A resume summary is simply part of the resume that says “I am who you are looking for, and more” to the recruiting panel. Thus, it should be the part of your resume that should stand out yet be brief. In a resume, a resume summary should be at the top parts just below the contact information. In this way, recruiters will not have to go through Almost half the resume to get to the part that best sells you.
Why do you need one?
On average, recruiters take almost three minutes perusing through your curriculum vitae, this means that you will need sparkling material that best defines your qualification for the particular vacancy. Resume summary can also be important when;
- You want to put across set of skills you have that can be transferred to the new job
- If you are a professional that has a diversified career history and want to indicate specific skills
- If you are a new entrant that needs to specify what you can do best, especially graduates who are entering the job market
- It is an indication of one’s professional objectives
A resume summary stands out than a resume objective as it indicates what you are good at doing and what you enjoy doing. On the other hand, a resume objective is information that is necessary when you are applying for a job that will mean a career change.
How to write a resume summary?
Before writing one, you should brainstorm on your career background and pick the highlights. Remember it should be brief, therefore, you have to include highlights only. You will want to talk about your passion able parts in your career and what you can do better than anybody else that may apply for the position.
The resume summary should also be a reflection of what is included in the job posts, what the employer is looking for. A good resume summary should also include keywords that are used to write the posts so that you actually capture the eye of recruiters.
Resume Summary Examples
CR (Client Relations) Summary Example
Information Management Summary Example
Summary for Legal Administration
Paralegal Summary Example
Summary Example for Project Manager
Summary Example for Regional Sales Director
Resume Summary for Administrative Professionals
Resume Summary for CEO
What a powerful resume summary looks like?
A powerful summary is brief and precise to the point. Should begin in a title that is written in bold so that it stands out before three or five sentences that best describes who you are. However, do not include points that explain why you need the job as this will only lose the attention of the employers.
Don’ts of a resume summary
- Do not write a lengthy summary as it will only hide key points and scare away readers.
- Avoid including ordinary skill, for instance, good at working with clients.
- Avoid first person pronouns and instead include what you can deliver on the side of the company you want to employ you.
- Do not use a single resume summary for different jobs but instead customize for every vacancy application.
Related: What a good resume cover letter looks like?
Final thoughts
A resume summary is the first impression that you make to your potential employers. Just like the first handshake, you have to be careful not to discourage them from wanting to work with you. Thus, it should be designed to focus on your best parts in your career and what you can bring on board.
