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27 Great Resume Summary Examples to Get Hired

21 min read · Updated on November 26, 2024

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

When it comes to job applications, your resume is often the first point of contact with prospective employers. It's essential to make a good impression right from the start, and that's where your resume summary comes in. 

What is a resume summary? 

How can you create one that will help your resume stand out from the competition?

In this article, we'll explain the resume summary and why it's so vital for job search success. We'll also teach you how to write a great resume summary that will grab any employer's attention and provide 27 fantastic resume summary examples that you can customize to fit your job search needs.

What is a resume summary?

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

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

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

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

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

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

How should you start a resume summary?

Since your summary is designed to capture the reader's attention, it's vital to start this paragraph off in a compelling way.  While the statement should be brief, it should also clearly communicate your unique value proposition. Here are some examples of strong opening statements:

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

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

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

Tips for writing a resume summary

To make sure that you create the most powerful resume summary possible, follow our top tips:

Be specific

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

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

Reflect on your career

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

What have I achieved in my career?

What skills have I developed?

What makes me stand out from other applicants?

Identify your key skills

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

Highlight your relevant experiences

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

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

Proven ability to increase sales revenue by 20% year-over-year

Expertise in project management and team leadership

Proficient in Adobe Creative Cloud and Microsoft 365

Confident working with a diverse range of clients and stakeholders

Keep it concise

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

Use action verbs

When describing your experiences and achievements, use strong action verbs and adverbs to convey a sense of accomplishment and momentum. For example, instead of saying, "Responsible for managing social media accounts," say, "Successfully manage 4 social media accounts, including Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn, and Instagram."

Quantify your achievements

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

Tailor it to the job

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

Professional resume summary examples

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

Customer Service Representative

Sales Representative

Marketing Manager

Project Manager

Software Developer

Human Resources Manager

Graphic Designer

Registered Nurse

Financial Analyst

Administrative Assistant

Data Entry Clerk  

Business Analyst

Operations Manager  

Mental Health Counselor

High School Teacher

Event Manager

Product Designer

Content Marketer

SEO Specialist

Bank Teller

Software Support Specialist

Data Scientist

Dental Assistant

1.    Customer Service Representative resume summary example

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

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

2.    Sales Representative resume summary example

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

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

3.    Marketing Manager resume summary example

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

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

4.    Project Manager resume summary example

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

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

5.   Software Developer resume summary example

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

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

6.    Human Resources Manager resume summary example

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

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

7.    Graphic Designer resume summary example

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

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

8.    Registered Nurse resume summary example

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

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

9.   Financial Analyst resume summary example

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

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

10.   Administrative Assistant resume summary example

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

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

11.   Data Entry Clerk resume summary example

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

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

12.   Business Analyst resume summary example

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

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

13.   Operations Manager resume summary example

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

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

14.   Mental Health Counselor resume summary example

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

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

15.    High School Teacher resume summary example

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

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

16.    Accountant resume summary example

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

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

17.    Event Manager resume summary example

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

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

18.    IT Manager resume summary example

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

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

19.   Product Designer resume summary example

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

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

20.    Content Marketer resume summary example

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

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

21.   SEO Specialist resume summary example

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

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

22.   Copywriter resume summary example

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

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

23.  Bank Teller resume summary example

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

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

24.  Software Support Specialist resume summary example

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

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

25.   Data Scientist resume summary example

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

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

26.  Dental Assistant resume summary example

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

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

27.  Architect resume summary example

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

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

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

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

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

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

A word about AI

If you've been following recent news headlines, you've probably heard about the rise of artificial intelligence. If so, then maybe you've wondered whether it's a viable tool for creating your resume. While our experts advise against using AI to create your resume from scratch, that doesn't mean that it has no role to play in that process. In fact, tools like ChatGPT can be extremely useful for assessing your resume summary and other key parts of your resume.

For example, AI can help you to evaluate job descriptions to identify the most relevant keywords that need to be included in your resume to get past any ATS. Artificial intelligence can even be used to brainstorm ideas for resume headlines, skill synonyms, and other vital resume components. Just recognize that the technology has not yet advanced to the point at which it can reliably craft truly compelling resumes.

Key takeaways

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

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

This article was originally written by Ken Chase. It has been updated by Marsha Hebert and Ken Chase.

Recommended reading:

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

How to Write a Standout Career Summary

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

Related Articles:

Do Hiring Managers Actually Read Cover Letters?

How to Create a Resume With No Education

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

See how your resume stacks up.

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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

More Resume Tips & Guides

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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.

15 Amazing Resume Summary Statement Examples for Job Seekers

Mike Simpson 0 Comments

By Mike Simpson

Updated 6/9/2022.

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

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

Understanding the Resume Summary Statement

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to Write a Great Resume Summary Statement

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Resume Summary Examples

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

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

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

1. Newly-Minted Nursing Assistant

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

2. Recent Engineering Graduate

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

3. Restaurant Shift Lead

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

4. Digital Marketing Professional

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

5. Administrative Office Manager

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

6. Call Center Representative

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

7. IT Specialist Pivoting to New Field

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

8. Architectural Project Coordinator

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

9. Recruiter

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

10. Sales Manager

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

11. Warehouse Manager

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

12. Project Manager

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

13. Data Analyst

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

14. Social Worker

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

15. Sales Department Executive

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

Putting It All Together

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

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

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

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25+ Beginner Resume Summary Examples & Samples

• Resume Format
• November 13, 2024

Resume Summary

Beginner Resume Summary : Crafting a standout resume summary can be a game-changer for job seekers, especially beginners entering the competitive job market. A well-written summary not only highlights your skills and experiences but also sets the tone for the rest of your resume. It serves as your personal elevator pitch, capturing the attention of hiring managers and encouraging them to delve deeper into your qualifications.

In this article, we present over 25 beginner resume summary examples and samples tailored to various industries and roles. Each example is designed to inspire and guide you in creating a compelling summary that showcases your unique strengths. From entry-level positions to internships, these summaries will help you articulate your value and make a lasting impression.

Whether you’re fresh out of school or transitioning to a new career, having a strong resume summary is essential. Dive into our collection and discover how to effectively communicate your potential, paving the way for your next opportunity.

What is Beginner Resume Summary

A Beginner Resume Summary is a concise statement at the top of a resume that highlights a candidate’s skills, experiences, and career goals. It serves as an introduction, showcasing qualifications and making a strong first impression to potential employers, ultimately increasing the chances of landing an interview.

Why Adding Beginner Job Summary is Important

A beginner resume summary is a crucial component for job seekers entering the workforce or transitioning careers. It serves as a powerful introduction, allowing candidates to highlight their skills and aspirations succinctly. A well-crafted summary can capture the attention of hiring managers and set the tone for the rest of the resume.

• First Impressions Matter : A strong summary creates an immediate impact, showcasing your potential and enthusiasm, which is essential for beginners with limited experience.
• Highlights Key Skills : It allows you to emphasize relevant skills and qualifications, making it easier for employers to see your fit for the role.
• Tailors Your Message : A summary can be customized for each job application, aligning your strengths with the specific requirements of the position.
• Demonstrates Professionalism : A concise and well-written summary conveys a sense of professionalism and attention to detail, traits that employers value.
• Guides the Reader : It provides a roadmap for hiring managers, helping them quickly identify your core competencies and career objectives.
• Boosts Confidence : Crafting a summary encourages self-reflection on your skills and goals, boosting your confidence as you enter the job market.

In summary, a beginner resume summary is not just an optional addition; it is a strategic tool that enhances your chances of getting noticed and landing interviews. Investing time in creating an effective summary can significantly impact your job search success.

Must Use Keywords to Add in Beginner Resume Summary

• Detail-oriented
• Team player
• Strong communication
• Problem-solving
• Time management
• Quick learner
• Customer-focused
• Technical skills
• Collaborative
• Goal-oriented

Key Components of Professional Summary of Beginner Job

Creating an effective resume summary is crucial for beginners looking to make a strong first impression. Here are the key components to include:

• Concise Length : Aim for 2-4 sentences. This keeps your summary brief and to the point, making it easy for hiring managers to read quickly.
• Professional Title : Start with a clear professional title that reflects the position you’re applying for. This immediately tells the employer who you are in a professional context.
• Relevant Skills : Highlight 2-3 key skills that are directly relevant to the job. Use keywords from the job description to ensure alignment with the employer’s needs.
• Education Background : Mention your degree or relevant certifications, especially if you’re a recent graduate. This establishes your foundational knowledge in the field.
• Experience Highlights : Even if you have limited work experience, include any internships, volunteer work, or projects that demonstrate your abilities and commitment. Focus on achievements and contributions.
• Career Goals : Briefly state your career aspirations or what you hope to achieve in the role. This shows your motivation and helps the employer see how you fit into their organization.
• Personal Traits : Incorporate a couple of personal attributes that make you a good fit for the company culture, such as being a team player, adaptable, or detail-oriented.
• Tailored Content : Customize your summary for each job application. This demonstrates your genuine interest in the position and shows that you’ve done your research.
• Positive Language : Use affirmative and confident language to convey enthusiasm and a proactive attitude. Avoid negative or passive phrasing.
• Call to Action : End with a statement that invites the employer to learn more about you, such as expressing eagerness to discuss your qualifications in an interview.

By incorporating these components, beginners can create a compelling resume summary that captures attention, piques interest, and encourages hiring managers to read further.

Resume Summary of Beginner – For No Experience

Motivated and enthusiastic recent graduate eager to apply strong communication and organizational skills in a dynamic work environment. Quick learner with a passion for contributing to team success.

Detail-oriented and adaptable individual seeking an entry-level position. Possesses excellent problem-solving abilities and a strong desire to learn and grow within a professional setting.

Ambitious and dedicated individual with a strong work ethic. Ready to leverage academic knowledge and interpersonal skills to support team objectives in a fast-paced environment.

Creative thinker and proactive learner excited to embark on a professional journey. Committed to delivering high-quality work and collaborating effectively with team members to achieve common goals.

Energetic and resourceful individual seeking to gain hands-on experience. Strong ability to adapt quickly and effectively to new challenges while maintaining a positive attitude.

Enthusiastic self-starter with a passion for learning and growth. Eager to contribute fresh ideas and a strong commitment to teamwork in an entry-level role.

Recent graduate with a solid foundation in [your field of study]. Eager to apply theoretical knowledge in a practical setting while developing professional skills and relationships.

Driven and detail-oriented individual looking to kickstart a career. Possesses strong analytical skills and a willingness to learn from experienced professionals in a collaborative environment.

Passionate and hardworking individual ready to take on new challenges. Strong communication skills and a desire to contribute positively to a team-oriented workplace.

Goal-oriented and enthusiastic learner seeking an entry-level opportunity. Committed to applying strong organizational skills and a positive attitude to support team objectives and enhance productivity.

Professional Summary Examples for Beginner Job

Enthusiastic recent graduate with a degree in Marketing, eager to apply creative skills and analytical thinking in a dynamic team environment. Strong communication abilities and a passion for digital marketing.

Detail-oriented aspiring software developer with a solid foundation in programming languages. Committed to continuous learning and collaboration, seeking to contribute to innovative projects in a fast-paced tech environment.

Motivated entry-level graphic designer with a keen eye for aesthetics and a passion for visual storytelling. Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite, eager to bring fresh ideas to a creative team.

Dedicated customer service representative with strong interpersonal skills and a commitment to enhancing customer satisfaction. Ready to leverage problem-solving abilities in a challenging retail environment.

Ambitious finance graduate with a strong analytical mindset and proficiency in Excel. Seeking an entry-level position to apply financial knowledge and contribute to data-driven decision-making processes.

Recent biology graduate with a passion for research and laboratory work. Eager to apply theoretical knowledge in a practical setting and contribute to impactful scientific discoveries.

Creative content writer with a flair for storytelling and a passion for digital media. Seeking opportunities to craft engaging content that resonates with diverse audiences and drives brand awareness.

Results-driven sales associate with excellent communication skills and a customer-first approach. Eager to contribute to team success and enhance customer experiences in a retail setting.

Enthusiastic project coordinator with strong organizational skills and a passion for teamwork. Ready to support project management efforts and contribute to successful project outcomes in a dynamic environment.

Tech-savvy recent graduate with a background in information technology. Eager to apply problem-solving skills and technical knowledge to support IT operations and enhance user experiences.

Passionate marketing intern with experience in social media management and content creation. Seeking to leverage creativity and analytical skills to drive engagement and brand loyalty.

Detail-oriented administrative assistant with strong organizational skills and a commitment to efficiency. Ready to support office operations and contribute to a productive work environment.

Driven hospitality graduate with hands-on experience in customer service. Eager to apply skills in a fast-paced environment and enhance guest experiences through attentive service.

Aspiring data analyst with a strong foundation in statistics and data visualization. Seeking to apply analytical skills to derive insights and support data-driven decision-making.

Recent education graduate with a passion for teaching and fostering student growth. Eager to create engaging learning experiences and contribute positively to a classroom environment.

Sample Resume with Beginner Resume Summary

Contact information.

John Doe 123 Main Street City, State, ZIP (123) 456-7890 [email protected] LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/johndoe

Motivated and detail-oriented recent graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing. Proven ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in fast-paced environments. Strong communication skills and a passion for digital marketing strategies. Eager to leverage skills in social media management and content creation to contribute to a dynamic marketing team.

Bachelor of Arts in Marketing University of State, City, State Graduated: May 2023

• Relevant Coursework: Digital Marketing, Consumer Behavior, Marketing Research, Social Media Strategies
• Dean’s List: Fall 2021, Spring 2022
• Digital Marketing
• Social Media Management
• Content Creation
• SEO Optimization
• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Google Analytics

Marketing Intern XYZ Company, City, State June 2022 – August 2022

• Assisted in developing social media campaigns that increased engagement by 30%.
• Conducted market research to identify trends and customer preferences.
• Collaborated with the marketing team to create content for newsletters and blogs.

Customer Service Representative ABC Retail, City, State September 2021 – May 2022

• Provided exceptional customer service, resolving inquiries and complaints effectively.
• Managed inventory and assisted in visual merchandising to enhance the shopping experience.
• Trained new employees on company policies and customer service protocols.

Certifications

• Google Analytics Individual Qualification (GAIQ)
• HubSpot Content Marketing Certification

Volunteer Experience

Social Media Coordinator Local Nonprofit Organization, City, State January 2023 – Present

• Developed and executed social media strategies to promote community events.
• Increased followers by 25% through targeted campaigns and engaging content.

Available upon request.

Do’s & Don’ts of Beginner Resume Summary

A Beginner Resume Summary is a crucial component of your job application, as it provides a snapshot of your skills, experiences, and career goals. Crafting an effective summary can set you apart from other candidates. Here are some essential do’s and don’ts to consider when creating your Beginner Resume Summary.

Do’s:

• Tailor Your Summary: Customize your Beginner Resume Summary for each job application to align with the job description and company values.
• Highlight Key Skills: Focus on relevant skills that showcase your qualifications and make you an attractive candidate.
• Be Concise: Keep your Beginner Resume Summary brief, ideally between 2-4 sentences, to maintain the reader’s attention.
• Use Action Words: Start sentences with strong action verbs to convey confidence and proactivity.
• Showcase Achievements: Include quantifiable achievements that demonstrate your impact in previous roles.

Don’ts:

• Avoid Clichés: Steer clear of overused phrases like “hardworking” or “team player” without backing them up with examples.
• Don’t Include Irrelevant Information: Focus on skills and experiences pertinent to the job; avoid unrelated hobbies or interests.
• Skip Generic Statements: A Beginner Resume Summary should reflect your unique qualifications, not generic statements that could apply to anyone.
• Don’t Use Jargon: Keep language simple and clear; avoid industry-specific jargon that may confuse hiring managers.
• Neglect Proofreading: Always proofread your Beginner Resume Summary for grammatical errors and typos, as these can undermine your professionalism.

By following these do’s and don’ts, you can create a compelling Beginner Resume Summary that captures attention and enhances your chances of landing an interview.

Also Read : Resume Summary Writing Tips with Examples

FAQs about Beginner Resume Summary

What is a beginner resume summary.

A Beginner Resume Summary is a brief statement at the top of your resume that highlights your skills, experiences, and career goals. It serves as an introduction to potential employers, showcasing your qualifications and setting the tone for the rest of your resume, even if you have limited work experience.

How long should a Beginner Resume Summary be?

A Beginner Resume Summary should typically be 2-4 sentences long, or around 50-100 words. This concise format allows you to effectively communicate your key qualifications and career aspirations without overwhelming the reader, making it easier for hiring managers to grasp your potential quickly.

What should I include in my Beginner Resume Summary?

In your Beginner Resume Summary, include your key skills, relevant coursework, internships, or volunteer experiences, and your career objectives. Tailor this section to the job you’re applying for, emphasizing how your background aligns with the employer’s needs and demonstrating your enthusiasm for the role.

How can a Beginner Resume Summary help me stand out?

A well-crafted Beginner Resume Summary can help you stand out by showcasing your unique skills and passion for the industry. It provides a snapshot of your potential, allowing hiring managers to see your value quickly, even if you lack extensive experience, thus increasing your chances of landing an interview.

Should I customize my Beginner Resume Summary for each job application?

Yes, you should customize your Beginner Resume Summary for each job application. Tailoring your summary to reflect the specific skills and experiences relevant to the job demonstrates your genuine interest and helps you align your qualifications with the employer’s needs, making your application more compelling.

Resume Tips

Choose the right format.

Select a resume format that best showcases your skills and experience. Common formats include chronological, functional, and combination resumes.

Tailor Your Resume

Customize your resume for each job application by highlighting relevant skills and experiences that match the job description.

Focus on Key Sections

Include essential sections such as contact information, professional summary or objective, work experience, education, skills, and relevant certifications.

Use Clear and Concise Language

Be concise and use action verbs to describe your accomplishments and responsibilities in each job role.

Quantify Achievements

Whenever possible, quantify your achievements with numbers or percentages to demonstrate your impact in previous roles.

Highlight Transferable Skills

Emphasize transferable skills that are relevant to the job you're applying for, such as communication, problem-solving, and leadership skills.

Prioritize Readability

Ensure your resume is easy to read by using a clean and professional font, adequate white space, and bullet points for listing information.

Proofread Carefully

Avoid spelling and grammar errors by proofreading your resume multiple times or asking a trusted friend or colleague to review it.

Keep it Updated

Regularly update your resume with new experiences, skills, and accomplishments to reflect your most current qualifications.

Seek Feedback

Consider seeking feedback from career advisors, mentors, or professionals in your industry to improve your resume further.

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20 Best Summary Statements for Resumes

This post focuses on helping you learn how to make effective summary statements for resumes or CVs and improve your chances of getting the recruiter/employer to spend some time reading it.

When applying for a job, the summary statement of your resume or CV needs to be very compelling to capture the recruiter/employer’s interest to read all parts of it and learn what you are offering.

How to Write an Effective Summary Statement for Your Resume/CV

The secret to writing a great summary statement for your resume or CV is to present yourself as the right person for the job.

And how do you do that?

You can write your summary statement in such a way that it shows that you are the person the recruiter/employer is looking for to hire by learning about the job on offer.

You need to know what the job description and requirements are; these documents are usually published by the recruiter/employer.

By studying the job description, you will learn the kind of duties and responsibilities of the job that you will be expected to perform, while from the job requirements, you will discover the qualities, skills, training, experience, etc. that the recruiter/employer wants you to have to be qualified for hiring.

The above information gives you the description of the right person for the job.

Your job now is to make a summary statement for your resume that shows that you possess the required qualities, skills, experience, etc. for the position and that you perfectly understand what the job entails and will be successful in it.

Now, let’s see some good examples of summary statements that you can learn from and use in writing your resume summary statement:

• Team-oriented individual willing to work at WOAR – Philadelphia Center Against Sexual Violence as a Crisis Advocate where 7 years of work experience with vulnerable individuals and strong ability to provide crisis intervention services to victims of sexual violence will be utilized. Also comes with a Bachelor’s degree in Education, computer competency in Microsoft Office, and the capacity to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Energetic individual with 7 years of experience in Graphic Design, Media Production, and Marketing seeks a Creative Marketing Manager position with Hermanson Company, to develop graphics to visually relay technical information, processes, culture, and Client/Employee interactions. Also coming with a Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, a portfolio of sample works, and the ability to manage websites and track email analytics.
• To obtain a position with Fusion Academy as a Yoga Teacher to provide a one-to-one teaching experience in the area of yoga at grade levels 6 to 12. Also bringing a Bachelor’s degree with certification to teach yoga, experience with students with learning differences and ADHD, and great mentoring experience.
• Passionate individual with previous experience in Customer Service, Support-oriented roles, and early-stage high growth E-commerce startup seeks a Beauty Advisor position with Thrive Causemetics Inc., to become the product specialist across beauty and skincare. Also bringing an undergraduate degree with 3 years of experience working in a customer service role, and strong project management skills.
• Safety conscious individual with 6 years of relevant work experience in an industrial setting desires an Energy Engineer position with Schneider Electric to work collaboratively with customers to understand their challenges and discover solutions to meet their efficiency goals. Also bringing a 4-year Science degree, excellent verbal and written communication skills, and EIT certification.
• An individual with strong ability to learn quickly interested in a Store Manager position at Michael KorsCosta Mesa seeks to utilize 3 years of store manager experience at a specialty retailer. Also coming with strong customer service skills, a strong entrepreneurial spirit, and the ability to deliver operational excellence in all store processes.
• Team-oriented individual eager to work at the City of Seattle as a Court Clerk to accurately record and review details of court proceedings and a variety of case-related information into a court database. Also coming with experience which demonstrates the ability to perform the work of a Court Clerk, and the ability to work with executives and the public.
• Passionate individual hopeful for a Visual Merchandiser position with H&M, to provide excellent direct and indirect customer service according to H&M standards. Also coming with an Associate’s degree in fashion industry specialty, 2 years of retail visual merchandising experience, and strong visual merchandising and basic computer skills.
• Extremely organized individual interested in a Registered Dietitian position with Factor, seeks to make an impact and improve the health of customers. Also bringing a current Registered Dietitian certificate, excellent verbal and written communication skills, and experience in motivational interviewing for general wellness nutrition, functional nutrition, sports nutrition, weight loss, and other varieties of diet types.
• Individual with 8 years of experience seeks a Senior SharePoint Developer job with TMR, Inc., to prepare detailed specifications from which programs will be written. Also bringing a Bachelor’s degree with a background in interpreting project specifications and requirements, and experience creating business models and implementing meta-model data structures.
• Detail-oriented professional with experience utilizing Salesforce and reviewing contracts and professional legal agreements desires the Commercial Real Estate Agent position with James Capital Advisors where the ability to manage dataset through business development outreach will be applied. Also bringing a Bachelor’s degree in Business with the California Real Estate Salesperson license, and strong communication skills.
• Seeking a Security Systems Installer job with Leidos where 5 years of engineering experience and 2 years of in-field work experience will be utilized. Also coming with a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, U.S. citizenship with current possession of a DoD Secret Security clearance, and knowledge of ACS & ESS systems.
• A highly experienced individual seeking a Video Editor position with Yelp, to work closely with the Senior Editor to ingest and organize footage. Also coming with 10 years of experience working as an Editor, high proficiency in Premiere Pro and editing non-scripted videos, and a solid understanding of the video content that performs well on social.
• Certified individual with 5 years of business experience as Retail Store Manager longs for a Retail Operations Manager position with CB2, to implement and manage retail operational processes to drive sales growth and profitability. Also coming with a Bachelor’s degree in Business, knowledge of retail operations, and strong organizational and excellent problem-solving skills.
• Talented individual seeking to work with Rockstar Games as a Gameplay Programmer with 5 years of game programming experience, to utilize the ability to work together with designers and animators to deliver features on schedule. Also coming with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and experience developing in a team environment, and solid C/C++ programming skills.
• Highly-motivated individual hopeful to gain employment with Marie Veronique as a Quality Control Technician to coordinate testing of raw materials, packaging, and finished products. Also bringing 5 years of quality control experience, excellent time-management skills, organizational ability, and excellent computer skills with the ability to complete assigned tasks without constant supervision.
• To obtain a Global Health Officer position with Futrend Technology, Inc. to communicate and work with colleagues at the secretarial and White House levels. Also coming with a Bachelor’s degree in Global Health, 5 years of experience working in a global health setting, and proficiency in Microsoft Office package.
• Skilled Pest Control Technician with knowledge of pest control policies and procedures seeks to work with Howard University Hospital to utilize the ability to make daily and periodic schedules for the observation and controlling of flying and crawling insects and animals throughout the hospital. Also coming with a High School diploma, 3 years of experience in the extermination field, and excellent problem-solving skills.
• Hopeful to gain employment with Roofstock as an Investment Analyst to source out, analyze, and underwrite existing and potential investments across single-family equity funds. Also coming with a Bachelor’s degree, 6 years of work experience in banking, and advanced Excel skills, and experience with financial reporting and statistical modeling.
• A well-organized individual with 5 years of experience in an IT support role seeks employment with Fastly as an IT Help Desk Specialist to respond to support requests in person and via a ticketing system. Also bringing knowledge and hands-on experience handling Apple & Windows laptops and desktops as well as good interpersonal relations and experience using and running ticket-based enterprise workflow management systems.

You can increase the chances of your resume/CV to be read by the recruiter/employer by having a highly impressive resume summary statement in it.

This post provided detailed information to help you learn and master writing an impactful summary statement for your resume or CV.

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How To Write a Resume Summary (With Examples)

Understanding the Resume Summary

When to use a summary, summaries versus objectives, the elements of a resume summary, writing your resume summary, examples of resume summaries by industry, common mistakes to avoid in your resume summary, how to enhance your resume summary, frequently asked questions about writing a resume summary.

A hiring manager might read dozens of resumes in a day, searching for qualified candidates to fill a single open position. There are plenty of ways to stand out, including incorporating a professional resume template and resume writing tips from experts, adding color to your section headers, and using formatting to your advantage to make the content more easily scannable. However, nothing will catch a reader’s attention quite like a quality summary.

You can quickly craft a unique and engaging summary using strong language similar to the way marketing professionals use a “hook” to capture the attention of prospective buyers. Let’s take a step-by-step approach to understand the importance of a convincing profile , how to adapt the content, and methods to appeal to hiring managers across industries.

Your resume summary will be one of the first things a hiring manager reads about you. It’s your initial impression and, depending on how well you write it, can either increase or decrease the likelihood the hiring manager will continue reading.

Since the average resume receives six to eight seconds of attention from a hiring manager, you must use the summary to focus the reader on your personal value. Think of the summary as marketing content that demonstrates to the hiring manager all the features and benefits of having you on the team.

No matter what you call this section – “Summary,” “Professional Profile,” or “Qualifications” – the goal is to offer the hiring manager a short description of your most essential skills to make a positive first impression.

Regardless of your industry or level of experience, include the most relevant elements of your professional past to clearly demonstrate the value you’ll bring to a new employer.

Avoid the resume objective, which was popular in the 1900s and early 2000s. A summary briefly highlights the skills and qualifications that differentiate you from other candidates; an objective states only the kind of role you’re pursuing. Check out the difference with these examples:

The hiring manager likely knows you’re applying for a role in human resource management, so the language in this example won’t keep the reader interested. It’s also ineffective to mention the benefits to yourself because your entire resume, including the summary, should be about how you’ll contribute to success in the new job.

Notice how the objective is focused on you and what you want, while the summary statement is focused on how your skills and experiences will empower you to contribute to the new role.

Content tailored to the job description

First, look at the job description for the role you want to pursue to determine what is most important to be successful. Think beyond the lists of responsibilities and requirements – focus on the underlying principles and skills you’ll need to demonstrate.

Without tailoring the content, you’ll likely be too generic and vague in what you write in your summary. Think from the perspective of the hiring manager and ask yourself, “So what? Does this content matter? Will this language distinguish me from other applicants?” Figure out if you’re setting yourself apart from others or if using language that could apply to everyone else seeking the same position.

Your summary should also include keywords and phrases pulled from the job description, but don’t make the summary a long list of buzzwords. It’s important to adapt the principles and concepts in the job posting and incorporate them into your summary, putting them in the context of your specific experiences.

Industry terminology

Don’t forget to customize the summary based on industry- or company-specific language you see in the job description to be sure you’re appealing both to applicant tracking systems (ATS) and hiring managers.

While more than 80% of all Fortune 1000 companies have adopted some kind of ATS, according to Steven Davis at Renaissance Solutions , you still need to target the hiring manager in the language you use.

Both ATS and hiring managers will be convinced you’re qualified if they see industry terminology used appropriately and in the right context.

Your professional brand

It’s important to identify your professional brand and to know what you offer employers that others can’t. Think about the summary on your résumé as a 15-second marketing pitch to hiring managers – what are the top skills, traits, characteristics, or abilities you need them to know and remember about you? Convey your most relevant strengths and top career achievements succinctly.

A concise summary is best, so keep the content to three to four lines with about three résumé-style sentences. You might add information about relevant skills, years of experience, hard and soft skills, and your own personality traits.

Here are a number of phrases you can use to craft compelling summary content :

• Emerging [industry] professional…
• Trailblazing [industry] professional…
• Delivering… [hard skills (public account expertise, project management expertise, and such)]
• Champion for… [area of expertise]
• Focused on…
• Passionate about…
• Quantifiable impact
• Recognizable former or current employer names
• Awards or significant achievements

Review the following effective resume summary examples and take notes about the kinds of language you can use for your own summary. There are many ways to create content that will draw attention, and here are a number of ways you can write a resume summary:

Resume summary for marketing

Delivering high-impact digital campaigns using data-driven insights to increase prospect engagement by up to 75% for brands like Kleenex, American Express, and Gucci. Known for inspirational team leadership and coaching high-performing teams through complex market shifts.

Resume summary for software development

Software engineering team leader known for driving product development and delivering innovative, highly scalable systems in Fortune 100 companies. Focused on empowering teams to identify technical problems and create impactful solutions. Provide inspirational leadership style within Agile and Scrum environments.

Resume summary for project management

Lean Six Sigma and PMP-certified project management leader known for introducing best practices and process improvements to strengthen outcomes. Passionate about leveraging leadership skills to drive team success for projects up to $200 million.

Resume summary for human resources

Senior-level HR director known for managing complex projects and programs for large companies of over 5,000 employees undergoing business transformations. Focused on building and optimizing talent strategies, employee relations needs, benefits package upgrades, and system integrations. Known for a hands-on leadership style, resourcefulness, and integrity.

Resume summary for health care

People-focused health care admissions and engagement team leader delivering unique marketing and sales strategies for sustainable growth. Consistently generate modern, scalable, and cost-effective solutions using technology and data. Go-to resource for diverse teams of up to 20 members with a servant leadership style.

Resume summary for law enforcement

Law enforcement leader with 25 years of experience in precincts serving populations of more than 250,000 residents. Focused on communicating effectively with individuals from diverse cultural, social, and economic backgrounds. Recognized with the Virginia Award for Distinguished Service in 2023 for enhancing public safety initiatives.

• Don’t include first-person pronouns. Full sentences and long, paragraph-style text at the top of your resume will likely overwhelm the reader.
• Avoid clichés and commonplace language. Hiring managers see much of the same content on multiple resumes, so keep your content fresh and interesting.
• Describing yourself as “seasoned,” “dynamic,” “hard-working,” or “experienced” doesn’t truly communicate any tangible value. Words and phrases like those are too overused to have any real meaning. Using phrases such as “proven track record,” “highly skilled,” or “excellent verbal and written communication skills” won’t differentiate you from other candidates.
• Write as concisely as possible. You only have a few seconds to entice a hiring manager, so make the content clear and succinct. When your summary is too long, some of the essential information may not be read by a hiring manager who is quickly skimming what you wrote.

Use a professional template

Many job seekers are overwhelmed by the thought of crafting a new resume from scratch. There are resources available to make the process easier. Use the templates to help you communicate your unique value in a layout that will resonate with hiring managers. Instead of worrying about the formatting and spacing, just incorporate your knowledge and experiences into a simple template.

Seek expert advice

When in doubt, ask a professional. Every person has a different situation, and it can be difficult to know how to overcome hurdles specific to you. Don’t go through it alone; review personalized tips and career advice from experts there to help guide you.

Because hiring managers only take a few seconds to look at each resume, it’s best practice to write about three sentences. If you write more than three to four lines on the page, a hiring manager is less likely to read the entire thing – they may overlook pertinent content.

Consolidate the content as much as possible. Focus on the aspects of your skills and experience related to the job you are pursuing to impress a hiring manager and make them eager to read more. 

While resume summaries are not a requirement, they can be a powerful tool and give the hiring manager a quick look into who you are as a professional. If you write a quality summary, you’ll focus the reader’s attention on your relevant skills and accomplishments to convince them you’re right for the job.

If you don’t include a summary at the top of your resume, you might miss the opportunity to differentiate yourself from other candidates.

Customizing your summary can be quick and easy. Simply identify the keywords and important phrases you see in the job description, then incorporate them in a natural and authentic way into the summary you’ve written. Take notice of words or terminology you see multiple times on a job posting because they’ll be more essential to include in the summary.

It’s also a good idea to swap out terms that might mean the same thing, but you have written differently in your summary. For instance, if you mention “project coordination” in your resume summary but notice “project management” or “project delivery” on the job description, you could replace “coordination” with “management” or “delivery” to match the phrasing used by the company.

Professional Resume Writer (MBA, CPRW, CDCS)

Mark Misiano is a Certified Professional Résumé Writer (CPRW), Certified Digital Career Strategist (CDCS) and the owner of RésuméReady. He has helped over 1,000 professionals find fulfilling jobs, transition to new industries, and land big promotions. In addition to writing impactful résumés, Mark crafts engaging cover letters, optimizes LinkedIn profiles, prepares clients for interviews, and provides individualized career coaching.

Resume Templates offers free, HR approved resume templates to help you create a professional resume in minutes. Choose from several template options and even pre-populate a resume from your profile.

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