Resume Summary Examples: Craft a Powerful First Impression

✅ Your unique selling proposition (USP). 

What sets you apart from the competition? What can you offer that other candidates cannot? This is the headline of your career story. You may be a creative problem solver or a seasoned manager with a record of team success. Consider your USP and include it toward the start of your resume summary. When you start with a bang, the recruiter will quickly understand the value you bring.

✅ Powerful language. 

The phrasing you use influences the recruiter’s perception of you. When writing your resume summary, choose action verbs that describe you as an active and influential professional. Words like accelerated or transformed will create a sense of energy in your resume. Passive wording (responsible for), on the other hand, is boring and contrary to a result-driven mindset.

✅ Major achievements. 

What is your biggest achievement to date? Start by making a short list of your most notable milestones. Including some of these career accomplishments is always a wise move. You should include metrics, such as increased sales by 40% in two quarters. You can also focus on specific contributions, such as led a team of 5 to deliver a critical project under budget. These examples show evidence that the employer can easily check and verify.

✅ Big names and awards. 

Don’t be afraid to name-drop. You’re trying to grab the hiring manager’s attention, after all. So, if you have worked for a well-known business or won an industry award, you should include this in your resume summary. But what if you’re new to the field? In that case, you can include academic honors, certifications, or any notable internships with relevant organizations. If there’s no such thing that you could relate to the position, leave this part out.

1️⃣ Optimize your summary for the ATS

The vast majority of recruiters now use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). The software sorts through thousands of incoming resumes to determine which are the top applications. It does this predominantly by searching for specific keywords and phrases in the body of the document.

It feels like a black box you’re trying to crack. You don’t know why it rejects certain applications and what you should do to get through it. The worst part is that you don’t get any feedback. If the system doesn’t pick your resume to move forward, why does it do that? You can’t really know, so the lack of communication feels discouraging.

BUT! You can turn the ATS into an advantage. You just need to understand how it works. That will give you an upper hand over applicants who didn’t bother with it.

To get past the system, you need to ATS-optimize your resume. While you can do this for all sections of your resume, we will focus on your professional summary for resume here. Including the right words in this part of your application could help you rank well in the ATS software.

To find the keywords you should include, return to the original job posting. Look for any job-specific words that the recruiter has used within this advert. Chances are, these are the same phrases that they have programmed into the ATS software. By including the exact same words – rather than any synonyms – in your resume summary, you will boost your chances.

2️⃣  Exclude any “I” statements

Traditionally, when you are writing about yourself, you would start sentences with “I,” “I am,” or “I have”. However, you should exclude these openers when writing your summary. Write in third person instead. 

• “I” statements waste valuable space in your resume summary. “I am a results-driven project manager” is longer and sounds much weaker than “Results-driven project manager.”
• They reduce the level of professionalism. A resume is a formal document, so it’s best to use third-person phrasing throughout. That will put the focus on your skills and accomplishments.
• Statements like “I helped” or “I was responsible for” sound weak. On the other hand, you can use more powerful words, such as oversaw, developed, or achieved.
• The “I” style should be avoided because of ATS optimization. ATS is programmed to pick up on specific keywords and job titles, which “I” statements dilute.

3️⃣ Read your summary aloud

When you’ve written your first draft, it may be handy to read your resume summary aloud. This approach allows you to hear the statement as the recruiter will read it. It’s not just about cramming the summary with a bunch of buzzwords. You need to make sure that it flows well.

Here’s why the technique works:

• When you read what you’ve written aloud, you’ll catch awkward or complex phrases. 
• Listening to the flow will help you make adjustments to the sentence structure. This is what professional editors do with novels and other big projects.
• It helps you make sure that the tone is polished and professional. If the language seems too casual, you’ll need to edit it up. If it’s too formal, you’ll edit it down.
• Do you feel like you could get the same message through with fewer words? In the summary, there’s no space for fillers. Phrases like “responsible for” or “in charge of” seem fine on paper. But when you read aloud, they slow down the rhythm, and you can cut them out.

4️⃣ Include measurable accomplishments

Your resume summary isn't a place to be vague. One quick way to get the recruiter’s attention is to include measurable accomplishments. In layperson terms, that means sliding in some meaningful numbers and statistics where it makes logical sense.

• Be strategic with the placement: your most important achievements should come at the beginning or the end of your summary. For example, open with a statement like this one: Sales professional with a 20% year-over-year growth rate. It’s an excellent way to set a strong tone and follow it through.
• Your achievements should come within a timeframe. Let’s say you write: boosted productivity by 15%. That’s not enough to make an impact. But this is: Boosted productivity by 15% within the first six months.
• The results you present must align with the target job. You can’t include everything you achieved in the summary; it has to be short. For example, if the position requires strong leadership, choose accomplishments that are relevant to it. Here’s an appropriate example: Led a team of 10 to a 100% on-time project completion rate over six months.
• Know when to stop! Yes, numbers add power to your summary. But if you clutter this section with too many of them, you’ll overwhelm the reader.

5️⃣ Customize your summary

Using a one-size-fits-all approach won’t cut it. Whenever you are applying for a new job, be sure to tailor your resume summary to meet the criteria of that role. 

Are you wondering why this additional effort is necessary?

• Employers are looking for a perfect fit. When you customize the summary, you can showcase the parts of your background that directly respond to those requirements. 
• When sending a relevant resume, you increase your chances of getting through the Applicant Tracking System.
• Showing that you’re specifically qualified for the role makes you stand out among applicants who aren’t (hello, LinkedIn EasyApply, we see you!). The resume summary is the first thing that hiring managers read. You have a chance to make a stronger impression. 

6️⃣ Use soft skills to add a personal touch

Soft skills reveal how you work, communicate, and adapt to organizational dynamics. We’ll give you strong reasons why you shouldn’t avoid them:

• When mentioned effectively, soft skills transform your resume summary from a generic list of qualifications to an overview of your professional character.
• For highly technical roles, you will need to strategically mention soft skills to balance out the heavy tech jargon-filled resume. A good balance of hard and soft skills in the resume summary will give you a better chance to move forward in the hiring process.

You still have to choose the right soft skills, though. If you’re applying for a role that has to do with customer care, you can mention empathy and strong communication skills. For a managerial role, mention leadership and adaptability. But be honest. If you’re not that great at communication, the hiring manager will see that during the interview.

Be careful! It’s possible to overdo it with soft skills in the resume summary, and doing so will dilute the impact. Many job candidates make this mistake: they suffocate the content with too many soft skills, so they come across as self-promotional and vague. To avoid this pitfall, don’t use generic phrases like great communicator, team player, or hardworking without evidence to support such claims.

7️⃣ Aim for a concise resume summary

The recruiter will probably spend just a few seconds looking at the entire resume. The summary has to be concise, so the reader will instantly figure out the most essential aspects of your career: skills, experience, and accomplishments. And here is how you do it:

• Be very selective and make tough decisions about what to leave out. 
• Leave out some personal achievements or context if the role is asking for it. 
• Make every word count. Even the smallest phrase or word choice can affect your chances of landing an interview. 
• If you’re a creative or detail-oriented person, utilize the cover letter to tell your story. With the resume, it’s important to follow the format that employers expect.

No matter how hard it is to compress everything into a few sentences, you can do it. Avoid long-form explanations and filler words. A well-written summary will give the hiring manager a snapshot of your professional profile, enticing them to read further.

8️⃣ Mention transferable skills

Most job candidates know they have to mention transferable skills when switching industries. That’s how they position themselves as relevant candidates, even if their background doesn’t perfectly align with the job. But you know what? Mentioning transferable skills can still be valuable if you’re not switching industries. Here’s why:

• These skills show your broader competencies, which can make you a strong candidate for any position. For example, a project manager working within the tech industry will benefit from mentioning skills like problem-solving, leadership, and communication.
• These skills are transferable across different roles or levels within the same industry. 
• Skills like time management, collaboration, and organizational skills are valued in every job. No exceptions there! 
• Similarly to soft skills, transferable skills give a well-rounded picture of your capabilities. They show you’re ready for growth within the same field. 

Always use action-oriented sentences when mentioning transferable skills. For example, don’t just write strong leadership skills. Although the summary is short, it still gives you space to show action, such as this: Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams to exceed sales targets, leveraging strong leadership and communication skills.

9️⃣  Avoid clichés and buzzwords

Team player, hardworking, go-getter - you’ll see them in dozens of resume samples online. And that’s exactly why you shouldn’t base your resume summary on samples: go-to choices don’t provide real insight into your unique qualifications. Instead of vague and overused phrases, focus on showing specific skills, experience, and accomplishments that make you stand out.

Here are some common clichés to avoid in your resume summary:

❌ Team player — Instead describe a specific instance when you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Here’s a good example: Led a team of 10 to launch a product that increased sales by 20%. Much better, right?

❌ Hardworking — It’s just an empty phrase that everyone says about themselves. To replace it, focus on an achievement that demonstrates your work ethic. For example: Consistently met project deadlines and improved team efficiency by 15%.

❌ Self-motivated — What does that even mean? Instead of using that empty phrase, share the initiative you took in previous roles. For example: Identified and streamlined a manual reporting process, reducing data entry time by 25%.

❌ Go-getter — That’s a buzzword that says nothing to an employer. Instead, you should offer examples of how you pursued opportunities or solved problems. Here’s how it should be done: Initiated a customer outreach campaign that boosted retention by 10%.

Here’s the rule to remember: instead of using buzzwords, always be specific! Share your skills, accomplishments, and the tools or methodologies you’ve used. And back up all your claims with measurable achievements. 

1️⃣0️⃣ Show your Unique Selling Proposition (USP)

Your unique selling proposition is what makes you different from other people who apply for the same position. It could be your specialized expertise, a rare skill, or an accomplishment that’s not easy to achieve (and aligns with the role’s needs).

Here are some ways to incorporate your USP into the resume summary:

• Is there something you offer that others may not? If you have niche industry experience, certifications, or technical skills that are hard to find, share them right at the beginning of the summary. Have you developed any innovative solutions? Do you have a history of driving impressive results in your previous roles? Think of your USP as a way of showing that you’ll bring specialized knowledge to the role.
• Emphasize your personal approach or philosophy - it’s an effective way to showcase your USP. 
• As with everything else in the resume summary, your USP should also align with the company’s needs. It should help you win the argument why you’re the right fit for the job.

Here’s an example of how it should be done: Certified project manager with expertise in Agile methodology, driving a 40% reduction in time-to-market for major software launches in the past year. Now, that sounds like someone you wouldn’t neglect as a hiring manager, right?

1️⃣1️⃣ Use the right tone for the industry

Matching the tone of your resume summary to the industry standards shows that you understand the employer’s culture and expectations. Different fields don’t have the same standards for communication style. If the government sector expects a somewhat stiff style, you don’t have to follow those standards when entering, say, a creative industry.

• Creative industries (design, advertising, journalism)

If you’re in a creative field, you’re expected to maintain an energetic, expressive tone in the resume summary. For example: Visionary designer with a knack for transforming concepts into vibrant brand visuals.

• Corporate / finance / legal sectors

Applicants from these industries could really benefit from executive resume writing services, which will maintain a clear, professional, and formal tone. For example: Experienced financial analyst with a background in risk assessment and financial forecasting.

• Healthcare and nonprofits

You should use an empathetic tone driven by values. Your goal is to show your commitment to the mission with words like dedicated, supportive, and patient-centered. Here’s an example: Compassionate nurse practitioner with over 10 years of experience in patient care, committed to providing a supportive environment for recovering.

• Tech and engineering

Use straightforward language that shows your technical expertise. Informal tone might be OK up to a certain extent, but it should still highlight your analytical approach to work. Here’s a good example: Skilled software developer proficient in Python and JavaScript, dedicated to creating scalable applications that enhance user experience.

1️⃣2️⃣ Focus on the future

Focusing on the future will show that you can use your past achievements to do something great for the employer. You can use your past success in future-oriented statements, so the employer will sense your goals and your ability to make meaningful contributions to their company.

• Mention how your skills match the organization’s objectives. If you’ve researched the company’s mission or upcoming projects, you’ll know how to do it.
• Express your commitment to expanding your skill set within the role. You have some experience, but you won’t stay on that stage forever. All industries prize ongoing learning and adaptability. Here’s an example of a statement that works: Eager to contribute advanced data analysis skills while continuing to grow expertise in machine learning and automation.
• Mention some industry trends. This will show you’re informed about the industry, and you can help the company stay competitive. For example: HR professional with a commitment to fostering a culture of inclusivity and using AI for efficient talent acquisition.

1️⃣3️⃣ Don’t overuse job-specific jargon

Overloading your resume summary with niche terms might backfire. It can be repulsive to recruiters who aren’t familiar with the finer details of your niche. Keep in mind that the HR manager is not necessarily a professional in your field, especially if that field is tech.

Limit the jargon so you’ll communicate your skills and achievements in the most straightforward way possible: 

• Where possible, replace jargon with terminology that’s widely recognized across your industry but won’t confuse a generalist recruiter. Instead of neural networks, for example, you can write machine learning. Your choice of words should be understandable to a wider audience. That’s especially important if you’re publishing your resume online, hoping for recruiters to contact you.
• You can use acronyms, since they save space. However, using too many of them will make the summary hard to read, even for someone who knows what the acronyms mean. 
• Use short phrases to explain key technical skills. For example: Expert in Salesforce CRM for managing client relationships and tracking sales metrics.

1️⃣4️⃣ Start with your strongest asset 

When writing your resume summary, think about how you can catch the recruiter’s attention right from the start. You need to make a memorable first impression. 

• Start with your current role or an important qualification that establishes credibility. It can be a simple beginning, such as Experienced marketing manager…
• Mention a major achievement that’s measurable. Adding a number or statistic at the beginning will make your summary noticeable right away. For example: Increased client retention by 20% in under six months.
• Bring your unique selling point, especially if it’s a specialization or a rare skill. It will set you apart from other applicants with similar education and experience. For example: Experienced UX designer specializing in e-commerce platforms.

1️⃣5️⃣ Proofread your summary

When you have written your resume summary, you may be tempted to click “save” and send it off. However, there’s one final thing that you need to do, and that is to proofread it. Don’t overlook this step, or you could end up harming your chances of success in your job search.

Silly spelling mistakes or grammatical errors could let you down here. 

• Take a break before you start proofreading. It’s useful to step away, even if it’s just for a few minutes. That will clear your mind and allow you to get a fresh perspective.
• Search for common errors, such as its instead of it’s. These mistakes are commonly overlooked and can cost you an interview.
• Use a spell checker, but don’t trust it 100%. It’s helpful, but you should rely on your common sense first. 
• Read the summary backward, from the end toward the beginning. It may seem weird, but the technique forces you to focus on individual words. That way, you’ll easily identify typos.
• Are your formatting choices correct? Focus on capitalization, punctuation, and abbreviations as the final stage of the proofreading process.