how long should my resume summary be

24 Resume Summary Examples That Get Interviews

By Biron Clark

Published: November 8, 2023

Biron Clark

Writer & Career Coach

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

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

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

Why the Resume/CV Summary is Important

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

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

Watch: Resume Summary Examples That Get Interviews

10 resume summary examples:.

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

1. Healthcare Sales Executive Resume Summary Example:

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

Why this resume summary is good:

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

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

2. 15+ Year Business Owner Resume Summary Statement:

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

Why this is a good summary section:

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

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

3. Human Resources Generalist Resume Summary Example:

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

Why this is a good resume summary:

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

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

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

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

Why this summary is good:

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

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

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

5. Marketing Manager Professional Summary Example:

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

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

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

6. Warehouse Supervisor Resume Summary Example:

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

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

7. IT Project Manager Resume Summary Example:

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

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

8. Career-Changer Resume Summary Example:

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

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

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

9. Project Management Executive Professional Summary Example:

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

Why this resume summary is good:

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

By: Biron Clark, Founder of  CareerSidekick.com.

10. Startup And Finance Management Consultant Career Summary Example:

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

Why this resume summary example is good:

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

14 Resume Summary Examples for Various Industries

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

2. Teacher’s Assistant

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

Tech Industry

3. computer programmer.

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

4. Cybersecurity Analyst

Dedicated cybersecurity analyst with ten years of experience in online security research, execution, planning, and maintenance. Proven track record of identifying business risks and proactively resolving them. Experience designing and instituting layered network security for large-scale organizations. Train users and other staff members on IT safety procedures and preventive techniques.

Skilled healthcare professional with ten years of experience in patient care, diagnosis, and providing appropriate treatments and medical services. Manage medical staff and resolve complex medical cases with maximum efficiency. Communicate the patient’s condition and treatment plan in easily understood terminology. Remain current with the latest advancements in medicine and research to ensure patients receive proper care.

6. Registered Nurse

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

7. Digital Marketing Manager

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

8. Marketing Analyst

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

Food and Service Industry

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

10. Hotel Receptionist

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

Business/Office Jobs

11. financial analyst.

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

12. Tax Accountant

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

Sales and Customer Service

13. sales representative.

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

14. Customer Service Associate

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

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

How to Write a Resume Summary: Steps and Hints

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

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

Creating a Customized Resume Summary

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

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

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

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

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

How Long Should a Resume Summary Be?

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

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

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

Formatting Your Resume/CV Career Summary

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

Should You Include a Resume Objective?

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

Examples of Bad Resume Summaries

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

1. Typos and Grammatical Errors

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

Why this resume summary is bad:

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

2. Lacks Relevant Keywords

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

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

3. No Numbers to Quantify Achievements

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

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

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

4. Not Targeting the Specific Job

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About the Author

Read more articles by Biron Clark

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Great piece

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

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

Thanks! Glad to hear it helped :)

Very informational

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

what if i never had a job experience?

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

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

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

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

really amazing article and too useful , thanks

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

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

Can I have a professional resume writer?

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

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

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

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

Hi Juniper,

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

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

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

Hi Paulette,

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

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

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

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

Comments are closed.

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How to Write a Resume Summary Statement

This is a step-by-step resume writing article will walk you through how to write a resume summary. This article is intended for new job seekers, teens, students, and recent graduates.

Knowing how show off your skills and abilities in a professional summary is an advantage that will help you get hired faster.

This article will cover:

• Where a resume summary belongs in a resume?
• How long your professional summary should be
• What job seekers should list in a summary
• Resume summary FAQ

Where Does A Resume Summary Go In A Resume?

Your resume summary should be the first thing hiring managers read when looking at your resume.

To make your resume summary the center of attention, it needs to be placed directly below your name and contact information.

Try using the true red resume template which has a clearly defined resume summary section already in place.

How Long Should A Resume Summary Be?

There is no hard and fast rule for resume summary length. But most HR experts agree that it should be between one to four sentences.

What To List In A Professional Summary

Now that we know how long your resume summary should be and where to place it, let’s discuss the content your resume summary should contain.

If you need more summary inspiration, check out this list of 30 realistic resume summary examples if you have no experience or limited work experience here!

Sentence #1

The first sentence of your resume summary will include a strong adjective to describe yourself, the position you are applying for, and your level of education. Let’s check out these examples:

Personable entry-level restaurant hostess currently pursuing a bachelor of science degree in biology from EdgeWater University.

Passionate entry-level cashier possessing an associate of arts degree from EdgeWater Community College.

Hardworking entry-level landscaper who recently obtained a GED certification.

Sentence #2

The second sentence of your resume summary will dive into the hard and soft skills you possess. Here are some examples:

Strong verbal and written communication skills combined with a hardworking attitude.

Strong computer skills, including experience with MS Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) and Adobe Creative Suite.

Strong time management and organization skills.

Sentences #3 & #4

After describing your skills, the next one or two sentences will focus on your achievements, volunteer work, certifications, or interests. Check out these examples:

Previous experience volunteering in local homeless shelters practicing food service and customer service.

Possesses a CPR and first aid certification.

Passionate about aeronautics, technology and science.

Resume Summary FAQ

Let’s answer the most common resume summary questions that job seekers ask.

Q: What is a resume summary?

A: A resume summary, also known as a professional summary, is the section of your resume that gives the hiring manager a brief overview of who you are professionally, what you have done in the past, and what your relevant skills are.

Q: How long should a resume summary be?

A: A resume summary is written in paragraph form and should be 1 to 4 sentences in length.

Q: Where does a resume summary go on a resume?

A: The resume summary should come directly after your name and contact information.

Q: Should a resume summary be written in first or third person?

A: Your entire resume, including the resume summary, should always be written in third person. Avoid writing ‘I’, ‘My’ or ‘We’.

Q: What should you include in your resume summary?

A: Your resume summary should include a descriptive adjective, your desired job title, and your level of education. Your achievements, certifications, and interests are also optional.

Q: Should you always use the same resume summary?

A: No! A resume summary should be tailored for each job application.

Q: Can I include my personal hobbies in my resume summary?

A: Avoid writing your personal hobbies in your resume summary unless they are relevant to the job you are applying for.

In most cases, the hiring manager doesn’t need to know that you love riding your bicycle or that you love playing video games…. unless you are applying for a video game tester or to the circus, of course.

Don’t miss our related article on what to list on your resume when you have no work experience or limited work experience here !

• Search Search Please fill out this field.
• Career Planning
• Finding a Job

Resume Summary Statement Examples and Writing Tips

What is a Resume Summary Statement?

What is an executive resume summary.

• Summary Statement vs. Objective
• Benefits of a Resume Summary

How Long Should a Resume Summary Statement Be?

• What to Include

Resume Example With a Summary Statement

Resume summary statement examples.

What's a summary statement, and when should you include one on your resume? Also known as a summary of qualifications or a  resume profile , a summary statement gives the hiring manager, at a glance, a synopsis of your professional qualifications.

When writing a resume summary statement, be sure to include concrete information on how you have added value to companies and helped to transform departments or organizations. This will show the hiring manager that you would be an asset to the company.

Here's advice on how to write a resume summary statement, what to include, and examples to review.

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. It showcases your most important credentials, and is listed above your employment history. The person reviewing your resume will be able to view your most important attributes at a glance.

A resume summary is sometimes referred to as an executive summary, especially for upper-level positions. An executive summary highlights your most relevant skills, qualifications, and achievements.

An executive resume summary statement is even more critical for advanced positions since prospective employers will be primarily focusing on and comparing the track record of success that candidates have developed in similar roles.

Resume Summary Statement vs. Resume Objective

A resume summary statement is not the same as a resume objective. Both are a few sentences long, and are located at the top of one’s resume. However, a  resume objective  statement tends to focus more on your own interests as a job seeker—it emphasizes what you are looking for in a job or company.

A resume summary statement, on the other hand, communicates what you can bring to the table in the targeted role. It is a way to “sell yourself” to the employer.

Benefits of a Resume Summary Statement

There are a number of benefits to including a summary statement in your resume. The main benefit is that it helps your resume stand out. When hiring managers are reading through dozens, even hundreds, of resumes, they often skim through each and miss information. By beginning with a statement that concisely describes why you are qualified, you are more likely to get a closer look.

However, just writing a resume summary statement does not guarantee that employers will be interested in your resume.

You need to make sure your resume summary statement concisely demonstrates why you are an ideal candidate for the specific job and company.

The summary statement should be approximately two to four lines and speak to your professional background only. Do not address any outstanding circumstances ( employment gaps , change of career, personal experiences, etc.). A cover letter is an expanded version of the statement that will allow your personality to shine through.

What to Include in a Resume Summary Statement

Your summary statement is often the first item read on a resume, so you want to get to the point: why should a company hire you? In about one to four sentences, highlight your most relevant strengths,  skillset , and core competencies that are unique to you as a candidate.

In particular, demonstrate how you would add value to the company. Have you saved money for a company in the past? Did you streamline an administrative process? Include skills and experiences that will impress the employer, using specific percentages, numbers, or dollar amounts to quantify your achievements.

Be sure to tailor your resume summary to the specific job listing.

Look at the listing, and try to incorporate  keywords  from the listing in your resume summary. This will help the employer see how you are a good fit for the job.

In a resume summary statement, avoid skills that are commonplace (for example, avoid mentioning Microsoft Office), or overused words (such as "multitasker" or “team player”). Try to use  action words  to demonstrate your achievements.

To recap, you want to include the following elements in your statement:

• Core strengths and skill sets most relevant to the role
• Past relevant experience with key functions
• Notable accomplishments that you intend to repeat in the next role

This is a resume example with a summary statement. Download the resume template  (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online) or read the example below.

Resume Example With a Summary Statement (Text Version)

Matthew Applicant 900 Basil Street Boyton Beach, FL 33426 123-456-7890 matthew.applicant@email.com

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY 

Certified Workforce Development Professional / Career Specialist offering experience providing tailored career counseling, coaching, and job seeker services. Work well with clients from all walks of life to identify values, develop possible career paths, and design effective job search strategies. 90% successful employment placement rate. Proficient with database programs including Oracle and Microsoft SQL Server.

Key Skills Individual Employment Plans Resume Writing Assistance Soft Skills vs. Hard Skills Analysis Labor Market Intelligence Goal Setting / Interest Inventories Professional Networking Strategies Career Portfolios Training Programs.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Workforce Investment Act Career Specialist ( February 2020 - Present) Arbor Education and Training, Boynton Beach, FL

Promoted to provide career management services to the universal population, assessing job readiness and preparing clients for entry / re-entry into the workforce. Duties include intake, interviewing, eligibility verification, referrals to supportive services and employer services, career coaching, and job search and orientation / classroom instruction. Serve as client liaison with instructors, businesses, and other client resources.

• Achieved and consistently maintained successful employment placement rate of 90% .
• Demonstrated strong understanding of labor market, vocational systems, One-Stop services, and One-Stop referral system.

Eligibility Career Specialist ( November 2018 - January 2020) Arbor Education and Training, Boynton Beach, FL

Conducted intake interviews and administered screening forms to ascertain client eligibility for public assistance services. Provided initial and follow-up support to clients, scheduled eligibility review dates, and resolved eligibility issues. Meticulously maintained documentation in database and hard copy case files. Provided referrals to community-based partners and agencies.

• Hand-selected by senior management to serve as Project Support Associate Specialist / Team Leader tasked with providing customized training opportunities for students.

B.A., Business Administration 2018 Fort Lauderdale College, Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Florida Certified Workforce Professional Certified Professional – Job Seeker Services 2019 Dynamic Works Institute, Rockledge, Florida

Citizen Contact Skills Institute of Government, Palm Beach Community College, Lake Worth, Florida

ASSOCIATIONS Dynamic Works Institute – DWI National Association of Workforce Development Professionals NAWDP South Eastern Employment and Training Association - SETA

CEO Hands-on executive officer known for strategic and focused approach, with extensive accolades for limiting risk, creating lean teams, and establishing creative strategies for optimizing internal operations, financial returns, external customer service, and output.

ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONAL  Multi-faceted, efficient, and reliable administrative professional with 10+ years of experience supporting executives, sales personnel, and managers to improve internal operations for small businesses.

Proficient in CRM applications and design programs. Diversified skill set covering administrative support, client relations, writing, human resources and recruiting, account management, and project management. Excellent interpersonal, phone, and digital communication skills.

PARALEGAL Self-driven, detail-oriented professional leveraging advanced analytical and research talents to excel within an intellectually demanding Paralegal role with an established law firm.

Legal Administration : Utilize Paralegal training and proven research and writing skills to ensure the timely drafting and submission of legal documents. Unparalleled grammatical and editing skills.

Communications / Client Relations : 10 years' experience working directly with clients from diverse socioeconomic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds to define individual needs, assemble personal histories / career backgrounds, convey project statuses, and formulate strategic presentations. Easily instill trust and confidence in clients stressed by challenging work environments and life events; handle private client data with 100% confidentiality and integrity.

Information Management : Swiftly master and apply business and online technologies and proprietary databases / content management systems. Technical proficiencies include MyCase Legal Practice Management Software, Best Case Bankruptcy Software, and Clio.

Key Strengths : Finely-tuned analytical skills with a dedication to expanding subject knowledge and workplace competencies through continuing research and training; willingly assume extra responsibility to ensure optimal and timely project execution. Type 80 wpm with perfect accuracy.

REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR 15 years of successful sales management experience within the consumer products industry. Lead by example in motivating sales teams to unprecedented YOY gains.

• Increased sales in the northeast region by 15% through creative vendor partnerships and instituting sales incentives.
• Hired, trained, and inspired award-winning sales team, generating profits at 10% above the company average.
• Conducted customer satisfaction surveys and recommended product enhancements which were then adopted by senior management.

PROJECT MANAGER Seasoned project manager with 5+ years of print project management experience and knowledge of web production obtained from positions in educational publishing and consumer packaging. Creative problem solver who has consistently completed projects on time and within budget. Employed a customer-focused approach which increased repeat business by 15% over the prior cycle. Reduced employee turnover by 35% and retained all top-performing staff members.

This list of professionally written resume samples includes templates you can download to create your own resume.

How to Make Your Summary Statement Stand Out

SHOWCASE YOUR STRENGTHS: Use your resume summary statement to highlight the strengths that set you apart from your competition, demonstrating how you would bring value to an employer’s organization by listing specific contributions.

PROVIDE QUANTIFIABLE ACHIEVEMENTS: Increase the persuasive force of your resume summary statement by using percentages, impressive sales figures, or numbers to quantify specific professional achievements.

USE A RESUME SUMMARY STATEMENT INSTEAD OF AN OBJECTIVE: Resume summary statements are more effective than objective statements because they focus on an employer’s needs rather than on what you, as a job candidate, want for yourself. 

CareerOneStop. " Headline and Summary ."

• Resume Tips

How long should a resume be in 2024?

12 min read

As a marketing tool, your resume needs to be effective, which is a lot to ask from a couple of pieces of paper. It needs to include enough about you to prove that you’re qualified for the job you’re applying for, without overwhelming the reader. How long your resume should be relates to how far back your resume should go.

The length in question relates to the number of pages. Your resume length can vary based on factors such as your experience, your field, and the job you’re applying for. So, how long should a resume be?

This article will guide you through several examples, exceptions, and the keys to success that our team of professional resume writers use to get the correct number of pages for a resume. Here are the topics that this post will cover:

When should your resume be one page?

When should your resume be two pages.

When should your resume be three pages–or more?

10 tips on how to get your resume to the right length

“The one-page resume standard is no longer applicable in today’s job market,” says Jennifer Johnson, a professional resume writer and veteran recruiter. She has spent more than 10 years hiring and developing talent for Fortune 500 companies.

“The strategic goal should focus on keyword optimization, meaning the resume should have a strong mix of skills and terms that support their qualifications. For many job seekers, limiting themselves to one page can mean omitting important keywords, causing their resume to fail ATS scans , and therefore lose out on important job opportunities.”

Confused? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! By the end of this article, you’ll have a clearer idea of how long a resume should be and exactly what those pages should include.

You should limit your resume to one page if:

You’re writing your first resume–congratulations!

Your industry or job target recommends a single page

You’ve just graduated from college

Why your resume should be one page

Your resume can be one page if that’s all you require to market yourself. One-page resumes can be scanned quickly by the human eye, so they are very convenient for in-person scenarios like job fairs and networking events.

If you have a two-page resume with no work experience, it’ll most likely contain filler words and information that isn’t relevant to the job application. Reduce your resume to one page by tailoring your resume to your relevant experience.

If you’re making a career change, your past experience is unlikely to be relevant to the new job. In this scenario, lead with your transferable skills rather than experience. A functional resume format may be better for you.

The same goes for recent grads. Odds are that you don’t have two pages of relevant experience. However, some graduates have multiple internships, volunteer work, on-campus activities, or publications that belong on a resume. If you’ve just graduated, read more about how to search for a job as a recent graduate.

The optimum length for a resume in 2023 is two pages in order to fit in all your keywords, work history, experience, and skills.

Here are some situations that indicate you should use a two-page resume:

You’re not an entry-level candidate

You have enough relevant skills, experience, and keywords to fill at least a page and a half

You’re submitting a resume online

 You’re handing a resume to a hiring manager

If you’re concerned that a two-page resume will slow down a hiring manager during their six-second resume test, remember that this “six-second” figure comes from a review after an ATS scan has determined your fit for the position. If you’re able to get through the ATS, one study suggests that when time constraints aren’t an issue, recruiters are 2.3 times more likely to prefer a two-page resume.

Why your resume should be two pages

Your resume will most likely need two pages to show career progression. If you have more than 10 years of experience, you’ll also want your resume to include a professional summary and a career highlights section. These are both excellent opportunities to fit in more keywords.

For highly skilled applicants, a two-page resume will incorporate all relevant experience , education , certifications , and additional training .

When should your resume be three pages?

Your resume should rarely be three pages or more. Most of the information for a three-page resume is better suited for an academic CV or on a LinkedIn profile.

“Though we generally advise against a resume length beyond two pages, sometimes it’s necessary,” says Jennifer. “Some professions and industries have a different set of standards when it comes to resumes and therefore require more information.”

Why your resume should be three pages

You could have more than two pages if you’re a high-level or senior-level executive, or established in a very complex, technical field. For example, a scientist may need more than two pages to showcase background, education, published work, and studies. An executive resume usually shows a clear progression of responsibility and job titles with many related experiences.

Your professional document can be three pages if you’re writing a Curriculum Vitae (CV). This is more common when applying for jobs outside of the USA. In the US and Canada, there are some other industries that use CVs, such as academia and medical.

Federal resumes also follow a different format, and can easily be three pages or more.

For most job searches, you should focus on your most recent 10 to 15 years of experience.

“Consider utilizing your LinkedIn profile to fit the relevant work experience that’s important, but not strictly necessary on your resume,” suggests Caitlin, a ZipJob career expert and certified professional resume writer (CPRW).

“Most hiring managers will look at a LinkedIn profile before they call you for an interview, so it’s another chance for you to prove your qualifications. On the other hand, it might convince them not to call you if it’s widely different from your resume or includes additional information that’s off-putting.”

Read our article on writing an effective LinkedIn profile for more information.

How to get your resume to the right length

If starting from scratch, check out our advice first on how to write a resume. Once you have a draft to work from, use the 10 tips below to add to or subtract from your resume length.

1. Focus on your most recent experience

A potential employer wants to see your most recent skills and experience. You don’t need to include an internship from 15 years ago! If you haven’t used those skills since, they’re not going to help in any way.

This applies to the work experience descriptions on your resume as well.

If you’ve held the same responsibilities under multiple entries, consider including them just below your most recent position..

Emphasize your most recent professional experience by going back no more than 10 years as this will keep the focus on what you’re capable of now and help to minimize age bias.

2. Focus on relevant experience

If you’ve jumped around during your career, try to downplay (or exclude) positions that aren’t relevant. Your resume doesn’t have to include every place you’ve worked or every job you’ve held–it’s a common myth that doesn’t do you any favors.

If you do want to list all your positions to establish a career trajectory or avoid gaps, limit the information you include with less relevant jobs. Expand the impact and results of your most recent and relevant jobs, and no more than three  bullet points for the other information.

3. Remove graphics

Some content just shouldn’t be on your resume; when applying online, remove all graphics and logos from your resume. These images turn into confusing lines of code for ATS, so save visuals for your LinkedIn or a printed resume.

Your resume doesn’t need a headshot or selfie either. Save that for online profiles, but keep it professional!

4. Do NOT use Bitmojis or other “alternatives” to a photo

“I’m stumped by this trend,” says Caitlin, ZipJob’s Marketing Manager. “I love seeing creative displays of personality on a resume, but Bitmojis are cartoons. Stand out from the applicant pool in other ways that will earn you more respect.”

From a technical standpoint, as with other graphics, Bitmojis turn into jumbled nonsense for an ATS. 

Unlike logos or artistic headers–which can be appropriate for graphic designer resumes in print form–Bitmojis never have a place on a resume.

5. Combine multiple related bullet points into one

If you have multiple lines on the same subject within your job experience, combine the statements into one.

Ensured our marketing had a positive ROI

Utilized marketing tools to ensure maximum ROI

Managed the marketing team to ensure smooth and efficient projects were deployed

 Implemented and managed a marketing campaign with extensive A/B testing to achieve a 190% ROI

As can be seen, the three bullet points are easily grouped together to form one cohesive statement that’s sure to impress an employer.

6. Remove the “references” section

References are assumed and don’t need to be mentioned on your resume. In addition, there’s no need to include the line “references available upon request.”

A hiring manager doesn’t need this so early on in the application process. Instead, make a separate reference document to provide when asked. Your resume’s goal is to get you a phone call to schedule an interview. Keep it focused on you and the value you’d bring to the company.

Pro tip: bring a printed copy to the interview, and keep an email draft with names, contact information, current job titles, and your relationship to each referee.

7. Remove the “hobbies and interests” section

“Sometimes listing your hobbies and interests can help you stand out from the job-seeker crowd,” says Jennifer. “But tread carefully. Some hobbies can have a negative effect based on the biases of your audience.”

A better way to include hobbies or interests is to post about your passions on LinkedIn or join related groups. You can also establish yourself as an expert or thought leader on Reddit and Quora, which might pique the interest of the hiring manager who looks you up online before calling you for an interview.

8. Use an active voice

Your resume should be written in an active voice. This conveys you as a self-starter and that you can connect what you did with the impact it made in previous positions. It also means your experience is more tangible and effective.

Be sure to use the active voice to emphasize career highlights. Focus on accomplishments that are financial, a special award or recognition, or an initiative by which you demonstrated leadership.

Resumes aren’t written with any pronouns traditionally, so using the active voice simply includes whatever would come after “I achieved…” or “I am proud that I…”

When you start using more active language and quantifiable achievements, you’ll see that you’re left with a more concise, effective resume.

9. Change your resume’s formatting

If your resume has wide margins and a large font, you’re going to have a hard time fitting all the information you need onto two pages. After clarifying the content, read our advice on resume margins and font size , as well as the top 10 resume fonts . This will help your resume appear balanced, relevant, and easy to read.

Many people opt to use templates they find online. Those on Etsy, Canva, or other sites are often visually appealing and use a lot of white space; however, multiple columns can confuse ATS scans so proceed with caution. 

“If your resume includes more than a square inch of white space at any point, adjust your settings,” advises Caitlin. “That’s valuable real estate! Play with the margins, tabs, and justification settings.”

Note: white space refers to spaces without content, no matter what color you’ve opted to use or any lines you’ve incorporated into your resume.

Finally, be wary of any sites or resume builders that offer a subscription service for resume templates–they’re notorious for charging unknowing job seekers month after month. When in doubt, DIY your resume or hire a reputable service.

You can find different price points for resume services on our free resource: 10 Best Resume Writing Services 2023 US + CA (All Industries)

10. Keep tailoring

A tailored outfit fits you perfectly. You only manage that by trimming away the excess. To ensure your resume length is a perfect fit, trim away anything that doesn’t fit for each job.

Look at every line of your document from the perspective of a hiring manager: does each line prove you’re a good fit for the position? If not, cut it out!

There’s no set rule when asking, “How long should a resume be?”. What’s more important is that the information on your resume is relevant to the position you seek. In fact, that’s the best place to start when you need to figure out how many pages a good resume should have!  If you need something to measure it by, try fitting your resume into two pages, including only information that’ll help you get that particular job.

Good luck with your job search.

To ensure that you have the perfect resume for your job search, get your free resume review from our team of experts today!

Recommended reading:

Good Skills To Put On Your Resume

Here is What A Good Cover Letter Looks Like

Why Is It So Hard to Find a Job? (+ 5 Tips)

Elizabeth Openshaw, Editor & Content Writer, Elizabeth Openshaw, Editor & Content Writer

Elizabeth Openshaw is an Elite CV Consultant with over 12 years of experience based in Brighton, UK, with an English degree and an addiction to Wordle! She is a former Journalist of 17 years with the claim to fame that she interviewed three times Grand Slam winner and former World No.1 tennis player, Andy Murray, when he was just 14 years old. You can connect with her at Elizabeth Openshaw | LinkedIn .

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How Long Should a Resume Be in 2024 [For Any Profession]

You’ve probably heard time and time again that a resume should be strictly one page. 

What if you have a TON of experience, though? What if you just can’t fit all the cool stuff you’ve done on a single page?

With that comes the dilemma:

How long should a resume be? 

Can you exceed the strict one-pager?

A simple Google search will reveal conflicting opinions. 

Some career experts emphasize time and time again to stick to the golden one-page rule. Others suggest this practice is preferred, but not mandatory. 

So, which one is it?

Here’s the thing - there’s no magic one-size-fits-all rule on how long should your resume be. It really depends on several factors.

Luckily, we’re here to help set the record straight. 

• How long should your resume be?
• What’s the ideal length for your resume depending on your experience level
• How to fit your resume on one page
• How long should a CV be

How Long Should a Resume Be

Short answer: it depends, but in most cases, you should stick to the one-pager.

The long answer?

Well, here’s the thing. There’s a very good chance that you don't actually need to get past one page.

Unless you have 20+ years of experience, a single page should be more than enough. Your resume should be a summary of your most relevant, most recent work experience.

It’s not supposed to be a detailed account of everything you’ve ever done in your life.

For a mid-level professional, here’s what you’d add to your resume (which would result in 1-page MAX):

• Contact information section
• 2-3 work experience entries
• 1 or 2 education entries
• Skills section
• Languages section

Now, if we turn this into a real-life resume, you’ll see that it’s going to be hard to go past one page.

If you do have a decade’s worth of work experience, though, or if you’re a senior executive, you can actually break this rule and go for 2.

Make sure to ask yourself, though, “am I aiming for quality over quantity? Are all the work experience entries I’ve mentioned relevant?”

Now, you might be thinking, “do I ever go beyond 2 pages?”

Well, you can potentially go for 3, but that’s only if you’re…

• A senior-ranking executive with a remarkable track record.
• Applying for a federal job that requests more information contrary to a civilian application.
• Have a long, lengthy background and you need to hand over case studies, testimonials, project highlights.

Never write above three, though. If Elon Musk's experience can fit on one page , so can yours. 

How far back should a resume go?

Your resume shouldn’t go back further than a maximum of 10 to 15 years . 

You want to keep the information on your resume relevant to the job you are applying for.

The HR Department is most likely not interested in what you were doing 20 years ago. Even if it’s very impressive, chances are, you've done much more significant things in your past 3 positions than whatever you did 18 years ago. 

• Not going back very far also sidesteps age discrimination. If your resume dates back more than 15 years, the HR department might guess your age. And if it’s a young applicant they’re looking for, your resume can be rejected right away.

Are there times you need to absolutely include more than 10-15 years ' worth of work experience in your resume ? 

Yes, occasionally.  

More specifically, you would want to include dated experiences if:

• You are applying for a job in a field you used to work for more than 15 years ago and you don’t have the recent professional experience to account for. In that case, old relevant experience is better than no experience.
• Your dated experience is actually of extremely high importance. Maybe you used to be president of the United States or CEO of Coca-Cola. You can choose to use that to your advantage since it speaks to your qualifications and prestige, even if it’s old news.

How long should a student resume be? 

If you’re a student, you should never, ever, go past the one-page limit. You barely have any work experience, so whatever information you’re adding that goes past one-page, it’s probably not that relevant.

If you’re having difficulty fitting everything into one page, look at every point in your resume critically.

Do you really need to let your prospective employer know about every single one of your volunteering experiences and extracurriculars, or make your summer lifeguard job occupy one-third of your resume?

The answer is no, not really.

Instead, focus on your most impressive qualifications, best academic achievements, and fields of study relevant to the job you are applying for, and you’ll find out you probably don’t even need a full page.

Want to learn more about how to write the perfect student resume ? Check out our complete guide with samples & tips!

Resume Length for Your Experience Level 

Still uncertain about how long your resume should be? Check out our cheatsheet to find out. 

The table below displays the recommended length of your resume, based on your years of experience.  

How to Fit a Resume on One Single Page 

Let’s get real. 

An entry-level applicant can insert all relevant information under one page because he/she doesn’t have much relevant experience. The alternative is appearing like they’re not making a serious enough effort to write a concise application. 

For folks with more experience, however, this can be a bit trickier.

Here are some tips on how to turn your resume into a concise one-pager:

• Use an online resume builder. Pick a free template resume that is optimized for length and let it do all of the work for you. You don’t need to mess around with the font and formatting: the resume builder will fit everything in one page for you.
• Focus on relevant information. Yes, this again. It’s crucial you carefully go through the job description and the main skills your employers are searching for. If you are applying for a job as a software engineer, don’t mention your internship as a social media manager. Cut your “yoga” from your list of interests. If the employer is not looking for it, you don’t need to have it in your resume.
• Achievements over responsibilities. Don’t list everything you were responsible for. That will not only prolong your resume and bore the employer, but won’t make you stand out. Your prospective employer knows what your main responsibilities were if you list “Sales manager” on your resume. They are the same as 50 other applicants that applied with the same work experience. Focus on tangible performance indicators instead. Instead of saying “did sales at X,” go for “Hit and exceeded department KPIs by 20-30% for 5 months in a row.”
• Customize spacing. You can always make room for more entries if you reduce the document margins space. You can, for example, customize the margins to 0.5” instead of the regular 2.5”. You can also mess around with the space between bullet points and sections.
• Smaller fonts . A 12pt font might have been the norm for university papers, but that doesn’t mean you have to follow it for your resume. Try out an 11 or 11.5 font to win some more room. Make sure everything is readable without zooming in, though!
• Bullet points. Instead of listing job or education descriptions as paragraphs, use bullet points instead. Keep your sentences short and to the point.
• Remove unnecessary headers. Contact information or the resume summary will do just fine without their own personalized headers.
• Don’t include your high school. Unless you used to study in a very specialized high school, or your employer went to the same high school as you, exclude it. It’s hardly ever relevant to the job you’re applying for.
• Exclude repeated bullets. If you undertook similar responsibilities in more than one company, don’t repeat the same job description. No need for the hiring manager to read how you “analyzed industry trends” three different times.
• Cut your resume summary short. Keep in mind that a resume summary is supposed to wrap up your most impressive qualities for the job. It doesn’t need a 6 line introduction and 10 bullet points. Cut it down to three text lines. For a better understanding of how to properly write your resume summary, check out this guide.

How Long Should a CV Be? 

We’re going to say it before you ask:

Yes, in the USA, a CV is different from a resume.

A resume is customized to each individual job you are applying to and is strictly one page.

A CV, on the other hand, covers the in-depths of your career and academic journey. It is usually used in Academia. 

Because the goal and nature of a CV are different than that of a resume, you shouldn’t necessarily strive for the shortest pitch possible.

Most recruiters agree that the average golden length for a CV is two or three pages . 

However, depending on your years of experience, accomplishments , training, and education, it can go up to eight pages .

Not sure if you need a CV or a resume ? Check out our guide that explains the difference between the two.

Key Takeaways

Now, let’s go through everything we’ve learned:

• For most candidates, a resume should be only one page . Be brief and concise with anything you write on your resume. Customize your resume for the job you’re applying for and include only relevant experience. If you’ve done everything right, you shouldn’t get past one page.
• If you have 10-15+ years of experience, it’s okay to write a 2-page resume as long as all the information presented is relevant to the job.
• You can play around with the spacing, margins, and format of the resume to make all your information fit on one page. If you want the easy way out, use a resume builder .
• For Americans, a CV is different from a resume. It is primarily used in Academia and serves as an academic and experience diary. Since it’s not a short pitch, the length of a CV is usually 2-3 pages but can go up to 8 pages depending on your background.

Suggested reading:

• How to Pick the Best Resume Format [+Examples]
• 150+ Must-Have Skills for Any Resume [With Tips + Tricks]
• 340+ Resume Action Verbs And Power Words [Complete list]

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How long should a resume be [the ultimate guide].

Dayana Aleksandrova

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Table of Contents

Why the one-page resume has become the standard, the pros and cons of long resumes, what the ideal resume should include, contact information, resume summary, awards and certifications, hobbies and interests.

Think of your resume as an elevator pitch. You’ve got six seconds to wow the recruiter and get an interview invite. In this case, length is absolutely crucial, but how long should a resume be? How long should a resume be exactly?

Should it be as short as possible? Is one page the golden standard? Is it cool to staple novel of your achievements together and proudly drop the stack off on the hiring manager’s desk? We will look at the pros and cons of different length and what an ideal resume should include.

If you don't have a resume to work with yet, check out one of these resume templates .

in this guide, we will teach you

• Why the one-page resume has become the standard in the industry
• The pros and cons of long resumes
• What the ideal resume should include
• What you should leave out

VelvetJobs Expert Tip

Need help creating a resume? Check out our resume builder .

#why-the-one-page-resume-has-become-the-standard

The one-page resume has established itself as the gold standard in the industry. Why is that? Well, the single-page resume is:

• Easy to handle (no stapled pages to chase)
• Easy to skim
• When formatted right, can be enjoyable to read and easy to process

These are the basic reasons why the single page ideal has dominated the industry for years. The most important thing to be wary of in the case of the one-page resume is to not leave out essential information.

#the-pros-and-cons-of-long-resumes

This is very straightforward.

The pros of long resumes are that they:

• Paint a complete picture of you as a whole
• Show all of your experience
• Show and explain any gaps in your experience
• Demonstrate your hobbies and interests which should reflect the company values

The cons of long resumes:

• It takes longer for the recruiter to read them
• They may be cluttered
• You risk including irrelevant information
• The recruiter will most likely get distracted halfway through
• Some recruiters will not look at resumes that are longer than ONE page
• Resumes with multiple pages may end up being dismantled and key information lost

You can make an exception in case you've got more than 10 years of experience and have many relevant jobs to include. If you've worked for brand names like Pepsi, Apple or Hewlett-Packard, you'd want to mention them all.

The long resume would also allow you to go a bit more in-depth about your education if it's relevant. It's ok to go over one page but only when all the information is essential and you've cut out the fluff.

#what-the-ideal-resume-should-include

Your resume should be concise and easy to understand, yet it needs to include all the important information the recruiter looks for. Often candidates worry about length so much, that they leave off important details. That’s a bad move. Here is a list of what the ideal resume should include in order

• Contact information
• Resume summary
• Awards/ Certifications
• Hobbies and interests

Whatever you do, do not skip these points. After all, what good is a short resume that barely scratches the surface of why you are the perfect candidate for the job? Let’s have a closer look at these sections and see how we can optimize their length.

#contact-information

Your contact information is an extremely important component. How long should a resume be in this area? It should be just about 2 lines

• Your full name, email and phone number
• Your address - city, street, state, country

It would look like this:

It’s crucial to give the recruiter your email and phone number. If they like your resume, they must be able to quickly pick up the phone and call you in or shoot you an email. Don’t play hard to get; this is not the time.

The address serves as an indication of where you live which comes in handy when the job requires you to be in a certain field or perhaps means relocation for you.

It is especially important for international candidates to pay close attention to the address they put down, as it has to be the permanent address. For example, if you are from Germany and applying for a job in the United States, your permanent address will be the one in Germany.

While you may live in the States, the employer needs to know whether this is your permanent residency or whether you’re just in the country for a certain period of time.

Make sure you get that call back! Check out How to Include Contact Information on Your Resume !

#resume-summary

The resume summary is a key part of your presentation. How long should a resume be in terms of summary?

The ideal would be only 2-3 sentences. The length largely depends on how much experience you have. For example, if you’ve been in a certain industry for 10 years, you will have more to say than someone who just graduated.

A great resume summary FOR SOMEONE WITH EXPERIENCE:

Concierge with 7 years of experience in boutique hotels. Easy-going and detail oriented, I always do my best to leave a great impression with guests and help ensure that they have a unique experience. MA in Hospitality and prior sales experience.

You’ve got three concise sentences that tell us how many years of experience the applicant has, the specific type of hotels they have worked at, and their key qualities + education level.

A GREAT RESUME SUMMARY FOR A RECENT GRADUATE:

The second example has two sentences which tell us how much experience the candidate has, what their values are and the level of education.

Want to master the art of the resume summary? Check out 5 Steps To A Killer Resume Summary + Real Examples !

#experience

The experience section is the CORE of your resume. You have to make sure to show the recruiter right off the bat what it is that you focus on and how your previous positions tie to it.

While the experience section should be detailed and longer than the rest of your resume, it should not be too long. For the jobs where you've had great achievements, do up to 6-10 bullet points. Otherwise, 3-6 is fine.

Moreover, get rid of all the positions that are not relevant to what you are applying for. Let’s say that you are applying to be an accountant and you have three previous jobs in finance and one in hospitality.

In this case, it’s a good idea to get rid of the hospitality job and only include your relevant past experience. This way, you save space and don’t risk confusing the hiring manager.

How long should a resume be in terms of experience section? Stick to the general rule of 60%. You should allocate the space on your page like this:

Your education should be present on your resume but definitely not take up too much space. Unless you are applying for an academic position, your resume should only be mentioned briefly, as your experience matters more.

The only exception to this rule is if you are a recent graduate and all you can show for professional experience are internships and summer jobs.

it would look like this:

• Name of college + graduation year
• Degree type (BA, MA, Ph.D)
• Major/ minor

If you have taken relevant courses to the job you are applying for and have graduated recently, it’s encouraged to add them to this section.

For example, if you’re a recent graduate with a BA in Economics, and have only done summer internships, go ahead and put down courses like International Economy, Risk Management, Startup Entrepreneurship on your resume.

Need some inspiration? Have a look at these resume templates .

#awards-and-certifications

The awards and certifications section on your resume is only meant to enhance the overall strength of your candidacy, so don’t get too carried away here. Your awards and certifications have to be directly related to the field you are applying for.

For example, if you are applying to be a tutor at a private school, mention the language certification courses you took and what score you passed them with.

If you are applying for a sales job, mention that you’ve won an award for best sales leader and how your team reached and exceeded your goal (use numerical information).

Want to know which accomplishments you should list to get the job? Check out How to Mention Accomplishments on Your Resume (10+ Examples) !

#hobbies-and-interests

Your hobbies and interests are a small but great addition to your resume. Companies want to hire like-minded people to the employees they already have, in order to strengthen the company culture.

Ideally, this section would be no longer than 2 sentences. It should give a brief overview of the things you enjoy in your free time, but not turn into a memoir.

for example:

If you are applying to be a writer, say: "My hobbies include reading fiction, interviewing strangers and analyzing old Russian literature."

This tells the hiring manager that you have a rich imagination, aren’t afraid of going in the field and asking questions, and are analytical.

A one-page resume is ideal. Keep it short and simple, but don’t take out essential details just to save a few lines. Revise the list of essential information that needs to be present and present each one clearly and concisely.

Want to know exactly what to put on your perfect one-page resume? Check out What to Put on a Resume to Get you Hired (10+ Examples) !

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• Mar 16, 2018

How Long Should The Career Summary On A Resume Be?

Updated: Sep 30, 2021

Most job seekers ask, " How Long Should My Resume's Career Summary Be? "

The length of a is of a huge importance; if too long, it will not be looked at in detail, and the short ones might leave a lack-of-experience impression.

To avoid making any mistakes, many job seekers hire Arizona best rated resume writing experts who write executive level resumes in order to get the best possible career summary on their resume. In this article, you can learn more about how long it should be, what its focus is on and its importance.

What Is A Career Summary On A Resume?

A career summary, is located at the very top of a resume and is a short introduction with a purpose to convey a candidate’s set of skills. It has grown to be one of the most important parts of a resume since most hiring managers focus on this part.

It tells them how a candidate can help their company grow and thrive, what a candidate has to offer. If they are not impressed while reading the career summary, they go no further. This is a part where a candidate must persuade a hiring manager that he/she is the best among all other applicants.

Why Did Career Summaries On A Resume Replace Career Objectives?

Career summaries focus on what a candidate has to offer to a company, while career objectives are more about the candidate’s wishes. Hiring managers want to have someone in their team who is willing to learn, grow and become more successful, but first of all, they prefer to know what a candidate can give them rather than what a company can give to the candidate.

Career summaries became more popular than career objectives. They are more eye catchy and it’s easier to impress a hiring manager by experience and skills rather than goals.

Should A Career Summary Be Focused On Soft Skills Or Hard Skills?

When writing a career resume, it is important to emphasize both soft skills and hard skills. Some hiring managers are more interested in soft skills, others in hard skills. It all depends on the job position you apply for.

To avoid making any mistakes, it is best to check which hard and soft skills are most related to the job position you want to apply for and highlight those. All other skills that are not related to the job position should not be mentioned in the career summary.

Job ads also tell a lot about the requirements, so you have to carefully check them as well. If the job ad is more focused on soft skills, highlight these, if they’re hard skills, make them stand out. If in doubt, you can always contact the a resume writing agency located in Gilbert Arizona to help you tailor a resume that will highlight the right set of skills.

How Long Should A Career Summary Be On A Resume?

A career summary needs to introduce you to a hiring manager effectively and quickly, so you must use it wisely. Keep it short but to the point – no more than 100 words in total. Depending on the format and the font - four to six lines. This is enough to highlight the most important information about you, the one hiring managers crave to read and know. If too long, they might not read everything (hiring managers quickly scan resumes) and skip some crucial information.

Why Is The Career Summary One Of The Most Important Section On A Resume?

Career summary is one of the most important parts because it is the first thing hiring managers read on a resume. This part of a resume tells them about a candidate’s motivation, skills and cultural fit. If a hiring manager is impressed at the very beginning, he/she will pay more attention to the rest of the resume and become more interested in the candidate.

What Keywords Should Be Included In The Career Summary Of Your Resume?

When writing a resume, the more keywords it has the better score will it get when scanned by the Applicant Tracking System (ATS). It is very important to choose the right keywords; the wrong one will not be accepted by the ATS.

Check the job ad and include the words mentioned there. Job titles, skills, responsibilities can all be keywords. Look for the keywords that are related to the industry you work for and make sure to use them only.

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