How do I write a professional summary for my resume?

When you apply for a job, your resume is usually the first thing employers see. So, how can you make sure it stands out among many other applicants? One of the most important parts of your resume is the professional summary.

It's like your elevator pitch to grab the attention of a recruiter or hiring manager. Ready to learn what it takes for it to stand out?

A professional summary is a short paragraph included at the beginning of your resume that lets the employers understand:

• Who you are.

• What you bring to their organization.

• What you want to achieve.

A professional summary:

• Introduces you to potential employers quickly.

• Highlights your strengths and relevant skills.

• Gives employers a reason to keep reading your resume.

• Helps set the tone for the rest of your resume.

• Highlights your significant accomplishments.

• Helps you target keywords used in a job listing.

Step 1

Start with an adjective that best describes your professional attitude and introduce your job title, field, or key experience in the first statement.

Example: "A motivated analyst with a Master's in Biochemistry and five years of laboratory experience."

Step 2

Highlight the top 2-3 skills relevant to the job you are applying.

Example: "Skilled in data analysis, problem-solving, and working in team environments."

Step 3

Summarize your experience and highlight your key accomplishments.

Example: "Successfully led a team of 10 members to deliver a $1M project two weeks ahead of schedule."

Step 4:

Include a career goal that suits the position you're applying for.

Example: "Seeking to apply my project management skills to create an advanced project strategy for the organization."

Example: Complete Professional Summary

Dedicated program manager with over five years of experience in non-profit program development, community outreach, and fundraising. Skilled in program design and building strategic partnerships. Led end-to-end special projects, resulting in a 20% increase in community participation. Seeking to apply my expertise in program development to support impactful, mission-driven projects at your organization.

Meet Sophia George, a recent graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in graphic design. Sophia is applying for a position at Aurora Designs, a renowned agency known for its innovative design work.

Which of the following summaries would be most suitable for Sophia’s application?

A creative and detail-oriented graphic designer with practical experience in branding, digital design, and visual storytelling. Skilled in Adobe Creative Suite, typography, and user-centered design, with a portfolio showcasing innovative projects. Successfully led the redesign of the University of Fordish digital magazine, increasing readership engagement by 25%. Excited to bring a passion for creative problem-solving to elevate the visual identity at Aurora Designs.

A fresh design graduate, passionate about creativity and looking to make waves in the design field. I have learned how to use tools like Photoshop and Illustrator for my projects, and I am interested to learn more. At university, I led a project to redesign my college magazine. I am eager to join your company to help me grow my skills further and contribute meaningfully. I live close to your office and will be able to easily commute to work in person, as mentioned in the job posting. I hope to connect soon. Thank you!

Now that you know what goes into a professional summary, follow these additional tips:

• Tailor your professional summary and update your summary for each job you apply for.

• Start your sentences with strong action verbs like "managed", "developed" and "implemented".

• Focus on your professional strengths to get readers' attention.

• Proofread to check grammar, spelling, and sentence structure.

• Research templates and samples of resumes and professional summaries for the industry and region that you're looking to find a job in.

• Use AI tools to help you create a professional summary (and resume). Grammarly, ChatGPT, Wonsulting, and Jobscan are just a few examples.

Now it's your turn to create your professional summary!