how to write a personal summary on a resume

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27 Great Resume Summary Examples to Get Hired

20 min read · Updated on August 06, 2024

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

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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How to Write a Standout Personal Summary for Your Resume (With Examples)

What is a personal summary.

A personal summary is a brief statement, usually at the beginning of your resume, that tells the reader who you are, what you do, what your career goals are as well as your intention for applying to a certain position. Ideally, your personal summary should be written in 50 to 200 words and in 3 to 4 sentences. 

Related: The Best Way to Introduce Yourself: Crafting Your Elevator Pitch

Why Your Resume Needs a Personal Summary

• Make it pass the first resume screening . An effective personal summary should immediately inform the hiring manager that you are a relevant candidate.
• Hook recruiters from the start. Use your personal summary to entice hiring managers into reading the rest of your resume. You can do this by putting your value as a candidate center stage!
• Set yourself apart from the competition. Get creative and use this space to not only show off your strengths but also inject your personality. The aim is to be memorable and unique!

How to Write a Personal Summary

A personal summary should include:.

• Your current job title or function
• Your skills, strengths or niche
• Your short and/or long-term goals
• The position you’re applying for

Writing your personal summary

You can start writing your personal summary by first answering the following questions:

• What is your current role? 
• How many years of work experience do you have?
• What is your current/previous job scope? List the 2 to 3 you are confident in!
• What role are you seeking?
• What are your short-term and long-term career goals? (Tip: Relate these goals to the role or type of company you are applying for)
• What strength can you bring to the company?

Personal Summary Examples

Your answers to the above questions can be used in a personal summary as such:

“ [Your current role] with [X years of experience] in [2 to 3 examples of your job scope or niche] . [Insert notable skill or achievement] . Seeking a [job position you are applying for] to [your short-term or long-term career goal] .”

An example of the personal summary should look something like this:

“ A detail-oriented copywriter with four years of experience in writing SEO-compliant web content and marketing emails. Improved conversion rates of landing pages by 45% for ABC Company. Seeking a Senior Copywriter position to expand copywriting and content strategy skills. “

Writing a Personal Summary When You Have No Work Experience

Just because you don’t have work experience doesn’t mean you have no experience at all.

If you are a fresh graduate eyeing an internship position, look back at any experiences and transferable skills you can draw from your time as a student or other involvement. 

Ask yourself the following questions to start crafting your personal summary:

• What did you study? 
• Where did you graduate from?
• What was the scope of your study?
• What were your involvements while studying (if any)?
• What did you work on during the aforementioned involvements?
• What are your short-term and long-term career goals?

Answering the above questions will help you outline your personal summary.

Personal summary example:

“An outgoing architecture graduate from University of Malaya. Led community engagement projects to promote public awareness of inclusive universal design. Seeking a UI/UX Design Internship to learn industry standards for UI/UX design and play a role in building accessible mobile applications.”

Although the above personal summary examples are a good starting point for many, we encourage you to customise and make it unique to your strengths and personality.

Feel free to include other information you think will give you an edge and opt out of any information you find irrelevant to your application!

Ditch confusing templates and try Hiredly’s Resume Builder.

Sign up on Hiredly and create a customisable resume recruiters love that also gives you accurate job recommendations on Hiredly. All this without ever needing design know-how or extra software!

Free to download and share anywhere you want (that’s right – no pesky watermarks). Sign up today !

Level up your resume game with other tips on Hiredly:

• 5 Resume Tricks Recruiters Will Thank You For Using
• Picture Perfect: Resume Photo Do’s & Don’ts
• Stop Putting Your Expected Salary On Your Resume – Here’s Why

How to write a resumé summary (with examples)

When applying for jobs, you want to take every chance you have to stand out from the crowd. Adding a resumé summary to the top of your resumé can help interviewers get a quick snapshot of who you are and why you’d be great in their team. But what if you’re not sure how to write a resumé summary? 

In this article, you’ll find a step-by-step guide of what to include, what to leave out, and how to nail your resumé summary so it lands you an interview.

What is a summary for a resumé?

A resumé summary is a short statement at the top of a resumé that outlines key experiences, roles and achievements. Its purpose is to highlight at a glance why you’re the ideal person for a specific job and what you bring to the table. 

It can often be confused with a career objective . What’s the difference between a career objective and a resumé summary? A career objective outlines the future you’re hoping to achieve, while a resumé summary is an overview of your career so far. 

Understanding your target audience

Before writing your resumé summary, you should first identify your target audience, i.e. who will be reading and vetting applications. Think about what role they’re likely in, such as team leader or HR manager . Then consider what they may be looking for and what would stand out to them. Then, tailor your resumé summary to suit. 

For example, if a job ad implies the application will be going to a manager of a team or department, they will likely be looking for skills and experience, in addition to teamwork and communication skills . Meanwhile a HR manager or recruitment agent might have a checklist of technical skills that directly relate to the job. 

Key elements of a professional summary for resumé

With your target audience in mind, it’s time to move onto the main elements of your resumé summary. Here are a few things to keep in mind: 

• The length.  Keep your professional summary short, clear and concise, ideally one to three sentences. 
• The tone and style. The tone and style of your professional summary should be consistent and align with the rest of your application documents. 
• The use of keywords.  Your professional resumé summary should include keywords of the skills and experience you have that match those in the job ad. You can bold them to make them really stand out to the interviewer.
• The structure.  A resumé summary is typically one to three sentences outlining your key skills, experience and qualifications that align with the job ad. 

How to write a resumé summary

Here are some practical tips on how to write a resumé summary that will highlight your skills and catch the interviewer’s eye. 

• Start with a hook – a relevant qualification or unique skill – to capture the reader’s attention.
• Highlight your key skills and achievements, matching them to the job description.
• Include metrics or data-driven evidence of your accomplishments, such as percentage increases in performance, sales figures or the number of people you managed.
• Showcase your unique value proposition – what you believe you can offer that no one else can.
• Ensure you have proofread your summary so it’s free of spelling and grammatical errors.

Quick tip:  Write your resumé summary in the first person ( “I led a team of five” rather than “[Your name] led a team of five”.) In the rest of your resumé, omit pronouns altogether ( “Led a team of five” . “Increased sales by 23%” .)

Writing a resumé summary with no experience

If you’re writing a resumé summary with no professional experience, you should focus on your soft skills and technical skills. You may have more than you think! 

Research the job you’re applying for and see what additional skills may help you, outside of what’s mentioned in the job ad. This could include things like computer proficiency, basic coding, customer service skills and more. Even if you’re still in school, you’ll likely still have teamwork and other soft skills you can mention. 

Resumé summary examples

To get you started, here are some resumé summary examples. Take note of the format: lead with the strongest statement, use specific data (where possible), include your most relevant skills, and be sure to personalise your summary before sending it to a potential employer.

Entry-level resumé summary ideal for a first job

I am a proactive and confident person looking for a casual customer- service position in Darwin. Through my studies I have developed strong communication and interpersonal skills. I am a people-person and eager to be in a role that allows me to help people every day.

Resumé summary for recent graduates

Data-focused computer science and business graduate with experience in app development and marketing. My first project app surpassed 2,000 downloads in 30 days, and I’m excited to build off this achievement and further develop my skills with a business that prioritises agile development and app innovation. 

Resumé summary for experienced applicant 

Accomplished in-house  marketing director with a proven track record of executing successful results-driven campaign strategies. Have led multiple regional and global campaigns in my 12 years in the automotive industry. 

Tailoring your resumé summary to different industries

Resumé summaries can easily be adapted to suit any industry or job. It’s all about focusing on your key skills and what you can bring to the role. You can use these personal summary resumé examples as ideas for your own, swapping out the titles and experiences as you need.

Resumé summary for a teacher

Dedicated and passionate educator with over 5 years in early-years development, focused on fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment. Proven expertise in curriculum development and pioneering new teaching methods for students with learning challenges. 

Career summary for a tradesperson 

Multi-skilled tradesperson with 12 years of experience in carpentry, project management and commercial fit outs. I have completed more than 120 projects on time and on budget, have mentored several apprentices and have supervised teams on multiple job sites. 

Professional summary for a customer service person

I am a results-oriented customer service professional with more than three years in big box retail. Over the past year, I have been awarded staff member of the month twice, and have more than 20 mentions in Google reviews for providing outstanding customer support.

Tips for optimising your resumé summary for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)

Some organisations will use an ATS (or Applicant Tracking System) to help them manage the hiring process more efficiently. ATS software collects information from applications and filters them for the most relevant applicants. From there, employers will often take the filtered piles and begin their own screening. 

As a job applicant, you can optimise your resumé for ATS. Some tops ways to optimise your application include:

• Use standard fonts (such as Arial) to ensure your resumé is easy for the software to read.
• Use clean formatting with no charts, tables or graphics, as this may impair the ATS from properly reading your application.
• Use an ATS-friendly template.
• Include keywords in your resumé that match the job ad.
• Stick to standard heading names, like Work Experience, Education and Skills to ensure your information is read correctly.
• Proofread your resumé, as ATS may not be able to read typos, missing crucial information.

A business likely uses an ATS if its careers page has you fill out a series of forms, the job application has a long URL or it is a very large corporation. 

The dos and don'ts of resumé summary writing

By now, you should know the basics of writing your career summary, but these quick dos and don'ts of resumé writing can help make sure you get every detail right.

Best practices for writing a resumé summary

Writing a good resumé summary helps capture the attention of employers. Here are some best practices to keep in mind.

• Keep it clear and concise. Only include your key skills, qualifications and experience.
• Start with a strong statement. Your opening sentence should hook the reader by showing how you’re a good match for the role.
• Quantify achievements.  Use specific data, examples of how you have used your skills and knowledge, and what results you achieved.
• Include keywords.  The skills and experience in your career summary should reflect those mentioned in the job ad.

Most importantly, don’t overthink it. If you had to sum up your entire career in a sentence or two, what would you say? How would you highlight your skills and achievements? That should give you a good idea of what to write. 

Common mistakes to avoid when writing a resumé summary

Some top mistakes to avoid when writing a career summary for your resumé include:

• Being too general.  Your summary should be specific to your skills and how you’ve used them in the past.
• Being too long. Remember: a resumé summary should only be one to three sentences long. It’s a summary, not a cover letter.
• Lack of personalisation. Every resumé summary should be personalised to the job ad and industry.
• Using exaggerated language. Avoid exaggerating your skills and accomplishments – you may need to qualify your skills in a job interview (and eventually in the job role).
• Not proofreading. Mistakes in your resumé are the biggest giveaway that you lack attention to detail, so proof, proof and proof again!

Remember: your resumé summary is often the first impression a potential employer has of you, so it's crucial to make it impactful and tailored to the specific job you're applying for. With employers and hiring managers filtering through multiple resumés, a well-written resumé summary is the thing that could make you stand out.

The most effective resumé summaries should somewhat mirror the job ad, while highlighting specific career achievements and data that reinforce why you’re the perfect fit. It should also be free of errors, clearly formatted and optimised for ATS. If you’ve aligned your summary with the job ad, you’ve given yourself an even better chance of getting a callback.

What is the ideal length of a resumé summary?

The ideal resumé summary should be one to three sentences. It’s a snapshot of who you are and what you have to offer. Make sure to keep it concise, with only relevant information, enticing the employer to read your full application. 

Should I include my career objective in my resumé summary?

Adding a career objective to your resumé is a personal preference and is not required. But using an objective statement can help immediately draw attention to specific skills, experience or other credentials that will help you stand out from the crowd. It can also be beneficial if you need to address a career change, location change or gaps in your resumé .

How do I tailor my resumé summary to different job postings?

To tailor a resumé summary to different job postings, read the job ad carefully and review your resumé to ensure you are highlighting the desired skills and experience. These skills, qualifications and expertise should be front and centre, and quick to absorb for the reader. 

Can I use the same resumé summary for different job applications?

You should ideally have a different resumé summary for different job applications. Read the job ad carefully and align your skills and experience with the qualities they are looking for, to help you come across as the perfect candidate.

How do I make my resumé summary stand out from the competition?

Some top ways to help your resumé summary stand out from the competition include:

• Personalise your summary to the job ad
• Include impressive data
• Match your skills and experience closely to those mentioned in the job description
• Keep it concise – less than three sentences
• Ensuring it is free of errors

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100+ Resume Personal Summary Examples & Samples

The personal summary is important for a resume because it is a compelling snapshot that entices the reader to explore the rest of your resume. In this article, we will give you 100+ resume personal examples & samples that you can refer to.

Create my CV

Introduction

A personal summary or resume summary is a brief section at the beginning of your resume that highlights your most relevant qualifications, skills, and experiences for the job you're applying for. It's a concise way to grab the employer's attention and give them a quick overview of what you have to offer.

Remember, the personal summary should be a compelling snapshot that entices the reader to explore the rest of your resume.

I. Resume Personal Summary Examples

Here are 100 examples of personal summaries for different jobs.

Marketing Manager

Experienced Marketing Manager with 8+ years of driving successful campaigns across various industries. Skilled in market research, brand strategy, digital marketing, and team leadership. Proven ability to analyze consumer data, identify trends, and develop targeted promotions to boost sales and brand awareness. Adept at managing budgets, negotiating contracts, and collaborating cross-functionally.

Elementary School Teacher

Dedicated Elementary School Teacher passionate about creating an engaging learning environment. Expertise in curriculum development, classroom management, and differentiated instruction. Skilled in incorporating technology and hands-on activities to cater to diverse learning styles. Committed to fostering a nurturing and inclusive classroom where students feel supported and motivated to reach their full potential.

Graphic Designer

Versatile Graphic Designer with 5 years of experience in creating visually compelling designs for print and digital media. Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite, including Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. Skilled in branding, layout design, typography, and color theory. Adept at translating client requirements into captivating visuals that effectively communicate messages and enhance brand identity.

Sales Executive

Results-driven Sales Executive with a decade of experience in the IT industry. Proven track record in exceeding sales targets, developing strategic account plans, and building long-lasting client relationships. Skilled in consultative selling, negotiation, and delivering persuasive presentations. Adept at identifying customer needs and providing tailored solutions to drive revenue growth.

Software Engineer

Experienced Software Engineer with 6+ years of expertise in full-stack web development. Proficient in JavaScript, React, Node.js, Python, and SQL. Skilled in agile methodologies, test-driven development, and designing scalable and maintainable applications. Adept at collaborating with cross-functional teams, mentoring junior developers, and delivering high-quality solutions on time.

Passionate Chef with 8 years of experience in fine dining establishments. Skilled in menu planning, food preparation, presentation, and kitchen management. Expertise in various culinary techniques, flavor combinations, and dietary restrictions. Committed to using fresh, locally sourced ingredients and delivering exceptional dining experiences to patrons.

Human Resources Professional

Skilled Human Resources Professional with 5+ years of experience in talent acquisition, employee relations, and compliance. Proficient in recruitment strategies, onboarding processes, and performance management. Adept at maintaining accurate personnel records, administering benefits programs, and ensuring adherence to employment laws and regulations.

Registered Nurse

Dedicated Registered Nurse with 7 years of experience in critical care settings. Skilled in patient assessment, medication administration, and emergency response. Expertise in providing compassionate care, educating patients and families, and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams. Committed to upholding the highest standards of patient safety and quality care.

Experienced Accountant with 6+ years of expertise in financial reporting, auditing, and tax compliance. Proficient in Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), financial analysis, and accounting software. Skilled in preparing accurate financial statements, managing budgets, and identifying cost-saving opportunities. Adept at maintaining strict confidentiality and adhering to ethical standards.

Administrative Assistant

Versatile Administrative Assistant with 4 years of experience in fast-paced corporate environments. Skilled in managing calendars, coordinating meetings, and organizing travel arrangements. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and various office equipment. Adept at multitasking, prioritizing tasks, and providing exceptional customer service to internal and external stakeholders.

Project Manager

Seasoned Project Manager with 8+ years of experience leading cross-functional teams in delivering complex initiatives on time and within budget. Skilled in risk management, resource allocation, and stakeholder communication. Proficient in Agile methodologies, project management tools, and change management strategies. Adept at fostering collaboration, resolving conflicts, and ensuring project objectives are met.

Creative Copywriter with 6 years of experience crafting compelling content for various platforms, including websites, social media, email campaigns, and print advertisements. Skilled in adapting tone and style to resonate with target audiences. Expertise in SEO-optimized content, storytelling techniques, and persuasive writing. Adept at conducting market research and staying up-to-date with industry trends.

Mechanical Engineer

Experienced Mechanical Engineer with 7+ years of expertise in product design, prototyping, and manufacturing processes. Proficient in CAD software (AutoCAD, SolidWorks), finite element analysis, and quality assurance testing. Skilled in project management, vendor coordination, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. Adept at troubleshooting complex technical issues and proposing innovative solutions.

Social Worker

Dedicated Social Worker with 5 years of experience in providing support services to underprivileged communities. Skilled in case management, crisis intervention, and advocating for client rights. Expertise in conducting assessments, developing treatment plans, and facilitating group therapy sessions. Adept at building trust, maintaining confidentiality, and collaborating with community organizations.

Customer Service Representative

Versatile Customer Service Representative with 4 years of experience in handling inbound and outbound inquiries across multiple channels (phone, email, chat). Skilled in active listening, problem-solving, and conflict resolution. Proficient in CRM software and knowledgeable about product offerings. Adept at maintaining a positive attitude, even in high-pressure situations, and providing exceptional customer experiences.

Experienced Paralegal with 6+ years of expertise in legal research, document preparation, and case management. Proficient in legal terminology, litigation procedures, and legal software. Skilled in maintaining organized case files, communicating with clients, and ensuring adherence to deadlines. Adept at multitasking, attention to detail, and upholding confidentiality.

Fitness Instructor

Passionate Fitness Instructor with 5 years of experience leading group exercise classes and personal training sessions. Skilled in creating safe and effective workout routines tailored to individual fitness levels and goals. Expertise in various exercise modalities, proper form and technique, and injury prevention. Adept at motivating clients, fostering a supportive environment, and promoting overall wellness.

Makeup Artist

Creative Makeup Artist with 7 years of experience in bridal, editorial, and special events makeup. Skilled in color theory, contouring techniques, and makeup application for diverse skin tones. Proficient in airbrush makeup and special effects makeup. Adept at listening to client needs, keeping up with industry trends, and creating flawless and long-lasting looks.

Electrician

Skilled Electrician with 8+ years of experience in residential and commercial electrical installations and repairs. Proficient in reading blueprints, troubleshooting electrical issues, and ensuring compliance with electrical codes and safety regulations. Skilled in wiring, panel installations, and maintaining equipment. Adept at working independently and as part of a team, and providing exceptional customer service.

Retail Manager

Experienced Retail Manager with 6 years of expertise in leading and motivating sales teams, managing inventory, and driving store profitability. Skilled in visual merchandising, customer service, and implementing marketing strategies. Proficient in data analysis, budgeting, and loss prevention techniques. Adept at fostering a positive team culture, resolving conflicts, and ensuring operational efficiency.

Preschool Teacher

Dedicated Preschool Teacher with 5+ years of experience nurturing and educating young children. Skilled in creating developmentally appropriate lesson plans, incorporating play-based learning, and fostering social-emotional growth. Expertise in classroom management, positive reinforcement techniques, and collaborating with parents. Adept at cultivating a safe and inclusive environment where children can explore, learn, and thrive.

Construction Worker

Skilled Construction Worker with 7 years of experience in residential and commercial building projects. Proficient in reading blueprints, operating heavy machinery, and following safety protocols. Skilled in framing, concrete work, drywall installation, and finishing tasks. Adept at working independently or as part of a team, adapting to changing site conditions, and maintaining a clean and organized worksite.

Video Editor

Versatile Video Editor with 6+ years of experience in post-production for various industries, including film, television, and digital media. Skilled in editing software such as Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, and DaVinci Resolve. Expertise in color grading, motion graphics, and audio mixing. Adept at collaborating with directors, producers, and creative teams to bring creative visions to life.

Executive Assistant

Experienced Executive Assistant with 8 years of supporting high-level executives in fast-paced corporate environments. Skilled in managing complex schedules, organizing travel arrangements, and preparing presentations. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, email management, and maintaining confidentiality. Adept at multitasking, anticipating needs, and providing exceptional administrative support to ensure seamless operations.

Passionate Barista with 4 years of experience in creating high-quality coffee beverages and providing exceptional customer service. Skilled in operating commercial espresso machines, practicing latte art, and recommending drink pairings. Proficient in cash handling, inventory management, and maintaining a clean and organized workspace. Adept at building relationships with regular customers and creating a welcoming atmosphere.

Maintenance Technician

Skilled Maintenance Technician with 6+ years of experience in performing preventive maintenance, repairs, and troubleshooting for various systems and equipment. Proficient in plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and carpentry work. Skilled in reading technical manuals, adhering to safety protocols, and maintaining detailed records. Adept at prioritizing tasks, working independently or as part of a team, and providing excellent customer service.

Data Analyst

Experienced Data Analyst with 7 years of expertise in collecting, organizing, and interpreting complex data sets. Proficient in SQL, Python, and statistical analysis tools such as R and SPSS. Skilled in data visualization, identifying trends and patterns, and providing actionable insights to drive business decisions. Adept at collaborating with cross-functional teams and communicating findings to stakeholders.

Fashion Designer

Creative Fashion Designer with 5 years of experience in conceptualizing and producing original clothing lines. Skilled in sketching designs, pattern making, and garment construction. Proficient in trend research, fabric selection, and color theory. Adept at managing production timelines, collaborating with manufacturers, and adapting to evolving fashion trends.

Personal Trainer

Dedicated Personal Trainer with 6+ years of experience in developing customized fitness programs for diverse clients. Skilled in functional training, strength conditioning, and corrective exercise techniques. Proficient in conducting fitness assessments, tracking progress, and providing nutritional guidance. Adept at motivating clients, fostering a supportive environment, and promoting overall wellness.

Security Guard

Experienced Security Guard with 8 years of expertise in ensuring the safety and protection of people, property, and assets. Skilled in patrolling premises, monitoring surveillance systems, and responding to emergencies. Proficient in conflict resolution, report writing, and adhering to security protocols. Adept at remaining vigilant, observing suspicious activities, and maintaining a professional demeanor.

Skilled Carpenter with 7+ years of experience in residential and commercial construction projects. Proficient in reading blueprints, interpreting specifications, and operating power tools safely. Skilled in framing, trim work, cabinetry installation, and finishing carpentry tasks. Adept at collaborating with other tradespeople, working efficiently under tight deadlines, and delivering high-quality craftsmanship.

School Counselor

Dedicated School Counselor with 6 years of experience supporting students' academic, social, and emotional development. Skilled in individual and group counseling, crisis intervention, and conflict resolution. Proficient in developing and implementing school-wide programs and workshops. Adept at building trusting relationships, maintaining confidentiality, and collaborating with teachers, parents, and community resources.

Tax Accountant

Experienced Tax Accountant with 8 years of expertise in preparing individual and corporate tax returns, ensuring compliance with tax laws and regulations. Proficient in tax planning strategies, research, and analysis. Skilled in identifying potential deductions and credits to minimize tax liabilities. Adept at maintaining accurate records, meeting deadlines, and providing exceptional client service.

Pastry Chef

Passionate Pastry Chef with 5 years of experience in creating delectable desserts and baked goods for restaurants and catering events. Skilled in advanced baking techniques, ingredient selection, and plating/presentation. Proficient in managing kitchen operations, inventory control, and adhering to health and safety regulations. Adept at collaborating with culinary teams, developing new recipes, and delivering consistently high-quality products.

Automotive Technician

Skilled Automotive Technician with 7+ years of experience in diagnosing, repairing, and maintaining various vehicle makes and models. Proficient in using diagnostic tools, reading technical manuals, and performing preventive maintenance. Skilled in engine repair, brake systems, electrical systems, and emissions testing. Adept at providing excellent customer service, explaining technical issues clearly, and adhering to safety protocols.

Nonprofit Fundraiser

Dedicated Nonprofit Fundraiser with 6 years of experience in developing and implementing successful fundraising campaigns. Skilled in donor cultivation, event planning, and grant writing. Proficient in donor database management, budgeting, and financial reporting. Adept at building relationships with stakeholders, leveraging social media for outreach, and effectively communicating the organization's mission and impact.

Clinical Research Associate

Experienced Clinical Research Associate with 8+ years of expertise in coordinating and monitoring clinical trials for pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. Proficient in study protocols, regulatory compliance, and data management. Skilled in site initiation, patient recruitment, and conducting site visits. Adept at maintaining accurate documentation, communicating with principal investigators, and ensuring the safety and well-being of study participants.

Content Writer

Versatile Content Writer with 5 years of experience creating engaging and SEO-optimized content for websites, blogs, and social media platforms. Skilled in researching topics, adapting writing styles, and tailoring content to target audiences. Proficient in content management systems, editing tools, and multimedia integration. Adept at meeting deadlines, collaborating with creative teams, and consistently delivering high-quality written materials.

Skilled Electrician with 7+ years of experience in residential and commercial electrical installations, maintenance, and repairs. Proficient in reading electrical diagrams, interpreting building codes, and following safety protocols. Skilled in wiring, panel installations, troubleshooting electrical issues, and performing preventive maintenance. Adept at working independently or as part of a team, providing exceptional customer service, and adhering to project timelines.

Events Coordinator

Experienced Events Coordinator with 6 years of expertise in planning and executing successful corporate, social, and nonprofit events. Skilled in venue selection, vendor management, and logistics coordination. Proficient in budgeting, marketing, and event promotion. Adept at multitasking, problem-solving, and delivering memorable experiences while adhering to clients' specifications and budgets.

Speech-Language Pathologist

Dedicated Speech-Language Pathologist with 5+ years of experience working with individuals across the lifespan who have communication and swallowing disorders. Skilled in conducting comprehensive evaluations, developing individualized treatment plans, and providing evidence-based interventions. Proficient in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices and techniques. Adept at collaborating with families, caregivers, and multidisciplinary teams to improve patients' quality of life.

Database Administrator

Experienced Database Administrator with 7 years of expertise in designing, implementing, and maintaining complex database systems. Proficient in SQL, database security, backup and recovery procedures, and performance tuning. Skilled in data modeling, query optimization, and ensuring data integrity. Adept at collaborating with development teams, providing technical support, and adhering to best practices for data management.

Floral Designer

Passionate Floral Designer with 6+ years of experience creating beautiful and unique floral arrangements for weddings, events, and daily sales. Skilled in color theory, design principles, and understanding the symbolism of different flowers. Proficient in maintaining fresh flower inventory, managing budgets, and providing exceptional customer service. Adept at interpreting clients' visions, staying up-to-date with trends, and delivering exceptional floral designs.

Skilled Plumber with 8 years of experience in residential and commercial plumbing installations, repairs, and maintenance. Proficient in reading blueprints, interpreting plumbing codes, and following safety protocols. Skilled in pipe fitting, water heater installation, drain cleaning, and troubleshooting plumbing issues. Adept at working efficiently, providing accurate estimates, and delivering high-quality workmanship to customer satisfaction.

Human Resources Generalist

Experienced Human Resources Generalist with 7+ years of expertise in various HR functions, including recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, and compliance. Proficient in maintaining personnel records, administering benefits programs, and ensuring adherence to labor laws and regulations. Skilled in conflict resolution, conducting training sessions, and implementing HR policies and procedures. Adept at fostering a positive work environment and providing support to employees and management.

Social Media Manager

Dedicated Social Media Manager with 5 years of experience developing and executing successful social media strategies for businesses and brands. Skilled in content creation, community management, and social media advertising. Proficient in analytics tools, monitoring trends, and adapting to platform updates. Adept at leveraging social media to increase brand awareness, engage with audiences, and drive website traffic and conversions.

Experienced Sous Chef with 6+ years of expertise in managing kitchen operations, overseeing food preparation, and ensuring adherence to health and safety regulations. Skilled in menu planning, inventory management, and cost control. Proficient in training and supervising culinary staff, maintaining high standards of quality and consistency. Adept at collaborating with executive chefs, adapting to changing demands, and leading teams in fast-paced environments.

Versatile Graphic Designer with 7 years of experience creating visually compelling designs for print, digital, and multimedia platforms. Skilled in branding, layout design, typography, and color theory. Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite, including Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. Adept at interpreting client requirements, adhering to brand guidelines, and consistently delivering high-quality designs that effectively communicate messages.

Music Teacher

Dedicated Music Teacher with 8+ years of experience teaching instrumental and vocal music to students of various ages and skill levels. Skilled in lesson planning, classroom management, and incorporating diverse teaching methodologies. Proficient in music theory, sight-reading, and performance techniques. Adept at fostering a love for music, providing constructive feedback, and preparing students for recitals and competitions.

Logistics Coordinator

Experienced Logistics Coordinator with 6 years of expertise in managing the transportation, storage, and distribution of goods and materials. Skilled in route planning, coordinating shipments, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Proficient in supply chain management software, tracking systems, and communication with carriers and vendors. Adept at problem-solving, optimizing processes, and ensuring timely and cost-effective deliveries.

Heavy Equipment Operator

Skilled Heavy Equipment Operator with 7+ years of experience operating various machinery, including excavators, bulldozers, and cranes. Proficient in reading construction plans, performing pre-operational inspections, and adhering to safety protocols. Skilled in grading, trenching, and material handling tasks. Adept at maintaining equipment, troubleshooting mechanical issues, and working efficiently in challenging job site conditions.

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

Dedicated Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) with 5 years of experience providing compassionate care to patients in hospitals and long-term care facilities. Skilled in assisting with activities of daily living, monitoring vital signs, and documenting patient information accurately. Proficient in following care plans, maintaining patient safety, and adhering to healthcare regulations. Adept at building positive relationships with patients and collaborating with nursing staff.

Marketing Coordinator

Experienced Marketing Coordinator with 6+ years of expertise in supporting and executing marketing campaigns across various channels. Skilled in content creation, social media management, and email marketing. Proficient in project management, data analysis, and tracking campaign performance. Adept at collaborating with cross-functional teams, adhering to brand guidelines, and ensuring consistent messaging.

Landscape Designer

Passionate Landscape Designer with 8 years of experience creating functional and aesthetically pleasing outdoor spaces. Skilled in site analysis, plant selection, hardscape design, and sustainable landscaping practices. Proficient in AutoCAD, rendering software, and project management. Adept at interpreting client needs, adhering to local regulations, and delivering creative solutions within budgets.

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

Skilled Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) with 7+ years of experience providing pre-hospital emergency care and transportation services. Proficient in assessing patient conditions, administering first aid, and operating advanced life support equipment. Skilled in effective communication, remaining calm under pressure, and adhering to medical protocols. Adept at collaborating with other emergency responders and ensuring patient safety during transport.

Business Analyst

Experienced Business Analyst with 6 years of expertise in analyzing business processes, identifying inefficiencies, and proposing solutions for improvement. Skilled in data gathering, process mapping, and requirements documentation. Proficient in project management methodologies, stakeholder management, and facilitating workshops. Adept at communicating complex information, providing training, and supporting system implementations.

Art Teacher

Dedicated Art Teacher with 5+ years of experience fostering creativity and nurturing artistic talents in students of various ages. Skilled in developing engaging lesson plans, incorporating diverse media and techniques, and adapting instruction to different learning styles. Proficient in art history, aesthetics, and art criticism. Adept at creating an inclusive and supportive classroom environment that encourages self-expression and appreciation for the arts.

Skilled Welder with 8 years of experience in various welding processes, including MIG, TIG, and stick welding. Proficient in reading blueprints, interpreting welding symbols, and following safety protocols. Skilled in fabrication, repair work, and performing quality inspections. Adept at working with different metals, operating specialized equipment, and maintaining a clean and organized work area.

Front Desk Receptionist

Experienced Front Desk Receptionist with 7+ years of expertise in providing exceptional customer service in professional office environments. Skilled in greeting visitors, managing phone systems, scheduling appointments, and maintaining accurate records. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and office equipment. Adept at multitasking, problem-solving, and maintaining a professional demeanor in high-traffic areas.

Personal Chef

Passionate Personal Chef with 6 years of experience preparing customized meals for clients with diverse dietary needs and preferences. Skilled in menu planning, grocery shopping, food preparation, and plating techniques. Proficient in kitchen organization, inventory management, and adhering to food safety regulations. Adept at interpreting clients' preferences, experimenting with new recipes, and delivering high-quality culinary experiences.

IT Support Technician

Skilled IT Support Technician with 5+ years of experience providing technical assistance and troubleshooting hardware, software, and network issues. Proficient in installing and configuring operating systems, applications, and peripherals. Skilled in diagnosing and resolving various technical problems, documenting incidents, and providing training. Adept at handling technical queries, communicating complex information clearly, and delivering excellent customer service.

Physical Therapist Assistant

Dedicated Physical Therapist Assistant with 6 years of experience assisting licensed physical therapists in developing and implementing treatment plans. Skilled in therapeutic exercises, modalities, and patient education. Proficient in documenting patient progress, adhering to safety protocols, and maintaining treatment areas. Adept at building rapport with patients, providing encouragement, and fostering a positive rehabilitation environment.

Payroll Specialist

Experienced Payroll Specialist with 7+ years of expertise in processing payroll for organizations of varying sizes. Skilled in calculating wages, deductions, and tax withholdings. Proficient in payroll software, maintaining accurate records, and ensuring compliance with labor laws and regulations. Adept at meeting deadlines, resolving payroll discrepancies, and providing exceptional customer service to employees.

Yoga Instructor

Passionate Yoga Instructor with 8 years of experience teaching various yoga styles and guiding students through safe and effective practices. Skilled in proper alignment cues, breathing techniques, and modifications for different ability levels. Proficient in creating engaging sequences, incorporating mindfulness practices, and cultivating a welcoming studio environment. Adept at motivating and inspiring students to deepen their practice.

Skilled Carpenter with 6+ years of experience in residential and commercial construction projects. Proficient in reading blueprints, interpreting specifications, and operating power tools safely. Skilled in framing, trim work, cabinetry installation, and finishing carpentry tasks. Adept at collaborating with other tradespeople, working efficiently under tight deadlines, and delivering high-quality craftsmanship.

Mobile App Developer

Experienced Mobile App Developer with 7 years of expertise in designing and developing user-friendly applications for iOS and Android platforms. Proficient in programming languages such as Swift, Kotlin, and Java. Skilled in UI/UX design, API integration, and implementing security measures. Adept at collaborating with cross-functional teams, adhering to development lifecycles, and delivering high-performance applications.

Flight Attendant

Dedicated Flight Attendant with 5+ years of experience providing exceptional customer service and ensuring passenger safety on domestic and international flights. Skilled in emergency procedures, cabin service, and crowd management. Proficient in multiple languages and adept at handling stressful situations calmly. Committed to maintaining a positive attitude and creating a comfortable travel experience for all passengers.

Skilled Automotive Technician with 8 years of experience in diagnosing, repairing, and maintaining various vehicle makes and models. Proficient in using diagnostic tools, reading technical manuals, and performing preventive maintenance. Skilled in engine repair, brake systems, electrical systems, and emissions testing. Adept at providing excellent customer service, explaining technical issues clearly, and adhering to safety protocols.

Multimedia Artist

Creative Multimedia Artist with 6+ years of experience in producing engaging visual and audio content for various platforms. Skilled in video editing, motion graphics, 3D animation, and sound design. Proficient in industry-standard software such as Adobe Creative Cloud and Autodesk Maya. Adept at collaborating with creative teams, interpreting client visions, and delivering high-quality multimedia projects on time.

Digital Marketer

Experienced Digital Marketer with 7 years of expertise in developing and executing successful online marketing strategies. Skilled in search engine optimization (SEO), pay-per-click (PPC) advertising, social media marketing, and email campaigns. Proficient in analytics tools, A/B testing, and measuring campaign performance. Adept at identifying target audiences, optimizing conversion rates, and driving online engagement and sales.

Special Education Teacher

Dedicated Special Education Teacher with 6+ years of experience working with students who have diverse learning needs and disabilities. Skilled in developing individualized education plans (IEPs), implementing accommodations and modifications, and utilizing assistive technologies. Proficient in behavior management strategies, progress monitoring, and collaborating with parents and support specialists. Adept at fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment that promotes academic, social, and emotional growth.

Skilled Electrician with 8 years of experience in residential and commercial electrical installations, repairs, and maintenance. Proficient in reading blueprints, interpreting electrical codes, and following safety protocols. Skilled in wiring, panel installations, troubleshooting electrical issues, and performing preventive maintenance. Adept at working efficiently, providing accurate estimates, and delivering high-quality workmanship to customer satisfaction.

Hotel Front Desk Agent

Experienced Hotel Front Desk Agent with 7+ years of expertise in providing exceptional guest service and managing all aspects of the check-in and check-out processes. Skilled in handling reservations, resolving guest inquiries, and addressing complaints promptly. Proficient in property management systems, upselling techniques, and maintaining a professional demeanor. Adept at multitasking in a fast-paced environment and ensuring a positive guest experience.

Passionate Floral Designer with 5 years of experience creating beautiful and unique floral arrangements for weddings, events, and daily sales. Skilled in color theory, design principles, and understanding the symbolism of different flowers. Proficient in maintaining fresh flower inventory, managing budgets, and providing exceptional customer service. Adept at interpreting clients' visions, staying up-to-date with trends, and delivering exceptional floral designs.

HVAC Technician

Skilled HVAC Technician with 6+ years of experience in installation, maintenance, and repair of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. Proficient in troubleshooting mechanical issues, reading blueprints, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. Skilled in preventive maintenance, customer service, and providing detailed explanations to clients. Adept at working efficiently and maintaining a clean work environment.

Non-Profit Program Coordinator

Dedicated Non-Profit Program Coordinator with 7 years of experience managing community outreach initiatives and delivering impactful programs. Skilled in event planning, volunteer coordination, and grant proposal writing. Proficient in project management, budgeting, and reporting. Adept at building relationships with stakeholders, promoting the organization's mission, and ensuring program objectives are met within established timelines and resources.

Tax Preparer

Experienced Tax Preparer with 8+ years of expertise in preparing individual and business tax returns, ensuring compliance with tax laws and regulations. Proficient in tax planning strategies, research, and analysis. Skilled in identifying potential deductions and credits to minimize tax liabilities. Adept at maintaining accurate records, meeting deadlines, and providing exceptional client service.

Versatile Administrative Assistant with 6 years of experience in supporting executives and managing office operations. Skilled in calendar management, travel arrangements, and preparing reports and presentations. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, database management, and office equipment. Adept at multitasking, prioritizing tasks, and maintaining strict confidentiality.

Truck Driver

Skilled Truck Driver with 7+ years of experience operating various commercial vehicles, including semi-trucks, tankers, and flatbeds. Proficient in adhering to safety regulations, securing loads, and maintaining accurate logs. Skilled in defensive driving techniques, route planning, and basic vehicle maintenance. Adept at handling challenging road conditions and delivering loads on time while ensuring the safety of cargo and other motorists.

Cosmetologist

Passionate Cosmetologist with 6 years of experience providing a wide range of hair, nail, and skincare services. Skilled in cutting, coloring, styling, makeup application, and waxing. Proficient in the latest techniques and products, as well as sanitation and safety protocols. Adept at building rapport with clients, providing consultations, and ensuring a relaxing and enjoyable salon experience.

Civil Engineer

Experienced Civil Engineer with 8+ years of expertise in designing, planning, and overseeing construction projects involving infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and utilities. Proficient in AutoCAD, structural analysis software, and project management methodologies. Skilled in performing site evaluations, calculating material requirements, and ensuring compliance with building codes and regulations. Adept at collaborating with architects, contractors, and government agencies to deliver high-quality, sustainable solutions.

Medical Laboratory Technician

Dedicated Medical Laboratory Technician with 6 years of experience performing various laboratory tests and analyses. Skilled in specimen collection, processing, and handling hazardous materials safely. Proficient in operating and maintaining laboratory equipment, calibrating instruments, and ensuring quality control measures. Adept at following standard operating procedures, maintaining accurate records, and collaborating with medical professionals to provide precise and timely results.

Skilled Jeweler with 7+ years of experience in crafting and repairing fine jewelry. Proficient in metalsmithing techniques, gemstone setting, and working with precious metals and stones. Skilled in custom design, restoration, and appraisals. Adept at providing exceptional customer service, interpreting client requests, and adhering to industry standards and safety protocols.

Sales Manager

Experienced Sales Manager with 8 years of expertise in leading and motivating high-performing sales teams. Skilled in developing and implementing effective sales strategies, forecasting, and managing sales pipelines. Proficient in customer relationship management, contract negotiation, and delivering persuasive presentations. Adept at analyzing market trends, identifying growth opportunities, and driving revenue growth while fostering a positive, results-driven sales culture.

Childhood Educator

Dedicated Early Childhood Educator with 5+ years of experience nurturing and facilitating the development of young children in daycare and preschool settings. Skilled in creating age-appropriate curricula, incorporating play-based learning, and fostering social-emotional growth. Proficient in classroom management, positive reinforcement techniques, and building relationships with families. Adept at creating a safe, inclusive, and stimulating learning environment that promotes curiosity and creativity.

Veterinary Technician

Experienced Veterinary Technician with 7 years of expertise in providing compassionate care and support to animals in clinical settings. Skilled in animal handling, administering medications, collecting samples, and assisting with surgeries and treatments. Proficient in maintaining medical records, performing laboratory tests, and following safety protocols. Adept at communicating effectively with pet owners, offering education, and ensuring the well-being of animal patients.

Skilled Locksmith with 6+ years of experience in installing, repairing, and rekeying various types of locks and security systems. Proficient in key duplication, master keying, and safe opening techniques. Skilled in troubleshooting and resolving complex lock issues. Adept at providing exceptional customer service, offering consultations, and ensuring the security of residential, commercial, and automotive properties.

Passionate Fitness Instructor with 8 years of experience leading group exercise classes and personal training sessions. Skilled in creating safe and effective workout routines tailored to individual fitness levels and goals. Expertise in various exercise modalities, proper form and technique, and injury prevention. Adept at motivating clients, fostering a supportive environment, and promoting overall wellness.

Financial Advisor

Dedicated Financial Advisor with 7+ years of experience providing personalized financial planning and investment management services. Skilled in portfolio analysis, risk assessment, and developing long-term strategies aligned with clients' goals. Proficient in retirement planning, tax planning, and estate planning. Adept at building trusting relationships, maintaining ethical standards, and delivering comprehensive financial solutions.

Executive Chef

Experienced Executive Chef with 9 years of expertise in leading and managing commercial kitchen operations. Skilled in menu development, recipe creation, and ensuring consistent food quality and presentation. Proficient in food cost control, inventory management, and kitchen staff training. Adept at adapting to changing demands, maintaining a safe and hygienic work environment, and delivering exceptional culinary experiences.

Build Resume with Perfect Summary with TalenCat CV Maker

TalenCat CV Maker is an AI-powered resume editor that provides a wide variety of built-in resume modules to maximize the customization of your resume. With TalenCat CV Maker, you can build your resume with various content modules:

• Basic Information
• Self-Summary
• Education Information
• Work Experience
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If you want to write an effective personal summary for your resume, TalenCat CV Maker is definitely the best option for you.

In summary, crafting an compelling personal summary is crucial for grabbing the attention of hiring managers and making a strong first impression with your resume. The examples provided illustrate how to effectively highlight your most relevant qualifications, skills, and experiences in a concise and compelling way across various industries and roles.

When writing your personal summary, focus on distinguishing yourself as the ideal candidate by emphasizing your unique value proposition and alignment with the specific job requirements. Remember to tailor your summary for each application, quantify your achievements where possible, and utilize strong action verbs to add impact.

With TalenCat CV Maker's AI-powered resume builder, you can leverage built-in modules and generative AI assistance to streamline the process of creating an attention-grabbing personal summary that positions you as the top choice for the role. Invest time in crafting a powerful personal statement to make your resume stand out and increase your chances of securing an interview opportunity.

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Change Your Way Creating CV & Resume

15 Amazing Resume Summary Statement Examples for Job Seekers

Mike Simpson 0 Comments

By Mike Simpson

Updated 6/9/2022.

What is the best way to start my resume? How do I get the attention of the hiring manager? Is there something specific I should be doing? These are questions we have all asked ourselves at one point or another. Fortunately, there’s mainly one answer: use a resume summary statement.

So, how do you create an amazing professional summary for a resume? Well, looking at some outstanding resume summary examples is typically a good place to start. If you want to make sure your resume is in the best shape possible, here’s what you need to know about the resume summary statement.

Understanding the Resume Summary Statement

So, what exactly is a resume summary statement? Well, according to the folks at The Balance Careers :

“A resume summary statement is a brief list or a few sentences at the top of your resume (after your contact information) that highlights your qualifications for a job.” That’s a good way to look at it.

And, what about the purpose of a resume summary? Well, they go on to add that resume summaries allow “the person reviewing your resume… to view your most important attributes at a glance.” In the end, that’s really what it’s all about.

A resume summary statement is similar to an objective statement in that it is a quick way for a job seeker to catch a hiring manager’s attention by summarizing critical information in an easy-to-read format. Now, a “Resume Objective” and “Resume Summary Statement” are two very different things and should not be confused. However, they serve a similar purpose, acting as an introduction.

Resume statements essentially are just a few short, well-worded, well-targeted sentences that summarize your skills and experiences. Sometimes called “Qualification Summaries” or even just “Competencies,” these two or three sentences can, when done right, give you a real advantage in the hiring game.

You may be wondering, “Why do I need a resume summary when they can just read my application?” Well, mainly because hiring managers may receive dozens, if not hundreds, of resumes.

In the end, hiring managers don’t have time to read every application word-for-word. Instead, they skim key areas looking for the right details, giving each resume an average of just six to seven seconds of their time before making an initial determination.

Usually, the resume summary statement is a part they always read. It showcases the best of what you have to offer, giving them critical insights upfront. That’s why getting your professional summary for your resume right is essential.

How to Write a Great Resume Summary Statement

So, how do you write a great resume summary statement? Well, as with much of your job search, it all begins with research. You need to make sure that you’re maximizing your potential, so the more you know, the better.

The goal is to get your statement distilled down into two or three laser-focused sentences that the hiring manager will consider relevant. To make that happen, go back and look at the job you’re applying for and determine your target audience. Re-read the job description, keeping your eyes open for key phrases and words.

• Who are they looking for?
• What do they want that person to bring to the table? What value can they provide?
• What would l look for in a hire if I were the one posting this job?

Once you identify those things, it’s time to figure out how you fit into them.

What are your top selling points? Find three or four things that define you as a professional, are unique to you, and involve skills you enjoy using. If you include things you’re good at but hate doing, you could find yourself only attracting interest on jobs that leave you stuck doing them again.

After that, see if you can identify any problems this position solves. Can you showcase value in that specific area?

As your summary starts to take shape, compare it to the job description and the company’s mission and values. How does your summary align with what the company is after? Keep rechecking as you adjust, ensuring it’s really on point by the time you’re done.

Now, there are also things you shouldn’t put in your statement. For example, proficiency in software that practically everyone knows – like Microsoft Office – isn’t ideal in your resume summary. Similarly, certain cliché adjectives, like ‘results-oriented,’ ‘hardworking,’ ‘innovative,’ and ‘motivated’ are also no-nos.

Now that we’ve looked at what to include and what NOT to include, it’s time to start writing your own resume summary examples.

Start out your statement by being specific! Make sure it’s tailored to not only the position but the company as well. Are you applying to five jobs? You should have five objective statements. Ten jobs? Ten statements, and so on.

Focus on how you’re a benefit to the company, not how the company can benefit you. Keep it valuable; make sure you point out what you bring to the table. Also, keep it short and sweet.

Finally, always open your statement with your title (or, for recent graduates, your degree earned). Why? Because you want to let whoever is reading the resume know at a glance exactly who they’re dealing with.

Remember, there are lots of people applying for these jobs, and the last thing you want to do is get lost in the shuffle. Plus, if the job is specifically looking for someone to fill a role and you’re already doing that role at another job, you’ve just ensured that the hiring managers take a second look at your resume!

Resume Summary Examples

Are you looking for more inspiration? Here are a few resume summary statement examples that you can use as a starting point.

Just remember, don’t use them verbatim. You want to tailor these statements to the needs of the company you are interviewing with, and you can’t do that if you use these word-for-word.

Still, these resume summary examples will get you moving in the right direction. Here are 15 examples of a professional summary for a resume, each aligned with different careers and various experience levels.

1. Newly-Minted Nursing Assistant

Certified nursing assistant with training in vital sign monitoring, patient examinations, wound dressing, patient records, and phlebotomy. Graduated at the top of the class, passing the exam with a score in the top 1%. Completed internship in a fast-paced, local clinic, offering exceptional patient care and consistently exceeding expectations.

2. Recent Engineering Graduate

Engineering Graduate with leadership training and experience with academic training at the University of Montana. Proven skills in project management, organization, and research with a background in office administration and organization. Able to provide employers with administrative support and professional communication skills.

3. Restaurant Shift Lead

Shift lead with 3+ years at a fast-paced, high-end dining restaurant with proven leadership capabilities. Experience overseeing teams of 12+ in a high-energy, customer-focused environment. Skilled at schedule management, conflict resolution, and adapting to ever-changing priorities.

4. Digital Marketing Professional

Digital marketing specialist with 2+ years of experience working at a high-volume firm focused on consumer food products. Skilled at creating content across several leading platforms, including TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. Helped launch TikTok for an emerging beverage brand, securing 10,000 followers in just three months. 

5. Administrative Office Manager

Current Administrative Office Manager. Versatile, reliable, and efficient with 8+ years of experience supporting managers and executives in high-paced environments. Diversified skills include client relations, human resources, recruiting, project management, and administrative support. Excellent phone and digital communication skills.

6. Call Center Representative

Call center representative with 4+ years of experience in a high-volume environment, handing upward of 100 contacts daily. Supported both sales and technical support departments, securing an average customer satisfaction rate of 92% across both areas.

7. IT Specialist Pivoting to New Field

Proven IT Specialist with experience in start-ups as well as established operations leveraging expertise in organization, computer networking, and problem-solving to provide exceptional user support and assistance in resolving conflict. Experience includes managing sensitive materials and providing after-hours support for clients.

8. Architectural Project Coordinator

Architectural Project Coordinator with over fifteen years of experience. Versatile, bilingual professional with management experience ranging in size from small private projects to full-scale multi-million-dollar high profile corporate construction projects. Ability to oversee and manage hundreds of individuals while ensuring timely completion of project deadlines, all while remaining on or under budget.

9. Recruiter

Recruiter with 8+ years of experience in a large industrial environment with fluctuating, seasonal needs. Organized and coordinated large-scale hiring events, securing 20 new hires for seasonal positions in just three days. Overall time-to-hire reduced by 56%, while new hire quality improved by 31%.

10. Sales Manager

Experienced sales manager in the retail industry with strengths in customer service, sales, and negotiations. Proven skills in marketing, advertising, product integration, and promotions. Successful in developing strategies that have resulted in an over 20% increase in new customers. Instrumental in developing an incentives rewards program with a repeat customer success rate of over 45%.

11. Warehouse Manager

Reliable warehouse manager with 12+ years of experience overseeing operations and supervising teams of 10 or more. Leadership, coaching, and delegation skills. Certified heavy equipment operator, including forklift and scissor lift.

12. Project Manager

Project Manager with 10+ years of experience specializing in web production, education publications, public outreach, and consumer packaging. Professional, creative, and flexible with proven analytical skills. Adept at researching and crafting award-winning marketing campaigns for a wide variety of clients and products.

13. Data Analyst

Data analyst with 6 years of experience providing data-driven insights, creating critical reports, and supporting strategic operational objectives. Adept at both written and verbal communication, including explaining complex technical information in a simplified manner. Currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Data Analytics.

14. Social Worker

Bilingual licensed social worker with more than 9 years of experience focused on geriatric care, serving as an advocate while providing counseling, coordinating care, and supporting families. Managed average caseload of 32 clients, collaborating with a multi-discipline team to ensure positive outcomes and provide holistic care.

15. Sales Department Executive

Sales executive with 11+ years of leadership experience. Rejuvenated underperforming department, boosting sales by 82% within 12 months. Strategic-minded and action-oriented, adept at finding scalable solutions designed to promote revenue growth and reduce expenditures.

Putting It All Together

So, there you have it. Use the tips and resume summary examples above to create the perfect start to your application. Just remember that the most important thing for you to do is spend the time researching the company you are interviewing with and tailor your summary to the company. That way, you can stand out as an exceptional candidate.

FREE : Resume Summary PDF Cheat Sheet

Get our handy Resume Summary Cheat Sheet PDF .

In it you'll get word-for-word sample resume summaries covering a variety of positions you can use right away .

CLICK HERE TO GET THE RESUME SUMMARY CHEAT SHEET

Co-Founder and CEO of TheInterviewGuys.com. Mike is a job interview and career expert and the head writer at TheInterviewGuys.com.

His advice and insights have been shared and featured by publications such as Forbes , Entrepreneur , CNBC and more as well as educational institutions such as the University of Michigan , Penn State , Northeastern and others.

Learn more about The Interview Guys on our About Us page .

About The Author

Mike simpson.

Co-Founder and CEO of TheInterviewGuys.com. Mike is a job interview and career expert and the head writer at TheInterviewGuys.com. His advice and insights have been shared and featured by publications such as Forbes , Entrepreneur , CNBC and more as well as educational institutions such as the University of Michigan , Penn State , Northeastern and others. Learn more about The Interview Guys on our About Us page .

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How to write a professional résumé summary, with examples and ai links.

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That really sums it up.

In a way, your résumé summary is a miniature elevator pitch - an overview of your skills and achievements, designed to attract the attention of a recruiter. Imagine, if you will, that the hiring manager will only see your résumé summary - what accomplishments and abilities would you highlight? What can you share, from a high level overview, that would make a hiring manager say, “Tell me more...?” If you want to build a powerful résumé summary statement, consider the inquiry you want to create - and then, follow these steps.

How To Know If You’ve Created A Good Résumé Summary

Don’t mistake a professional summary for a résumé objective , or profile, according to Kickresume. A powerful résumé summary is going to contain three to five sentences, or bullet points (with a maximum of six).

Often, the Professional Summary is what leads off the résumé. Ideally, drop all first person references and filler words, so that you come straight at the ideas that will help the recruiter most. And don’t be afraid of bullet points, if that helps you to make your point.

Like any good elevator pitch, service is always the story. A summary isn’t a laundry list of what you’ve done, it’s a synthesis of service. That synthesis helps you, because it makes life easier for the recruiter or the hiring manager. Remember, the main question on every hiring manager’s mind is always: “Can you help us?” Start by summarizing how you can help, and how you’ve helped others, by pointing to your expertise and achievements.

Examples Of Service Oriented Résumé Summaries

Summaries are a balancing act between specific details and aspirational remarks. Which do you think are stronger? Consider this example, from Jobscan , with three ways to improve the story:

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Driven Search Engine Optimization Manager with 10+ years of work experience managing different teams in established companies, engaging users, and growing brands through effective SEO strategies and innovative marketing campaigns.

Here’s how to make the résumé summary stronger (and phrases to avoid):

• “Different teams. ” Guess what was different about them? Seriously, you have to guess. I have no idea. Because there’s nothing that indicates what makes them different. The communication principle here is a simple one: specifics are stronger. How about “teams from 3 to 36 people”, or “teams on three continents” or “teams of engineers, hairdressers, and surgeons”. Wow, they really are different now, aren’t they?
• “Established companies.” Stop me if you’ve heard this one before, but aren’t all companies established? That’s pretty vague. How about naming the companies that you worked for, or the industries, and being specific?
• “Engaging users.” how many users? And how often? Why not say you helped over 500 e-commerce users in the course of the first three months on the job? Or, if that’s a bullet point elsewhere, can you add some numbers around the type of users, or say how you “engaged” - via email, sign language, or telephone calls?

Here’s a great example, from Kickresume - notice the specifics, and how they mention the future position (at Techia) by name:

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.

Why is this summary so good? Because it makes you wonder what this person did, to make customers “comfortable and relaxed”. Aren’t you curious to know what this person would do with an irate customer? This summary creates a “Tell me more” moment, in the mind of the recruiter or hiring manager. Does your summary generate curiosity? What’s the first question you hope you are asked, when someone reads your résumé summary?

Examples of clear and concise résumé summaries

Consider Your Keywords On A Résumé Summary

In a résumé summary, consider that ATS-friendly keywords can make a difference. ATS Software is used to scan your résumé, so it’s always wise to be algorithm savvy. You can use a prompt to make sure you hit the keywords that apply to your industry, and the role that you want. Check out some of the free AI-based tools, to create your next résumé. One such online résumé writing tool is Leet.co , created by Ladders founder, Mark Cenedella. Other AI-powered résumé tools include:

• My Perfect Resume
• Rezi.ai , powered by ChatGPT
• Cover Letter Generator , also powered by ChatGPT
• ChatCareer.org
• Open Resume

How To Write A Powerful Résumé Summary

Even with some AI-generated assistance, you still need to know how to fill in the gaps. Here’s how to write your résumé summary:

• Write the summary last.
• Ask someone else to read your résumé and tell you what service and accomplishments stand out. After all, it will never be your best work until someone else has read it. Then, based on feedback, write your summary.
• Be specific. How would you quantify what you’ve achieved, and how can you add numbers and context? Without clarification, your résumé summary sounds like a lot of filler words, or blazing hype - not clarity.
• Extra credit: Hire a coach, and get serious about success in your next role.

Professional Summary For First Résumé / New Grads

When you don’t have a lot of experience, it’s hard to summarize what you’ve done. But the mistake most people make, when they are early in their careers, is the opportunity to link relevant skills . What did you learn in your internship? That might be quite different than what you did in your internship. What was the impact, or the outcome, of your efforts - and what did you discover during your last assignment? Stating your field of study, and your GPA (if it’s above 3.0 on a 4.0 scale) is always valuable. Then, consider the service that you would like to provide, tie it into the position at hand, and don’t be afraid to personalize your résumé summary for the job. After all, if your approach is to just spray and pray with online applications, then get ready to wait and wonder why the interviews aren’t coming your way. Personalization is key to effective communication - no matter where you are in your career.

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How To Write A Resume Summary That Works In 2024 (8+ Examples)

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Here's a scary fact – your resume summary can make or break your chances of winning a job interview.

Because your resume summary is the very first thing employers read to see if you're qualified for the role or not.

But there's some good news too…

Most job seekers do a  terrible  job of leveraging their resume summary. They use outdated methods which don't work in today's market.

That creates an opportunity for you!

While they're all stuck using old school tactics, you're here reading this article which is going to teach you a brand new approach to the resume summary that's crazy effective in today's job market.

Here's what we're going to cover:

Why Most Resume Summary Advice Doesn't Work Anymore

• A New, Highly Effective Resume Summary Format Called The Highlight Reel
• 8+ Examples of Highlight Reel Resume Summaries For Different Jobs, Industries, and Levels of Experience

By the end of this post, you're going to know exactly how to blow the competition out of the water and start landing more job interviews.

If you go looking for resume advice these days, you'll typically see people advocate for two types of introductions: Resume Summaries and Resume Objectives.

Each camp will tell you why their method is best, along with why the other method is outdated and doesn't work. But here's the real truth.

Both traditional resume summaries and traditional resume objectives don't work for today's job market.

Let's break down why neither work very well.

The Problem With Traditional Resume Summaries

A traditional resume summary is when the candidate writes a paragraph-style statement about their experience and skills. It will typically look something like this:

Traditional Resume Summary Example Results-oriented account management professional with 4+ years of experience building relationships with clients in order to help them achieve their goals.

Problem #1: Paragraph-style anything on a resume is the fastest way to losing your reader.

Recruiters are scanning resumes super fast (the typical figure is a six second scan per resume !). They don't have time to read through an entire paragraph.

Problem #2:  Traditional resume summaries typically include fluffy buzzwords and jargon, but no real results.

According to a recent study we performed on 125,000 resumes , over half of candidates didn't include a meaningful amount of measurable metrics / results on their resumes.

When no one's including the outcomes of their work, everyone's simply summarizing their actions. Anyone can perform actions, but hiring managers want to see results!

The Problem With Traditional Resume Objectives

The second popular option is the traditional resume objective . Historically, resume objectives are a statement about your goals for employment. It might look something like this:

Traditional Resume Objective Example Seeking a position at [Company] where I can bring my 10+ years of SaaS sales experience to a growing, fast paced team in the healthcare technology space.

Unfortunately, this is even worse than the summary example I shared above. Why?

Problem #1: Traditional objective statements are only focused on you.

Here's some tough love. Companies don't  really  care about your background. They care about what you can do for them in terms of value, and your background is just one way for them to try and gauge that.

When you only focus your resume on yourself, you're going to lose out to candidates who show the company that they understand their needs / goals and have a plan to help.

Problem #2:  Resume objectives don't illustrate any real value to the hiring team.

Because these objectives are statements about what  you  want, what type of job  you're  looking for, there's no real room to showcase real world results or value.

The truth is, the hiring team doesn't care nearly as much about the job you're interested in compared to the value you'll bring to the table for them.

At this point, it'd be natural if you're saying,  “Well, if a resume summary and a resume objective don't work, what the heck am I supposed to do? Isn't this an article on resume summaries?”

That's exactly why I want to introduce you to a brand new way of thinking about your resume summary:

Introducing A New, Highly Effective Resume Summary

If we want to win in today's job market, we need to take a modern approach to our materials — including our resume.

What most job seekers don't understand is that their resume is a marketing document.

It's a piece of collateral aimed at selling somebody (the employer) on the value and services that you bring to the table!

If we want to write a job-winning resume , we need to do four things:

• We need to give the reader the information they're looking for as quickly as possible
• We need to make that information as compelling as it can possibly be
• We need to make that information as easy as possible to consume
• We want the reader to feel like the information was hand crafted just for them

Neither the traditional resume summary nor the traditional resume objective cover these bases, which is why I invented a brand new way to start your resume.

“Highlight Reels” Are The New Resume Summary

I discovered this new form of resume summary after sending in hundreds of applications with the traditional stuff and getting rejected from all of them.

When I tested this new “Highlight Reel” resume summary, everything changed. My interview rate skyrocketed and I was actually able to get in the door for jobs I was excited about!

The Highlight Reel is exactly what it sounds like.

It's a section at the top of your resume that allows you to pick and choose the best and most relevant experience to feature right at the top of your resume.

It's essentially a highlight reel of your career as it relates to this specific role! I like to think about it as the SportsCenter Top 10 of your resume.

The Highlight Reel resume summary consists of 4 parts:

• A relevant section title that ties your experience to the role
• An introductory bullet that summarizes your experience and high level value
• A few supporting “Case Study” bullets that illustrate specific results, projects, and relevant experience
• A closing “Extracurricular” bullet to round out your candidacy
• Let's break down each one.

Part #1: A Relevant Section Title

The first part of the Highlight Reel resume summary is the section title.

This is going to be the title of this section, similar to how you've titled your experience section something like “Work Experience” and your education section “Education.”

But we're going to make things personal…

Instead of using some boring title, we're going to show the reader that we are the  exact  candidate they are looking for!

By weaving the job title for our target role into the title of our resume summary section! We'll do that using the following formula:

[Job Title] Summary

For example, if your target role is Business Development, your resume summary section should be titled  Business Development Summary.

If your target role is in graphic design, your resume summary section should be titled  Graphic Design Summary.

If your target role is in software engineering, your resume summary section should be titled  Software Engineering Summary.

You get the point.

Now, when that recruiter or hiring manager looks at your resume, the very first thing they'll see is the job title they're hiring for.

That's an immediate check in the qualifications box!

Part #2: An Introductory Bullet That Summarizes Your Experience And Value

Now that we've hooked the reader with our section title, it's time to give them a summary of who we are and what we bring to the table.

The very first bullet in your Resume Summary should tell your reader:

• Your area of expertise / background (i.e. Sales Leader, UX Designer, Customer Success Manager)
• Your total years of experience in the field
• A value-driven pitch that tells them the type of value that you've brought to previous companies and clients

Your Area of Expertise

In the first part of this bullet, you want to show the reader that you are who they're hoping you are. In other words, if they're looking for a Software Engineer, you want to tell them you're a Software Engineer.

If they're looking for a Results-Oriented Sales Leader, you want to tell them that you're a Results-Oriented Sales Leader.

The best place to find this information is by looking in the job description and mimicking the language they use. For example, check out this job posting from Google:

We'd want to include “Sales Manager” in our bullet, then we'd also way to pay attention to supporting language like “customer retention,” “customer relationship management,” etc. for our value-driven pitch too.

Your Total Years of Experience

Next, you want to summarize your experience in a field.

Most jobs have a number listed on the job description (e.g. 8+ years of experience in ______.). If you show the reader you meet that criteria right off the bat, you appear more qualified and have a better chance of hooking them in to read more.

Your Value-Driven Pitch

Finally, you want to sell your reader on the value you bring to the table.

The best way to do this is by telling them how you've helped previous companies in the past (and doing it in a way that resonates with their goals).

Let's use the above Google Sales Manager job description as an example. It says that the ideal candidate, “[knows] how to craft a compelling case for sticking with Google products” and that they “work with companies of various types–local and international, big and small.”

If you have a track record of great retention with those types of companies, your value-driven pitch might be,  “driving award-winning retention for cloud products with clients ranging from SMBs to F500s.”

This is your chance to show the company you have experience delivering the exact results they're looking for — and you have the data to back it up!

Pro Tip: Your introductory bullet, including the value-driven pitch, should act as the 10,000 foot view of your experience. You want to sell people on the overarching value you've delivered with big, impressive results — then you can break down the details in your Case Study bullets.

Part #3: Supporting “Case Study” Bullets

Now that we've introduced the reader to our overarching value, it's time to get to the details.

Case Study bullets let you flesh out the experience that you summarized in your introductory bullet. You want to aim to have 2-3 of them in your resume summary.

In the example above, my introductory bullet talks about driving eight-figure growth for technology companies in the Ad Tech space.

That means my Case Study bullets should provide two or three specific examples of eight figure growth in that space!

How To Write A Great Case Study Bullet

Case Study bullets are the meat of your resume summary. They're the specific value that's going to help you stand out from the competition…If you write them correctly.

See, most people make the mistake of summarizing their experience with their bullets. They talk about the actions they took, but they don't focus on the results that stemmed from those actions.

If you want to win out, you need to know how to write a killer Case Study bullet!

The good news is, we've created a free tool called ResyBullet.io to help remove the guesswork and make writing bullets easy. Here's how it works:

• Copy a bullet from your Resume Summary
• Go to ResyBullet.io and paste your bullet into the text field
• Analyze your bullet to see your initial score (out of 100)
• Rework your bullet to match the feedback from the tool

Now all you have to do is rinse and repeat for all of the Case Study bullets in your resume summary!

Part #4: A Closing “Extracurriculars” Bullet

The last bullet in your resume summary is your opportunity to include anything else that might be valuable, but wasn't included in your bullets above.

Here are some good examples of things you can include:

• Awards you've won
• Languages you speak (if you speak multiple languages)
• Non-role related teams you lead (volunteering, culture, etc)
• Side projects that relate / add value to your target role
• Skill building you're working on

The goal of the Extracurricular bullet is to add additional value that helps round out your experience as a candidate.

In my resume summary example, I mentioned two awards that I'd won in my last bullet:

That sums up the four major parts of a job-winning Highlight Reel. Now let's take a look at some examples of this resume summary style for different roles.

Highlight Reel Resume Summary Examples

Here are 3 examples of resume summaries to help you visualize what this style of summary looks like for different roles and different goals:

Example #1: Partnerships Manager Resume Summary

In this example, we have a Partnerships Manager with 3 years of experience managing partnerships in the ad tech space. Here's what their summary might look like:

Partnership Management Summary

• Partner Manager with 3+ years of experience driving eight-figure growth for ad tech companies like Microsoft, Google, & Hubspot
• Manage $20M+ book of partners, including two largest revenue generating partners in global book of business at Microsoft
• Prospected, negotiated, and closed 8 new partnerships worth $15.2M in ARR for Google
• Maintained average quota attainment of 120% across 2 years at Microsoft

Example #2: Graphic Design Resume Summary

In this example, we have a Graphic Designer with a decade of experience creating visuals for companies in the fashion industry. Here's what their summary might look like:

Graphic Design Summary

• Graphic Designer with 10+ years experience creating results-driven graphics and promotional materials for clients like Chanel, Gucci, American Eagle, Ralph Lauren, & more
• Managed a team of 15 designers to produce entire portfolio for 2018 Victoria's Secret fashion show
• Spearheaded GDUSA award-winning image campaign for Zara
• Co-Founder of  Girls Who Design,  a community that aims to empower women in design to share their stories and support one another

Example #3: Data Science Resume Summary

In this example, we have a Data Scientist with 6 years of experience in the eCommerce industry. Here's what their resume summary might look like:

Data Science Summary

• Data Scientist with 6+ years experience using Big Data to drive a better customer experience and higher sell thru rates for eCommerce sites
• Spearheaded cost-per-lead analysis modeling, resulting in predictive resource allocation system that led to 67% increase in revenue with a 23% decrease in cost-per-lead
• Generated audience analysis for digital ad campaigns, resulting in hyper-focused targeting that reduced cost-per-acquisition by 44% for eCommerce platform

Tools & Languages: Python, SQL, R, Tableau, & Power BI

Example #4: Career Changer Resume Summary (For A Transition Into UX Design)

In this example we have someone who is trying to make a total career change! They're aiming to transition from a consulting role into User Experience Design with no prior experience. Here's what their resume summary might look like:

UX Design Summary

• UX Designer with a background of 5+ years in management consulting, working with clients like GE, Cisco, and IBM
• Developed case study for AirBnB highlighting 3 search functionality changes that could increase bookings by a projected 17% ( Link Here )
• Developed case study for Harry's Razors highlighting 4 UX changes that would improve checkout flow and increase conversion rates by a project 27% ( Link Here )
• Currently enrolled in General Assembly's User Experience Immersive Bootcamp (Graduating April 2023)

Key Resume Summary Takeaways

Whew! We covered a LOT of information in this article. I hope you feel like you have a better sense of how to structure your resume summary for the modern job market.

In summary, here are the key points we talked about:

• Old school resume summaries and objectives don't work anymore
• The Highlight Reel is the modern approach that works in today's market because it allows you to fully personalize your resume
• The Highlight Reel consists of a title, an introductory bullet, 2-3 case study bullets, and a closing extracurricular bullet
• Writing compelling, value-driven bullets is the way to hook your reader from the get go

Now that your resume summary is taken care of, you can upgrade the rest of your resume with this guide on writing a job winning resume !

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Austin Belcak

Austin is the founder of Cultivated Culture where he helps people land jobs without connections, without traditional experience, and without applying online. His strategies have been featured in Forbes, Business Insider, & Fast Company and has helped people just like you land jobs at Google, Facebook, Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, Twitter, & more.

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100+ Resume Summary Examples for All Jobs + Easy How-to

Learn how to write a resume summary that immediately positions you as a top candidate for this job. Plus, over a hundred of sample resume summaries for different jobs and industries to give you some inspiration.

A resume summary is a two- to four-sentence paragraph at the top of your resume, just below your contact information. It presents your most relevant qualifications, skills, and accomplishments to give an overview of who you are as a candidate. To write a strong resume summary, start with who you are and what your level of experience is, add two to three key skills, followed by your most relevant achievements. Finish by expressing what you can do for the prospective employer.

If you’ve spent some time researching how to write your resume summary, you’ve probably seen all kinds of metaphors:

• If your resume was a film, the summary would be the opening sequence.
• If your resume was a book, the summary would be the first chapter.
• If your resume was a meal, the summary would be the appetizer.

None of these are accurate or make sense.

The purpose of the resume summary is right there in its name: it summarizes the best bits from your resume.

Some candidates struggle with writing theirs (and, partly, I blame all those metaphors for it). Luckily, it’s not rocket science.

In this guide, you’ll see over a hundred sample successful resume summaries for most job titles. But examples don’t really cut it because every individual career scenario is different. That’s why, we’ll also show you a few ready-to-use formulas to help you write a 100% original, targeted summary that drives home your professional value compellingly and concisely.

Complete your resume immediately with Rezi AI Resume Builder . It will draft the perfect bullet points, a powerful resume summary, and suggest skills tailored to the job you’re after. And the design and layout? It will always stay perfect. Just pick one of the 15+ resume templates and see your resume write itself.

How to Write a Resume Summary

For a strong resume summary, keep it within 3–4 sentences. Tailor it to your specific job and industry by using relevant keywords, and include measurable achievements to provide proof of your capabilities. Highlight what you can offer to the company rather than what you seek to gain from the job. Frame your skills and experience as solutions to potential or specific challenges faced by the company.

Here’s what a good resume summary looks like:

There’s art and science behind creating a resume summary that grabs attention and effectively communicates your value. 

The “science” part means following a proven formula. The “art” part means expressing how you can uniquely contribute.

Here are the guidelines for constructing a resume summary that’s both concise and impactful:

Keep it short: 3–4 sentences max

Your resume summary isn’t a deep dive into your professional history. Think of it as a highlight reel instead. Limit yourself to three to four sentences. Distill the best bits of your career into an easy-to-read introduction. Every word counts, so make each one describe your skills, experience, and unique value proposition.

Tailor it to the specific job and industry

Generic summaries don’t win interviews—customized ones do. Align your resume summary with the job you’re applying for by adding keywords from the job description. Demonstrate that you understand what’s important in your industry and, more specifically, what matters to the potential employer. Tailoring your resume summary not only bypasses ATS filters but also shows the hiring manager that you’ve done your homework and genuinely care about this role.

Include measurable achievements

Quantifiable achievements back up your claims. Instead of saying you “improved sales,” say that you “increased sales by 25% in one year.” Numbers pop! Another example is to use numbers to emphasize the significance of a particular responsibility you excel in carrying out. For example, “Proven 3+ year track record of scaling series A startup companies and leading remote teams of 10+ marketers across the globe.”

Focus on what you have to offer, not what you want

Your career aspirations are important, but the resume summary isn’t the place to talk about them. Instead, highlight what you can bring to the table. Frame your skills and experiences as solutions to challenges that the company might face. For example, rather than saying, “Seeking a role where I can expand my knowledge in project management,” rephrase it to highlight your value. For instance, “Experienced project manager skilled in delivering complex projects on time and under budget, seeking to maximize productivity at Company XYZ Product Team.”

Hiring you (or not) is a business decision for hiring managers. Show them why this decision benefits the business, not the other way around.

Write your resume summary last

Write your resume summary after you’ve filled out all the other resume sections. This way, you get a full look at everything you’ve accomplished and can easily pick out the highlights. It’s like taking a step back to see the full picture and then zooming in on the details.

Doing your summary last also helps you figure out which achievements are the real standouts. Plus, it’s easier to keep a consistent thread running through your resume when you know what all the other parts look like.

Note: if you’re at the beginning of your professional career, a more suitable “opener” for your resume might be a resume objective statement. Learn how to write one here: Resume Objective Examples & How to Write Yours

4 Easy Formulas for Writing an Effective Resume Summary

Use one of these formulas based on your situation to create an effective resume summary:

• Experience-focused formula. Suitable for those with linear career progression and solid industry experience. Start with your professional title, mention your years of experience, showcase top skills relevant to the job , and end with a notable achievement. Example: “Seasoned Marketing Manager with over 10 years of experience…” ‍
• Skillset highlight formula. Ideal for emphasizing skills and knowledge, especially for jobs that require specific technical expertise. Begin with a strong adjective, list your key skills, include any relevant certifications, and provide an example of successful skill application. Example: “Innovative Software Developer adept in Java, SQL…” ‍
• Career-change formula. Best for transitioning into a new industry. Mention your current role, explain how your skills translate to the new industry, include an accomplishment demonstrating transferable skills, and express your dedication to the “target” field. Example: “Accomplished journalist transitioning to content marketing…” ‍
• Achievement-oriented formula. Best for senior candidates applying for high-level roles. Start with a powerful action verb, briefly describe your professional background, list your top achievements with quantifiable results, and conclude with how you can contribute to prospective employers. Example: “Repeatedly transformed underperforming sales teams…”

Putting together a standout resume summary is easier when you have a structured approach. Here’s a more in-depth explanation of the four formulas.

The “experience-focused” formula

This formula is ideal for individuals who have a robust background in a particular field and want to emphasize their track record.

• Begin with your professional title. State your current job title or the role you’re qualified for. This sets the stage by immediately informing the reader of your professional level.
• State your years of experience. Specify how many years you’ve been active in the industry. This quantifies your experience and establishes your depth of expertise.
• Highlight your primary skills. Choose three to four core skills that are most relevant to the job you’re applying for. This shows you possess the necessary tools to excel in the position.
• Mention a noteworthy achievement or metric. Pick an achievement most relevant to the job description. This should be what the company’s hiring managers particularly care about when looking at their ideal candidate profile (however, don’t lie). For example, when applying for a sales role where the job description mentions they’re looking for someone who’s led a team and increased revenue figures, you might write, “Led a team of 12 salespeople that increased revenue by 30% over 2 years.”

The “skillset highlight formula”

Perfect for those who want to showcase specific expertise or technical skills, especially when the job requires specialized knowledge.

• Start with a strong adjective that describes your professional self.
• List your key skills relevant to the job. Directly address the skills listed in the job description.
• Include certifications or special training. If you have credentials that enhance your qualifications, mention them here to add credibility.
• Add an example of how you applied these skills effectively, for instance, “Used advanced analytics to increase lead generation by 40%.”

The “career-change” formula

This formula is particularly effective for individuals steering their career path into a new industry or job role. It underscores the transferable skills that make you a valuable candidate in a new field.

• Mention your current role and experience. This provides a frame of reference for your established skills.
• Explain how your skills translate to the new role or industry. Identify key skills from your current role that are beneficial in the target role, and explicitly connect them to the job requirements.
• Include an accomplishment that showcases your ability to use your skills in different contexts, proving your versatility.
• State your dedication to growing and learning in this new field. Highlight any relevant courses you took or continued education.

The “achievement-oriented” formula

Suited for those who want to emphasize their accomplishments, which makes this formula perfect for senior candidates applying for managerial or executive positions .

• Start with a powerful action verb that conveys strategic thinking and leadership (e.g., spearheaded , transformed ).
• Describe your professional background briefly. Provide a quick snapshot of your field and role to set the context for your achievements.
• List your top achievements with quantifiable results. Focus on two to three major accomplishments, ideally with metrics to quantify the impact of what you did.
• End with how you can contribute to prospective employers.

Resume Summary Examples for All Industries

In this section, you’ll see sample resume summaries for over 100 job titles across the most popular industries. Don’t copy those word-for-word to your resume. If you choose to, umm, “borrow” one that matches your profile, make sure to plug in your own metrics or skills.

Or, if you really want to write a summary based on your background and tailored to the job description automatically, try the Rezi AI Resume Summary Generator for free.

Here’s a sneak peak at the AI Resume Summary Generator at work:

Resume summaries for sales and customer service

In your resume summary, mention your ability to drive sales and ensure client satisfaction. Highlight specific sales achievements using quantifiable data, such as percentages of targets met or revenue generated. Emphasize your relationship-building, conflict resolution, and upselling skills. Demonstrate how you’ve successfully managed customer relationships and resolved issues to maintain high retention rates.

Customer Service Representative

Dedicated customer service representative with over 5 years of experience in a fast-paced call center environment. Proven track record of enhancing customer satisfaction through effective communication and problem-solving skills. Increased customer retention rates by 15% within the first year by implementing strategic customer engagement practices.

Sales Representative

Dynamic sales representative with a strong history of surpassing quotas and driving market share growth. Skilled in relationship-building and persuasive communication, achieving a 30% increase in sales revenue for the fiscal year 2023. Expert in leveraging customer relationship management (CRM) tools to track and analyze sales performance.

Retail Clerk

Experienced retail clerk renowned for exceptional customer service and deep product knowledge in a high-traffic retail environment. Successfully managed inventory and merchandising, contributing to a 20% increase in overall store efficiency. Adept at using POS systems and fluent in Spanish, enhancing communication with a diverse client base.

Efficient cashier with over 3 years of experience in both high-volume supermarkets and specialty boutiques. Recognized for accurate handling of transactions and proven ability to resolve discrepancies quickly. Awarded employee of the month multiple times for outstanding efficiency and professionalism.

Front Desk Associate

Professional front desk associate with extensive experience in the hospitality industry, delivering first-class service in top-rated hotels. Fluent in English and French, with a special focus on creating a welcoming environment for international guests. Implemented a guest feedback system that boosted guest satisfaction scores by 25%.

Help Desk Technician

Detail-oriented help desk technician proficient in troubleshooting, diagnosing, and resolving complex IT issues. Certified in Microsoft and Cisco systems, with a track record of reducing resolution time by 35%. Committed to maintaining up-to-date knowledge of new technologies and cybersecurity measures.

Account Coordinator

Dynamic account coordinator with a passion for cultivating strong client relationships and managing multifaceted marketing campaigns. Successfully coordinated over 50 marketing projects that increased clients’ market penetration by an average of 10% annually. Highly effective communicator and team collaborator, adept at working under tight deadlines.

Resume summaries for tech

Concentrate on the specific technologies you specialize in, important projects you have delivered, and innovative solutions you have devised. List relevant programming languages, development frameworks, and tools you know. Detail how your technical contributions have improved systems or processes, citing any awards or recognitions you’ve received.

Software Engineer

Results-driven software engineer with 8 years of experience in developing scalable, high-performance applications. Specialized in Java and Python, contributed to a 40% increase in application efficiency for ecommerce platforms. Known for excellence in full-stack development and leading agile projects that meet demanding time constraints.

Data Scientist

Innovative data scientist with a Ph.D. in Statistics and over 5 years of professional experience transforming large data sets into actionable business insights. Developed predictive models that reduced costs by 20% annually. Expert in machine learning, R, Python, and SQL, with a strong publication record in data analytics.

Front-end Developer

Creative front-end developer proficient in HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript along with modern frameworks such as React and Angular. Delivered over 30 high-quality, responsive web applications, enhancing user engagement by up to 50%. Committed to optimizing web functionalities that improve data retrieval and workflow efficiency.

Back-end Developer

Skilled back-end developer with extensive experience in Node.js, Ruby on Rails, and database management. Designed and implemented robust API solutions for mobile banking applications that serve over 500,000 users nationally. Focus on writing clean, maintainable code that adheres to industry standards.

Systems Analyst

Detail-oriented systems analyst with 10+ years in IT solutions, specializing in optimizing complex business processes through innovative software solutions. Led a team that automated data processing for a Fortune 500 company, reducing manual errors by 95%. Expert in systems architecture and integration with a firm grasp of both technical and business perspectives.

IT Director

Strategic IT director with over 15 years of experience managing IT operations and large-scale technology projects in multinational corporations. Developed IT strategies that aligned with corporate growth objectives and delivered a 30% reduction in IT operational costs through streamlined cloud adoption and vendor negotiations.

UX/UI Designer

Creative UX/UI designer with 6 years of experience designing intuitive and visually appealing mobile applications and websites. Increased user satisfaction rates by 40% through research-driven design improvements. Expert in Adobe Creative Suite and Sketch, with a strong understanding of user-centered design principles.

Cloud Architect

Certified Cloud Architect with extensive experience in designing and deploying scalable, secure cloud infrastructure tailored to enterprise needs. Successfully migrated 100+ applications to AWS, achieving a 20% improvement in performance and a significant reduction in server downtime.

DevOps Engineer

Highly efficient DevOps engineer with proven expertise in automating deployments using Jenkins, Docker, and Kubernetes, reducing deployment times by over 70%. Strong in scripting languages and known for implementing robust CI/CD pipelines that streamline development cycles and enhance collaboration across software development teams.

Resume summaries for marketing, communications, and advertising

Your summary should reflect your creativity, strategic insight, and successes in marketing campaigns. Note your proficiency with digital marketing tools and platforms, your ability to analyze market trends, and how you convert these insights into actionable marketing strategies. Mention specific marketing campaigns you’ve led and the growth they led to.

Marketing Manager

Dynamic Marketing Manager with over 7 years of experience significantly increasing customer engagement and brand visibility in competitive markets. Led cross-channel marketing campaigns that resulted in a 25% increase in qualified leads. Proficient in analytics tools and strategic planning, ensuring ROI maximization.

Brand Manager

Innovative Brand Manager specialized in transforming insights into actionable brand strategies. Developed branding campaigns for several multinational companies that increased the market share by up to 15%. Known for excellent communication and deep understanding of consumer behavior analysis.

Content Writer

Professional Content Writer with 5 years of experience crafting compelling content across various niches. Increased organic website traffic by 30% through SEO-optimized, engaging blog posts and articles. Possesses a sharp eye for detail and a strong passion for storytelling to capture and retain readers’ interest.

SEO Specialist

Dedicated SEO Specialist focused on boosting page rankings and enhancing online visibility. Successfully optimized multiple websites to achieve top rankings in search results and improve user engagement by 50%. Expert in keyword research, technical SEO, and content optimization strategies.

Social Media Manager

Strategic Social Media Manager adept at growing online communities and enhancing brand presence on platforms including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Designed viral marketing campaigns that increased follower interaction rates by over 40%. Skilled in content creation, data analytics, and social media advertising.

PR Specialist

Experienced PR Specialist known for executing impactful public relations strategies that enhance image and public perception. Orchestrated media coverage that improved brand awareness by 35%. Skilled in crisis management, event planning, and building strong media relations.

Content Strategist

Skilled Content Strategist with 8 years in developing content frameworks that align with company goals. Increased content engagement by 45% through tailored content calendars and strategic content partnerships. Expert in content auditing and utilizing insights to drive content innovation.

Product Marketing Manager

Results-oriented Product Marketing Manager with extensive experience in bringing new tech products to market, resulting in a 20% increase in product adoption. Excels at competitor analysis, market research, and creating targeted marketing strategies. Plays a pivotal role in product development cycles through voice-of-customer insights.

PR Manager with a decade of expertise in managing corporate communications and public relations strategies for Fortune 500 companies. Enhanced public narratives and preserved brand integrity during high-stakes communications. Strong leadership in team management and strategic media engagements.

Email Automation Specialist

Proficient Email Automation Specialist with a knack for creating targeted email campaigns that drive user engagement and conversion rates. Implemented automation strategies that increased email response rates by 25% and reduced churn by 10%. Experienced with various email marketing platforms and personalization techniques.

Resume summaries for engineering

Identify your engineering discipline and elaborate on key projects that demonstrate your expertise. Stress your role in developing solutions to technical challenges and mention any industry-specific software or methodologies you’re familiar with. Add certifications or professional memberships— these show your commitment to continuous improvement and staying up to date with new developments in the industry.

Electrical Engineer

Detail-oriented Electrical Engineer with over 6 years of experience in designing and implementing complex electrical systems for large-scale industrial projects. Played a key role in reducing energy consumption by 15% through innovative electrical solutions. Proficient in AutoCAD Electrical, MATLAB, and PLC programming.

Civil Engineer

Results-driven Civil Engineer specializing in urban infrastructure projects, including roads, bridges, and public transport systems. Led multidisciplinary teams to complete projects 20% ahead of schedule without compromising safety or quality. Expert in the application of civil engineering principles, environmental management, and regulatory compliance.

Automotive Engineer

Innovative Automotive Engineer with extensive experience in designing and refining vehicle systems for major automotive manufacturers. Enhanced vehicle performance and efficiency by implementing cutting-edge technologies resulting in a 25% improvement in fuel efficiency over past models. Skilled in CAD software, prototype development, and dynamics simulation.

Mechanical Engineer

Accomplished Mechanical Engineer with a robust background in designing HVAC and refrigeration systems for commercial and industrial facilities. Achieved significant cost savings through optimized design solutions, enhancing system efficiency by over 30%. Proven ability to manage projects from concept through execution.

Aerospace Engineer

Highly skilled Aerospace Engineer with expertise in aerodynamics, propulsion, and aircraft design. Contributed to major aerospace projects, including the design of lightweight materials that reduced aircraft weight by 10% while maintaining structural integrity. Adept in computational fluid dynamics and aerospace simulation software.

Environmental Engineer

Dedicated Environmental Engineer committed to advancing sustainable engineering solutions. Developed and implemented water treatment projects that improved potable water access to underserved communities by 50%. Known for expertise in environmental impact assessments, remediation strategies, and regulatory compliance.

Resume summaries for hospitality and food service

Emphasize your exceptional service skills, ability to manage high-volume operations, and your knack for creating memorable customer experiences. Mention any leadership roles, such as managing teams or training staff, and highlight any accolades or recognition you’ve earned.

Executive Chef

Highly creative Executive Chef with over 12 years of experience leading kitchen operations in Michelin-starred restaurants. Renowned for innovative menu development, resulting in a 30% increase in restaurant revenue and enhanced customer satisfaction. Specializes in French and Modern European cuisine, with a strong emphasis on using sustainable and locally sourced ingredients.

Dynamic Sous Chef skilled in managing kitchen staff and supporting the Executive Chef in a fast-paced culinary environment. Implemented efficiency protocols that reduced food waste by 20% and improved kitchen operation speed. Well-versed in a variety of cooking techniques and cuisines, with a passion for farm-to-table concepts.

Food Server

Personable and efficient Food Server with 6 years of experience in busy, high-end dining establishments. Known for excellent customer service and ability to handle dining customers under pressure, boosting customer tip satisfaction scores by 40%. Skilled in POS systems and fluent in Spanish, providing exceptional service to a diverse clientele.

Restaurant Manager

Proactive Restaurant Manager with a decade of managerial experience in overseeing operations, staff, and customer service for premium dining venues. Elevated guest experience through strategic workflow improvements, increasing repeat guest rates by 25%. Proficient in staff training, inventory management, and financial reporting.

Dedicated Line Cook with 5 years of experience in fast-paced kitchens. Praised for high-quality food preparation with a focus on consistency and sanitation standards. Reduced order preparation time by 15% without compromising food quality through effective mise-en-place and kitchen organization.

Friendly and enthusiastic Barista with over 3 years of experience in a bustling urban coffee shop setting. Certified in coffee brewing techniques, delivering top-quality, customized beverage orders that increased customer loyalty by 30%. Adept at latte art and knowledgeable about a wide range of coffee types and preparation methods.

Resume summaries for healthcare

Focus on your specialized healthcare skills and experiences. For instance, diagnostics, or healthcare management in nursing or complex case management for medical doctors. Detail how you have positively impacted patient care, citing examples like improving treatment protocols or patient satisfaction scores. Include any relevant certifications or specialized medical training.

Registered Nurse

Compassionate and detail-oriented Registered Nurse with over 7 years of experience in pediatric and emergency care. Known for providing exceptional patient care and maintaining high satisfaction levels among patients and families. Demonstrated leadership in managing patient care teams and contributing to a 20% improvement in clinical outcomes.

Physician Assistant

Dedicated Physician Assistant skilled in diagnosing and managing a wide range of acute and chronic medical conditions in a busy urban clinic. Adept at procedural skills including suturing, casting, and minor surgical procedures. Played a pivotal role in a project that cut patient wait times by 25%.

Medical Doctor

Board-certified Medical Doctor with 10 years of experience in internal medicine, specializing in managing complex cases involving multiple chronic conditions. Implemented an innovative care coordination program that reduced hospital readmissions by 30%. Committed to continuing education and integrating the latest evidence-based practices in patient care.

Physical Therapist

Dynamic Physical Therapist known for developing personalized rehabilitation programs that improve mobility, relieve pain, and enhance overall fitness. Achieved significant patient recovery outcomes, exceeding industry benchmarks by 40%. Specializes in sports injuries and post-operative care, with a focus on using manual therapy techniques and therapeutic exercise.

Detail-oriented Pharmacist with a strong background in retail and hospital settings, focusing on accurate dispensing and patient education. Implemented medication therapy management programs that improved patient compliance rates by 35%. Known for excellent communication skills and a proactive approach to drug safety.

Medical Lab Technician

Efficient Medical Lab Technician with expertise in running complex tests such as CBC, metabolic panels, and immunoassays. Known for maintaining precision under pressure, contributing to the accuracy and timeliness of thousands of diagnostic tests. Improved lab processes which enhanced workflow efficiency by 20%.

Healthcare Administrator

Strategic Healthcare Administrator with over 12 years of experience in managing hospital operations and enhancing healthcare delivery systems. Led initiatives that reduced operational costs while improving patient care services, achieving a 25% cost saving in three years. Strong leadership in policy development, staff management, and compliance with healthcare regulations.

Resume summaries for education

Demonstrate your expertise in specific subject areas or educational technologies, and describe your teaching philosophy. Add an overview of your experience in innovative teaching methods or contributions to curriculum development. Mention engagement techniques you have implemented that have measurably improved student learning outcomes or participation.

Classroom Teacher

Engaging Classroom Teacher with 8 years of experience in elementary education, specializing in developing innovative and interactive curricula that cater to diverse learning styles. Consistently praised for improving students’ academic performance and critical thinking skills through personalized instruction methods. Actively fosters a supportive and inclusive classroom environment.

School Principal

Visionary School Principal with 15 years of leadership experience in K-12 education settings. Successfully raised school performance ratings through strategic initiatives that enhanced academic programs and teacher professional development. Known for a strong commitment to student development, community engagement, and creating a culture of continuous improvement.

Academic Advisor

Dedicated Academic Advisor with over 5 years at a large university, specializing in guidance for undergraduate students in the humanities. Expert in developing holistic academic plans that boost student retention and success rates. Recognized for exceptional interpersonal skills and support in career planning and academic counseling.

Special Education Teacher

Compassionate Special Education Teacher with extensive experience designing personalized learning experiences for students with a range of disabilities. Proven track record in using differentiated instruction to significantly improve learning outcomes. Collaborates effectively with caregivers and multidisciplinary teams to promote students’ educational and social development.

ESL Teacher

Dynamic ESL Teacher skilled in enhancing English language comprehension for students of diverse linguistic backgrounds. Employed immersive learning techniques that increased students’ language proficiency by 50%. Expertise in curriculum development and culturally responsive teaching practices that engage and motivate learners.

Professional Tutor experienced in one-on-one assistance for students in mathematics and science subjects across middle and high school levels. Known for tailored tutoring approaches that break down complex concepts into understandable segments, leading to a 90% improvement rate in students’ test scores. Excels in creating adaptive learning strategies to meet individual student needs.

Resume summaries for business and finance

Lead with your financial expertise and analytical abilities. Mention specific instances where you have contributed to significant financial decisions, cost reductions, or revenue enhancement strategies. Include examples of financial modeling, compliance management, or investment strategies you’ve successfully employed.

Financial Analyst

Detail-oriented Financial Analyst with 6 years of experience in budget forecasting, financial modeling, and market trend analysis for Fortune 500 companies. Proven ability to develop strategic insights that have driven 15% year-over-year business growth. Expert in using advanced Excel functions and financial analysis software.

Experienced Accountant proficient in all aspects of financial accounting, including ledger processes and tax preparation for both small businesses and corporate clients. Redesigned the financial recording system, reducing annual audit times by 25% and improving financial accuracy. Highly skilled in QuickBooks and SAP.

Business Development Manager

Business Development Manager with over 8 years of experience in driving profitable growth via strategic partnerships, market expansion, and product innovation in the technology sector. Achieved an average of 20% revenue growth annually. Skilled in negotiation and cross-functional team leadership.

Investment Banker

Results-driven Investment Banker with expertise in mergers and acquisitions, capital raising, and financial restructuring within the healthcare industry. Played a key role in successful deals exceeding $500 million. Known for strong analytical skills and maintaining robust investor relations.

Bank Teller

Highly efficient Bank Teller with three years of experience in handling high-volume transactions in fast-paced banking environments. Commended for maintaining an error rate of less than 0.1% on transactions and consistently receiving positive customer feedback for service efficiency and professionalism.

Resume summaries for administrative and office jobs

Talk about your proficiency with a range of office management software and your experience in optimizing workflow and communication in office settings. Include specifics, such as any system implementations or administrative processes you’ve restructured that have enhanced office efficiency.

Administrative Assistant

Highly organized Administrative Assistant with over 5 years of experience supporting senior executives and managing office operations efficiently. Implemented office management procedures that increased operational efficiency by 30%. Proficient in a range of modern office software, including Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace.

Office Manager

Professional Office Manager with 10 years of experience overseeing daily administrative operations for a staff of 50+ in a fast-paced corporate environment. Excelled in streamlining administrative processes, reducing overhead costs by 20%, and improving employee retention through enhanced internal communications and support.

Executive Assistant

Detail-oriented Executive Assistant with extensive experience providing top-level support to C-suite executives. Known for excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage complex calendars and coordinate international travel. Led the reorganization of the executive scheduling system, increasing time management efficiency by 40%.

Receptionist

Welcoming Receptionist with over 3 years of experience in high-traffic office environments. Known for maintaining a friendly and professional demeanor while managing multiple front-desk duties. Successfully implemented a visitor management system that improved office security and visitor tracking.

Data Entry Clerk

Efficient Data Entry Clerk acclaimed for quick typing skills and accuracy in managing large volumes of data. Played instrumental role in digitizing historical records, achieving data input accuracy levels of 99.9%. Proficient with various database software, including Oracle and Microsoft Access.

Human Resources Assistant

Dedicated Human Resources Assistant skilled in assisting with the recruitment and onboarding process, managing employee records, and supporting payroll processing for over 200 employees. Contributed to developing employee wellness programs that improved staff morale and reduced turnover by 15%.

Office Clerk

Reliable Office Clerk with proficiency in managing general office tasks, including document filing, mail distribution, and record keeping. Enhanced document organization that resulted in a 50% quicker retrieval time. Strong communicator and adept at using all standard office equipment and software.

Resume summaries for warehousing and manufacturing

Focus on your hands-on experience with industry-specific machinery, inventory management systems, and productivity software. Highlight any process improvements or efficiency upgrades you’ve implemented. Stress the importance of safety standards you’ve enforced or introduced, reflecting your commitment to a safe and efficient work environment.

Machine Operator

Skilled Machine Operator with 5 years of experience in operating high-speed machinery and maintaining precision in a high-volume production environment. Recognized for exceeding production targets by 20% through efficiency improvements. Trained in safety protocols and machinery maintenance, reducing downtime by 15%.

Production Supervisor

Experienced Production Supervisor managing over 50 staff in a manufacturing plant. Implemented Lean manufacturing techniques that increased production efficiency by 25% and reduced waste by 30%. Strong leader with a proven track record in quality, safety management, and team development.

Forklift Operator

Certified Forklift Operator with a perfect safety record over 4 years in busy warehouse settings. Facilitated efficient material handling that supported seamless logistics operations, contributing to a 20% increase in shipping and receiving efficiency. Expert in various types of forklifts, including stand-up and sit-down models.

Quality Control Inspector

Detail-oriented Quality Control Inspector with extensive experience in the automotive industry, ensuring products meet rigorous standards. Enhanced inspection processes that improved product quality by 40% and significantly reduced the return rate. Proficient in statistical analysis and quality assurance software.

Warehouse Manager

Results-driven Warehouse Manager who has effectively managed operations for a 100,000 sq ft distribution center. Developed inventory control strategies that reduced inventory discrepancies by 90%. Successfully led a team in improving order fulfillment times by 25%, enhancing customer satisfaction.

Assembly Line Worker

Efficient Assembly Line Worker known for precision and speed in electronics assembly, consistently meeting high production targets. Played a key role in a team that achieved “Best Line Efficiency” for three consecutive years. Trained in continuous improvement techniques to enhance product throughput.

Maintenance Technician

Proactive Maintenance Technician with over 8 years of experience in maintaining industrial machinery and facility systems. Developed maintenance schedules that reduced unexpected machine downtime by over 50%. Skilled in troubleshooting, repair, and preventative maintenance across a variety of equipment types.

Resume summaries for human resources and recruitment

Detail your comprehensive skills in recruitment, personnel management, and corporate HR policies. Highlight successful recruitment drives or employee retention strategies you’ve designed. Include your experience with HR software and systems, and suggest how your efforts have directly influenced workplace culture and employee satisfaction.

Human Resources Manager

Strategic Human Resources Manager with 10 years of experience in leading HR functions, including talent management, performance appraisal, and organizational development for a workforce of over 500 employees. Engineered HR policies that increased employee retention by 25% and enhanced workplace culture, making the company recognized as one of the best places to work in the region.

Recruitment Specialist

Dynamic Recruitment Specialist with a strong track record in sourcing and hiring top talent in the tech industry. Developed recruitment strategies that reduced hiring time by 30% and consistently filled open positions with high-caliber candidates, achieving a 95% new hire retention rate over two years.

HR Coordinator

Organized HR Coordinator adept at supporting comprehensive HR operations, from payroll processing to benefits administration and employee onboarding. Introduced automated systems for tracking employee records and leave applications, improving department efficiency by 40% and enhancing data accuracy.

Talent Acquisition Manager

Innovative Talent Acquisition Manager specializing in building efficient recruiting pipelines in competitive sectors. Implemented cutting-edge sourcing techniques and candidate assessment tools that increased quality hires by 50% and significantly shortened hiring cycles by integrating advanced AI-driven screening processes.

Employee Relations Specialist

Skilled Employee Relations Specialist with 8 years of experience managing complex employee relations issues and maintaining positive workplace environments. Successfully mediated over 100 employee disputes and developed employee wellness programs that reduced absenteeism by 20% and boosted employee morale.

Human Resources Generalist

Versatile Human Resources Generalist proficient in managing diverse HR duties, from recruitment and onboarding to employee training and compliance with labor laws. Enhanced employee training participation by 70% through the introduction of flexible, web-based training modules tailored for different job roles.

Compensation and Benefits Manager

Expert Compensation and Benefits Manager who designs and administers employee compensation programs that align with organizational goals. Overhauled the total rewards strategy to incorporate performance incentives, which led to a 15% increase in employee productivity and satisfaction scores.

Tips for Optimizing Your Resume Summary

Before you submit your resume, review your resume summary, ensuring it uses keywords from the job description. Remove filler words and clichés. Replace those with strong verbs and measurable achievements. Customize your summary for each application to reflect the specific role and company culture. Write in the first person but don’t use pronouns.

Check your summary one last time before you hit “send.” Pay attention to these key areas.

Use keywords from the job description

Tailor your resume summary to the job you’re applying for by including keywords and phrases from the job description . This strategy is twofold: it helps your resume pass through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) that scan for specific terms related to the position, and it immediately shows the hiring manager that your qualifications align with what they’re seeking. Review the job posting carefully and mirror the language used—especially the skills and qualifications listed—as closely as you can without resorting to keyword stuffing.

Avoid “filler” words and generic phrases

Your resume summary should be as direct and potent as possible. Eliminate fluff words and overly used clichés like “hard-working,” “team player,” or “results-driven” unless you can back them up with specific, measurable examples within the summary itself. Instead, use active language and strong verbs to convey your accomplishments and value succinctly.

Update your resume summary for each application

While this can be time-consuming, customizing your resume summary for each role you apply for will significantly increase your chances of getting an interview. Different roles and companies have varying core focuses and values. Fine-tuning your summary to align with these demonstrates your interest in the position and your fit for the company culture.

Write in the first person without using pronouns

Maintain a personal touch by writing in the first person, but for a streamlined professional tone, omit the use of pronouns like “I,” “me,” or “my.” This helps save valuable space in your summary and focuses the attention on your skills and achievements rather than on yourself.

Here’s everything you need to know about writing resume summaries:

• Limit your resume summary to 3–4 sentences. This section serves as a highlight reel, not a detailed career history.
• Each sentence in the resume summary must have a purpose, from introducing your professional level to outlining your qualifications and setting the stage for the detailed experience on your resume.
• Customize your resume summary for each job application by using keywords from the job description.
• Include measurable achievements in your summary to prove your capabilities, for example, “increased sales by 25% in 1 year.”
• Focus on what you can offer the employer rather than what you seek to gain from the position. Highlight how your skills and experiences solve the company’s challenges.
• The goal of a resume summary is not just to introduce yourself, but to make a compelling case for why you’re the best fit for the job.

Thanks for reading! If you have any questions, please drop me a LinkedIn DM, always happy to help out with your resume. But first, check out what others frequently ask about below.

How to write a resume summary if I have no experience?

Focus on your skills, education, and the attributes you bring to a potential employer. Highlight academic achievements, coursework relevant to the job, volunteer work, internships, and any transferable skills that relate to the role. Be specific about what you can bring to the company. For example, if you are applying for a marketing position, mention any projects or clubs where you demonstrated promotional skills or teamwork.

How long should my resume summary be?

Keep your resume summary concise and to the point. Aim for about three to four sentences or 50–100 words. This is enough space to convey your key skills, experience, and what you can offer, without overwhelming the reader right at the start of your resume.

What to do when writing a resume summary, applying for a job in a new industry?

Research the industry and the specific job you’re applying for. Identify and list the key skills and qualifications required in the industry, and match these with your own experiences and strengths. Use industry-specific language to show you understand the field. Demonstrating your adaptability and how your previous experience is transferable is crucial here. Frame your existing skills as beneficial for the new role.

Is writing a resume summary mandatory?

Not technically mandatory, but highly recommended. A resume summary can effectively set the tone for your resume, highlight your most valuable skills, and make a strong first impression.

What are the worst resume summary mistakes?

Avoid vague and overly broad statements that could apply to almost anyone. Steer clear of clichés like “hard-working” and “team player” without providing specific examples. Overselling yourself or lying about your qualifications will also backfire. Grammatical errors, typos, and using a one-size-fits-all summary for every job application rather than tailoring it to each position also rank high in critical mistakes.

Michael Tomaszewski

Michael Tomaszewski, CPRW, is a resume and career advice expert with 7+ years of experience in the hiring industry. He has helped millions of readers and dozens of one-on-one clients create resumes and cover letters that *finally* do their talents and accomplishments justice.

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How to Write a Resume Summary That Stands Out

Published: Jun 18, 2024

In the competitive job market, making a strong first impression is crucial. One of the most effective ways to do this is through a compelling personal summary at the top of your resume. A personal summary, also known as a resume summary, is a brief statement that highlights your key skills, experiences, and career goals. It serves as a snapshot of your professional identity, giving employers a quick overview of who you are and what you bring to the table.

A well-crafted summary not only grabs recruiters’ attention but also sets the tone for the rest of your resume. Here are six actionable tips for making your summary stand out.

1. Tailor your summary to each job

Customize your resume summary for each job application. Carefully read the job description and identify the key skills and experiences the employer is looking for. Then, highlight these in your summary. This shows that you’ve taken the time to understand the role and align your qualifications with the employer’s needs. For example, if a job posting emphasizes teamwork and project management, ensure these qualities are prominent in your summary.

2. Showcase specific achievements

Rather than just listing your skills, provide specific examples of your achievements. Quantify these achievements wherever possible. For example, instead of writing, “Experienced in social media marketing,” you could write, “Increased social media engagement by 50% through strategic content creation and audience targeting.” This helps demonstrate your impact and value to potential employers.

3. Highlight transferable skills

Include skills that are important to target employers, even if they come from different experiences. Many skills are transferable across various roles and industries. Identify these skills in your summary to show your versatility. For example, communication, leadership, and problem-solving are valuable in many fields. Highlighting these can make you a more attractive candidate.

4. Use dynamic and specific language

Action verbs and strong adjectives can make your summary more dynamic and engaging. Words like “led,” “developed,” “managed,” and “innovative” help convey your proactive and results-oriented nature. Avoid generic phrases and be specific about what you’ve accomplished. For example, “Developed a new project management system that improved team efficiency by 30%” is more impactful than simply stating, “Project management skills.”

5. Show the benefits you bring to employers

Your personal summary should not only highlight your skills and achievements but also explain how they benefit potential employers. Think about what makes you unique and how your experiences can add value to the company. For example, “Passionate about using data analysis to drive business decisions, leading to more informed and strategic company growth.” This approach helps employers see the direct benefits of hiring you.

6. Be specific

Avoid generic statements that could apply to anyone. Be specific about your skills and experiences to stand out. While it’s important to use industry-relevant terms, avoid overloading your summary with jargon that might confuse the reader. Employers are more interested in what you’ve achieved rather than just what you were responsible for. Highlight the impact of your specific actions to show your genuine interest and fit for the position.

Andrew Fennell is the founder and director of StandOut CV , a leading CV builder and careers advice website. He is a former recruitment consultant and contributes careers advice to publications like Business Insider, The Guardian, and The Independent.

Resume Summary with No Experience: Examples for Students and Fresh Graduates

By Biron Clark

Published: December 18, 2023

Recent Grads | Resume/CV

Biron Clark

Writer & Career Coach

If you’re looking for how to write a summary for your resume with no work experience , you’ve come to the right place. I’m going to walk you through exactly what to do, and then we’ll look at resume summary examples for entry-level job seekers, students and fresh graduates. 

How to Write a Summary For Your Resume With No Experience:

First, a resume summary is different than an objective . And it’s much better. Putting an objective on your resume is outdated and unnecessary. Resume objectives are useless because they don’t share anything the hiring manager doesn’t already know (such as “my goal is to obtain a position in the ___ industry”). So what we’re doing here is better and will help your resume stand out from people who simply put an objective. Whereas, the resume summary gives a quick highlight reel of your qualifications, education, and more. If you’re not sure what a resume summary actually is, check out this article on 10 resume summary examples . And while it’s easier to figure out what to put if you’ve built up some work experience, you can still write an effective resume summary with no work experience whatsoever.

So in this article, I’m going to show you how. What should go into your summary when you don’t have any work experience? 

1. Put academic accomplishments and leadership

What did you study? Did you just graduate with a degree? Mention that. If you took a leadership role in your class projects, or clubs/groups at your school, you can mention that too. Leadership doesn’t need to be in a job to get the hiring manager’s attention! Taking a leadership role in a sports environment is impressive as well. You’re not going to mention specific accomplishments in your resume summary usually (you can do that later in your resume), but you can say things like “proven leadership” or “natural leader”, etc.

2. Put your interests and passions

Are you passionate about startups and technology? Great, put that. Want to make a difference in the world, and focus your career on social impact? Mention that. This can include the grades you received, but also leadership positions you led, and clubs/groups you participated in.

3. Put “hard” skills

If you’re proficient in any tools, technologies, etc… you can include that in your resume summary. Don’t list 20 things. That’s what your “Skills” section is for. But pick the three or four things that are most relevant for the job you’re applying for.

Coming up in this article, we’re going to look at two resume summary examples for people with no experience. .. and in the second example, you’ll see how this would look.

4. Include soft skills

Are you great at analytical thinking? Do you love working as a part of a team? Are you great at multi-tasking and handling a fast-paced team environment? While these shouldn’t be the main focus of your resume summary section, they can be worth mentioning. It’s especially good to include soft skills that you see mentioned in the job description.

For example, if you see they mention wanting someone who’s great at multi-tasking in a fast-paced environment, and you feel that describes you well, then your resume summary is the perfect place to include this.

5. Put statements that will grab the employer’s interest and make them want to ask you questions!

If you mention leadership they’ll want to ask you more about your leadership experiences. That’s a good thing. Remember, whatever you put, they’ll probably ask you about. So as you write your summary for your resume, try to think about what you want them to discuss with you, and what you want a chance to talk about. And try to “tailor” your resume to fit the companies you’re applying to. If you’re applying to large corporations don’t start your summary by saying “Startup enthusiast”.

3 Resume Summary Example for Students, Fresh Graduates and Entry-Level Job Seekers:

In this section, I’m going to share three examples of how to write a summary for your resume with no experience. You can use these resume summary examples as a student, entry-level job seeker, or any job search where you don’t have experience:

Resume Summary with No Experience – Example #1: Economics Student

Enthusiastic, highly-motivated Economics student with proven leadership capabilities, who likes to take initiative and seek out new challenges.

In this example above, you’re showing that you completed your Economics degree and have an interest in the subject, and you’re mentioning leadership and making the reader want to learn more about this. You’re also making yourself sound ambitious and motivated at the end, which is always a good thing (I’m referring to the part that says “who likes to take initiative and seek out new challenges). Notice the format too. This is how I recommend phrasing it. Don’t say “I am a ___”. Just start with the descriptive words.

This is a simple yet effective resume summary example for students OR recent graduates.

Resume Summary with No Experience – Example #2: Fresh Graduate in Computer Science

Computer Science graduate passionate about data engineering and machine learning. Highly-capable leader, having led multiple Senior class projects to completion. Proficient in a range of modern technologies including Python, Java and Scala.

This is another good example of a student or fresh graduate resume summary that still shows your skills and academic focus, even if you have no formal work experience.  In this entry-level resume summary example, you’re highlighting accomplishments and leadership as a student and you’re also showing that you’re passionate about your work. Saying you’re passionate about data engineering is much better than just saying, “Looking for a job in data engineering.” They’ll know you’re looking for jobs because you applied. Taking up space to say it is a bad use of this area of your resume, and is why I never recommend having a resume “Objective” section. The summary exists instead of an “Objective” and is much better.

The example above also included some great programming keywords (Python, Java, Scala) to help get past any automated application systems and grab the hiring manager’s attention very quickly when they first look at your resume. If you work with any tools or technologies that have names like these, you can include it in your entry-level resume summary if you’d like. Other examples of tools/technologies: Photoshop, MS Excel, etc.

If you decide not to include these on your resume summary, make sure to include them elsewhere such as your Education or Skills section .

Resume Summary Example with No Experience #3: Math Student Graduating Soon

4th year mathematics student passionate about statistics and data analysis. Proven project leader. Active member of Boston University’s Mathematics Club. Speaker at 2018 “New York Young Mathematicians Conference.”

This resume summary example for students shows how you can list accomplishments even if you’ve never formally worked before. Did you participate in any clubs at school? Have you led any class projects? These are impressive pieces you can add to your resume summary with no experience formally working. 

How to Write a Resume Summary For Students/Fresh Graduates – Quick Recap

• Skip buzzwords like “hard-working” and put real academic accomplishments instead, like projects you produced and tasks you led
• Include what you’re interested in and passionate about to show them why you are applying for this position
• Mention hard skills like “Java Programming” or “Excel,”  especially if they’re listed on the job description
• Include soft skills as well like, “excellent at multi-tasking”, especially if you saw these keywords anywhere on the job description
• Include statements in your resume summary that will catch the employer’s interest and make them want to talk with you and ask you more. Remember – the entire goal of your resume is to get invited to interview. So if you did anything unique like giving presentations, working in an internship , participating in a school club, etc., you can include this in your entry-level resume summary.

If you follow the tips above, you’ll have a great entry-level resume summary that will stand out and catch a recruiter’s or hiring manager’s attention so you can get more interviews.

After you write your entry-level resume summary, here are two more articles that may be helpful when job searching with no experience:

• The best times of year to job search
• How to create a great elevator pitch for job hunting

About the Author

Read more articles by Biron Clark

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This site was pretty helpful in guiding me throughout my school resume, would love other tips would do well.

This is a great guide. If only schools were actually interested in teaching children real life skills like this.

Hi, I am a student who has been finding it very difficult to make resumes due to the lack of working experience. I am currently trying to find a job while studying at the same time. I am in University completing a certificate and will soon be applying for a BA in Psychology and Criminolgy. However, I wish to apply for a part time job in the fashion industry. Can you please leave me some tips about what I can do to ensure that I can find a job without needing experience.

Your page has really helped, Thank you.

Hi, I’m a job seeker with 2 years experience working as a cart collector at grocery store and an Associate’s Degree in Computer Information Systems, is this a good professional summary?: “Reliable team member with a keen interest in information technology and other applications. Capable of handling multiple projects within deadlines. Eager to apply my professional and academic background as an Administrative Assistant at Bogdan Contracting.”

I’ve been job seeking since October 2018, I’m hoping I can start a career in tech support as soon as possible.

Hi Marcais,

I think it sounds pretty good. My least favorite part is the first word, though. “Reliable” sounds pretty average/boring. Sure, you show up, do your job, etc. That’s what I think when I hear “reliable”. But not much more.

I’d look for a better word to lead off with.

I would like to say thank you for making this article about writing a summary for a resume. For the past couple of months, I have been struggling to find someone who can help me with that because I don’t have a lot of experience in my field (i.e. engineering). I do have one question though. Is it appropriate to use first-person nouns in the summary section? I have seen people do that, but I find it quite odd.

Please let me know as soon as you can. Thank you.

Hi Frances,

I’d avoid saying, “I” if that’s what you’re asking.

Just say “Led team of 7 people to accomplish ___”

Just start without a pronoun.

Another example: “Highly-accomplished accounting professional who has ____”

Comments are closed.

How to Write a Resume Summary (With 5 Examples)

As a job seeker in today's job market , your resume is the ticket to securing interviews. However, hiring managers get many job applications and have a mere 7 seconds to spend on each resume. So, this single document is your chance to leave an impression on them.

And this is where the resume summary takes centre stage. It piques the curiosity of hiring managers and encourages them to learn more about you. A resume summary sits at the top of your resume. It is like a teaser, offering a glimpse of your professional identity.

But what makes for an effective resume summary? And what should it contain to capture the hiring manager's attention?

In this article, we will understand what a good resume summary should look like. We will outline the key elements, and provide you with resume summary examples to guide you in creating a compelling one. You'll also learn what to do and what to avoid when crafting your resume summary.

What is a Resume Summary?

Understanding your target audience when writing a resume summary, key elements of a resume summary statement, writing a compelling resume summary, 5 professional resume summary examples, tailoring your resume summary to different industries, tips for optimising your resume summary for applicant tracking systems (ats).

• The Dos and Don'ts of Professional resume Summary Writing

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

A resume summary is a short paragraph highlighting your relevant experience, relevant skills and your professional achievements. In short, the summary of a resume is like a quick preview of your past accomplishments.

The goal is to make the hiring manager want to read more about you, increasing your chances of landing your dream job. A good resume summary highlights your qualities and achievements right at the beginning. This shows the hiring managers that you are a good fit for the job position. It gives them a solid reason to consider hiring you.

A professional resume summary is often mistaken for a resume objective. A resume summary emphasises the skills and experiences that match the job you're applying for. While a resume objective outlines the position you seek and your career goals.

Various professionals may review your resume. This includes hiring managers, individuals in human resources, potential employers, and recruiters. Write a resume summary that aligns with their broader expectations for better odds.

This involves understanding the employer's expectations. Recognise the relevant skills and qualifications they seek in the people and i dentify what the company values in terms of abilities and relevant experience.

By doing this you ensure the resume summary resonates with your potential employer's preferences. This makes your application more compelling.

The length of a resume summary

When writing a resume summary statement, remember to keep it concise yet impactful. It should capture the reader's attention fast and should be 3 to 5 sentences long.

The structure of a resume summary

A well-structured resume summary follows a logical flow. It begins with a strong opening statement that generally has your qualifications summary. Follow this with a brief overview of your skills and achievements. And conclude it with a clear statement emphasising what you bring to the role.

The tone and style of a resume summary

The tone and style of a resume summary are key to making a lasting impression. Avoid casual language or jargon. Instead, opt for clear, action-oriented language that conveys confidence. Keep your tone professional, positive and engaging. The style should be consistent with the rest of your resume.

The use of keywords in a resume summary

Identify the relevant keywords from the job ad and weave them into your summary. This enhances your chances of getting past the initial screening.

Creating an engaging career summary can help you get your dream job. Write a resume summary with an attention-grabbing opening that intrigues the reader.

Next, add about your current job title, core skills and achievements. Mention the skills that closely match the job requirements. To make your past accomplishments more impactful, use numbers and data.

Additionally, communicate what sets you apart. Highlight any unique experiences you own. Also, avoid using vague language or including details that don't relate to the job.

With these tips in mind, develop an effective resume summary that proves you're the best fit for the job.

Looking to start writing your own resume summary? Here are some professional summary examples you can use as reference.

College student resume summary example

Dedicated college student majoring in Computer Science. Driven to apply academic knowledge, a creative mindset, and a strong work ethic to excel in the technology industry. Skilled in programming, data analysis and the ability to adapt to new challenges. Excited to contribute to XYZ Tech, while gaining valuable experience to support future career goals.

Entry-level job seekers resume summary example

Motivated and enthusiastic recent graduate with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration. Strong foundation in business principles, including marketing, finance, and operations. Solid understanding of data analysis and proficiency in Microsoft Excel. Proven ability to work in team environments, with excellent interpersonal skills. Eager to contribute to a dynamic organisation and kickstart a successful career in the business field.

Receptionist resume summary example

Experienced receptionist with strong communication skills and a welcoming demeanour. Proven track record of efficiently managing front desk tasks, including greeting visitors, handling calls, and scheduling appointments. Adept at maintaining a professional and organised office environment. Seeking to contribute expertise in ensuring a positive and smooth guest experience.

Data analyst resume summary example

An experienced data analyst with a talent for translating complex data into actionable insights. Skilled at providing data-driven solutions resulting in a 15% increase in business performance. Proficient in utilising data visualisation tools to present findings, contributing to a 25% improvement in data understanding. Excited to apply analytical skills and contribute to the success of the organisation.

Executive assistant resume summary example

An executive assistant with a track record of providing support to C-suite executives. Expertise in managing complex schedules, coordinating high-level meetings, and maintaining confidentiality of sensitive information. Known for strong organisational and communication skills, ensuring seamless executive office operation.

If these samples are helpful to you, you can also check out these great resume templates .

Each industry has different needs and expectations. Understanding these requirements is crucial. It positions you as a well-prepared job seeker.

Adapting your resume summary involves aligning your qualifications with the specific industry's needs. It ensures that you highlight the most relevant aspects of your background that directly relate to the job you seek. This customisation increases your chances of standing out as the right person for the role.

Examples of industry-specific resume summaries

• For healthcare roles, a resume summary may highlight patient care skills and relevant certifications.
• In the technology field, you could showcase programming languages and project achievements.
• In finance, your resume summary can include financial analysis and risk management skills.
• In the culinary industry, a resume summary may spotlight culinary skills and achievements.
• For engineering roles, it could showcase expertise in specific engineering projects and innovations.
• In the education sector, it might highlight teaching methodologies and classroom achievements.

Writing industry-specific summaries will make you a more relevant and competitive job seeker.

Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are automated tools used by employers during the initial resume screening. ATS scans resumes for keywords and criteria set by the employer to filter suitable talent.

To make your resume summary ATS-friendly, analyse the job posting to identify important keywords and phrases. These could include technical skills, job-specific terms, and qualifications. Then blend these keywords into your professional summary, ensuring a natural flow and readability. This approach aligns your resume summary with the job. It also helps ATS recognise your qualifications, increasing your chances for further review.

Use headings such as "Summary" or "Professional Summary" so that the ATS identifies it with ease. Save your resume in PDF or .doc formats to ensure your resume is processed by various ATS software.

The Dos and Don'ts of Professional Resume Summary Writing

A professional resume summary statement is key in making you stand out. Below, you'll find a list of Dos and Don'ts to guide you in crafting a professional summary.

• Tailor to the specific role: Align your summary with the job description. Emphasise the skills and experiences that make you a strong fit.
• Use quantifiable achievements: Include specific numbers and metrics to illustrate your accomplishments. An example: “increased sales by 30%.”
• Keep it concise: Limit your resume summary to 3 to 5 powerful sentences. Ensure they capture the essence of your achievements and qualifications.
• Utilise industry keywords: Include relevant keywords from the job listing to make it ATS-friendly.
• Maintain professional tone: Write a resume summary with a professional and positive tone, focusing on what you can offer to the employer.
• Highlight your value proposition: Clearly articulate what makes you unique and how you can contribute to the company's success.
• Use proper grammar and spelling: Edit and proofread to ensure your resume summary is free from grammatical and spelling errors.
• Don't write in the first person: Are you unsure about using the first or third person for your resume summary? Then here's a simple rule: Always use the third person.
• Don't be too generic: Avoid using vague sentences when writing a career summary statement as it can lead to missed opportunities. Craft an effective, specific resume summary to make yourself stand out to the hiring manager.
• Don't include personal information. Avoid personal details such as your age, marital status, or photographs in your professional summary. Focus on professional qualifications and experiences.
• Don't include irrelevant information: A good resume summary should focus on the experiences and skills. So don't write anything that is not pertinent to the job position.
• Don't use a one-size-fits-all approach: Tailor the resume summary section for each job title to avoid using the same one for all.

A professional resume summary is your first opportunity to say, "I'm the one you're looking for." A well-written resume summary is more than words. It's your professional identity in a nutshell, and it can open doors to exciting career opportunities.

Remember, a strong resume summary sets the stage for a successful job application. Invest the time and effort to craft one that leaves a lasting positive impression.

• What is the ideal length of a resume summary? ⁠Resume summary statements are typically 3 to 5 sentences long. Keep it brief and provide a qualifications summary to grab the hiring manager's attention. ⁠
• Should I include my resume objective in my resume summary? ⁠No, you should not include your resume objective in your resume summary. ⁠A resume summary highlights your qualifications, relevant job experience, skills and accomplishments. But, a resume objective statement focuses on your personal career goals and what you aspire to achieve in the job. ⁠ ⁠Including your resume objective in the resume summary could confuse potential employers. So it is best to keep them separate on your resume. ⁠
• How do I tailor my resume summary to different job postings? ⁠To tailor your resume for different jobs, read the job ad thoroughly. Focus on matching the skills, using the right keywords and highlighting your achievements. Create unique resume summaries for each job ad to improve your chances of getting interviews. ⁠
• Can I use the same resume summary for different job applications? ⁠No. It is not recommended to use the same resume summary for different job applications. Each position may have unique requirements and preferences. Hence it is advisable to personalise your resume depending on the job you are applying for. ⁠
• How do I make my resume summary stand out from the competition? ⁠To make your resume summary stand out from other job applicants, highlight what makes you unique. Emphasise specific skills, past accomplishments, and experiences. Use numbers to quantify your achievements. Also add the right keywords from the job posting to align with the job's requirements. ⁠
• Why is a professional summary important in a resume? ⁠A professional summary in your resume offers a quick overview of your key skills and relevant job experience. Its primary purpose is to help the hiring manager quickly grasp why you're a strong fit for the job. Crafting a good professional summary sets a positive tone for your resume. It also increases your chance of securing job interviews. ⁠
• Should you write your complete professional experience in the resume summary? ⁠No, a well written resume summary should be concise. It should offer a quick snapshot of your qualifications. Extensive details belong in the later sections of your resume.

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Resume summary examples

The first challenge in writing an interview-winning resume is crafting a powerful summary that will catch the eye of busy recruiters.

It can be difficult to cram all of your experience and knowledge into a short paragraph after all.

To help you out, we’ve provided 10 real-life resume summary examples from our users (from all industries and experience-levels) that have been used to bag tons of job interviews.

Check them out and start creating your own wining resume today!

Resume templates 

Retail resume summary example

Tips for writing a good retail resume summary

• Keep it short and sweet at just three or four sentences that highlight your top retail skills and experience – this will be just enough to catch the eye of busy hiring managers.
• Retail roles can be competitive, so use facts and figures to showcase your value, such as sales figures or customer satisfaction metrics.
• Use retail-specific action verbs throughout your resume summary to give more detail about your retail abilities, for example , promoted, sold, organized, assisted
• Sell yourself! If you work in retail, you need to be able to sell goods to consumers, so think of your resume summary as a sales pitch. It’s a way to sell yourself to employers, and the language you use should be persuasive and engaging
• Highlight the types of products you’ve sold or the brands you’ve worked with in the past, to give retail employers a rounded picture of your career

Administrator

Tips for writing a good administrator resume summary

• If you have any admin-specific qualifications , be sure to highlight these in your summary, for example, if you are a Certified Administrative Professional (CAP)
• Remember, this is your elevator pitch; your chance to introduce yourself, so write persuasively and don’t be afraid to sell yourself
• Use facts and figures to show how your admin abilities stack up against the competition. For example how many years of experience do you have? Or how many colleagues have you supported in past roles?
• Be specific about any admin-related software you can use, listing any relevant tools you are proficient in, such as Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, or Dropbox – employers love to see candidates who can hit the ground running.

Quick tip: Choose from hundreds of pre-written summaries across all industries, and add one to your resume with one click in our quick-and-easy Resume Builder . All written by our recruitment experts and easily tailored to suit your unique skillset.

Customer Service

Tips for writing a good customer service resume summary

• Be sure to highlight your most relevant experienc e, including the types of companies you have worked for and the customer service work you have carried out.
• Give high-level examples of what you can offer to potential employers , such as keeping customers happy, making sales, or reducing refunds and complaints – all of these things are important to businesses.
• Customer service qualifications can boost your application, for example, if you have help desk certifications, client service specialist certification (CCSS), or similar
• Use customer service-related skills to make your resume summary stand out, e.g. advised, sold, resolved and increased.
• Name drop any popular customer service platforms you are proficient in, such as POS systems, Zendesk or Help Scout, especially if these are outlined in the job description

Tips for writing a good education resume summary

• Every teaching environment is different, so it’s important that you tailor your summary to the specific kindergarten, high school, or college you’re applying to, by highlighting the skills and experience they are looking for.
• Use teaching-specific action verbs to help showcase your skills and demonstrate what you’ve accomplished in past roles, e.g. planned, supported, encouraged
• You only have a few seconds to impress the recruiter, so keep your education summary brief (3-5 sentences maximum) Do this by keeping the information high-level and saving the detail for your work experience section.
• Qualifications are crucial for teaching, so be sure to highlight your most relevant qualifications , be that your college degree or a state-sanctioned teacher education program.

Accounting and Finance

Tips for writing a good accounting and finance resume summary

• Accounting and finance roles require a meticulous skillset, so carefully echo the specific skills listed in the job descriptions you are applying for, for example budgeting, taxation, or forecasting.
• Your job is a numbers game, so be sure to quantify top achievements like how much money you have saved companies, or how many clients you are capable of managing.
• Be specific about the accounting software you are proficient in, particularly if the employer has listed it in the job description; some popular examples that employers like to see are Xero, QuickBooks, and Sage
• But be careful to avoid using jargon and acronyms that might have been exclusive to your past/current firm , as these may be confusing and possibly have no meaning to an outsider – do your research and only include widely-used terms.

Tips for writing a good healthcare resume summary

• The healthcare industry is a highly regulated sector, so include the essential certifications that are required for your role – if hiring managers don’t see the right away, they might skip past your resume.
• Showcase your key achievements with numbers to seal the deal, for example, how many patients you helped daily or how you helped cut medical costs or wastage in previous jobs.
• Give details of your current medical position, clinical experiences, residencies, or fellowships that you believe are the most relevant and impressive to the role
• Many employers in large healthcare organizations rely on ATSs, so be sure to optimize your summary with keywords from the job description, for example, administering, medication, care plans, diagnosing – to ensure your resume gets through to a human.
• Qualifications are understandably important in healthcare, so highlight your most relevant qualification , be that a college degree, doctorate, or a specific qualification like a Certified Medical Assisting certification.

Construction

Tips for writing a good construction resume summary

• Keep your summary short and sweet at just a few sentences that highlight your top construction skills and experience in the industry – lengthy summaries might not be read in full by busy recruiters.
• Ask yourself which achievements are the best to showcase your construction skills and highlight these in your summary, for example, giving details of impressive construction projects you’ve worked on , or well-known employers you have worked for.
• Competition can be stiff in the construction industry, so stand out by quickly h ighlighting the essential skills for the job , skills like project management and trade-specific skills
• Translate your achievements into numbers to show your value; for example, include figures such as the number of workers you oversee, typical project budgets, or simply years of experience you have.
• You want your summary to be powerful, so use construction-related action verbs such as scheduled, constructed, and completed, to grab attention.

IT (Information Technology)

Tips for writing a good IT resume summary

• Be specific about your experience by highlighting the types of hardware, software, and systems you are proficient in – this will help recruiters pinpoint the right roles for you.
• Review the job description and highlight the keywords that will quickly grab the recruiter’s attention – then ensure that you include these keywords in your summary.
• IT roles require a strong set of tech and non-tech skills , so be sure to include a mixture of both; for example, you might be a whizz at developing JavaScript applications, but also have strong communication and project management skills.
• Show the employer how you can benefit them, by quantifying your achievements . For example, giving detail on the typical size and budget of the projects you work on, or how you’ve helped companies increase revenue.
• Tech roles can also be competitive, so highlight any qualifications you have that could help you stand out, such as being a Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) or AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner.

Junior or Student

Tips for writing a good junior/student resume summary

• When applying for junior/student positions , you might not have as much experience to shout about, so highlight your achievements from school, college , volunteering, job-shadowing personal-projects, or anything else.
• Showcase any transferable skills that you have gained that could be valuable in the workplace . Skills like communication, software knowledge, flexibility, and organization. Always check the job description to see which skills are important to the employer.
• Be sure to include any accomplishments that are impressive or relevant; these could be double majors , awards, student honors, or standout grades that show you are ambitious and hard-working
• You should keep this section short and succinct , and in order to help the recruiter recognize you’re a good fit for the role quickly – they often see hundreds of resume per day, so you need to get their attention within seconds.

Project Manager resume

Tips for writing a good project manager resume summary

• Show recruiters what kind of project manager you are by summarizing the type of projects you have led (IT, Finance, Change etc.) the industries, you have worked in, and the benefits your projects deliver, e.g. saving costs, increasing productivity etc.
• Give quantified examples of past achievements , being specific about the size of the projects you’ve worked on, duration, financial value, and deliverables.
• Share key figures , such as years of experience you have as a project manager, number of projects you’ve worked on, budgets, and team-size managed
• Avoid overused cliche phrases and buzzwords from the industry, such as go-getter, best of breed, synergy, and dynamic

How to write a resume summary

Your resume summary is your elevator pitch and your introduction to a hiring manager or potential employer.

It is a professional summary that describes your key experience, skills, qualifications, and achievements.

But with just a few seconds to grab the reader’s attention, it needs to be engaging.

Here’s how to nail it.

Tailor to your target jobs

It’s vital that you tailor your resume towards the jobs you are applying for, starting with your resume summary. You need to make sure the experience, skills, and qualifications you include are highly relevant to the position you’re applying to.

Tailoring your summary in this way makes it much quicker and easier for the recruiter to see you’ve got what it takes and makes them much more likely to notice you.

In order to tailor your resume effectively, you need to do your research and identify the most relevant keywords from the job descriptions you are targeting;  then you can then include these in your summary to ensure you look suitable.

Keep it brief

You’ve heard the old adage, less is more, and this is also true of your resume summary.

Recruiters and hiring managers are often pushed for time, so will spend just a few seconds on an initial scan of your resume, before deciding whether they should invest any more time in it. So, your resume summary needs to make an impact quickly.

You want your introduction to be short and pithy, keeping it to just three or four key sentences long – on short paragraph format .

This can feel tough, but you need to select your key skills, experience, qualifications, and achievements carefully to ensure you only include the most impressive and relevant information.

Describe the impact you make

You need to show hiring managers and potential employers what you can do for them and the impact you can have on their business. Ultimately, this is all that matters to them.

The best way to do this is to give some high level examples of impact you have made in previous roles . For example, maybe you are great at bringing new customers on board and increasing sales, or perhaps you are a whizz at improving IT systems that save your colleagues time and money.

Avoid clichés

Finally, you need to be careful not to stuff your resume summary with overused buzzwords, cliches, or jargon. Not only is this boring, but cliché phrases don’t tell readers anything factual about you.

Instead of saying you are a “ hard-working team player who thinks outside the box” , give tangible examples of your skills, experience and knowledge.

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Writing a Resume Summary Statement

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What is a summary statement?

A well-written summary acts as a strong opening statement that calls out a few top skills and accomplishments, and can clue the reader into core strengths that they will likely see repeated throughout a resume. A summary statement can be 2-3 sentences, focuses on top skills, and is tailored to the roles you are seeking.

Summary statement reads: Trend savvy Information Science major with 2 years’ experience in retail and consistent record of advancement to leadership positions. Passionate about creating compelling social media content that increases customer engagement and drives website traffic and sales. Data-driven with experience adapting to virtual business needs.

Brainstorming Your Summary Statement

• What are three to four things you want to communicate that might make a dif ference for you as a candidate?
• How can you show a connection between what you’ve done in the past and what you can offer in the future if hired?
• What transferrable skills can you demonstrate that tie together experiences that don’t seem related?
• Are there keywords or skills that you see repeated in job descriptions that you can incorporate?

Summary Statement Do’s & Don’ts

More Summary Statement Examples

• Moctar wants to highlight his campus engagement experience to apply to positions in marketing.

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• Jeremy’s summary statement communicates his technical skills and customer service experience to be a standout for IT positions.
• Hannah’s summary shows off how her communication skills and education will be a great match for working with children in healthcare settings.

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• CV and Cover Letter
• 27 great CV summary examples...

27 great CV summary examples to get hired

15 min read · Updated on April 19, 2024

Draw your readers in and leave them wanting more!

Every CV needs a great professional summary. But what exactly is it and how do you write one? This guide will give you the lowdown on how to go about it, along with 27 CV summary examples to cover pretty much every eventuality, across an array of industries and titles.

What is a professional summary?

A professional summary is an overview of your experience , qualifications, achievements , and skills that proves you're the right fit for the job. It's your first introduction to the hiring manager or recruiter, so it needs to hook them in, giving them a compelling reason to read the rest of your CV - and hopefully invite you to interview!

On average, a hiring manager will spend about 6 seconds on the first scan of your CV, so your summary needs to make an impact from the get-go. Therefore, it should contain your most compelling selling points, presented in alignment with the requirements of the role you're applying for.

Where should I place the professional summary?

The summary should be placed at the top of your CV, directly under your name and contact details, so it's the first thing a hiring manager reads. Remember, you need to grab attention from the start, so the most important information about you should be in the top third of the first page.

What should my professional summary look like?

Don't be tempted to write a long, detailed professional summary - it's called a summary for a reason! A solid wall of text, or several paragraphs, can be off-putting - especially when the recruiter is skimming through to get a flavour of the applicant before moving on to the next CV.

As a general guide, 4-6 sentences is plenty. A professional summary is usually no more than 100 words or 5-6 lines. Use a standard, sans-serif font - they're easiest to read on a screen, as well as looking clean and modern - and make sure the font size isn't uncomfortably small. You can bullet-point the summary if you prefer, but a short paragraph is more conventional.  

Normally, a professional summary for a corporate role would be written in the silent third person e.g. “ specialises in payroll administration.” If you find this style too awkward or impersonal, first-person summaries are increasingly accepted such as, “ I specialise in payroll administration ,” but they're not standard practice quite yet.

Top tip: Add a header - either “Professional Summary” or “Professional Profile” - in the same style as the other headers on your CV. Clear headers are important as they allow the ATS to categorise the information it receives.

How do I start writing a professional summary?

It helps if the rest of the CV is written before starting the summary. It may sound counterintuitive, as the summary goes at the beginning, but by writing the bulk of the CV first, you'll have spent time analysing your relevant skills, responsibilities, and achievements, so will have a better idea of where your strengths lie and what you want to emphasise.

Highlight key requirements from the job advert that are applicable. These are the points you want to use in your professional summary. It's a good idea to identify keywords from the job description and reflect these back in the summary. This makes it obvious that you meet the company's requirements and makes your CV easier to find in searches.

Top tip: Imagine you're recruiting for this role. What would you want to see in the summary? Aside from someone who ticks the boxes for performing the role, you'll be expecting a well-presented summary that is on-point, easy to read, and gives that little bit extra beyond the basics.

By this stage, you should have some coherent notes on the key points you want to include.

What should I include in my professional summary?

The job description should give you a good idea of what the company is looking for. You need to craft a professional summary that shows how YOU are the ideal candidate. Easier said than done, right?

Here are a few tips of what to include:

Your job title - if it aligns to the role you're applying for

The sector you work in

What you specialise in

Your unique selling point (USP)

Examples of recent key achievements

Skills you have that they need

The value you can offer to the company

How do I pull my professional summary together?

With a good idea of what to include and how your expertise fits into the role, you're ready to put pen to paper - or rather fingers to keyboard!

Form your notes into positive, concise sentences. Use keywords from the advert to pick out relevant, justifiable points from your career, combining them into compelling sentences that will impress a hiring manager. Play around with the wording, the examples, and the order until you're happy that you've perfected your elevator pitch .

Top tip: Show the end result to a trusted friend or colleague, alongside the job advert, and ask for constructive criticism.

Don't expect to get it right the first time - you may find that you come up with some knock-out phrases or sentences that you ultimately decide not to use. Store them away though, as they may come in handy for a later application. Remember, every summary should be tailored to the role you're applying for.

CV summary examples for multiple jobs

Here are 27 professional summaries, covering various roles and situations, that show how to do it right.

CV summary example for a mid-career professional

An ambitious Bodywork Technician, with a strong background in the motorsports sector. Possesses expertise ranging from severe crash repair to custom projects and fabrication of bespoke body parts. A respected and professional leader, able to manage and train teams to achieve improvements in performance and productivity. Confident when streamlining processes and developing systems that enable business growth, having overseen a 54% increase in repair volume over 8 months.

CV summary example for a DE&I Manager

An accomplished Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion Manager, able to develop innovative strategies and business plans. Enables businesses to achieve greater inclusion and diversity by influencing, engaging, and training stakeholders at all levels. Possesses proven success in facilitating long-term culture change across global businesses. Specialises in gender equality, neurodiversity, mental health, and LGBTQIA+ inclusion.

CV summary example for a Construction Manager

A motivational, adaptable, and determined Construction Manager who effectively combines robust planning and operational capabilities with the energy and drive to consistently deliver projects on time without compromising on quality. Fosters beneficial relationships due to highly developed communication qualities. Possesses over 19 years of experience inspecting and managing sites, and remains at ease handling projects valued at up to £5m .

CV summary example for a Healthcare Practitioner

A perceptive and resilient Healthcare Practitioner, passionate about delivering the highest standard of patient care while building cohesive teams using effective motivational qualities. Displays a calm and professional attitude during emergencies and flourishes in challenging environments. Encourages patients to self-manage their lives and wellbeing while having the confidence to reach out for help when needed. Offers over 20 years of providing effective healthcare interventions across a diverse range of community settings.

CV summary example for a Doctor

A dedicated and compassionate GP with a commitment to the development and improvement of standards within medical practice. Demonstrates strong clinical skills, with the proven ability to assess and investigate patients' symptoms and make decisions on the most appropriate treatment. Trustworthy and diligent, possesses the drive to deliver the highest standard of patient care at all times. Combines a natural flair for working calmly under pressure with the motivational skills to ensure the team pulls together at all times.

CV summary example for a Marketing Associate

A creative and resourceful Marketing Associate, with multi-sector experience, who is adept at revitalising brands while increasing margins and maximising on profitability. Incorporates the full marketing mix, with expertise in traditional marketing, PR, digital, online marketing, social media, product marketing, and branding. Focused on client needs.

CV summary example for a Scientist

A highly motivated, productive Scientist working within chemical research and development at ABC Inc. Showcases a robust knowledge of the pharmaceutical aspects of the drug development process, from hit identification to process development and manufacture. Passionate about providing drugs that can improve the lives of patients. Adept at working to specific client deadlines by capitalising on impeccable planning skills.

CV summary example for a Customer Service Representative

A reliable, efficient, and enthusiastic Customer Service Representative who engages easily with the public while displaying acute attention to detail and organisational skills. Diligent and proactive, thrives in a team environment and adopts a hands-on approach when tackling set tasks. A fast learner with the flexibility to adapt to different circumstances.

CV summary example for an IT Specialist

A conscientious and meticulous IT Specialist, experienced in successfully infiltrating and adding new workstreams to IT infrastructure. With strong leadership and motivational qualities, is proficient at marrying business objectives with technical solutions to fulfil client requirements. A competent strategist, with established troubleshooting skills and an analytical mind.  

CV summary example for a DevOps Engineer

A dependable, diligent, and analytical DevOps Engineer with expertise and in-depth knowledge of IT infrastructure and resolving support issues. Possesses a great aptitude for moving a project forward while remaining mindful of, and exceeding, client expectations. Quick to familiarise with the latest technology and industry developments while displaying innovative and creative solutions to arising issues.

CV summary example for an Office Manager

A structured, accomplished, and versatile Office Manager, expert at using a pragmatic manner to embed and implement strategies that meet corporate objectives. Takes a confident approach to all tasks, and is adept at maximising on efficiencies to achieve set goals. Excels when adapting to different environments and gains the confidence of colleagues and stakeholders alike. Showcases 20 years of experience supporting management teams within corporate and educational sectors.

CV summary example for a Personal Assistant

A supportive, proactive, and articulate Personal Assistant with outstanding administrative and organisational skills. Works effectively within a team, and well as independently, demonstrating the motivation and multi-tasking abilities required to meet demanding deadlines while maintaining the highest of standards. Bilingual and competent, exceeds expectations in an international environment while delivering under pressure.

CV summary example for a Project Manager

A focused, versatile, and collaborative Project Manager, with expertise in leading teams and improvement initiatives through the lifecycle of a business, from innovative start-ups to established organisations. Adept at spearheading teams of local and international staff by providing motivational goals. Encourages input from stakeholders, ensuring they are fully informed every step of the way.

CV summary example for a Business Analyst

A logical Business Analyst, quick to assimilate information accurately, excels when working in a structured project environment, and is adept at translating business requirements into technical formats. Possesses over 10 years of experience in analysis and design within financial services. Capitalises on self-taught qualities to drive forward on business aims and objectives.

CV summary example for an Accountant

A conscientious and tenacious Accountant with a flair for analysing pertinent data. Continuously strives for, and achieves, outstanding work with accurate attention to detail. Displays a logical and analytical approach to solving problems while performing well within a productive team environment.

CV summary example for a Teacher

An inspirational Teacher with 12 years of experience teaching Maths and PE, combined with extensive knowledge of supporting pupils with SEND. Demonstrable record of helping pupils progress and achieve their potential while simultaneously providing a positive learning experience for all, proven by SATs results improving by 45% in 2022/23.

CV summary example for a Restaurant Manager

An adaptable and innovative Restaurant Manager, with an extensive background in the hospitality sector. Passionate about delivering outstanding customer service while ensuring the achievement of corporate objectives. Proven record of running a successful restaurant, achieving a Michelin Star, while nurturing and growing revenue. Capitalises on international experience across China, the Middle East, and South America. Increased customer satisfaction from 41% to 79%.

CV summary example for a Residential Manager

A committed and focused Residential Manager in the healthcare management sector, with adaptable skills and a positive attitude. Consistently delivers on targets and KPIs, with the added emphasis on maintaining exceptional patient and family care. Constantly promoted throughout an impeccable 13-year career overseeing primary care services. Continually reflects on performance in order to improve.

CV summary example for a Waitress / Waiter

An experienced and personable Waitress with over 4 years of experience providing outstanding table service at prestigious establishments in London and York. Secured Employee of the Month 3 times within 9 months. Played a key role in customer satisfaction levels rising from 63% to 84% over a 12-month period.

CV summary example for a Journalist

A multi-faceted and tenacious Journalist with a natural flair for reacting quickly and accurately to breaking news stories. Possesses over 25 years of experience producing and presenting current affairs programmes, with 14 of those at the BBC. Adapts easily to shifting circumstances, showcasing advanced communication qualities along with the production of innovative ideas that has increased audiences threefold.

CV summary example for a Client Service Director

An award-winning, innovative, and credible Client Service Director with extensive experience dealing with global brands including Nestlé, Procter & Gamble, Unilever, McDonald's, Heineken, and BP. Showcases an exceptional ability to transform businesses into revenue-growing operations, proven by increasing growth by 32%. Combines a natural instinct for developing and expanding businesses along with the drive to deliver a clear vision on how to achieve outstanding client service.

CV summary example for a HR Generalist

A CIPD-qualified HR Generalist with a proven track record of designing and implementing highly effective HR strategies to drive process improvement and cultural change. Initiates employee engagement plans that reduce attrition by 74% and retain talent during periods of growth and downsizing. Key areas of expertise include leading negotiations with trade unions, establishing HR policies, and implementing robust training and coaching strategies to drive continuous improvement.

CV summary example for a Sales Associate

An articulate, persuasive, and personable Sales Associate with exemplary customer service skills and the enthusiasm to undertake challenges. Demonstrates advanced negotiation techniques, illustrated by securing £60,000 in revenue from a business project, winning it from a competitor.

CV summary example for an Architect

A creative and perceptive Architect with in-depth experience and knowledge of major design developments of neighbourhoods and mixed-use development. Prioritises elements that contribute to an improved quality of living while maintaining close attention to detail. Achieves a clear balance between commercial acumen and social / environmental responsibility. Offers over 20 years of experience heading up a multitude of high-end projects for urban development.

CV summary example for a Warehouse Operative

A conscientious and versatile Warehouse Operative, accomplished across the manufacturing environment, often exceeding set targets and deadlines. Thrives under pressure, with key assets of attention to detail and a robust work ethic. Works efficiently and accurately to clearly defined instructions.

How to write a CV summary with no experience

If you're entering the job market for the first time , or have limited experience, you may feel that none of this relates to you. Don't panic. You can still present a compelling professional summary that wins over recruiters.

Your CV doesn't need to focus solely on paid work experience. You almost certainly have experience from other parts of your life that you can draw on. Extracurricular clubs and activities, the Duke of Edinburgh award, voluntary work, pocket money jobs, school, or college responsibilities all count, because they'll have given you valuable employability skills. This is by no means an exhaustive list - there are many ways of developing skills. You just need to think about what you've done!

Use the CV summary example below for inspiration, but make sure you create an original that's as unique as you are.

CV summary example for Students

I am a mature GCSE student, with excellent communication and problem-solving skills, developed over time as a Student Mentor. My customer service skills have been invaluable when pet-sitting for neighbours - I've received great feedback and repeat business. I always aim to surpass expectations, making me an ideal representative for your business. I am ready to take on a new challenge and would love the chance to further enhance my skills.

How do you write a professional summary for a career change?

When you want to change direction in your career, it can be difficult to match previous experience to your desired position. In this case, it's best to focus on transferable skills in your summary, explaining how these will benefit the new company. You can also highlight your ability to consistently deliver results for a business, ensuring that your summary doesn't include any industry-specific terminology that could alienate your reader.

CV summary example for a career changer

A commercially astute leader, keen to transition from warehouse management to project management. Combines a natural aptitude for building relationships with a proven ability to control costs. Recently delivered a warehouse reconfiguration project within very demanding deadlines, with no negative impact on customer service. Currently working towards PMP certification.

Summary of key points

Your professional summary should:

Sit at the top of your CV

Have a clear heading

Be concise and to the point

Align with the job advert

Highlight your achievements and value

Avoid clichés

Include relevant keywords

Done well, your professional summary should grab the hiring manager's attention and persuade them to progress your application. If you want some constructive feedback on your professional summary, why not submit it for a free CV review ?

This article was originally written by Jen David and has been updated by Elizabeth Openshaw. 

Recommended reading:

How to make any job sound impressive on your CV

Why a professional CV writer can show you off - better than you can

What is a skills gap and how to address one - explained in 5 steps

Related Articles:

The 9 best CV makers: compare top features & costs

How to demonstrate teamwork skills on your CV (with examples)

Writing a 16-year-old's CV: tips & examples

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Personal Summary

Ai generator.

When you ant to get the job that you have been dreaming of even before you graduated, you have to avoid selling yourself short and selling yourself too much. You have to impress you potential employer of your outstanding capabilities and skills. You know you have perfected that cover letter , but what about your resume? Hod do you improve your resume in the hopes you getting that job in the bag?

• Resume Summary Examples
• What to Include in a Resume Summary Statement

Before you even think about applying for a job, you need to realize you’ll be one of the interested and qualified candidates fro the position. There will a lot of people to compete with and the competition will be tough. In order to have a higher chance of securing the position, you need to be able to produce a well-written and well-organized resume.

A resume is a a document where you systematically arrange the contents regarding your qualifications, achievements, skills, trainings and seminars, as well as your professional references. This will you employer basis in hiring you; they use this to check whether or not you are qualified and an exact fit for the job and the responsibilities needed for it. A resume can be short or lengthy depending on the quantity of experiences and other sources for qualification that you already have. However, it is important that the contents are kept as factual as thy can be because employers usually fact check what you out in the resume. You may also see summary writing examples and samples .

One of the parts in a resume is a personal summary or personal statement or also sometimes called as personal profile. It provides a brief personal summary about your experiences, skills, qualifications, etc. It helps you sell yourself to your potential employer. It is usually the first thing you see or write in a resume more aptly because it is the most important part in your resume, as well. This is the ‘elevator pitch’ version of your resume. It is meant to be brief and direct to the point.

Personal Summary/Statement Example

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CV with Personal Summary/Profile Example

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Team Leader Personal Summary Example

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Purpose of Personal Summary

A personal summary is just a small part of a resume or CV. It is commonly found on top of the portion of the page and is the second section of document after the letterhead. Its main purposes are as follows:

• Briefly summarize the candidate’s career goals
• Highlight the candidate’s skills relevant to the job
• Pick out key achievements to directly signal potential employer that the candidate can excel in that particular sector.
• Simply put, it presents personal representation of the candidate in the document.

These general statements although they hold their own purpose are more suitable for senior applicants already on the career ladder. This gives applicants a brief yet specific way of stating their career goals, for instance if the applicant wishes to further his/her expertise in a specific field or if he/she wants to move on a different sector within the same field, he/she can simply state it in his/her personal statement. They can also strategically highlight their relevant skills and qualifications in the personal summary that would further suggest their suitability with the position.

Sample Professional Summary Statements

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Writing a Personal Profile Summary

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Student Profile Summary

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Importance of a Personal Summary

Since the the purpose of a personal summary has been discussed on the above section of this guide, you need to understand its importance. A personal summary as mentioned above, summarizes the candidate’s career goal as well as highlights his/her skills best suited for the job. It specifically tells the employee what you aim to achieve with this employment, it is the only part on the you application documents where it is acceptable to talk about what you want to achieve with the job, but at same time telling the employer what possible contributions you can give to the employer. You may also see how to write a summary .

The importance of a personal statement in a college application, for example, is to give the admission committee that needed push to give you a seat in the class or degree program. It tells and tries to convince the admission committee that you are sincerely passionate about the field or that this degree has been your long-term dream. It aims to tell the committee about the applicant beyond what is written in a bulleted list of achievements and qualifications. You may also like interview summary examples .

Further more, a personal summary is also a great way to tell a potential employer about your aspirations as a potential employee. It can help the candidate set an emphasis on his/her career goals, for example what he/she wants to achieve or focus on. It can also help the candidate highlight the skills that are most relevant to the position, as well as the highlight the achievements to help convince the employer further. You may also check out  meeting summary examples .

However, a personal statement is more suitable for job candidate’s or applicants with more experience or senior applicants who have had a number of years in the field. This is because they can simply assert that they want to further their expertise on the field or to move on different sector of the same field.

If a fresh graduate uses a personal summary in his/her resume or CV, it can be bland and off putting. since fresh graduates have little to no experience on the field, a personal summary may be taken as a demanding request from someone who has no impressive qualifications yet. Instead of focusing on a personal summary, a fresh graduate should focus more on fleshing out the other sections of their CV. You might be interested in summary examples .

Skills Focused CV with Personal Statement Example

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Sales Representative  Personal Summary Example

How to Write a Personal Summary

As mentioned earlier, although a personal summary is useful it is not a need,  per se. It is useful but the impracticality outweighs its necessity especially when you are fresh graduate with no experience or related experience on the field. However, should you decide to still include a personal summary in your resume or CV, here are easy steps you can follow so that you can write an effective personal summary:

1. Establish the ‘who are you’ section

First off, you need to establish you who you are. This section will serve as you brief introduction i your resume or CV. You can state that you are a graduate of specific course from the university yo graduated from; what level of employee you are currently seeking, or state that you have previous relevant experiences with the position, an/or the job position or designation from which you resigned and state that you are currently furthering your expertise or wants to move into another field. You may also see what to include in a resume summary statement .

Here are some examples:

•   “A graduate of Electrical Engineering from University of Whateverstate looking for an entry level position in engineering.”
• “A highly skilled Teacher with eight years of experience looking to resume a position in the academe.” 
• ” An experienced Purchasing Manager looking to progress into Regional Senior Manager position.”

2. Specify what you can offer to the company

In this part of your personal summary, you are trying to sell your relevant skills and strengths along with the necessary evidence to prove their authenticity. If you are writing a CV because you are applying for a specific job, you can use the job specifications to create your summary. For example, if a company is looking for leadership skills and you have experience in being a team leader in your previous job or that you were the chairperson of your organization in college, mention it in your summary. You may also like career summary examples .

If you are making a more general personal summary with a specific job title in mind, be sure to highlight achievements that will make you standout in the field. For example, if you are applying for a position in Graphic Design and you have an extensive experience when you were a design expert for a campaign, you can use that to your advantage especially since there is an actual proof.

It is important to remember not to bomb the summary with buzzwords. Buzzwords are unnecessary adjectives to enhance what is in actual. If you are a marketing expert use on or two adjectives describing your work ethic or experience, and let the evidences speak for themselves. You may also check out how to write a professional summary .

3. Highlight your career goals

The final par of your personal summary is the part where you highlight your career goals. Meaning this is where you can briefly talk about your aspirations for the job or what you want king of working environment you want to work into. More than anything, this tells the potential employer that you are a professional worth the investment. Take a look at these examples:

• “I am looking for a challenging, fast-paced environment within the corporate field to utilize my accounting and analytical skills and develop skill set further.” You might be interested in examples of writing a narrative summary .
• “Looking to re-establish a career in a progressive and motivating organisation which requires creative graphic design expertise, after taking maternity leave to care for a new-born.”
• “I am looking to secure a challenging role in a market-leading advertising company where I can bring fresh strategic vision and value to the business.”

Hospitality Manager Personal Statement Example

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Executive Assistant Personal Summary Example

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Professional Career Summary

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Personal Information Summary

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Personal History Summary

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Personal Summary Example

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Personal Health Summary

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Personal Research Scientist Summary

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Personal Summary Format

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Dos and Don’ts in Writing a Personal Summary

Although there is o existing rule telling you to write you personal summary, it is helpful to have just some sort of a guide. Therefore, here are some of the dos and don’ts in writing your personal summary:

• Get straight to the point.
• Be brief in providing evidence of your skills and experience.
• Remember that you are marketing yourself.
• The general statement look purposeful. Show that you know what you are talking about without sounding arrogant.
• The job specification should be reflected in your summary.
• Proofread for spelling and grammar.

You may also see job summary examples .

2. Don’ts

• Overuse buzz words and jargon.
• Use either first person or third, not both.
• Be boring highlight your unique qualifications.
• Copy from your cover letter or copy your professional cover letter from your statement.
• Avoid rambling on and on.

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18 Résumé Writing Tips to Help You Stand Out

By  Allison Pohle

Updated May 11, 2021 2:15 pm ET

• A résumé isn’t just a list of every job you’ve ever had. It should demonstrate your accomplishments.
• Mirror language used in the job posting so your résumé isn’t discarded by an applicant tracking system.
• Use a clean and simple format. 

Companies increasingly  rely on software  to sort through applicants, which is why it is essential to tailor your résumé to ensure it makes the cut. Applicant tracking systems sort, scan and rank applicants by looking for keywords in applications. Although these programs can save time and money for employers, about 60% said such tools cause them to miss some qualified candidates, according to a 2016 survey of 1,200 job seekers and managers by CareerArc, a human-resources technology company, and Future Workplace, a research firm. Here’s how to make your résumé stand out to robots and humans alike. 

1. Highlight your achievements in your résumé. 

A common mistake job seekers make is believing a résumé is a recap of your career, when in reality, it should convey what you have accomplished, says Christy Noel, a career expert and author of “Your Personal Career Coach.” 

“I always say, spend less of your real estate describing your job, and more time describing your results,” says Ms. Noel.  

2. Customize your résumé.

Read over the job posting, and think about the work experience you have had that is most directly relevant to the position you are pursuing. You can leave out some past jobs and internships if the experience you had wasn’t related. Whatever you do: Don’t submit a generic résumé to dozens of postings. “Even if you have the best experience, if your résumé isn’t speaking directly to the position in which you are applying, there is a strong chance you’ll never even get an interview,” says Demisha Jennings, a certified professional résumé writer and founder and owner of She Assists LLC.  

The same applies to your cover letter. It is your chance to provide more detail on how your experience will help you succeed in the job.  Read our cover letter guide  for how to write one that makes you stand out.

3. Decide how to format your résumé.

Most of the time, a chronological résumé will work well for communicating your past experience. But, in some cases, a functional or hybrid résumé might be more appropriate.  Read more about résumé formats here.

4. Make your contact information easy to find.

Include your name, phone number, email address, city and state. It may also be appropriate to include the URL to your LinkedIn profile. You want it to be easy for hiring managers to reach out.

In addition to making it easy to connect with you, it is important to your job search that you grow your network.  Read our networking guide  for tips on how to do so.

5. Consider adding a summary. 

Many résumé templates leave space for an objective statement, outlining career goals, but that approach is outdated, says Ms. Jennings. Instead, consider a carefully worded summary. The summary is often the first place a hiring manager will look, and gives you an opportunity to introduce your skills high up on the page. You can also work in relevant keywords from the job description. “Recruiters are looking for what you can bring to the table and what you’ve done, rather than you saying, ‘I’m seeking a position,’” Ms. Jennings says. 

6. Great résumés should stand out to skim readers.

Most recruiters spend just a few seconds skimming through a résumé—with an average in one study of  7.4 seconds.  

To have the best chance of making an impression, ensure your job titles, company names and dates of employment are easy to read. The sections of your résumé should be adequately spaced, too, says Dana Leavy-Detrick, founder and director of Brooklyn Resume Studio. 

For additional ways to make a good impression on recruiters and headhunters, read  our guide on how to work with headhunters .

7. Make your résumé robot-friendly. 

Structure your résumé to meet the requirements of an applicant tracking system to give yourself the best chance of having it reach an actual human. Ms. Leavy-Detrick suggests the following:

• Optimize keywords.  Use the same words and language that are in the job description. For example, three different companies might describe the same role as “programmer,” “developer” or “software engineer.” 
• Use a straightforward format.  Avoid tables and text-based graphics, which might not get picked up by a scan of the résumé. Sans-serif fonts such as Arial or Helvetica are also best to ensure readability.
• Think about order.  When formatting each line item of work experience, list the company name first, followed by the job location (city, state), your job title, and your start and end dates. Some résumés can get lost if the dates are listed before the job title. 

8. Prioritize relevant keywords. 

Tailoring your skills to include language from the job posting is an important way to let both the applicant tracking system and, eventually, a hiring manager, see how your prior qualifications tie into the job requirements. But just because you have a résumé full of keywords doesn’t mean you’ll automatically get an interview. “The ATS isn’t there to help the job seeker, it is there to help the employer review your skills against their most important qualifications,” says Ashley Watkins, a career coach and résumé writer with Write Step Résumés LLC. 

9. Craft compelling and concise bullet points.

The goal of a résumé is to list your accomplishments, rather than every duty you performed in the role. Résumé-writing experts recommend including no more than five bullet points per prior job listed. 

• Don’t focus on tasks.  Many job seekers describe what they did every day, such as answering phones or creating marketing materials, Ms. Watkins says. “Simply copying and pasting the job description doesn’t account for the things you did great, that you did above and beyond your peers,” she says.
• Instead, explain what those tasks achieved.  Emphasize your results. Ms. Watkins suggests asking yourself “Did I save [the employer] money? Did I save time? Did I improve a process? Did I build a relationship?” These will help you format your bullet points.
• Use metrics.  Say what you achieved, then contextualize it—with figures if possible. You might not be able to put a monetary value on every accomplishment, but you can frame it by sharing details like the time it took or how many people were involved. “If you raised sales 50% in two months, that means a whole lot more than ‘I’m in charge of sales,’” Ms. Watkins says. 
• Don’t omit accomplishments that aren’t quantifiable.  Not every achievement will have metrics to show success. If there are figures, you might not always have access to them. But that shouldn’t stop you from including them, says Ms. Leavy-Detrick. Perhaps you had a positive impact on the culture of an organization, or improved a struggling relationship with a client. These efforts could help to demonstrate your  soft skills.

10. Focus on transferable skills if you lack experience.

If you are applying for a job in a new field or you are an entry-level applicant and don’t have much direct experience, don’t worry. Highlight transferable skills you have developed in the past that will serve you well in the position, says Ms. Leavy-Detrick. For example, you could play up leadership skills you developed participating in an extracurricular activity or time-management skills you learned in a prior job.

11. Go beyond your work history, and include all relevant experience.

If you are new to the workforce, or are job-hunting after being laid off, you could also include related experience that was outside of a traditional full-time job, says Ms. Watkins. For example, you can highlight volunteer work, consulting projects or educational training, all as part of making the case for your unique value, she says.

12. Don’t worry too much about gaps in your résumé.

The Covid-19 pandemic economy resulted in many people being laid off or furloughed. Ms. Watkins says the 2020 job market reminds her of 2008, when she worked as a recruiter. The expectation at that time, she says, was that candidates would have  gaps  on their résumés or list more short-term positions. While it isn’t necessary to directly address the gaps in your résumé, you should be  prepared to talk about them in an interview . “The focus should not be centered on the fact that you were furloughed or laid off, it should be focused on you and your skills and what you do that impacts the company’s bottom line in a positive way,” Ms. Watkins says.

While it is common to list the months and years you started and ended positions in the job history section, you could just use years. This will draw less attention to a six- or eight-month gap, says Ms. Leavy-Detrick. 

13. Highlight relevant skills.

It is common to  add a skills section to your résumé , outlining expertise relevant to the position. You can include languages you speak, technical skills or courses you have done. If you lack experience, you can also complete some trainings, which you can find on LinkedIn and elsewhere, related to the job you are applying for and add the courses in this section, says Ms. Jennings.

14. Prioritize work experience over education.

The professional experience you have had is often more relevant to the position than your education history, which is why the work experience should be listed first. In the “Education” section, you should list where you attended college, if applicable, or the highest level of education you have attained. If you graduated with honors, you can flag that, but it isn’t necessary to list your GPA.

15. If you are early on in your career, a key résumé tip is to limit it to one page. 

If you are early on in your career, you should limit your résumé to one page. It is OK to start spilling onto a second page after you have eight to 10 years of experience, says Ms. Leavy-Detrick. 

16. Add some color for a stylish résumé that sets you apart. 

Your résumé should look clean and professional and you should keep applicant tracking systems in mind when formatting the document. But, if it is appropriate, you can add subtle accents of color in the section headings or in bars that separate sections as a way to differentiate your résumé. Ms. Leavy-Detrick doesn’t overstress the need for good design with her clients. “But it can definitely help,” she says. “When I say design, I don’t mean crazy graphic design. I mean having a polished application,” she says. “Think of it the same way you would coming dressed to an interview, it is part of your presentation, and so many people overlook this on the résumé.”

It may be appropriate to incorporate a more creative and graphic-based layout depending on the field in which you work and where you are applying. If you are applying for a position in a creative field, and you are emailing your résumé directly to a hiring manager, then it can be appropriate to use more designs, says Ms. Jennings. But if you are applying to a large company that uses an applicant tracking system or job portal, she says it is best to avoid using graphics unless you are working with a résumé writer who can help you get your resume through the system.

17. Proofread and double-check the formatting.

You may be eager to send your résumé or submit your application, but you should take the time to first check for typos and grammatical errors. You could also have a friend or family member look over it. When you are checking for errors, be sure to double-check the formatting. Sometimes the spacing can get thrown off when you save the file, so check how it looks as a saved document and, if you can, save it as a PDF before sending. 

18. Make sure the saved file name includes your name. 

Make less work for the hiring manager by including your full name in the file name of the résumé document.

What to read next

• How to Prepare for a Job Interview
• What Questions to Ask During a Job Interview
• Common Job Interview Questions and How to Answer Them
• How to Dress for a Job Interview
• How to Write a Thank-You Email After a Job Interview  
• How to Negotiate and Counter a Job Offer
• How to Negotiate Salary for a New Job: The Do’s and Don’ts
• Severance Pay: What It Is and Why You Should Negotiate a Package Before Accepting a Job

Corrections & Amplifications Ashley Watkins is a résumé writer with Write Step Résumés LLC. An earlier version of this article incorrectly said Write Steps LLC. (Corrected on Nov. 20)

Copyright ©2024 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 87990cbe856818d5eddac44c7b1cdeb8

Appeared in the November 23, 2020, print edition as '11 Résumé Tips to Help You Get Noticed

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Writing a Personal Statement

Preparing to Write

Brainstorming, don't forget, sample prompts.

A personal statement is a narrative essay that connects your background, experiences, and goals to the mission, requirements, and desired outcomes of the specific opportunity you are seeking. It is a critical component in the selection process, whether the essay is for a competitive internship, a graduate fellowship, or admittance to a graduate school program. It gives the selection committee the best opportunity to get to know you, how you think and make decisions, ways in which past experiences have been significant or formative, and how you envision your future. Personal statements can be varied in form; some are given a specific prompt, while others are less structured. However, in general a personal statement should answer the following questions:

• Who are you?
• What are your goals?
• How does this specific program/opportunity help you achieve your goals?
• What is in the future?

A personal statement is not:

• A variation of your college admissions essay
• An academic/research paper
• A narrative version of your resume
• A creative writing piece (it can be creative, though)
• An essay about somebody else

Keep in mind that your statement is only a portion of the application and should be written with this in mind. Your entire application package will include some, possibly all, of the materials listed below. You will want to consider what these pieces of the application communicate about you. Your personal statement should aim to tie everything together and fill in or address any gaps. There will likely be some overlap but be sure not to be too repetitive.

• Personal Statement(s)
• Transcripts
• Letters of recommendations
• Sample of written work
• Research proposal

For a quick overview of personal statements, you might begin by watching this "5 Minute Fellowships" video!

If you are writing your first personal statement or working to improve upon an existing personal statement, the video below is a helpful, in-depth resource.

A large portion of your work towards completing a personal statement begins well before your first draft or even an outline. It is incredibly important to be sure you understand all of the rules and regulations around the statement. Things to consider before you begin writing:

• How many prompts? And what are they? It is important to know the basics so you can get your ideas in order. Some programs will require a general statement of interest and a focused supplementary or secondary statement closely aligned with the institution's goals.
• Are there formatting guidelines? Single or double spaced, margins, fonts, text sizes, etc. Our general guideline is to keep it simple.
• How do I submit my statement(s)? If uploading a document we highly suggest using a PDF as it will minimize the chances of accidental changes to formatting. Some programs may event ask you to copy and paste into a text box.
• When do I have to submit my statement(s)? Most are due at the time of application but some programs, especially medical schools, will ask for secondary statements a few months after you apply. In these instances be sure to complete them within two weeks, any longer is an indication that you aren't that interested in the institution.

Below is a second 5 Minute Fellowships video that can help you get started!

Before you start writing, take some time to reflect on your experiences and motivations as they relate to the programs to which you are applying. This will offer you a chance to organize your thoughts which will make the writing process much easier. Below are a list of questions to help you get started:

• What individuals, experiences or events have shaped your interest in this particular field?
• What has influenced your decision to apply to graduate school?
• How does this field align with your interests, strengths, and values?
• What distinguishes you from other applicants?
• What would you bring to this program/profession?
• What has prepared you for graduate study in this field? Consider your classes at Wellesley, research and work experience, including internships, summer jobs and volunteer work.
• Why are you interested in this particular institution or degree program?
• How is this program distinct from others?
• What do you hope to gain?
• What is motivating you to seek an advanced degree now?
• Where do you see yourself headed and how will this degree program help you get there?

For those applying to Medical School, if you need a committee letter for your application and are using the Medical Professions Advisory Committee you have already done a lot of heavy lifting through the 2017-2018 Applicant Information Form . Even if you aren't using MPAC the applicant information form is a great place to start.

Another great place to start is through talking out your ideas. You have a number of options both on and off campus, such as: Career Education advisors and mentors ( you can set up an appointment here ), major advisor, family, friends. If you are applying to a graduate program it is especially important to talk with a faculty member in the field. Remember to take good notes so you can refer to them later.

When you begin writing keep in mind that your essay is one of many in the application pool. This is not to say you should exaggerate your experiences to “stand out” but that you should focus on clear, concise writing. Also keep in mind that the readers are considering you not just as a potential student but a future colleague. Be sure to show them examples and experiences which demonstrate you are ready to begin their program.

It is important to remember that your personal statement will take time and energy to complete, so plan accordingly. Every application and statement should be seen as different from one another, even if they are all the same type of program. Each institution may teach you the same material but their delivery or focus will be slightly different.

In addition, remember:

• Be yourself: You aren’t good at being someone else
• Tragedy is not a requirement, reflection and depth are
• Research the institution or organization
• Proofread, proofread, proofread
• How to have your personal statement reviewed

The prompts below are from actual applications to a several types of programs. As you will notice many of them are VERY general in nature. This is why it is so important to do your research and reflect on your motivations. Although the prompts are similar in nature the resulting statements would be very different depending on the discipline and type of program, as well as your particular background and reasons for wanting to pursue this graduate degree.

• This statement should illustrate your academic background and experiences and explain why you would excel in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (UMass Amherst - M.S. in Civil Engineering).
• Describe your academic and career objectives and how the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies can help you achieve them. Include other considerations that explain why you seek admissions to the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies and your interests in the environmental field (Yale - Master of Environmental Management).  
• Please discuss your academic interests and goals. Include your current professional and research interests, as well as your long-range professional objectives. Please be as specific as possible about how your objectives can be met at Clark and do not exceed 800 words (Clark University - M.A. in International Development and Social Change).
• Write a 500- to 700-word statement that describes your work or research. Discuss how you came to focus on the medium, body of work, or academic area you wish to pursue at the graduate level. Also discuss future directions or goals for your work, and describe how the Master of Fine Arts in Studio (Printmedia) is particularly suited to your professional goals (School of the Art Institute of Chicago - MFA in Studio, Printmaking).
• Your statement should explain why you want to study economics at the graduate level. The statement is particularly important if there is something unusual about your background and preparation that you would like us to know about you (University of Texas at Austin - Ph.D in Economics).
• Your personal goal statement is an important part of the review process for our faculty members as they consider your application. They want to know about your background, work experience, plans for graduate study and professional career, qualifications that make you a strong candidate for the program, and any other relevant information (Indiana University Bloomington - M.S.Ed. in Secondary Education).
• Your autobiographical essay/personal statement is a narrative that outlines significant experiences in your life, including childhood experiences, study and work, your strengths and aspirations in the field of architecture, and why you want to come to the University of Oregon (University of Oregon - Master of Architecture).
• Personal history and diversity statement, in which you describe how your personal background informs your decision to pursue a graduate degree. You may refer to any educational, familial, cultural, economic or social experiences, challenges, community service, outreach activities, residency and citizenship, first-generation college status, or opportunities relevant to your academic journey; how your life experiences contribute to the social, intellectual or cultural diversity within a campus community and your chosen field; or how you might serve educationally underrepresented and underserved segments of society with your graduate education (U.C. Davis - M.A. in Linguistics).
• A Personal Statement specifying your past experiences, reasons for applying, and your areas of interest. It should explain your intellectual and personal goals, why you are interested in pursuing an interdisciplinary degree rather than a more traditional disciplinary one, and how this degree fits into your intellectual and personal future (Rutgers University - Ph.D in Women’s and Gender Studies).
• Your application requires a written statement to uploaded into your application and is a critical component of your application for admission. This is your opportunity to tell us what excites you about the field of library and information science, and what problems you want to help solve in this field. Please also tell us how your prior experiences have prepared you for this next step toward your career goals and how this program will help you achieve them (University of North Carolina Chapel Hill - Master of Science in Library Science).
• After watching the video, please describe what strengths and preferences as a learner you have that will facilitate your success in this innovative curriculum. What challenges in our curriculum do you anticipate and what strategies might you use to address these challenges? (MGH Institute of Health Professions PT - They recently redesigned their curriculum)
• Your personal goal statement should briefly describe how you view the future of the field, what your goals are to be part of that future, and what brought you to pursue an advanced education degree in your chosen field. You may include any other information that you feel might be useful. (Northeastern PT)
• Personal Statement: In 500 words or less, describe a meaningful educational experience that affected your professional goals and growth and explain how it impacted you. The educational experience does not need to be related to this degree. Focus on the educational experience and not why you think you would be a good professional in this field. (Simmons PT)
• Personal Statement (500 word minimum): State your reasons for seeking admission to this program at this institution. Include your professional goals, why you want to pursue a career in this field and how admission to this program will assist you in accomplishing those goals. (Regis College Nursing)
• “Use the space provided to explain why you want to go to this type of program.” (AMCAS)
• Address the following three questions(Though there is no set limit, most statements are 1–2 pages, single-spaced.): What are your reasons for pursuing this degree? Why do you wish to pursue your degree at this institution? How do you intend to leverage your degree in a career of this field? (Boston University MPH)
• Please submit a personal statement/statement of purpose of no more than 500 words for the department/degree of choice. Professional degree essays require a clear understanding of the _______ field and how you hope to work within the field. Be sure to proofread your personal statement carefully for spelling and grammar. In your statement, be sure to address the following: what interests you in the field of _____ what interests you in a specific degree program and department at this institution and what interests you in a particular certificate (if applicable). Please also describe how you hope to use your ________ training to help you achieve your career goals. (Columbia PhD in Public Health - Epidemiology)
• Because each Home Program requires significant original research activities in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree, we are interested in obtaining as much information as possible about your previous research experiences. Those who already have such experience are in a better position to know whether they are truly interested in performing ______ research as part of a graduate program. Please include specific information about your research experience in your Statement of Purpose. You may also use the Statement to amplify your comments about your choice of Home Program(s), and how your past experiences and current interests are related to your choice. Personal Statements should not exceed two pages in length (single spaced). Make sure to set your computer to Western European or other English-language setting. We cannot guarantee the ability to access your statement if it is submitted in other fonts. (Stanford Biosciences PhD)
• Your statement of purpose should describe succinctly your reasons for applying to the Department of ____ at ___ University. It would be helpful to include what you have done to prepare for this degree program. Please describe your research interests, past research experience, future career plans and other details of your background and interests that will allow us to evaluate your ability to thrive in our program. If you have interests that align with a specific faculty member, you may state this in your application. Your statement of purpose should not exceed two pages in length (single spaced). (Stanford Bioengineering PhD)
• Statement of purpose (Up to one page or 1,000 words): Rather than a research proposal, you should provide a statement of purpose. Your statement should be written in English and explain your motivation for applying for the course at this institution and your relevant experience and education. Please provide an indication of the area of your proposed research and supervisor(s) in your statement. This will be assessed for the coherence of the statement; evidence of motivation for and understanding of the proposed area of study; the ability to present a reasoned case in English; and commitment to the subject. (Oxford Inorganic Chemistry - DPhil)

Related resources

• How to End a Personal Statement With Impact

Your statement-ending paragraph is your last chance to make an impact, but it's essential to make sure that you summarise your main points and explain why you're qualified and willing to participate in the program with a strong ending. A compelling, realistic conclusion can give your application that extra oomph and show the admissions committee that you're the right choice. Just like writers on deadline, you might trip up on your statement's ending line. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Repeating information already covered without adding new insight
• Introducing new ideas or topics that should have been discussed in the body
• Using clichés or overly sentimental language that doesn't add value
• Ending abruptly without a clear summary of your points
• Overstating your achievements or future aspirations

How to End a Personal Statement Correctly

Ending your personal statement firmly is crucial. If you’re ever struggling with concluding your paper, a personal statement writing service can help. If you're determined to master conclusion writing, though, here's a simple, straightforward guide to crafting a compelling conclusion.

1. Reflect on Your Opening. Go back to your introduction . A good ending will often have an echo of the opening, which sits rather like a bookend to your statement. Don’t repeat your statements word-for-word, but perhaps offer a recap of the theme you developed or the little anecdote on which you started.

2. Summarise Key Points. Most guides for how to write a conclusion for a personal statement suggest that, at a minimum, students should briefly summarise the major themes they’ve discussed. Don’t simply recite facts; instead, create a sense of closure, revealing to the reader how your experiences and goals interrelate logically, culminating in your desire to join the program.

3. Connect to Your Future. Tie your story back to the opportunity at hand. Explain how the program will be important in helping you to reach your career or academic goals. Illustrate your plans to achieve these goals and make it clear that this program is included in your plan.

4. End with a Strong Closing Sentence. When concluding a personal statement, finish with a sentence that packs a punch. Show where you are headed next. It may be your word choice, your vow of commitment to the topic, or your powerful statement of passion and readiness to work in your chosen field. In any event, make it consistent with the tone and emphasis of your essay, and make it say what you need it to say about you.

5. Keep It Simple and Authentic. Resist the urge to drown readers in big words or have grandiose claims. The conclusion should sound sincere and genuine. Don’t make it too fancy or out of reach. Every sentence should add to the main point. Nothing should wander off.

Examples of Good and Bad Personal Statement Conclusions

Finishing up your personal statement can be a make-or-break moment in your application. It's your opportunity to stand out. That is why finding a good personal statement conclusion example can be helpful. Alternatively, you can consult an online writing service for some extra tips. Below, we'll look at five examples of some good and bad ways to conclude a personal statement.

It’s A Wrap!

As you finish your personal statement, remember that the conclusion should help tie up your argument. Our tips on how to write a personal statement will come in handy. Having read this article, you should know how to conclude a personal statement easily. Use the tips we’ve shared to craft an ending that shows off your suitability for the program. Make sure that your closing remarks remain genuine and clear-headed. This will give the admission committee a confident and positive impression of you and a sense that they know what you want to achieve.

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