When you’re applying for a job, you want to make yourself stand out from the hundreds of other applicants. You want your skills to shine and your expertise to be put on full display. You want to quickly show why you’re the perfect candidate for the job.
A resume summary can help you achieve all of these goals.
In this guide, we’ll discuss how to write a resume summary and provide 11 CV summary ideas to inspire you. We’ll also give you templates and tools to help you create powerful resumes and compelling resume summaries.
What is a resume summary and why does it matter?
A resume summary (or CV summary) is a brief statement that highlights your relevant skills, experiences, and achievements. It’s a snapshot of who you are professionally and all that you’ve achieved.
Over the years, you’ve probably developed a long list of skills and qualifications. These skills and qualifications are what make you the perfect candidate for certain jobs. A resume summary is a 30,000-foot view of you as a professional, providing a quick encapsulation of those skills and qualifications.
A summary is typically placed at the top of your resume where it can grab the immediate attention of potential employers.
Why is a resume summary so important?
It gets you noticed faster
Employers usually don’t have the time to read through every single resume in detail. After all, they’re wading through hundreds of resumes looking for just the right candidate for their open position. A well-written summary can quickly grab their attention and entice them to continue reading your resume.
It showcases your unique value proposition
Your resume summary is an opportunity to showcase what makes you stand out from other candidates. Use this section to highlight your key achievements, areas of expertise, or unique skills that make you the perfect fit for a particular job.
It sets the tone for your entire resume
A strong and compelling summary can set the tone for the rest of your resume. It can give employers a sense of your professional brand and what you bring to the table. When a potential employer sees a strong resume statement, it puts them in the mindset that you are a strong candidate.
It serves as a hook for the interviewer
A well-crafted summary can serve as a talking point during an interview. It gives the interviewer something to ask about and allows you to expand upon your skills and experiences in more detail.
It allows you to include specific keywords
Most job applications contain specific words that are job-specific. For example, a posting for an IT security job might include the phrase “data-driven” or something similar. Including these keywords in your summary can help you stand out as a qualified candidate for the role. It can also help your resume show up if an employer is using an Applicant Tracking System to automatically sort through resumes.
It can be tailored to fit different job postings
While your work experience and education may remain consistent, you can tailor your summary to highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant to each particular job opportunity. This shows employers that you’ve taken the time and effort to understand their needs and how you can meet them.
How to write a resume summary
There are several simple steps involved in crafting the perfect resume summary.
Step 1: Understand the job posting
Before you start writing, make sure you have a good understanding of the job requirements and responsibilities. This will help you tailor your summary to highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the position.
Step 2: Identify your unique selling points
Think about what sets you apart from other candidates, and include these strengths in your summary. Are you bilingual? Have experience working in a specific industry? These can be valuable assets to mention in your summary.
Step 3: Use strong action words
To make an impact with your resume summary, use strong action words such as “achieved,” “led,” or “implemented.” These words demonstrate confidence and leadership and can make your summary more engaging to potential employers.
Step 4: Keep it concise
Your resume summary should be brief and to the point, ideally no longer than 3-4 sentences. This will ensure that it is easy for employers to read and understand at a glance.
11 professional resume summary ideas for inspiration
Now that you know what goes into a good resume summary, here are 11 resume summary examples that can help guide you when you’re putting together your summary.
1. Marketing professional
“Results-driven marketing professional with 5 years of experience in the consumer goods industry. Proven track record in increasing sales and brand awareness through innovative digital marketing strategies. Bilingual in English and Spanish, with strong communication skills and a passion for delivering impactful campaigns.”
Why it’s good
This CV summary idea focuses on the candidate’s experience and achievements, highlighting their skills in digital marketing and bilingualism. It also includes specific results to demonstrate their success in previous roles.
2. Graphic designer
“Creative graphic designer with 3 years of experience in both agency and freelance settings. Skilled in Adobe Creative Suite, with a strong eye for design and expertise in branding and print media. Proven ability to meet tight deadlines while maintaining high-quality work.”
Why it’s good
It showcases the candidate’s technical skills as well as their ability to work independently. It also highlights their experience in different environments, which can be attractive to potential employers.
3. Human resources manager
“Experienced human resources manager with 8 years of experience in recruiting, employee relations, and performance management. Specializes in creating efficient HR processes and fostering a positive work culture. Skilled at building strong relationships with employees and effectively managing teams.”
Why it’s good
This resume summary idea focuses on the candidate’s specific areas of expertise, highlighting their skills in human resources management. It also mentions their ability to create a positive work culture, which can be valuable for companies looking for a team-oriented leader.
4. Sales representative
“Results-driven sales representative with 6 years of experience in B2B sales. Proven track record of exceeding sales goals and building lasting client relationships. Skilled in consultative selling techniques and knowledgeable in industry trends.”
Why it’s good
It highlights the candidate’s strong sales background and their ability to meet and surpass goals. It also discusses their skills in building relationships, which is important for maintaining long-term clients. Additionally, the mention of industry knowledge shows that they are well-informed and adaptable to changing market trends.
5. Marketing coordinator
“Marketing coordinator with 3 years of experience in developing and executing successful marketing campaigns. Skilled in market research, content creation, and social media management. Passionate about creating innovative strategies to increase brand awareness and drive sales.”
Why it’s good
It shows the candidate’s specific skills and experience in marketing, including their knowledge of market research and content creation. It also discusses being passionate about creating innovative strategies, which shows enthusiasm for the job and a willingness to think outside the box.
6. Software engineer
“Highly skilled software engineer with 10 years of experience in developing and implementing complex software applications. Able to code in multiple programming languages and experienced in full-stack development. Proven ability to lead and collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality products on time.”
Why it’s good
This resume summary idea displays the candidate’s extensive experience in software engineering and mentions their proficiency in various programming languages. The mention of full-stack development shows a well-rounded skillset and the ability to lead and collaborate with others highlights important teamwork skills.
7. Project manager
“Experienced project manager with 8 years of success leading large-scale projects from conception to completion. Skills include project planning, budget management, and team leadership. Proven track record of delivering projects on time and within budget while maintaining high-quality standards. Strong communication and problem-solving skills.”
Why it’s good
This summary provides a clear overview of the candidate’s experience as a project manager, highlighting their success in leading projects from start to finish. Including skills such as project planning, budget management, team leadership, and problem-solving demonstrate their abilities to handle various aspects of project management.
8. Social media manager
“Experienced social media manager with a strong understanding of digital marketing strategies. Proficient in creating engaging content, managing social media accounts, and analyzing metrics to drive growth. Demonstrated ability to increase brand awareness and engagement through targeted campaigns.
Why it’s good
It demonstrates the candidate’s experience in social media management and their knowledge of digital marketing strategies. Mentioning skills such as creating engaging content, managing accounts, and analyzing metrics demonstrate their abilities to successfully grow a brand’s online presence.
9. Corporate instructor
“Highly experienced corporate instructor with 10 years of training individuals and teams in various industries. Skilled in developing curriculum, delivering engaging presentations, and evaluating training effectiveness. Strong history of improving employee performance and productivity through targeted training programs.”
Why it’s good
It highlights the candidate’s extensive experience as a corporate instructor and their ability to train individuals and teams in various industries. It also highlights skills such as curriculum development, presentation delivery, and evaluation, demonstrating their expertise in creating effective training programs.
10. Accounting professional
“Dedicated accounting professional with over 5 years of experience in managing financial records and transactions. Skilled in preparing financial statements, conducting audits, and ensuring compliance with tax laws. Proven track record of improving financial processes and identifying cost-saving opportunities for companies.
Why it’s good
It effectively showcases the candidate’s experience in accounting and their ability to manage financial records and transactions. Discussing skills such as preparing statements, conducting audits, and ensuring compliance demonstrates their expertise in maintaining accurate financial records.
11. Payroll specialist
“Detail-oriented payroll specialist with 3 years of experience in processing payroll for large companies. Proficient in using payroll software and ensuring accurate calculation of wages, taxes, and deductions. Strong knowledge of labor laws and regulations. “
Why it’s good
This summary highlights the candidate’s specific experience in handling payroll for large companies and showcases their proficiency in using relevant software. It also mentions their strong understanding of labor laws and ability to handle confidential information, both important skills for a payroll specialist.
Templates and tools for creating great resumes and summaries
If you’re not sure how to get started with creating your own resume and resume summary, Picsart has you covered.
ATS-friendly resume templates
Picsart has numerous resume templates that are Applicant Tracking System (ATS) friendly. These templates are professionally designed and ready for you to customize. Select the one that best fits your style and start adding in your own information. It’s that simple.
AI writing tools
If you’re struggling to come up with a good resume summary, you’re going to want to check out our AI writing tools. These tools can help you come up with ideas for your resume summary, turn bullet points into full paragraphs, check your grammar, and more.
For example, say you have a few ideas of what to include in your resume summary but need help expanding it into a full paragraph. Use the paragraph generator. Enter the details you have, including the skills you want to include, and let the tool go to work.
Conclusion
A strong professional resume summary can make a powerful first impression on potential employers and increase the chances of landing an interview. It can help you stand out from the mass of other applicants and highlight why you’re the perfect candidate for the job.
Whether you’re updating your resume or creating it for the first time, take the time necessary to craft a compelling summary that will grab the attention of potential employers. Don’t underestimate its importance. A well-written summary can be the key to opening doors to new career opportunities.
