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Think about where you begin to read anything, from a book, to a recipe. You begin at the top, reading left to right, correct?
Now, think about how you feel when the first part of a new book, report, or recipe begins with a bunch of generic, boring, nonsense. I think there are lots of memes and internet comments about how food bloggers love to start their recipes with paragraphs upon paragraphs about how great their dog or mother-in-law is.
You don’t want to start your resume with the equivalent of a snore-fest story about your mother-in-law or dog…no matter how cute either of them may be. Starting your resume off with an impressive, engaging bang is your goal for writing a compelling summary.
A professional summary is a brief statement at the top of your resume that highlights your skills, experiences, and achievements. It’s one of the first things a hiring manager will see, and it’s important to make it compelling and impactful. In this blog post, we’ll discuss how to write a professional summary on a resume that will make you stand out from the competition.
Here’s an example of a professional summary that we wrote for a man who was seeking to secure a management position in another company. Study the example and then look at how we achieved each of the following tips in this example:
Start with a strong opening statement
The first sentence of your professional summary should grab the reader’s attention and make them want to keep reading. Start with a statement that highlights your most impressive skill or accomplishment. For example, “Award-winning sales professional with a track record of exceeding quotas” or “Innovative marketing strategist with a passion for driving results.”
Focus on your key skills and experiences
Your professional summary should provide a snapshot of your skills and experiences that are most relevant to the job you’re applying for. Identify the key skills and experiences that are listed in the job description and highlight them in your summary. For example, “Skilled in project management, data analysis, and stakeholder communication” or “Extensive experience in software development, including expertise in Java and Python.”
Quantify your achievements
One of the most effective ways to demonstrate your value is to quantify your achievements. Use numbers and percentages to show how you’ve made a positive impact in your previous roles. For example, “Increased sales revenue by 25% through targeted marketing campaigns” or “Reduced project completion time by 30% through improved processes and automation.”
Keep it concise
Your professional summary should be no more than 3-4 sentences long. Keep it concise and to the point, focusing on the most important information. Avoid using jargon or technical terms that may not be familiar to the reader.
Tailor it to the job you’re applying for
Your professional summary should be customized to the job you’re applying for. Review the job description carefully and identify the key skills and experiences that are required for the role. Use these as a guide to tailor your summary and highlight how you meet the requirements of the job.
Remember: your professional summary is your first opportunity to make a strong first impression and showcase your skills and experiences. By following these tips, you can create a professional summary that will grab the reader’s attention and make them want to learn more about you.
