How to Write a Resume Summary Statement

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With all the resumes recruiters receive for every job, they only flip through yours for about 7.4 seconds before deciding to move on to the next round or discard it. That’s why your resume summary is a game changer. What you need to grab recruiters’ attention and convince them that you’re the right person for the job is what needs to grab recruiters’ attention, all within that 7-second window.

In this article, we’ll walk you through:

1. What is a resume statement
2. When to use a resume statement
3. Difference between resume resume and resume objective
4. Benefits of a resume summary
5. How to write a professional resume summary section
6. How to use keywords in a resume summary
7. How Long Should a Resume Be
8. Resume Examples (Bad and Good Career Resume Examples)
9. Resume Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) resumes
10. Key takeaways

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What is a Resume Summary?

A Resume Summary ( also called a professional summary or s summary) is a preview of who you are, what you bring to the table, and how you can help the company solve its problems through your experiences, skills, expertise, and achievements.

It’s an elevator pitch (1-4 sentences) that sits right under your name and contact information. It shows why you’re the right fit for the job and makes recruiters want to read your resume and learn more about you.

When to use a resume summary

There’s no clear cut way and fast. rule about when to include a resume summary. But a resume is most useful if:

• You have at least 3 years of work experience in the same field (and will continue in that field), as a resume summary helps organize and focus your resume. years of relevant work experience.
• You’ve had multiple jobs and want to connect them to a broader career path.
• You’re changing industries and careers. Your resume summary will link your experiences and skills.
• You just graduated and are just getting started.
• You are considering moving to a similar position but in a different company or industry.

However, if you have limited work experience, you may want to consider using a resume objective instead, but that might not be the best option. Here’s why.

Resume Summary vs. Resume Objective

A resume summary and a resume objective are two different things.

The resume objective statement tells the recruiter what you want and focuses on your career goals.

Example:

To get a job as a search engine optimization specialist at a reputable tech company.

The resume summary statement, on the other hand, shows the unique value that brings to the company and why you are the right one for the job. It is geared towards the employer’s needs and highlights your notable work-related skills and achievements. When possible, use quantifiable metrics to add supporting data.

Example:

Search engine optimization manager with 10 years of work experience managing different teams in companies companies, engaging users and growing brands through effective SEO strategies and innovative marketing campaigns.

After reading the professional brief above, the hiring manager has a better understanding of the impressive job applicant skills. The resume objective statement, on the other hand, leaves the hiring manager with more questions than answers.

The traditional objective statement has become obsolete because it takes up space without actually offering anything of value to the resume.

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Read More: Resume Objective vs Summary

Benefits of a Resume Summary Statement

Here are three reasons why you should craft a strong, keyword-rich, high-impact resume summary.

1. You’ll Get Noticed Quicker

Because the resume summary sits at the top of your resume, just below your contact information, it’s easy for the recruiter to spot and read. Having a strong resume summary gives you a better chance of standing out and getting an interview, since the hiring manager can see in advance what he brings to the table.

2. Sell ​​your strongest attributes and major accomplishments

A resume summary section shows your major accomplishments, key skills, and experience. This helps recruiters quickly assess you and find the key attributes they are looking for in your resume. Take advantage of that 7-second window by showing the recruiter why you’re the best person for the job in just a few sentences.

3.You can target high-impact keywords and beat ATS

99% of Fortune 500 companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen candidates and narrow down the list of top candidates for the post. This means recruiters and hiring managers aren’t the only ones you need to impress. The resume summary is a great place to capture relevant keywords that help you beat ATS, outsmart bots, and pitch your resume to a recruiter.

How to write a resume summary

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So how do you put together a winning professional resume summary? Here’s how.

An effective resume summary follows this formula:

Professional title (if applicable) Key experiences ( with total number of years worked) Major Achievements (preferably measurable results) Major Skills/Experience/Unique Values (relevant to job and industry).

1. Research the company you want to work for

First things first. You need to decide which company you want to work for and research it. Review the job description for the position and note the job requirements, industry-specific keywords and phrases, and key skills required for the job.

Here are some questions to consider:

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What kind of person is the company looking for?

What key skills and experience do they require?

What problems do you want to solve by hiring them for this role?

2. See how you fit in the job

Write down your major accomplishments, work experiences, and skills that relate to the specific job you’re applying for. Determine how you can add value to the company and how you can help the company solve its problems.

3. Highlight your main selling points in 1-4 sentences

Narrow down your main selling points in 1-4 sentences. Include your major achievements, unique skills and experience, and relevant work experience. Include facts and numbers in your resume summary to support your accomplishments. Mention how your previous employers’ operations improved because of your contributions.

Some powerful numbers to put on a resume summary are:

• Years of experience
• Number of people managed
• Number of clients acquired or served
• Size of team worked in

Other important notes Finalizing Your Resume Summary

1. Begin your resume summary with your professional title, if applicable. (Recent graduates may mention your degree.)
2. Be specific about your major accomplishments and major contributions to your previous employers.
3. Write in the past tense and in the third person.
4. This is very important: make sure your resume summary points are relevant to the job!
5. Don’t lie. Be honest about what you put on your resume summary and throughout your resume.
6. Tailor your resume summary to each job application that interests you.
7. You can use bullet points in your resume summary.
8. Look at different examples of professional resumes and see how you can improve yours.
9. Be sure to include relevant, high-impact keywords in your resume summary .

How to Use Keywords in a Resume Summary

Due to the number of resumes companies receive for each job position, recruiters and job managers recruiters use applicant tracking systems to make their lives easier and more efficient. . ATS screens applications for specific keywords and skills and selects the best candidates for the job based on the information analyzed.

Keywords used by recruiters are often skills and qualifications from the job description.

Here’s how to make a keyword-rich resume summary that passes the ATS:

1. Read the job description and write down the keywords and Phrases that are important to the job, company, or industry. Write down any keywords, phrases, or skills you think a recruiter might be looking for.
2. Incorporate these keywords and phrases into your resume summary (where relevant and applicable).
3. Don’t overdo it so you don’t come across as spam and unnatural.

Here are nine examples of resume keywords:

• Project Management
• Accumulation Basic Accounting
• Budgeting Assessment
• Content Marketing
• Sales Leadership
• Financial Planning
• Research Demographics
• Legal Consulting
• Human Resources

As a job seeker, you have a personal brand. Each company also has its own brand. In order to sell yourself, you need to find a way to align your brand with the company’s brand. A well-written professional resume, optimized with the right keywords, gives you that opportunity.

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Paste your resume text and job description below for all main keywords:

Passionate about driving innovation in every marketing campaign and engaging users to reach and engage with them more effectively.

Good example:

Director of digital marketing with more than 20 years of experience. I spent 12 years learning and focusing on search engine optimization, search engine marketing, digital marketing, and social media marketing.

Why this works: This resume summary is very specific. List years of relevant experience and describe key skills that are relevant to the job and industry.

Summary of Resume Examples for a Management Position

Incorrect example:

Operations manager with proven leadership skills and strong communication skills. He has led several teams in different companies. Looking to add value to X Company and help build the business from zero to one.

Good Example:

Results-Driven Operations Manager with Lean Six Sigma Certification. 6 years of experience leading teams, managing projects and supervising operations. In-depth knowledge of supply chain management, total quality management, and project management. My goal is to share my knowledge and skill base with X Company and add value to the business.

Why this works: This summary resume statement mentions a certification that gives you a advantage to operations manager. . It also indicates the years of experience and knowledge of the candidate. The summary ends with the objective of the candidate to share their knowledge and contribute positively to the success of “Company X”.

Customer Service Resume Summary Examples

Incorrect example:

Motivated customer service professional with years of experience working in customer service at different multinational companies. She has strong communication and interpersonal skills and is looking to join X Company to grow further in CS.

Good Example:

Customer Service Representative with 10 years of experience in dealing with different customers and solving different customer complaints, problems and queries. She has strong knowledge and experience in driving customer loyalty and building strong relationships with existing and repeat customers and customers. Consistently recognized as Customer Service Representative of the Month at X Company.

Why it works: This professional resume summary is specific and to the point. It exposes the candidate’s solid work experience in customer service. It also highlights the candidate’s award increasing their value and branding as an excellent customer service representative.

Resume Summary Examples for Teachers

Incorrect example:

A teacher who is very passionate about Physics and imparting knowledge to high school students. Physics trainer for several years. He introduced physics modules and reviewers that helped many students pass exams and win physics competitions within the country.

Good example:

Physics teacher high school graduate with over ten years of experience teaching high school students. Coach of the school’s Physics team for 8 consecutive years and has consistently won national physics competitions. Very passionate about providing quality education to her students and pushing them beyond their limits so they can maximize their potential.

Why this works: This career summary statement is full of passion, but it is also specific. It affirms the teacher’s strong background and highlights how she coached the school’s physics team and won national competitions.

Sample Resume Summary for Finance and Accounting Jobs

Bad example:

Certified Public Accountant for 15 years. He has worked for large audit firms within the country and has strong experience in tax accounting, risk analysis and fund management.

Good example:

Certified Public Accountant with 15 years of experience in Tax, Risk Analysis and Fund Management working with Ernst and Young for 10 years and Deloitte for 5 years. Responsible for reducing overhead by 10% at EY in 2020. He has strong analytical skills and is an expert in different accounting software and systems.

Why it works: This professional summary establishes the years of experience as well as the companies in which the candidate has worked. Since EY and Deloitte are two of the Big 4 accounting firms, this gives the candidate a great opportunity to be considered for the role. The resume summary also includes tangible results achieved by the job applicant.

Resume Summary Examples for Retail Jobs

Incorrect Example:

Enthusiastic cashier with years of relevant experience working at company X. Works well under pressure and is willing to learn new skills to better serve customers.

Good example:

Customer-focused cashier with 5 years of experience serving different customers and creating a warm and friendly environment in the store. Has increased sales by 5% through strong communication and interpersonal skills. He has a strong understanding of managing financial transactions and creating end-of-day cash position reports.

Why it works: This career statement sets out the years of experience and measurable achievements that give the job candidate a strong advantage over competitors. It also lays out key skills that are essential for tellers, such as financial management, analysis, and reporting.

Sample Resume Summary for Technical Jobs

Incorrect Example:

Experienced and knowledgeable IT professional looking to contribute their skills and knowledge to X Company.

Good example:

Goal driven IT specialist working in the industry for 5+ years building databases, maintaining IT systems and infrastructures IT and training others in it. It automated a complex system and helped the company save 10% in overhead costs.

Why it works: This resume summary outlines the candidate’s key experiences as well as their years of experience and a significant measurable accomplishment while working for your previous employer.

Now that you know how to write a resume, you should also fill out the other sections of your resume and make sure they are effective and optimized for ATS .

Here are references to help you create a strong resume:

• How to write a resume: a step-by-step guide
• Resume sections: What you need and where you need it
• Resume Samples for Any Job
• How to Fit Your Resume to the Job Description
• 400 Resume Action Words (plus 100 Powerful Verbs Recruiters Love to See)
• How to Write a Compelling Executive Resume Summary
• Resume Brand Statements: Adjectives or Achievements?

Resume Summary of Frequently Asked Questions (F AQs)

What is a resume in a resume?

A resume summary is a short paragraph that shows who you are , how you can help the employer with your skills, experiences and experience, and why you are the best person for the job.

Should you include a resume objective?

You don’t need to include a resume objective on your resume. Most HR professionals think that the resume objective is outdated and outdated.

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

Your entire resume, including the resume summary, must be written in the third person. You can also remove pronouns in the abstract.

For example:

“He is a licensed teacher with 10 years of experience. You have strong communication skills.”

For this career statement, simply say:

“Licensed teacher with 10 years of experience. You have strong communication skills.”

Where does a resume summary go on a resume?

The resume summary is located directly after your name and contact information.

Should I always use the same resume summary?

No. A resume summary should be tailored to each job application. If you want to apply to 5 different job applications, you need to prepare 5 different resumes tailored to a specific job posting.

How long is a resume in a resume?

A The resume resume can be one to four sentences. It can be written as a short paragraph or numbered in bullet points.

What is a summary of qualifications?

A summary of qualifications is the same as a summary of resume. It emphasizes key qualifications and accomplishments and presents why you are the best fit for the job.

What are other names for Resume Summary?

Often done reference to a resume summary statement by other names, including

• Career Summary
• Personal Statement
• Professional Summary
• Summary of experience
• Summary of qualifications
• Summary of qualifications
• Competencies
• Summary of executive resume

Key Takeaways

The resume summary is a critical part of your resume that greatly affects your chances of being noticed by recruiters and landing interviews. So, make the most of this prime real estate by crafting a compelling, keyword-rich, and engaging resume summary.

Here are some important tips:

• Recruiters and hiring managers only spend about 7 seconds perusing your resume.
• Ignoring the resume summary is a wasted opportunity.
• Whether you recently graduated, changed careers or looking for a job with diverse experience, you can greatly benefit from having a strong and compelling resume summary.
• A well-written resume summary can quickly grab the attention of recruiters and increase your chances of landing an interview.
• The professional summary focuses on your key skills, achievements, and experiences and convinces the employer why you are the best person for the job.
• It is essential that you include relevant keywords on your resume to pass ATS.
• Use Jobscan’s resume optimization tool to make your resume ATS-compliant and optimized.

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