Conflicting advice is common when it comes to resume writing, especially about the opening statement. Job seekers often question whether to include a summary, an objective, or nothing at all. This guide will help you understand what a resume summary is and determine if it’s the right choice for your professional circumstances.
What is a Resume Summary?
A resume summary is a short, powerful introduction at the top of your resume, typically three to five sentences that act as a professional pitch. Think of it as a movie trailer for your career, meant to grab a recruiter’s attention. The primary purpose is to quickly highlight your most relevant qualifications, experience, and key achievements.
This section provides a concise overview of your professional background and what you bring to the table. The summary statement uses your work history to demonstrate why you are the best fit for the specific role by focusing on the employer’s needs. A well-crafted summary can be the difference between a cursory glance and a thorough read of your resume.
Resume Summary vs Resume Objective
A resume objective is a statement that outlines your career goals and what you are looking for in a job. It focuses on your aspirations and how the position you are applying for fits into your professional development. In contrast, a resume summary highlights your skills and experiences, showcasing what you can contribute to the company.
While an objective centers on what you want from an employer, a summary focuses on what you can do for them. The modern preference is for a resume summary because it immediately demonstrates your value. An objective can come across as self-serving, while a summary positions you as a problem-solver.
When a Resume Summary is Beneficial
Experienced Professionals
For those with a long and varied career, a resume summary is an excellent tool. It allows you to distill years of experience into a few impactful sentences. Instead of forcing a recruiter to sift through a lengthy work history, you can present your most significant accomplishments and skills upfront.
Career Changers
If you are transitioning to a new industry, a resume summary can bridge the gap between your past experience and your future goals. It provides a space to connect your transferable skills to the requirements of the new role. This helps you frame your background for a hiring manager who may not immediately see the relevance of your previous jobs.
Candidates with Specialized Skills
For individuals with highly specialized or technical skills, a resume summary can be particularly advantageous. It allows you to immediately highlight your expertise in a specific area. By placing these skills at the very top of your resume, you can capture the attention of recruiters looking for candidates with your specific skill set.
People Returning to the Workforce
A resume summary can be a strategic tool for individuals re-entering the workforce after a period of absence. It allows you to frame your experience and address any potential employment gaps in a positive light. You can use the summary to emphasize your relevant skills and reaffirm your commitment to your career.
When to Omit a Resume Summary
Entry-Level Candidates and Recent Graduates
For those just starting their careers, a resume summary may not be the best choice. Recent graduates and entry-level candidates often lack the extensive experience needed to write a compelling summary. In such cases, a resume objective might be more appropriate to highlight your skills, education, and enthusiasm.
Applying for an Internal Position
When you are applying for a promotion or a different role within your current company, a resume summary is often unnecessary. Your audience already knows you and your work. Instead, you can use that space to highlight specific accomplishments that are relevant to the new position.
When the Resume is Already Highly Targeted
If your resume is already highly tailored to a specific job, a summary might be redundant because your work experience and skills may speak for themselves. A generic or poorly written summary is always worse than no summary at all. If you cannot create a summary that adds significant value, it is better to leave it out.
How to Write an Effective Resume Summary
To write an effective resume summary, start with a strong professional title or adjective that describes you. This should be followed by the number of years of experience you have in your field. This gives the reader a sense of your professional standing.
Next, list two or three of your most important skills that are relevant to the job you are applying for. It is important to tailor these skills to the specific requirements mentioned in the job description. This shows the employer that you have taken the time to understand their needs and have the qualifications they are looking for.
Include a quantifiable achievement to make your summary more impactful. For example, instead of saying you “improved sales,” you could say you “increased revenue by 15%.” This provides concrete evidence of your abilities and accomplishments.
Finally, review the job description for keywords and incorporate them into your summary. Many companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to screen resumes, and including relevant keywords can help your resume get past these initial screenings. A summary tailored to the job description increases your chances of landing an interview.
Resume Summary Examples
A weak summary is generic and lacks specific details. For example: “A hardworking professional looking for a challenging new role where I can use my skills to help the company succeed.” This statement is vague, could apply to anyone, and provides no real information about the candidate’s qualifications.
A strong summary is specific, quantified, and tailored to the job. For example: “A results-driven marketing manager with over 8 years of experience in the tech industry. Skilled in SEO, content strategy, and data analysis. Successfully increased organic website traffic by 40% in the last year.” This is effective because it states the candidate’s experience, skills, and a measurable achievement.