How to Write a Resume Summary: Examples & Expert Tips

Nowadays, many people use resume summary generators, but writing your own summary can still offer a different impact and leave a good impression. So, what makes a good summary for a resume?

In this guide, we will show how to create a summary that highlights key skills, demonstrates value, and captures the hiring manager's attention, with practical examples to help stand out.

What is a resume summary?

A resume summary, or career profile, is a short, strong opening statement that highlights relevant skills, experience, and achievements. It is often placed at the top of the resume, above the work history, and consists of two to three sentences. The goal of a resume summary statement is to help hiring managers quickly see the most relevant qualifications.

For example, an IT specialist may have a summary like this: "IT specialist with 5+ years of experience in network administration, cybersecurity, and technical support, recognized for improving system efficiency and reducing downtime."

However, keep in mind that the content of the summary can vary depending on career level, industry, and target role, which will be discussed in the next section.

How to write a resume summary: steps

As mentioned, a good resume summary should be two to three sentences, but there are other important points to keep in mind. Here is how to write a resume summary in a few steps:

1. Do your research: Look at job descriptions for positions you're interested in and make a list of the common skills and qualifications they require. Let's say many listings mention project management and leadership skills; add them to the resume summary.
2. Assess your experience: Identify your own skills, experiences, and achievements that match what the jobs are looking for. For example, ...managed a team of five to deliver projects ahead of schedule.
3. Draft your points: Write short phrases or bullet points that highlight these skills and accomplishments. Phrases like Proven track record for increasing sales by 20% or Key skills include project management, data analysis, and client relations work well.
4. Create an opening sentence: Start with a sentence that describes your professional role, such as Accomplished marketing executive with over 10 years of experience in brand development and digital strategy.
5. Refine and edit: Combine the points into a concise, impactful statement. The finished summary may look like this: Accomplished marketing executive with over 10 years of experience in brand development and digital strategy. Proven track record for increasing sales by 20% and leading successful campaigns for global brands.

Resume summary examples by category

Now that you know how to create a compelling summary, here are some resume summary examples by category to help you impress the hiring manager for the job you applied for:

Summary for resume for freshers

• Example 1
  Energetic and detail-oriented business graduate with strong analytical skills and a solid foundation in data management and reporting. Eager to contribute fresh ideas and a strong work ethic to a dynamic team.
• Example 2
  Recent graduate in engineering with hands-on experience from designing a solar-powered water pump in a capstone project. Recognized for problem-solving abilities and teamwork, resulting in the project being selected for a campus innovation award.

Summary for resume with no experience

• Example 1
  Highly motivated individual with excellent organizational and communication skills developed through leading community volunteer events. Coordinated a charity drive that collected over 500 items for local shelters.
• Example 2
  Dependable team player with a passion for customer service, proven ability and reliability from part-time work in a family business. Helped improve customer satisfaction ratings by assisting with faster order fulfillment.

Resume summary examples for young adults

• Example 1
  Ambitious professional with two years of part-time experience in retail and hospitality. Consistently exceeded sales targets by 10% while maintaining high customer satisfaction scores. Skilled at managing multiple responsibilities in busy environments.
• Example 2
  Creative problem-solver with experience in social media content creation and event coordination. Increased online engagement for a local event by 35% through targeted campaigns and community outreach.

Resume summary examples for students

• Example 1
  Computer science student with strong coding skills in Python and Java. Developed a mobile app that won second place in a regional coding competition. Passionate about building efficient, user-friendly applications.
• Example 2
  Undergraduate marketing student with leadership experience as president of the campus marketing club. Led a team to execute a promotional campaign that boosted event attendance by 40%. Skilled in content creation and market research.

Resume summary examples for multiple jobs

Each resume summary depends on work history and the roles being applied for. Here are a few examples of resume summaries for different professions:

Customer service representative

Dedicated professional with 5 years of experience resolving customer inquiries and complaints. Consistently maintained a 95% customer satisfaction rating by improving response time and delivering personalized service.

IT technician

Detail-oriented IT technician experienced in troubleshooting, system maintenance, and user support. Reduced downtime by 20% through proactive monitoring and quick response to technical issues. Proficient in technical skills related to supporting both hardware and software systems.

Project manager

Results-driven project manager with a history of completing multiple projects on time and within scope. Skilled in social media analytics and experienced working in professional settings. Led cross-functional teams of up to 15 members, improving efficiency by introducing agile workflows.

Sales specialist

Goal-oriented sales specialist with 6 years of experience in retail and B2B sales. Increased annual revenue by 15% through targeted strategies and effective client relationship management. Skilled in product presentations, upselling, and closing deals.

Registered nurse

Dedicated registered nurse with experience in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. Skilled in patient assessment, care planning, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to ensure quality treatment and support.

Do's and don'ts when writing a professional summary for resume

To ensure a strong first impression, here are some do's and don'ts when writing a strong resume summary:

Do:

• Keep it to 2-3 lines on the page.
• Combine the most relevant qualifications into a clear summary that connects experiences to the role.
• Use words and phrases from the job description or industry.

Don't:

• Make it longer than 3 lines; if it is, consider a "Summary of Qualifications" or "Professional Highlights" section in bullet points.
• Repeat basic information already included in the sections below.
• Write in the first-person voice ("I," "me," "my"). For example: Instead of "I am a creative Mechanical Engineering major...," write "Creative Mechanical Engineering major..."

Knowing how to write a resume summary is an important skill. Technology and AI can help create one, but writing it yourself makes sure it shows your true strengths and goals. This makes your resume stand out. Remember, it's best to explain your value clearly in your own words.