good summary for resume

Protect your data

This site uses cookies and related technologies for site operation, and analytics as described in our Privacy Policy . You may choose to consent to our use of these technologies, reject non-essential technologies, or further manage your preferences.

• Resume and Cover Letter
• 27 Great Resume Summary...

27 Great Resume Summary Examples to Get Hired

21 min read · Updated on November 26, 2024

Your resume summary is the first impression you make on potential employers, so it's crucial to get it right

When it comes to job applications, your resume is often the first point of contact with prospective employers. It's essential to make a good impression right from the start, and that's where your resume summary comes in. 

What is a resume summary? 

How can you create one that will help your resume stand out from the competition?

In this article, we'll explain the resume summary and why it's so vital for job search success. We'll also teach you how to write a great resume summary that will grab any employer's attention and provide 27 fantastic resume summary examples that you can customize to fit your job search needs.

What is a resume summary?

To understand a resume summary, it's important to understand the challenge that good summaries are designed to overcome. Employers who are looking for new hires often need to compare many dozens or even hundreds of resumes to find the best candidates for the job. Few hiring personnel have the time needed to thoroughly examine every single resume that they receive.

Instead, employers typically spend no more than five or six seconds scanning any given resume. If a resume manages to capture their interest in those few seconds, they'll take the time to read it in greater detail. 

However, if your resume doesn't grab their attention, it's likely to be rejected without any further examination. So, the challenge is to find a way to quickly earn the reader's interest and inspire them to read the rest of the document.

That's where a professional summary for a resume comes into play. As you'll see from our resume summary examples, a good summary is the resume equivalent of a salesperson's elevator pitch. 

This brief statement should highlight your experience and job title, one or two key skills, and a couple of your most prominent achievements. When your summary is crafted well, it will provide the employer with a quick overview of your potential value as a new hire.

Once you've written your summary, you should place it right after your contact information and resume headline so that it's the first thing employers see. If you've done your job properly, that summary will be compelling enough to make the reader want to learn more about the type of value you can bring to the job.

How should you start a resume summary?

Since your summary is designed to capture the reader's attention, it's vital to start this paragraph off in a compelling way.  While the statement should be brief, it should also clearly communicate your unique value proposition. Here are some examples of strong opening statements:

Innovative Marketing Manager with over five years of experience in developing and executing successful campaigns for Fortune 500 companies

Results-driven Sales Executive with a proven track record of exceeding revenue targets and building strong client relationships

Skilled Customer Service Representative with expertise in problem-solving, conflict resolution, and communication

Tips for writing a resume summary

To make sure that you create the most powerful resume summary possible, follow our top tips:

Be specific

When writing a resume summary, it's essential to be specific and quantify your achievements wherever possible. Instead of saying, "Experienced marketing professional," try saying, "Experienced marketing professional with expertise in managing successful social media campaigns, resulting in increases of up to 30% in website traffic."

This provides concrete evidence of your skills and demonstrates your value to potential employers.

Reflect on your career

When it comes to writing a strong resume summary, you should engage in some self-reflection. Before putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard), take some time to think about your key skills, experiences, and achievements. This will help you identify the most important information to include in your summary. Review your past roles, responsibilities, and accomplishments, and think about how they relate to the job you're applying for. Ask yourself:

What have I achieved in my career?

What skills have I developed?

What makes me stand out from other applicants?

Identify your key skills

One of the most important things to include in your resume summary is your key skills. These are the abilities that set you apart from other candidates and demonstrate your value to potential employers. Begin by making a list of your top skills, then prioritize them based on relevance to the job you're applying for.

Highlight your relevant experiences

Next, think about relevant experiences that you can include in your summary. This includes any previous jobs or internships, volunteer work, or extracurricular activities that have given you valuable experience. Consider what you've learned and achieved in each role and how that relates to the job you're applying for.

You should focus on what is most relevant to your target job. Here are some examples:

Proven ability to increase sales revenue by 20% year-over-year

Expertise in project management and team leadership

Proficient in Adobe Creative Cloud and Microsoft 365

Confident working with a diverse range of clients and stakeholders

Keep it concise

Remember, your resume summary should be concise and to the point. Stick to the most important information and avoid filler words or irrelevant details. A good rule of thumb is to keep your summary to 3-5 sentences.

Use action verbs

When describing your experiences and achievements, use strong action verbs and adverbs to convey a sense of accomplishment and momentum. For example, instead of saying, "Responsible for managing social media accounts," say, "Successfully manage 4 social media accounts, including Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn, and Instagram."

Quantify your achievements

Wherever possible, use numbers and statistics to quantify your achievements. This provides concrete evidence of your skills and demonstrates your value to potential employers. For example, instead of saying, "Helped to increase sales," say, "Helped to increase sales by 20% in the first year."

Tailor it to the job

Make sure your resume's professional summary is tailored to the job you're seeking. This means highlighting the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the role. Look at the job description identify the key requirements, and then make sure your summary addresses these points.

Professional resume summary examples

Since there's nothing quite like seeing an example of a great summary, we've compiled twenty-seven great resume summary examples that you can use as inspirational templates for your own perfect resume . Below, you'll find summary examples for a variety of different job roles, including:

Customer Service Representative

Sales Representative

Marketing Manager

Project Manager

Software Developer

Human Resources Manager

Graphic Designer

Registered Nurse

Financial Analyst

Administrative Assistant

Data Entry Clerk  

Business Analyst

Operations Manager  

Mental Health Counselor

High School Teacher

Event Manager

Product Designer

Content Marketer

SEO Specialist

Bank Teller

Software Support Specialist

Data Scientist

Dental Assistant

1.    Customer Service Representative resume summary example

"Highly motivated Customer Service Representative with 5 years of experience in delivering service excellence. Skilled in conflict resolution and problem-solving, resulting in a 95% customer satisfaction rate. Proven ability to multitask in fast-paced environments while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail."

Why it works : This summary highlights the candidate's experience and skills while also showcasing their relevant achievements in ensuring customer satisfaction. It mentions how much experience they have and highlights a measurable success.

2.    Sales Representative resume summary example

"Dynamic Sales Representative with a track record of exceeding sales quotas by 20%+. Proficient in consultative sales techniques and relationship building. Exceptional communication and negotiation skills with the ability to close deals."

Why it works : This summary provides a quantifiable achievement to show the candidate's success in their previous sales roles while also highlighting their key skills in relationship building and communication.

3.    Marketing Manager resume summary example

"Strategic Marketing Manager with 7+ years of experience in developing and executing successful marketing campaigns across multiple channels. Skilled in market research and analysis, campaign optimization, and team leadership. Proven track record of driving revenue growth and increasing brand awareness."

Why it works : This summary emphasizes the candidate's experience and leadership skills while also showcasing their ability to drive results through successful marketing campaigns. The candidate has also demonstrated their ability to grow revenues and raise brand awareness.

4.    Project Manager resume summary example

"Accomplished Project Manager, with confidence in leading cross-functional teams and managing project timelines, budgets, and resources. Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to build relationships with stakeholders. Proven track record of delivering projects on time and within budget."

Why it works : This summary highlights the candidate's extensive project management experience and emphasizes their ability to successfully deliver projects while working with multiple stakeholders.

5.   Software Developer resume summary example

"Innovative Software Developer with 5+ years of experience in designing, developing, and implementing complex software applications. Skilled in programming languages including Java, Python, and C++. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in Agile environments to deliver high-quality code on time."

Why it works : This job seeker has taken the time to highlight some of the technical skills they possess while emphasizing their ability to work in Agile environments. They also call attention to the fact that they can manage and complete a software development project from design to implementation.

6.    Human Resources Manager resume summary example

"Experienced Human Resources Manager specializing in talent acquisition, employee relations, and performance management. Skilled in developing and implementing HR policies and procedures that align with business objectives and values. Proven track record of building and managing high-performing teams."

Why it works : This summary highlights the candidate's experience in various HR functions and emphasizes their ability to build and manage teams. It also shows that they can perform managerial functions like developing policies and procedures.

7.    Graphic Designer resume summary example

"Creative Graphic Designer with particular expertise in developing and executing visually stunning designs for print and digital media. Proficient in Adobe Creative Cloud, with a focus on typography and layout. Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously."

Why it works : This summary works well because it showcases their technical skills and experience while also emphasizing creativity and an ability to work collaboratively.

8.    Registered Nurse resume summary example

"Compassionate Registered Nurse with over 10 years' experience in providing high-quality patient care. Skilled at patient assessment, medication administration, and treatment plan development. Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build rapport with patients and their families."

Why it works : This summary emphasizes the candidate's clinical and patient care experience and highlights their key nursing and interpersonal skills.

9.   Financial Analyst resume summary example

“Detail-oriented Financial Analyst with a strong background in financial modeling, data analysis, and forecasting. Combines advanced Excel skills with the ability to create and manage financial reports. Able to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.”

Why it works : This summary showcases the applicant's specific skills and experience in financial analysis and highlights their proficiency in Excel, a crucial tool for the role.

10.   Administrative Assistant resume summary example

“Skilled Administrative Assistant with 8 years of experience in administrative support and office administration. Resilient, detail-oriented, and able to work under extreme pressure in a team environment. Excellent interpersonal, client management, and interdepartmental liaison skills. Committed to successful management of multiple simultaneous projects, strict adherence to deadline requirements, and accurate maintenance of schedules, meeting obligations, and records.”

Why it works : An Administrative Assistant wears many hats and experiences many challenges. This resume summary covers a lot of ground to demonstrate that the candidate understands those obstacles and knows how to overcome them.

11.   Data Entry Clerk resume summary example

“Task-driven and results-oriented professional with more than 10 years of experience in data entry, project coordination, and customer service. Uses interpersonal skills including effective communication to build rapport and positive relations with customers, gather vital information, and ensure rapid and accurate entry of data into designated software programs.”

Why it works : This resume summary is effective because it gets right to the heart of the job: dealing with customers and entering data into databases. The candidate also emphasizes their results-focused mindset, project skills, and key soft skills.

12.   Business Analyst resume summary example

“Results-driven Business Analyst with a proven record in expanding profitability by 55% in the retail industry.  Confident carrying out data-focused analysis that provides key insights and recommendations for growth strategies. Strong interpersonal and team building skills, innovative approach to problem-solving , and resolute commitment to efficiency and productivity.”

Why it works : Business analysis is all about using data and research to deliver key insights that result in improved operations and greater business success. This summary hits all the right notes as it focuses on key skills, a solutions-oriented mindset, and notable achievements that reflect real value for employers.

13.   Operations Manager resume summary example

“Results-oriented Operations Manager with more than 10 years of supervisory experience in high-level operational environments. Adept at coordinating both large and small teams, outside consultants, and mid-level management personnel. Successfully introduced Lean manufacturing principles that reduced costs by 32% via waste elimination and process revitalization.”

Why it works : This candidate's summary emphasizes key skills that the employer wants to see in any managerial candidate's resume while also showcasing their knowledge of best operational practices and a commitment to cost reduction.

14.   Mental Health Counselor resume summary example

“Compassionate Mental Health Counselor with more than a decade of experience addressing mental health issues and behavioral concerns. Proven success in both individual and group counseling environments, assisting clients in gaining insight and understanding of their unique conditions. Specialized focus on working with young adults and families, with an emphasis on addressing substance abuse root causes and other social factors involved in mental health.”

Why it works : This resume summary is notable for citing important skills like empathy and compassion. It also focuses attention on the candidate's experience in dealing with common mental health concerns and hints at their preferred approach to assisting patients.

15.    High School Teacher resume summary example

“Dynamic high school teacher with 12 years of experience developing approved curricula for more than 500 students in grades 9-12. Proven track record of helping students to achieve a 98% passing rate in both Western Civilization and World History instruction. Actively engaged in every aspect of education, at the district, local, and parent-teacher level.”

Why it works : This candidate's resume summary highlights their vast experience while illustrating their success in ensuring that their students learn what they need to know to pass the class. They also demonstrate their commitment to the educational process by highlighting their involvement in every area of education.

16.    Accountant resume summary example

“Diligent and detail-oriented CPA with seven years of experience in accounting, process improvement, and problem-solving. Skilled at identifying inefficiencies and using reporting to offer insights that can guide employers to better practices and greater profitability. At XYZ Corp., identified labor usage inefficiency that motivated management to introduce new scheduling that eliminated $300,000 in labor waste.”

Why it works : In addition to highlighting a wide range of valuable skills, this candidate also focused on a quantifiable achievement that illustrates real value. This type of summary would certainly capture a hiring manager's attention and make them want to read more!

17.    Event Manager resume summary example

“Resilient and creative Event Manager with 6 years of corporate experience. Detail-oriented perfectionist with experience in project management, team leadership, and customer relations. Successfully organized and executed more than 40 major business conferences, hosting thousands of guests. Major clients have included three Fortune 500 firms with multi-million-dollar event budgets.

Why it works : As Event Managers go, this one has certainly made the rounds. That summary of achievements highlights their ability to manage even large-scale events, dealing with every aspect of the project. How could a serious hiring manager not want to learn more about this candidate?

18.    IT Manager resume summary example

“Dedicated IT Manager with significant experience in an innovative and growing tech firm. Skilled leader with experience in systems analysis, database architecture, problem-solving, and troubleshooting. Superior client satisfaction rate of more than 99%. Created and implemented an IT troubleshooting process that reduced internal client service time by 30%.”

Why it works : This IT professional focuses attention on their key leadership skills , while also mentioning the hard skills that any hiring manager is likely to be looking for. There's also a nice nod to their history of satisfying clients, as well as a notable and measurable achievement.

19.   Product Designer resume summary example

“Innovative Design Engineer with 5 years of experience in the development of products and packages. Skilled in market research, brand development and alignment, and design elements. Led team of seventeen Designers in the creation of industrial products that yielded $20 million in sales in the first month after launch.”

Why it works : This resume summary uses some important keywords, action verbs, and descriptive language to describe the candidate's key skills and experiences. It also cites an impressive product design achievement, along with real numbers that showcase value.

20.    Content Marketer resume summary example

“Creative marketing professional with 7 years' experience as a Content Marketer. Skilled writer who understands how written communication empowers business growth and expansion. Expertise in development of compelling content that drives activities across multiple media channels. Adaptable , detail-oriented, and focused on a brand-building approach to content strategy that drives real results. Developed a cross-platform content strategy that boosted sales conversion rates by 37%.

Why it works : This Content Marketer focuses on their key skills and keen insights into how content impacts business profitability. They even included a measurable result that demonstrates their focus on adding value to their employer's bottom line.

21.   SEO Specialist resume summary example

“Results-focused SEO expert with 6 years of experience in keyword mastery, the promotion of sustainable content, and growing organic website search engine rankings. Proven track record of SEO success, using content development and link outreach to expand website traffic activity from 10,000 daily visitors to more than 2,000,000 per year.”

Why it works : Many hiring managers may not fully understand SEO, but they will understand the need to get more eyes on their digital content. This candidate speaks to that need by focusing on website rankings, content, and overall web traffic - while including a quantifiable achievement that demonstrates their ability to make things happen.

22.   Copywriter resume summary example

“Website Copywriter with 5 years of experience in developing content that creates real conversions. Cross-channel expertise, including website content, advertising, newsletters, press releases, email, and podcast/video scripts. Proven track record of increasing social traffic by 36% and driving a 22% boost in landing page conversions.”

Why it works : This candidate's summary is focused not only on the type of things they write but how those content pieces directly contribute to the company's online presence and sales conversion rate. This illustrates the writer's understanding of how their work aligns with their employer's business needs and goals.

23.  Bank Teller resume summary example

“Empathetic and personable Bank Teller with more than 4 years of experience in client interactions at First Bank. Detail-oriented customer management approach, focused on superior customer experiences and client retention. Strict adherence to bank policy, including safety deposit guidelines, customer account security, and due diligence. Efficiently and effectively processed more than 200 client account interactions each day.”

Why it works : For a Bank Teller, much of the role's value lies in the employee's ability to serve as the face of the branch. This summary is effective because it showcases the Teller's knowledge of bank procedures while also highlighting their commitment to creating an excellent customer experience.

24.  Software Support Specialist resume summary example

“Problem-solving Software Support Specialist with 8 years of experience in customer-facing user assistance. Provided key problem-resolution services for hundreds of customers, with a focus on maximizing their satisfaction with the company to increase loyalty and retention. Experienced in both customer and B2B interactions, with a specialized talent for explaining technical problems in language that is easily understood by the average layperson.”

Why it works : This resume summary focuses not only on the candidate's specialized skills in solving computer issues but also highlights their ability to simplify their explanations to customers.

25.   Data Scientist resume summary example

“Committed Data Scientist focused on analytical insights that can drive company growth and development. More than eight years of experience providing data-driven analysis to Fortune 500 executives based on comprehensive statistical models and detailed historical data patterns. Successfully provided insights and recommendations used to increase company profits by 32% over a two-year period.”

Why it works : Data science may not seem like the most exciting field, but hiring managers are always on the hunt for candidates who understand why data matters. This candidate's focus on providing insights that can translate into real value for the employer is something that is likely to earn a hiring manager's interest.

26.  Dental Assistant resume summary example

“Dental Assistant with 5 years of experience with patient preparation, processing, and administrative support. Keen attention to detail and a commitment to dental health and aesthetics. Skilled in dental impressions, hands-on assistance during procedures, x-rays, and record maintenance. Fully committed to developing rapport with patients that creates a welcoming environment and a joyful experience.”

Why it works : This candidate's resume summary not only highlights key Dental Assistant requirements, but also conveys their personal approach to teamwork and patient care.

27.  Architect resume summary example

“Creative Architect experienced in high-end architectural design and development oversight. Ten years of proven success in creating sustainable designs that earn rave reviews and commendations from clients. Skilled in adapting to new challenges and working under pressure to achieve every client's vision. Consistently produces designs and project plans that come in on time and under budget, at 10%-30% less cost than industry competitors.”

Why it works : In this summary, the candidate highlights key skills that employers will want to see, while also emphasizing quantifiable results that demonstrate competitive value for the employer. They also showcase their ability to not only design architectural structures but to do so with a conscious awareness of critical factors like budgetary concerns, deadlines, sustainability and market competition.

Bonus: how to write a resume summary if you have no experience

Of course, it's also important to know how to write a resume summary if you have no experience. Here's a quick resume summary example that you can adapt if you are just entering the job market:

“Recent Marketing graduate, seeking an entry-level position to kickstart a career in the field. Demonstrated strong leadership and teamwork skills gained through involvement in various extracurricular activities, including volunteering at local events and leading group projects. Proficient in Microsoft 365 and Adobe Creative Cloud. Passionate about using marketing strategies to create engaging content and drive brand awareness.”

Why it works: This summary works because it highlights the candidate's relevant hard and soft skills and qualifications, even though they don't have direct career experience. The use of action words such as "demonstrated" and "proficient" shows the candidate's confidence in their abilities, which can be attractive to potential employers, showcasing the candidate's potential for success in an entry-level marketing role.

A word about AI

If you've been following recent news headlines, you've probably heard about the rise of artificial intelligence. If so, then maybe you've wondered whether it's a viable tool for creating your resume. While our experts advise against using AI to create your resume from scratch, that doesn't mean that it has no role to play in that process. In fact, tools like ChatGPT can be extremely useful for assessing your resume summary and other key parts of your resume.

For example, AI can help you to evaluate job descriptions to identify the most relevant keywords that need to be included in your resume to get past any ATS. Artificial intelligence can even be used to brainstorm ideas for resume headlines, skill synonyms, and other vital resume components. Just recognize that the technology has not yet advanced to the point at which it can reliably craft truly compelling resumes.

Key takeaways

A well-written resume summary can make a significant impact on a job application. A good summary should highlight relevant skills and experiences, use clear and concise language, and avoid unnecessary information. Feel free to customize any of the resume summary examples we've provided to help ensure that your resume captures the attention of potential employers.

We know it can be difficult to condense a whole career full of skills and achievements into a paragraph of only a few sentences. If you're unsure about the document you've crafted, why not send it for a free resume review by our team of expert resume writers? 

This article was originally written by Ken Chase. It has been updated by Marsha Hebert and Ken Chase.

Recommended reading:

Ask Amanda: How Are a Resume Objective and a Resume Summary Different?

How to Write a Standout Career Summary

Business Acumen: What It Is and How You Can Showcase It On Your Resume

Related Articles:

Do Hiring Managers Actually Read Cover Letters?

How to Create a Resume With No Education

Why You Lose When You Lie on Your Resume: Learning From Mina Chang

See how your resume stacks up.

Career Advice Newsletter

Our experts gather the best career & resume tips weekly. Delivered weekly, always free.

Thanks! Career advice is on its way.

Share this article:

Let's stay in touch.

Subscribe today to get job tips and career advice that will come in handy.

Your information is secure. Please read our privacy policy for more information.

24 Resume Summary Examples That Get Interviews

By Biron Clark

Published: November 8, 2023

Biron Clark

Writer & Career Coach

A resume summary statement usually comes right after a job seeker’s contact info and before other resume sections such as skills and work experience. It provides employers with a brief overview of a candidate’s career accomplishments and qualifications before they read further. Because of how early it appears on the document, your resume summary statement (or your CV “profile” in the UK) is one of the first places recruiters and employers look. And without the right information, they’ll doubt that you’re qualified and may move to another resume.

So I got in touch with a select group of professional resume writers, coaches and career experts to get their best resume summary examples you can use and adapt to write a resume summary that stands out and gets interviews.

As a former recruiter myself, I’ll also share my best tips to write your resume summary effectively.

Why the Resume/CV Summary is Important

You may have heard that recruiters only spend 8-10 seconds looking at your resume. The truth is: they spend that long deciding whether to read more. They do glance that quickly at first and may move on if your background doesn’t look like a fit. However, if you grab their attention, they’ll read far more. Recruiters aren’t deciding to interview you in 8-10 seconds, but they are ruling people out in 8-10 seconds. And this is why your resume summary is so crucial. It appears high up on your resume (usually right after your header/contact info) and is one of the first sections employers see. So it’s part of what they’ll see in the first 8-10 seconds.

Your resume summary statement is one of your first (and one of very few) chances to get the employer to stop skimming through their pile of resumes and focus on YOU.

Watch: Resume Summary Examples That Get Interviews

10 resume summary examples:.

These career summary examples will help you at any experience level – whether you’re writing a professional summary after a long executive career, or writing your first resume summary without any experience! After you finish this article you’re NEVER going to have to send out a limp, weak resume summary statement again (and you’ll get far more interviews  because of it).

1. Healthcare Sales Executive Resume Summary Example:

Turnaround & Ground Up Leadership – Concept-to-execution strategies for untapped products, markets + solutions that yield 110% revenue growth – Negotiates partnerships with leading distributors + hospitals—Medline to Centara + Novant Health to Mayo Clinic –  Revitalizes underperforming sales organizations via scalable, sustainable infrastructures emulated as best practice –  C-Level networks of clinical + supply chain leadership acquired during tenures with XXX, XXX and XXX

Why this resume summary is good:

This resumes summary example’s strength lies in the detailed, unique information that has been included. By including revenue stats, names of past employers and partners, the reader right away sees that this person will bring to the role a strong networking ability with key players in his industry, and more importantly can build, grow and revitalize a sales organization, market or product.

By:  Virginia Franco, Founder of Virginia Franco Resumes  and Forbes contributor.

2. 15+ Year Business Owner Resume Summary Statement:

Dynamic and motivated marketing professional with a proven record of generating and building relationships, managing projects from concept to completion, designing educational strategies, and coaching individuals to success. Skilled in building cross-functional teams, demonstrating exceptional communication skills, and making critical decisions during challenges. Adaptable and transformational leader with an ability to work independently, creating effective presentations, and developing opportunities that further establish organizational goals.

Why this is a good summary section:

This is a resume summary statement that was for  a candidate returning to work after having her own business for 15+ years. Because of this, we needed to emphasize her soft skills and what she can bring to this potential position. In addition, we highlighted the skills she has honed as a business owner so that she can utilize these qualifications as a sales professional, account manager , and someone knowledgeable about nutrition, medicine, and the overall sales process.

By: Dr. Heather Rothbauer-Wanish. MBA, Ph.D., CPRW, and Founder of Feather Communications

3. Human Resources Generalist Resume Summary Example:

Human Resources Generalist with progressive experience managing employee benefits & compliance, employee hiring & onboarding, performance management processes, licensure tracking and HR records. Dependable and organized team player with the ability to communicate effectively and efficiently. Skilled at building relationships with employees across all levels of an organization. Proficient with HRIS, applicant tracking and benefits management.

Why this is a good resume summary:

The applicant highlights their experience across a wide range of HR functions from the very first sentence, and continues this pattern throughout the rest of the summary. They then use easily digestible langue to showcase their hard skills (in the first & fourth sentences) and soft skills (in the second & third sentences). They also integrate a variety of keywords to get past automated job application systems , without sounding spammy or without overdoing it.

By: Kyle Elliott, MPA/CHES,  Career Coach and Consultant

4. Social Media Marketing CV Profile Example (UK):

Social media expert with successes in the creation and management of social media strategies and campaigns for global retail organisations. Extensive experience in the commercial utilisation of multiple social media channels including Facebook, Twitter and YouTube; I build successful social strategies that increase brand awareness, promote customer engagement and ultimately drive web traffic and conversions.

Why this summary is good:

This summary is well-written, short, sharp, and gives recruiters a high-level explanation of the candidate’s core offerings in a persuasive and punchy style. A quick scan of this profile tells you the exact type of social media platforms the candidate is an expert in, as well as the campaigns they have experience running and types of organizations they have worked for. Most importantly, the summary is rounded off by showing the results that this person achieves for their employers, such as increased web traffic and conversions.

Editor’s note: This CV profile summary was written for the UK market… this is a great one to use/copy, but make sure you put it through a spell-checker if you’re applying for jobs in the US (utilisation vs. utilization, etc.)

By: Andrew Fennell, Director at StandOut CV , contributor for The Guardian and Business Insider

5. Marketing Manager Professional Summary Example:

Marketing Manager with over eight years of experience. Proven success in running email marketing campaigns and implementing marketing strategies that have pulled in a 20% increase in qualified leads. Proficient in content, social media and inbound marketing strategies. Skilled, creative and innovative.

This resume summary stands out because it gets straight to the point. By immediately introducing the number of years of experience the candidate has, the HR manager doesn’t need to spend time adding up years. The candidate also jumps right into his or her strongest skill, provides a statistic , then gives additional skills.

By: Sarah Landrum, career expert and contributor at Entrepreneur.com and Forbes

6. Warehouse Supervisor Resume Summary Example:

Warehouse Supervisor with Management, Customer Service, & Forklift Experience –  Dependable manager with 15+ years of experience in warehouse management and employee supervision. –  Skilled at managing inventory control, shipping & receiving, customer relations and safety & compliance. –  Certified Power Equipment Trainer, Forklift Operator and Reach Operator skilled at coaching other staff. –  Promoted to positions of increased responsibility given strong people and project management skills.

The applicant was applying for a warehouse supervisor position that required them to have demonstrated management, customer service and forklift experience. As such, the applicant showcased their experience in these areas with a few keywords in the title, followed by additional details in the accompanying bullet points. Their final bullet shows a record of promotions, while reinforcing the applicant’s customer service and project management skills.

7. IT Project Manager Resume Summary Example:

Experienced Project Manager with vast IT experience. Skills include computer networking, analytical thinking and creative problem solving. Able to apply customer service concepts to IT to improve user experience for clients, employees and administration.

Because this candidate is switching career paths, it’s important he or she take skills used for previous positions and apply those skills to the new job listing. This is a great example because the candidate makes it clear that his or her experience is not in the new field, but that they are still able to bring relevant experience to the table. When writing your resume summary, keep these tips in mind: Use writing that is straight to the point, clear and concise, you’ll have a higher chance of getting noticed by the hiring manager.

8. Career-Changer Resume Summary Example:

Earn trust, uncover key business drivers and find common ground as chief negotiator and identifier of revenue opportunities in sales, leadership and account management roles spanning e-Commerce, air travel and high-tech retail. Navigate cultural challenges while jumping time zones, lead international airline crews and manage corporate accounts to deliver an exceptional customer experience. A self-taught techie sought after as a go-to for complex billing systems and SaaS platforms alike—bridging the divide between technology and plain-speak. – Tenacious Quest for Success + Learning . Earned MBA and BS in just 3 years while working full-time – gaining hands-on experience in research- and data-driven product roadmap development, pricing and positioning. – Results-Driven Leadership. Whether leading Baby Boomers, Gen X or Millennials—figures out what makes teams tick, trains and transforms individuals into top-performers. – Challenger of Conventional Wisdom. Always ask the WHY. Improve the user experience through smart, strategic thinking that anticipates outcomes. Present cases that influence, and lead change that drives efficiency and profitability.

This client was eager for a career change and had moved from role to role and industry to industry. After completing her Master’s degree, she was eager to tie her skills together to land a role – which she did – as a Senior Technology Account Strategist for a global travel company. Although a bit longer than a traditional summary, its strength lies in the details. Without ever getting to the experience section, the reader gets a clear idea of the scope of responsibility, and hard and soft skills the candidate brings to the table.

By: Virginia Franco, Founder of Virginia Franco Resumes  and Forbes contributor.

9. Project Management Executive Professional Summary Example:

15+ years of initiating and delivering sustained results and effective change for Fortune 500 firms across a wide range of industries including enterprise software, digital marketing, advertising technology, e-commerce and government. Major experience lies in strategizing and leading cross-functional teams to bring about fundamental change and improvement in strategy, process, and profitability – both as a leader and expert consultant.

Why this resume summary is good:

“Project Manager” is one of those job titles that’s REALLY broad. You can find project managers earning $50K, and others earning $250K. The client I wrote this for was at the Director level, and had worked for some of the biggest and best tech companies in her city. So this resume profile section shows her level and experience, and the wide array of areas she has responsibility for in her current work. You can borrow or use some of the phrasing here to show that you’ve been responsible for many important areas in your past work.

By: Biron Clark, Founder of  CareerSidekick.com.

10. Startup And Finance Management Consultant Career Summary Example:

Experienced strategist, entrepreneur and startup enthusiast with a passion for building businesses and challenging the status quo. 8+ year track record of defining new business strategies, launching new ventures, and delivering operational impact, both as a co-founder and management consultant. 

Why this resume summary example is good:

This summary was for a highly-talented management consultant looking to break out of finance, and into trendier tech companies like Uber . His track record and educational background were great, so the goal of this summary section was to stand out and show he’s more than just the typical consultant with a finance background. So we emphasized his passion for startups, and his ability to think outside the box and challenge the status quo. That’s something that companies like Uber and other “disruptive” tech companies look for.

14 Resume Summary Examples for Various Industries

Compassionate and effective 5th-grade teacher with experience overseeing the classroom and preparing lessons. Extensive experience encouraging students through positive reinforcement and motivational techniques. Collaborate well with school administration and other members of the teaching team. Ensure all students meet learning requirements, including literacy, social, and arithmetic skills.

2. Teacher’s Assistant

Goal-oriented teacher’s assistant with ten years of experience working with elementary school children. Aid teachers with lesson planning, classroom settings, and group instruction. Model positive behavior and maintain order in the classroom. Willingness to take on additional responsibilities to meet learning objectives.

Tech Industry

3. computer programmer.

Innovative computer programmer with a proven track record of writing high-quality code and supporting team needs with subject matter expertise. Adept in multiple programming languages, including Python, JavaScript, and C++. Ability to troubleshoot complex programming issues with inventive solutions. 

4. Cybersecurity Analyst

Dedicated cybersecurity analyst with ten years of experience in online security research, execution, planning, and maintenance. Proven track record of identifying business risks and proactively resolving them. Experience designing and instituting layered network security for large-scale organizations. Train users and other staff members on IT safety procedures and preventive techniques.

Skilled healthcare professional with ten years of experience in patient care, diagnosis, and providing appropriate treatments and medical services. Manage medical staff and resolve complex medical cases with maximum efficiency. Communicate the patient’s condition and treatment plan in easily understood terminology. Remain current with the latest advancements in medicine and research to ensure patients receive proper care.

6. Registered Nurse

Seasoned registered nurse offering comprehensive patient care in emergency room settings. Experience handling diverse patient populations and caring for various conditions. Proven leadership managing nursing teams and other staff. Focus on enhancing patient care and satisfaction through empathetic communication and excellent customer service. 

7. Digital Marketing Manager

Forward-thinking digital marketing manager experienced in all facets of digital marketing, including social media management, PPC advertising, SEO, and email marketing. Proven experience creating comprehensive marketing plans that improve lead prospecting and enhance brand awareness. Up to date with the newest tools available for digital marketing campaigns.

8. Marketing Analyst

Industrious marketing analyst well-versed in analyzing marketing campaign analytics and making recommendations to improve performance. Collaborate with account managers and use KPI metrics to explain the results of marketing initiatives. Meticulous with a strong work ethic and robust communication skills.

Food and Service Industry

Experienced wait staff member capable of managing orders, processing payments, and upselling menu items. Ensure restaurant guests feel welcome with attentive service catered to their needs. Remain current on updates to the menu and assist guests with selecting orders to meet their dietary requirements. Maintain a positive attitude and focus during busy restaurant periods.

10. Hotel Receptionist

Friendly hotel receptionist with extensive experience handling guest check-ins, check-out, and payments. Facilitate a positive guest experience with polished customer service skills and a readiness to address common inquiries and complaints. Collaborate well with other hotel team members, including executive administration and on-site restaurant staff.

Business/Office Jobs

11. financial analyst.

Highly motivated financial analyst with a proven track record of recommending appropriate financial plans based on financial monitoring, data collection, and business strategizing. Experienced in qualitative and quantitative analysis, forecasting, and financial modeling. Excellent communication skills for building and fostering long-term business relationships across the organization.

12. Tax Accountant

Experienced tax accountant with ten years of experience preparing federal and state tax returns for corporations and partnerships. Monitor changes in laws to ensure the organization properly complies with reporting requirements. Assist with tax audits, ensuring the team receives proper supporting evidence for tax positions. Analyze and resolve complex tax issues. Look for available tax savings opportunities for corporations with an aggregate savings of $500K last year. Excellent analytical skills and attention to detail.

Sales and Customer Service

13. sales representative.

Enthusiastic sales representative with expertise in identifying prospects and converting qualified leads to paying customers. Provide quality customer service and contribute to team sales success. Offer exceptional communication skills and seek to understand client needs before making the appropriate product recommendations. Continually meet and exceed sales goals. Leverage extensive knowledge of available products to provide appropriate client solutions and enhance customer loyalty and retention.

14. Customer Service Associate

Knowledgeable customer service professional with extensive experience in the insurance industry. Known as a team player with a friendly demeanor and proven ability to develop positive rapport with clients. Maintain ongoing customer satisfaction that contributes to overall company success. Highly articulate, with a results-oriented approach that addresses client inquiries and issues while maintaining strong partnerships. Collaborate well with the customer service team while also engaging independent decision-making skills.

Now you have 24 professional resume summary statements and some explanations of why they’re effective. Next, I’ll share tips for how to write your own in case you’re still unsure how to begin based on these examples above.

How to Write a Resume Summary: Steps and Hints

We’ve looked at 10 great resume summary examples above. As you begin writing a resume summary for yourself, here are some helpful tips to keep in mind:

• Read the employer’s job description. Your career summary shouldn’t be a long list of everything you’ve done; it should be a refined list of skills and experiences that demonstrate you’re a fit for their job.
• Mention your current job title if relevant. One common way to begin your resume summary is to state your current job title.
• Explain how you can help employers achieve their goals or solve their problems.
• Consider using bold text to emphasize one or two key phrases.
• Include any relevant metrics and data like dollar amounts, years of experience, size of teams led, etc. This helps your resume stand out.
• Focus on making the employer want to read more. The goal of your resume summary isn’t to show everything you can do, but to grab their attention and show enough that they continue reading.

Creating a Customized Resume Summary

While general summaries are appropriate when applying for jobs requiring similar skills and experience, a customized resume summary can enhance your chances of moving on to the next step in the hiring process. 

That’s because most companies use automated tracking systems (ATS) to review submitted resumes for content directly related to the job posting. If you use keywords and natural language phrases in your summary that interlink to the job description, you’ll have a much higher chance of passing the ATS review.

Let’s look at an example of a resume summary that is customized for the specific job description below:

“Highly motivated social media specialist with strong project management skills. Creative marketer skilled in crafting innovative social media campaigns that resonate with a target audience. Regularly develop compelling copy and social media content to enhance lead generation and brand awareness. Detail-oriented with extensive project management skills that ensure proper prioritization of tasks and projects. Work with various social media management and analytics tools to examine results and make adjustments as necessary.”

This summary directly addresses the key points in the job description but rewrites them so the customization is natural and flows well. It’s personalized for the open role and uses similar terms with a few strategically placed keywords, such as “social media content” and “project management.”  

How Long Should a Resume Summary Be?

As you read the resume summaries above, you probably noticed there are some short single-paragraph resume summary examples and much longer career summaries that are two to three paragraphs plus bullet points. So how long should YOUR professional summary be? If you have relevant work experience, keep your summary to one or two paragraphs. The piece you really want the hiring manager to read is your most recent work experience (and you should make sure you tailored that info to fit the job description). The resume summary is just a “bridge” to get the hiring manager into your experience.

If I were writing my own career summary right now, I’d likely use one single paragraph packed with skills, accomplishments, and exactly why I’m ready to step into the job I’ve applied for and be successful!

Even for a manager resume summary, I recommend a very short length. However, if you’re changing careers, or you’re looking for jobs without any work experience , the summary section needs to stand on its own, and should be longer. That’s why some examples above are a bit longer.

Formatting Your Resume/CV Career Summary

You may have noticed a variety of different formats in the career summary examples above. There isn’t one “right” way to format this section on your resume or CV. However, I recommend either using one or two brief paragraphs, or combining a short sentence or paragraph with bullets. Avoid writing three or four long paragraphs with no special formatting like bullet points. That’s simply too much text for your summary section and will cause recruiters and hiring managers to skip over it in some cases.

Should You Include a Resume Objective?

You do not need to include an objective on your resume, and doing so can make your resume appear outdated. Use a resume summary instead of an objective. Follow the resume summary examples above and focus on discussing your skills, qualifications, and achievements, rather than stating your objective. Employers know that your objective is to obtain the position you’ve applied for, and the resume objective has no place on a modern resume/CV in today’s job market.

Examples of Bad Resume Summaries

Now that we’ve seen a few exemplary resume summaries, let’s look at some that you should avoid at all cost.

1. Typos and Grammatical Errors

“Experienced cashier who knows how to run the register cash. Responsible with the money and can talk with the customer. Knows when to stoc up the invenory and checks it all the time. Can count change and run credit card tranactions. Get the customer happy by good service. I am always cheerful and organized.”

Why this resume summary is bad:

If you read the summary carefully, you’ll notice several spelling errors. The words “stock,” “inventory,” and “transactions” are all spelled wrong. Grammatical errors make the summary choppy and difficult to follow (“Get the customer happy by good service”).  A summary like this probably won’t fly with a company looking for a detail-oriented cashier responsible for managing in-person sales.

2. Lacks Relevant Keywords

“Talented worker with experience managing a team of staff. Creative and responsible with knowledge of organizational processes. Can keep up with the busiest of environments. Stays focused when at work, ensuring prompt task completion. Dependable and willing to collaborate with a team to get things done.”  

In this example, the chef doesn’t use keywords relevant to cooking, restaurants, or kitchens. The summary is very generic and can apply to nearly any job. A manager who receives the application isn’t likely to understand what value the candidate can bring to the restaurant.  To fix the summary, the applicant must rewrite it to include relevant keywords and phrases. 

3. No Numbers to Quantify Achievements

“An experienced and hardworking manager ready to align procedures for maximum revenue and profits. Proven track record of streamlining and strengthening processes, resulting in higher sales and better customer satisfaction. Collaborate well with sales team members, ensuring they have the resources and knowledge to support customer purchases and inquiries. Develop strong rapport with clients and maintain ongoing relationships.”

This isn’t a terrible summary for a sales manager, but it has room for improvement. For one, the first two sentences essentially duplicate each other, mentioning an aptitude for improving processes with the objective of higher sales. The other issue is a lack of quantifying achievements. 

The applicant mentions they have a proven record of increasing sales, but they could strengthen the summary by quantifying their results. For example, they might say, “Proven track record of streamlining and strengthening processes, resulting in a 25% increase in sales over the past year.” The quantifier provides additional credibility. 

4. Not Targeting the Specific Job

“Looking for work in a role that requires great customer service, project management, and communication skills. Able to collaborate with people from diverse and varying backgrounds. Highly organized and reliable worker with a strong work ethic. Responsible and reliable worker you can count on.”

While the candidate lists various skills they have, including customer service and project management, there’s no indication of prior roles held or what position they’re applying for. The summary could apply to numerous positions in a variety of industries. To improve the resume summary, the applicant must specify the job they’re applying for and indicate their prior experience in a similar role, if they have any.

After You Start Getting Interviews, Make Sure to Take Advantage…

If you follow the advice above, you’ll have a great professional resume summary to make your qualifications stand out to employers. But landing the interview is only half the battle… So make sure you go into every interview ready to convince employers that they should hire you, too! If you write a great resume summary example that gets employers excited to interview you, they’re going to ask you questions like, “tell me about yourself” early in the interview to learn more about your background. So make sure you’re prepared with an answer.

I also recommend you review the top 20 interview questions and answers here.

Your resume caught their interest, so naturally, they’re going to follow up with a variety of questions to learn more about your professional background.

The bottom line is: A strong professional resume summary, followed up by other well-written resume sections will get you the interview, but your interview performance is what determines whether you get the job offer!

About the Author

Read more articles by Biron Clark

More Resume Tips & Guides

Crafting the perfect resume for teens (template & expert advice), are resume writers worth it, don’t say you’re a quick learner on your resume, what do recruiters look for in a resume, chronological resume: the best format (and how to write it), the 3 best colors for a resume, career change resume: examples and tips from experts, what makes a good resume 9 ways to know, how long should a resume be, walk me through your resume: answer examples, 41 thoughts on “24 resume summary examples that get interviews”.

I would recommend to customise the skills section of your resume, and ensure that it matches the job posting. The higher the number of phrases within the resume matching the job requirements the more are the chances that the recruiter will pick you for the job.

I just wanted to say, “thank you!”. This was very helpful. Instead of jumping from one website to the next there’s so much useful, relevant information right here.

Hi, I have been having trouble creating a resume as My old one is so long, I’ve worked for a government agency for the past 14 years and held multiple positions doing many different duties for each and now I have to relocate to another area where they do not have an agency like mine in my new area within a 3 hour drive, how can I squeeze all my experience and duties on one page and where do I even start, I’m so nervous, it’s been so long since I’ve attempted the job hunt. So I’m wondering, I do not want to cut anything out that may hurt my chances and I can’t afford to have my resume rewritten by a professional. Can you guide me as to where you think would be a good place to start, I’ve been staring at this laptop for weeks trying to decide on a resume template, there are so many. I thank you for your time and any input will help.

Hi, I am a new graduate and do not have any experience in my field which is Nursing. I want to apply for the jobs but I have no idea about what to mention in my resume.

Hi, this article should help with the resume summary, at least: https://careersidekick.com/summary-for-resume-no-experience/

Other than that, you need to put your academic experience. And internships/part-time jobs if you’ve had any.

Dear Biron,, Thanks for sharing the 10 examples of professional summaries in your article, and especially the reasons why they were considered to be good. However, as a HR professional, I would most likely skip over most of them and would not read much past the first or second sentence. The summaries were mostly too wordy and boring, and did not demonstrate ‘oomph’ at first cursory reading. Simply indicating certain skills or behaviors does not give an idea of the level of expertise, and could simply be wishful thinking on the part of the resume writer.

Just goes to show that there are many ways to see what makes a good summary.

I am a chemical engineer and project management professional with 15+years experience. My experience is between process engineering and project management . How can I marry the two in my profile summary?

It’s not about showing everything you’ve done. It’s about showing employers evidence you’ll succeed in their job. You can show a bit of both but focus heavily on what’s most relevant for the jobs you’re applying for right now. 80/20.

This was absolutely helpful and amazing! Thank you very much!

Hello, I am an active job seeker. I hold a law degree from a foreign country and currently in college for an associate degree. My question is, how do I blend both my foreign job experience with that of the United States in my resume. Thank you.

I’d put your work history in chronological order, starting with the most recent up top. That’s what I’d recommend for 95% of people actually. Then it doesn’t matter where you held each job.

And then in your Education section, I’d include your foreign degree and the current degree you’re pursuing in the US, too (for the US degree, you can say “in progress” or “graduating May 2019” for example).

I am 40 years old & B.A degree holder I have experience in many fields.I would like to join any one fields

I am a fresh graduate, who has five years teaching experience and some months customer service representative experience. Pls kindly assist me to put the resume summary together

I’m an active duty service member and finding in a little difficult creating a good transitional summary from 20 year profession in tactical communications to a drug and alcohol counselor. Do you have any recommendations how I should approach this? Any assistance would be helpful. Thanks

Great piece

How to write the CAREER ABSTRACT in resume for ware super visor retail business?

Just wanted to say thank you.Your advise and information was clear and easy to understand , sometimes there is nothing pertaining to what im looking fot in particular, buy you have sermed to cover everything I n a short quick easy to understand method.It will help tremendously.

Thanks! Glad to hear it helped :)

Very informational

What if you have work experience, but the job your going for(teachingeducation) has nothing to do with warehouse work? How should I build my resume?

In the summary, describe yourself and then say, “…looking to transition into ___” (the type of work you want to be doing now).

This is a bit like a resume “Objective”. I normally don’t recommend an Objective section (and I recommend a Summary section instead), however the one time an Objective does make sense is when you’re trying to change industries or make a big change in the type of role you have.

So that’s why my advice here might seem like I’m telling you to combine an Objective with your resume Summary.

Then “tailor” your previous work to be as relevant as possible. Even if you worked in a different industry you can still show things like leadership, accountability, progress/improvement, hard work, achieving goals, strong teamwork skills, etc. You can do all of that in your resume bullets and work history.

Don’t u have Resume Summary of legal secretary/legal assistant?

No, sorry about that. There are hundreds of different professions/job titles, and we aren’t able to include an example for every scenario out there. These resume summary examples are designed to give you a general idea of how to write yours.

The summaries listed are excellent example and have helped me develop a stand out summary for a new position.

Hello, I been trying to land the job of my dreams. I need help with my resume if i want the recruiters in airlines to notice me. I’ve applied before but haven’t had complete success to making it to a face-to Face Interview. It is a career change – yet i feel i am a great candidate bc i have had many customer service and I even attended an academy for that specific position. Can you please tell me what I am doing wrong on my resume ?

what if i never had a job experience?

Great question. If you don’t have any work experience, take one of the formats/examples above and put your accomplishments and qualifications from your academic studies.

Your headline could say: “Motivated Bio-Sciences Graduate With Expertise in ____”.

And then you might talk about accomplishments in school, group projects you worked on or led, etc.

Basically, when you have no work experience, your school/studies BECOMES your recent work. You should talk about that like it’s a job, because that’s the experience you do have.

really amazing article and too useful , thanks

Hi Mr. Clark, I have been out of the work force for about 18+years and I have been a small business owner for the same number of years. However, I want to go back to the work force. But my problem is that, I don’t know how to prepare my resume or resume summary statement. I had a degree in Communication,Arts and Sciences and a postgraduate degree in Public Administration. I’m a bit confused as to how to incorporate all these experiences into my resume. Please can you help?

Hi Dorothy, I can recommend a professional resume writer if you want. But they’re typically not cheap, so it’s something you’d have to be willing to invest in. If not, there’s a lot of free info online about how to “tailor” your resume for specific jobs. I can’t help one-on-one unfortunately, but I’d recommend thinking about which type of jobs you want, and think of what experience you have that is most relevant. that’s what to put on your resume. Your resume isn’t only about you, it’s about them – what do they want/need? (if you want to get a ton of interviews, that’s how to do it :) ).

Can I have a professional resume writer?

I use a similar format when writing my opening statement for my coverletter. How do you recommend differentiating the two? Or is it ok to use largely the same language?

I think it’s okay to use something similar. I might be more brief in the cover letter… it needs to be about them just as much as it’s about you. Whereas the resume is all about you, at least in the summary section. (The later sections should still be tailored to THEIR needs..)

Struggling to write a Summary Statement for a Secretary/Administrative Assistant position. I have 15 years government experience but have been away from the government since 9/1993 and have spent 15 years as a Substitute Teacher after taking off for 10 years to raise my children.

Hiya! I am a mother of three attempting to return to the workforce. I have been a stay at mom for about 13 years, so I have a (large) gap in my employment history; which doesn’t look great. I have a college education and have obtained a few certifications whilst not employed, plus many volunteer hours. I know that I should probably use a functional resume format. Would love some advice on what I should include in my summary statement.

Hi Juniper,

I rarely like functional resumes, but it might be worth trying. I’d “split-test” it (a marketing term). Create two resume styles, send out 50% one way, 50% the other way, and track results for a week.

I’d treat the resume summary statement just like any other resume. Highlight your skills and past wins/accomplishments.

how do i explain long term gaps in employment? leave them out?

Hi Paulette,

Don’t mention them on a resume summary. But do mention the gaps on a cover letter or lower down on the resume. Here’s an article on how to explain gaps in employment:

https://careersidekick.com/explaining-gaps-in-employment/

I am student in civil engineering field. Have 1.5 yrs of work ex. How should i structure my resume. Thanks.

Hello My name is Shataka and I’m a current job seeker trying to land my dream job as a Counselor. I have Master degree in Counseling Psychology and a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work. My experience lies in many different fields. I’m currently a Substance Abuse Counselor, with a teaching background and over 5 years of social service experience. I guess my question is how would I sum up all my experience to help me find a job as a Counselor.

Comments are closed.

Resume summary examples

The first challenge in writing an interview-winning resume is crafting a powerful summary that will catch the eye of busy recruiters.

It can be difficult to cram all of your experience and knowledge into a short paragraph after all.

To help you out, we’ve provided 10 real-life resume summary examples from our users (from all industries and experience-levels) that have been used to bag tons of job interviews.

Check them out and start creating your own wining resume today!

Resume templates 

Retail resume summary example

Tips for writing a good retail resume summary

• Keep it short and sweet at just three or four sentences that highlight your top retail skills and experience – this will be just enough to catch the eye of busy hiring managers.
• Retail roles can be competitive, so use facts and figures to showcase your value, such as sales figures or customer satisfaction metrics.
• Use retail-specific action verbs throughout your resume summary to give more detail about your retail abilities, for example , promoted, sold, organized, assisted
• Sell yourself! If you work in retail, you need to be able to sell goods to consumers, so think of your resume summary as a sales pitch. It’s a way to sell yourself to employers, and the language you use should be persuasive and engaging
• Highlight the types of products you’ve sold or the brands you’ve worked with in the past, to give retail employers a rounded picture of your career

Administrator

Tips for writing a good administrator resume summary

• If you have any admin-specific qualifications , be sure to highlight these in your summary, for example, if you are a Certified Administrative Professional (CAP)
• Remember, this is your elevator pitch; your chance to introduce yourself, so write persuasively and don’t be afraid to sell yourself
• Use facts and figures to show how your admin abilities stack up against the competition. For example how many years of experience do you have? Or how many colleagues have you supported in past roles?
• Be specific about any admin-related software you can use, listing any relevant tools you are proficient in, such as Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, or Dropbox – employers love to see candidates who can hit the ground running.

Quick tip: Choose from hundreds of pre-written summaries across all industries, and add one to your resume with one click in our quick-and-easy Resume Builder . All written by our recruitment experts and easily tailored to suit your unique skillset.

Customer Service

Tips for writing a good customer service resume summary

• Be sure to highlight your most relevant experienc e, including the types of companies you have worked for and the customer service work you have carried out.
• Give high-level examples of what you can offer to potential employers , such as keeping customers happy, making sales, or reducing refunds and complaints – all of these things are important to businesses.
• Customer service qualifications can boost your application, for example, if you have help desk certifications, client service specialist certification (CCSS), or similar
• Use customer service-related skills to make your resume summary stand out, e.g. advised, sold, resolved and increased.
• Name drop any popular customer service platforms you are proficient in, such as POS systems, Zendesk or Help Scout, especially if these are outlined in the job description

Tips for writing a good education resume summary

• Every teaching environment is different, so it’s important that you tailor your summary to the specific kindergarten, high school, or college you’re applying to, by highlighting the skills and experience they are looking for.
• Use teaching-specific action verbs to help showcase your skills and demonstrate what you’ve accomplished in past roles, e.g. planned, supported, encouraged
• You only have a few seconds to impress the recruiter, so keep your education summary brief (3-5 sentences maximum) Do this by keeping the information high-level and saving the detail for your work experience section.
• Qualifications are crucial for teaching, so be sure to highlight your most relevant qualifications , be that your college degree or a state-sanctioned teacher education program.

Accounting and Finance

Tips for writing a good accounting and finance resume summary

• Accounting and finance roles require a meticulous skillset, so carefully echo the specific skills listed in the job descriptions you are applying for, for example budgeting, taxation, or forecasting.
• Your job is a numbers game, so be sure to quantify top achievements like how much money you have saved companies, or how many clients you are capable of managing.
• Be specific about the accounting software you are proficient in, particularly if the employer has listed it in the job description; some popular examples that employers like to see are Xero, QuickBooks, and Sage
• But be careful to avoid using jargon and acronyms that might have been exclusive to your past/current firm , as these may be confusing and possibly have no meaning to an outsider – do your research and only include widely-used terms.

Tips for writing a good healthcare resume summary

• The healthcare industry is a highly regulated sector, so include the essential certifications that are required for your role – if hiring managers don’t see the right away, they might skip past your resume.
• Showcase your key achievements with numbers to seal the deal, for example, how many patients you helped daily or how you helped cut medical costs or wastage in previous jobs.
• Give details of your current medical position, clinical experiences, residencies, or fellowships that you believe are the most relevant and impressive to the role
• Many employers in large healthcare organizations rely on ATSs, so be sure to optimize your summary with keywords from the job description, for example, administering, medication, care plans, diagnosing – to ensure your resume gets through to a human.
• Qualifications are understandably important in healthcare, so highlight your most relevant qualification , be that a college degree, doctorate, or a specific qualification like a Certified Medical Assisting certification.

Construction

Tips for writing a good construction resume summary

• Keep your summary short and sweet at just a few sentences that highlight your top construction skills and experience in the industry – lengthy summaries might not be read in full by busy recruiters.
• Ask yourself which achievements are the best to showcase your construction skills and highlight these in your summary, for example, giving details of impressive construction projects you’ve worked on , or well-known employers you have worked for.
• Competition can be stiff in the construction industry, so stand out by quickly h ighlighting the essential skills for the job , skills like project management and trade-specific skills
• Translate your achievements into numbers to show your value; for example, include figures such as the number of workers you oversee, typical project budgets, or simply years of experience you have.
• You want your summary to be powerful, so use construction-related action verbs such as scheduled, constructed, and completed, to grab attention.

IT (Information Technology)

Tips for writing a good IT resume summary

• Be specific about your experience by highlighting the types of hardware, software, and systems you are proficient in – this will help recruiters pinpoint the right roles for you.
• Review the job description and highlight the keywords that will quickly grab the recruiter’s attention – then ensure that you include these keywords in your summary.
• IT roles require a strong set of tech and non-tech skills , so be sure to include a mixture of both; for example, you might be a whizz at developing JavaScript applications, but also have strong communication and project management skills.
• Show the employer how you can benefit them, by quantifying your achievements . For example, giving detail on the typical size and budget of the projects you work on, or how you’ve helped companies increase revenue.
• Tech roles can also be competitive, so highlight any qualifications you have that could help you stand out, such as being a Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) or AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner.

Junior or Student

Tips for writing a good junior/student resume summary

• When applying for junior/student positions , you might not have as much experience to shout about, so highlight your achievements from school, college , volunteering, job-shadowing personal-projects, or anything else.
• Showcase any transferable skills that you have gained that could be valuable in the workplace . Skills like communication, software knowledge, flexibility, and organization. Always check the job description to see which skills are important to the employer.
• Be sure to include any accomplishments that are impressive or relevant; these could be double majors , awards, student honors, or standout grades that show you are ambitious and hard-working
• You should keep this section short and succinct , and in order to help the recruiter recognize you’re a good fit for the role quickly – they often see hundreds of resume per day, so you need to get their attention within seconds.

Project Manager resume

Tips for writing a good project manager resume summary

• Show recruiters what kind of project manager you are by summarizing the type of projects you have led (IT, Finance, Change etc.) the industries, you have worked in, and the benefits your projects deliver, e.g. saving costs, increasing productivity etc.
• Give quantified examples of past achievements , being specific about the size of the projects you’ve worked on, duration, financial value, and deliverables.
• Share key figures , such as years of experience you have as a project manager, number of projects you’ve worked on, budgets, and team-size managed
• Avoid overused cliche phrases and buzzwords from the industry, such as go-getter, best of breed, synergy, and dynamic

How to write a resume summary

Your resume summary is your elevator pitch and your introduction to a hiring manager or potential employer.

It is a professional summary that describes your key experience, skills, qualifications, and achievements.

But with just a few seconds to grab the reader’s attention, it needs to be engaging.

Here’s how to nail it.

Tailor to your target jobs

It’s vital that you tailor your resume towards the jobs you are applying for, starting with your resume summary. You need to make sure the experience, skills, and qualifications you include are highly relevant to the position you’re applying to.

Tailoring your summary in this way makes it much quicker and easier for the recruiter to see you’ve got what it takes and makes them much more likely to notice you.

In order to tailor your resume effectively, you need to do your research and identify the most relevant keywords from the job descriptions you are targeting;  then you can then include these in your summary to ensure you look suitable.

Keep it brief

You’ve heard the old adage, less is more, and this is also true of your resume summary.

Recruiters and hiring managers are often pushed for time, so will spend just a few seconds on an initial scan of your resume, before deciding whether they should invest any more time in it. So, your resume summary needs to make an impact quickly.

You want your introduction to be short and pithy, keeping it to just three or four key sentences long – on short paragraph format .

This can feel tough, but you need to select your key skills, experience, qualifications, and achievements carefully to ensure you only include the most impressive and relevant information.

Describe the impact you make

You need to show hiring managers and potential employers what you can do for them and the impact you can have on their business. Ultimately, this is all that matters to them.

The best way to do this is to give some high level examples of impact you have made in previous roles . For example, maybe you are great at bringing new customers on board and increasing sales, or perhaps you are a whizz at improving IT systems that save your colleagues time and money.

Avoid clichés

Finally, you need to be careful not to stuff your resume summary with overused buzzwords, cliches, or jargon. Not only is this boring, but cliché phrases don’t tell readers anything factual about you.

Instead of saying you are a “ hard-working team player who thinks outside the box” , give tangible examples of your skills, experience and knowledge.

20 Best Summary Statements for Resumes

This post focuses on helping you learn how to make effective summary statements for resumes or CVs and improve your chances of getting the recruiter/employer to spend some time reading it.

When applying for a job, the summary statement of your resume or CV needs to be very compelling to capture the recruiter/employer’s interest to read all parts of it and learn what you are offering.

How to Write an Effective Summary Statement for Your Resume/CV

The secret to writing a great summary statement for your resume or CV is to present yourself as the right person for the job.

And how do you do that?

You can write your summary statement in such a way that it shows that you are the person the recruiter/employer is looking for to hire by learning about the job on offer.

You need to know what the job description and requirements are; these documents are usually published by the recruiter/employer.

By studying the job description, you will learn the kind of duties and responsibilities of the job that you will be expected to perform, while from the job requirements, you will discover the qualities, skills, training, experience, etc. that the recruiter/employer wants you to have to be qualified for hiring.

The above information gives you the description of the right person for the job.

Your job now is to make a summary statement for your resume that shows that you possess the required qualities, skills, experience, etc. for the position and that you perfectly understand what the job entails and will be successful in it.

Now, let’s see some good examples of summary statements that you can learn from and use in writing your resume summary statement:

• Team-oriented individual willing to work at WOAR – Philadelphia Center Against Sexual Violence as a Crisis Advocate where 7 years of work experience with vulnerable individuals and strong ability to provide crisis intervention services to victims of sexual violence will be utilized. Also comes with a Bachelor’s degree in Education, computer competency in Microsoft Office, and the capacity to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Energetic individual with 7 years of experience in Graphic Design, Media Production, and Marketing seeks a Creative Marketing Manager position with Hermanson Company, to develop graphics to visually relay technical information, processes, culture, and Client/Employee interactions. Also coming with a Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, a portfolio of sample works, and the ability to manage websites and track email analytics.
• To obtain a position with Fusion Academy as a Yoga Teacher to provide a one-to-one teaching experience in the area of yoga at grade levels 6 to 12. Also bringing a Bachelor’s degree with certification to teach yoga, experience with students with learning differences and ADHD, and great mentoring experience.
• Passionate individual with previous experience in Customer Service, Support-oriented roles, and early-stage high growth E-commerce startup seeks a Beauty Advisor position with Thrive Causemetics Inc., to become the product specialist across beauty and skincare. Also bringing an undergraduate degree with 3 years of experience working in a customer service role, and strong project management skills.
• Safety conscious individual with 6 years of relevant work experience in an industrial setting desires an Energy Engineer position with Schneider Electric to work collaboratively with customers to understand their challenges and discover solutions to meet their efficiency goals. Also bringing a 4-year Science degree, excellent verbal and written communication skills, and EIT certification.
• An individual with strong ability to learn quickly interested in a Store Manager position at Michael KorsCosta Mesa seeks to utilize 3 years of store manager experience at a specialty retailer. Also coming with strong customer service skills, a strong entrepreneurial spirit, and the ability to deliver operational excellence in all store processes.
• Team-oriented individual eager to work at the City of Seattle as a Court Clerk to accurately record and review details of court proceedings and a variety of case-related information into a court database. Also coming with experience which demonstrates the ability to perform the work of a Court Clerk, and the ability to work with executives and the public.
• Passionate individual hopeful for a Visual Merchandiser position with H&M, to provide excellent direct and indirect customer service according to H&M standards. Also coming with an Associate’s degree in fashion industry specialty, 2 years of retail visual merchandising experience, and strong visual merchandising and basic computer skills.
• Extremely organized individual interested in a Registered Dietitian position with Factor, seeks to make an impact and improve the health of customers. Also bringing a current Registered Dietitian certificate, excellent verbal and written communication skills, and experience in motivational interviewing for general wellness nutrition, functional nutrition, sports nutrition, weight loss, and other varieties of diet types.
• Individual with 8 years of experience seeks a Senior SharePoint Developer job with TMR, Inc., to prepare detailed specifications from which programs will be written. Also bringing a Bachelor’s degree with a background in interpreting project specifications and requirements, and experience creating business models and implementing meta-model data structures.
• Detail-oriented professional with experience utilizing Salesforce and reviewing contracts and professional legal agreements desires the Commercial Real Estate Agent position with James Capital Advisors where the ability to manage dataset through business development outreach will be applied. Also bringing a Bachelor’s degree in Business with the California Real Estate Salesperson license, and strong communication skills.
• Seeking a Security Systems Installer job with Leidos where 5 years of engineering experience and 2 years of in-field work experience will be utilized. Also coming with a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, U.S. citizenship with current possession of a DoD Secret Security clearance, and knowledge of ACS & ESS systems.
• A highly experienced individual seeking a Video Editor position with Yelp, to work closely with the Senior Editor to ingest and organize footage. Also coming with 10 years of experience working as an Editor, high proficiency in Premiere Pro and editing non-scripted videos, and a solid understanding of the video content that performs well on social.
• Certified individual with 5 years of business experience as Retail Store Manager longs for a Retail Operations Manager position with CB2, to implement and manage retail operational processes to drive sales growth and profitability. Also coming with a Bachelor’s degree in Business, knowledge of retail operations, and strong organizational and excellent problem-solving skills.
• Talented individual seeking to work with Rockstar Games as a Gameplay Programmer with 5 years of game programming experience, to utilize the ability to work together with designers and animators to deliver features on schedule. Also coming with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and experience developing in a team environment, and solid C/C++ programming skills.
• Highly-motivated individual hopeful to gain employment with Marie Veronique as a Quality Control Technician to coordinate testing of raw materials, packaging, and finished products. Also bringing 5 years of quality control experience, excellent time-management skills, organizational ability, and excellent computer skills with the ability to complete assigned tasks without constant supervision.
• To obtain a Global Health Officer position with Futrend Technology, Inc. to communicate and work with colleagues at the secretarial and White House levels. Also coming with a Bachelor’s degree in Global Health, 5 years of experience working in a global health setting, and proficiency in Microsoft Office package.
• Skilled Pest Control Technician with knowledge of pest control policies and procedures seeks to work with Howard University Hospital to utilize the ability to make daily and periodic schedules for the observation and controlling of flying and crawling insects and animals throughout the hospital. Also coming with a High School diploma, 3 years of experience in the extermination field, and excellent problem-solving skills.
• Hopeful to gain employment with Roofstock as an Investment Analyst to source out, analyze, and underwrite existing and potential investments across single-family equity funds. Also coming with a Bachelor’s degree, 6 years of work experience in banking, and advanced Excel skills, and experience with financial reporting and statistical modeling.
• A well-organized individual with 5 years of experience in an IT support role seeks employment with Fastly as an IT Help Desk Specialist to respond to support requests in person and via a ticketing system. Also bringing knowledge and hands-on experience handling Apple & Windows laptops and desktops as well as good interpersonal relations and experience using and running ticket-based enterprise workflow management systems.

You can increase the chances of your resume/CV to be read by the recruiter/employer by having a highly impressive resume summary statement in it.

This post provided detailed information to help you learn and master writing an impactful summary statement for your resume or CV.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating 0 / 5. Vote count: 0

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

We are sorry that this post was not useful for you!

Let us improve this post!

Tell us how we can improve this post?

Recommended:

This Site Uses Cookies

Privacy overview.

The Ultimate Guide to Writing a Resume Summary: 40+ Examples and Essential Tips

Introduction

In today's fiercely competitive job market, your resume is often the first, and sometimes the only chance to make a great impression. It's your personal marketing tool, a concise showcase of your career story, aimed at capturing the attention of employers and recruiters. In the heart of this crucial document lies the resume summary -- a powerful, brief statement that encapsulates your professional identity.

Understanding how to craft a compelling resume summary is essential. It's more than just a few lines of text; it's a strategic tool that can significantly increase your chances of landing an interview. This guide is designed to be your roadmap in navigating the art of writing an effective resume summary. We'll cover everything from the basics to advanced tips, including over 40 industry-specific examples to inspire and guide you.

With a focus on the latest trends and employer expectations, this guide is an invaluable resource for job seekers across various industries and experience levels. Whether you're a fresh graduate, a seasoned executive, or transitioning to a new career path, you'll find practical advice and examples tailored to your situation.

Prepare to dive deep into the world of resume summaries, where every word counts and the right phrase can make all the difference!

Overview of the Importance of a Resume Summary

A resume summary is more than just an introduction to your resume; it's a critical component that can determine whether a recruiter reads on or moves your application aside. Think of it as a 30-second elevator pitch that highlights your most valuable skills, experiences, and achievements. It's your chance to make a powerful first impression and set the tone for the rest of your resume.

The MECE Framework: Clarity and Completeness in Resume Summaries

To ensure your resume summary is both clear and complete, adopt the MECE framework - Mutually Exclusive, Collectively Exhaustive. This approach ensures that:

Mutually Exclusive : Each point you make is distinct and doesn't overlap with others. This clarity helps avoid repetition and keeps your summary concise and to the point.

Collectively Exhaustive : Your summary collectively covers all the essential aspects of your professional profile. It should touch upon your key skills, significant achievements, and unique value propositions.

By adhering to the MECE framework, your resume summary becomes a well-organized and comprehensive snapshot of your professional journey.

Understanding Resume Summaries

What is a resume summary.

A resume summary is a brief statement at the top of your resume that highlights your professional qualifications. It's a concise aggregation of your skills, experiences, and achievements, tailored to the specific job you're applying for.

The Role of a Summary in Your Resume

The summary plays a pivotal role in your resume. It's the first section recruiters often read, and it sets the stage for the rest of your document. A well-written summary can grab attention, make a strong first impression, and encourage the reader to consider your application seriously.

Difference Between a Resume Objective and Summary

Many job seekers confuse resume summaries with resume objectives. The key difference lies in focus and intent. A resume objective states your career goals and what you hope to achieve in the job. In contrast, a resume summary focuses on what you can offer the employer based on your skills and experiences. It's more about your professional identity than your aspirations.

Components of an Effective Resume Summary

An effective resume summary typically includes:

Years of Experience : Clearly state how many years of relevant experience you have.

Core Competencies : Highlight your key skills and areas of expertise.

Notable Achievements : Mention significant accomplishments that are relevant to the job.

Professional Identity : Give a glimpse of your professional persona and what makes you unique.

By combining these elements, you create a snapshot of your professional life that's both informative and enticing to potential employers.

How to Craft Your Resume Summary

Crafting an effective resume summary requires a blend of specificity, relevance, and conciseness. Here's how you can create a summary that stands out:

Tailoring Your Resume Summary to the Job Ad

To ensure your resume summary resonates with the job you're applying for, tailor it to match the job ad. Analyze the job description to identify key skills and qualifications the employer is seeking. Incorporate these elements into your summary, using similar language. This customization not only shows that you're a good fit for the role but also helps your resume pass Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) that scan for relevant keywords.

The Evergreen Formula for a Good Resume Summary

A tried-and-tested formula for a resume summary includes:

Professional Title : Start with your job title or the position you're aiming for.

Years of Experience : Mention your years of relevant professional experience.

Key Skills/Strengths : Highlight two to three key skills or strengths.

Major Achievements : Include a notable achievement or contribution.

Value Proposition : Conclude with how you can add value to the prospective employer.

Key Elements to Include

When writing your summary, include these key elements:

Specificity : Be specific about your experiences and achievements.

Relevance : Tailor your summary to align with the job requirements.

Quantifiable Achievements : Use numbers and data to quantify your accomplishments.

Key Skills and Expertise : Mention skills that are highly relevant to the position.

Professional Tone : Maintain a professional tone that reflects your career level.

Writing Techniques for a Compelling Summary

Here are some writing techniques to make your summary compelling:

Use Active Voice : Write in an active voice for clarity and impact.

Strong Adjectives : Use strong adjectives to describe your skills and experiences.

Conciseness : Keep it short and to the point, ideally under 50 words.

First-Person Without Pronouns : Write in the first person but omit personal pronouns.

Customization : Tailor your summary for each job application.

Tips for Clear and Concise Writing

Avoid Jargon : Use clear, straightforward language.

Short Sentences : Use short, punchy sentences to maintain reader engagement.

Focus on Highlights : Concentrate on your most impressive achievements and skills.

Eliminate Fluff : Remove any unnecessary words or phrases.

Proofread : Always proofread your summary for grammar and clarity.

How to Showcase Your Unique Value Proposition

Your unique value proposition (UVP) is what sets you apart from other candidates. To effectively showcase your UVP:

Identify Your Unique Skills : Think about what unique skills or experiences you bring to the table.

Relate to the Job : Ensure your UVP is relevant to the job you're applying for.

Be Specific : Use specific examples to illustrate your unique qualities.

Convey Confidence : Write in a confident tone that reflects your belief in your abilities.

Connect to Employer Needs : Show how your unique qualities can benefit the employer.

By combining these strategies, your resume summary will not only capture the essence of your professional identity but also significantly boost your chances of standing out in a crowded job market.

50+ Resume Summary Examples by Industry

To give you a clearer idea of how to craft your resume summary, here are over 50 examples tailored to various industries and job titles. Each example is designed to reflect the best practices and techniques discussed earlier.

Technology and IT Sector

Software developer.

"Detail-oriented Software Developer with 5+ years of experience in developing scalable web applications. Proficient in modern JavaScript frameworks and a strong advocate for agile methodologies. Reduced load time by 30% for a high-traffic web app."

"Experienced IT Manager, adept in infrastructure management, system upgrades, and team leadership. Led successful migration to cloud-based systems, resulting in a 20% reduction in operating costs."

Network Administrator

"Cisco-certified Network Administrator with over 7 years in configuring and maintaining complex network systems. Skilled in troubleshooting and network security enhancements, leading to a 99.9% system uptime record."

Data Scientist

"Data Scientist with a passion for turning data into actionable insights. Expertise in machine learning, data mining, and predictive modeling. Drove a 15% increase in customer engagement through data-driven strategies."

Cybersecurity Specialist

"Dedicated Cybersecurity Specialist with a strong background in network security and threat analysis. Implemented robust security protocols that decreased security breaches by 40%."

System Analyst

"System Analyst with 8 years of experience in system design and optimization. Spearheaded a system overhaul that increased overall efficiency by 25%."

Database Administrator

"Database Administrator proficient in SQL and NoSQL databases. Optimized database operations, resulting in a 20% improvement in performance."

Web Developer

"Creative Web Developer skilled in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Developed an award-winning e-commerce site with an intuitive user interface."

UX/UI Designer

"Innovative UX/UI Designer with a knack for creating user-friendly designs. Increased user engagement by 35% through effective redesign of a popular mobile application."

Healthcare and Medical Field

"Compassionate Registered Nurse with a strong focus on patient care and advocacy. Implemented patient education programs that increased patient satisfaction scores by 25%."

"Board-certified Doctor specializing in internal medicine. Recognized for excellence in patient care and diagnostic accuracy."

Healthcare Administrator

"Efficient Healthcare Administrator with 10 years of experience in managing hospital operations. Reduced operational costs by 15% through strategic process improvements."

Medical Technician

"Detail-oriented Medical Technician skilled in laboratory testing and diagnostic procedures. Increased lab efficiency by 20% through process automation."

"Licensed Pharmacist known for accurate prescription dispensing and patient counseling. Improved medication compliance rates by 30% through educational initiatives."

Physical Therapist

"Dedicated Physical Therapist with a track record of developing effective treatment plans. Achieved a 95% patient satisfaction rate through personalized care."

Dental Hygienist

"Experienced Dental Hygienist with a focus on preventive care and patient education. Increased patient retention by 20% through exceptional care and communication."

Radiologic Technologist

"Certified Radiologic Technologist with expertise in MRI and CT imaging. Improved imaging processes, resulting in a 15% reduction in patient wait times."

Finance and Accounting

"Detail-oriented Accountant with expertise in financial reporting and analysis. Streamlined accounting processes, leading to a 10% reduction in month-end close time."

Financial Analyst

"Analytical Financial Analyst specializing in budget forecasting and financial modeling. Contributed to a 5% increase in profitability through strategic financial planning."

"Certified Auditor with a focus on compliance and risk management. Identified and mitigated financial risks, safeguarding company assets."

Tax Specialist

"Tax Specialist with a strong track record in tax planning and compliance for small businesses. Helped clients save an average of 20% on tax liabilities through strategic planning."

Investment Banker

"Results-driven Investment Banker with a history of successful mergers and acquisitions. Closed deals worth over $500 million, maximizing client ROI."

Credit Analyst

"Credit Analyst with a keen eye for risk assessment and creditworthiness. Improved loan portfolio quality by 15% through diligent analysis and recommendations."

Payroll Specialist

"Efficient Payroll Specialist, proficient in various payroll systems. Implemented new payroll procedures that reduced processing time by 25%."

Budget Analyst

"Strategic Budget Analyst adept in financial planning and cost analysis. Played a key role in reducing operational costs by 10% through effective budget management."

The examples for the remaining industries will be provided in the following sections.

Education and Academic Roles

"Dedicated Teacher with 8+ years of experience in high school education. Specialized in innovative curriculum development, resulting in a 20% increase in student engagement."

"Tenured Professor in Psychology with a strong publication record and commitment to student mentorship. Recognized for developing a groundbreaking research program in behavioral psychology."

Educational Administrator

"Dynamic Educational Administrator with a decade of experience in improving school operations. Led initiatives that increased graduation rates by 15%."

School Counselor

"Empathetic School Counselor skilled in student guidance and support. Developed and implemented a successful student wellness program that decreased absenteeism by 30%."

Special Education Teacher

"Compassionate Special Education Teacher with a focus on creating inclusive classroom environments. Successfully integrated assistive technologies, enhancing learning for students with diverse needs."

"Innovative Librarian experienced in digital and print resource management. Increased library patronage by 40% through community outreach and technology integration."

Academic Advisor

"Detail-oriented Academic Advisor, known for helping students navigate complex career paths. Increased student retention by providing personalized and effective academic planning."

Curriculum Developer

"Creative Curriculum Developer with expertise in designing engaging educational content. Developed a STEM curriculum that was adopted by 50+ schools nationwide."

Creative Industries

Graphic designer.

"Creative Graphic Designer with a flair for developing visually appealing designs. Increased brand visibility by 30% for clients through innovative design strategies."

Art Director

"Art Director with a strong vision for brand identity and advertising campaigns. Led a campaign that won an industry award for creative excellence."

"Talented Copywriter with a knack for crafting compelling brand stories. Increased customer engagement by 40% through effective and persuasive content creation."

Video Editor

"Dynamic Video Editor with a talent for creating captivating visual narratives. Edited a documentary that received critical acclaim at international film festivals."

Fashion Designer

"Innovative Fashion Designer with a passion for sustainable design. Launched a successful eco-friendly clothing line that gained national recognition."

Photographer

"Professional Photographer with a portfolio that captures compelling narratives. Awarded for outstanding work in portrait photography."

Interior Designer

"Creative Interior Designer known for conceptualizing unique and functional spaces. Transformed numerous residential spaces, leading to a 95% client satisfaction rate."

Illustrator

"Versatile Illustrator with a unique style, specializing in digital and traditional mediums. Collaborated on a children's book that became a bestseller."

Sales and Marketing

Sales executive.

"Dynamic Sales Executive with a track record of exceeding sales targets in competitive markets. Grew annual sales by 25% through strategic client acquisition and retention strategies."

Marketing Manager

"Innovative Marketing Manager with expertise in digital marketing and brand management. Increased online presence and brand awareness for clients by 40%."

Account Manager

"Client-focused Account Manager with a history of nurturing long-term client relationships. Increased client retention rate by 35% through exceptional service and understanding of client needs."

Brand Manager

"Brand Manager with a talent for developing and executing successful brand strategies. Elevated brand visibility and market share for several key products."

Digital Marketing Specialist

"Digital Marketing Specialist adept at SEO and social media marketing. Improved website traffic by 50% through targeted online campaigns."

Public Relations Specialist

"Public Relations Specialist with a flair for creating impactful media strategies. Successfully managed crisis communications, maintaining brand reputation."

Sales Associate

"Enthusiastic Sales Associate with a knack for upselling and customer service. Consistently achieved top sales performance in a retail environment."

Marketing Analyst

"Data-driven Marketing Analyst specializing in market research and analytics. Provided insights that informed marketing strategies, resulting in a 20% increase in market share."

The examples for other industries will be provided in the subsequent sections.

Other Industries

Project manager.

"Accomplished Project Manager with a track record of delivering complex projects on time and within budget. Led a team for a Massachusetts-based electronics firm, resulting in a 30% increase in operational efficiency."

"HR Manager with extensive experience in talent acquisition and employee relations. Implemented innovative HR strategies that increased employee retention by 25%."

Legal Assistant

"Detail-oriented Legal Assistant with expertise in case preparation and legal research. Supported high-profile cases, contributing to a 90% case win rate."

Supply Chain Manager

"Efficient Supply Chain Manager with a focus on optimizing logistics and inventory management. Reduced supply chain costs by 15% through strategic vendor negotiations."

Quality Assurance Manager

"Quality Assurance Manager with a strong background in implementing robust QA processes. Improved product quality by 20%, leading to higher customer satisfaction rates."

Construction Manager

"Experienced Construction Manager known for delivering projects safely and efficiently. Completed multiple high-value projects while maintaining a zero-accident safety record."

Environmental Scientist

"Dedicated Environmental Scientist with a passion for sustainable development. Led environmental impact assessments for major projects, influencing eco-friendly changes."

Event Planner

"Creative Event Planner with a talent for organizing memorable corporate events. Successfully managed the Northeast Lean Conference, receiving accolades for flawless execution."

Experience Level Variations in Resume Summaries

For recent graduates.

"Recent graduate with a Bachelor's in Business Administration, eager to apply academic knowledge in a practical setting. Completed a successful internship at a leading marketing firm, demonstrating strong analytical and communication skills."

Mid-Career Professionals

"Seasoned Marketing Professional with 10+ years of experience in brand management and campaign development. Proven track record of increasing brand recognition and sales revenue in competitive markets."

Senior Executives

"Strategic Executive with 20 years of leadership experience in the technology sector. Spearheaded business transformations, resulting in a 50% increase in market share and profitability."

Special Considerations in Resume Summaries

Career change scenarios.

"Dynamic professional transitioning from a 10-year career in journalism to public relations. Combines exceptional writing skills with a proven ability to manage high-profile media campaigns."

Dealing with Employment Gaps

"Marketing Specialist returning to the workforce after a career break. Kept skills sharp through freelance projects and continuous learning, bringing fresh perspectives and up-to-date industry knowledge."

International Resumes

"Experienced Software Engineer with a career spanning the US and Europe. Brings a global perspective to software development, with a focus on cross-cultural team collaboration and innovation."

In the next sections, we will explore the final touches on crafting your resume summary, including common mistakes to avoid and best practices for maximum impact.

Final Touches on Your Resume Summary

Putting the final touches on your resume summary can significantly enhance its impact. Here are some guidelines to ensure your summary is polished and effective.

Do's and Don'ts of Resume Summary Writing

• Do Customize for Each Application :

Tailor your summary to align with each job's requirements.

• Do Use Keywords :

Incorporate relevant keywords from the job posting for ATS optimization.

• Do Keep It Concise :

Aim for 3-4 sentences, focusing on your most relevant qualifications.

• Do Use Metrics :

Quantify achievements where possible to provide concrete evidence of your capabilities.

• Do Proofread :

Ensure there are no spelling or grammatical errors.

Don'ts:

• Don't Use Clichés :

Avoid overused phrases like "hard worker" or "team player."

• Don't Be Vague :

Be specific about your skills and accomplishments.

• Don't Include Personal Information :

Focus solely on professional qualifications.

• Don't Write in Third Person :

Keep the tone direct and personal.

• Don't Overlook Formatting :

Ensure your summary aligns with the overall style of your resume.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Being Too General : Generic summaries that could apply to anyone won't stand out.

Ignoring the Job Description : Failing to tailor your summary to the job posting can make it seem irrelevant.

Overusing Jargon : While industry-specific terms are important, too much jargon can make your summary hard to understand.

Forgetting to Showcase Personality : Your summary should also give a sense of who you are as a professional.

Neglecting Keywords for ATS : Many resumes are first screened by software, so missing keywords can lead to your resume being overlooked.

Best Practices for Maximum Impact

Focus on Achievements : Emphasize results and achievements over duties and responsibilities.

Use Action Words : Start sentences with action verbs to make your summary more dynamic.

Highlight Unique Qualifications : Mention any unique skills or experiences that set you apart.

Be Honest : Only include skills and experiences that accurately reflect your professional background.

Use a Professional Tone : Maintain a tone that reflects your professional demeanor.

Advanced Tips for Enhancing Your Summary

Link to Personal Branding : If you have a professional online presence, like a LinkedIn profile, consider including it.

Use Industry Buzzwords Wisely : Incorporate current industry buzzwords, but only if they genuinely relate to your experience and skills.

Consider the Company Culture : Tailor your summary to align with the company's culture and values.

Stay Updated : Keep abreast of trends in resume writing and update your summary accordingly.

Customizing for Each Application

Customizing your resume summary for each job application is crucial. Pay attention to:

Specific Job Requirements : Highlight experiences and skills that directly address the job's requirements.

Company-Specific Language : Use language and terminology that align with the company's branding and values.

Industry Trends : Be aware of current trends in the industry you're applying to and reflect them in your summary.

By following these guidelines and tips, you can craft a resume summary that not only captures your professional essence but also significantly boosts your chances of making a memorable impression on potential employers.

Key Takeaways

Recap: the power of a well-crafted resume summary.

A well-crafted resume summary is a powerful tool in your job search arsenal. It's the first glimpse employers have into who you are as a professional and what you bring to the table. When done right, it sets the tone for the rest of your resume, highlighting your most impressive achievements and unique skills.

The Continuous Evolution of Resume Trends

It's important to remember that resume trends are continuously evolving. What works today might not be as effective tomorrow. Staying updated with the latest trends, such as the increasing importance of ATS-friendly resumes, is crucial. Adapt your resume summary accordingly to ensure it remains relevant and effective.

Frequently Asked Questions about Resume Summaries

Q1: how long should a resume summary be.

A: Ideally, a resume summary should be about 3-4 sentences long, or around 50-100 words. It needs to be concise enough to hold the reader's attention while providing enough information to make an impact.

Q2: Can I use the same summary for different job applications?

A: It's best to customize your resume summary for each job application. Tailoring your summary to the specific job and company shows that you've done your research and are genuinely interested in the position.

Q3: How do I write a resume summary with no experience?

A: Focus on transferable skills, academic achievements, internships, and relevant coursework. Highlight your enthusiasm, potential, and how your educational background aligns with the job requirements.

Q4: Tips for optimizing a resume summary for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)

• Use Keywords : Include keywords from the job description.
• Avoid Graphics and Unusual Formatting : ATS can't read images or unusual fonts.
• Use Standard Resume Sections : Stick to traditional headings like 'Work Experience' and 'Education'.
• Keep It Simple : Use a clean, straightforward format.

By keeping these key takeaways in mind, you can craft a resume summary that not only stands out but also aligns with current trends and employer expectations. Remember, your resume summary is your opportunity to make a strong first impression, so invest the time and effort to make it count.

Recommended Reading

Your Next Opportunity Awaits!

Don't let your dream job slip away. Create a standout resume in minutes with Bolt Resume and take the first step towards a brighter future.

Ready to impress your future employer with the AI Resume Builder?

• Job Search Tips

30 Resume Summary Examples that Work in 2024

18 min read

Regardless of whether you’re looking for an entry-level job or a larger career advancement, you probably already know how important your resume can be in your quest to find that perfect job. The problem is, though, that few resumes these days have that special touch that truly makes the job seeker stand out from the crowd. 

If you’ve agonized over your own resume and still feel like there’s something missing, there’s a good chance that the problem is that you’re not making good use of your professional resume summary.

In this post, we’ll show you how to write 30 great resume summary statements that land your resume in the ‘Yes’ pile. You’ll also find some tips, tricks, and examples to ensure you capture the attention of a hiring manager.

What is a resume summary?

The one thing most people fail to understand as they create resumes filled with facts, figures, and lists of accomplishments is that today’s companies and hiring managers are inundated with tons of resumes that follow that same approach. And if your resume is as dry and dull as all of those, it’s not likely to receive the attention that it needs to earn you a second look. 

That’s where your resume summary statement comes into play. Your summary sits at the top of your resume – just beneath your contact information and headline . It consists of the following:

Your job title and how much experience you have

At least three to five skills (keywords) that convey your abilities and expertise

A minimum of one measurable accomplishment

Industry keywords and phrases tailored to the job description of the role you want 

Language that indicates your passion and enthusiasm – a personal touch

When you take the time to write a compelling resume summary with the right keywords and phrases, your chances of being called in for an interview will dramatically increase.

So it is vitally important that you know how to make yours stand out from other job seekers. 

What does it look like?

A resume summary is a brief statement that summarizes your career history, skills, and achievements and is designed to quickly describe how your work history will add value in future roles. 

Here’s an example profile summary for a CREATIVE STRATEGIST:

“A visionary, accomplished, and bilingual Creative Strategist highly regarded for championing innovative design solutions that integrate and anticipate consumer trends while remaining captivating and unique. Out-of-the-box thinker who delivers key strategic insights while orchestrating content, narrative, and creatives across high-profile projects for F500 companies like Apple and Toyota. Known as a decisive leader and excellent communicator who guides diverse teams and always meets nuanced client needs. Recognized for helming multilayered, high-visibility, revenue-driving events while delivering holistic experiential marketing platforms. Proven track record of delivering one-of-a-kind results that exceed lofty expectations.”

How long should your resume summary be?

When writing any resume summary, it can be tempting to simply fill it with every major point you want the reviewer to know. That would be a mistake, though. 

No recruiter or hiring manager wants to read a professional summary that just rehashes every point made in the body of the resume. That sort of summary will simply be ignored and it would defeat the purpose anyway.

The reality is that your summary should be a “hook” that captures recruiters’ attention and gives them a reason to read the rest of the resume. To do that, you should write a resume summary statement that contains between three and five sentences that highlight key points that will invite further reading.

Writing resume summary statements for the reader

The best writing is that which speaks to its audience in understandable terms that they can immediately identify with – i.e., keywords. When it comes to your summary statement, that means including the job posting’s requirements in your finished product.

While you certainly don’t want to simply regurgitate the job posting’s requirements in your summary, you should try to incorporate the terms used in that posting as you describe your qualifications.

If the company is looking for a Director of Marketing and your former title at a different firm was Head of Marketing, use the “Director of Marketing” title when you’re describing your former position. That helps ensure that your prospective employer recognizes that you’ve done the same job in the past. Do this for specific skills and experience as well. Simply identify terms used in the job posting and use those terms when describing your skills, attributes, and experience.

How to use keywords in a resume summary

Keywords are skills and qualifications from the job description that employers are looking for on your resume. However, keywords are important to your other audience, too, the applicant tracking system, also known as the ATS .

Most companies use an ATS to scan your resume for keywords, indicating that you’re a good match for a job. A resume summary is a natural place to throw in those keywords. 

Read our complete guide on exactly how to use keywords to tailor your resume to different positions .

By focusing your attention on the specific needs detailed in the job posting, you can avoid the mistake of making assumptions about the employer’s needs. In addition, you can ensure that your resume is properly read by any computer software that the recruiter might be using to sift through resumes as the company narrows its candidate search to determine who to interview and who to ignore.

The elevator pitch

If you’ve ever heard the term “elevator pitch,” then you understand the need for brevity and clarity when you’re trying to capture someone’s attention. The elevator speech is like a sales pitch and is a short, concise summary of your resume that articulates the value that you can bring to your prospective employer’s company. It emphasizes your strengths, quickly connects them to the specific job you’re applying for, and showcases how you can meet the company’s needs.

Here is a good post from Forbes.com on crafting a good elevator pitch.

Resume summary vs objective

Keep in mind the resume summary statement is distinct from the resume objective statement. An objective is focused on your needs, a resume summary is employer-focused. In days gone by, people would include an objective at the top of their resume that looked something like this:

“Dedicated Creative Strategist seeking a challenging role where I can contribute design, content strategy, major events experience, and consumer communication insights to propel high-profile brands to new heights.” 

While this objective statement has a few keywords and talks about some of the things this Creative Designer can do, it falls short of delivering value to future employers. There are no concrete examples of achievements and its overall tone is vague and ambiguous. 

That’s generally true for all objective statements, which is why employers prefer to see profile summaries that succinctly outline specific impacts candidates have had in other roles or during their careers.

30 resume summary examples for different job types

To get an idea of how this all looks when it is put together, consider the following resume summary examples:

1. Marketing and Communications resume summary examples

Digital Marketing Manager:

Visionary Digital Marketing Manager with over 8 years of experience developing and implementing successful online campaigns that connect businesses with consumers – both passive and active. Known as an expert in SEO, SEM, and PPC. Possess a proven track record of increasing online presence and driving lead generation – improved conversions by 12% at ABC company within 6 months.  

Public Relations Specialist:

Strategic Public Relations Specialist with an extensive record in building and maintaining positive brand images. Adept at crafting compelling narratives that secure media coverage and connect with target audiences. Reputation for managing crises and maintaining positive media relationships. 

2. Information Technology resume summary examples

Software Engineer:

Innovative Software Engineer with 12 years of experience developing and executing scalable solutions that drive million-dollar revenues. Proficient in multiple programming languages and dedicated to creating clean and maintainable code. Leverage full-stack development expertise and Agile methodologies to drive tangible results.

Cybersecurity Analyst:

Expert Cybersecurity Analyst with a strong background in threat detection and incident response. Skilled in assessing vulnerabilities and implementing security measures that safeguard international organizations, protecting over 275 petabytes of data. History of leading key enterprise engagements that challenge the status quo to fuel change, notably orchestrating the largest and most intricate partnership in financial services sector. 

3. Healthcare resume summary examples

Registered Nurse:

Accomplished nursing professional specializing in patient assessment, care, and advocacy. Consistently deliver comprehensive and compassionate care to diverse populations, including Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Immediate Care Unit (IMCU), Med/Surg, and Telemetry patients. Utilize advanced communication skills to collaborate with physicians, therapists, and fellow nurses. Earn frequent recognition and commendation from patients on satisfaction surveys for providing excellent care.

Medical Researcher:

Detail-oriented Medical Researcher specializing in BLS2 and BLS3 protocols and clinical trial initiatives that advance drug discovery projects. Possess an unrelenting momentum in laboratory activities, including the identification of novel approaches. Work with little to no procedural roadmaps, author new lab protocols, and serve as a point of contact for personnel. Thrive in matrix organizations and collaborate on a global scale.

4. Finance resume summary examples

Financial Analyst:

A client-centric Finance professional offering 5 years of international and multicultural experience in relationship management, credit analysis, and trade finance. Energetic leader adept at building strategic relationships and conquering billion-dollar revenue goals. Engaging leadership style bolstered by a dynamic mindset and talent for needs analysis, research, and proactivity. Conceptualize, develop, and deliver creative financial strategies that support future growth objectives and the core mission of the organization .

Certified Public Accountant

Energetic Certified Public Accountant (CPA) candidate who recently completed all 4 CPA exams on the first try. Accomplished and inquisitive finance professional with a passion for innovative solutions that ensure business solvency. Known for leveraging an entrepreneurial and independent analytical mindset to forge pathways through client financials and transactions to create a dynamic picture that provides financial insights to high-net-worth clients. 

5. Sales resume summary examples

Sales Manager:

Proactive technical sales director with robust experience seamlessly blending tech leadership with sales acumen to execute go-to-market strategies that fuel revenue growth. Build and grow new markets from the ground up and leverage a deep understanding of hybrid cloud solutions (SaaS, PaaS, IaaS) to achieve ground-breaking results, including doubling business to $10M within 3 years and reducing sales cycles from 6 months to 90 days. Known for improving performance by 30% and reducing costs across hybrid infrastructures.

Retail Sales Associate:

Seasoned sales veteran and business development strategist who consistently exceeds district sales goals by fusing an understanding of the human buying motive with sales leadership experience to overcome customer objections. Recognized by ABC Corp for leading district in overall sales for 3 consecutive years. Chosen by leaders at XYZ Inc to step into management position to steward the success of 7 sales staff, creating a culture of excellence that met consumer needs.

6. Education resume summary examples

Elementary Teacher:

Student-focused Certified Elementary Teacher with 20+ years of experience shaping the minds of first graders. Dedicated to providing creative, yet effective, classroom management and guided curriculum that optimizes student success. Known for infusing lesson plans with emerging technology to maximize learning objectives and improve student outcomes in alignment with district expectations. 

Adjunct Instructor:

Criminal Justice subject matter expert, education advocate, and US Army Veteran who leverages diverse and progressive career in leadership, personnel management, and training to guide education and human welfare objectives to facilitate student achievement. Fuse real-world experience with theoretical practicums to turn 20+ students into active learners. Proven ability to work in an independent environment or as a member of a teaching team in traditional (in-seat), hybrid, remote, synchronous, and distance learning settings.

7. Engineering resume summary examples

Mechanical Engineer:

Forward-thinking Mechanical Engineer offering a 15+ year progressive career of achievement within the gearing industry. Practical experience in all phases of engineering projects from feasibility testing and manufacturing to critical analysis and sales. Proficient at technical project management with a focus on collaboration, project documentation, troubleshooting, problem resolution, and team management. Manage up to 15 concurrent projects and handle competing priorities in fast-paced and deadline-driven environments.

Civil Engineer:

Global visionary in design, construction, and facilities management with 20+ years of transformative leadership experience. Steer multimillion-dollar projects from start to finish, paying close attention to cost-effective strategies and tech-driven solutions. Pioneer MEP systems across a range of complex buildings, including hospitality, commercial, and residential properties.

8. Human Resources resume summary examples

HR Manager:

Problem-solver and people manager with 4 years of experience training a revolving door of new HR leaders. Possess extremely adaptable management style with an ability to modify personality, and even behave out of character, based on what people need to achieve organizational continuity and project goals. Committed to creating a culture of excellence through employee engagement with a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I).

Recruitment Specialist:

Talent planning partner with more than 10 years of experience optimizing business continuity efforts by resolving critical human capital issues for corporate, nonprofit, and startup environments. Design and execute effective talent-sourcing strategies that turnaround understaffing issues, recruiting 100 new employees in 6 months. Sought after to help clients maintain regulatory compliance, including resolving a wage violation within 2-days’ notice to avoid legal action.

9. Administration resume summary examples

Executive Assistant:

Versatile support expert with a decade of excellence in elevating ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) executives across dynamic sectors. Adept at establishing and maintaining SOPs for property management, anticipating complex needs, driving process improvements, and embodying unwavering discretion and poise. Strong interpersonal acumen, conflict resolution prowess, and adept team leadership contribute to a track record of innovatively crafting roles and nurturing enduring connections.

General Manager:

Ambitious management professional offering an accomplishments-driven career in sales, marketing, and operations with demonstrated experience in top-tier, globally branded organizations. Subject matter expert on identifying profitable opportunities and guiding teams of 25+ to maintain margins, manage expenses, reduce shrinkages, prevent loss, and maintain compliance with regulations. 

10. Customer Service resume summary examples

Customer Service Representative:

Results-driven and motivated customer service enthusiast offering approximately 7 years of experience in hospitality, restaurant, and food principles in high-pressure, fast-paced environments. Ethical professional skilled in creative problem solving, providing elite customer service, and promoting brand loyalty. Detail-oriented with exceptional instincts for meeting high expectations and delivering service standards in 100+ restaurant seating environments.

Call Center Supervisor:

Motivational Call Center Supervisor with approximately 17 years of experience developing and leading exceptional call center teams. Possess a strong track record of success in achieving first-call resolution and reducing customer hold times. Analytical professional able to assess 40+ staff against forecasted trends and make proactive adjustments to policies and procedures.

11. Creative and Design resume summary examples

Graphic Designer:

Creative and innovative artist, video designer, and illustrator fusing 6 years of experience with a degree in graphic design and certification in user experience design to deliver branding stories that communicate creative concepts to diverse audiences. Specialize in creating original illustrations and graphics for as many as 12 concurrent projects. Act as a collaborative leader leveraging digital media, emerging technologies, and design-thinking methodologies to deliver on-time and on-budget projects to clients. Possess a passion for translating client needs into usable branding strategies.

UX/UI Designer:

Award-winning and intellectually curious Creative Director, UX Designer, and Digital Art Director with an accomplished track record of designing and deploying comprehensive design strategies that consistently achieve client satisfaction, translate product vision, and connect with diverse audiences. Fuse a passion for improving user experience (UX) by leveraging and optimizing creative strategy, project management, and team-building initiatives to present pixel-perfect visuals that provide clarity, consistency, and maximum communication impact.

12. Legal resume summary examples

Solutions-oriented Attorney with extensive experience delivering trusted legal services to a portfolio of more than 50 clients. Proven ability to combine strategic perspective with business and legal acumen to communicate complex legal concepts to non-experts, including details on over 150 trademark applications. Balance compliance with need, agility, and flexibility to guide innovation. Actively provide input and assistance on contracts and other legal matters, taking primary responsibility for making autonomous decisions to overcome overt challenges. 

Legal Assistant:

Adaptable administrative and legal professional with diverse experience in immigration, policy, and outreach. Fuse a passion for the legal system and a background in customer service/sales to help people navigate complex systems. Leverage advanced knowledge of technology (MS Office, Photoshop, Stata, QuickBooks) to organize work and compile research. Understand case management, transcription, and legal document preparation.

13. Project Management resume summary examples

Project Manager:

Global leader and expert in managing complex strategic transformation projects and programs across product and data-driven organizations. Employ Agile management practices to lead on-time delivery of projects aligned with customer expectations. Achieve enterprise goals by coaching, mentoring, and empowering diverse teams across 12+ geographies and business units. Thrive in ambiguous, fast-paced environments, making data-driven decisions, driving strategic insights, and collaborating with all levels of management to resolve operational inefficiencies. 

Construction Coordinator:

Retail Construction Coordinator and Superintendent with extensive experience overseeing construction sites, contractors, subcontractors, materials, and supplies. Maintain vigilance over quality work and compliance with regulations, including OSHA codes. Reputation for staying within million-dollar construction budgets and delivering on-time projects despite challenging environments.

14. Real Estate resume summary examples

Title Abstractor:

Detail-oriented Title Abstractor offering approximately 10 years of experience performing extensive title research gathering deeds, leases, judgments, mortgages, easements, contracts, and encumbrances to produce accurate abstracts. Experience writing Certified Title Opinions in 2 states (West Virginia and Pennsylvania). Accomplished track record of analyzing and producing lease take-offs, curative documents, and certified titles providing documentary evidence of the right of ownership. 

Commercial Real Estate (CRE) Developer:

Commercial Real Estate Development professional with 10+ years of experience in directing up to $200M of senior housing and medical office/industrial projects across the Southeast United States. Accomplished track record of complete development oversight from inception through entitlements and construction to delivery. Outstanding business and financial acumen with abilities in trend forecasting, real estate acquisitions, and business plan development. 

15. Little to no experience resume summary examples

Junior Electrical Designer:

Action-oriented problem-solver with an electrical engineering degree supported by international experience in electrical installation projects. Capable of reading and interpreting complex blueprints and understanding how to apply the physics and mathematics of electricity to large and small-scale systems. Have a reputation for maintaining strict compliance with policies and code regulations and possess bilingual proficiencies in English and French. 

Helpdesk Associate:

Technical enthusiast with a recent degree in Computer Science from Major University. Utilize abilities to troubleshoot hardware and software issues to win university systems maintenance competition. Fuse a background in retail customer service with a calm demeanor to meet the demands of frustrated clients whose systems are non-functioning.  

Writing a resume summary when you have no relevant experience

Of course, those last two are a bit different from the rest because the job seekers don’t have a lot of experience. With that said, you can still write a profile paragraph that will pique a prospective hiring manager’s interest. 

Most people will have some relevant skills and experience in the job field they’re trying to enter – whether they’re using transferable skills from jobs held while they were in school or achievements from working on projects at school. 

Let’s take a look at how to use those workarounds to elevate the language of your resume, especially as it relates to your profile summary. 

Stress other qualifications

When you have little to no relevant work experience to highlight, make sure to stress other relevant qualifications. That would include everything from your relevant skills and educational coursework to specific accomplishments you’ve achieved in prior jobs that are at least somewhat relevant to the job you’re seeking. For example:

Focus on skills and experiences that you possess that would be great selling points and relevant to the position. These can include things like budget management, marketing research, customer service rep, social media management, conflict resolution skills, and even familiarity with critical software or hardware systems. Check out this post to learn more about the right skills to include on your resume.

Emphasize educational achievements that demonstrate that you have the knowledge needed to do the job.

Highlight accomplishments from previous jobs that demonstrate the value you can bring to the organization.

If necessary, list relevant outside interests that demonstrate an ability to meet the employer’s needs.

Don’t forget to incorporate the job posting keywords into these qualifications. That’s important for ensuring that your resume still gets past the software used for initial resume reviews.

Get their attention in just a few seconds

Your profile summary has a lot of work to do to get a hiring manager’s attention. Not only does it have to extol your skills and achievements, it has to tell the story of what you bring to the table for a new position. Remember to stay away from using an outdated objective and let your career summary paragraph blend your career history with a bit of personal flair to stand out from the crowd. 

The right resume summary can help you avoid that rejection pile and enhance your chances of getting that dream job you want! ZipJob has a team of professional resume writers who are pros at crafting unique and stand-out professional summaries. Check out our services to see how we can help you.

Good luck with your job search!

Recommended reading:

10 Vital Skills to Put on Your Resume

Resume Formats: The 3 Best Options

Writing Your Work Experience: Samples & How to Guide

Marsha Hebert, Professional Resume Writer

Marsha is a resume writer with a strong background in marketing and writing. After completing a Business Marketing degree, she discovered that she could combine her passion for writing with a natural talent for marketing. For more than 10 years, Marsha has helped companies and individuals market themselves. Read more advice from Marsha on ZipJob's blog .

Our resume services get results.

We’ve helped change over 30,000 careers.

Get a free resume review today

Our experts will review your resume’s grammar, layout, and ability to pass ATS — all free and delivered straight to your inbox.

PROTECT YOUR DATA

This site uses cookies and related technologies for site operation, and analytics as described in our   Privacy Policy. You may choose to consent to our use of these technologies, reject non-essential technologies, or further manage your preferences.