Writing a resume summary feels awkward for most people.
It’s easy to fall back on vague phrases like “hard-working team player” or end up with something that sounds stiff or forced.
But a strong summary is one of the best ways to grab a hiring manager’s attention right away. It’s also one of the only places on your resume where you get to shape your own story.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to write a resume summary that actually works, plus see resume summary examples you can use for inspiration.
A resume summary is a short paragraph at the top of your resume that highlights your most relevant experience, skills, and accomplishments. It’s like a personal pitch—giving employers a quick reason to keep reading.
Here are examples for different types of job seekers:
-
Experienced professional:
“Operations Manager with 10+ years of experience improving efficiency in manufacturing and logistics. Certified Six Sigma Black Belt with a track record of reducing costs by 18%.” -
Career changer:
“Project Manager transitioning into Digital Marketing. Skilled in planning, analytics, and leading teams. Known for completing projects under budget and ahead of schedule.” -
Recent grad / entry-level:
“Business Administration graduate with strong leadership skills and coursework in marketing, finance, and project management. Eager to contribute in a fast-paced environment.”
Tips for writing a great resume summary:
-
Use keywords from the job description.
-
Include metrics or results if you can.
-
Focus on skills and accomplishments, not just duties.
-
Keep it brief—about 2–5 sentences.
-
Always tailor it to the job.
What is a professional resume summary?
Your resume summary is like an elevator pitch. It’s a quick, punchy way to say, “Here’s what I can do.”
Placed near the top of your resume, this short statement highlights your most relevant skills, experience, and accomplishments, all in just a few lines.
Think of it as a teaser. It gives hiring managers a fast preview of why you’re a strong fit and encourages them to keep reading.
Your resume summary goes right below your contact info. If you’re using a resume headline, the summary should come next.
How long should it be?
Most resume summary statements are 2–5 sentences long, just enough to capture attention without overwhelming the reader.
Here’s an example of what a resume summary looks like and where it should appear:
Depending on where you are or who you ask, a resume summary might also be called:
-
Professional summary (common in the U.S.)
-
Career summary
-
Summary statement
-
Personal profile (more common in the UK)
-
Personal statement (often used in academic or early-career resumes)
-
Profile (used in both U.S. and international resumes/CVs)
-
Executive summary (sometimes used for senior-level resumes)
Should you include a resume summary?
Should you include a summary when writing your resume? In most cases, yes. A strong summary helps you make a great first impression, but it’s not always necessary.
Here’s how to tell if you need one:
-
You have relevant experience. Show off your skills and accomplishments right away, especially if they line up with the job.
-
You’re changing careers. Use your summary to highlight transferable skills and explain how your background fits the new role.
-
You have standout skills or credentials. This is a great place to mention certifications, technical expertise, or anything else that sets you apart.
-
You’re just starting out. If you have little or no experience, a resume objective might work better. It can focus on your goals and enthusiasm.
-
Your resume already tells the story. If your experience is straightforward and clearly aligned with the job, a summary might be unnecessary.
Resume summary vs. resume objective
Both a resume summary and a resume objective go at the top of your resume, right under your name, contact info, and headline. But they serve different purposes.
A resume summary highlights what you bring to the table. It focuses on your experience, skills, and accomplishments. It’s written with the employer’s needs in mind.
A resume objective is about where you’re headed. It describes your goals and enthusiasm for the role, which is why it’s typically used by recent grads or people changing careers.
Here’s an example of a resume objective:
“Recent Computer Science graduate seeking an entry-level software engineering position where I can apply my problem-solving skills and passion for technology.”
In most cases, a resume summary is the better choice. It keeps the spotlight on the value you offer, not what you’re hoping to gain.
Still, if you’re just starting out and don’t have much experience, an objective can help you show motivation and direction.
How to write a resume summary (step-by-step)
Strong resume summaries follow a simple formula. Here’s the basic structure:
-
Start with the job title.
-
Mention your top skills or areas of expertise.
-
Add a key accomplishment or two.
-
Show how you’ll add value to the company.
Let’s break down each step:
1. Start with the job title
Use the exact job title from the job listing whenever possible. This helps your resume show up in applicant tracking system (ATS) searches.
In fact, Jobscan research found that resumes using the exact job title from the posting were 10.6 times more likely to lead to an interview.
But what if you’re changing careers or don’t have that title yet? In these cases, use a phrase like “aspiring [job title]” or “transitioning into [job title]” to show intent without misleading.
2. Mention your top skills or areas of expertise
Highlight 2–3 key skills or areas of specialization that are relevant to the job. These should line up with what’s in the job description.
You can also mention how many years of experience you have in that area. This gives employers a quick sense of your depth and background.
If you’re new to the field, focus on transferable skills, training, or certifications that show you’re ready for the role.
3. Add a key accomplishment or two
Include one or two achievements that show the impact you’ve made in past roles. Use numbers if you can. Metrics help your summary stand out and feel more credible.
For example:
“Increased customer satisfaction scores by 25%” or “Managed a team of 10 across three departments.”
If you’re early in your career, you can highlight achievements from internships, school projects, or volunteer work.
4. Show how you’ll add value to the company
Wrap up your summary with a short statement about what you bring to the table. This could be your work style, values, or how you help teams succeed.
Think about what makes you a good fit for the role or company and say it plainly.
For example: “Known for building strong client relationships and delivering results under pressure.”
This final touch helps connect your background to what the employer is looking for.
Resume summary formula
Now that you know what makes a great resume summary, here’s a simple formula you can follow.
Just click “Copy to Clipboard” and fill in the blanks to make it your own:
[Job Title] with experience in [Skill 1], [Skill 2], and [Skill 3]. Proven ability to [Accomplishment 1] and [Accomplishment 2]. Known for [Work style, strength, or value you bring to the role].
Here’s an example:
Marketing Manager with experience in content strategy, brand positioning, and team leadership.
Proven ability to drive 40% year-over-year growth and manage multi-channel campaigns.
Known for creative thinking, fast execution, and delivering results under pressure.
PRO TIP: Never use personal pronouns (e.g., “I,” “me,” “my”) in your resume summary, or anywhere else on your resume.
Resume summary examples based on your background
Your resume summary should reflect where you are in your career and where you’re headed next.
Below are examples tailored to three common situations:
- Experienced professionals
- Career changers
- Students or recent graduates
Use them as inspiration to craft a summary that highlights your strengths and fits your goals.
1. Resume summary for an experienced professional
If you’ve been in the workforce for several years, your resume summary should highlight your experience, key achievements, and any certifications or honors that set you apart.
This is your chance to show the impact you’ve made and what you bring to the table.
“Operations Manager with 10+ years of experience leading process improvements in manufacturing and logistics. Certified Six Sigma Black Belt with a track record of reducing costs by 18% and improving on-time delivery rates by 30%. Recognized with the President’s Award for Excellence in 2023. Known for building high-performing teams and driving operational efficiency at scale.”
2. Resume summary for a career changer
Changing careers? Your resume summary is the best place to explain your new direction.
Start by including the job title you’re targeting. This helps your resume get found when recruiters search the ATS.
Then show how your existing skills and experience transfer to the new role and add value.
“Project Manager transitioning to Digital Marketing Manager. Bringing 8 years of experience leading cross-functional teams with transferable strengths in strategic planning, data analysis, and team leadership. Known for completing projects 20% under budget and boosting team efficiency by 35%. Excited to apply problem-solving and planning expertise to data-driven marketing campaigns.”
3. Resume summary for a recent grad with no experience
If you’re applying for entry-level roles and don’t have much work experience yet, you might consider using a resume objective.
But if you’ve completed relevant coursework, held leadership roles, or earned academic honors, a resume summary can still make a strong first impression. Focus on what aligns with the job and shows you’re ready to contribute.
“Motivated Business Administration graduate with strong organizational and communication skills developed through leadership in student government. Completed coursework in marketing, finance, and project management with a focus on team efficiency. Eager to apply analytical and problem-solving abilities in a fast-paced corporate environment.”
PRO TIP: Write your resume summary last. Once the rest of your resume is done, you’ll have a clearer view of your top skills and accomplishments, and know exactly what to highlight.
Tailor your resume summary to the job
One of the biggest mistakes job seekers make is using the same resume for every application. It might seem efficient, but it’s not effective.
Here’s why: When you send your resume in, it usually goes into an applicant tracking system (ATS). This is software that most companies use today to sort and organize resumes.
When recruiters want to find suitable candidates, they search the ATS using keywords.
According to Jobscan’s State of the Job Search report, 99.7% of recruiters use filters in their ATS or similar systems to find qualified candidates.
Here’s how they search:
-
76.4% filter by skills
-
59.7% by education
-
55.3% by job titles
-
50.6% by certifications and licenses
-
44% by years of experience
Your resume summary is a great place to include keywords. Read the job description carefully. Highlight the most important skills and include them in your resume summary—if they apply to you.
For example, if you’re applying for the accounting job below, you’d want to include some of the underlined keywords in your resume:
If you were writing a resume summary for this accounting job, it might look something like this:
The only problem with tailoring each resume is that it takes time and effort. And it can be hard to know which keywords are the most important.
Jobscan’s resume scanner takes the guesswork out of tailoring your resume. Here’s how it works:
-
Paste in your resume.
-
Paste in the job description.
-
Click “Scan.”
You’ll then receive a match rate that shows how closely your resume matches the job description, and a report highlighting the keywords you should add to your resume.
Here is an example of the report and match rate:
The red X’s highlight the hard skills that are missing from the resume. Adding them will increase your match rate and your chances of landing an interview.
20 resume summary examples by job title
Use these professional resume summary examples for inspiration as you write your own. Each one is designed to highlight key skills, accomplishments, and the unique value you can offer employers.
1. Accounting
“Dedicated Accountant with 4 years of experience in managing accurate financial records, budgeting, and tax filing for diverse clients. Demonstrated expertise in streamlining financial processes, reducing errors by 20%, and enhancing operational efficiency. Proficient in GAAP, financial analysis, and software such as QuickBooks and SAP.”
Why this works: Highlights key accounting functions and includes metrics to show impact, making the candidate’s value clear and measurable.
2. Administrative assistant
“Proactive Administrative Assistant with 3 years of experience in fast-paced offices. Streamlined administrative processes, resulting in a 20% increase in efficiency. Skilled in data management, scheduling, and supporting team logistics with a keen eye for detail.”
Why this works: Demonstrates efficiency and reliability in office environments, with a specific stat that shows tangible improvement.
3. Attorney
“Skilled Attorney with 7 years of experience in [specialization, e.g., family law], achieving a 90% success rate across 200+ cases. Streamlined case preparation processes, reducing time to trial by 30%. Expert in negotiation, litigation, and client advocacy, committed to delivering exceptional legal outcomes.”
Why this works: Quantifies success rate and streamlining, showing legal skill and effectiveness while backing it up with numbers.
4. Copywriter
“Dynamic Copywriter with 4 years of experience in creating compelling marketing and advertising copy that increased customer engagement by 30%. Specializes in brand storytelling, product descriptions, and targeted email campaigns. Proven track record of boosting brand awareness and conversion rates through creative and persuasive copy.”
Why this works: Focuses on storytelling and marketing ROI, while pointing to specific achievements in customer engagement and conversion.
5. Customer service representative
“Committed Customer Service Representative with 3 years of experience in fast-paced environments, achieving a 95% customer satisfaction rate. Reduced call handling time by 20% without compromising service quality. Skilled in problem-solving, communication, and providing high-quality customer support.”
Why this works: Emphasizes both soft skills and results, showing that the candidate is not just friendly but also effective.
6. Data analyst
“Analytical Data Analyst with 3 years of experience in interpreting and analyzing data to drive successful business solutions. Developed a dashboard that reduced report generation time by 30%. Proficient in SQL, Python, and data visualization tools.”
Why this works: Points to technical proficiency and measurable results, two things every employer looks for in a data role.
7. Digital marketer
“Innovative Digital Marketing Specialist with 3 years of experience in driving online presence and engagement through targeted digital campaigns. Achieved a 50% increase in social media traffic and a 20% conversion rate improvement. Proficient in SEO, PPC, and content marketing strategies.”
Why this works: Ties digital marketing strategies directly to business outcomes, using numbers to show growth and engagement.
8. Financial analyst
“Analytical Financial Analyst with 4 years of experience in financial modeling, variance analysis, and forecasting. Played a key role in a team that achieved a 5% reduction in operating costs through strategic financial planning. Proficient in Excel, SQL, and financial reporting tools.”
Why this works: Highlights strong technical and analytical skills with measurable results in financial performance.
9. Healthcare
“Compassionate Healthcare Professional with over 5 years of experience in providing top-notch care in various medical settings. Improved patient satisfaction scores by 30% through dedicated patient advocacy and care coordination. Skilled in patient assessment, treatment planning, and healthcare administration.”
Why this works: Balances compassion with outcomes, reinforcing that the candidate brings both heart and measurable value to healthcare.
10. Human resources
“Strategic Human Resources Professional with 6 years of experience in developing and implementing HR strategies that support business objectives. Enhanced employee retention by 25% through targeted development programs and benefits optimization. Expert in talent management, employee relations, and compliance.”
Why this works: Shows how HR strategy led to retention and growth, while emphasizing core areas of HR expertise.
11. Marketing
“Dynamic Marketing Professional with 5 years of experience in developing and executing comprehensive marketing strategies that increased brand awareness by 40%. Expert in market analysis, campaign management, and cross-functional team leadership. Proven ability to drive market growth and enhance brand positioning.”
Why this works: Illustrates marketing impact with numbers and specific competencies that hiring managers are looking for.
12. Nurse
“Dedicated Nurse with 6 years of experience in providing comprehensive patient care in hospital settings. Reduced readmission rates by 20% through effective discharge planning and patient education. Specializes in acute care, patient advocacy, and interdisciplinary collaboration.”
Why this works: Balances clinical expertise with outcome-driven care, showing how they improved patient health and system performance.
13. Programmer
“Skilled Programmer with 3 years of experience across multiple programming languages. Automated internal processes, resulting in a 20% increase in operational efficiency. Proficient in C++, Python, and JavaScript.”
Why this works: Shows practical value of programming by tying skills directly to efficiency improvements.
14. Project management
“Strategic Project Management Professional with over 5 years of experience in leading projects from conception to completion across various industries. Successfully delivered projects 20% under budget and ahead of schedule, enhancing operational efficiency and stakeholder satisfaction. Expert in aligning project objectives with business goals, risk management, and team leadership.”
Why this works: Points to leadership, budget control, and deadline management, which are key skills for any project manager.
15. Recruiter
“Dynamic Recruiter with 5 years of experience in sourcing and attracting top talent, filling over 100 positions annually in a competitive market. Increased hiring efficiency by 35% through the development of a streamlined recruitment process. Proficient in candidate screening, interview techniques, and employer branding.”
Why this works: Quantifies recruitment success and emphasizes process improvement, which matters for internal HR metrics.
16. Sales
“Dynamic Sales Professional with 4 years of experience in driving revenue growth and exceeding sales targets in competitive markets. Achieved a record 40% year-over-year sales increase through strategic client engagement and innovative sales tactics. Expert in relationship building, market analysis, and negotiation, with a proven track record of closing deals and fostering customer loyalty.”
Why this works: Clearly quantifies sales impact and ties skills to outcomes like revenue growth and customer relationships.
17. Social media manager
“Social Media Manager with 3 years of experience in growing online communities and enhancing brand presence, resulting in a 40% increase in follower engagement. Expert in content creation, social media analytics, and influencer partnerships.” Known for innovative social media strategies and a deep understanding of digital trends.
Why this works: Shows community engagement and results while pointing to platform fluency and strategy.
18. Software developer
“Innovative Software Developer with 5 years of experience in developing scalable software solutions. Contributed to a project that increased company revenue by 18% through software optimization. Proficient in multiple programming languages and agile methodologies.”
Why this works: Combines technical skill with business impact, which is exactly what hiring managers want to see in developer roles.
19. Technical writer
“Detail-oriented Technical Writer with 6 years of experience in creating clear and concise technical documentation, user manuals, and help guides across various industries. Successfully simplified complex technical information, resulting in a 50% reduction in customer support queries. Skilled in collaborating with technical teams to ensure accuracy and usability of documentation, with a strong focus on enhancing user experience and product adoption.”
Why this works: Clarifies the value of clear communication in technical fields, showing real impact on user support and adoption.
20. Web developer
“Creative Web Developer with 3 years of experience in designing and implementing user-friendly websites. Increased conversion rates by 30% through A/B testing and website redesign. Proficient in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and PHP.”
Why this works: Shows creativity and technical skills with results in conversions, which is a great combination for front-end focused roles.
