How To Write a Powerful Resume Summary With 10 Examples

Writing a powerful resume summary is essential to your job search success. It’s your chance to pitch yourself professionally to the recruiter. There’s just one small catch: you only have a few lines to play with. Put simply, you need to choose your words with the utmost care.

Getting this statement right could boost your odds of landing an interview. However, unless you’re a natural wordsmith, you might find it tricky to get started. Luckily, you’ve come to the right place. Here, we cover what you need to know about writing a compelling and memorable resume summary from scratch. We will also share examples of resume summaries.

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Essential Tips for Crafting an Effective Resume Summary

First things first, let’s talk about what a resume summary is. This is a brief statement located near the top of your professional resume. It’s typically around two to four sentences long.

Much like an elevator pitch, this is a quick introduction to you as a professional. It gives the hiring manager a teaser of what they can expect and why they should care about your resume.

Your resume summary should highlight what makes you a unique candidate. Rather than simply regurgitating information from the rest of your resume, it should bring something new to the table. For that reason, you must craft a powerful and impressive statement.

What should a resume summary include?

Before you put pen to paper, it’s helpful to know what your resume summary should include. Recruiters spend just seven seconds reviewing each application that comes their way. You don’t have long to make a lasting impression on them. To make sure that your summary grabs their attention (and keeps it), you should include the following:

● 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 matters more than you might expect. It influences the recruiter’s perception of you. When writing your resume summary, choose the most compelling words. For example, using action verbs conveys that you are an active and influential professional. Words like accelerated or transformed will create a sense of energy in your resume. Passive wording, on the other hand, is boring and contrary to a result-driven mindset.

● Major achievements. What is your biggest achievement to date? Now is the time to shout about it. Start by making a short list of your most notable milestones. Including some of these career accomplishments is always a wise move. But don’t use empty words. 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.

You don’t have to include all of the above in your summary. However, it would be best if you took some inspiration from these points. Since summaries are short and sweet, you will need to make some hard decisions about what you should feature in this statement.

Above all else, each part of your resume summary should add value to your application. Think about what nuggets of information will appeal to the recruiter and highlight them in this section. It may be helpful to draft a long summary and then edit it back, taking out less impactful parts.

Ten resume summary examples (and why they work)

Looking for some inspiration? To help you along the way, we have put together a selection of 10 powerful resume summary examples for various professions. But remember: your resume summary should be unique and personal. These are meant to help you understand how that part should look like. We’ll also tell you why the examples work. Check them out here.

1. Teacher resume summary example

Student-focused high school English teacher with 5 years of academic experience. Highly organized and proficient in high-level classroom management. Adept at tailoring syllabi to meet the various learning needs of pupils while adhering to strict grading practices.

Why does it work?

This teacher highlighted their key qualifications and skills while also showing their dedication to student success. There are many reasons why their approach works:

• The summary immediately addresses the area of expertise and level of experience. It clarifies that the teacher has a solid background in the field: high school teacher with 5 years of academic experience.
• The skills presented here are relevant. Highly organized and proficient in high-level classroom management are not empty phrases; they are essential qualities for a teacher. Classroom management and organizational skills are critical education, which is why this candidate directly highlights them in the summary.
• Now we’re getting to the part that makes this candidate unique: adept at tailoring syllabi to meet various learning needs. This is someone who puts inclusivity and adaptability as their priority. These are key elements of modern education. Although it’s a simple phrase, it signals that the teacher can work well with diverse learners. They identified a valued skill in education and made it a focus of their career.
• In the previous part, this teacher showed their adaptability. But then they mention adhering to strict grading practices, which shows their commitment to high standards and academic rigor. When a school is looking for teachers who uphold a disciplined approach to assessment, that’s an important quality.

2. HR resume summary example

Results-oriented HR professional with 10+ years of experience in talent acquisition and employee well-being practices. SHRM-certified professional, confident in implementing effective recruitment processes and fostering diversity and inclusion. Dedicated to successfully navigating complex employee issues while equally ensuring compliance with labor laws.

Why does it work?

This applicant clearly communicates their specific expertise and professional values. Here’s why their summary works well:

• The candidate immediately starts with a Result-oriented HR professional with 10+ years of experience. That’s an extensive background combined with a commitment to results.
• They also highlight talent acquisition and employee well-being practices, which is precisely what organizations want when hiring people for their HR departments.
• It’s important to mention relevant certificates, and that’s exactly what this candidate did. Mentioning the SHRM certificate adds credibility and shows they have achieved a recognized standard in their industry. For recruiters who look for candidates with formal training and current knowledge of HR best practices, that makes a big difference.
• The phrases confident in implementing effective recruitment processes and fostering diversity and inclusion indicate essential professional skills. This part of the summary presents the candidate as someone who can handle daily tasks efficiently. They also prioritize inclusive workplace culture, which is critical for modern organizations.
• The last line of the summary shows the candidates' dedication to both employee support and legal compliance. It’s similar to what the teacher did in their summary above. Such phrasing shows a balanced approach that protects the organization and the subjects this person will work with.

3. Web developer resume summary example

Innovative web developer with 6 years of experience working in creative tech startups. Proficient in utilizing HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and frameworks such as React, Angular, and Vue.js. Boasts an in-depth understanding of high-level database management using MongoDB. Passionate about creating technological solutions to the modern-day problems society faces.

Why does it work?

Innovative is an important skill for web developers, but it’s used so often that it starts sounding like an empty phrase. Not in this case, though. This candidate showed how they are innovative with the remaining part of their summary. They highlighted their technical skills, relevant experience, and passion for problem-solving. Here’s why the entire summary works:

• The candidate starts with 6 years of experience working in creative tech startups. With that, they clarified their experience level and the context of their skill development. They mentioned what type of experience they had: startups. That shows their versatility, adaptability, and willingness to take on varied projects. Fast-paced tech environments certainly appreciate that!
• In their summary, this candidate demonstrated their command of essential front-end technologies. These are key skills for web development roles, so they made sure to list them up front.
• The phrase in-depth understanding of high-level database management using MongoDB is very specific and relevant. It proves that the candidate can handle more complex aspects of web applications.

The closing line is excellent: passionate about creating technological solutions to modern-day problems. This candidate is purpose-driven. They find motivation in real-world issues, so their societal impact adds a personal touch to the resume.

4. Writer resume summary example

Creative writer and editor with 10 years of industry experience, published in the New York Times, the Guardian, and Forbes Magazine. Proficient in crafting original, SEO-optimized content for a wide variety of mediums, including blogs, guides, and publications. Highly organized and focused on adhering to tight deadlines while collaborating with editorial teams.

Why does it work?

This writer’s resume summary is simple but effective. It’s all about showing credibility and versatility. It highlights the exact professional skills that are needed for success in writing and editing. These are the reasons why it’s effective:

• It’s all in the opening line: Creative writer and editor with 10 years of industry experience, published in the New York Times, the Guardian, and Forbes Magazine. A hiring manager would probably think: “If this candidate was good enough for these jobs, I should give them a chance.” Mentioning well-known publications signals quality that’s acceptable for high editorial standards.
• The candidate states proficiency in crafting original, SEO-optimized content. That’s a highly valued skill for today’s writers. No matter what industry you target, you should follow this candidate’s example: prove that you’re a valuable asset for a company seeking increased visibility and engagement.
• This is a versatile professional. The summary mentions a wide variety of mediums, including blogs, guides, and publications. Most employers need writers to handle different content formats, from long-form articles to short, catchy social media posts.
• The writer is also able to work well within a team. Emphasizing teamwork is essential for roles where coordination with other departments is critical. The same goes for effective deadline management, another key skill the candidate mentioned in the summary.

5. Accountant resume summary example

Analytical and detail-driven Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with 7 years of experience overseeing FTSE 100 business finances. Expert in streamlining financial reporting, tax preparation, and audit management. Proficient in using accountancy software, including QuickBooks, SAP, and Excel, while also adhering to regulatory standards.

Why does it work?

This resume summary is effective in communicating the candidate’s expertise. It shows their qualifications and familiarity with relevant tools. It’s also written in a clear, easy-to-read way. Here are the reasons why it works:

• The summary starts with Certified Public Accountant (CPA). It immediately establishes credibility. If someone is looking for a CPA, they want to hire someone who already owns a certificate. That’s more effective than training an underqualified candidate and getting them certified. With this resume summary approach, the employer is sure that this applicant is ready to start working immediately.
• They also mention relevant experience: 7 years of experience overseeing FTSE 100 business finances. This phrase shows that the candidate has worked with large companies. Clearly, they have the skills to handle complex financial portfolios.
• The summary highlights skills that are specifically required for the position: streamlining financial reporting, tax preparation, and audit management. When you write your resume summary, this is a nice example to follow. Show skills that are critical for efficiency, accuracy, and regulatory compliance.
• The candidate also mentions important technical skills: QuickBooks, SAP, and Excel. They know how modern accounting works, so the employer can expect this person to quickly adapt to their organization’s software systems.
• Commitment to standards is always important. It’s what the phrase adhering to regulatory standards shows. The technical skills are covered, but the candidate also values accuracy and legality, which are important for protecting the organization.

6. Counselor resume summary example

Empathetic licensed counselor specializing in family and marriage therapy. Boasting a 99.8% client satisfaction rating and 27% customer referral average. Delivers an all-round holistic approach to modern therapy based on the foundations of CBT, DBT, and mindfulness.

Why does it work?

This counselor candidate managed to put everything in three readable sentences. Their resume summary clarifies their specialization, measurable impact, and approach to therapy. It captures the essence of the entire resume into a brief summary, which is what you’re hoping to achieve with your application.

Here’s what we can learn from this summary:

• Mentioning a licensed counselor right at the start confirms that this candidate meets the legal and professional standards that are imposed for the role. It’s an adequate candidate who has the potential to get into the organization.
• They mention a focus on family and marriage therapy. This lets the hiring manager know what expertise the candidate has. It’s important to be specific like this, especially if the role you apply for requires specialized knowledge. In this case, the candidate shows that they developed their skills in a specific area.
• We see quantifiable success in this resume summary: 99.8% client satisfaction rating and 27% customer referral average. It’s an effective counselor who deserves the client's trust. Such metrics give us concrete evidence of their impact. It’s a nice thing to do in fields where positive client outcomes are essential for success.
• The candidate describes their approach to the profession as holistic all-round with foundations in CBT, DBT, and mindfulness. These are evidence-based practices that are worth mentioning in the summary.

7. Admin resume summary example

Efficient and business-oriented admin assistant with 2 years of office experience. Confident in utilizing project management tools, email and phone correspondence, and working on Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace. Excellent communicator with a passion for organization and time management while striving to build strong working relationships with colleagues.

Why does it work?

This admin resume summary works because it’s focused on relevant interpersonal skills. That’s essential for any administrative role. In detail, here’s why the candidate’s approach works:

• They start the summary with 2 years of experience. With that, they show their familiarity with office environments and administrative tasks. The hiring manager knows right away that this person is not new to the demands of the role.
• The summary also includes project management tools, email and phone correspondence, Microsoft Office Suite, and Google Workspace. At first glance, these technical skills seem mainstream… almost everyone has them - but for an administrative role, they are essential and should be listed upfront.
• The candidate shows strong interpersonal skills by describing themselves as an excellent communicator. They focus on building strong relationships, which shows they value teamwork and are easy to work with. In admin roles, communication and cooperation are mandatory.
• As you already know, the summary shouldn’t be 100% focused on you. It should tell the hiring manager how they will benefit from your capacity. This candidate achieved that by mentioning a passion for organization and time management. We see that this is someone who can manage their workload effectively.

8. Sales resume summary example

Results-driven sales professional with 7+ years of experience in consumer technology. Proven track record of success, including a 15% customer retention rating and a history of exceeding company targets quarter-on-quarter. Excellent communicator interested in establishing meaningful customer relationships while striving to solve their problems.

Why does it work?

This resume summary suggests that the candidate is sought after. Any recruiter would be happy to have them in their organization. The summary works because it shows the candidate’s accomplishments, expertise, and customer-centered approach.

• They start with 7 years of experience in consumer technology. It’s a lot of experience, so it’s a good idea to turn it into the summary’s focus. The reader immediately gets an impression of credibility and expertise within a specific industry.
• The candidate mentions a 15% customer retention rating and exceeding company targets quarter-on-quarter. They give us evidence for their effectiveness and consistency. Metrics prove that the candidate isn’t using empty phrases. They perform well and consistently contribute to company growth and consumer loyalty. These are crucial skills for any role in sales.
• The candidate shows they value building trust with clients through this phrasing: excellent communicator interested in establishing meaningful customer relationships. This customer-centered approach is essential for a successful hire in sales.
• The summary is easy to read, properly written, and without any fillers. Every word is used with a purpose to show how this candidate is good for the company.

9. Pharmacist resume summary example

Licensed pharmacist with 8 years of experience in medication management and pharmaceutical care. Accomplished in compliance with regulatory standards while overseeing long-term medication therapies. Committed to continuously supporting the needs of patients while offering an empathetic perspective and clearly communicating therapy processes.

Why does it work?

This pharmacist highlights their patient-focused approach in the summary. They mentioned their credentials and expertise in that context. The resume works because empathy and supportive communication are essential for the role they apply for.

• The candidate immediately shows they are qualified for the job with Licensed pharmacist with 8 years of experience. Such an opening tells the hiring manager that they aren’t wasting their time reading this resume. They are dealing with someone whose qualifications and experience are relevant to the field.
• By reading this short summary, we instantly know what the candidate’s focus is: medication management and pharmaceutical care and compliance with regulatory standards. We realize it’s a detail-oriented person who can effectively oversee complex medication therapies.
• The commitment to supporting the needs of patients with an empathetic perspective shows that the candidate values the well-being of all patients and is ready to provide compassionate care.
• Communication skills are important for all jobs, but sometimes they are crucial. In this case, mentioning clearly communicating therapy processes ensures that this person will make sure the patients understand what therapy they are getting and how it affects them.

10. Nurse resume summary example

Compassionate registered nurse with 12 years of experience providing exceptional patient care in diverse healthcare settings, including hospitals and clinics. Specializing in critical care, emergency nursing, and surgical nursing. Advocates for patient education and support while simultaneously improving patient outcomes and enhancing overall experience.

Why does it work?

When someone applies for a job as a nurse, the employer is looking for a combination of technical skills, interpersonal qualities, and a commitment to patient care. This candidate managed to write a convincing summary that meets all those requirements. They emphasize their experience and commitment to patient-focused care. This is why the summary works:

• The employer is looking at a candidate with 12 years of experience. It’s the most important part, so it’s great that it’s mentioned right at the beginning. It immediately conveys skill and an ability to handle various patient care situations.
• Mentioning critical care, emergency nursing, and surgical nursing is essential, too. This shows that the candidate is skilled in working in complex environments under high pressure. An employer who needs a nurse capable of handling challenging conditions will appreciate that.
• This nurse states that they advocate for patient education and support. That’s a commitment to empower patients by educating them about their health. Employers value that ability since it can improve outcomes and foster trust in healthcare providers.
• The summary also mentions improving patient outcomes and enhancing overall experience. This is the part that’s not about the candidate but about the patients and the employer. It’s a holistic approach that balances technical skill and empathy.

Expert tips on writing a powerful resume summary

Now that you’ve taken a look at our resume summary examples, it’s time to start working on yours. However, before you dive in, there are some additional tips that you should keep in mind.

Writing a resume summary that captures the imagination of a recruiter is an art form. It’s not simply about filling the space on the page. You need to be strategic and hit the nail on the head. Follow the tips we outline below to ensure you win over even the most discerning recruiters.

1. 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.

Many job applicants are frustrated by the ATS. The system can create barriers between them and potential employers. As an applicant, you don’t really understand how ATS works. 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 optimize your resume. While you can do this for all sections of your resume, we will focus on your summary 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.

2. 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 professional resume summary. These words only waste space without adding any value to your statement.

Some candidates feel they can make their resume more unique and personal by writing in the first person. But for most employers, it’s a big mistake you’ll need to avoid for several reasons:

• “I” statements waste valuable space in your resume summary. This part is meant to be short and powerful. Starting with “I” takes up space that could be used for impactful words that put your skills and accomplishments in the highlight. “I am a results-driven project manager” is longer and sounds much weaker than “Results-driven project manager.”
• Writing in the first person reduces the level of professionalism in the resume summary. This is a formal document, so it’s best to use third-person phrasing all over it. 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.
• Ultimately, 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.

So, what’s the right way to write? Since you don’t have a lot of words to play with, you need to be as selective as possible. Rather than saying, “I am a registered nurse,” get straight to the point and say, “Registered nurse”. While it feels weird writing about yourself in the third person, it is the best way to get your point across.

3. 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. If you feel like a sentence is too long to read and remember, consider making it shorter and sharper. When reading, you should make sure each word is easy to pronounce.
• The summary should have a nice rhythm that leads the reader from one idea to the next. 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.
• Is the summary full of buzzwords? You’ll get the answer to that question when reading it aloud. Focus on achieving clear language that sounds genuine.
• Reading your summary aloud 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.
• Make sure everything is clear. If any of the sentences sound clunky or are difficult to read, that is a sign that you need to edit them. Keep tweaking your summary until you get it to sound smooth. Doing this lets you ensure that when the recruiter reads it in their head, it gets the job done perfectly.

4. 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 this statement. In layperson terms, that means sliding in some meaningful numbers and statistics where it makes logical sense.

Start by specifying how long you’ve worked in the industry. This is a baseline fact that you want to position front and center. However, it doesn’t have to end there. You can also add in some statistics, such as your sales retention average or how much you boosted office efficiency by each quarter. This adds evidence to the claims you make about your expertise. Here’s an example: increased annual revenue by 25%.

• Be strategic with the placement: your most important achievements should come at the beginning or the end of your summary. For example, you can 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.

5. Always 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. This approach allows you to position yourself as the ideal candidate in the eyes of the recruiter.

Start by reviewing the job advert once again. Go through the criteria that the recruiter has specified and see which boxes you tick. You might want to make a list of the main things that the company is looking for in a candidate. Once you’ve done that, you can use this information to your advantage by including references to it within your resume summary.

Are you wondering why this additional effort is necessary?

• Employers are looking for unique skills and qualifications for each job posting they share. When you customize the summary, you can showcase the parts of your background that directly respond to those requirements. With that, you’ll show that you’re a strong fit for the position.
• When you customize the resume summary, you show attention to detail. You took the time to understand what the job and the company require. With that effort, you show professionalism and dedication. Those qualities are universally valued by all employers.
• 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. The resume summary is the first thing that hiring managers read. You have a chance to make a strong impression with it.
• A generic resume summary will mention your greatest accomplishments. But what if they aren’t relevant to this job? Make an effort to customize it, so you’ll trim away irrelevant details and use the space to add details that mean something to this specific employer.

6. Use soft skills to add a personal touch

What soft skills are relevant for the specific job? If you have any, then you should include them in the resume summary. Technical skills are important because they show your qualifications. But 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.
• Technical skills make you seem task-focused. But that’s not all an employer is looking for. You need soft skills to balance out the impression you make. Recruiters will quickly evaluate your fit for the role and the company. 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.

What soft skills should you mention? Well, it’s time to study the job description again. It will give you hints of the qualities this employer sets as a priority.

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.

7. Aim for a concise resume summary

Keeping the entire resume concise is important. But it’s something candidates often overlook when writing the summary. This is the part that expresses their individuality, so many tend to get overly creative or wordy. Keep this to mind when writing the 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 important aspects of your career: skills, experience, and accomplishments.

This expectation for clarity and brevity is annoying for job candidates. There are several reasons why:

• You have to compress years of experience, skills, and achievements into a few sentences. You have to be very selective, so you’ll make tough decisions about what to leave out. For professionals with extensive backgrounds and diverse skill sets, narrowing down all their expertise into 3-4 impactful sentences is hard!
• Brevity feels limiting when you’re trying to convey all your qualifications. You’ll leave out some personal achievements or context behind a role. It isn’t easy to showcase the depth of your experience without getting into detail.
• When you start writing the summary, you’ll feel the pressure of making every word count. Even the smallest phrase or word choice can affect your chances of landing an interview. The decision about what to prioritize can cause anxiety, since there’s no room for error.
• If you’re a creative or detail-oriented person, formatting expectations make you feel limited. You may want to tell a fuller, more compelling story about your career. But you can leave that for the cover letter! 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. All your sentences should be direct and to the point. 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.

8. 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. They show you have the capacity to handle various tasks and adapt to different challenges within the same field.
• Transferable skills like time management, collaboration, and organizational skills are valued in every job. No exceptions there! They show recruiters how you approach your work, solve problems, and manage different tasks.
• 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. They show how effective you are in the ever-evolving organizational environment.

Again, it’s all about the way you include this part in your resume summary. You can use them in a way that connects your past experiences to the role you’re applying for. Start by identifying the most relevant transferable skills for this job. Leadership, communication, problem-solving, and project management are some of the most common transferable skills that hiring managers appreciate.

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.

You can also tie the skill to the role. Here’s an example: With 5 years of experience leading teams, I bring leadership skills that will drive success in the project manager role.

9. Avoid Clichés and Buzzwords

Team player, hardworking, go-getter… these seem like safe phrases that everyone uses. You’ll see them in dozens of resume samples online. Well, 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. They don’t show what you bring to the table. 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 — Everyone claims it! Instead of mentioning you’re a good team player, you can 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, you can 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%.
• Results-oriented — Hiring managers see this word in almost every resume they read. Instead, you should use metrics to show your results. For example: Increased quarterly sales by 30% through targeted influencer marketing.

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. Back up all your claims with achievements, such as improving process efficiency, boosting sales, or receiving acknowledgments for your contributions.

10. 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’s crucial for landing an interview. 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? All these things matter. Think of your USP as a way of showing that you’ll bring specialized knowledge to the role.
• Emphasize your personal approach or philosophy. Although it’s not that common, it’s an effective way to showcase your USP. If you have an advanced method for problem-solving, leadership, or team collaboration? If it’s proven to be effective, then include it! Such a USP will show that you’re more than qualified; you have a unique perspective and approach that will help the organization solve challenges and achieve goals.
• As with everything else in the resume summary, your USP should also align with the company’s needs. Think of a selling proposition that proves you’ll bring value. 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?

11. 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 professionalism and communication style. If the government sector expects a somewhat stiff style, you don’t have to follow those standards when entering a creative industry.

The right tone will make your resume more appealing, and it will make it easy for a recruiter to picture you in the role. Here are some times to adjust your tone based on industry expectations:

• 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. The point is to show creativity and innovation. You can use some words that clarify you can think outside the box. 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 academic CV writing services, which will maintain a clear, professional, and formal tone. Casual language is not welcome. Instead, you should use precise language that’s driven by outcome. For example: Experienced financial analyst with a background in risk assessment and financial forecasting.

• Healthcare and nonprofits

These are service-oriented fields. Thus, 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

These industries are all about clarity and problem-solving. 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.

12. Focus on the future

When writing about yourself, your instincts tell you to explain what you’ve achieved so far. That’s OK; you should mention your achievements in the resume summary. But it’s not where you should limit yourself. 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.

Don’t worry; it’s not that hard! Here’s how to achieve the future-focused effect:

• 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.

13. Don’t overuse job-specific jargon

Field-specific jargon can show your knowledge of the industry. You feel comfortable using it, but overloading your resume summary with niche terms might backfire. It won’t go well with the ATS. It can also be repulsive to recruiters who aren’t familiar with the finer details of your industry. Keep in mind that the HR manager is not necessarily a professional in your field.

Limit the jargon so you’ll communicate your skills and achievements in the most straightforward way possible. This is the right approach to have:

• When you’re about to use jargon, think: how can you replace it 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, expecting recruiters to contact you.
• You can use acronyms, since they save space. But using too many of them will make the summary hard to read, even for someone who knows what the acronyms mean. Only include them if they are well-known. For example, you can write data analysis with SQL instead of solely SQL. Always think of non-technical recruiters.
• Use short phrases to explain key technical skills. You can briefly explain what certain technical skills mean in relevance to the role. For example: Expert in Salesforce CRM for managing client relationships and tracking sales metrics.

14. Start with your strongest points

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. Recruiters skim through resumes, so bringing your most impactful information upfront is crucial.

Here’s how you can do it:

• Start with your current role or an important qualification that establishes credibility. It can be a simple beginning, such as Experienced marketing manager…
• If you have great experience that goes well with the role, put it at the beginning. It’s the most important quality you have as a candidate. For example: Sales professional with 10+ years in B2C solutions.
• 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.
• Mention a skill that’s relevant to the role. You can choose one from the job description and put it in context. That will position you as a good fit right away. For example: Skilled in data analysis and visualization.
• 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.

15. Finally, 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 job-search success.

Since recruiters receive a colossal amount of resumes, they will be looking for any reason to reject yours. Silly spelling mistakes or grammatical errors could let you down here. Even the most minor of problems can stick out like a sore thumb. Take the time to check your resume thoroughly and make sure that there are no issues, which you can easily solve.

These tips will help you proofread the resume summary without much effort:

• 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.
• Slowly read your resume summary aloud. Consider each word carefully. This technique will help you catch awkward phrases, grammar errors, words that shouldn’t be there, or words that you should add.
• 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. Verify if the suggestions are accurate before accepting them.
• 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.

Conclusion

Perfecting your resume summary could be the key to landing your next interview. While this is a freeform part of your application, you shouldn’t allow it to intimidate you. Say goodbye to writer’s block. If you struggle with this part, here’s a comforting thing to know: nearly all job applicants do. But there are ways to overcome the difficulties, and you can write an impressive summary that grabs the employer’s attention.

Follow the tips outlined in this guide and use the examples for inspiration. Mastering this art will help you to create a resume that turns heads. Take your resume to the next level in just four days. Check out our resume writing services now. Don’t leave anything to chance when it comes to your future. We offer a range of packages to suit your budget and long-term career goals.