resume introduction statement examples

46 Examples of a Resume Opening Statement (Perfect Introduction)

By Status.net Editorial Team on February 8, 2024 — 8 minutes to read

A resume opening statement, also known as a summary or objective, serves as your first impression to potential employers. This brief and concise introduction highlights your relevant skills, experiences, and career goals. It’s important because it can catch an employer’s attention and convince them to read the rest of your resume.

• Sets the tone : It establishes a professional image and indicates the level of your expertise.
• Tailors your resume : You can tailor this statement to align with the job description, showcasing how your skills are a perfect match for the position.
• Showcases your value : By summarizing your most impressive accomplishments, you can quickly show how you will add value to the company.

Elements of a Strong Opening Statement

When you’re crafting the opening statement for your resume, think of it as your professional handshake. This means you need to capture attention while succinctly showcasing your top qualifications. Here are key elements to include:

• Tailor it to the job. Match your statement to the job description. Highlight how your skills and experience align with the requirements of the position.
• Use actionable language. Start sentences with verbs that convey your ability to take initiative, such as “managed,” “developed,” or “increased.”
• Quantify achievements. Where possible, use numbers to demonstrate your accomplishments. For example, “Increased sales by 20% within a year through strategic marketing initiatives.”
• Include relevant experience. Mention your most pertinent past roles. If you’re a recent graduate, focus on education, internships, and important projects.
• Add your career goals. Briefly outline how you intend to contribute to the company and grow professionally.
• Keep it concise. Your opening statement should be a compelling snapshot, not a deep dive. Aim for no more than a few sentences or bullet points.

Sales Manager: “Seasoned Sales Manager with over 10 years of experience in fostering robust client relationships and driving profitable business growth. Achieved an average of 15% yearly sales increase by leading and mentoring a dynamic team.”

Graphic Designer: “Creative Graphic Designer with a passion for developing original designs that resonate with audiences. Expert in Adobe Creative Suite with a track record of delivering high-impact visuals for diverse campaigns.”

Crafting a Personalized Introduction

When writing a resume opening statement, you should focus on creating a unique introduction that captures your professional identity. It’s important to tailor this section specifically to the job you’re applying for, highlighting skills and experiences that align with what the potential employer is seeking.

• Start with a strong opening sentence that grabs attention. You might introduce yourself with a significant achievement or detail that’s relevant to the role. Example: “As a digital marketing specialist with a proven track record in growing online audiences, I’ve successfully increased social media engagement by over 60% for multiple brands.”
• Connect your background to the job description. Use the keywords from the job listing to emphasize how your experience matches the requirements. Example: “With a commitment to continuous improvement and lean management, I bring over 5 years of experience in streamlining operational processes for manufacturing sectors.”
• Mention any unique qualifications or certifications that set you apart from other candidates. Example: “Certified project management professional (PMP) skilled in leading cross-functional teams to deliver complex projects on time and under budget.”
• Reflect your enthusiasm for the role. Employers appreciate candidates who are excited about the possibility of joining their team. Example: “Eager to contribute my expertise in innovative UX design and user research to enhance the client experience at a forward-thinking tech company like yours.”

Tailoring the Statement to the Job Description

When you’re writing a resume opening statement, it’s important to align it with the job you’re applying for. Start by carefully reading the job description. Identify the key skills and experiences the employer is looking for. Your opening statement should reflect that you possess these qualifications.

Make a list of the skills and competencies the job requires. For example, if the job calls for “excellent customer service skills” or “proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite,” make sure these are mentioned in your statement if you have these skills. Here’s how you might begin your statement for such a scenario:

• For customer service roles: “Dedicated customer service professional with 5 years of experience…”
• For a design position: “Creative graphic designer skilled in Adobe Creative Suite, with a strong…”

You can use keywords from the job description. This not only shows you’re a good match but also helps your resume get past applicant tracking systems which are programmed to look for these keywords.

Use quantifiable achievements when possible. Instead of writing “experienced salesperson,” you might say, “Sales professional with a track record of exceeding targets by 20%.”

Examples of Resume Opening Statements

• Experienced marketing manager with a proven track record in developing successful campaigns and leading high-performing teams.
• Customer service expert committed to providing exceptional care and developing long-term client relationships.
• Detail-oriented graphic designer with 5+ years in the freelance industry, known for creativity and a quick turnaround time.
• Certified project manager who has successfully delivered over 30 large-scale technology projects on time and within budget.
• Professional content writer with a knack for crafting engaging content that boosts SEO and drives user engagement.
• Recent graduate with a Master’s in Environmental Science ready to apply rigorous research and analytical skills in a dynamic setting.
• Enthusiastic sales associate recognized repeatedly for top performance and commitment to team goals.
• Dynamic HR coordinator with a passion for improving employee relations and a deep understanding of recruitment processes.
• Organized administrative assistant, experienced in scheduling, office management, and providing excellent administrative support to executives.
• Skilled electrician with a focus on maintaining high safety standards and delivering quality service on residential and commercial projects.
• Ambitious business analyst, eager to use extensive background in data analysis and financial modeling to drive business insights.
• Compassionate social worker with a strong background in counseling and case management for diverse populations.
• Seasoned retail manager, adept at merchandising, staff training, and increasing sales through strategic store operations.
• Bilingual translator fluent in English and Spanish, dedicated to maintaining the essence of the original text in each translation.
• Professional chef with a love for farm-to-table cooking and experience managing fast-paced restaurant kitchens.
• Reliable logistics coordinator with a deep understanding of supply chain processes and a commitment to efficiency and cost-reduction.
• Goal-oriented fitness coach with a track record of designing personalized programs that help clients achieve their fitness goals.
• Versatile performer with experience in theater, film, and voice acting, ready to bring characters to life with enthusiasm and dedication.
• Data scientist with a passion for uncovering insights through big data analytics and advanced statistical methods.
• Talented web designer with a flair for creating intuitive, user-friendly websites that drive user engagement.
• Civil engineer with expertise in green building techniques and a dedication to sustainable urban development.
• Industrial designer with a knack for developing innovative product designs that meet consumer needs and manufacturing requirements.
• Doctoral candidate in Computer Science, eager to apply research on machine learning algorithms in a practical, industry setting.
• Skilled carpenter with a strong work ethic and extensive experience in residential and commercial construction.
• Professional photographer with expertise in portrait and landscape photography and a passion for capturing unforgettable moments.
• Certified public accountant with rigorous attention to detail and a strong background in financial analysis and tax preparation.
• Recent Bachelor of Science in Nursing graduate, eager to provide high-quality patient care in a challenging healthcare environment.
• Expertise in aerospace engineering with a strong foundation in fluid dynamics and propulsion systems.
• Dedicated teacher with a focus on inclusive education and fostering a love for learning in every student.
• Results-driven marketing specialist with a solid understanding of digital marketing trends and analytics tools.
• Construction project manager skilled in leading cross-functional teams and delivering projects under tight deadlines.
• Laboratory technician with a meticulous approach to conducting experiments and analyzing scientific data.
• Seasoned journalist with a history of reporting on international events and an ability to uncover the truth in complex stories.
• Sophisticated fashion designer with a unique aesthetic and experience showcasing collections at major fashion weeks.
• Financial planner dedicated to helping individuals meet their long-term financial goals, with a flair for investment strategies.
• IT specialist with proficiency in network security and experience in protecting corporate data against cyber threats.
• Skilled mediator known for resolving conflicts and facilitating productive conversations in corporate environments.
• Professional fundraiser with a talent for crafting compelling campaigns that inspire community involvement and donations.
• Environmental consultant committed to helping businesses reduce their environmental impact through sustainable practices.
• Hospitality manager with a warm demeanor and a proven ability to increase guest satisfaction and hotel profitability.
• Multilingual interpreter with expertise in facilitating communication for international delegations and business meetings.
• Expert in supply chain management with a drive for optimizing operations and improving delivery timeframes.
• Agile coach with a passion for empowering teams to adopt agile principles and improve their workflow and productivity.
• Risk management professional with extensive knowledge in financial regulations and experience in mitigating business risks.
• Dynamic event planner with a reputation for organizing memorable corporate events and managing intricate details seamlessly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can i craft an engaging opening statement for my resume if i lack professional experience.

Focus on your soft skills and any relevant academic or volunteer experience. For example, “Eager and disciplined recent graduate with a passion for data analysis and a keen eye for detail.”

What are the elements of a strong objective statement for an entry-level resume?

A strong objective statement should highlight your career goals, relevant skills, and how you can contribute to the company. For instance, “Recent graduate seeking an entry-level accountant position to apply my strong numerical proficiency and analytical skills.”

As a student, what should I focus on in my resume’s opening statement?

Emphasize your academic achievements, any related coursework, and the skills you’ve honed as a student. Example: “Honors student with exceptional leadership skills seeking an internship to explore a career in the non-profit sector.”

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How to Write an Opening Statement for Your Resume + 10 Examples

What a resume opening statement is, when you should include one, and real examples to help you write your own. A guide written by recruiters and hiring managers.

3 years ago   •   10 min read

Recruiters are busy, and they might receive hundreds of applications for one position in a single day. Studies have shown that employers spend an average of 7.4 seconds reviewing a resume before tossing it in the “yes” or “no” pile, and with such a slim margin, it’s important to have a resume that grips the reader from the start. One great way to draw in a recruiter is through an opening statement on your resume.

What is a resume opening statement?

An opening statement is a short paragraph at the beginning of the resume that gives the employer a snapshot of what you can bring to the table, and why you are the best choice for hire. It’s essentially your elevator pitch — the first impression you make in an interview when the recruiter says, “So, tell us about yourself.” Broadly speaking, there are 3 types of resume opening statements:

Resume summary

• Resume objective
• Resume offering statement

Types of opening statements

Here's a breakdown of the different types of resume opening statements, including the pros and cons of each one:

A resume summary statement is a quick overview of your background where you can highlight key skills and experience. This is the most common type of resume opening statement — essentially, it's a type of brand statement , like an abridged cover letter. Here's an example:

Experienced web developer with a background in X, Y, Z programs, winning awards in CSS Design (2019) and Apple Design Awards (2020), and most recently reduced bus for XYZ by 25% .

Pro: Allows you to quickly highlight key skills and experience relevant to the job you're applying for.

Con: Doesn't add anything of value if your resume is otherwise self-explanatory, so make sure your opening statement adds something that's not otherwise

How to write your resume opening statement

Here's an example of an opening statement with specific things you should try to include.

Other types of opening statements (what not to do)

There are two other types of statements that were popular a few decades ago — an objective and an offering statement. We've just included them here for completeness and to show you the formats you should not be using.

• Resume objective : This style of opening statement is generally used to show recruiters your enthusiasm for the role. An example might sound like this: Example: Searching for dynamic marketing position in a fast-paced , modern company where I can utilize my organizational, creative, and project management skills to drive growth in digital markets. Objective-style opening statements typically include statements such as: “Looking for a position where I can grow and gain experience in XYZ” or “Looking for a job where I can use my skills to help a company meet targets and increase revenue.”   Objective opening statements are outdated and unnecessary, so don't include this on your resume.
• Resume offering statement : A resume offering is kind of like a sales pitch, focusing on the value you can bring to an employer. Unlike a standard resume summary, an offering statement focuses on what you will do, not on what you have done. It might look something like this: Example: I will increase engagement on your company's social media channels by developing a strong brand voice and reaching out to key influencers within the [industry] sphere.

How to write a resume opening statement

• Title your opening statement (optional).
• Lead with the job title. If you're applying for Marketing Director roles, that's how you should describe yourself.
• Describe the scope of your experience.
• Mention 2-3 key skills or accomplishments that match the job description.
• Include metrics to quantify your achievements.
• Include any specific highlights from your resume that show why you’d be a great fit for the position.
• Run your resume through a free resume checker to see how well your summary scores.

An opening statement template

Here's a template you can use for your resume opening statement:

[Executive] with experience leading [industry] businesses [describe size of businesses]. [Describe impactful element of role, with specific numbers]. Proven experience [mention 2-3 skills that are relevant to the job]. [Optional: Describe relevant educational certification/accomplishment, or one significant accomplishment in the format of Action Verb + Accomplishment + Metric].

Resume opening statement examples

Here are some more examples of resume opening statements to get you started:

Example 1: Experienced / Senior-Level Job Seeker

Human Resources Manager with 15 years’ experience in human capital management, talent acquisition, and workforce administration, handling diverse employment processes for small to large companies. Saved over 50% of overall recruiting costs by structuring and implementing standardized policies in hiring and recruitment, compensation structures, benefits, and incentives. Proficient in delivering services in line with EEO, IRS, and labor laws.

Example 2: Mid-Level Job seeker

Data Entry Specialist with five years’ experience utilizing manual and digital skills to enter texts and numerical data from source documents into databases, spreadsheets, and word processing programs. Implemented regular quality control checks to analyze data and make corrections in real time-, enhanced data entry accuracy by 77%. Achieved $6,500 cost-savings in company expenditures by identifying consolidation opportunities during company bookkeeping.

Example 3: Senior-Level Job seeker

Marketing Executive with ten years' experience working at Fortune 500 companies. Results include: • Designed, executed , and optimized digital marketing campaign on Google's AdWords for $20B CPG company, yielding 20% ROI improvements • Optimized budget allocation of marketing spend of $10MM for technology startup

An effective resume opening statement needs to highlight your key skills, quantifiable achievements and any other experience/accomplishment that shows recruiters why you’re the best person for the job. A good way to find out if your resume does just that is to upload it to the tool below — it’ll give you a detailed analysis of your opening statement and suggestions for improvements.

When is an opening statement appropriate?

You might be asking yourself, “Does my resume need an opening statement?” and the answer is: Maybe. If you have 6 years of receptionist experience and you’re applying for another run-of-the-mill receptionist role, then your resume will speak for itself, and an opening statement runs the risk of taking up unnecessary space.

However, if you have 6 years of receptionist experience and you’re applying for a hotel manager position, then an opening statement is a great opportunity to sell yourself on this change of direction.

So, who should definitely include an opening statement on their resume? Let’s take a look.

You're changing careers

Like our receptionist-turned-manager above, changing jobs is one of the key moments when having an opening statement would be advantageous. This is the moment to explain how your past experiences—albeit in a different field—have actually given you the necessary skills to succeed in this new position.

Here's an example of a career changer resume summary:

Ex-Head Receptionist for XYZ Firm transitioning into Hotel Manager position. Previous experience in managing a team, organizing and overseeing large company events including planning menus and contacting caterers, handling finances and administrative records, and ensuring health and safety standards remain up-to-date.

Here's how an opening statement might look on your resume - it uses another example:

More information: Resume summary advice for career-changers

The employer is looking for a specific skill

Sometimes a job will require a very technical or unique skill which you possess, but which might not come out otherwise in your resume. This can include something like speaking a foreign language , or having a certain type of driving license, or being proficient in a certain type of machinery or computer program. Here's an example:

Native Turkish speaker with experience working in Marketing for an international company. Available to travel and work remotely. Valid Turkish and USA passport.

By including this skill in the opening statement of your resume, you are ensuring that the recruiter will see it immediately, and know that you are the perfect fit for the position. If there are certain keywords that the job description requires that you haven't included anywhere else in your resume, feel free to include them in your opening statement.

If you’re not sure which keywords and technical skills are relevant to the job you’re applying for, use the skills search tool below to find the right ones.

More information: How to ensure your resume gets past automated resume screeners

You have many, many years of experience

If your resume spans 20 years and seems to go on forever, then this is your opportunity to distill everything into a bite-sized paragraph, to keep the recruiter from missing something important. You want to bring forward your best accomplishments and key experiences, especially in relation to the job description. Don’t assume that something buried in your job description from three years ago is going to jump out at the reader—make it front and center like this:

Stagehand with 15+ years experience, especially familiar with setting up pyro-technics while complying with industry-specific health and safety guidelines. Accomplishments include: -  Set up X that led to Y result … - Earned expedited promotion in less than 2 years

And here's how an opening statement for someone with a lot of experience might look on a resume:

To highlight recent accomplishments in a relevant field

An opening statement is a great moment to draw the recruiter’s attention to how something you personally accomplished has already benefited a previous employer or client. This can include Awards and Certifications, statistics on workflow improvement, recognition inside the workforce, or other impressive accomplishments . Here's an example:

Engaging customer service representative, recently named Top Agent at XYZ for three consecutive months. Led in-house employee training on Customer Engagement leading to a 60% decrease in negative customer reviews.

This is another example of a resume opening statement.

When don't you need an opening statement?

Your career trajectory is self-explanatory.

Most job seekers don't need to include an opening statement on their resume. If your work experience and educational background is in line with the kind of jobs you're now applying for, or if you're already in a similar role, your work history and accomplishments likely speak for themselves.

You're a student or recent graduate

As a student or recent grad, you're unlikely to have enough experience on your resume to warrant summarizing. Instead, make sure your education is listed front and center, along with industry-specific internships or other jobs showing your talents and abilities.

Additional tips for your resume's opening statement

1. use the same words as in the job description.

If you feel a little lost wondering what skills, qualities, or experiences to put in your opening statement, here’s some good news: the recruiter has done this work for you. If the job description says they’re looking for someone with an XYZ certification or experience with specific hard skills,  then don’t hesitate to put those words into your opening statement verbatim.

Online systems filtering resumes will often be scanning for wording which matches the job description, and this will keep your resume from slipping through the cracks. Find out what keywords to include on your resume with the Job Description Keyword Finder .

2. Eliminate buzzwords and vague terminology

Yes, we all know that you are “passionate about e-commerce,” but save that for your cover letter . Mention instead the statistics on how greatly you’ve improved sales for your clients, or draw attention to the way you’ve integrated a client’s social media platforms to their web-shops, to drive in traffic. We know you’re enthusiastic and hard-working, but this isn’t the place for it, and employers will generally skim over these empty and lackluster descriptions.

This is also called quantifying your resume , and if there's one article you should read before you send off your resume, it's that one.

3. Be concise.

Don’t list 10 relevant awards you won going back to a university competition in 2001 — pick one or two which are the most impressive. Make a list of all your relevant experiences and skills and then whittle it down to the very best, and let those shine.

4. Title your resume's opening statement (optional)

In general, if your opening statement is located at the top of your resume, then you don’t necessarily need to spell out what it is we’re looking at—it’s pretty clear. However, you definitely can add a title if you like, something like:

• Profile, Professional Profile, Professional Statement
• Introduction, Summary, About
• Personal Statement, Personal Profile

5. Check your spelling

It goes without saying, but check and check again for any spelling or grammatical errors. Proofread it, proofread it again, get your mom, dad, or grandma to proofread it, read it aloud to your cat, and then run it through a spellchecker or online grammar resource if you’re still worried. This is your first impression to a potential employer, and you want to show them that you’re competent!

6. Get your resume's opening statement checked

Once you’ve added an opening statement to your resume, it’s time to see how well you’ve done. Head over to our free resume scanner , which evaluates your resume against key criteria, and see in real time how likely your resume is to catch an employer’s attention.

Resume opening statements: A crash course in jargon

If you've been looking for advice on how to write a resume opening statement — or summary — chances are you've run into a lot of unfamiliar phrases. Here's a brief explainer:

A resume profile or resume summary statement are different names for a resume summary and are often used interchangeably.

An executive resume summary or career highlights section are usually targeted toward people with an extensive career history or who are applying for high-level positions. These might include slightly more detail about your work experience, for example, standout accomplishments from early in your career that might otherwise not belong on a resume.

A resume objective or career objective is an alternative to a resume summary. Objectives are generally considered outdated compared to resume summaries but can be useful in very limited circumstances (often for people very early in their careers or without any relevant experience).

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• Careers & Jobs

Resume Introduction: How to Write a Resume Opening That Impresses!

Having trouble starting a resume the resume introduction (opening paragraph) needs to be on point. here's how to write an intro paragraph on a resume sure to impress the hiring manager and hr reps.

“So tell us about yourself.”

That question may send a chill down your spine.

Where do you even start? Do you talk only about your work experience? Your personal life? Or just freeze up and say nothing?

Thankfully, resumes are usually the first glance that the employer will ever catch of you. 

Wondering how to start a resume?

Whether you apply online, drop it off in person, or post it on every streetlight (which we don’t suggest), you have the opportunity to craft a polished written statement that answers that dreaded question. 

That statement is what we call the  resume introduction statement . Want to learn how to craft your own? Keep reading below!

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Now, let’s get started with resume intros and opening statements:

First Impressions Are Huge

While first impressions aren’t everything, they are incredibly important. Especially when you are one lone resume in a sea of applicants. You need to shine!

Many scientific studies mention the importance of the first impression.  According to one study , a person forms their first impressions about someone within the first 1/10th of a second of seeing them.

While you don’t need to worry about landing your dream job in 1/10th of a second, you need to think about how your first impression with the employer will occur.

If you submit your resume through any online platform, such as a job listing or an email, then the recruiter’s first impression of you will be when they open the document. If science backs up the claim that  we make snap judgments within seconds , then we can assume that your resume introduction paragraph will be the true first impression.

So let’s make it awesome!

Related Read : How to List Education on a Resume: Complete Guide and Examples

What Is the Intention of an Opening Statement for Resume?

To make an awesome opening statement for your resume, we first need to break down what the purpose of the introduction really is. A Resume Introduction Paragraph is a short and clear way of sharing your personal interests and experiences with the employer. It is also a great way of clarifying what qualities you are looking for in a job.

Think about it like a first date for you and the company! (Actually, maybe don’t do that… that’s an HR nightmare waiting to happen.) Let’s use a different example.

A better example is the “Skip Ads” example: you are on YouTube, waiting to watch a new video. An advertisement comes up with a “You May Skip this Ad in 5 Seconds” button on the side.

What can that company say within the first 5 seconds that will get you to watch their advertisement?

Think about your resume’s opening statement as your personal advertisement. You are giving your potential employer a quick snippet of your product (which is you), and hopefully getting them to buy it!

Now that you understand the intention behind the resume introduction, let’s get into specifics. In the next section, we’ll break down the two main types of introduction paragraphs.

The Two Types of Introduction Paragraphs

There are two main types of resume intro paragraphs: The Resume Summary Statement and the Resume Objective Statement. While both set out to accomplish the same result, they are specifically formatted based on the amount of experience you have in the field.

The  Resume Summary Statement  is best for applicants with several years of experience in their field and are planning to progress within that field. The  Resume Objective Statement  is best for those new to the industry or anyone making a career change/coming back from an employment gap.

We’ll go into depth on both of these options in the next two sections.

Related Read : Resume Job History: How to List Work Experience on a Resume Right

The Resume Summary Statement

A Resume Summary Statement is a quick way to organize and focus on many years of work experience and projects in a relevant subject area. Summary statements often include quantifiable stats about your work. Some examples of those include:

• Managed a remote team of over 50 people
• Contributed to boosting positive customer reviews by over 45%
• Prepared 300+ students for standardized testing

Remember: you are more than a number, and so is your work. Don’t exclude something you’re proud of just because it doesn’t look “impressive” enough.

Also remember: numbers alone can’t get you the job. If you can sandwich together your quantifiable stats with specific descriptors of the experiences you can’t put into numbers, you are golden!

Here’s an example of that:

“Seasoned and innovative event planner with over 6 years of experience in the Atlanta entertainment industry. Organized and executed events with an attendance of 500+ people. Maintains a strong relationship with local leaders and community members.”

This summary statement gives the reader both quantifiable and contextual job experiences, which humanizes the applicant and gives the reader a clearer picture of who you really are (and how skilled you are at writing !).

Don’t have any specific examples that fit the job you’re looking for? That’s ok! You might do better with an Objective Statement. Let’s discuss that next.

Related Read : Hobbies and Interests on a Resume: Why and How to Include Them

The Resume Objective Statement

Whether you’re entering the job market for the first time, coming back from a break, or switching career paths, you might feel as though you don’t have relevant enough experiences to list in a Resume Summary Statement.

That’s where objective statements come in!

Objective statements are better for highlighting skills rather than experience. This is a great way to showcase skills you’ve learned in school or from jobs in other industries.

Some examples of this include:

• Dedicated and motivated engineering graduate seeking entry-level assistant quality control manager position with Company X
• Looking to transition my 4 years of experience in client-facing problem solving into a more behind-the-scenes role

When writing an objective statement, the most important thing is to  be specific.  If you don’t have any quantifiable statistics about your job experience, you must be specific about where your current expertise fits in with the company.

Let’s use the “skip ads” example again here: you may have a product that people don’t think they need, but if you can garner even a smidge of that person’s interest within the first 5 seconds of your ad, they might try and find ways to justify purchasing your product.

Have you decided which type of statement is best for your experience level? Great! Now, let’s dive into how to start writing your personal statement.

Related Read : Resume Skills: How to Put Skills on a Resume the Right Way in 2021

How to Start

If you happen to already have an  elevator pitch , that is a great place to start!

Don’t have an elevator pitch? Don’t worry. You can check out our other blog post on “ How to Create an Elevator Pitch in 5 Easy Steps ”.

If that rent payment is quickly approaching and you don’t have time to read another article, that’s ok too. Just follow these EASY instructions:

Examine your work history. What have you previously done that could fit this position? Is there a quantifiable way to state that? If so, do it!

Accomplishments

What are some of your most impressive accomplishments? These can be both in your work life and your personal life if it makes sense to include. (Maybe don’t tell them about that hot dog eating contest you won in Florida, though.)

Proficient in a certain software? Include that. Great at public speaking? Include that. If something you’re good at happens to fit a task you might face at this new job, include it!

Whatever you decide to include, make sure you can actually do it. And make sure you can do it on the spot if asked to.

You are more than your job experience. Recruiters aren’t hiring resumes, they’re hiring people. Make sure your opening statement matches the vibe that you want to give off.

For example, if you are an incredibly creative and outgoing person, you probably want to tell them more about your people skills than your Excel spreadsheet skills. No harm in mentioning both, just start with what you feel represents you best.

Related Read : How to List Your Achievements on Your Resume (the Right Way) in 2021

You Have Everything You Need to Succeed

Now that you have all of the information needed on how to open a resume, it’s time to do just that!

If you get stuck at any point or just need an extra boost of motivation before you start, remember this:  you are enough.

You are not just your job experience, you’re a human being! Career changes, gaps in employment, and first jobs are all a part of life. You are exactly where you need to be to get the job you want.

Need help with the rest of your resume? We’ve got you!

Check out one of our other resume writing blog posts in our career section . And, if you have any questions on writing a great introduction statement or opening paragraph on a resume, just leave a comment below.

Thanks for reading, and good luck on your job hunt!

Related Read : 55 Resume Tips, Hacks & Expert Advice to Help You Score a Job Interview

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Resume Introduction Examples

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by Kevin Philips · Updated Mar. 15, 2023

Creating a strong and effective resume is essential in today's competitive job market. One of the most critical parts of your resume is the introduction. Your introduction is your chance to showcase your skills, experience, and value to potential employers. In this blog, we will provide some great resume introduction examples to help you create a powerful first impression

What Should I Put In My Resume Introduction?

Always take care of resume dos and don't when crafting a resume. Before we dive into the examples, let's first discuss some important instructions to keep in mind when creating your resume introduction:

Customize It For Each Job Application

It would be best if you customized your introduction for each job application. Use keywords that match the job description to optimize your resume for search engines. Resume editing services can help you customize your resume for different jobs.

Highlight Your Strengths

Your introduction should highlight your strengths and emphasize how they can benefit the employer.

Keep It Concise

Your introduction should be brief, usually no more than 2-3 sentences. You want to grab the recruiter's attention quickly and make a lasting impression.

Your introduction should be honest and accurate. Don't exaggerate your skills or experience.

Let's take a look at some resume introduction examples that you can use as inspiration for creating your own

The Professional Summary

A professional summary is a classic way to introduce yourself to potential employers. It's a brief statement that summarizes your experience and qualifications.

The Elevator Pitch

An elevator pitch is a brief, persuasive speech that you can use to introduce yourself. It should be short enough to deliver during a quick elevator ride

The Value Proposition

A value proposition is a statement that explains how you can add value to a company. It's a great way to showcase your unique skills and experience.

The Accomplishment Statement

An accomplishment statement is a brief statement that highlights your achievements in your previous roles. It's a great way to showcase your accomplishments and demonstrate your value. A good accomplishment statement with a good cover letter enhances the value of your resume

Avail Of Our Professional Resume Writing Service

A strong resume introduction is crucial to making a great first impression with potential employers. Following the instructions and using these resume introduction examples as inspiration, you can create a powerful introduction highlighting your strengths and setting yourself apart from the competition

If you need help crafting a winning resume, our professional resume writing service can help. Our team of expert writers has years of experience creating effective resumes for job seekers in various industries. We can work with you to create a customized resume that highlights your unique skills and experiences and helps you stand out from the crowd. Contact us today to learn more and take the first step toward landing your dream job.

How to Write The Perfect Resume Introduction (with examples)

Published on:

• June 23, 2023

The quickest way to grab attention is with a good beginning or introduction. An excellent resume introduction will hook the recruiter from the get-go.

In most cases, people will tell you to start at the beginning of your resume if you are unsure of how to begin it. But that’s not going to help.

You see writing your resume introduction last is actually the best strategy. You will be able to find it much easier to highlight the important things when your entire document is ready.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to craft the perfect resume introduction paragraph that gets recruiters reading all the way to the end of your resume.

Choosing a Resume Introduction

The hiring manager only has six seconds to evaluate your resume. You need to make your resume introduction stand out if you want to get their attention.

Before choosing what you want to write on your resume introduction, however, it is also important to figure out how you will say it.

What is the best way to introduce yourself on a resume? 

What is the message you want to convey, what are your strongest selling points?

These are some of the things you need to include in your profile.

It’s good to know the guidelines for writing an introduction for your resume are the same across industries.

You can choose from these resume profiles or introductions depending on your level of experience and skills: Resume Objective and Resume Summary.

Resume Objective

A resume objective, also known as a career objective, is a paragraph that outlines your relevant skills, experience, or knowledge to demonstrate that you have the potential to become a  successful employee. It also briefly explains the job position you’re seeking in a company.

When to Use a Resume Objective

Resume objectives are the best resume introduction if:

• You’re just starting out your career (entry-level) or have little experience.
• You’re switching industries or careers or if you need to explain an unclear career path.

Examples – No Work Experience or Applying for an Internship

These examples highlight the skills and motivation a candidate needs to demonstrate that they’re worthy of the company’s investment.

“Dedicated nurse assistant seeking an internship at Bright Care Center. Love helping residents feel healthy, cared for, and at home. Detail-oriented mindset and warm personality make me an excellent advocate for residents and their needs.”

Example #3 – Career Change:

“Highly-motivated software engineer with 7+ years experience developing software solutions. Seeking to leverage proven Ruby, Python, Java, and C++ skills to deliver coding excellence to Samuel & Sons, Ltd. Developed 4 website software tools for enterprise marketing. Built 7 mobile apps with improved interactive UX/UI 25+ websites for B2C entrepreneurs.”

Example #4- Switching Industry:

Although the candidate in the example below switches sectors, the emphasis is on the skills and experience that an NGO can use.

“Experienced marketer for McDenver Construction Corp. with over five years’ experience. Seeking to apply my construction background and related skills to help local NGOs raise awareness and sales through low or no budget marketing methods.”

• Although it’s called an “objective,” your resume heading statement shouldn’t focus solely on what your objective is. Everyone knows it’s to get a job, so don’t make it your personal mission statement.
• Don’t write: “I’m looking for a challenging role that will enhance my skills .” HR experts say that writing things like this is so cliche and outdated.

Resume Summary

A resume summary statement sums up your professional background and achievements at the top of the resume. It briefly explains how it can benefit the company you want to work for. By demonstrating your unique value through your skills and accomplishments, it shows why you are perfect for the job. The hiring manager will be more likely to read on if you outline your key skills and quantifiable results from the start.

When to Use a Resume Summary

When you have several years of experience or are continuing your career, a resume summary is the perfect resume introduction.

“Customer Support Agent with more than 3 years of experience. Specialized in telephone customer service, email and technical support, and sales and customer care. Adept in using Intercom, Drift, and other customer care software. Assisted customers with signups and data entry, and handled 100+ phone calls daily. 80 WPM typist”

Summary of Qualifications

It is a type of resume introduction that contains a bulleted list of accomplishments, skills, and relevant experience proving you’re a perfect fit for the company. Include 3 to 4 easy-to-skim bullet points in paragraph form to emphasize your most impressive career highlights and skills.

Having a summary of qualifications at the top of your resume will enable hiring managers to quickly and easily identify your most relevant and impressive qualifications. This will increase your chances of landing an interview or getting hired.

When to Use a Resume Summary 

• You have an extensive record of accomplishments in your industry or field.
• You possess certifications relevant to the position you are seeking.
• You have special skills and expertise to demonstrate on your resume.

Example#1: For Project Manager

• Experienced project manager with 5+ years of experience managing mid-sized teams on high-level projects.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and management and leadership abilities.
• Completed projects with a minimum of $10K under budget and 10% faster than estimated.
• Interested in leveraging project management skills and knowledge as a senior project manager at Built Pro Remodelers.

Example #2: For Executive Assistant

• Executive Assistant with five years experience working for Summers & Sons Company
• Manage an office budget of $50K per month
• Negotiated directly with service providers to reduce travel expenses by $5.5K
• Oversee a team of 8 specialists in administrative support

Resume Headline

It’s a brief, one-line phrase that describes your skills, accomplishments, and services, and communicates what you can provide when you join the company. A resume headline should be relevant and brief, similar to that of a news headline. It should also highlight your related qualifications for the job.

Who should use a resume headline

Your resume headline, also known as your resume title is placed at the top of your document, immediately under your contact information. You can use a resume title no matter what your industry, title, or experience level is.

• If you’re an experienced professional, a resume headline is a great way to highlight your greatest career achievements.
• If you’re applying for an entry-level position or you don’t have much experience, the resume headline gives you a chance to describe your current qualifications and what you hope to accomplish.
• If you’re having trouble fitting all the information on your resume onto a one- or two-page template.

  Examples:

• Top Grossing Sales Manager with 5+ years of experience who generated $500K+ monthly sales.
• Efficient Project Manager delivering projects 10% faster than projected.
• Personable and Bilingual Call Center Agent with 5 Years of Experience.

Start With The Rest of Your Resume

It is important for a resume to begin with an engaging introduction. As employers must look through hundreds of resumes a day, they scan them in seconds. Since they are quick to judge, you need to make a good first impression. As such, it is crucial to grab the employer’s attention with the first sentence of the resume, so they continue reading.

A resume headline is determined by several factors including your qualifications, your experience, and whether or not you’re looking for a job within the same sector.

The thing is…

How can you write a resume introduction that makes a strong first impression?

Start a resume by working on the other sections.

First, list your work experience, skills, education, and any other sections that highlight your achievements.

After you have completed the bulk of the resume body, you can then move to your introduction and highlight those achievements or skills in your summary or objective.

When you write your resume introductions last you will make it relevant to the rest of your resume sections.

Writing a Resume Introduction

Here are some tips to make your resume introduction more compelling and strong:

• Keep it short and concise . One to three powerful sentences is enough to showcase your qualifications.
• Customize your resume introduction to the position you’re applying for. Take note of the attributes they are looking for when examining the job ad.
• Use action words to enliven your introduction to hook the hiring manager’s attention until the end of your resume.
• Use resume keywords to optimize your resume and pass the ATS scans.
• Focus on the value you can give. Instead of focusing on what makes you unique as a person, focus on what makes you valuable to your employer. They are likely to hire you if they believe the value you provide meets their needs.
• Avoid using first-person pronouns such as “I” and “You” . Using them will draw attention to yourself instead of letting them know what you can do for the company.
• Proofread your work once you’ve finished it. You don’t want a couple of typos to ruin your hard work.

Key Takeaway

The following things should be taken into account when writing your resume introduction:

• Choose a resume objective or summary for your resume.
• Highlight your strengths, achievements, and qualifications.
• Use the job posting as a guide to tailor your resume intro.
• Keep it short, use action-oriented words, and focus on your value.

Marissa Letendre, SPHR, SHRM-SCP

Marissa Letendre is a senior HR leader and resume expert with over 12 years of experience. She has worked for both startups and Fortune 50 corporations and has helped thousands land jobs at top companies. Marissa has written on a wide range of topics, including employee engagement, career development, resumes, job searching, recruiting, and organizational effectiveness and has been featured on sites such as Slack and The Undercover Recruiter.

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20 Best Resume Introduction Examples you can Use

This article shows you how to write an outstanding resume introduction, including providing great examples to enable you make one for your resume/CV and increase its chances of being read by the recruiter/employer.

The first section of your resume is the introduction. It is a short summary of your competence, knowledge, skills, and expertise that makes you a qualified candidate for the Job that you are applying for.

But the way you introduce your resume or CV goes a long way in determining whether it will be read or advanced to the next step of the hiring process or not.

So, it is important that you write a very good introductory statement for your resume to get the attention of the recruiter to read the whole of the document.

How to Make a Good Resume Introduction for any Position

To craft an outstanding resume introductory statement, you must present the right kind of information that the recruiter wants in a captivating manner using few lines.

The appropriate content for your resume introduction is published in the job description for the position.

Hence, before writing the introduction, you should study the job description to understand the skills, knowledge, and abilities that are essential for success on the role that you are seeking.

It implies that your resume introduction is position specific and you should write a different one for every position you are applying for.

Highlight the key words and phrases in the job description and proceed to apply them in three to four sentences to form your resume introduction.

When writing the introduction and the body of the resume or CV, it is vital that you highlight the key words as stated because your resume may be reviewed by ATS software, especially for online applications.

Writing your resume introduction following this approach guarantees that you will progress to the next stage of the hiring process, and affords you an opportunity for interview.

To aid your learning of how to make effective introductory statements for your resume, we have provided good examples:

Top 20 Resume Introduction Examples you can apply

• A+ certified effective communicator and team player with 3 years of technical support experience and Associate degree. Seeking a Technical Support Specialist position in M3. Coming with advanced knowledge of Windows OS, thorough documentation, and customer service skills to provide IT software, hardware, and network support for all M3 employees.
• Seasoned Java developer with 10 years of experience working with Agile and designing of software solutions. Offering strong Java skills and working experience with SQL (MySQL or PostgreSQL) and NoSQL (MongoDB or Cassandra), Cloud Infrastructure, JPA and ORM frameworks.
• Team player with strong oral and written communication skills and an analytical and problem solving aptitude. Seeking a Transportation specialist position in ABC to coordinate logistics and ensure proper priority to urgencies. Coming with sound judgment, expertise in transportation and international Logistics, and Bachelor’s degree.
• Highly motivated individual with proven leadership skills and 5 years of retail sales management experience, looking for the position of Apple Manager. Bringing exceptional coaching and interpersonal skills to inspire, and technical and business skills to provide superior customer service.
• Experienced tractor-trailer driver with clean driving record and valid Class A CDL License, seeking the position of a Fedex Truck Driver. Coming with Current DOT Medical Card and willingness to work a flexible schedule.
• Professional Communicator with excellent English writing, speaking, and reading skills, Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, and 10 years of corporate communications experience in the software industry with a global company. Interested in the position of Communications Director at Sage, to set out and oversee the strategy for internal and external communications.

More Resume Introduction Examples [7-13]

• Service-oriented individual with superb customer service and communication skills, interested in a Store Employee position at 7-Seven Inc. Bringing 2 years of retail sales experience, familiarity with cash register, and courteous attitude to drive sales.
• Graduate student with Bachelor’s in Animal Science interested in the vacant Cattle Field Sales Intern position at MFarm Inc., to utilize 3 years of sales experience, excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills, to foster sales in the farm.
• Excellent communicator with passion for education, and ability to instruct in a “hands-off” manner. Interested in the US Creative position at Apple Store. Offering excellent coaching and presentation skills and the ability to teach in groups.
• Highly numerate individual with strong financial and analytical skills and Bachelor’s degree in Finance, seeking the position of Associate Finance in Goldman Sachs. Bringing proficient knowledge of financial analysis and modeling, and 3 years of experience to aid sound financial decision-making.
• Problem solver with strong analytical skills and AS degree, seeking the position of Accounting Associate at PwC. Offering broad knowledge of accounting and proficient skills in utilizing tax and accounting software.
• Seeking an Events Manager position in Trace3 to utilize 5 years of experience creating a series of events and trade shows. Coming with a creative mind and highly developed managerial and organizational skills honed from practice to promote brand image of clients.
• Detail-oriented certified digital marketer with content writing skills and solid online marketing background. Seeking a Digital Marketer position with TBC, to leverage marketing knowledge and 4 years of experience in fostering sales for TBC.

More Resume Introduction Examples [14-20]

• Technically inclined individual with good communication, math, and computer skills. Seeking a Freight Operations position in TBC Everything where 3 years of experience will be utilized. Coming with High School Diploma and the ability to operate forklifts.
• Micro Biologist with exceptional communication and presentation skills, seeking a Medical Sales Representative position at Orbit Medicals where 2 years of medical sales experience will be applied. Coming with high energy, knowledge of medical terminology, and Bachelor’s degree.
• Passionate individual looking to make a difference in young children, seeking the position of a Teacher to help develop, execute, and evaluate educational plans for Tuoro Schools. Coming with Bachelor’s degree in Child Development and 3 years of high school teaching experience.
• Energetic driver with valid class A Certified Driver’s License and track record of zero accidents in the last 2 years, seeking a Dump Truck Driver position at ABC, to leverage huge expertise and knowledge of local routes in providing prompt service.
• Seasoned caterer with 5+ years of experience in the food service sector, seeking a Catering Manager position with Rose Restaurant. Bringing solid customer service approach, culinary expertise, and interpersonal skills, and strong entrepreneurial mindset.
• Computer Scientist with proven technical, organizational, and communication skills. Interested in a Network Engineering position in TCB, to utilize 5 years of experience in systems management and configuration.
• Manually inclined individual with 2 years of janitorial experience and good communication skills, seeking a Residential Helper position with Trace3 Inc. to assist with collection of waste and recyclable materials. Coming with High School Diploma and exceptional ability to work in outdoor weather.

You can project your worth to the hiring manager and increase the chances of your resume been read, and secure an interview appointment with the recruiter by having a compelling introductory statement in your resume.

This post provides useful guide and examples to follow in making highly effective resume introductions.

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How to Start a Resume (5+ Examples of Resume Introductions)

In This Guide:

Scrutinize the job description carefully, develop an authentic personal brand story, create an outline for your resume, choose a section to start your resume.

Tips for starting your resume the right way

What's the quickest way to get ignored in your job hunt?

Treat the top of your resume as an unimportant part and start it off as weak and boring.

The first section of your resume is critical because it affects how recruiters will view you as a candidate. A resume that starts off strong will get more headhunters interested. That in turn will help you land more interviews, which results in better employment opportunities.

That's why we created this guide for you – to give you a step-by-step process for starting your resume the right way. By the end of it, you'll also get a few expert tips for taking your resume to the next level.

Let's get into it!

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Recruiters from different companies will want to see specific details about you at the top of the page. And that all depends on the hiring company's demands in the workplace as well as their expectations.

Therefore, the first step to starting your resume the right way is to go through the job offer carefully. This will help you find out more about your duties for the new position, the skills you should have, and the qualifications required from you.

Once you understand what hiring managers want, you can tailor your resume specifically to meet their needs. As a consequence, you'll be able to grab attention within a few seconds and stand out from the competition.

The most important sections to look for in the job description are:

• About the company — to learn about the company's nature of work, its values, and its core beliefs
• Key duties and responsibilities — to find out more about the demands of the position and which candidates are most qualified to occupy it
• Qualifications — to spice up your resume with relevant strengths and credentials such as educational degrees, core skills, and certifications

The job description will also help you extract the best keywords you have to use for ATS optimization. Those are the most important terms and phrases used by the company to sort through hundreds of candidates and qualify a few finalists for an interview.

• How to find and use ATS keywords in your resume to land your dream job

A lot of companies update their job offers regularly to keep up with the latest demands of their industries. New character traits, skills, technologies, and certificates may be added to job offers as required. That's why you should be updating and improving your resume on a regular basis.

Instead of it being just words on paper, your resume is actually the marketing piece that will sell your industry skills and knowledge. A strong resume will tell your professional story authentically to take recruiters from "who is this candidate?" to "I've just found my dream employee".

This mindset shift in viewing your resume will help you regard sections as plots in your story. When all put together, each section will help market you as the perfect candidate for the headhunter.

Any recruiter will have the following questions before they decide to hire you:

• Do you fit the requirements and qualifications to occupy the job?
• What are your best skills, qualities, and personality traits ?
• How do you intend to help the hiring company thrive?
• Do you have the potential to develop as an employee in the future?
• Why should the company hire you instead of everyone else?

By this point, you already know what the hiring company is looking for in their next candidate. You understand the challenges they're facing and the responsibilities they need the most help with. So answering some of those questions in the form of a coherent professional story should be easy.

The start of your resume is the most important section because that’s what keeps readers glued to the page. So you want to feature the most valuable, exciting facts about you at the very top. From there, you should capitalize on that curiosity by providing great value throughout the remaining sections.

Now that you've decided on all the information you want to showcase in your resume , you have to organize that into sections. You'll start doing that by creating an outline for your resume — which should include every important and relevant information in your personal brand story.

The reason why outlining your resume is crucial is that it provides you with a solid visual guide to follow. By knowing what goes where on the page, you'll save yourself a lot of unnecessary changes and unplanned restructuring.

The resume outline is also important for ensuring that your story is consistent. You won't risk forgetting any essential details about your professional career. An outline containing all the sections you need will help you break down and organize every piece of information you want to include.

While making a resume outline may look complicated, it's actually an easy process that you can do in less than five minutes. To learn more, check out our detailed guide on how to write a perfect resume outline that tells your story with confidence.

• Resume sections: everything you need to know

Which section should you add first to your resume? And how do you know if you’re making the right decision even before you start applying?

There are a few different ways you can start your resume:

Always put the header on top of your resume

The header is the first section on the resume page — which doesn't convey any information about expertise or qualifications. Yet, it's still a fundamental part of the resume because it contains the necessary personal details that recruiters need before they make a hiring decision.

No matter the resume format or job position you're applying for, the header should always be at the top. To write an excellent resume header, you have to include the following contact information:

• Job title — needs to be specific to the position you're applying for
• Phone number — must be reachable at all times. But it should also not be your current work number as that may leave a negative impression
• Email address — has to follow a professional email format such as first.last@examples[.]com or f.last@example[.]com
• Location — doesn't have to be your full home address but instead should follow the "city, state" format

You may also add your LinkedIn profile , personal website, or portfolio link to showcase your work achievements. Although this may seem unimportant, additional details about you can make a huge difference in the shortlisting process.

Looking for a way to make your header even more captivating? Add a resume headline that promotes your value as an employee. By stating precisely — at the top — what you can bring to the table, you'll lure headhunters into reading every single word on the page.

If you're not sure about how to write a good headline, think of it as the sentence you'd say to the recruiter if you only had three seconds with them. For example, your resume headline may look something like this:

Good Example

• Detail-Oriented Project Manager With 6 Years of Experience in the Tech Industry
• Award-Winning Software Engineer Specializing in Healthcare App Development
• Senior Marketing Specialist With a Track Record of Success Working for B2B Companies

Start your resume with a summary section

The summary section is often placed above every other section but below the header. It is used like that by many job seekers because that's a common practice they've seen others do.

As the word "summary" suggests, this part of the resume is dedicated to summing up the most essential details about your career. The summary is where you'll make your elevator pitch to showcase your best achievements in 3 to 5 sentences. This is a great place to feature relevant skills, personality traits, educational background, as well as professional certificates.

Here's an example of how to craft an eye-catching summary for your resume:

Marketing director with 12 years of experience in the B2C electronics industry. Developed promotional campaigns for new product launches, which resulted in an 18% boost in quarterly sales and a revenue increase of over $5.2M. Led a team of account executives to lower ad costs — saving over 200.000$ in annual budget costs. MBA in business administration.

Keep in mind

The resume summary can be a good way to start your resume. But it can only work when applying for jobs requiring many years of expertise with specific accomplishments.

In many cases, putting the summary first can make your resume weaker and less effective in persuading recruiters. For example, candidates applying for entry-level jobs should use an objective instead to highlight their growth mindset and career goals.

Start your resume with an objective section

The objective statement focuses on who you are now, your career goals for the future, and how that aligns with the hiring company's plans. This is the section where you'll highlight your most relevant skills and character traits based on the position. Like the summary section, it should be concise and no longer than 3-5 sentences.

Before we get into who should use the objective statement, you have to understand the benefits of adding it to your resume.

So far you haven't had much success in your line of work because you're new. Therefore, you're more about unlimited potential than proven knowledge. Featuring this section will help you take attention away from your lack of expertise and make up for that with talents and strong vision.

Showing recruiters that your career objectives align with the company's vision is also a huge plus. Headhunters will always prefer to recruit candidates who are rowing in the same direction from the start.

The objective section is best fit for recent grads, entry-level job seekers , and candidates in the middle of a career transition . Basically, any resume used for applying to a job where not much experience is required should feature an objective below the header.

Here's an example of how to write a captivating objective statement:

Highly-motivated marketing director with an MBA in Business Administration. Excellent attention-to-detail and teamwork skills. Independent learner with extensive knowledge in Paid Marketing and People Management. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite. Seeking to join Drop Inc. to put my technical skills into practice and help the organization best serve its customers.

3 Tips for Starting Your Resume the Right Way

By now, you’ve learned the best possible ways to start your resume and when to use each one of them. Here are three additional tips to help you create the top section of your resume easily:

Choose an appropriate resume format

There are basically three main formats for creating your resume.

The reverse-chronological resume format

The reverse-chronological format features your work history and past achievements in chronological order. It starts from your newest/current job going back to the oldest one. It's the most popular format across all industries because of how efficient it is in proving value and impact in the workplace.

This format is most suitable for experienced professionals applying for jobs in competitive fields. It offers a great structure for highlighting achievements clearly and showcasing the companies you've worked for.

If you meet the experience requirements for the job, placing the experience section below the summary is your best option.

The functional resume format

The functional format prioritizes personal skills, technical abilities, and qualifications over experience. It features the candidate's best talents — below the summary or objective — instead of their employment history.

This type of format is an excellent choice for fresh grads, applicants with past employment gaps, and job seekers entering a new field with not much experience. Anyone with transferrable skills should double down on them to make a lasting impression rather than highlighting irrelevant experiences.

Featuring relevant skills within a context is vital when using the functional resume format. Anyone can claim to have a strong set of soft skills to capitalize on in the new job. But only those who prove it through successful projects and past achievements get shortlisted for an interview.

The hybrid resume format

A resume created with the hybrid format is a mix of the two formats discussed above. It combines the best of both structures to create a resume that tells your full story. So if you are an experienced employee who also possesses lots of skills in the field, this might be the ideal option for you.

The best part about this all is that your resume doesn't have to be two pages long or bore recruiters to death. Using an organized layout with a modern hybrid template, you can fit everything into one page and leave headhunters speechless.

Not sure if you should add skills first or prioritize experience? If the job description is focused on skills over experience, feature your strengths first. If it's a high-demand position requiring decades of experience, start off by going over your work accomplishments.

Use a resume builder with ready-made templates

Searching for a job is already a daunting process with a lot of complex duties to handle. From researching hiring companies to reorganizing your work history into a meaningful story, every single task can take you days to finish.

A resume-building tool will take away a lot of the uncertainty from your job search. It can save you hours of research and learning with its pre-made templates. Consequently, you won't have to go through the trouble of creating every single element on the page from scratch.

Enhancv is a drag-and-drop resume builder that helps you create job-winning resumes for any industry or position. It will ease your job hunt by offering you ready-made samples that follow the latest trends without breaking HR rules.

It also provides personalized suggestions around what to include to improve your application. With dozens of resume templates to use, you'll never have to struggle with writer's block again.

Make your resume shine with excellent design

For every resume you want to build, you must think of two things: content and design. We already went over the content part in the sections above — so now it's time to talk about resume design .

If you're using a modern resume builder, design isn't something you have to worry about. The tool will handle everything for you from hierarchy to the best colors you can use to grab attention.

However, if you're designing your own resume from scratch, here are a few tips to help you get started:

• Leave enough white space between separate sections and resume elements to rest the reader's eye. Remember to also create a margin of 0.5 to 1 inch to make your resume ATS-friendly.
• Maintain a clear hierarchy between titles, descriptions, and paragraphs for each section.
• Add a combination of two professional typefaces in different weights and font styles.
• Use modern, complementary colors to make important elements on the page stand out.
• Be consistent in your design choices to improve scanning and readability.
• Free Google Docs resume templates
• Free MS Word resume templates

Bottom Line

Here’s a quick summary of what you learned in today’s guide:

• The job description is a gold mine to any applicant. If you read it carefully before creating your resume, it will provide you with all the answers you need about what to include and which keywords to use.
• Develop a personal brand story in your head before putting any words on the page. Identifying your strongest selling points and demonstrating them as skills and achievements at the top is key to getting noticed.
• Turning your story into an outline allows you to organize all the information from the start and minimize edits. It's the visual guide that helps you leave out unnecessary details and not miss out on essential ones.
• The header section should always be at the very top of your resume. Despite it not showcasing any work-relevant qualities, it's crucial for informing headhunters about who you are and helping them reach out to you when necessary.
• There are many efficient ways to start your resume and get shortlisted. Depending on your expertise, industry skills, and resume format — you can put different sections at the top to get recruiters excited about hiring you.

Still struggling to create a resume that portrays you authentically? We offer career counseling services that will specifically help you nail the recruitment process and get the job of your dreams.

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• Career Blog

Introduction Examples for Your Resume in 2024

When it comes to job hunting, one of the most important tools in your arsenal is your resume. A resume is a document that provides a summary of your education, work experience, skills, and achievements. It serves as an advertisement of yourself to potential employers and is often the first impression that they will have of you. In short, a resume is your personal brand.

But why is it so important to have a strong resume? Well, for starters, it is often the first step in the hiring process. A good resume will get you noticed and can lead to an interview, while a poorly written one can end up in the trash. Your resume is your opportunity to showcase your skills and accomplishments, and to convince an employer that you are the best candidate for the job.

So, what is the purpose of an introduction in a resume? The introduction is your chance to make a great first impression on the employer. It should be brief, yet captivating, and should highlight your skills and qualifications in a way that sets you apart from other applicants. Your introduction should entice the hiring manager to continue reading your resume and ultimately invite you for an interview.

In this article, we will explore some introduction examples that you can use to create a strong and compelling resume. Remember, your introduction is your chance to make a great first impression, so take the time to craft it carefully and make it stand out from the rest.

Importance of a Strong Introduction

A strong introduction is essential for a job seeker’s resume to stand out among countless other applications. Here are three reasons why:

Catching the Attention of the Recruiter/Employer

Recruiters and employers typically receive a high volume of resumes for a single job opening. To make your application stand out, an attention-grabbing introduction is necessary. Think of your introduction as a marketing pitch, where you are selling your skills and experience. A strong introduction should hook the recruiter/employer and make them want to read on further.

Differentiating Yourself from Other Candidates

A well-crafted introduction can set you apart from the competition. Recruiters and employers are looking for the best fit for their company, and a unique introduction can help them remember you. Consider highlighting your achievements and skills that make you stand out. Remember, you want to make a lasting impression.

Setting the Tone for the Rest of the Resume

Your introduction sets the tone for the rest of your resume. If it’s weak, the recruiter/employer may assume the rest of your application will be just as unremarkable. Your introduction should showcase your writing skills, attention to detail, and professionalism. Additionally, it should highlight why you are an ideal candidate for that particular job opening.

A strong introduction is crucial for a job seeker’s resume success. It catches the attention of the recruiter/employer, sets you apart from other candidates, and sets the tone for the rest of your resume. Take the time to craft an introduction that reflects your skills and experience and captures the recruiter’s attention.

Essential Components of an Introduction

When it comes to introducing yourself in a resume, there are four essential components that you should never miss: Name and Contact Information, Professional Title, Objective/Summary Statement, and Personal Brand. In this section, we will dive into each of these elements to help you understand their importance and learn how to craft compelling introductions.

Name and Contact Information

Your name and contact information should always be placed at the top of your resume. This means listing your full name, phone number, email address, and optionally a professional social media profile.

Having your contact information in plain sight is crucial as it allows recruiters to get in touch with you quickly. Furthermore, placing your name at the beginning of the resume sets the tone for the document and reinforces your brand.

Professional Title

Your professional title is the job title that you are applying for or the one you currently have. It sits right under your name and contact information, making it easily recognizable.

Your job title should be as specific and accurate as possible. You don’t want to call yourself a Senior Manager if you are only a Project Manager. Also, if you are applying for a specific position, use the same title used in the job posting.

Objective/Summary Statement

The objective or summary statement is a short paragraph that appears under your professional title. It is a concise overview of who you are, what you bring to the table, and what kind of role you are looking for.

Your objective statement should be customized for each application. Highlight the skills and experiences that are relevant for the job and show how you match the requirements.

Personal Brand

Your personal brand is a combination of your values, mission, and unique selling proposition. It is what sets you apart from other candidates and makes you memorable.

To craft a personal brand statement, think about what you are passionate about, what motivates you, and what you want to achieve in your career. Use strong action words and be as specific as possible.

The components of an introduction are crucial in making a great first impression. Having a clear and concise Name and Contact Information, Professional Title, Objective/Summary Statement, and Personal Brand can help you stand out from the rest and land your dream job.

Different Types of Introductions

When it comes to resume writing, the introduction is one of the most important parts. It is the first thing a potential employer will see, and it sets the tone for the rest of your application. A well-written introduction can capture their attention and make them want to keep reading. However, not all introductions are created equal. In fact, there are different types of introductions that can be used in different situations.

Chronological Introduction

A chronological introduction is one that starts at the beginning and follows a timeline of your employment history. This type of introduction is best suited for job seekers who have a clear career progression and their work experience aligns with the position they are applying for. The chronological introduction emphasizes a candidate’s work history and typically starts with their most recent position and works backward.

This type of introduction is great for candidates who have a long and successful work history in their field. It allows employers to see their career path and the positions they have held, highlighting their growth and development. It shows the candidate’s experience, knowledge and presents a clear picture of their work history.

Functional Introduction

A functional introduction focuses on the candidate’s skills and achievements rather than their work history. This type of introduction is well suited to job seekers who have experience in different industries or who have gaps in their employment history. The functional introduction focuses on the candidate’s strengths, abilities and how these can apply to the position they are applying for.

This type of introduction can be effective for individuals who have had a non-traditional career path, such as someone who has changed careers or who has taken time off to raise a family. Rather than emphasizing their work history, a functional introduction highlights the transferable skills that the candidate has gained and how they can be applied to the role they are seeking.

Combination Introduction

A combination introduction combines elements of the chronological and functional introductions. This type of introduction highlights the candidate’s work experience, but also emphasizes their skills, achievements and how they align with the position they are applying for. This type of introduction is well suited for job seekers who have a stable work history but want to focus on their skills and achievements.

A combination introduction also works well for those seeking job transitions, new careers or those who may have had gaps in their work history. The work chronology shows a candidate’s experience in their field, while the skills and achievements show their potential and value in the new position.

Example Introductions for Entry-Level Resumes

When it comes to crafting a strong introduction for your entry-level resume, there are different formats to consider. Here are sample introductions for three popular formats: chronological, functional, and combination.

Chronological Resume Introduction

The chronological resume format is the most traditional and straightforward approach. It lists your work experience starting from the most recent position and going back in time. Here is a sample introduction for a chronological resume:

“I am a recent graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and two summer internships under my belt. As an intern at XYZ Company, I gained experience in market research, social media management, and event planning. Prior to that, I worked as a marketing assistant at ABC Corporation, where I created content for social media and assisted with email marketing campaigns. I am excited to apply my skills and knowledge to a full-time marketing role.”

Functional Resume Introduction

The functional resume format focuses on your skills and abilities rather than your work history. It’s useful if you have gaps in your employment history or are switching careers. Here is a sample introduction for a functional resume:

“As a creative problem solver with a passion for technology, I thrive in fast-paced environments. My expertise in web design, UX/UI, and programming languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript has enabled me to develop functional and visually appealing websites. I have also honed my project management skills by leading a team of designers and developers to complete multiple projects on time and within budget. My goal is to leverage my skills to create innovative solutions for a forward-thinking company.”

Combination Resume Introduction

The combination resume format combines elements of both the chronological and functional formats. It highlights your skills and achievements at the top of the resume, followed by a reverse-chronological list of your work experience. Here is a sample introduction for a combination resume:

“As a recent graduate with strong analytical skills and a passion for data-driven results, I am eager to apply my experience in marketing analytics to a full-time role. During my internship at XYZ Company, I gained expertise in data analysis tools such as Google Analytics and SEMrush, and I leveraged those tools to create robust reports and insights that informed the marketing team’s decisions. Prior to that, I worked as a marketing assistant at ABC Corporation, where I managed social media accounts and created content for email campaigns. I am confident that my experience and skills make me a strong candidate for a marketing analytics role.”

No matter which format you choose, make sure your introduction is concise, attention-grabbing, and tailored to the job and company you’re applying for. With these sample introductions as a guide, you can create a strong introduction that sets you apart from other entry-level candidates.

Example Introductions for Mid-Career Resumes

A solid resume introduction is essential for catching the attention of potential employers and making a great first impression. This is especially true for mid-career professionals who have a wealth of experience to showcase. There are three popular resume formats that you can use to highlight your skills and accomplishments: chronological, functional, and combination. Here are some sample introductions that you can use as inspiration for crafting your own impactful resume.

A chronological resume is the most classic and straightforward format. It lists your work history in chronological order, starting with your most recent job. This format is recommended for candidates who have a consistent work history and have progressed through their career in a linear fashion.

Example Introduction:

“Experienced marketing professional with over 10 years of experience creating and executing successful campaigns for major consumer brands including Nike, Coca-Cola, and Procter & Gamble. Expertise in branding, digital marketing, and social media strategy. Proven track record of increasing brand awareness and driving sales growth. Looking for a challenging senior marketing role that will allow me to leverage my skills and experience.”

A functional resume focuses on your skills and accomplishments rather than your chronological work history. It’s a great format if you’re changing industries or if you have gaps in your work history. This format allows you to highlight your transferable skills and achievements in a way that’s easy for potential employers to understand.

“Results-driven project manager with a passion for leading cross-functional teams and delivering complex projects on time and within budget. Skilled in stakeholder management, risk assessment, and resource allocation. Track record of success in driving process improvement and delivering cost savings. Looking for a challenging project management role where I can leverage my skills to drive business value.”

A combination resume combines elements from both the chronological and functional formats. It allows you to highlight your skill set at the beginning of the resume while still incorporating your work history in a clear and concise way. This format is ideal for mid-career professionals who want to showcase their skills and experience in a way that tells a compelling story.

“Accomplished sales leader with over 12 years of experience driving revenue growth through sales management and business development. Expertise in pipeline management, market analysis, and lead generation. Experience leading teams of up to 50 sales professionals and managing sales budgets of up to $10 million. Looking for a challenging sales leadership role where I can leverage my skills to drive business growth and exceed targets.”

The introduction of your resume is a critical part of the document, and can make or break your chances of getting the job. Whether you choose to go with the chronological, functional, or combination format, remember to focus on your key skills and accomplishments and tailor your resume to the specific job you’re applying for.

Example Introductions for Executive/Management Resumes

When it comes to crafting a powerful and effective resume introduction, there are several different approaches you can take depending on your experience, background, and career goals. Here are three example introductions for executive/management resumes using the chronological, functional, and combination formats:

With more than 15 years of experience in executive leadership roles across a variety of industries, I have developed a deep expertise in strategic planning, organizational development, and team management. Throughout my career, I have consistently delivered measurable results, driving revenue growth, improving operational efficiency, and cultivating high-performing teams that are focused on achieving ambitious goals. As a highly analytical and results-driven professional, I am uniquely positioned to lead complex initiatives and drive transformative change within organizations.

As a seasoned executive with extensive experience in both operations and people management, I bring a unique blend of technical expertise and interpersonal skills to the table. Throughout my career, I have consistently demonstrated an ability to manage complex projects, drive operational efficiency, and build high-performing teams that are focused on achieving ambitious goals. With a keen eye for detail and a proactive approach to problem-solving, I am confident in my ability to make a significant impact in any leadership role.

As an accomplished executive with more than 15 years of experience in a range of industries, I possess a diverse skill set that includes strategic planning, operational management, and team leadership. Throughout my career, I have successfully led cross-functional teams to deliver on complex initiatives, streamline processes, and drive growth in competitive markets. With a deep understanding of strategic planning and execution, as well as a track record of building and managing high-performing teams, I am confident in my ability to make a significant impact in any executive or management role.

No matter which format you choose, remember that your resume introduction should be tailored to your specific career goals and highlight your unique strengths and accomplishments. By crafting a compelling and effective introduction, you can increase your chances of landing your dream job and setting yourself up for long-term success.

Tips for Writing a Strong Introduction

When it comes to writing a resume, the introduction is your first chance to catch the employer’s attention. To make the best impression possible, it’s important to follow these tips:

Tailor the Introduction to the Job Description:  Don’t use a one-size-fits-all approach. Rather, customize your intro to match the job posting as closely as possible. This shows that you carefully read the job requirements and that you’re a good match for the position.

Highlight Relevant Skills and Achievements:  Use the introduction to showcase your most relevant skills and achievements. This will give the employer a quick snapshot of your abilities and what you can bring to the job.

Use Action Verbs in the Summary Statement:  Use strong action verbs in your summary statement to convey energy and enthusiasm. This will help you stand out from other applicants who use weaker language.

Avoid Generic Language:  Avoid using generic language that doesn’t say anything specific about you. Rather, be as specific as possible about your skills and achievements. Using concrete examples helps to show rather than tell.

By following these tips, you can create a strong introduction that will help you stand out from other candidates and make a great first impression.

Mistakes to Avoid in Resume Introductions

When creating your resume introduction, it’s important to avoid common mistakes that may hinder your chances of getting noticed by potential employers. Here are some mistakes to avoid:

Including irrelevant information

Your resume introduction should be concise and to the point. Including irrelevant information, such as hobbies or personal details, can take up valuable space and distract from your qualifications and abilities.

Overusing buzzwords

While it’s important to use industry terminology and keywords, overusing buzzwords can come across as insincere or unprofessional. Use them sparingly and strategically.

Starting with an objective statement rather than a summary

Objective statements are outdated and may not effectively convey your value as a potential employee. Instead, start with a powerful summary that highlights your skills, accomplishments, and experience, and show how they align with the job requirements.

Using first-person pronouns

Your resume is a professional document, so avoid using first-person pronouns such as “I” or “me.” Instead, focus on using powerful action verbs and descriptive language to highlight your achievements and experience.

By avoiding these mistakes, you can create a resume introduction that effectively communicates your value and increases your chances of landing an interview.

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More from ResumeHead

24 Resume Summary Examples That Get Interviews

By Biron Clark

Published: November 8, 2023

Biron Clark

Writer & Career Coach

A resume summary statement usually comes right after a job seeker’s contact info and before other resume sections such as skills and work experience. It provides employers with a brief overview of a candidate’s career accomplishments and qualifications before they read further. Because of how early it appears on the document, your resume summary statement (or your CV “profile” in the UK) is one of the first places recruiters and employers look. And without the right information, they’ll doubt that you’re qualified and may move to another resume.

So I got in touch with a select group of professional resume writers, coaches and career experts to get their best resume summary examples you can use and adapt to write a resume summary that stands out and gets interviews.

As a former recruiter myself, I’ll also share my best tips to write your resume summary effectively.

Why the Resume/CV Summary is Important

You may have heard that recruiters only spend 8-10 seconds looking at your resume. The truth is: they spend that long deciding whether to read more. They do glance that quickly at first and may move on if your background doesn’t look like a fit. However, if you grab their attention, they’ll read far more. Recruiters aren’t deciding to interview you in 8-10 seconds, but they are ruling people out in 8-10 seconds. And this is why your resume summary is so crucial. It appears high up on your resume (usually right after your header/contact info) and is one of the first sections employers see. So it’s part of what they’ll see in the first 8-10 seconds.

Your resume summary statement is one of your first (and one of very few) chances to get the employer to stop skimming through their pile of resumes and focus on YOU.

Watch: Resume Summary Examples That Get Interviews

10 resume summary examples:.

These career summary examples will help you at any experience level – whether you’re writing a professional summary after a long executive career, or writing your first resume summary without any experience! After you finish this article you’re NEVER going to have to send out a limp, weak resume summary statement again (and you’ll get far more interviews  because of it).

1. Healthcare Sales Executive Resume Summary Example:

Turnaround & Ground Up Leadership – Concept-to-execution strategies for untapped products, markets + solutions that yield 110% revenue growth – Negotiates partnerships with leading distributors + hospitals—Medline to Centara + Novant Health to Mayo Clinic –  Revitalizes underperforming sales organizations via scalable, sustainable infrastructures emulated as best practice –  C-Level networks of clinical + supply chain leadership acquired during tenures with XXX, XXX and XXX

Why this resume summary is good:

This resumes summary example’s strength lies in the detailed, unique information that has been included. By including revenue stats, names of past employers and partners, the reader right away sees that this person will bring to the role a strong networking ability with key players in his industry, and more importantly can build, grow and revitalize a sales organization, market or product.

By:  Virginia Franco, Founder of Virginia Franco Resumes  and Forbes contributor.

2. 15+ Year Business Owner Resume Summary Statement:

Dynamic and motivated marketing professional with a proven record of generating and building relationships, managing projects from concept to completion, designing educational strategies, and coaching individuals to success. Skilled in building cross-functional teams, demonstrating exceptional communication skills, and making critical decisions during challenges. Adaptable and transformational leader with an ability to work independently, creating effective presentations, and developing opportunities that further establish organizational goals.

Why this is a good summary section:

This is a resume summary statement that was for  a candidate returning to work after having her own business for 15+ years. Because of this, we needed to emphasize her soft skills and what she can bring to this potential position. In addition, we highlighted the skills she has honed as a business owner so that she can utilize these qualifications as a sales professional, account manager , and someone knowledgeable about nutrition, medicine, and the overall sales process.

By: Dr. Heather Rothbauer-Wanish. MBA, Ph.D., CPRW, and Founder of Feather Communications

3. Human Resources Generalist Resume Summary Example:

Human Resources Generalist with progressive experience managing employee benefits & compliance, employee hiring & onboarding, performance management processes, licensure tracking and HR records. Dependable and organized team player with the ability to communicate effectively and efficiently. Skilled at building relationships with employees across all levels of an organization. Proficient with HRIS, applicant tracking and benefits management.

Why this is a good resume summary:

The applicant highlights their experience across a wide range of HR functions from the very first sentence, and continues this pattern throughout the rest of the summary. They then use easily digestible langue to showcase their hard skills (in the first & fourth sentences) and soft skills (in the second & third sentences). They also integrate a variety of keywords to get past automated job application systems , without sounding spammy or without overdoing it.

By: Kyle Elliott, MPA/CHES,  Career Coach and Consultant

4. Social Media Marketing CV Profile Example (UK):

Social media expert with successes in the creation and management of social media strategies and campaigns for global retail organisations. Extensive experience in the commercial utilisation of multiple social media channels including Facebook, Twitter and YouTube; I build successful social strategies that increase brand awareness, promote customer engagement and ultimately drive web traffic and conversions.

Why this summary is good:

This summary is well-written, short, sharp, and gives recruiters a high-level explanation of the candidate’s core offerings in a persuasive and punchy style. A quick scan of this profile tells you the exact type of social media platforms the candidate is an expert in, as well as the campaigns they have experience running and types of organizations they have worked for. Most importantly, the summary is rounded off by showing the results that this person achieves for their employers, such as increased web traffic and conversions.

Editor’s note: This CV profile summary was written for the UK market… this is a great one to use/copy, but make sure you put it through a spell-checker if you’re applying for jobs in the US (utilisation vs. utilization, etc.)

By: Andrew Fennell, Director at StandOut CV , contributor for The Guardian and Business Insider

5. Marketing Manager Professional Summary Example:

Marketing Manager with over eight years of experience. Proven success in running email marketing campaigns and implementing marketing strategies that have pulled in a 20% increase in qualified leads. Proficient in content, social media and inbound marketing strategies. Skilled, creative and innovative.

This resume summary stands out because it gets straight to the point. By immediately introducing the number of years of experience the candidate has, the HR manager doesn’t need to spend time adding up years. The candidate also jumps right into his or her strongest skill, provides a statistic , then gives additional skills.

By: Sarah Landrum, career expert and contributor at Entrepreneur.com and Forbes

6. Warehouse Supervisor Resume Summary Example:

Warehouse Supervisor with Management, Customer Service, & Forklift Experience –  Dependable manager with 15+ years of experience in warehouse management and employee supervision. –  Skilled at managing inventory control, shipping & receiving, customer relations and safety & compliance. –  Certified Power Equipment Trainer, Forklift Operator and Reach Operator skilled at coaching other staff. –  Promoted to positions of increased responsibility given strong people and project management skills.

The applicant was applying for a warehouse supervisor position that required them to have demonstrated management, customer service and forklift experience. As such, the applicant showcased their experience in these areas with a few keywords in the title, followed by additional details in the accompanying bullet points. Their final bullet shows a record of promotions, while reinforcing the applicant’s customer service and project management skills.

7. IT Project Manager Resume Summary Example:

Experienced Project Manager with vast IT experience. Skills include computer networking, analytical thinking and creative problem solving. Able to apply customer service concepts to IT to improve user experience for clients, employees and administration.

Because this candidate is switching career paths, it’s important he or she take skills used for previous positions and apply those skills to the new job listing. This is a great example because the candidate makes it clear that his or her experience is not in the new field, but that they are still able to bring relevant experience to the table. When writing your resume summary, keep these tips in mind: Use writing that is straight to the point, clear and concise, you’ll have a higher chance of getting noticed by the hiring manager.

8. Career-Changer Resume Summary Example:

Earn trust, uncover key business drivers and find common ground as chief negotiator and identifier of revenue opportunities in sales, leadership and account management roles spanning e-Commerce, air travel and high-tech retail. Navigate cultural challenges while jumping time zones, lead international airline crews and manage corporate accounts to deliver an exceptional customer experience. A self-taught techie sought after as a go-to for complex billing systems and SaaS platforms alike—bridging the divide between technology and plain-speak. – Tenacious Quest for Success + Learning . Earned MBA and BS in just 3 years while working full-time – gaining hands-on experience in research- and data-driven product roadmap development, pricing and positioning. – Results-Driven Leadership. Whether leading Baby Boomers, Gen X or Millennials—figures out what makes teams tick, trains and transforms individuals into top-performers. – Challenger of Conventional Wisdom. Always ask the WHY. Improve the user experience through smart, strategic thinking that anticipates outcomes. Present cases that influence, and lead change that drives efficiency and profitability.

This client was eager for a career change and had moved from role to role and industry to industry. After completing her Master’s degree, she was eager to tie her skills together to land a role – which she did – as a Senior Technology Account Strategist for a global travel company. Although a bit longer than a traditional summary, its strength lies in the details. Without ever getting to the experience section, the reader gets a clear idea of the scope of responsibility, and hard and soft skills the candidate brings to the table.

By: Virginia Franco, Founder of Virginia Franco Resumes  and Forbes contributor.

9. Project Management Executive Professional Summary Example:

15+ years of initiating and delivering sustained results and effective change for Fortune 500 firms across a wide range of industries including enterprise software, digital marketing, advertising technology, e-commerce and government. Major experience lies in strategizing and leading cross-functional teams to bring about fundamental change and improvement in strategy, process, and profitability – both as a leader and expert consultant.

Why this resume summary is good:

“Project Manager” is one of those job titles that’s REALLY broad. You can find project managers earning $50K, and others earning $250K. The client I wrote this for was at the Director level, and had worked for some of the biggest and best tech companies in her city. So this resume profile section shows her level and experience, and the wide array of areas she has responsibility for in her current work. You can borrow or use some of the phrasing here to show that you’ve been responsible for many important areas in your past work.

By: Biron Clark, Founder of  CareerSidekick.com.

10. Startup And Finance Management Consultant Career Summary Example:

Experienced strategist, entrepreneur and startup enthusiast with a passion for building businesses and challenging the status quo. 8+ year track record of defining new business strategies, launching new ventures, and delivering operational impact, both as a co-founder and management consultant. 

Why this resume summary example is good:

This summary was for a highly-talented management consultant looking to break out of finance, and into trendier tech companies like Uber . His track record and educational background were great, so the goal of this summary section was to stand out and show he’s more than just the typical consultant with a finance background. So we emphasized his passion for startups, and his ability to think outside the box and challenge the status quo. That’s something that companies like Uber and other “disruptive” tech companies look for.

14 Resume Summary Examples for Various Industries

Compassionate and effective 5th-grade teacher with experience overseeing the classroom and preparing lessons. Extensive experience encouraging students through positive reinforcement and motivational techniques. Collaborate well with school administration and other members of the teaching team. Ensure all students meet learning requirements, including literacy, social, and arithmetic skills.

2. Teacher’s Assistant

Goal-oriented teacher’s assistant with ten years of experience working with elementary school children. Aid teachers with lesson planning, classroom settings, and group instruction. Model positive behavior and maintain order in the classroom. Willingness to take on additional responsibilities to meet learning objectives.

Tech Industry

3. computer programmer.

Innovative computer programmer with a proven track record of writing high-quality code and supporting team needs with subject matter expertise. Adept in multiple programming languages, including Python, JavaScript, and C++. Ability to troubleshoot complex programming issues with inventive solutions. 

4. Cybersecurity Analyst

Dedicated cybersecurity analyst with ten years of experience in online security research, execution, planning, and maintenance. Proven track record of identifying business risks and proactively resolving them. Experience designing and instituting layered network security for large-scale organizations. Train users and other staff members on IT safety procedures and preventive techniques.

Skilled healthcare professional with ten years of experience in patient care, diagnosis, and providing appropriate treatments and medical services. Manage medical staff and resolve complex medical cases with maximum efficiency. Communicate the patient’s condition and treatment plan in easily understood terminology. Remain current with the latest advancements in medicine and research to ensure patients receive proper care.

6. Registered Nurse

Seasoned registered nurse offering comprehensive patient care in emergency room settings. Experience handling diverse patient populations and caring for various conditions. Proven leadership managing nursing teams and other staff. Focus on enhancing patient care and satisfaction through empathetic communication and excellent customer service. 

7. Digital Marketing Manager

Forward-thinking digital marketing manager experienced in all facets of digital marketing, including social media management, PPC advertising, SEO, and email marketing. Proven experience creating comprehensive marketing plans that improve lead prospecting and enhance brand awareness. Up to date with the newest tools available for digital marketing campaigns.

8. Marketing Analyst

Industrious marketing analyst well-versed in analyzing marketing campaign analytics and making recommendations to improve performance. Collaborate with account managers and use KPI metrics to explain the results of marketing initiatives. Meticulous with a strong work ethic and robust communication skills.

Food and Service Industry

Experienced wait staff member capable of managing orders, processing payments, and upselling menu items. Ensure restaurant guests feel welcome with attentive service catered to their needs. Remain current on updates to the menu and assist guests with selecting orders to meet their dietary requirements. Maintain a positive attitude and focus during busy restaurant periods.

10. Hotel Receptionist

Friendly hotel receptionist with extensive experience handling guest check-ins, check-out, and payments. Facilitate a positive guest experience with polished customer service skills and a readiness to address common inquiries and complaints. Collaborate well with other hotel team members, including executive administration and on-site restaurant staff.

Business/Office Jobs

11. financial analyst.

Highly motivated financial analyst with a proven track record of recommending appropriate financial plans based on financial monitoring, data collection, and business strategizing. Experienced in qualitative and quantitative analysis, forecasting, and financial modeling. Excellent communication skills for building and fostering long-term business relationships across the organization.

12. Tax Accountant

Experienced tax accountant with ten years of experience preparing federal and state tax returns for corporations and partnerships. Monitor changes in laws to ensure the organization properly complies with reporting requirements. Assist with tax audits, ensuring the team receives proper supporting evidence for tax positions. Analyze and resolve complex tax issues. Look for available tax savings opportunities for corporations with an aggregate savings of $500K last year. Excellent analytical skills and attention to detail.

Sales and Customer Service

13. sales representative.

Enthusiastic sales representative with expertise in identifying prospects and converting qualified leads to paying customers. Provide quality customer service and contribute to team sales success. Offer exceptional communication skills and seek to understand client needs before making the appropriate product recommendations. Continually meet and exceed sales goals. Leverage extensive knowledge of available products to provide appropriate client solutions and enhance customer loyalty and retention.

14. Customer Service Associate

Knowledgeable customer service professional with extensive experience in the insurance industry. Known as a team player with a friendly demeanor and proven ability to develop positive rapport with clients. Maintain ongoing customer satisfaction that contributes to overall company success. Highly articulate, with a results-oriented approach that addresses client inquiries and issues while maintaining strong partnerships. Collaborate well with the customer service team while also engaging independent decision-making skills.

Now you have 24 professional resume summary statements and some explanations of why they’re effective. Next, I’ll share tips for how to write your own in case you’re still unsure how to begin based on these examples above.

How to Write a Resume Summary: Steps and Hints

We’ve looked at 10 great resume summary examples above. As you begin writing a resume summary for yourself, here are some helpful tips to keep in mind:

• Read the employer’s job description. Your career summary shouldn’t be a long list of everything you’ve done; it should be a refined list of skills and experiences that demonstrate you’re a fit for their job.
• Mention your current job title if relevant. One common way to begin your resume summary is to state your current job title.
• Explain how you can help employers achieve their goals or solve their problems.
• Consider using bold text to emphasize one or two key phrases.
• Include any relevant metrics and data like dollar amounts, years of experience, size of teams led, etc. This helps your resume stand out.
• Focus on making the employer want to read more. The goal of your resume summary isn’t to show everything you can do, but to grab their attention and show enough that they continue reading.

Creating a Customized Resume Summary

While general summaries are appropriate when applying for jobs requiring similar skills and experience, a customized resume summary can enhance your chances of moving on to the next step in the hiring process. 

That’s because most companies use automated tracking systems (ATS) to review submitted resumes for content directly related to the job posting. If you use keywords and natural language phrases in your summary that interlink to the job description, you’ll have a much higher chance of passing the ATS review.

Let’s look at an example of a resume summary that is customized for the specific job description below:

“Highly motivated social media specialist with strong project management skills. Creative marketer skilled in crafting innovative social media campaigns that resonate with a target audience. Regularly develop compelling copy and social media content to enhance lead generation and brand awareness. Detail-oriented with extensive project management skills that ensure proper prioritization of tasks and projects. Work with various social media management and analytics tools to examine results and make adjustments as necessary.”

This summary directly addresses the key points in the job description but rewrites them so the customization is natural and flows well. It’s personalized for the open role and uses similar terms with a few strategically placed keywords, such as “social media content” and “project management.”  

How Long Should a Resume Summary Be?

As you read the resume summaries above, you probably noticed there are some short single-paragraph resume summary examples and much longer career summaries that are two to three paragraphs plus bullet points. So how long should YOUR professional summary be? If you have relevant work experience, keep your summary to one or two paragraphs. The piece you really want the hiring manager to read is your most recent work experience (and you should make sure you tailored that info to fit the job description). The resume summary is just a “bridge” to get the hiring manager into your experience.

If I were writing my own career summary right now, I’d likely use one single paragraph packed with skills, accomplishments, and exactly why I’m ready to step into the job I’ve applied for and be successful!

Even for a manager resume summary, I recommend a very short length. However, if you’re changing careers, or you’re looking for jobs without any work experience , the summary section needs to stand on its own, and should be longer. That’s why some examples above are a bit longer.

Formatting Your Resume/CV Career Summary

You may have noticed a variety of different formats in the career summary examples above. There isn’t one “right” way to format this section on your resume or CV. However, I recommend either using one or two brief paragraphs, or combining a short sentence or paragraph with bullets. Avoid writing three or four long paragraphs with no special formatting like bullet points. That’s simply too much text for your summary section and will cause recruiters and hiring managers to skip over it in some cases.

Should You Include a Resume Objective?

You do not need to include an objective on your resume, and doing so can make your resume appear outdated. Use a resume summary instead of an objective. Follow the resume summary examples above and focus on discussing your skills, qualifications, and achievements, rather than stating your objective. Employers know that your objective is to obtain the position you’ve applied for, and the resume objective has no place on a modern resume/CV in today’s job market.

Examples of Bad Resume Summaries

Now that we’ve seen a few exemplary resume summaries, let’s look at some that you should avoid at all cost.

1. Typos and Grammatical Errors

“Experienced cashier who knows how to run the register cash. Responsible with the money and can talk with the customer. Knows when to stoc up the invenory and checks it all the time. Can count change and run credit card tranactions. Get the customer happy by good service. I am always cheerful and organized.”

Why this resume summary is bad:

If you read the summary carefully, you’ll notice several spelling errors. The words “stock,” “inventory,” and “transactions” are all spelled wrong. Grammatical errors make the summary choppy and difficult to follow (“Get the customer happy by good service”).  A summary like this probably won’t fly with a company looking for a detail-oriented cashier responsible for managing in-person sales.

2. Lacks Relevant Keywords

“Talented worker with experience managing a team of staff. Creative and responsible with knowledge of organizational processes. Can keep up with the busiest of environments. Stays focused when at work, ensuring prompt task completion. Dependable and willing to collaborate with a team to get things done.”  

In this example, the chef doesn’t use keywords relevant to cooking, restaurants, or kitchens. The summary is very generic and can apply to nearly any job. A manager who receives the application isn’t likely to understand what value the candidate can bring to the restaurant.  To fix the summary, the applicant must rewrite it to include relevant keywords and phrases. 

3. No Numbers to Quantify Achievements

“An experienced and hardworking manager ready to align procedures for maximum revenue and profits. Proven track record of streamlining and strengthening processes, resulting in higher sales and better customer satisfaction. Collaborate well with sales team members, ensuring they have the resources and knowledge to support customer purchases and inquiries. Develop strong rapport with clients and maintain ongoing relationships.”

This isn’t a terrible summary for a sales manager, but it has room for improvement. For one, the first two sentences essentially duplicate each other, mentioning an aptitude for improving processes with the objective of higher sales. The other issue is a lack of quantifying achievements. 

The applicant mentions they have a proven record of increasing sales, but they could strengthen the summary by quantifying their results. For example, they might say, “Proven track record of streamlining and strengthening processes, resulting in a 25% increase in sales over the past year.” The quantifier provides additional credibility. 

4. Not Targeting the Specific Job

“Looking for work in a role that requires great customer service, project management, and communication skills. Able to collaborate with people from diverse and varying backgrounds. Highly organized and reliable worker with a strong work ethic. Responsible and reliable worker you can count on.”

While the candidate lists various skills they have, including customer service and project management, there’s no indication of prior roles held or what position they’re applying for. The summary could apply to numerous positions in a variety of industries. To improve the resume summary, the applicant must specify the job they’re applying for and indicate their prior experience in a similar role, if they have any.

After You Start Getting Interviews, Make Sure to Take Advantage…

If you follow the advice above, you’ll have a great professional resume summary to make your qualifications stand out to employers. But landing the interview is only half the battle… So make sure you go into every interview ready to convince employers that they should hire you, too! If you write a great resume summary example that gets employers excited to interview you, they’re going to ask you questions like, “tell me about yourself” early in the interview to learn more about your background. So make sure you’re prepared with an answer.

I also recommend you review the top 20 interview questions and answers here.

Your resume caught their interest, so naturally, they’re going to follow up with a variety of questions to learn more about your professional background.

The bottom line is: A strong professional resume summary, followed up by other well-written resume sections will get you the interview, but your interview performance is what determines whether you get the job offer!

About the Author

Read more articles by Biron Clark

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I would recommend to customise the skills section of your resume, and ensure that it matches the job posting. The higher the number of phrases within the resume matching the job requirements the more are the chances that the recruiter will pick you for the job.

I just wanted to say, “thank you!”. This was very helpful. Instead of jumping from one website to the next there’s so much useful, relevant information right here.

Hi, I have been having trouble creating a resume as My old one is so long, I’ve worked for a government agency for the past 14 years and held multiple positions doing many different duties for each and now I have to relocate to another area where they do not have an agency like mine in my new area within a 3 hour drive, how can I squeeze all my experience and duties on one page and where do I even start, I’m so nervous, it’s been so long since I’ve attempted the job hunt. So I’m wondering, I do not want to cut anything out that may hurt my chances and I can’t afford to have my resume rewritten by a professional. Can you guide me as to where you think would be a good place to start, I’ve been staring at this laptop for weeks trying to decide on a resume template, there are so many. I thank you for your time and any input will help.

Hi, I am a new graduate and do not have any experience in my field which is Nursing. I want to apply for the jobs but I have no idea about what to mention in my resume.

Hi, this article should help with the resume summary, at least: https://careersidekick.com/summary-for-resume-no-experience/

Other than that, you need to put your academic experience. And internships/part-time jobs if you’ve had any.

Dear Biron,, Thanks for sharing the 10 examples of professional summaries in your article, and especially the reasons why they were considered to be good. However, as a HR professional, I would most likely skip over most of them and would not read much past the first or second sentence. The summaries were mostly too wordy and boring, and did not demonstrate ‘oomph’ at first cursory reading. Simply indicating certain skills or behaviors does not give an idea of the level of expertise, and could simply be wishful thinking on the part of the resume writer.

Just goes to show that there are many ways to see what makes a good summary.

I am a chemical engineer and project management professional with 15+years experience. My experience is between process engineering and project management . How can I marry the two in my profile summary?

It’s not about showing everything you’ve done. It’s about showing employers evidence you’ll succeed in their job. You can show a bit of both but focus heavily on what’s most relevant for the jobs you’re applying for right now. 80/20.

This was absolutely helpful and amazing! Thank you very much!

Hello, I am an active job seeker. I hold a law degree from a foreign country and currently in college for an associate degree. My question is, how do I blend both my foreign job experience with that of the United States in my resume. Thank you.

I’d put your work history in chronological order, starting with the most recent up top. That’s what I’d recommend for 95% of people actually. Then it doesn’t matter where you held each job.

And then in your Education section, I’d include your foreign degree and the current degree you’re pursuing in the US, too (for the US degree, you can say “in progress” or “graduating May 2019” for example).

I am 40 years old & B.A degree holder I have experience in many fields.I would like to join any one fields

I am a fresh graduate, who has five years teaching experience and some months customer service representative experience. Pls kindly assist me to put the resume summary together

I’m an active duty service member and finding in a little difficult creating a good transitional summary from 20 year profession in tactical communications to a drug and alcohol counselor. Do you have any recommendations how I should approach this? Any assistance would be helpful. Thanks

Great piece

How to write the CAREER ABSTRACT in resume for ware super visor retail business?

Just wanted to say thank you.Your advise and information was clear and easy to understand , sometimes there is nothing pertaining to what im looking fot in particular, buy you have sermed to cover everything I n a short quick easy to understand method.It will help tremendously.

Thanks! Glad to hear it helped :)

Very informational

What if you have work experience, but the job your going for(teachingeducation) has nothing to do with warehouse work? How should I build my resume?

In the summary, describe yourself and then say, “…looking to transition into ___” (the type of work you want to be doing now).

This is a bit like a resume “Objective”. I normally don’t recommend an Objective section (and I recommend a Summary section instead), however the one time an Objective does make sense is when you’re trying to change industries or make a big change in the type of role you have.

So that’s why my advice here might seem like I’m telling you to combine an Objective with your resume Summary.

Then “tailor” your previous work to be as relevant as possible. Even if you worked in a different industry you can still show things like leadership, accountability, progress/improvement, hard work, achieving goals, strong teamwork skills, etc. You can do all of that in your resume bullets and work history.

Don’t u have Resume Summary of legal secretary/legal assistant?

No, sorry about that. There are hundreds of different professions/job titles, and we aren’t able to include an example for every scenario out there. These resume summary examples are designed to give you a general idea of how to write yours.

The summaries listed are excellent example and have helped me develop a stand out summary for a new position.

Hello, I been trying to land the job of my dreams. I need help with my resume if i want the recruiters in airlines to notice me. I’ve applied before but haven’t had complete success to making it to a face-to Face Interview. It is a career change – yet i feel i am a great candidate bc i have had many customer service and I even attended an academy for that specific position. Can you please tell me what I am doing wrong on my resume ?

what if i never had a job experience?

Great question. If you don’t have any work experience, take one of the formats/examples above and put your accomplishments and qualifications from your academic studies.

Your headline could say: “Motivated Bio-Sciences Graduate With Expertise in ____”.

And then you might talk about accomplishments in school, group projects you worked on or led, etc.

Basically, when you have no work experience, your school/studies BECOMES your recent work. You should talk about that like it’s a job, because that’s the experience you do have.

really amazing article and too useful , thanks

Hi Mr. Clark, I have been out of the work force for about 18+years and I have been a small business owner for the same number of years. However, I want to go back to the work force. But my problem is that, I don’t know how to prepare my resume or resume summary statement. I had a degree in Communication,Arts and Sciences and a postgraduate degree in Public Administration. I’m a bit confused as to how to incorporate all these experiences into my resume. Please can you help?

Hi Dorothy, I can recommend a professional resume writer if you want. But they’re typically not cheap, so it’s something you’d have to be willing to invest in. If not, there’s a lot of free info online about how to “tailor” your resume for specific jobs. I can’t help one-on-one unfortunately, but I’d recommend thinking about which type of jobs you want, and think of what experience you have that is most relevant. that’s what to put on your resume. Your resume isn’t only about you, it’s about them – what do they want/need? (if you want to get a ton of interviews, that’s how to do it :) ).

Can I have a professional resume writer?

I use a similar format when writing my opening statement for my coverletter. How do you recommend differentiating the two? Or is it ok to use largely the same language?

I think it’s okay to use something similar. I might be more brief in the cover letter… it needs to be about them just as much as it’s about you. Whereas the resume is all about you, at least in the summary section. (The later sections should still be tailored to THEIR needs..)

Struggling to write a Summary Statement for a Secretary/Administrative Assistant position. I have 15 years government experience but have been away from the government since 9/1993 and have spent 15 years as a Substitute Teacher after taking off for 10 years to raise my children.

Hiya! I am a mother of three attempting to return to the workforce. I have been a stay at mom for about 13 years, so I have a (large) gap in my employment history; which doesn’t look great. I have a college education and have obtained a few certifications whilst not employed, plus many volunteer hours. I know that I should probably use a functional resume format. Would love some advice on what I should include in my summary statement.

Hi Juniper,

I rarely like functional resumes, but it might be worth trying. I’d “split-test” it (a marketing term). Create two resume styles, send out 50% one way, 50% the other way, and track results for a week.

I’d treat the resume summary statement just like any other resume. Highlight your skills and past wins/accomplishments.

how do i explain long term gaps in employment? leave them out?

Hi Paulette,

Don’t mention them on a resume summary. But do mention the gaps on a cover letter or lower down on the resume. Here’s an article on how to explain gaps in employment:

https://careersidekick.com/explaining-gaps-in-employment/

I am student in civil engineering field. Have 1.5 yrs of work ex. How should i structure my resume. Thanks.

Hello My name is Shataka and I’m a current job seeker trying to land my dream job as a Counselor. I have Master degree in Counseling Psychology and a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work. My experience lies in many different fields. I’m currently a Substance Abuse Counselor, with a teaching background and over 5 years of social service experience. I guess my question is how would I sum up all my experience to help me find a job as a Counselor.

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