How to Write a Resume Summary (Examples & Guide)
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What if you had just 30 seconds to impress your dream employer? That’s precisely what your resume summary is—a quick, powerful pitch that convinces them to keep reading.
Think of it like running into a recruiter in an elevator. What would you say to make them pause and ask for your resume? Your summary is your chance to do just that, on paper.
In this guide, you’ll learn what a resume summary is, how to craft one that stands out, and why it matters. Plus, review real resume summary examples to help you get started.
What Is a Resume Summary?
A resume summary, or professional summary, is a concise overview of your work experience and strongest qualifications. Positioned at the top of your resume, just under your resume header, it introduces your unique value in three to four sentences.
Your professional summary highlights your most significant accomplishments, relevant work experience, and job-specific skills.
For maximum effectiveness, it should be precisely tailored to the specific job you're applying for. Take this job ad for a social media manager as an example:
A tailored professional summary for a resume might look like this:
- Good resume summary example
Strategic social media manager with 4 years of experience creating social content calendars and developing high-impact digital strategies. Skilled in writing compelling copy, managing paid and organic campaigns, and producing video content for multi-platform use. Known for driving a 40% increase in engagement through data-driven content planning. Collaborative team player with a passion for creative storytelling.
In our example of a good resume summary, the words in bold are resume keywords and phrases from the job description.
To increase your chances of getting past ATS, you must always use exact keywords that match a job’s requirements in every section of your resume, including your resume summary.
Now let’s look at what a not-so-effective resume summary might look like:
- Poor resume summary example
Savvy social media manager with experience working in social media and creating content for brands. Skilled writer, photographer, and multitasker.
This resume summary statement doesn’t work because it’s not tailored to the job, it doesn’t provide enough detail, and it doesn’t include keywords.
Resume summary vs. resume objective
When writing your resume, you can choose between a professional summary and a resume objective to introduce yourself to the hiring manager.
While both are positioned at the top of your resume and showcase your most significant qualifications, a professional summary is better suited for those with experience in their field.
In contrast, a resume objective is an excellent alternative for career changers or entry-level candidates with a limited job history. An objective statement focuses more on your career goals and less on what you've already achieved, for example:
Why Use a Professional Summary
A professional summary offers hiring managers a snapshot of who you are and what you bring to the table. Here are some of the key benefits of adding a summary to your resume:
- Making a strong first impression: A resume summary is often the first section a hiring manager reads and sets the tone for the rest of your resume.
- Highlighting key qualifications: You can briefly showcase your most relevant qualifications, skills, and achievements. This is particularly useful in catching the attention of hiring managers who often scan resumes.
- Tailoring your application: A customized resume summary demonstrates to employers that you've read the job posting and that your skills and experiences are a good match.
- Showcasing your professional brand: It provides an opportunity to present the unique combination of skills, experiences, and values you bring to the table. This can differentiate you from other candidates.
- Tying together your career narrative: For job seekers with diverse or extensive work histories, a resume summary can effectively tie together different aspects of their career into a cohesive narrative, making it easier for employers to see how their past experiences are relevant to the job at hand.
- Grabbing attention: In a competitive job market, a well-written summary can capture a hiring manager's interest and increase your chances of being noticed.
How to Write a Professional Summary for a Resume
STEP 1
Follow a tried and true formula
Writing a resume summary can be a streamlined process when you follow a specific template.
Use this template to ensure your resume summary is top-notch:
STEP 2
Choose a descriptive word
Start by selecting an adjective that accurately describes your professional demeanor or approach. These could be words like "Dynamic," "Innovative," "Dedicated," or "Experienced." This word should set the tone for the summary and immediately capture the hiring manager's attention.
STEP 3
State your job title
Mention your current or most recent job title. This helps the hiring manager quickly understand your professional level and area of expertise. For instance, "software developer," "marketing manager," or "human resources specialist."
STEP 4
Indicate your experience level
Briefly note your level of experience. Terms like "entry-level," "mid-level," "senior," or "seasoned" can be used. This provides a quick understanding of where you are in your career path.
STEP 5
Summarize your work experience
Concisely describe your relevant work experience. Focus on the types of roles or industries you've worked in. For instance, use phrases like "with 5+ years in the tech industry" or "specializing in nonprofit sector management."
STEP 6
Highlight your skills
Pick out key skills that are particularly relevant to the job you're applying for. These could be technical skills, soft skills, or a combination of both. For example, "skilled in project management and team leadership" or "proficient in Python and data analysis."
STEP 7
Showcase a key achievement
Conclude with a notable achievement or contribution. This should be a measurable or significant milestone demonstrating your capability and impact. For example, "increased sales by 30% in 1 year" or "successfully led a team to deliver a critical project on time and under budget."
Your finished resume summary might read:
Innovative marketing manager with 7+ years of experience in the digital advertising space. Skilled in strategic planning, campaign execution, and social media analytics. Led initiatives that drove a 40% increase in online engagement over 2 years. Strong track record of using data to optimize performance and build brand visibility across digital channels.
Remember to tailor your summary to reflect your experience and how it aligns with the specific job you're applying for. This template serves as a guideline; your summary should be tailored to accurately reflect your professional background.
Need inspiration? Check out our library of resume examples to see how other job seekers in your industry write their resume summaries.
Resume Summary Examples by Strength
Each of these general resume summary examples focuses on one key aspect of the candidate's credentials that accurately showcases why they're the right fit for the role.
Highlighting certifications
Highly organized, certified administrative professional with 7 years of experience providing managerial support to C-suite executives in Fortune 500 companies. Demonstrated success in creating processes that boost operational efficiency. Adept at streamlining office operations and maintaining excellent communication with diverse teams.
Why this secretary's resume summary works:
- Displays the candidate's most substantial qualifications, such as their CAP certification, in the first sentence
- Emphasizes specific administrative skills by explaining how the job candidate used them
- Shows the types of people and companies they support
Focusing on in-demand skills
Dynamic cook with extensive experience in high-volume restaurants, excelling in fast-paced, high-pressure environments. Skilled in menu development, ingredient sourcing, and creating visually stunning, high-quality dishes. A collaborative team player who inspires and motivates colleagues while maintaining the ability to work independently. Committed to delivering exceptional dining experiences with a strong focus on food safety, quality control, and customer satisfaction.
Why this cook resume summary works:
- Uses descriptive words to showcase the applicant’s skills
- Specifies the kind of restaurants and people the candidate has experience with
- Explains that the job seeker can work well alone and with others
Showcasing quantifiable accomplishments
Results-driven customer service representative with 5+ years of experience in retail, recognized for delivering exceptional customer experiences and resolving conflicts effectively. Achieved a 25% increase in customer retention through prompt and efficient complaint resolution. Promoted to lead associate for consistently exceeding sales targets and maintaining a 95% customer satisfaction score.
Why this customer service representative resume summary works:
- Conveys that the job seeker has strong interpersonal skills
- Prominently displays two measurable achievements
- Shows professional development within the company
Emphasizing career history
Compassionate and multilingual registered nurse with over 15 years of extensive experience providing exceptional care in home and hospital settings. Expertise in wound care, chronic illness management, and acute care, with a track record of delivering high-quality outcomes for diverse patient populations. A seasoned leader skilled in supervising and mentoring junior nurses, nursing aides, and interns, ensuring consistent adherence to best practices and patient safety standards.
Why this registered nurse resume summary works:
- Emphasizes the candidate's lengthy career history
- Displays specialized nursing knowledge
- Calls attention to language and leadership skills
Describing job-relevant awards
Award-winning elementary teacher with 10 years of experience teaching 3 classes of 25 second-grade students in a public school setting. Recognized for excellent communication skills and innovative lesson planning aligned with city, state, and federal standards. Earned Teacher of the Year for spearheading an after-school tutoring program that boosted reading comprehension rates by 70%. Dedicated to fostering student growth and academic achievement through creativity and personalized learning strategies.
Why this elementary teacher resume summary works:
- Leverages the candidate's awards to underscore their suitability for the role
- Uses action-oriented language to describe achievements
- Shows how many students the job seeker has taught
Try our free AI Resume Summary Generator to instantly get a summary customized to your target job and level of experience.
Resume Summary Examples by Career Level
The following examples demonstrate how to effectively highlight your experience level, which is particularly useful when the job requires a minimum amount of experience or when applying for a managerial position.
Entry-level candidates
Resourceful pharmacy technician with 1 year of clinical and educational experience with prescriptions, automatic dispensing machine troubleshooting, and project management. Forward-thinking team player with expertise in business operations who completed the National Pharmacy Technician Certification exam in FY14. Enthusiastic retail and hospital specialist seeking to leverage background into a pharmacy technician role with a progressive organization.
Mid-career candidates
Committed graphic designer with 4 years of experience helping organizations craft innovative web designs. Ambitiously handled pivotal design support and administrative tasks. Diligently assisted with website production and digital marketing. Excelled at collaborating on critical projects and document drafts. Well-versed in HTML, WordPress, and Adobe Creative Suite.
Nurturing nanny with 5+ years of providing personalized care to children ranging from infants to school-aged. Skilled in creating engaging activities that promote learning and development while ensuring a safe and loving environment. Recognized for fostering strong relationships with children and parents and praised for dependability, patience, and excellent communication skills. Certified in CPR and first aid, committed to ensuring the well-being and growth of every child under my care.
Experienced candidates
Creative and client-focused writer offering an eight-year background successfully developing and producing business-generating content for organizations, such as Procter & Gamble and L'Oréal. Meticulous marketing and advertising strategist with a proven record of delivering compelling and unique copy, adhering to strict budgets, and achieving project deadlines. Highly organized, proactive, and punctual with a team-oriented mentality.
Senior engineer with over 10 years of expertise in designing, developing, and implementing complex engineering solutions. Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, optimize processes, and deliver projects on time and within budget. Skilled in CAD and MATLAB, and experienced in managing large-scale projects from concept to completion. Known for solving challenging technical problems, ensuring compliance with industry standards, and contributing to innovative and scalable solutions.
Leadership-focused candidates
Effective Agile project manager and problem-solver with 12 years of experience leading cross-functional teams, developing processes, and managing workflows for various projects, including new high-technology applications, software program development, and website deployment. Proven track record of consistent on-time delivery, collaborative leadership style, and innovative processes. Awarded Agile Leader of the Year in 2020 and 2021.
Resume Summary Examples by Job Title
Resume summaries should be tailored to your job title and industry. Below, you’ll find resume summary examples organized by role to help you quickly identify what hiring managers look for in candidates with similar experience.
Accounting manager
Results-driven accounting manager with 7+ years of experience overseeing accounting operations, financial reporting, and compliance in fast-paced environments. Expertise in managing accounting teams, streamlining processes, and ensuring accuracy in financial statements, budgeting, and forecasting. Skilled in leveraging accounting software and advanced Excel functions to drive efficiencies and deliver timely financial insights. Proven ability to maintain regulatory compliance, minimize financial risk, and implement best practices that support business growth.
Interested in more information? View our accounting manager resume examples for details.
Acute care nurse
Committed and empathic acute care nurse with 12 years of hands-on experience in critical care facilities. Provide complex clinical assessments, diagnostic testing, and medical therapy for patients with various acute illnesses. Comfortable relaying difficult information and providing emotional support to families. Highly proficient in case management, medication administration, and patient education.
Interested in more information? View our acute care nurse resume examples for details.
AutoCAD drafter
Methodical AutoCAD drafter who is highly skilled at creating accurate renderings in high-volume, demanding environments. Driven to cultivate productive relationships between disciplines to facilitate communication and project completion. Adept at producing high-quality plans, schematics, blueprints, and component details.
Interested in more information? View our AutoCAD drafter resume examples for details.
Caregiver
Responsible and compassionate caregiver who understands how to balance patients’ and organizations’ needs. Experienced in medication distribution and able to follow medical instructions precisely. Certified for basic first aid and CPR. Adept at monitoring each patient’s health and providing a gentle approach to patients’ needs.
Interested in more information? View our caregiver resume examples for details.
Cashier
Hardworking and detail-oriented cashier with expertise in drawer management, POS systems, refund handling, and inventory control. Multitasking and reliable professional in customer service, promoting sales, keeping the store organized, and processing transactions. Creative and attentive problem-solver committed to enhancing customers’ experience.
Interested in more information? View our cashier resume examples for details.
Catering server
Professional and personable catering server with 3 years of experience serving large-scale events of 800+ people for an upscale events company. Recognized for creating fun and relaxing experiences for guests. Proficiently handles multiple courses and cocktails. Flexible schedule.
Interested in more information? View our catering server resume examples for details.
Civil engineering intern
Driven civil engineering intern with hands-on experience in construction and in-depth knowledge of civil engineering principles and tools. Dedicated worker with outstanding communication. Bilingual in Chinese and English.
Interested in more information? View our civil engineering intern resume examples for details.
Construction worker
Reliable construction worker with experience in residential and commercial construction projects for over 18 years. Exceptional problem-solver adept at plumbing and carpentry, specializing in roof repairs and installation. Safely operates various heavy-duty construction equipment. Certified in OSHA's Safety and Health Fundamentals.
Interested in more information? View our construction worker resume examples for details.
Counselor
Diligent counselor exercising competency in broad subject-matter counseling therapies, including substance abuse, grief, and domestic violence. Knowledgeable in youth and adolescent development, including social, behavioral, emotional, and cognitive strategies. Focused on facilitating the exploration of issues and developing individualized plans.
Interested in more information? View our counselor resume examples for details.
Dishwasher
Quick and efficient dishwasher with 8+ years of experience in fast-paced kitchen environments. Proficient in operating and cleaning equipment, using chemicals, and maintaining clean, organized dishes. Focused on maintaining strict controls to protect customers.
Interested in more information? View our dishwasher resume examples for details.
Data entry clerk
Data entry clerk with 3 years of experience, accurately maintaining records and updating account information for a financial services firm. Razor-sharp eye for detail and adept at Microsoft Word and Excel. Continually seek ways to improve processes and develop solutions across all departments.
Interested in more information? View our data entry clerk resume examples for details.
Doctor
A veteran doctor who champions family-focused care and goes the extra mile to provide complete service. Diagnoses and educates patients about medical concerns while implementing evidence-based treatment plans. Skilled in working under pressure, assessing conditions, conducting tests, and performing minor procedures.
Interested in more information? View our doctor resume examples for details.
Entertainment director
Creative entertainment director with 10 years of hands-on filmmaking experience in hundreds of productions. A diligent and technologically savvy leader with high standards for impeccable results. Adept at story pitching, video production, script review, and budgeting. Empathic advocate for creative and production staff.
Interested in more information? View our entertainment director resume examples for details.
Esthetician
Multifaceted esthetician with 8 years of experience in skin rejuvenation, body scrubs, and facials. Won sales award in 2021 for breaking sales records at a busy salon. Demonstrated ability to build strong relationships with clients. Achieved a 98% customer satisfaction rate 3 years in a row.
Interested in more information? View our esthetician resume examples for details.
Massage therapist
Attentive and knowledgeable massage therapist with a 5-year track record of solid customer service and a knack for building relationships. Experienced in a wide range of massage techniques, including deep tissue, Shiatsu, and trigger point.
Interested in more information? View our massage therapist resume examples for details.
Nursing aide
Organized and dependable nursing aide successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Skilled in patient care, transportation, and equipment assembly. Familiar with working in highly stressful and hectic environments and managing disoriented and combative patients.
Interested in more information? View our nursing aide resume examples for details.
Operations manager
Results-oriented operations manager offering 18 years of high-level experience supervising workover and completion operations. Familiar with human resources and adept at directing the work of completion consultants and completion supervisors in operational functions, including inventory management and warehousing. Directly trained and managed 6 supervisors while leading a total staff of 75 team members—successfully introducing lean manufacturing to increase productivity and cut completion costs.
Interested in more information? View our operations manager resume examples for details.
Outside-sales representative
Motivated and accomplished outside sales representative adept at building relationships with customers, negotiating deals, and closing sales. Detail-oriented self-starter with a track record of exceeding sales goals.
Interested in more information? View our outside sales representative resume examples for details.
Payroll specialist
Highly communicative and customer service-oriented payroll specialist with more than 8 years of expertise in auditing payroll data and processing garnishments. An action-oriented professional proficient in ADP processing and Kronos. Process and transmit payroll for over 3,000 employees, in multiple states, on a biweekly and weekly basis. Employees' pay included hourly, salary, and union.
Interested in more information? View our payroll specialist resume examples for details.
Personal trainer
Spirited NCSF Certified personal trainer with 7 years of experience training and motivating clients in weight loss and management. Design classes to match the skill and learning levels of all participants. Highly adept in personal program development and individual life and body assessments. Additional expertise in youth athletic conditions with a focus on strength training.
Interested in more information? View our personal trainer resume examples for details.
Receptionist
Outgoing and friendly receptionist delivering exceptional customer service and administrative excellence, including clerical support and public interaction. Excels in calendar management, Google Calendar, Microsoft Surface Studio, scheduling, data entry, and database administration. Capable of answering and quickly redirecting up to 100 daily calls, accomplishing business goals.
Interested in more information? View our receptionist resume examples for details.
Retail sales associate
An energetic retail sales associate with excellent customer service, leadership, and teamwork skills. Proficient at merchandising and display, product knowledge, processing cash and card transactions, and boosting sales. Confident and persuasive with strong attention to detail and the ability to engage diverse customers and enhance brand loyalty and satisfaction.
Interested in more information? View our retail sales associate resume examples for details.
Restaurant server
Enthusiastic restaurant server with 5 years of experience working in busy eating establishments. Friendly and upbeat with strong organization, teamwork, and interpersonal skills. Reliable, punctual, and flexible professional with multitasking and planning abilities. Promotes customer comfort and enhanced experiences by answering questions and responding to concerns.
Interested in more information? View our restaurant server resume examples for details.
Sales representative
Organized and hardworking sales representative with a solid history of exceeding sales goals, growing business, and expanding territories. Experienced in project management, account service, lead prospecting, strategic planning, network development, and retention strategies. An accomplished negotiator with excellent customer service, research, and conflict resolution skills. Focused on maximizing efficiency and sales success.
Interested in more information? View our sales representative resume examples for details.
Social worker
A compassionate and driven licensed social worker with solid experience working with diverse populations. Skilled in case management, crisis intervention, data collection and management, referral and networking, and family reunification. Expertise in behavioral intervention plans (BIP) and a deep understanding of human behavior to guide clients and communities in need.
Interested in more information? View our social worker resume examples for details.
Teacher
A hardworking and passionate teacher with experience in classroom management, professional development, and project planning covering a wide range of subjects. Clear and effective communicator, highly skilled at motivating students through positive encouragement and reinforcement of concepts via interactive classroom instruction and innovative lesson planning. Successful in helping students develop strong literacy, numeracy, social skills, and learning abilities.
Interested in more information? View our teacher resume examples for details.
Translator
Detail-oriented translator with a highly developed understanding of the Chinese language and culture. Skilled in quickly and accurately translating written documents and audio recordings. Excellent listening and communication skills with an organized and systematic approach. Over 6 years of related expertise.
Interested in more information? View our translator resume examples for details.
Yoga instructor
Skilled and certified yoga instructor with the ability to build effective relationships with students of all backgrounds and skill levels. Hardworking, dedicated, and supportive with excellent communication and problem-solving abilities. Well-versed in compliance requirements, safety, and customer service management. A caring, patient, and observant leader with an educational style.
Interested in more information? View our yoga instructor resume examples for details.
Browse our fully customizable resume templates, designed with ATS formatting in mind, to ensure your resume meets industry standards.
Key Takeaways
- A resume summary is your first chance to tell the recruiter why you’re the best fit for the job. It summarizes your top achievements and skills relevant to the target job.
- Keep your professional summary short. It should be no more than four sentences.
- Tailor each resume summary statement to your target job using keywords and phrases from the job description.
- A professional summary should follow this formula: [Descriptive word] [Your job title] [Experience level] [Work experience] [Skills] [Achievement].
FAQ
Do you need a summary on a resume?
Including a resume summary is not a strict requirement. Still, it is often recommended. It will be the first thing the recruiter or hiring manager sees, making it an excellent tool to grab their attention.
Professionals with five years or more of work experience benefit significantly from a summary statement, as it allows them to highlight their career achievements and skills.
Ultimately, whether to include a resume summary should be based on how well it can enhance the job application, making the candidate’s qualifications and fit for the role clearer to potential employers.
What is a good summary statement for a resume?
A good resume summary enhances your job application by succinctly showcasing your most relevant qualifications and experiences. Key elements of a strong resume summary include:
- Conciseness: Make it easier for hiring managers to scan with only three to four sentences.
- Relevance: Include keywords to align closely with the job description.
- Clarity: Be specific about your experiences and achievements. For example, instead of saying “experienced in sales,” say “experienced in B2B sales with a track record of exceeding targets.”
- Strong adjectives and action words: Use dynamic and specific language to create a more impactful and vivid description of your professional background.
- Quantifiable achievements: Whenever possible, include quantifiable achievements (like percentages, numbers, or awards) to provide concrete evidence of your capabilities and successes.
- Professional focus: Avoid personal details that don’t pertain to your professional qualifications.
- Career highlights: Mention any noteworthy aspects of your career, such as major projects, promotions, or unique skills that set you apart.
- Professional tone: Maintain a professional tone and language that reflects your industry or the type of job you are applying for.
A good resume summary not only grabs the attention of employers but also effectively communicates why you are a strong candidate for the position, setting the tone for the rest of your resume.
What should I include in my resume summary?
Keep your resume summary concise, focused, and professional. Here are a few guidelines on what to include:
- Professional title and experience: Start with your current professional title or your target role. Briefly state your experience level, such as “Seasoned Graphic Designer” or “Junior Data Analyst.”
- Key skills and expertise: Highlight the most relevant skills to the job. These could be technical skills, soft skills, or industry-specific knowledge. For example, “Expertise in Adobe Creative Suite and visual branding.”
- Major achievements or contributions: Mention one or two significant career achievements relevant to the position. Use quantifiable data if possible, like “Increased sales by 30% through targeted social media marketing.”
- Unique qualifiers or characteristics: Include any factors that may set you apart from other candidates. This could be a special certification, language proficiency, or an aspect of your professional background that’s particularly relevant.
Remember, your resume summary should be tailored to each job application, reflecting how your skills and experiences align with what the employer is looking for. Keep it concise, focused, and professional.
Should I write a resume summary or objective as a student?
For student resumes, a resume objective is a more suitable option than a resume summary.
An objective statement focuses on what the student aims to achieve and learn in their desired role, rather than on work experiences they don’t yet have. It’s more about the student’s goals and how they align with the opportunities the employer offers. For example:
“Enthusiastic and dedicated recent high school graduate seeking an entry-level position in digital marketing. Eager to apply knowledge of social media platforms and keen interest in content creation to contribute to the success of a dynamic marketing team. Committed to learning and growth in a hands-on environment.”
What is a good CV summary example?
CVs and resumes have similar layouts, so your summary statement remains at the top of your CV. CVs tend to be longer and more detailed, so you can go in-depth when writing your professional summary. Here’s an example:
Accomplished molecular biology researcher with over 10 years of experience conducting groundbreaking research on cellular processes, genetic mechanisms, and molecular interactions. Proficient in advanced laboratory techniques such as PCR, CRISPR, DNA sequencing, protein expression analysis, and cell culture. Published extensively in high-impact, peer-reviewed journals and presented findings at international conferences. Skilled in managing interdisciplinary projects, mentoring junior researchers, and fostering collaborative research environments. Successfully secured competitive grant funding to drive large-scale studies, contributing to molecular biology and biotechnology advancements.
Our complete writing guide lets you learn more about crafting an effective CV.
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How to Write a Resume Summary (Examples & Guide)
Natalia is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and member of the Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches. She is committed to helping job seekers navigate the job market and succeed in their careers.
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