The Art of a Resume Summary: A Guide to Perfection
Your resume summary is one of the first things a hiring manager sees of you. Usually 2-4 sentences, this short paragraph at the top of your resume provides an overview of your skills, qualifications, and career highlights. Learning how to write a compelling resume summary will set the tone for your whole application and will help differentiate you from a pool of other applicants.
What Is a Resume Summary?
A resume summary is a brief paragraph summarizing your main qualifications and career accomplishments. Whereas a resume objective is about your career goals, a summary puts the focus on what you have to offer. It’s your chance to tell the world what you’re worth, to employers, in short order.
Why Is a Great Summary Statement on Your Resume Important?
- Captures Attention Quickly
Hiring managers only take 6-7 seconds to glance at your resume at first. Having a solid summary ensures your resume stands out to get their attention right away.
- Highlights Your Value
A summary that’s well written pulls out your most applicable skills and achievements, that tell employers why you’re the right match for the role.
- Sets the Tone
Your summary is your professional introduction which gives you a segue to the rest of the resume.
How to Write an Effective Resume Summary
- Know Your Audience
Use their job description and company details to craft your summary. Include keywords and phrases consistent with the employer’s job requirements.
- Know Your Unique Selling Points
How are you different from the other candidates? Focus on the most impactful accomplishments, skills, and experiences you have.
- Keep It Concise
Be sure to keep your summary to at most 3-4 sentences. Serve your audience a much more satisfying portion of impactful nuggets to chew on without stuffing them with information overload.
- Use Action Words
Use dynamic action verbs like “Achieved,” “Led,” “Developed,” etc., to create power in your summary.
Sample Resume Summaries That Leave a Lasting Impression
- For Experienced Professionals
“Data-driven marketing manager with 10+ years of experience driving customer engagement and delivering successful campaigns. Success in building brand awareness and boosting revenue by 25%. Expert in digital marketing tactics, team management, and data analysis.” - For Career Changers
“Education professional with a strong focus on corporate training and development. Curriculum development and public speaking expert who reduced disengagement by 20%. Experienced leader in building meaningful learning experiences.” - For Recent Graduates
“Energetic computer science graduate with practical experience in software development. Skilled in Python, Java, and cloud-computing. Awarded for creating an innovative app and winner of the university tech contest.”
Crafting an Impactful Summary
Writing a resume summary that grabs attention is part art, part science. First, identify your major skills and achievements most relevant to the position for which you are applying. Instead of, “Experienced in project management,” you could say, “Project management expert with a proven record of delivering projects 15% under budget and ahead of schedule.” Not only does this work to position you as an expert, but it allows you to measure your success. Include industry keywords and highlight what makes you a unique fit for the role. Keep your summary short but impressive enough to make the reader want to know more about you.
How to Improve Your Resume Summary
- Tailor to Each Job
Every job is different, and therefore, you should tailor your summary for each application. - Quantify Achievements
Include metrics, percentages, or numbers wherever possible to quantify your impact. - Avoid Jargon
Keep your writing clear and concise, able to be understood by someone outside your industry. - Proofread Thoroughly
Errors in your summary are a fast-track to being a no-go. Always look for typos and grammar errors.
FAQs About Resume Summaries
- Why Resume Summary?
A resume summary is a brief overview of your qualifications that includes prominent achievements and skills to grab the employer’s attention. - How long should a summary be on a resume?
An effective resume summary is typically 50-100 words (2-4 sentences, ideally). - Do all resumes need a summary?
You are not required to write one, but I strongly encourage you to do so, especially for seasoned professionals or those changing careers. - Should I add a summary to my resume for entry-level roles?
Yes, including an overview would be beneficial even for recent graduates by highlighting academic accomplishments, internships, or applicable skills. - How do I write one summary for several job applications?
Make each summary about the job you’re applying for by including buzzwords from the job description and matching it to the employer’s needs.
Summary: Finish Off Your Resume with a Good Summary
Writing a powerful resume summary can take your chances of being called for an interview to the next level. A well-crafted professional summary allows you to showcase your key skills and accomplishments succinctly, helping you make a powerful first impression. Spend the extra time to create an individualized, high-quality overview for each application, then expand your professional opportunities