planning, initiating, and implementing plans to achieve company goals and complete project portfolios
• Excellent management, leadership, and communication 
• Proactively motivate a team to carry out program activities
• Budgeting, organizational, and strategy-building skills
• Ability to analyze metrics of program success, such as KPIs and satisfaction rates, to identify areas for improvement

Program manager resume summary :

• Talk about detail! We can see several metrics here coupled with an energetic and goal-oriented personality.
• Additionally, these metrics and traits skillfully imply the exact set of abilities this job position requests.

Sail through the rest of your  program manager resume , and don’t forget to check it against our  AI-powered resume tool  before you draft the perfect  program manager cover letter .

14. Project manager resume summary

Project manager job description  key points :

• Excellent team management skills and a strong ability to facilitate collaboration and team cohesion
• Creativity and adaptability in project planning, budgeting, and implementation
• Ability to bridge the gap between project teams and company executives or clients to provide updates and results
• Organization, time management, and attention to codes and policy compliance
• Skillful preparation and management of briefing materials, progress tracking, and reports/reviews that can be leveraged for future improvements

Project manager resume summary :

• This job role is all about results, so leading with personality traits and metrics that support the candidate’s ability to yield these results is ideal.
• Accentuating what the applicant can offer this particular company is also a great move!

PMs, we see you! Peruse our  project manager resume examples  for support and inspiration, and sail through your  project manager cover letter , too.

15. Recruiter resume summary

Recruiter job description  key points:

• Excellent soft skills, including strategic communication. Ability to foster positive relationships with both applicants and staffing agents while managing client and candidate expectations
• Ability to gather information and quickly assess candidates
• Efficiency under pressure when working with high-priority or time-sensitive hires
• Strong ability to gauge talent/potential during interviews
• Develop/update job descriptions, requirements, proposed pay, and benefit plans

Recruiter resume summary :

• This summary concisely highlights the blend of personality traits and interpersonal skills that this applicant offers.
• The candidate still supplies a quantifiable example of their success and relevance, too.

You know all about the job hunt, but we get that you need help with your  recruiter resume , too. When it comes to  writing a resume  or your  recruiter cover letter , we’ll share all we know.

16. Sales resume summary

Sales job description  key points :

• Effective communication, persuasion, negotiation, and people-reading skills
• Ability to answer/field questions or find information quickly
• Time management and organization skills
• Preparing sales contracts, reports, and presentations
• Following up to ensure customer satisfaction, obtain payments, or promote new plans, services, or products
• Understanding and furthering company programs and specific sales objectives

Sales resume summary :

• You can witness plenty of beneficial personality traits here!
• Plus, the candidate’s experience is evident in the skills they highlight—and they specifically speak to the value they’ll offer the company.

Sell your career documents and snag your dream role with our resources for your  sales resume  and  sales cover letter .

17. Scrum master resume summary 

Scrum Master job description  key points :

• Excellent ability to lead, communicate, and collaborate with a team to meet goals while maintaining Scrum values
• Thorough understanding of Agile frameworks and ability to coach teammates in Agile
• Adaptability in fixing errors and problem-solving with strong recovery skills to keep the focus on sprint goals
• Use metrics and stakeholder/team feedback to ensure optimal product quality
• Organization, coordination, and task prioritization

Scrum Master resume summary :

• We clearly see experience, educational, and technical qualifications here.
• Personality shines through while demonstrating a clear understanding of the job role and, of course, everything ties in with the target company at the end.

Scrum Masters, we know you appreciate a logical and organized approach, so start by exploring our  resume examples  and diving into what works on the  best Scrum Master resumes . We can also teach you how to tackle your  Scrum Master cover letter  with ease.

18. Social media manager resume summary

Social media job description  key points :

• Familiarity with social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, and the ability to maintain responsiveness on all channels
• Quick adaptability to changing social media/market trends and current events
• Adept at monitoring KPIs, SEO performance, and other metrics and assessing the effectiveness and potential improvements
• Ability to collaboratively plan and implement campaigns by creating, posting, and managing original content with the use of Hootsuite

Social media manager resume summary :

• It’s all there—experience, an ambitious, confident personality, credibility-boosting metrics, and highly relevant skills.
• The applicant also provides compelling insight regarding their approach to the company’s success.

As a social media guru, you have an eye for details, which is why you’ll appreciate our free and  creative Word resume templates  as you finish building your  social media manager resume  and writing your  social media manager cover letter .

19. Software engineer resume summary

Software engineer job description  key points :

• Engineering-focused educational background in math or computer science
• Technical experience with tools like C++, Java, Unix, database and cloud storage, etc.
• Strong ability to navigate, explain, and lead the entire software development lifecycle
• Solid understanding of the best software engineering practices with a focus on scalability, quick problem-solving, and information management
• Application infrastructure and design skills that mesh well with speed/optimization

Software engineer resume summary :

• There’s tons of personality here along with strong metrics that demonstrate the applicant’s skills.
• And while there’s a clear mention of technical skills, the strategic thinking of an engineer takes the spotlight, showcasing the ability to expertly handle advanced roles.

If your  software engineer resume  needs a facelift, consider one of our  free resume templates . Remember that your  software engineer cover letter  can make a great first impression.

20. Teacher resume summary

Teacher job description  key points :

• Supervisory and communication skills with the ability to process student feedback and customize lesson plans
• Ability to maintain leadership of the room and engage students with lessons 
• Planning and preparing lessons, assignments, and educational materials
• Updating grades frequently, providing thoughtful feedback, and modifying work for struggling students
• Provide insight, advice, and encouragement regarding students’ future career paths

Teacher resume summary :

• The conversational yet professional tone is ideal for a teacher delineating a diverse and adaptable skillset and backing it up with a quantifiable metric.
• The applicant’s best traits practically demonstrate themselves!

Along with your  teacher resume , your  teacher cover letter  should also be top of mind.

21. Server resume summary

22. Nanny resume summary

23. Data Entry resume summary

24. Marketing resume summary

25. Teacher Assistant resume summary

26. Caregiver resume summary

27. Social Worker resume summary

28. Dental Assistant resume summary

29. Front-End Developer resume summary

30. Web Developer resume summary

Resume Summary Recap & Your Next Steps

You’ve made it to the end, but don’t feel too overwhelmed or get lost in the weeds while striving to pinpoint the best parts of your experience and skillset to include in your summary! Return as often as you need to the summary examples above, and don’t hesitate to draw inspiration from our  resume examples . 

When you start writing your summary, keep our formula in mind:

X + Y + Z = Success!

X = Your characteristics/personality Y = Experience and quantified success/results Z = How your accomplishments apply to the specific role

Carefully read every job description while you search, and tailor your resume summary to each listing. The extra effort and finishing touches will show!

Remember it’s easiest to write your summary once you’ve drafted the rest of your resume , so you can get crackin’ in our  resume builder  for an interactive, intuitive solution. And if you like the resume below, you can start customizing it right away. So, here’s to your success. We’re cheering you on! 

When crafting your document, be sure to include specific information from the job ad but only if you actually have that experience. Because the ATS will automatically search for appropriate keywords and phrases, you can readily find what employers are searching for in other resumes and the ad for the job you’re applying for. Also, look at other ads for similar positions to find industry-specific keyword information to include.

Senior Financial Analyst Resume

12 Examples: Crafting a Compelling Professional Summary

By Status.net Editorial Team on February 25, 2024 — 13 minutes to read

A professional summary is a brief but informative introduction at the beginning of your resume. It showcases your strengths, experiences, and skills relevant to the job you are applying for. It’s important to create a strong professional summary because it helps hiring managers quickly understand if you’re a good fit for the role.

The main objective of a professional summary is to stand out from the competition. To achieve this, you need to emphasize your value and potential contribution. You can do this by including your key accomplishments and qualifications. For example, mention your years of experience, expertise in a particular field, or recognition such as awards and certifications.

In addition to your accomplishments, ensure that you tailor your professional summary according to the job description. This is essential because it shows hiring managers that you’ve read and understood their requirements. It also increases your chances of getting noticed. So, if you’re applying for a marketing position, focus on highlighting your marketing-related achievements and skills.

Organizing your professional summary is of prime importance too. Keep the format consistent and easy to read by using bullet points. This helps hiring managers skim through the content efficiently. Here’s an example:

• 10+ years of experience in financial analysis and management
• Proficient in data analysis, budgeting, and forecasting
• Certified Financial Analyst (CFA)

Elements of a Professional Summary

Tailoring to your industry.

To create an impressive professional summary, it’s important to adjust the content to your industry. By doing so, you’ll demonstrate to potential employers that you understand the unique aspects of the field and have the expertise to meet their expectations. For instance, a software developer should focus on showcasing their technical skills, while someone in the marketing field should highlight their understanding of analytics and campaign management.

Highlighting Your Experience

Your professional summary should briefly mention your relevant experience. Be sure to outline the number of years you’ve worked in the field, any leadership roles you’ve held, and significant accomplishments you’ve achieved. For example, you could say, “5+ years of project management experience in the software industry, successfully leading teams to deliver solutions on time and within budget.”

Showcasing Your Skills

The professional summary is an excellent opportunity to showcase your most relevant skills. Make a careful selection of the skills that will be most appealing to your audience, and present them in a manner that showcases your value. For example, if you’re applying for a job in finance, you could mention your expertise in financial modeling, forecasting, and data analysis.

Incorporating Keywords

Employers often use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to scan resumes for specific keywords related to the job description. This means that it’s important to include relevant keywords in your professional summary so your resume has a better chance of being noticed. It’s a good idea to review the job posting and identify the most crucial keywords, then incorporate them into your summary.

Structure of a Professional Summary

Opening statement.

The opening statement sets the tone for your professional summary. It’s important to make it strong and impactful because it is the first thing employers will read. One way to make your opening statement stand out is by showcasing your most appealing quality. For example, you can highlight your years of experience, expertise in a specific field, or showcase a unique skill set.

Example: Dedicated marketing professional with over 10 years of experience driving successful campaigns and strategies.

Core Competencies

The next part of your professional summary should focus on your core competencies. These are the skills and abilities that make you an ideal candidate for the job. Showcasing your core competencies helps employers understand what value you can bring to their company. Use bullet points or a list to make this section easier to read and understand, like:

• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines
• Proficient in CRM software and data analysis tools

Professional Achievements

Lastly, mentioning your professional achievements adds more credibility to your summary and helps to make a strong impression on employers. Highlight a few accomplishments that showcase your abilities, relevant to the job you’re applying for. Use specific examples and numerical results when possible, to make your achievements stand out:

• Increased sales by 35% through implementing targeted marketing strategies
• Successfully managed a team of 20, leading to improved productivity and collaboration
• Received the “Employee of the Year” award due to consistent high-quality work and meeting project deadlines

Formatting Your Professional Summary

When crafting your professional summary, it’s important to think about the formatting. Having a well-structured and easy-to-read summary can make all the difference in catching the attention of a potential employer. Let’s take a look at how you can format your professional summary effectively.

First, consider using bullet points or numbered lists to highlight your key achievements, skills, or experiences. By breaking this information into easily digestible chunks, you make it simple for the reader to quickly understand your key strengths. For example:

• Managed a team of 12 developers to achieve a 20% increase in productivity
• Implemented new marketing strategies, resulting in a 15% increase in sales
• Completed a six-month professional leadership course to hone management skills

Next, regard the importance of consistent formatting. Make sure you stick to a uniform style for font, size, and spacing. This can make your professional summary appear visually organized and easier to comprehend. Additionally, choose a font that is legible and commonly accepted in professional settings, such as Arial or Times New Roman.

When mentioning your accomplishments, use action verbs and quantify your achievements with numbers and percentages. This helps to showcase your specific contributions and can make your professional summary more impactful. For example:

• Organized : Coordinated a team of 10 volunteers for a charity event
• Improved : Increased website traffic by 35% through search engine optimization
• Negotiated : Secured a contract worth $50,000 with a major client

Writing Tips for a Professional Summary

Using action verbs.

It’s important to use action verbs in your professional summary because they capture the reader’s attention and convey a strong sense of your skills and accomplishments. Action verbs are more impactful and engaging than passive language. Some common examples include “achieved”, “managed”, “developed”, “led”, and “improved”.

To make the most of action verbs, ensure that they accurately describe your roles and achievements. For instance, instead of writing “was responsible for managing a team of five people”, you could say “managed a team of five, increasing overall productivity by 20%”.

Keeping It Concise

The professional summary should be brief and to the point, ideally no more than four to six lines. This allows hiring managers to quickly grasp the most vital points about your qualifications and experience. Longer summaries may end up being less effective, as key information could be lost among unnecessary details.

Therefore, focus on highlighting your most relevant skills, experiences, and achievements. You could use bullet points to keep your summary organized and visually appealing. For example:

• 10 years of experience in digital marketing
• Increased sales by 75% through targeted social media campaigns
• Managed a diverse team of 8, fostering a positive work environment

Avoiding Common Mistakes

It’s critical to avoid certain common mistakes when writing the professional summary. One such error is providing too much personal information, such as hobbies, marital status, or political views. The summary should primarily reflect your professional self, so focus on your work-related achievements and skills.

Another mistake is making unsupported or false statements about your accomplishments. Instead, try to use quantifiable examples, like “increased sales by 30%” or “reduced customer complaints by 25%” to justify your claims. This not only adds credibility, but it also helps the reader understand the real impact of your past work.

Examples of Effective Professional Summaries

In this section, we will provide examples of effective professional summaries for different stages of a career. By examining these examples, you can get a better understanding of how to craft your own compelling professional summary. We’ve divided the examples into three subsections: for recent graduates, mid-career professionals, and executives.

Examples for Recent Graduates

As a recent graduate, you might not have extensive work experience, but you can still showcase your skills and potential to employers. Here are a few examples of effective professional summaries for recent graduates:

• Motivated Business Administration graduate with a strong foundation in financial management, marketing, and communication. Experienced in leading group projects at university, with the ability to thrive in fast-paced environments. Seeking to apply my educational background and teamwork skills to contribute to the growth of a dynamic organization.
• Tech-savvy Graphic Design graduate with a passion for creating visually engaging designs, and a strong understanding of color theory, composition, and typography. Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite and eager to contribute my design skills to a creative agency focused on innovative branding and marketing strategies.

Examples for Mid-Career Professionals

As a mid-career professional, you have accumulated valuable experience and skills. Your professional summary should showcase your achievements and highlight your strengths. Here are a couple of examples:

• Dynamic marketing professional with over 5 years of experience in digital marketing, content creation, and social media management. Proven track record of increasing brand visibility, driving website traffic, and generating leads. Adept at using data-driven insights to develop and implement effective marketing campaigns.
• Detail-oriented project manager with 7 years of experience in managing complex projects from conception to completion, adhering to strict timelines, and budget constraints. Skilled in utilizing agile methodologies, problem-solving, and collaborating with cross-functional teams. Looking to leverage my expertise in a leadership position to drive project success and improve efficiency.

Examples for Executives

As a high-level executive, your professional summary should emphasize your leadership abilities and strategic vision. Below are two examples to help you craft your own:

• Innovative and results-driven executive with over 15 years of experience leading global sales teams and developing successful growth strategies in the technology industry. Proven ability to achieve revenue goals, expand market share, and build strategic partnerships. Seeking to contribute my leadership skills and expertise to a fast-growing organization.
• Strategic executive with a strong background in operations management, process improvement, and cost reduction. Over 10 years of experience in driving operational excellence and increasing profitability in manufacturing and logistics companies. Excels at creating and implementing innovative solutions to complex problems, with a focus on delivering value to stakeholders and improving overall business performance.

Customizing Your Professional Summary

Crafting a compelling professional summary is all about customizing it to suit the job you’re applying for. It’s important to tailor your summary to emphasize the skills and experience that are most relevant to the specific role. Here are a few tips to help you customize your professional summary:

• Research the company and role: Start by researching the company and understanding its values, mission, and culture. This will allow you to align your professional summary with their priorities and demonstrate your potential fit in their organization. For example, if the company values innovation and teamwork, you may want to mention how you enjoy collaborating with others to generate creative solutions.
• Analyze the job description: Look closely at the job description and identify the key skills and qualifications the employer is looking for. Make a list of these and find a way to incorporate them into your professional summary. For instance, if the job requires strong interpersonal skills, you can highlight your past experience working in customer service or as part of a team.
• Use relevant keywords: Incorporating keywords related to the job role not only demonstrates your knowledge and awareness of the industry but also helps your resume stand out in applicant tracking systems. For example, if you’re applying for a project management role, you can include terms like “project planning”, “risk management”, or “stakeholder engagement” in your professional summary.
• Emphasize transferable skills: If you’re switching industries or applying for a role that differs from your previous experience, you can still make your professional summary effective by emphasizing transferable skills. These are skills that can be applied across various job roles and industries, such as problem-solving, communication, and adaptability.

Here’s an example of a customized professional summary for a marketing specialist role:

Marketing professional with over 5 years of experience in digital marketing and content creation, skilled in data-driven marketing strategies and social media management. Passionate about driving brand growth through innovative campaigns and effective communication. Adept at collaborating with cross-functional teams and creating engaging customer experiences. Seeking a Marketing Specialist role to leverage skills in digital marketing, analytics, and customer engagement to drive company success .

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key components of an engaging professional summary.

An engaging professional summary typically includes these key components:

• Start with a strong statement that captures your professional identity and value.
• Mention your most relevant experiences, accomplishments, and skills.
• Quantify your achievements when possible, using numbers or percentages.
• Tailor the summary to the specific job or industry you are targeting.
• Use keywords from the job description to improve your resume’s chances of being found by employer searches.

For example:

“Results-driven marketing professional with over 5 years of experience in building brand awareness and driving sales. Increased quarterly revenues by 30% through implementing innovative social media campaigns and optimizing SEO tactics. Seeking to leverage my skills and expertise in a fast-paced marketing role.”

How can someone with no job experience craft a strong resume summary?

Crafting a strong resume summary without job experience requires focusing on your transferable skills and relevant accomplishments. Highlight your education, volunteer work, internships, or projects that demonstrate your abilities. Emphasize your enthusiasm for learning and your willingness to contribute to the team.

For instance:

“Highly motivated business graduate with a strong foundation in marketing, sales, and project management. Proven ability to deliver results through academic projects and internships. Eager to apply my skills in a challenging entry-level marketing role and contribute to the success of a dynamic company.”

What are some effective professional summary strategies for recent graduates?

Recent graduates may use the following strategies to create an effective professional summary:

• Focus on your academic achievements, such as a high GPA or honors.
• Mention internships or relevant course projects that showcase your abilities.
• Describe the skills you’ve acquired through extracurricular activities, such as leadership, teamwork, or communication.
• Tailor the summary to the industry and job you are targeting.
• Keep it concise while delivering a strong impression of your potential.

“Detail-oriented accounting graduate with experience from university internships and a strong foundation in financial analysis, budgeting, and tax preparation. Thrived in a team-oriented environment, leading group projects and collaborating with peers. Seeking to apply my skills in an entry-level accounting role and contribute to a company’s financial goals.”

How can a professional summary reflect my ability as a hard worker?

To showcase your hard work in a professional summary, emphasize your dedication to achieving results, hitting targets, or meeting deadlines. You can also mention situations where you’ve gone above and beyond to complete tasks or help your team succeed.

“Dedicated and results-oriented project manager with a reputation for consistently meeting deadlines and delivering high-quality outcomes. Strong ability to lead teams and prioritize tasks in high-pressure environments. Committed to exceeding expectations and contributing to company success through hard work and passion for excellence.”

What advice would you give students creating their resume summaries?

When creating a resume summary as a student, keep these tips in mind:

• Focus on your education, relevant coursework, and academic achievements.
• Mention any internships, volunteer work, or extracurricular activities that demonstrate applicable skills.
• Emphasize your ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
• Tailor the summary to the specific job or industry you’re targeting.
• Keep it concise and professional, yet genuine and engaging.

“Motivated psychology major with a passion for understanding human behavior and excellent analytical skills. Demonstrated ability to conduct thorough research and synthesize information through academic projects and internships. Eager to apply my knowledge and contribute to a growing team in the mental health field.”

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• Business Formal vs. Business Professional Attire

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How to Write a Professional Resume Summary? [+Examples]

Do you want to land more job interviews? The easiest way to achieve this is by attracting a recruiter’s attention straight away by summarizing the highlights of your career right at the start of your resume — in a section called the resume summary. 

The purpose of this resume section, which is also known as a professional summary or resume statement, is to create a good first impression. It sums up your work experience , skills, and achievements into a short and concise sales pitch where you are the product. 

Do it well, and your future employers will be more inclined to read the rest of your resume.

Without further ado, let’s show you how to write an exceptional professional summary that will not only get you to more job interviews but will also help you land a job. 

This guide will show you:

What is a professional summary?

Why do you need a professional summary, how to write a professional summary.

• What to do when you don’t have any experience in the field?
• What are a resume objective and a resume profile?
• Examples of professional summaries from real professionals.

TL;DR video guide: How to write a professional summary for a resume 

A professional summary gives the hiring manager a quick overview of your skills and achievements without them having to dive into the rest of your resume. It sits at the top of your resume, beneath your name and contact information. You can think of it as a teaser for the rest of your resume.

It should sum up your top skills, experiences, and achievements as they pertain to the job description.

Take a look at the sample below to see what it looks like in practice: 

The professional summary section is also known as a:  

• Resume summary 
• Qualifications summary 
• Resume statement 
• Heading statement 
• Competencies 
• Career summary
• Experience summary
• Personal statement 

However, don’t mistake a professional summary for a resume objective or profile . We’ll discuss the differences between them later in this guide. 

How long should a professional summary be? 

Generally speaking, a resume summary should be quite short. The most common length is 3-5 sentences or bullet points. It shouldn't be longer than 5-6 concise bullet points , but it also shouldn't be shorter than 2 bullet points. 

You can also replace the first bullet point with a short introductory paragraph that includes your job title, years of experience, and specialization. 

While many people still don't include the resume profile section in their resumes, it's a mistake. But why is it a mistake?

• You want to grab the recruiter's attention from the get-go.
• You'll make their life a bit easier because you'll immediately tell them who you are.

The thing is, recruiters are busy people , they go through dozens, sometimes hundreds of resumes before they can find a few qualified candidates. 

Do you know what this means? Shortcuts. At first, recruiters will be skimming resumes in search of specific keywords and phrases that align with what the company is searching for.

That’s why you want to include the best resume summary you can come up with because a good summary section consists of nothing but these juicy bite-size phrases and keywords that a recruiter can spot at a glance. 

In short, a professional summary allows you to turn a recruiter's time limitation into an advantage. 

Christy's word of advice

While recruiters are indeed busy, did you know that the information that recruiters only give each resume 6 seconds of their time isn't true? 

“This one's a little bit of a myth. It takes about six seconds to screen the resume for the key information that I'm looking for, such as location, summary, keywords, or if there's a skills section. Within this time frame, I should be able to get a feel for who you are and what you're looking for. But it's mainly about six seconds for me to pick out the basic information I need. It doesn't mean that I'm going to spend just six seconds on it or that I won't continue reading after. ” —   Christy Morgan , Kickresume's Resident HR Expert

As we said before, a good professional summary should compel an employer to read the next section of your resume — that’s all. If it manages to do that, then it has accomplished its purpose. 

However, doing this is easier said than done, as it can be tricky to cram the most exciting bits of your career into a 3-5 bullet points summary. 

Luckily, there are a few tips and tricks you can use to craft an impressive resume summary.

Before you start writing:

• Write other resume sections, and then write your professional summary last. It’s surprisingly easy once you’ve already written other sections of your resume. All you have to do is cherry-pick the most impressive facts and stats.
• Pick the essential keywords from the job listing, so you can tailor your summary. Start with the job listing that made you apply for the job. Carefully reread it and find the most important keywords. These are the nouns or phrases that best describe the job position, related skills, as well as the ideal candidate. Before you begin to write, think about how they intersect with your own skills and experiences. In this way, you also have a higher chance to get through the ATS systems which companies use .

Once you start writing:

• In the first bullet point, write your professional title. Don’t forget to add the number of years of experience. You want to communicate your professional identity immediately. You can also write it in bold. It can look something like this: “Certified Project Management Professional with over 4 years of experience”.
• Pick the 3-4 most impressive parts of your resume and reword them into snappy bullet points. Tease your potential employer into reading further. Did you earn a recognition for the best customer service? Or hit 95% of sales targets for five consecutive years? These are the things that deserve a mention at the top of your resume!
• Translate each achievement into numbers. Each bullet point should contain at least one piece of quantifiable data. Use percentages, numbers, or impressive sales figures. It gives the hiring manager a better idea of how you performed in your previous jobs. Numbers attract attention. Take advantage of that.
• Sum up what you have to offer. Instead of saying what you want, keep in mind what they want. Make clear what values you can bring to the company. Look for common threads in your work history and for skills that apply most to the job.

How to use keywords in a resume summary

A professional summary can do more than catch the attention of the recruiter. It can also make your resume more ATS-friendly. 

It's a great place where you can squeeze in one or two ATS-friendly keywords , and it will still look natural.

Such keywords can be your industry-relevant hard skills, previous job positions, notable clients, certificates and courses from notable institutions, or a note-worthy university (if you recently finished your degree). 

Moreover, you should add keywords and relevant skills from the job listing.

Don't get too creative with the heading, though. While replacing the professional summary headline with “Snapshot” sounds great, ATS doesn't know what it means and therefore wouldn't recognize it.

Pro tip: Remember, while it's important to incorporate keywords into your resume summary, it's crucial to ensure these keywords align with your abilities and experiences. The ATS might shortlist your resume, but the hiring manager will quickly realize in an interview if those keywords were merely resume filler. Always maintain honesty and authenticity while drafting your summary.

Professional resume summary examples for most common careers

Now that you know the ins and outs of writing a resume summary, here are a few examples that can inspire you when writing your summary:

Professional summary example for customer service

Performance-driven and motivated customer service rep offering 4+ years of relevant experience. Eager to join the Techia team and contribute to the growth of the company. In the previous role, the ability to make customers comfortable and relaxed allowed for 98% customer service survey results and had 25% more sales than the average employer. 

Professional resume summary example for retail

Dedicated and hard-working storekeeper with a Business Administration degree. Eager to bring my strong attention to detail and accuracy to J&R inc. Adept at communicating with vendors and suppliers, coordinating various business operations, and maintaining documents and files in order. In the past jobs brought an extra $50k of sales per quarter and increased customer satisfaction by 20%. 

Professional summary example for nursing resume

Motivational and resourceful Orthopedic Nurse with 10 years of experience with in-depth knowledge in trauma recovery, aggressive pain management techniques, and post-surgical recovery. Especially proficient in providing external fixation care and continuous motion therapy along with neuromuscular status monitoring. Committed to work as an orthopedic nurse for people who are struggling with mobility issues due to accidental injuries and degenerative disease affecting bones and muscles.

Professional summary example for administrative assistant

Self-driven and accurate Executive Assistant skilled at performing various office/administrative duties, such as coordinating meetings, maintaining calendar and schedule, filing documents, and managing company correspondence. Highly self-motivated with a solid work ethic and multitasking abilities.

Professional summary example for data analyst

A graduate in Information Systems with two years of hands-on data analytics experience. Passionate about working with large amounts of data and to turn this data into information, information into insight and insight into business decisions. I also have a keen interest in the field of data visualization and am fascinated by the power to compress complex datasets into approachable and appealing graphics.

Professional summary example for warehouse worker

Hard-working and dedicated Warehouse Worker with 2+ years of extensive experience in inspecting incoming shipments, preparing and processing orders, and performing various administrative duties. The Employee of the Month Award winner with a strong attention to detail and accuracy and determination to achieve exceptional results. Offers excellent time management skills and important ability to work independently or in a team.

Professional summary example for receptionist 

Customer-oriented and performance-driven Front Desk Assistant skilled at performing various administrative tasks, improving all office processes and procedures, and providing support to Office Managers. Great communicator with a Business Administration degree from a well-known university and an exceptional ability to remain calm in stressful situations. Possess well-developed communication skills and excellent time management abilities.

Resume summary example for management

A Project Manager with 16 years of experience in IT projects. Responsible for the management of teams of up to 15 direct and 7 indirect employees. Has High level knowledge in project execution using best practices of waterfall and agile methodologies. High level knowledge of Jupyter Notebook, MS Project, MS Excel, MS Word. 

Professional summary example for project manager

Logistics & Planning PMO for Anheuser-Busch InBev with +7 years of experience in Supply Chain Operations & Project Management. Lived and worked for ABI in 6 cities in past years, managed +300 direct & indirect employees and +0.5 billion BRL over the years. At ABI experienced the routines in breweries operations & urban distribution. As Project Manager build the Zone Logistics Project area for ABI LAN, being responsible for 4.0 Supply Chain, integrating the technologies WMS, YMS, TMS and Tracking.

Resume summary example for stay-at-home mother

Performance-driven and knowledgeable Stay At Home Mother skilled at conducting detailed market research, developing new sales tools, creating reports, and promoting products and services. Certified Marketing Management Professional with an extensive knowledge of multiple marketing software programmes, great communication skills, and excellent teamwork abilities. Currently looking for any Marketing related remote part-time job.

Professional summary example for student

Self-driven and knowledgeable computer science student with demonstrated experience in developing user-friendly software applications, coding and testing features, and providing engineering support. Oracle Certified Professional with extensive knowledge of multiple programming languages and software development tools, excellent problem-solving skills, and ability to perform well in a team.

How to write a resume summary if you're a fresh graduate/student?

If you’re a student or a fresh graduate, you probably don’t have much to brag about in your resume yet.

But that’s true only to some extent. Even as an entry-level candidate, you already have at least some experience and skills. You just have to find the right way to articulate them.

What’s more, it’s quite likely that the other candidates are just as inexperienced as you are. After all, experienced professionals rarely apply for entry-level positions. 

Because of that, your primary goal is to stand out and make the employer remember you . And you can do that even if your experience is limited.

It’s not like you’ve just spent most of your life at school and learned nothing. You just need to understand how your studies intersect with the job’s requirements.

 Here’s how you can write your professional resume summary as a student/fresh graduate:

• State your field of study, degree, and GPA (if it’s above 3.0).
• Mention relevant skills gained in internships, part-time jobs, and volunteer work.
• Add related coursework or school projects.
• Also, try to translate your most notable achievements into numbers. Maybe you were on the student council. You can mention how you received 800 votes and helped organize 5 large school events that were attended by 2,000 students.

In the end, a fresh graduate resume summary should look a bit like this: 

Hired by Bupa — Business Administration Intern

• An adaptable and responsible graduate seeking an entry-level position in the Business Analytics market, Business Consultancy or Financial market.
• My double degree in Business and Law and my previous job as a financial controller have provided me with a well-rounded background and enabled me to develop an analytical/logical approach to tasks, software skills, and the ability to work under pressure.
• In short, I am reliable, hard-working with strong attention to detail and eager to learn about new technologies and business issues. I am able to work well both on my own initiative and as a part of a team. I’m also able to travel abroad.

How to write a resume summary as an experienced professional?

If you have 10 to 15 years of professional experience under your belt, you’ve probably developed a long list of job-related accomplishments. Your qualifications summary is the ideal place to showcase the most impressive of them. 

On the other, with that extent of experience, it may be quite challenging to pick and choose the right information for your professional summary. 

So what should you do? 

• Start by carefully rereading the job advertisement.
• Highlight any skills you already possess that match this job offer.
• See if you can think of any past accomplishments that show how you successfully used those skills in your previous job.

For instance, are you an experienced sales and customer service professional? Sell it. Mention how you developed strategies that resulted in an over 15 % increase in new customers. Or how your rewards program reached a customer success rate of over 45 %. Numbers can be much more persuasive than words . 

Also, always remember to use action words and relevant keywords.

Here’s a professional summary resume example from an experienced professional: 

HubSpot — Director of Business Development Resume Summary Example

• Passionate Business Amplifier.
• Thrives in complex market segment entry and sales and marketing launch plans for technical products and services. Founder of the highly-impactful "HubSpot for Veterans" initiative. 
• Proven Growth Consultant and Entrepreneurial Coach for over 200 organizations. Advocate of lean startup and data-backed strategy. 
• Leadership spans career with direct application towards startups, Techstar accelerators, corporate business development, and government. ROI-focused relationship builder.
• Lifelong teacher and learner: Startup Institute, Techstarts, HubSpot Partner programs.

How to write a professional summary if you’re changing careers?

As a career changer , try to show how your past experience relates to the position you’re applying for or how it can help your future employer grow.

Are you a software developer who wants to work with a new programming language, let’s say Python? You can mention how you’ve already developed 7 mobile apps using JavaScript and HTML. Even something as small as completing a Python online course on CodeAcademy can work wonders.

But if you still feel like you don’t have any relevant job experience, consider writing a resume objective instead. Instead of past achievements and experiences, it highlights your transferable skills and motivation. Moreover, it explains why you seek to switch to a different industry.

On the other hand, make sure that you have absolutely no other solution, as a resume summary always makes a better impression than a resume objective . To learn more about a resume objective just scroll to the following chapter. 

Here’s an example of a professional summary for someone changing careers:

• Marketing professional with over three years of experience in digital advertising, aiming to transition from marketing to human resources
• Certified Human Resources Assistant with a working knowledge of all software programs needed for the position such as Bamboo HR and Zenefits.
• Was in charge of recruiting and supervising summer interns and co-managing marketing budgets.
• Won the Employee of the Month Award for completing all assigned tasks and projects in a timely manner.

How to write a professional summary for a resume with no work experience? 

A lot of people with no work experience default to writing a resume objective because they think they have nothing to summarize.

However, this usually ends up backfiring as the resume objective brings little to the table. That’s because the resume objective’s main focus is on you as opposed to a professional summary which focuses on solving the needs of a company.

Also, writing a summary objective can make you appear more inexperienced than you truly are. 

Instead, as someone with no work experience, you can write a professional summary by including: 

• Your education level;
• Adjectives that emphasize your work ethic (such as competent, decisive, and accountable);
• Relevant skills gained at school, volunteering , or internships; 
• Professional hobbies (for example if applying for an IT position, include that app side project you worked on). 

In addition, if you have volunteered or interned, know that regardless of whether they were paid or not, they're still considered work experience. As the skills and knowledge gained as a volunteer or intern can be quite valuable to an employer. 

With that said, here’s an example of a professional summary for someone with no work experience:

People United Foundation – Fundraiser Volunteer 

• Resourceful and talented fundraiser who uses new forms of technology and existing techniques to help raise money for organizations and groups. 
• Experienced in raising funds for various charitable and nonprofit institutes. 
• Adept at researching and presenting an array of innovative fundraising ideas to a variety of donor audiences. 
• Keen negotiator with exceptional communication time management and networking abilities. 

Resume summary vs resume objective and resume profile

While these terms are often interchangeable, a resume summary, a resume objective, and a resume profile are all slightly different things. Scroll below to see how. 

What is a resume objective?

First of all, a resume objective isn't the same thing as a resume summary. They share several common features but each serves a different purpose.

Like a resume summary, a resume objective also sits at the top of your resume. Though, it’s a bit shorter — usually about one to two sentences long . 

The biggest difference is that instead of your past accomplishments, it details your future goals.

Although a resume objective might not help hiring managers decide whether you’re qualified enough to solve their company’s problems, it may help you shift their attention away from your lack of experience.

With that said, resume objectives are a bit old-fashioned as they used to be more common in past. So it should only be written as a last resort.

What is a resume profile?

Most people think that the resume profile and resume summary are the same exact thing. And they aren't that wrong. 

However, there are some slight differences between the two. 

A resume profile tends to be a little longer than a resume summary. Still, you should try to keep it under 500 characters. Additionally, while a resume summary is simply a condensed version of your resume placed at the top of it, a resume profile focuses more on your professional accomplishments and successes. 

Still — a resume summary and a resume profile are basically the same thing. So don't worry too much about the difference between the two. Just make sure you'll include either of them in your resume. 

Final tips and tricks

We've already mentioned almost everything you need to write an effective professional summary. These are some of the final tips that didn't fit anywhere else in this guide:

• Emphasize proven experience. Instead of simply listing your skills , mention your previous accomplishments. For example, it’s much more impactful to say that you had your articles published in Forbes than to plainly claim that you’re a skilled writer.
• Try to avoid using the word “I” . It's not really necessary, especially if you write in bullet points. 
• Structure it well. Take it from a professional writer — bullet points are a godsend when you need to structure your text clearly without giving it too much effort. Not only will they naturally order your resume statement into clearly delineated logical parts, but they'll also make it look good and read well. Also, make sure to write your current job title in bold.
• Keep it short. Your summary shouldn’t be longer than 5 short sentences (or bullet points). Having a long summary sort of defeats the point of having a resume summary at all. Don’t add random things. The key is to be specific.
• Read it after yourself. When you’re finished writing, read through your summary from the perspective of a hiring manager, asking “Why should we hire you?” .

Oh, and if you want to turn your LinkedIn profile into a polished resume with just one click, we've got you covered.

How to write a resume summary?

Write your professional summary last. It’s surprisingly easy once you’ve already written other sections of your resume. In the first bullet point, include your job title and years of experience. Then cherry-pick the most impressive achievements and cram them into 4–5 bullet points.

There are some slight differences between a resume profile and a resume summary. A resume profile tends to be a little longer than a resume summary. Still, you should try to keep it under 500 characters. A resume profile also focuses more on your professional accomplishments and successes than a resume summary. 

Kaja Jurčišinová

Kaja Jurcisinova is a fresh graduate and a junior copywriter at Kickresume. Kaja completed her undergraduate degree in Art History at the University of St Andrews in 2018 and graduated with a Master’s in Arts and Culture from the University of Groningen in 2021. She was an intern at multiple cultural institutions across Europe, including the Dutch Museum Association in Amsterdam, the Matter of Art Biennale in Prague, and the European Cultural Centre in Venice. At the moment, she resides in Visby on the Swedish island of Gotland.

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24 Resume Summary Examples That Get Interviews

By Biron Clark

Published: November 8, 2023

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:

“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!

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.

20+ Resume Summary Examples for 2024 [+How-to Guide]

• January 18, 2024
• In Resumes & Cover Letters

A professional resume summary introduces you and your value to the employer. This section allows you to cement your position as the ideal candidate by highlighting relevant skills and expertise. All in all, creating a strong professional summary is the most important thing you can do to improve your resume and make yourself stand out among a sea of applicants.

How to write a resume summary?

Your resume summary aims to highlight your expertise and qualifications. This brief paragraph (three to five sentences) should emphasize the value you can bring as an employee. It’s crucial to make it succinct and impactful because it’s one of the first things a reader will see. The key here is to avoid overuse, repetitive phrases, and dull language.

Instead, provide examples. Use numbers. Quantify your achievements as much as you can. Don’t say you exceeded target goals; specify by how much. Don’t claim your ad campaigns were successful; show how many new customers they attracted. The numbers in your resume are proof of your abilities, so don’t skimp on them. In the competitive job market , your success is based on proven results. And remember that once you use these specific examples in your summary, your work history section should expand on them.

What to include in a resume summary?

An effective summary should be concise yet compelling and impactful. So, to create a strong resume profile that highlights your most valuable expertise, consider these six factors:

• Job title and years of experience : Start with your current or desired job title and mention the number of years of experience you have in that role or industry.
• Key skills and expertise : Highlight your most relevant skills and areas of expertise that align with the job requirements. Focus on the skills that make you stand out as a strong candidate.
• Notable achievements : Mention specific accomplishments or achievements that demonstrate your impact and success in previous roles. Whenever possible, it’s important to quantify your achievements in order to provide concrete evidence of your abilities.
• Industry knowledge and qualifications : Showcase your understanding of the industry or market you work in. Mention any relevant certifications, licenses, or educational qualifications that enhance your credibility.
• Personal attributes : Include a few words about your personal qualities or work ethic that make you a valuable asset to employers. For example, you can mention your strong work ethic, attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, or ability to work well in a team.

Here’s an example of a professional resume summary:

Resume summary vs. resume objective

While a resume objective  summarizes your career goals, a summary focuses on your skills and expertise.  Which one should you use? It depends on many factors, including industry standards or your seniority level.

For entry-level applicants with limited work experience, a resume objective can be the most effective. But a professional summary is more suitable for those with accomplishments and skills worth highlighting.

Professional resume summary examples based on career stage

Crafting a resume summary that aligns with your career stage is crucial. Here, you’ll find resume summary examples tailored to various career stages to guide you:

Entry-level resume summary examples

No work experience resume summary example, college student resume summary, mid-level resume summary example, experienced candidate resume summary example, career change resume summary example, 10+ resume summary examples.

Below are some impactful resume summary examples tailored for candidates across various industries and experience levels:

Resume sumary examples for multiple jobs

Accountant resume summary example, case manager resume summary, cashier resume summary example, customer service resume summary example, financial analyst resume summary example, receptionist resume summary example, office manager resume summary example, entry-level marketing assistant resume summary example, marketing manager resume summary example, sales and marketing specialist resume summary example, tech-savvy teacher resume summary example.

Your resume summary plays a critical role in shaping the overall impression of your application. It is essential to customize it for each job you apply to, ensuring that it specifically showcases the skills and expertise required for the position.

An impactful summary that captivates the reader’s attention can significantly enhance your chances of securing an interview. Therefore, it is crucial to invest time and effort in creating a summary that leaves a lasting and positive impression.

Popular related posts:

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• Resume Accomplishments: Tips & Examples for 2023
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40+ Resume Summary Writing Tips & Examples for 2024

A resume summary is an essential component of a job seeker’s resume. It is a brief and concise overview of an individual’s talents, skills, and experience that can entice the recruiter to read the entire resume. It is a crucial aspect of a resume because it is typically the first part that is read and serves as an introduction to the job seeker’s qualifications.

A compelling resume summary will highlight the most relevant and prominent skills and experience to the job posting. It should be concise, informative, and generate interest in the job seeker’s professional background.

What is a Resume Summary?

A resume summary is a brief summary of a job seeker’s qualifications presented at the top of the resume. Typically, this section is between 50-200 words and presents a quick overview of an individual’s relevant work experience, education, and key skills.

Common Structure and Characteristics of an Effective Resume Summary

An effective resume summary has several common structures and characteristics. First, it should be brief and impactful. It is crucial to keep the summary concise, as hiring managers often have to review several resumes in a limited time frame.

Second, the summary should be relevant to the job posting. A job seeker should tailor their summary to the requirements of the position they are applying for, highlighting the relevant skills and experience that match the job posting.

Third, the summary should be well-written and engaging. It should showcase the job seeker’s communication skills, use powerful language, and present their qualifications in a compelling manner.

Finally, an effective resume summary should demonstrate a job seeker’s value to the employer. It should highlight how the job seeker’s skills and experience will benefit the company and demonstrate a track record of success.

By following the above characteristics, a job seeker can create an effective resume summary that will capture the attention of hiring managers, highlight their qualifications, and increase their chances of landing an interview.

Understanding Your Target Job and Employer

If you want to create an effective resume summary that gets noticed by potential employers, you need to understand your target job and employer. This means conducting research and analyzing the job description and the company’s values to identify key competencies and qualifications that match your skills and experience.

A. Researching Your Target Job and Employer

To start, conduct thorough research on the position you are applying for and the company itself. This will help you tailor your resume summary to meet the specific needs and values of the employer. Look at the job posting and company website for information on the position’s duties and requirements, as well as the company’s mission statement and culture.

B. Identifying Key Competencies and Qualifications

The next step is to identify the key competencies and qualifications needed for the job. Look at the job posting and highlight important skills such as communication, organization, leadership, and any industry-specific requirements. Take note of your own relevant experience and qualifications that match these requirements.

C. Analyzing Job Descriptions and Employer Values

Another important aspect of understanding your target job and employer is analyzing the job description and the company’s values. Employers want to hire candidates who share their values and fit in with their culture. Look for clues in the job posting and company website about what the company values, such as innovation, teamwork, or customer service. Use this information to highlight how you embody these values in your resume summary.

D. Tailoring Your Summary to Match Your Target Job and Employers

Once you have identified the key competencies and qualifications and analyzed the job description and employer values, it’s time to tailor your resume summary to show how you are the perfect fit for the job. Use specific examples and achievements from your work history to demonstrate how you have the skills and experience needed for the position. Highlight your key competencies and qualifications and how they align with the company’s values.

By understanding your target job and employer, you can create a resume summary that sets you apart from other candidates and shows the employer that you are the perfect fit for the job. Remember, a resume summary should be concise, specific, and persuasive, so make sure to craft it carefully to showcase your strengths and value to the employer.

Writing an Attention-Grabbing Opening Line

When it comes to crafting your resume summary, there’s one element that can make a huge difference in capturing the attention of hiring managers: the opening line. Your opening line is the first thing they’ll read, so it needs to be compelling, unique, and memorable.

A. Importance of an Attention-Grabbing Opening Line

An attention-grabbing opening line can make or break your chances of getting noticed by potential employers. It’s your chance to make a strong first impression, stand out from the competition, and pique the reader’s interest in your experience and qualifications. Without a captivating opening line, your resume summary will likely go overlooked or easily forgotten amidst a sea of other applications.

B. Examples of Attention-Grabbing Opening Lines

Here are a few examples of attention-grabbing opening lines to inspire your own resume summary:

• “Innovative marketing strategist with a proven track record of increasing revenue by 30% in just six months.”
• “Dedicated project manager with over a decade of experience delivering complex IT solutions on time and under budget.”
• “Award-winning journalist with a passion for uncovering untold stories and bringing them to life in print and digital media.”

C. Tips for Writing an Effective Opening Line

Crafting an effective opening line can be challenging, but there are a few tips you can follow to make it easier:

• Be clear and concise: Your opening line should clearly communicate who you are and what you bring to the table without being too wordy.
• Highlight your unique selling points: Identify what sets you apart from other applicants and make sure to showcase those qualities in your opening line.
• Use active language: Use action verbs to create a sense of energy and momentum in your opening line.
• Tailor it to the job description: Make sure your opening line is relevant to the job you’re applying for and speaks to the specific requirements listed in the job description.
• Test it out: Share your opening line with friends, family, or colleagues to get feedback and ensure it’s compelling and memorable.

By following these tips and thinking creatively about your opening line, you can make a great first impression and set yourself apart from the competition.

Showcasing Key Skills and Achievements

One of the most important parts of your resume summary is showcasing your key skills and achievements. This section can help highlight your unique talents and experience, and demonstrate why you are the best fit for a particular role. Here are some tips for how to effectively highlight your skills and achievements:

A. Identifying Relevant Skills and Achievements

Before you can showcase your skills and achievements, it’s important to identify which ones are most relevant to your target job. Start by reviewing the job description and identifying the key skills and qualifications that are required or preferred for the position. Then, make a list of all the skills and achievements that you possess that match these requirements. This will help you focus on the most important aspects of your experience when crafting your resume summary.

B. How to Quantify Your Achievements

When highlighting your achievements, it’s important to quantify them whenever possible. This helps demonstrate the impact that you’ve had in previous roles and prove your value to potential employers. Use specific numbers, percentages, or other metrics to showcase your accomplishments. For example, instead of saying “Increased sales revenue,” try “Increased sales revenue by 25% in the first quarter of the year.”

C. Examples of Strong Skills and Achievements Statements

Here are a few examples of strong skills and achievements statements that you can use as inspiration when crafting your own:

• “Led a team of 10 sales representatives and exceeded monthly sales targets by an average of 15%”
• “Developed and implemented a new marketing strategy that increased website traffic by 40% and generated $1 million in new business”
• “Reduced customer complaints by 50% through improved customer service training and support”

D. Dos and Don’ts for Highlighting Your Skills and Achievements

When highlighting your skills and achievements, it’s important to follow these dos and don’ts:

• Do focus on the most relevant and impressive achievements
• Do quantify your achievements whenever possible
• Do use action verbs to describe your accomplishments (e.g. “Developed,” “Led,” “Improved”)

Don’ts:

• Don’t exaggerate or embellish your accomplishments
• Don’t include irrelevant or outdated achievements
• Don’t use passive language or weak verbs (e.g. “Assisted with,” “Participated in,” “Helped to”)

By following these tips, you can effectively showcase your key skills and achievements in your resume summary and stand out to potential employers.

Addressing Employment Gaps and Career Changes

In today’s job market, it’s not uncommon to encounter employment gaps and career changes on resumes. Whether it’s due to personal circumstances or a changing job market, it’s important to address these gaps and changes in a thoughtful and effective way.

A. Tips for Addressing Employment Gaps

• Be honest: Explain the reason for the employment gap in a truthful and concise manner.
• Focus on skills acquired: Highlight any skills or experiences gained during the gap period, such as volunteering, traveling, or taking courses.
• Connect the dots: Draw connections between the skills learned during the gap period and how they relate to the job you are applying for.
• Keep it brief: Avoid dwelling on the employment gap; insert the explanation between relevant work experience without spending too much time on it.

B. Strategies for Communicating Career Changes

• Highlight transferable skills: Focus on skills learned in previous jobs that can be transferred to the position you’re seeking.
• Rebrand yourself: Instead of focusing on the job title, market yourself based on skills and achievements.
• Emphasize the positive: Focus on the benefits of your career change rather than dwelling on why you left your previous career.
• Show your motivation: Explain why you made the career change and show your passion and commitment to the new field.

C. Examples of Effective Descriptions for Employment Gaps and Career Changes

Employment Gap Example:

• “Took a 2-year break from the workforce to care for an ill family member, during which time I developed my project management and communication skills by organizing appointments, managing medical schedules, and coordinating with healthcare professionals.”

Career Change Example:

• “After 10 years in finance, I transitioned to a career in marketing. My experience in data analysis and client management has helped me excel in developing targeted marketing campaigns and understanding consumer behavior.”

By addressing employment gaps and career changes in a positive and proactive manner, job seekers can demonstrate their resilience, adaptability, and value to potential employers.

Staying Relevant and Concise

When it comes to resume summary writing, it’s crucial to be both relevant and concise. A compelling summary that’s too long or filled with fluff won’t impress employers, and it may even cause them to toss your resume aside altogether.

To ensure your summary hits the mark, here are a few tips to help you stay relevant and concise:

A. The Importance of Conciseness in Resume Summary Writing

One of the most important things to remember when writing a resume summary is to keep it brief. Ideally, it should be no more than a few sentences long. Focus on the highlights of your career and the skills and experiences that make you stand out. Avoid going into too much detail or including irrelevant information.

Remember that recruiters and hiring managers are busy people who don’t have time to read through lengthy summaries. A concise summary gives them the information they need to decide whether to take a closer look at your resume.

B. Avoiding Generic Buzzwords and Clichés

Nothing turns off employers faster than a resume summary that’s filled with generic buzzwords and clichés. Phrases like “dynamic team player” and “results-oriented professional” may seem impressive at first glance, but they’ve been so overused that they no longer have any real meaning.

Instead of relying on tired old clichés, try to use more specific language that highlights your unique skills and achievements. Give concrete examples of how you’ve made a difference in your previous roles, and use words that showcase your personality and work style.

C. Choosing Strong Action Verbs

Another way to make your resume summary stand out is to use strong action verbs. These are words that show you taking initiative and getting things done. Examples include “managed,” “created,” “led,” and “implemented.”

When you use these verbs in your summary, you’re demonstrating that you’re a proactive, results-driven professional who can get things done. This can help you stand out from other candidates who may not have such a strong track record of achievement.

D. Tips for Staying Relevant and Concise

To wrap things up, here are a few additional tips for staying relevant and concise when writing your resume summary:

• Tailor your summary to the specific job you’re applying for.
• Highlight your most impressive skills and experiences, but only if they’re relevant to the position.
• Use numbers and statistics to back up your claims whenever possible.
• Be sure to include any relevant keywords that the employer may be looking for.
• Finally, proofread your summary carefully to ensure that it’s free of errors and typos.

Remember, your resume summary is your chance to make a great first impression with potential employers. By staying relevant and concise, you’ll increase your chances of landing an interview and ultimately, the job you want.

Formatting and Layout

One of the most important yet often overlooked aspects of resume writing is formatting and layout. The way your resume is organized and presented can have a huge impact on whether or not you land an interview. Here are some key tips to follow:

A. Choosing the Right Font and Font Size

When it comes to font choice, it’s important to go with something that is easy to read and professional-looking. Stick to standard fonts like Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri. Avoid using overly decorative or cursive fonts, as they can be difficult to read and may come across as unprofessional.

Keep in mind that font size plays a big role in resume readability as well. The recommended font size for body text is 10-12 points, while section headers can be slightly larger at 14-16 points.

B. Strategic Use of Bold and Italics

Bold and italics can be effective tools for emphasizing important information and making your resume more visually appealing. Use these formatting options sparingly, however, as too much emphasis can make your resume look cluttered and difficult to read.

Consider using bold for section headings and company names, and italics for job titles and key accomplishments. This will help draw the reader’s eye to the most important parts of your resume.

C. Incorporating Bullet Points

Bullet points are a great way to break up large blocks of text and make your resume more scannable. Use bullet points to list your job responsibilities and accomplishments in a concise, easy-to-read format.

Keep your bullet points short and sweet, using action verbs to highlight your achievements. This will help you stand out to potential employers and make a strong case for why you’re the right candidate for the job.

D. Tips for Formatting and Layout

In addition to the specific formatting tips listed above, it’s important to keep a few general principles in mind when crafting your resume.

First, make sure your resume is organized in a logical, easy-to-follow format. Your most recent work experience should be listed first, followed by earlier positions. Use clear section headings and subheadings to break up information into easily digestible chunks.

Second, be consistent in your formatting and layout choices. Use the same font and size throughout your resume, and make sure your margins are consistent as well.

Finally, make sure your resume is aesthetically pleasing and easy on the eyes. Avoid using overly bright or bold colors, and make sure there is sufficient white space on the page. Remember, a clean and professional-looking resume is more likely to catch the attention of a hiring manager than one that is cluttered and difficult to read.

By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a strong and effective resume that is sure to impress potential employers. Happy job hunting!

Writing for Applicant Tracking Systems

A. what are applicant tracking systems.

Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are computer software applications used by many employers to manage their recruitment process. These systems allow companies to collect, sort, and track resumes and applications electronically. Thus, they simplify and streamline the recruitment process, making it easier for the employer to find the right candidates for the job.

B. Optimizing your Summary for ATS

Your resume summary is crucial when it comes to getting noticed by hiring managers, recruiters and ATS. To optimize your summary for ATS, you need to make sure you use keywords relevant to the job description, include information about work experience and skills, and keep the language straightforward and easy to understand.

Here are some tips for optimizing your summary for ATS:

• Use relevant keywords in your summary to match the job description.
• Keep your summary short and to the point, ideally two to three sentences long.
• Highlight your experience and achievements that are most relevant to the job.
• Use strong action verbs to describe your past accomplishments.
• Avoid abbreviations or jargon that might confuse the ATS.

C. Tips for Writing for Applicant Tracking Systems

In addition to the tips above, there are a few additional things you can keep in mind to help ensure your resume gets noticed by an ATS:

• Use a standard font like Arial or Times New Roman and avoid using graphics, tables, or images in your resume.
• Save your resume in a compatible file format like a .docx, .pdf or .txt file.
• Avoid using complex formatting or templates that might confuse the ATS.
• Proofread your resume carefully to ensure there are no spelling or grammatical errors.
• Use bullet points to make your resume easy to scan.

Remember, the key to writing for ATS is to provide relevant information using clear and concise language. By optimizing your summary and formatting your resume correctly, you can increase your chances of getting noticed by an ATS and ultimately, landing your dream job.

Examples and Samples

Congratulations! After reading the previous sections, you now have a better understanding of what a resume summary is and how to write an effective one. However, it can be helpful to see examples of strong resume summaries to guide you further in crafting your own.

A. Examples of Strong Resume Summaries

Here are a few effective resume summary examples:

“Dynamic marketing professional with 5+ years of experience in creating and executing successful marketing campaigns for Fortune 500 companies. Skilled in market research, project management, and team leadership.”

“Detail-oriented administrative assistant with 7+ years of experience managing schedules, coordinating travel arrangements, and maintaining accurate records. Proficient in MS Office and Google Suite.”

“Motivated software developer with 3+ years of experience designing and implementing innovative solutions for clients in the healthcare industry. Familiar with Agile development methodologies and proficient in multiple programming languages.”

Note that all of these summaries are specific and include quantifiable achievements or skills. They also demonstrate the applicant’s value to potential employers.

B. Different Sample Summary Statements for Different Industries

It is essential to tailor your resume summary to the industry you are applying for. Here are a few sample summary statements for different industries:

“Marketing professional with a strong track record of increasing brand awareness and driving sales. Expertise in social media strategy, content creation, and email marketing. Skilled in data analysis and measuring the effectiveness of campaigns.”

“Results-driven sales manager with 10+ years of experience exceeding quotas and building strong relationships with clients. Proven success in new business development and account management. Skilled in negotiating and closing deals.”

“Experienced IT specialist with a background in software development and system administration. Proficient in multiple programming languages and familiar with Agile methodologies. Skilled in troubleshooting and problem-solving in high-pressure situations.”

C. Dos and Don’ts for Using Samples and Examples

When using examples and samples to guide you in crafting your resume summary, keep these dos and don’ts in mind:

• Choose industry-specific examples that match your skills and experience.
• Use them as a guide but make sure your summary is unique and tailored to your accomplishments.
• Focus on specific achievements or skills that set you apart.
• Copy and paste examples without modification.
• Use generic, vague language that does not demonstrate your specific value.
• Rely solely on examples without putting in effort to make your summary stand out.

Remember, your resume summary is your first chance to make a strong impression on potential employers. Make sure it is specific, demonstrates your value, and tailored to the industry you are applying for. Happy job hunting!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

A. common mistakes in resume summary writing.

A well-written resume summary can be the deciding factor in landing a job interview. Unfortunately, many job seekers make mistakes in their summary that can cost them the position. These common mistakes include:

• Using cliches: Phrases like “results-driven” or “team player” have been overused and don’t offer any unique insights about your skills.
• Focusing on job duties instead of achievements: Simply listing your job responsibilities doesn’t showcase your accomplishments and potential contribution to the company.
• Being too vague: A vague summary doesn’t provide any specific details about your skills or experiences, making it difficult for employers to determine if you’re a good fit for the job.
• Writing in the third person: Resume summaries should always be written in the first person to showcase your personal strengths and qualities.
• Including too much information: A summary should be concise and to the point, highlighting only the most important aspects of your career.

B. Tips for Avoiding Common Mistakes

To avoid making these mistakes, job seekers should keep these tips in mind when writing their resume summary:

• Use specific language to highlight your achievements and skills.
• Focus on how you can contribute to the company, rather than just listing your duties.
• Tailor your summary to the specific job you are applying for.
• Keep it concise and avoid using industry jargon.
• Use the first person and avoid talking about yourself in the third person.

C. Examples and Explanation of Common Mistakes in Resume Summary Writing

Here are a few examples of resume summary mistakes and how to correct them:

Mistake:  Seeking a challenging position where I can utilize my skills and experience to enhance the company’s success.

Explanation:  This statement is too vague and doesn’t provide any specific details about the job seeker’s skills or achievements.

Correction:  Experienced marketing professional with a proven track record of increasing lead generation and driving sales through targeted campaigns. Seeking a position where I can leverage my skills to drive growth for the company.

Mistake:  Responsible for managing a team and ensuring their success.

Explanation:  This statement only outlines job duties and doesn’t highlight any specific achievements.

Correction:  Dynamic leader with a successful track record of building and motivating high-performing teams. Led a team of 10 sales representatives to exceed monthly revenue targets by 25%.

By avoiding these common mistakes and following the tips outlined above, job seekers can craft a compelling resume summary that will help them stand out from the competition and land job interviews.

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CVs & Résumés

• Apr 18, 2022

10 Résumé Tips to Stand out in 2024 (with Checklist)

Our guide is here to clue you in on the best résumé tips and trends for 2024.

Chris Leitch

Editor-in-Chief & Résumé Expert

Reviewed by Melina Theodorou

Writing a résumé in 2024 is just as stressful, confusing and time-consuming as it was in 2021, 2001 and even 1981.

But here’s the thing: the job market keeps changing, new résumé trends keep emerging, and hiring practices keep evolving. This means that, while the basics remain the same (use a professional font , don’t include references, don’t lie on your résumé , etc), writing a résumé today requires a somewhat different approach from years past.

But fret not. Whether you’re writing your very first résumé or you’re a veteran jobseeker, we got you covered. Here are our 10 tips for crafting a job-winning résumé in 2024.

1. Keep it to one page

On average, a single job opening receives 250 job applications . Now, if a company is advertising 10 vacancies, that means recruiters have to potentially get through 2,500 résumés — that’s a lot of reading. And with the average recruiter’s attention span at 7.4 seconds , you need to make sure your résumé grabs their attention from the get-go.

One way to achieve this is by keeping your résumé as concise as possible, ideally no more than one page long — but don’t crowd it with too much content. Of course, if you’re further along in your career (with 10 or more years of relevant work experience) or if you’ve got plenty of impressive accomplishments to showcase , then it’s perfectly fine to go over one page. If you do, though, make sure that the most important information is presented within the top third of the first page.

2. Be unique

Remember: recruiters receive a ton of résumés that they need to get through to find the perfect candidate. And for the most part, they nearly all read the same — I’ve lost count how many times I’ve personally seen the phrase “Self-motivated professional who thrives in fluid environments while remaining pragmatic and focused” being used by jobseekers in their résumés. And it’s just boring — it makes me switch off, as any other hiring manager can attest to.

Your résumé should stand out from, not fit in with, the competition — it has to be as unique as a snowflake if you want to get noticed. This means getting rid of overused jargon and buzzwords , and injecting some personality (whether that’s adding some color, mentioning unique and relatable hobbies on your résumé , or using charts and graphs to illustrate important accomplishments).

3. Use actionable language

Your skills, experience and qualifications are what really matter on your résumé, but how you communicate that information is what keeps recruiters reading your résumé. Indeed, the more engaging and impactful your résumé, the more interest it elicits from readers — and the better are your chances of being invited to an interview .

So, how do you grab — and maintain — their attention? That’s easy: you use actionable language. In other words, incorporate powerful action words (like “Mentored”, “Orchestrated” and “Generated”) throughout your résumé — particularly in the summary section and at the beginning of bullet points.

4. Write for applicant tracking systems

You’re not just writing your résumé for hiring managers and recruiters. You’re also writing for robots — specifically: applicant tracking systems . Better known as ATS for short, an applicant tracking system is a specialist software that’s designed to simplify the recruitment process by filtering through résumés based on preset criteria — before they’re even read by a human being.

Although you can never really know for sure what these criteria are (employers don’t explicitly advertise them), you can get a general idea of what they are by carefully reading through the job description. Indeed, if you read between the lines, you’ll be able to identify what employers are looking for in the ideal candidate, and then frame your résumé around those requirements by incorporating important keywords and phrases from the ad.

It’s also important to make your résumé readable for ATSs. This means no complex formatting (especially columns and tables, though there are ways around this), as most ATSs generally “read” résumés from left to right. Essentially, you risk having sections being jumbled together or entire chunks of text being completely lost.

5. Ditch the objective statement for a career summary

Employers don’t really care about what you are looking for or what your professional goals are. What they do care about is the skills on your résumé and the qualifications you bring to the table that will advance the company’s success.

This means one thing: you need to frame your résumé around the employer’s needs and wants, not your own. And this, in turn, means replacing the outdated objective statement with an impactful career summary. While they both act as an introduction to your résumé, the objective statement focuses on what you want , while the career summary focuses on what you offer.

Here’s a comparison:

• Objective statement: Award-winning graphic designer with 10+ years’ experience seeking employment with a fast-growing startup.
• Career summary: Award-winning graphic designer with 10+ years’ experience of creating engaging designs to reach target demographics, communicate a powerful message, and effectively promote a call to action.

6. Add links to your online presence

As the world rapidly deepens its journey into the digital era, the need for an online presence as a jobseeker is more important than ever before. In fact, a CareerBuilder survey found that 57% of hiring managers were less likely to interview a candidate they can’t find online.

Since they will look for you online, you might as well include links to your online presence in your résumé. At the very least, you should have a complete, up-to-date and factually accurate LinkedIn profile , but it’s all a good idea to link to your professional social media accounts (the keyword here is “professional”), as well as your personal website or online portfolio (particularly if you’re a creative professional with a body of work to show off).

A word to the wise, though: make sure your online presence is in tip-top shape (specifically: getting rid of anything that could hinder your job search success, or at least setting your personal social media profiles to private). And don’t forget to optimize your presence for search engines .

7. Choose the right résumé format

There are three main résumé formats : the reverse chronological, the functional, and the hybrid.

The reverse chronological focuses on your work history, which is presented in, you got it, reverse chronological order. The functional résumé , on the other hand, is designed to focus on your professional skills. Finally, the hybrid format résumé gives equal weight to both your work history and your skills.

All three formats have their own advantages (the hybrid, for example, is generally recommended for career changers ), but the reverse chronological is by far the most widely used and, as such, recognized across all industries. This format is the most universal of all (as it works for every career situation) and is the one that hiring managers are most familiar with.

8. Highlight and quantify your achievements

When writing your employment history section , there’s no need to list your many duties and responsibilities — recruiters know exactly what the job of a teacher or a doctor entails, after all, so you only end up wasting valuable résumé real estate. Instead, focus on showcasing your achievements (specifically what you did and how it benefited your employer).

But don’t just mention your achievements — quantify them too. Employers love numbers and data (like years of experience, number of awards won, or dollar amount of revenue or sales), as they clearly demonstrate your successes and what you bring to the table.

For example, “Trained a small team of web designers” can become “Trained a team of 10 web designers”, and “Improved product sales” can become “Improved product sales by 16%, which led to a 24% increase in annual revenue”.

9. Showcase your remote working skills

The whole landscape of job searching and hiring has rapidly changed with the advent of remote work , largely thanks to the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, 61% of US companies have adopted either a fully remote or a hybrid work model since the pandemic.

This means that most employers are looking for a unique skillset in candidates today. They want to know that you’ve adapted to the “new normal” and that you’ve got what it takes to succeed in a remote job.

They’re particularly looking for things like self-motivation and discipline, and even familiarity with remote working software like Slack, Zoom and Microsoft Teams, which you can showcase in your list of achievements as well as your skills section. Even if you don’t have any real remote work experience, highlighting your transferable skills will convince hiring managers that you’re worthy of an interview.

10. Keep it recent

One thing I’ve seen many applicants do over and over again is list every single job they’ve ever had in their résumé. I’m here to plead with you not to do that.

It only makes your résumé a very long read, which can make busy recruiters “switch off” — and this is something you want to avoid entirely. You also risk listing outdated, irrelevant and obsolete skills and technologies that carry no weight and that potentially reveal your age to prospective employers (which can, sadly, work against you if you’re a more mature jobseeker).

As a general rule of thumb, only list relevant experiences and qualifications within the last 10 to 15 years. There is, however, one exception to this rule: if you held the same job for 15 or more years. Meanwhile, if you held a job at a major company past the 15-year cutoff point, you can still include it, but keep it to the bare minimum — that is to say: get rid of bulleted lists of responsibilities and achievements.

Résumé checklist

Use this free checklist to write a stellar résumé in 2024 — and avoid common mistakes in the process:

You can also feast your eyes on the most essential résumé tips in our video version:

Key takeaways

As some parting advice, remember to proofread your résumé before you submit your application, and don’t forget to send along a well-written cover letter tailored to the job you’re applying for.

To wrap things up, here’s everything you need to know about writing a résumé in 2024:

• Keep your résumé to one page, but don’t crowd it with too much content.
• Inject some personality and get rid of overused jargon and buzzwords.
• Use action words in the summary and at the beginning of bullet points .
• Incorporate keywords from the job description, and make sure your résumé is optimized for ATSs.
• Ditch the objective statement, and instead use a summary.
• Include links to your LinkedIn profile and professional social media accounts.
• Use the reverse-chronological résumé format.
• Focus on achievements, not duties, and use numbers and data to quantify those achievements.
• Highlight your remote working skills.
• Only list relevant experience within the last 10 to 15 years.

Got a question or something to add? Let us know in the comments section below!

Finding a Job

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• Try Kickresume

How to Write a Resume: The Only Resume Guide You’ll Need in 2024

• Kaja Jurcisinova , 
• Updated January 16, 2024 16 min read

Your resume is arguably the most important document you'll create during a job search. So taking the time to learn how to write a resume properly can make a job hunt much quicker and easier.  

What would otherwise take you hours of hard work and research can be done in a few minutes. All you have to do is follow our simple step-by-step guide on how to write the perfect resume. 

In the end, a good resume gives you a chance to make a great first impression and ultimately decide if you'll be invited for an interview. 

What makes a great resume?

• Clear division of resume sections
• Prioritizing relevant information
• Tailored for a specific position
• Typo-free and well-written
• Usage of bullet points

There's more to it, though.

Table of Contents

Click on a section to skip

What is a resume?

Before you start writing your resume, how to write a resume, step 1: choose the right resume format, step 2: add contact information and personal details, step 3: begin with your professional summary, step 4: list relevant work experience, step 5: summarize your education , step 6: highlight your soft and hard skills , step 7: add optional resume sections.

• Step 8: Wrap it up with a cover letter 

Final tips before you click “Send”

Let's cover the basics first. Before we learn how to write a good resume, we should know what a resume even is. 

The word resume comes from French, meaning “summary” . This is the perfect word because that’s exactly what a resume is: a short, straight-to-the-point summary that details your professional achievements, skills, qualifications, education, work experience, and past employers. It's also known as a curriculum vitae (CV) .

The aim of a resume is to get invited to a job interview . It should aim to convince an employer that you're a good fit for the job. 

Because of that, your resume should be adjusted and tailored to each job vacancy.

TL;DR Here's a step-by-step video guide on how to write a professional resume in 2024

If you’re already familiar with what should be on your resume and just want a quick and informative recap, or if your time is limited, just check out our 5-minute step-by-step video guide .

Before we move on to how to write a resume, we recommend setting a few minutes aside for research. These few minutes can save you hours of frustration and ultimately make your job search that much easier.

Here’s what we recommend to research before you write your resume: 

• Research the company, specifically the “About Us” page. This is a great place to search for keywords you can use in your resume or cover letter. What are their mission statement and their values?
• Research the position you’ll be applying for. Great resumes are tailored to a specific job opening. You can do this by asking these three questions as you go through the job post: “ What are the essential keywords? What adjectives, nouns, and phrases occur repeatedly? What language does the company use?”
• Discover your strong points , as this will make it easier to pinpoint the qualities you want to highlight in your resume. Ask people around you: “What are my skills and abilities, and what are my weaknesses?” Also, look at your past accomplishments. What were the skills and abilities that helped you succeed in the past?

Another way of preparing for writing your resume is by looking at these well-researched, specifically tailored, and properly formatted resume examples in our database. You can even filter them by your job title.

Not enough time?

Let your resume write itself. All you’ll have left to do is edit the draft.

We'll walk you through nine essential steps to help you create a standout resume.

Different resume formats cater to different types of job seekers, depending on the experience level and career goals. The  three most commonly used  resume formats are chronological, functional, and combination (hybrid).

Your resume should include your contact/personal information right at the top, in a so-called resume header. A resume header is  more than just your name and contact details . Depending on your career path, there's a lot more that can (and should) be included in this section. To find out what to include, what to skip, and how to format it keep on reading.

A professional summary (also called resume profile or resume summary) is a short paragraph that summarizes your relevant skills, experiences, and achievements. Think of it as a teaser for the rest of your resume.

This is the most important section of your resume. You need to include key information like : names of companies, locations, job titles, positions held, dates of employment, responsibilities you've had. Then: - list the jobs in reverse-chronological order - write in bullet points - include your quantifiable achievements - avoid buzzwords - use action verbs and keywords from the job description

The education summary section, though important, varies in significance based on your career stage . As an experienced professional, prioritize work history and skills, placing education after. Keep it concise, including university, degree, and graduation year.

Skills fall into two categories: hard and soft. 1. Hard skills are teachable and measurable, acquired through training, and include computer proficiency, language abilities, project management, etc. 2. Soft skills , linked to personality traits, can enhance both work and personal life, encompassing communication, leadership, and time management, among others.

These can include: achievements and awards, certifications and licences, language skills, publications, references, hobbies, social media, volunteering, or custom sections.

A good cover letter should answer the following questions: 1. Who are you?  2. Why are you interested in working for their company? 3. Why are you the best fit for the job opening? 4. How can you enrich their company?

In the following chapters, we look at each step in more detail and give you helpful tips and examples.

Once you know what the company and job require and you’ve identified your strengths and weaknesses, you should be ready to pick the right resume format.  

Make this choice depending on the stage of your career: 

• Are you a seasoned professional ? Then you should pick a resume format that emphasizes your experience.
• Are you a fresh graduate? Then your resume should highlight any transferable skills you’ve acquired during your studies.
• Are you changing careers? Then a combination of the two will produce the best results.

Pick the best option for your career from the three dominant resume formats that are in use today:

• Chronological resume format. Probably the best choice for experienced professionals. Lists the candidate’s jobs and accomplishments in chronological order. Main resume section : Work Experience.
• Functional resume format. Great for fresh graduates, IT professionals, or other skill-based professions. Emphasizes skills instead of experience. Main resume section: Skills.
• Combined resume format . A combination of the previous two.

Let's take a look at what these resume formats look like in practice:

Chronological resume format

Functional resume format, combined resume format.

The resume format you choose will determine how you organize the information on your resume. It will also attract attention to some things and away from others. 

Take time to understand your strengths and weaknesses and choose accordingly.

You want the recruiter to read the strongest and most relevant parts of your resume at the start. For more, check out a guide on how to choose the right resume format .

Your contact/personal information should always be at the top of your resume in a so-called resume header .

Compared to the other resume sections, filling in the contact information section may seem super easy. That's until you start asking more questions.

Should you put your address on the resume? How to include social media , and should you? And what about the date of birth? 

Well, let’s see: 

• Name. Absolutely necessary. Put your first name first and surname last. Middle name is optional.
• Title. Optional. If you’re applying for a position in a traditional or specialized field, it's good to add your Ph.D., MBA, or other titles to it.
• Email address. Absolutely necessary, even when you’re sending your application by email. Your email address should look professional (e.g. [email protected] , NOT [email protected] ). Always use your personal email address, not the email address with the domain of your current employer. 
• Home address. Somewhat problematic. Your neighborhood can say a lot about you in some cases, disclosing living in a certain area can lead to discrimination. On the other hand, if you’re located in the same city as the company, it may help you to get the job, as it saves the company that they'd have to spend on a relocation package (of course, only if the job isn't remote).
• Phone number. Necessary. Many employers will call you by phone to arrange an interview, instead of doing it by email.
• LinkedIn. Recommended. And if you don’t have a LinkedIn profile yet, consider creating one. Make sure your profile is complete and up-to-date.
• Social media. Optional. Include it only if it’s related to your job. GitHub, Behance, and even your Facebook or Instagram profile will do (if you regularly post content that has to do with your profession). Here are a few tips on how to include your social media . 
• Blog/website. Optional. Similar to social media. If you have a blog , website, or digital portfolio related to your chosen profession, don’t be afraid to show it off.
• Photo. Problematic. It depends on the country. In most English-speaking countries, they don’t add a photo. See this guide to know if you should put a picture on your resume .

Your professional summary should be a list of about 4-5 bullet points or a short paragraph that summarizes your relevant skills, experiences, and achievements.

You can think of it as a teaser for the rest of your resume. Make sure it’s interesting enough to hook the hiring manager right in.

But how do you write a good professional summary?

• Write your professional summary last. It’s surprisingly easy to do if you’ve already finished other sections of your resume.
• The first bullet point should describe your professional title. Don’t forget to add the number of years of experience. Write it in bold if the number is especially impressive.
• Pick the most impressive parts of your resume and rewrite them into snappy bullet points. Tease your potential employer into reading further.
• Pack your professional summary with relevant keywords. Think of ATS. This will help you get through automated pre-screenings.
• Quantify every achievement if possible. This will make you look even more professional. 
• Tie every bullet point to the requirements introduced in the job offer.

If you do everything right, you should end up with something like this:

The work experience section is what most people picture when they think “resume” .

The trick is to focus on your past achievements , not your responsibilities. 

Hiring managers are likely to know what your responsibilities were supposed to be. In most cases, your job title says it all.

If you want to stand out, you should tell them how you excelled in your previous job instead. 

And there’s hardly a more effective way to do that than by mentioning your achievements.

But how do you list your work experience on a resume?

• Put your work experience section in the right spot. If you can boast a lot of professional experience, put your work experience section right under your resume summary. If you don’t have enough experience yet, put it just below your education section. Finally, if you prefer to highlight your skills instead of experience, put your skills section first.
• Give it a proper heading. Keep it simple and stick to “Work Experience” or “Employment History” as other headings might not be understood by applicant tracking systems (ATS) .
• List your jobs in reverse-chronological order. Start with your most recent experience and work your way back from there. Based on your level of experience, decide how far back should your resume go .
• Don’t include the job description. Instead of listing what you were supposed to do, try to tell your potential employers what positive results you had.
• Write in past tense. This will help you focus on your past achievements instead of responsibilities. It also sounds better.
• Show your problem-solving skills. In the end, hiring managers want to know how effective you’re going to be in solving real problems. There’s no better way to show your problem-solving ability than to briefly describe how you solved difficult problems in the past. Follow the PAR scheme: What was the (P)roblem? What (A)ction did you take? What was the (R)esult?
• Quantify results. Hiring managers love measurable results. Because of that, a single number often speaks more than a thousand words. Don’t say that you “increased the company’s revenue significantly.” Instead, don’t be afraid to brag about “increasing the company’s revenue by 20%.”
• Use bullet points. Bullet points help you structure each subsection. Try to limit yourself to about 5 bullets per job.
• Avoid buzzwords. People used some phrases in their resumes so much, these words have become meaningless. Everybody seems to be an out-of-the-box creative thinker with a knack for innovation nowadays. But in reality, only very few people really are those things. See what other 10 buzzwords you should stop using on your resume
• Use action verbs . Unlike buzzwords, action verbs carry the weight you need to persuade an employer to hire you. Just to mention a few, these are words like “developed” , “increased” , “facilitated” and others. For more action verbs, check out our resume cheat sheet .
• Keywords. Reread the job description and carefully pick the most important keywords. These are the words that best describe the position you’re applying for, and that will attract the attention of the ATS system. 

In the end, your work experience section should look a bit like this:

The education summary section is where you list your degrees and relevant academic accomplishments.

Based on your degree and where you're in your career, it can be either the least or the most important part of your resume.

Are you an experienced professional?

Once you become more experienced, the education section takes a back seat to your work history and hard skills.

In other words, your education section should come after your work experience section, not the other way around. It also shouldn't be too long. For instance, your grades are no longer relevant.  

It’s enough if you include the name of your university, the name of your degree, and the year you graduated.

Here’s an example:

Are you a fresh graduate?

Then your degree is still one of the strongest cards you have to play.

In practical terms, it means that you should place your education section at the top of your resume — right between your professional summary and work experience section.

It should also be a bit longer. 

These are the things you should add to your education section if you’re a student or a fresh graduate:

• Academic awards. AP scholar, Duke of Edinburgh award, National Merit Award, President’s Award, school subject-based awards, dean’s list, etc.
• Scholarships. Athletic scholarships, scholarships for women, creative scholarships, etc.
• Academic conferences and symposia. Don’t forget to mention the scope and name of the paper you presented at a conference.
• Relevant student societies. Debating or programming clubs. If you were on a student committee of any kind, mention that too.
• GPA. Only include your GPA if it was higher than 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. If your overall GPA was lower, mention your overall GPA. Alternatively, mention your summa cum laude or magna cum laude .
• Academic publications. Producing an academic work worth publishing is impressive no matter the context.

In the end, your education section can look like this:

Before you start writing, you should know there are two types of skills : hard skills and soft skills.

1. Hard skills can be learned, taught, and most importantly — measured. Acquiring them requires deliberate effort, training, and time.

Hard skills can be, for instance: computer skills, language skills, manual skills, mathematics, project management, etc.

2. Soft skills are tied to your personality traits. These skills can come as part of your upbringing, or you can acquire some later in life through self-improvement. These skills can bring value to any job, as well as your private life.

Examples of soft skills include: communication, leadership, time management , creativity, decision-making, etc.

But how to make your skills stand out?

• Focus on what’s most relevant. Do you have any of the skills mentioned in the advertisement for your desired job? Good. Make sure to include them in your resume’s skills section.
• Organize your skills into subcategories. Divide your skills section into several subsections like computer skills, soft skills, languages, and others.
• Don’t underestimate soft skills. 67 percent of HR managers said they’d hire a candidate with strong soft skills even if their technical abilities were lacking. On the contrary, only 9 percent would hire someone with strong technical credentials but weak soft skills.
• There are skills you shouldn’t include. Never include any skills you don’t have, skills that have nothing to do with the job, skills everybody should have, or skills that have become obsolete.

Apart from the standard resume sections we just mentioned above, are also optional sections. 

A good rule of thumb is to add an optional section only if it's relevant to the job you're applying for. If done properly, these sections can help you:

• Fill the gap when lacking experience
• Highlight additional skills and expertise 
• Let an employer know more about who you are

Pro tip: Optional resume sections can be especially important to companies that prioritize hiring candidates who fit their workplace culture. 

Here are some of the most common optional sections: 

Technical skills

This section can be a nice addition when applying for (surprise!) technical jobs. 

Some examples of technical skills are: programming languages, software proficiency, project management, and data analysis.

Technical skills are usually measurable, so if you decide to include them in your resume, use a graph or a scale to illustrate how strong they are. Adding visual elements to your resume not only looks nice but also shows your ability to be precise and analytical.

Achievements and awards

Scholarships, competitions, work-related awards, or even promotions to leadership positions in your job — all of these can be considered important professional achievements. 

Either distribute them across other parts of your resume or put them in a dedicated section. The latter allows you to truly highlighted them. 

And if you choose to include them in a separate resume section, don't forget to mention the dates and the name of the company/institution at which you've accomplished the achievement. 

Professional references

In today's competitive job market, strong professional references can be a game-changer. Consider including a ' Professional References ' section in your resume to provide potential employers with easy access to these valuable resources.

How to format references on resume? Here's what you should list for each reference:

• Their full name
• Their current job title and organization
• Their contact details (email and phone number will do)
• Your relationship with them (e.g., Former Supervisor)

Ensure you have their permission and inform them when actively job searching.

Once you decide who you want your references to be, it's time to ask them if they agree. Here's how to ask someone to be a reference via email .

Certifications and licenses

Listing the certificates and courses that you've successfully completed on your resume is never a mistake.

However, keep in mind that they should be related to the role that you're applying for. 

If you'd like to add a certificate to your CV but you're unsure about where to find the best course for you, check out this carefully curated list of the best online courses that will help you to get a job. 

Publications

In this section, you can mention all the relevant conferences, presentations, and written publications. 

This section is most useful if you're working in academia, marketing, or journalism. 

However, include it in your resume also if you're applying for a position that requires you to be an expert on the topic that you've written about.

Volunteering

This section lists your volunteer work . It should be treated similarly to a work experience section. The reason is that whether your work was paid or not, it still translates to real-life experience. 

This is true especially if you find yourself at the beginning of your career. In that case, feel free to place the volunteering section towards the start of your resume. 

On the other hand, if you're a seasoned professional, locate this section more toward the end of your document. 

This is the part of your resume that's the most personal. Here, let a little loose and let your personality shine through. List you hobbies and interests, even the quirky or unique ones.

Hobbies serve as a great way for a hiring manager to see you more as a person and less as just a name written on a paper. They can also break the ice during the interview stage.

Christy's word of advice

Really, it sounds so simple, but one of the best ways to stand out with your resume is to apply for jobs you’re a close fit for. So many people apply ‘just in case they’ll consider me if even I only meet some of the requirements’, then feel deflated when they’re rejected. The company has spent time figuring out exactly what they need and are paying their staff or a recruiter to find that. Look closely at the minimum/essential requirements, apply for jobs you’re a great fit for, and you’ll have much better luck!

Christy Morgan, Resident HR Expert

Step 8: Wrap it up with a cover letter  

Phew! Almost done with how to write a resume. Just a little bit of editing and proofreading, picking the right resume template , and you should be able to click send, right? 

Well, not quite. At least we wouldn’t recommend you sending it —  yet. 

The truth is that resumes are often put aside when not accompanied by a cover letter. It would be a shame if this happened to you, especially after all the time you’ve spent creating it. 

A good cover letter is a way to stand apart from the competition. It’s where you can show your hiring manager you mean business. 

And, if you're fresh out of college or changing career this step-by-step guide on  how to write a cover letter with no experience  will show you what to focus on instead. 

Here are 4 questions to guide you while writing your cover letter: 

• Who are you (professionally)? 
• Why are you interested in working for their company?
• Why are you the best fit for the job opening?
• How can you enrich their company?

When all it’s said and done, your cover letter should look something like this:

Cover letter example

This cover letter sample was provided by a real person who got hired with Kickresume’s help.

Want more inspo? Browse another 1,250+ cover letter examples by your profession.

And if you really want a memorable cover letter, we’ve got you covered. In fact, we’re certain it will be the only cover letter guide you’ll ever need . 

• The older the job, the fewer the details. In other words, don’t have 13 bullet points on a job from 5 years ago.
• Use off-peak hours for maximum attention , especially if you’re reaching out to an employer directly. Hiring managers are busy people and you want them to receive your resume when they have enough time to carefully read through it.
• Check your resume for typos. If English isn't your first language, employers might be inclined to overlook any grammatical mistakes that you make in your resume. Typos, on the other hand, are unforgivable. Your computer’s spell-check feature can help you fix that.
• Customize your resume for each job application. Every employer is different. And any hiring manager can tell if you’ve just sent them the same generic resume as to everyone else. So make sure you tailor your resume to each individual employer to increase your chances of getting hired.
• Get the introductory email right. It doesn’t matter that you have the best resume ever if nobody gets to read it. Attach it to an email that catches the employer’s attention from the get-go. Pay particular attention to the subject line that will make them read the full email, including the attachments.

FAQ: How to write a resume

One to two pages is the ideal. If you're at the junior stage of your career, one page is more than enough. Similarly, make sure that your resume isn't longer than three pages (and this may be stretching it already), even if you're a CEO.

Generally speaking, content is superior to form when it comes to resumes. However, a nice design is the first thing that catches the recruiter's attention — and that's precisely what you want. Moreover, if you're looking for a job in marketing, art, or design, the design of your resume naturally becomes your selling point, too.

Typos, being too general and not specific enough, not including relevant information, not using action verbs, and writing about duties instead of accomplishments.

The best format for sending a resume is PDF, as it keeps the visuals of the resume unchanged once the document is opened by the recruiter.

1.  Include standard resume sections.  Contact information, resume summary, work experience, education, skills. 2.  Include optional resume sections.  Awards, references, certifications, publications, projects, etc. 3.  Choose a resume format.  The three standard are: chronological, functional, combination.  4.  Use bullet points.  Use bullet points to make your resume easier to scan and highlight important information quickly.  6.  Think about the  margins .  Strike a good balance between not leaving too much white space and making your resume seem cluttered.  7.  Keep it to  one-two pages .  Unless you have extensive work experience, you should generally aim to keep your resume to one page.  8.  Consistency is key.  In all aspects of your resume, including the spacing, font, margins, etc. 9.  Use a professional resume   template  or layout which helps to structure the information effectively and makes it easy to read. 

Good job, you made it! If you still need more information on how to write a resume. You can go further in-depth in our section-by-section resume guide .

This article was recently updated. The original article was written by Noel Rojo in 2019.

Kaja Jurcisinova is a junior copywriter at Kickresume. Kaja completed her undergraduate degree in Art History at the University of St Andrews in 2018 and graduated with a Master’s in Arts and Culture from the University of Groningen in 2021. She was an intern at multiple cultural institutions across Europe, including the Dutch Museum Association in Amsterdam, the Matter of Art Biennale in Prague, and the European Cultural Centre in Venice. At the moment, she resides in Visby on the Swedish island of Gotland.

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30+ Resume Objective Examples (Plus, Tips on How to Write Yours)

Resume objectives are a bit controversial. Some career experts see them as outdated, while others believe job seekers can still use them to their advantage. Although resume objective statements have slowly been replaced by resume summaries, they remain useful in certain situations—and that's why you should know how to write one, just in case.

For instance, if you're changing careers and your previous work experience doesn't quite match the new role you're after, an objective statement could help communicate your professional goals to the hiring manager. Likewise, if you're a recent graduate or looking to relocate, you could use this section of your resume to highlight these intentions.

We've gathered 32 resume objective examples—plus, some tips on how to craft one that grabs the hiring manager's attention.

What is a resume objective

A resume objective is a brief statement outlining your short-term career goals, usually one to two sentences long. It should be tailored to the specific job or industry you're pursuing and is placed at the top of your resume, just below the header.

What is a good objective for a resume, and when are they welcomed? That's what we'll show you in a moment.

When you should use a resume objective

Resume objectives aren't quite the norm these days, so they should be only used when you need to clarify why you're applying for that particular role or company. Here are three situations where using an objective statement is a good idea:

• If you're doing a career pivot: A resume objective can guide recruiters on your career goals and prevent you from being disqualified when transitioning to a new field.
• If you're changing locations: Applying for jobs outside your current state or city can leave recruiters uncertain about your location; a resume objective can clearly express your willingness to relocate.
• If you're a recent graduate: Since you likely have little to no work experience to show, a resume objective can give a glimpse into who you are and what you aim to achieve.
• If you've worked in a variety of roles: When your work history is all over the place, a resume objective statement can be a helpful tool to highlight your most relevant skills, experiences, and what you're looking for in your next role .

Resume objective vs. resume summary

A resume objective outlines your career goals and what you aim to achieve in a position, while a resume summary focuses on skills, accomplishments, education, and relevant experiences for the role.

“Think of the resume objective as your career aspiration and the summary as your professional snapshot,” says Angela Tait, People Operations Specialist and Founder of Tait Consulting . “The objective sets your sights forward, while the summary looks at your past and present achievements.”

How to write a resume objective

If you decide to write a resume objective, it'll be the first thing recruiters see on your resume, right after your name and contact information. This means their first impression will be based on how well-written your objective statement is. Here are key tips to do it right:

1. Mention your area of expertise

“Start by mentioning your area of expertise and the role you are applying for,” Tait says. This way, you let the employer know right away about your background and what you want to achieve professionally.

2. Show how you can add value to the company

Your objective statement—and your whole resume, actually—should be tailored to each job opening. “Personalize your resume objective by stating how you can add value to the company you're applying to,” Tait says. “For instance, ‘ Seeking to leverage my expertise in digital marketing to drive brand growth and engagement at XYZ Corp.’”

3. Highlight skills relevant to the role

Once again, to write an effective resume objective, keep in mind the role you're going for. “Focus on how your skills and interests align with that specific job opportunity,” says Conor Hughes, certified in Strategic Human Resource Management (SHRM) and HR Consultant at SMB Guide .

For example, for a software developer, skills in programming with languages like Java, C++, and Python are pretty important. Meanwhile, a graphic designer should highlight technical skills in creating and editing visual projects using tools like Photoshop, Illustrator, and Figma.

4. Optimize your statement for ATS machines

These days, most resumes get scanned by an ATS robot before reaching human recruiters. So, it's crucial to optimize your objective statement for these ATS machines. How? “Use keywords from the job description to show you have the relevant abilities they're looking for,” Hughes says.

If a job posting specifies “experience in copywriting” and “SEO optimization” as requirements, you should incorporate these exact keywords in your objective statement—and wherever else they fit on your resume. Using just “SEO” or only “copywriting” might not be enough; precision is key.

Need some help? Here's how to read the job description the right way —so you can stop sending resumes into the void.

5. Make it as concise as possible

Recruiters go through resumes really fast—that's one of the reasons two-page resumes aren't usually recommended. When writing your resume objective, keep it concise. “To one or two sentences max,” Hughes says. Remember, the goal is to give enough information about why you're applying for that role, not to share your whole life history.

32 resume objective examples to guide you

Now that we've covered the basics, here are 32 good examples of objectives for resumes categorized by job title and different professional situations, like career pivoting and entry-level positions. Use these examples as a guide, and don't forget to inject your own personality and core information.

General resume objectives examples

1. career change.

Copywriter with five years of experience, now transitioning into the UX Writing field, looking to leverage my writing and content creation skills to create digital experiences that drive business growth. Strong background in content strategy and data-driven decision making.

Find UX writer jobs on The Muse »

2. Relocation

Experienced customer service representative relocating to New York in July, seeking employment with an established customer support agency. I bring my strong communication skills , conflict resolution and customer retention ability developed in seven years working in the industry.

Find customer service jobs on The Muse »

3. Entry-level

Creative marketing graduate seeking a social media assistant entry-level position at a fast-growing marketing agency. My goal is to apply my strong storytelling and creative writing skills to create impactful content for clients and foster professional development.

Find marketing jobs on The Muse »

Compassionate and enthusiastic elementary school teacher with four years of experience teaching young students. Seeking to leverage my creative ideas, multitasking and organizational skills to create a safe and stimulating environment where children can play and learn.

Find teacher jobs on The Muse »

Registered nurse with three years of experience in patient care , currently specializing in pediatric nursing. Seeking to join the Grey Hospital nursing team and bring my knowledge of patient care and my critical thinking skills to foster a safe and empathic environment for patients.

Find registered nurse jobs on The Muse »

6. Journalist

Seasoned journalist seeking a News Reporter position at the USPN channel. I bring my five years of experience working on live television, interviewing sources, gathering and reporting information in fast-paced environments.

Find journalist jobs on The Muse »

Seeking a litigation paralegal position at The Law Group. I bring my three years of experience in conducting legal research, processing legal documents, and witness preparation for deposition and trial.

Find lawyer jobs on The Muse »

8. Architect

Experienced architect relocating to Houston, Texas in August. In my 10 years of experience in the architecture industry I was able to work both in industrial and residential projects, holding high proficiency in AutoCAD and Photoshop.

Find architect jobs on The Muse »

9. Real estate specialist

Passionate and proactive real estate specialist with solid experience in lease negotiation and facility management. Looking for a similar role to manage a real estate portfolio, implementing strategies to improve profitability and cost effectiveness.

Find real estate jobs on The Muse »

10. Waiter/Waitress

Seeking a waitress position at a local, family-led restaurant where my two years of experience in customer service and hospitality industry would contribute to create an exceptional experience to customers, guests, and clients.

Find waiter/waitress jobs on The Muse »

Resume objective examples for tech professionals

11. software engineer.

Software engineer with 5 years of experience in the banking industry, pivoting to the customer service industry to foster professional growth. Deep knowledge of object oriented programming, experienced with Java, C++, C#, Ruby, Python, and relational database schema design.

Find software engineer jobs on The Muse »

12. Software developer

Computer science graduate seeking an entry-level position as software developer. I bring my experience with Git, Java, and Python, as well as strong documentation abilities and communication skills .

Find software developer jobs on The Muse »

13. Data scientist

Experienced data scientist, seeking a senior position in the e-commerce industry. My goal is to leverage my ability to write complex and efficient SQL queries to extract data and translate business needs into analytical frameworks.

Find data scientist jobs on The Muse »

14. SEO analyst

SEO analyst, passionate about SEO and digital audience growth. 7 years of experience with site migrations, SEO analytics tools (Google Search Console, Chartbeat, Google Analytics, and SEMRush), reporting and sharing data insights, and making data-driven decisions.

Find SEO analyst jobs on The Muse »

15. UI/UX Designer

Mid level UI/UX Designer, seeking employment in a fast-growing tech startup. Solid experience with user-centered design principles, knowledge of responsive design, strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Find UI/UX Designer jobs on The Muse »

Examples of resume objectives for creative jobs

16. content writer.

Results-driven content writer with two years of experience writing for blogs and websites. Skilled in SEO, creative copywriting, and storytelling, looking forward to applying my skills and creative ideas to help XYZ build an engaged audience.

Find content writer jobs on The Muse »

17. Graphic designer

Creative graphic designer seeking an entry level-position in the education industry. Proficient with InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Figma, and After Effects, quick learner with strong time management skills.

Find graphic designer jobs on The Muse »

18. Video editor

Outcome-oriented video editor, proficient with Final Cut, After Effects, Adobe Premiere, and Photoshop. Seeking employment in the entertainment industry where I intend to apply my extensive experience in storytelling and project management to create engaging stories.

Find video editor jobs on The Muse »

19. Social media manager

Experienced social media professional, seeking a manager position at a high-growth company. I bring my in-depth knowledge of social media strategy and five years of agency experience creating content that is engaging and exciting to the community.

Find social media manager jobs on The Muse »

Resume objective examples for administrative roles

20. front desk.

Highly energetic tourism and hospitality graduate, looking for a front desk clerk position. 1.5 years of experience in customer service. Strong time management and organizational skills, attention to detail, ability to learn quick and adapt in fast paced environments.

Find front desk jobs on The Muse »

21. Receptionist

Looking for a receptionist position in the real estate industry. Three years experience in customer-facing roles, communication and leadership skills, ability to work with tight deadlines focusing on all aspects of a task or project.

Find receptionist jobs on The Muse »

22. Administrative assistant

Seeking an administrative assistant role in the healthcare industry. I bring five years of experience in customer service, advanced Excel skills, and ability to multitask to perform my duties in a timely and efficient manner.

Find administrative assistant jobs on The Muse »

23. Human resources

Human resources graduate, looking for an entry level human resources generalist position with ABC company to apply my strong verbal and written communication skills , analytical abilities, and proficiency in Microsoft applications to provide hands-on assistance to the HR team.

Find human resources jobs on The Muse »

24. Logistics

Logistics supervisor seeking a manager position at AABB company. I bring my extensive experience in global logistics operations and project management to enhance supply chain and logistics efficiency and achieve cost-effectiveness.

Find logistics jobs on The Muse »

25. Executive assistant

Seeking an executive assistant role at XYZ company. I'm an experienced professional with strong interpersonal skills, ability to multitask, and attention to detail to provide timely and high quality administrative office support to senior level leaders.

Find executive assistant jobs on The Muse »

26. Office manager

Experienced administrative assistant seeking an office manager position in a fast-paced work environment to apply my written communication skills, time management, prioritization, and planning abilities and provide exceptional service and foster professional growth.

Find office manager jobs on The Muse »

Resume objective examples for sales jobs

27. sales assistant.

Problem solver and team player sales professional, seeking a sales assistant position in a challenging work environment. I bring my experience supporting high acquisition organizations, willingness to learn, and winning team spirit to support sales teams.

Find sales assistant jobs on The Muse »

28. Sales manager

Dynamic sales manager seeking employment in the pharmaceutical industry to develop strategic sales plans and achieve revenue and market share objectives. Two years of experience in pharmaceutical sales plus three years of experience in general sales, excellent communication and leadership skills.

Find sales manager jobs on The Muse »

29. Cashier

Recent high school graduate looking for a cashier position at a company with a culture of recognition and excellence. One year of experience in retail sales, strong organizational, leadership, and communication skills to represent the company in a professional manner.

Find cashier jobs on The Muse »

Examples of resume objectives for finance careers

30. banking.

Seasoned relationship banker looking to secure an investment banking analyst position at Bank of America. 15 years of experience in the banking industry, advanced knowledge of banking transactions, strong interpersonal skills, and ability to develop and expand relationships with stakeholders.

Find banking jobs on The Muse »

31. Accounting

B.S. graduate in accounting seeking an entry-level accounting associate position to use my growth mindset, desire to learn, and organizational skills to ensure financial goals are achieved and foster professional development.

Find accounting jobs on The Muse »

32. Financial analyst

Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) looking to secure a senior position in a competitive and results-driven work environment. 10 years of experience in financial analysis in banking and technology industries, advanced Excel and SQL skills, and ability to articulate analysis outcomes and relevant insights.

Find financial analyst jobs on The Muse »

Key takeaways

Resume objectives aren't the favorite of most recruiters, but they still serve a purpose. If you're career pivoting, relocating, applying for your first job, or have a diverse professional background, an objective statement can help the hiring manager understand your career goals and how they align with the job opportunity.

However, in other circumstances, using a resume summary might be more appropriate. (Here are 20 resume summary examples to make writing your own easier .)

21 LinkedIn Summary Examples to Boost Your Profile

Stand out from the crowd with a LinkedIn summary that showcases your professional brand, career highlights, and what makes you unique.

Customers Interviewed by:

What is a LinkedIn summary?

Your LinkedIn summary is a concise, yet compelling, snapshot of your professional identity. Think of it as an elevator pitch – you only have a few seconds to present yourself, so you need to make it count!

“The LinkedIn summary is prime real estate to provide any insights or narrative that is NOT found in your resume,” says recruiter Kelli Hrivnak . “If your career history hasn’t been linear (which is the norm now), can you provide an overview of that journey here?”

Your LinkedIn summary appears beneath your photo on your LinkedIn profile page .

Why is your LinkedIn summary important?

LinkedIn is one of the first places recruiters and hiring managers go to learn about job seekers. In fact, studies show that 6 people are hired on LinkedIn every minute !

This is why it’s important to create an attention-grabbing summary that explains who you are professionally. The summary is also a great place to express your personality and tell your story.

Don’t neglect your summary—it’s your opportunity to stand out and make a memorable first impression.

How to create a powerful LinkedIn summary

Follow these steps to create a great LinkedIn summary that grabs the reader’s attention and showcases your professional brand:

1. Begin with a hook or personal anecdote to draw readers in

Pique the reader’s attention right away with a thought-provoking question, surprising statistic, or bold statement related to your industry.

You could also share a story that provides a glimpse into your background or professional journey. Or talk about a challenge you overcame, or an early experience that sparked your passion.

“Did you know that 70% of projects fail due to poor communication? This statistic ignited my passion for project management…”

“Ever since I built my first computer at the age of 12, I knew that technology was my calling. The sense of accomplishment from solving complex problems and creating innovative solutions has driven me ever since…”

2. Discuss your current role and key skills

Clearly state your current job title and employer. This allows viewers to immediately understand where you are in your career.

Then highlight your core skills. But don’t recite a bland list. Instead, paint a picture of how your skills translate into real impact.

“In my role as Senior Financial Analyst at ABC Investments, I provide in-depth financial analysis and strategic recommendations to support high-stakes decision making. One of my core skills is identifying growth opportunities through meticulous data analysis, which has contributed to a 15% increase in portfolio returns for our top clients.”

3. Mention achievements (use numbers)

One of the most compelling things you can do in your LinkedIn summary is highlight your major professional achievements.

Always try to use numbers when talking about your achievements. Why? Because numbers show the measurable impact you had.

“Over the past three years, I have grown our client base by 40% and increased annual revenue by $15M. My strategic sales initiatives and focus on customer relationship management have resulted in a 25% increase in client retention rates.”

4. Highlight the value you bring to employers

Your LinkedIn summary is your chance to demonstrate to employers that you are exactly what they need .

What skills, experience, and personalities are employers in your field looking for? What problems are they trying to solve? Show employers how you can fulfill their needs in your summary.

“Employers in my field seek leaders who can identify inefficiencies and implement cost-saving measures. By reducing operational costs by 30% and increasing productivity by 25% in my previous roles, I have consistently delivered results that align with business goals. My ability to navigate complex challenges and drive continuous improvement makes me a valuable asset to any organization aiming for operational excellence.”

5. Provide a glimpse into your personality and passions

Don’t confine your LinkedIn summary to your professional life. Try to share some aspects of your personality that would appeal to an employer, like having a positive attitude or an entrepreneurial spirit. Also touch on the passions that energize you.

Weaving in these elements helps you connect with readers on a deeper level and leaves a lasting impression.

“Outside of work, I am an avid runner and enjoy participating in marathons, which has taught me the importance of perseverance and goal-setting. I am also passionate about mentoring young professionals and volunteering at local coding bootcamps. These experiences fuel my drive to continuously learn and contribute positively to both my field and community.”

6. End with a call to action

It’s crucial to add a clear call to action (CTA) towards the end of your LinkedIn summary. For example, invite people to connect with you on LinkedIn, or provide contact details like your email.

Use bold formatting, colors, or symbols to make your CTA stand out visually. But avoid sales-y language. Keep it friendly.

“Let’s connect! I’m always eager to meet new professionals and exchange ideas. Feel free to reach out to me on LinkedIn or email me at [email protected]. I look forward to connecting with you!”

Use this LinkedIn summary template to guide you

Use the following LinkedIn summary template as a framework to structure your thoughts, but be sure to personalize it with your own voice. You can copy and paste this template into the writing platform of your choice.

Ever since I [personal anecdote or early experience], I knew that [your field or profession] was my calling. The sense of [related feeling or accomplishment] from [related activity or task] has driven me ever since.

In my current role as [your current job title] at [your current employer], I [brief description of your main responsibilities]. My key skills include [core skills], which I use to [description of how your skills translate into real impact]. For example, I have [specific example of how you’ve used your skills to achieve something significant].

Over the past [number] years, I have [specific achievement with numbers]. My [specific initiatives or focus areas] have resulted in [specific outcome with numbers].

Employers in my field seek [skills, experience, and qualities employers look for]. By [specific actions you’ve taken], I have consistently delivered results that align with business goals. My ability to [specific abilities] makes me a valuable asset to any organization aiming for [specific goal or improvement].

Outside of work, I am passionate about [personal interests or hobbies], which has taught me [related lessons or skills]. I am also dedicated to [related passion or volunteer work], which fuels my drive to continuously learn and contribute positively to both my field and community.

Let’s connect! I’m always eager to meet new professionals and exchange ideas. Feel free to reach out to me on LinkedIn or email me at [ [email protected] ]. I look forward to connecting with you!

Remember : Your LinkedIn summary doesn’t have to be perfect. Just think of it as a friendly conversation where you get to share a bit about yourself and what you love doing.

“Your LinkedIn profile is a great place to let the real you come through,” says career coach Susan Schwartz . “Write in your own voice to people you’d like to reach, and you’ll do fine.”

20 LinkedIn summary examples to inspire you

Now that you know how to write a compelling LinkedIn summary, let’s dive into some real-world examples.

LinkedIn summary examples for students with no experience

A good LinkedIn summary is not only important for professionals, it’s also important for students who are applying for internships. Here are some examples of how to “work with what you’ve got” and make a great first impression on LinkedIn.

LinkedIn summary example #1

Daniel is a Public Policy Analysis student seeking internship opportunities to further his hands-on legislative experience and passion for public service.

• The summary starts with an engaging anecdote about volunteering at a local community center, immediately drawing readers in and establishing a personal connection.
• It effectively highlights Daniel’s current role as a third-year Public Policy Analysis student, his hands-on legislative experience, and his key skills in writing and research, showcasing the value he brings to potential employers.
• It provides a glimpse into Daniel’s personality by mentioning his passion for public service, teamwork, and community involvement, making him more relatable and memorable.

LinkedIn summary example #2

Sarah is a performing arts student currently pursuing a master’s degree. She is seeking internship opportunities in casting.

• The summary emphasizes Sarah’s insights from her performing career, including auditions, workshops, and rehearsals.
• It mentions Sarah’s six years of experience on major entertainment projects, reflecting her deep understanding of live performance and industry trends.
• It provides a glimpse into Sarah’s personality by highlighting her enthusiasm for fast-paced environments, problem-solving skills , and her knack for building meaningful connections.

LinkedIn summary example #3

Kelly is an arts and sciences major with a minor in business administration. She is seeking an internship in marketing and advertising.

• The summary starts with a friendly introduction, immediately making the reader feel connected and engaged.
• Kelly mentions her study abroad experience in Paris, showcasing her potential for working internationally.
• The summary shows Kelly’s personality by highlighting her drive for self-improvement and her supportive nature.

LinkedIn summary examples for recent graduates

As a recent graduate, you should focus on your academic achievements, internships or other relevant experience, and extracurricular activities that demonstrate your skills and interests. Also try to convey your personality. The goal is to present yourself as someone people would want to connect with.

LinkedIn summary example #4

Tiffany is a finance enthusiast and recent cum laude graduate from The University of Tampa. She is eager to bring her skills and passion to new opportunities in the finance sector.

• This summary is concise yet detailed, providing a clear snapshot of Tiffany’s academic achievements, skills, and work experience without overwhelming the reader.
• Tiffany starts with a personal note about her passion for finance and traveling, adding personality and making her summary more engaging.
• The summary quickly outlines her academic career and honors, followed by a list of her skills This makes it easy for potential employers to see her value.

LinkedIn summary example #5

Megan is a social justice advocate and recent graduate of Temple University. She wants to work in policy reform and make a meaningful impact on the justice system.

• Megan clearly conveys her dedication to social justice and policy reform, making her an appealing candidate for organizations with similar values.
• She highlights her firsthand experience working with incarcerated individuals and vulnerable populations, as well as her strong research skills.
• By emphasizing her education, experience, and eagerness to collaborate with like-minded professionals, Megan presents herself as a valuable asset to any organization focused on improving the justice system.

LinkedIn summary example #6

Anthony is an accounting and finance major who loves tackling complex issues with smart, efficient decisions. He’s all about helping others and bringing a fresh perspective to every challenge.

• The summary quickly establishes Anthony’s expertise in accounting and finance, making it easy for readers to understand his professional focus.
• It highlights Anthony’s passion for helping others and his unique approach to problem-solving.
• The casual tone makes Anthony seem approachable and friendly.

LinkedIn summary examples for career changers

If you’re changing your career, your LinkedIn profile summary should highlight any transferable skills, relevant coursework, or volunteer experiences that show you have what it takes to succeed in your new chosen profession. 

LinkedIn summary example #7

Jacob is an experienced airline pilot transitioning to a career as an aviation technical writer.

• The first 3 lines tell the reader exactly who Jacob is and what his career change involves. It’s a perfect elevator pitch!
• Jacob provides specific examples of his aviation experience, such as writing safety handbooks and guidelines, demonstrating how his skills are relevant to his new career in technical writing.
• By mentioning his efforts to stay updated on aviation, technology, and innovation trends, Jacob shows that he is actively working to close any gaps in his education or training.

LinkedIn summary example #8

Michael is transitioning from the staffing industry to the SaaS world as a sales specialist.

• The introduction clearly outlines Michael’s shift from staffing to sales.
• The summary highlights Michael’s extensive industry knowledge, grit, and interpersonal skills , showcasing how his past experiences will apply to his new role in sales.
• Michael’s excitement about becoming an expert on a specific product and his readiness to make “sales magic” adds a personal and enthusiastic tone.

LinkedIn summary examples for entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurs should show off their personalities while demonstrating their expertise. It’s OK for entrepreneurs to make their LinkedIn summary sound like a sales pitch, but don’t overdo it.

LinkedIn summary example #9

Cassandra is an entrepreneur who helps CEOs and service-based business owners streamline and scale their businesses.

• Cassandra clearly conveys two things – her passion for helping people grow their business and her many years of experience.
• Her summary brims with energy and confidence, and clearly demonstrates why she is an expert in her field.
• By mentioning her role as a homeschooling mom and her passion for her clients, Cassandra adds a personal touch that makes her relatable and highlights her dedication.

LinkedIn summary example #10

Gillian is a content and copywriting strategist dedicated to helping businesses create impactful and engaging content.

• Gillian immediately identifies a common problem for small businesses and shows how she can solve that problem.
• She lists her services, making it clear how she can help potential clients.
• The summary uses a friendly and supportive tone, encouraging potential clients to consider working with her.

LinkedIn summary example #11

Michelle is a writer and graphic designer passionate about creating visually striking and compelling content.

• Michelle’s summary uses a distinctive and playful tone, showcasing her creativity and personality.
• By mentioning her proficiency with the Adobe Suite, her writing skills, and her published work, Michelle effectively highlights her versatile skills.
• Including her service in the Air Force and her role as a mother adds depth to her profile.

LinkedIn summary examples for professionals

If you’re a professional, the LinkedIn summary is a great opportunity to showcase your unique value proposition . In other words, shows prospective employers what you bring to the table and what sets you apart from everyone else. 

LinkedIn summary example #12

Daniel is a customer service specialist with a knack for thinking like a customer and ensuring they achieve their goals.

• Daniel demonstrates his process , which allows prospective employers to see exactly how he would approach his work.
• He highlights his precision and ability to communicate effectively with teammates.
• By mentioning his additional roles as a DJ and statistician, Daniel demonstrates his high energy, passion for fun, and ability to juggle multiple responsibilities.

LinkedIn summary example #13

Jessica is a software engineer with over a decade of experience in delivering high-quality back-end and web applications.

• Not every employer will care if you can craft a narrative in your summary. If you’re not sure what else to do, use the summary to clearly lay out your skills, tech proficiencies, and certifications .
• Jessica provides a detailed list of her technical proficiencies, showcasing her expertise across a wide range of programming languages, databases, servers, and tools.
• She highlights her responsible and detail-oriented nature, which is crucial in software development.

LinkedIn summary example #14

Alison is a seasoned SEO content writer with a flair for strategic and creative storytelling.

• Alison uses numbers in the opening line, which is a great way to grab the reader’s attention and entice them to learn more.
• Mentioning her INTJ-A Myers-Briggs result adds a personal touch, showcasing her analytical skills and strategic thinking.
• Detailing her 7 years of marketing experience and 15 years in the entertainment business demonstrates her depth of knowledge and versatility.

LinkedIn summary example #15

Carmen is a nurse with 6 years of experience in providing comprehensive patient care.

• The summary is clear and concise, effectively communicating Carmen’s dedication, experience, and accomplishments.
• Highlighting the 20% reduction in readmission rates provides a quantifiable achievement that demonstrates Carmen’s impact.
• Emphasizing specializations in acute care, patient advocacy, and interdisciplinary collaboration showcases Carmen’s expertise and areas of strength.

LinkedIn summary example #16

Cheng is an accountant with 4 years of experience in managing financial records, budgeting, and tax filing for a variety of clients.

• It highlights Cheng’s ability to streamline financial processes and reduce errors by 20%, which is a measurable achievement .
• Mentioning his proficiency in GAAP, financial analysis, and software like QuickBooks and SAP demonstrates Cheng’s technical skills.
• It emphasizes Cheng’s experience with a wide range of clients, illustrating his versatility and adaptability.

LinkedIn summary example #17

Roger is a high school teacher with 6 years of experience teaching science.

• Mentioning the state-winning science fair project right at the beginning grabs attention and demonstrates Roger’s ability to guide students to impressive accomplishments.
• Using an offbeat and engaging tone makes Roger’s profile relatable and appealing, especially to those who value creativity and passion in education.
• Emphasizing Roger’s approach to hands-on learning and critical thinking highlights his innovative teaching style.

LinkedIn summary example #18

Yoz is a financial advisor with over 6 years of experience in helping clients achieve their financial goals.

• Highlighting the average 10% annual increase in client portfolio returns provides a concrete measure of Yoz’s success.
• The engaging tone makes Yoz’s profile approachable and appealing.
• Yoz’s commitment to personalized financial guidance shows her dedication to meeting each client’s unique financial needs and goals.

LinkedIn summary example #19

Zakaria is a human resources professional with 6 years of experience.

• Showcasing a 25% boost in employee retention highlights Zakaria’s significant contributions and effectiveness in HR.
• The engaging and slightly provocative tone makes Zakaria’s profile stand out.
• Emphasizing Zakaria’s ability to align HR strategies with business goals underscores his commitment to creating value for both employees and the organization.

LinkedIn summary example #20

Anna is a paralegal who specializes in litigation and corporate law.

• It highlights a 15% increase in case efficiency, showing Anna’s effectiveness and value to potential employers.
• The friendly, professional tone makes Anna’s profile approachable and easy to read.
• Including personal details about volunteering and hobbies makes Anna relatable and adds depth to her profile.

LinkedIn summary example #21

Sam is a pharmacist with 6 years of experience in medication management, patient counseling, and clinical research.

• Starting with a personal story about Sam’s early fascination with medicines makes the profile more engaging and relatable.
• Highlighting the 20% improvement in patient outcomes from a clinical trial showcases Sam’s effectiveness and impact in the pharmaceutical field.
• Mentioning personal interests and community involvement adds depth to Sam’s profile.

Add keywords to your summary to get more job interviews

Keywords are words and phrases that recruiters use to search for candidates. These keywords are usually job titles and skills .

Recruiters find candidates by typing keywords into LinkedIn’s search bar. If your profile contains these keywords it will appear in the search results. Your LinkedIn summary is one of the best places in your profile to incorporate keywords.

How do you know which keywords to add? One method is to manually scan the job postings that you’re most interested in and highlight the skills listed. Or you can use an online tool to automate the entire process.

Jobscan’s LinkedIn Optimization tool uses AI technology to analyze your profile against relevant job postings. It not only provides you with the exact keywords that recruiters are most likely to search for, but it also scores your LinkedIn profile. Follow the tool’s personalized recommendations to increase your score.

The results can be immediate. “A couple of hours after I optimized my profile, a recruiter was like, oh, we have this position…It worked!” reported one Jobscan user .

Read more : 28 LinkedIn Profile Tips to Supercharge Your Job Opportunities

Avoid speaking poorly about previous employers, colleagues, or job experiences.

Skip overused phrases like “hard worker,” “team player,” or “go-getter” without specific examples., don’t include information that isn’t relevant to your professional life, such as your favorite sports team or hobbies that don’t relate to your career., never share sensitive details about past projects, clients, or proprietary information., avoid slang, jargon, or overly casual language that might seem unprofessional., steer clear of hyperbolic statements or exaggerated claims about your abilities or achievements., don’t make your summary sound like a plea for a job; focus on your strengths and what you offer., ensure your summary is current and reflects your most recent experiences and skills., avoid being too broad or vague about your skills and experience; be specific about your professional strengths., ensure your summary is free of typos, grammatical errors, and spelling mistakes to maintain professionalism., key takeaways.

• Your LinkedIn summary is a concise, compelling snapshot of your professional identity, akin to an elevator pitch.
• Use your summary to provide insights or narratives not found in your resume , especially if your career history is non-linear.
• Recruiters often look at LinkedIn first; a strong summary can make a memorable first impression.
• Highlight your professional accomplishments and skills, using numbers to show measurable impact.
• Inject personality into your summary to make it more engaging and relatable.
• Incorporate industry-specific keywords to improve your profile’s visibility and increase your chances of getting job interviews.
• Always include a clear call to action to encourage connections and interactions.
• Regularly update your summary to reflect your most recent experiences, achievements, and certifications .

A good LinkedIn profile summary is like an elevator pitch for your job search. It should quickly present your key experiences and achievements, highlight your skills, and reflect your enthusiasm for your field.

The summary section on LinkedIn, also known as the “About” section, is located near the top of your LinkedIn profile, just below your profile picture , name, and LinkedIn headline .

Most professionals prefer the first-person approach because it allows them to speak directly to their target audience, creating a stronger connection.

Writing a LinkedIn summary without experience can be challenging, but it’s an opportunity to highlight your education , hard and soft skills, aspirations, and any relevant activities or volunteer work.

As a student, you can create a compelling LinkedIn summary by focusing on your academic achievements, relevant projects, skills, extracurricular activities, and career aspirations.

Yes, you can use ChatGPT to write your resume , cover letter, and LinkedIn summary section. However, it’s crucial to personalize the content to so it reflects your unique experiences and voice.

Most recruiters and hiring managers agree that a LinkedIn summary should be around three paragraphs, or approximately 300 words. This length allows you to provide enough information to give readers a good sense of who you are and what you do, without overwhelming them or causing them to lose interest.

No, your LinkedIn summary should NOT be the same as your resume summary . Both summaries should feature your skills, qualifications, and experience, but your LinkedIn summary should be more informal in tone and style than your resume summary.

If you’re unemployed, your LinkedIn summary should focus on what kind of job you’re looking for and what kinds of skills and experience you have that make you a good fit for that type of job. You don’t need to include the fact that you’re unemployed on your LinkedIn summary. You could just say you’re currently looking for new opportunities .

Most people include their current and previous job titles, as well as a brief overview of their work experience and skills. Some also choose to include their education, volunteer work, or other relevant information. In general, your LinkedIn summary should give potential employers or business connections a snapshot of who you are professionally and what you have to offer.

Robert Henderson, CPRW, is a career advice writer and a resume expert at Jobscan.

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