You’re searching for a job and gearing up to apply to a few open roles. Your resume is almost ready, with your skills, education and employment history all listed. But wait — there’s one more section you might be overlooking: the resume summary.
Put simply, a resume summary is a short block of text that appears below your name and contact information. It’s designed to provide a snapshot of your value and abilities and can be particularly handy for busy recruiters who may be speed-reading resumes.Note that a resume summary differs slightly from a resume objective statement. Objectives are short (generally one-sentence) statements that explain the type of job a candidate is searching for. These were once more commonly used but are now only considered relevant for candidates in specific circumstances, such as those re-entering the job market or changing careers entirely. If these situations do not apply to you, you should use a summary statement instead. While putting together a professional summary for a resume might seem straightforward, the difference between an adequate one and an outstanding one can be enough to set you apart from other candidates. Here are some tips to help you craft an exceptional summary.
First and foremost, know your audience and the position you’re applying for. Your resume summary statement should clearly communicate why you’re a perfect fit for both the role and the company. To do this effectively, tailor your statement to match the job description. Look at the required skills and identify keywords to weave into your summary.This approach benefits you in a couple of ways:1. For human readers — A well-matched summary helps the recruiter or hiring manager immediately see why you’re an ideal candidate.2. For HR Software — If the company uses software like an applicant tracking system (ATS) to screen resumes, having relevant keywords at the top increases your chances of making it through this initial step.However, be careful not to overstuff your summary with keywords. Overloading it can make your statement sound unnatural and awkward. Aim for a balance that highlights your qualifications without compromising readability.
If your experience isn’t an exact match for the position, don't worry. Focus on the transferable skills that can benefit the role. For example, if you're applying for an email marketing position but don’t have much experience with specific email software, you could highlight your ability to use AI tools to analyze trends and personalize content. Mentioning how you've used AI to improve engagement, even in class projects or internships, shows that you’re adaptable and ready to learn — qualities that can be just as valuable to a recruiter as experience with a particular tool.Highlighting soft skills is also a plus. But rather than simply stating that you possess empathy or excel at building client relationships, provide brief, specific instances that demonstrate these qualities. You might mention how your empathy helped resolve a challenging customer complaint or how your relationship-building skills led to securing a major client. By linking your soft skills to tangible outcomes, you show that you not only have these qualities but can apply them effectively in a professional setting.
Once you have an idea of what you’re going to say, you need to consider how you’re going to say it. Resume summaries have a few essential guidelines around language.Try to use active rather than passive language. Don’t write, “New sales strategies were developed.” Do write, “Developed new sales strategies.” If you have results-driven statements you can incorporate that prove the success of your work, that’s a big plus. Things like “increased customer retention by 20%” or “boosted social media profile views by 15%” are great adds.Don’t use first-person words like “I” or “me” in your resume summary. In a conversation or interview, you might say, “I am a detail-oriented communications professional with 7+ years of experience in writing, media relations and social media.” But for your summary, strike out those first three words.Take your resume to the next level by showcasing your value beyond the summary. Learn how to impress hiring managers with a value validation project in this helpful guide.
Guidelines vary a bit, but a good rule of thumb is to keep your statement to around four lines or three to four short sentences. Don’t be afraid to make strategic cuts — look at everything with a critical eye, and if you’re running long, consider if statements are truly essential. Always keep in mind that the purpose of the resume summary is not to make a recruiter or manager think, "Wow, this person is the complete package, let's hire them," but rather, "Hmmm, this person looks like they could be a great addition to our team, let's find out more."Sometimes it can be helpful to have a friend or professional connection in a similar field review your summary. An outsider's perspective can often pinpoint areas for improvement that you might not see.
To help you get started, here are a few examples of resume summaries tailored to different roles. Use these as inspiration to craft a compelling summary that highlights your strengths and aligns with the job you're applying for.Customer service representative — Motivated and personable customer service professional with a strong ability to solve problems and assist customers efficiently. Experience handling high volumes of inquiries and resolving issues with a positive attitude. Seeking to apply communication and conflict resolution skills in a fast-paced customer service environment.Junior marketing coordinator — Recent graduate with a degree in marketing and hands-on experience through internships, including social media management and campaign execution. Skilled in content creation and data analysis, with a passion for driving brand awareness. Eager to contribute creative solutions and grow within a dynamic marketing team.Administrative assistant — Detail-oriented and highly organized administrative assistant with experience managing calendars, coordinating meetings and supporting office operations through internships and part-time roles. Strong communication and multitasking skills with a knack for improving efficiency in daily tasks. Ready to bring strong organizational skills to a growing team.These examples provide a snapshot of how to present your unique qualifications and demonstrate why you're the best fit for the position. Tailor your summary to the role you’re applying for and focus on the value you can bring to the employer, even if your work experience is limited.
Your resume summary is your elevator pitch. Craft it with care and infuse it with your unique value. Remember: In the job hunt, first impressions aren't just important — they're everything.For more advice to help you land your next role,take a look at our other job search tips. And read the articles below for more information on how to write a stellar resume:How to Write a Resume (That’s Good!) in 7 Easy StepsGeneral Tips and Advice for Creating a Resume: Do’s and Don’tsSkills to Put on a Resume Employers Will Actually Read (With Examples!)8 Tips for Writing a Resume
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