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Summary of Qualifications for a Resume (With Examples)

11 min read · Updated on March 27, 2024

Learn how a summary of qualifications can boost your job search

To capture an employer's attention and compete for a fantastic job, you need a truly compelling resume that conveys your qualifications in the best way possible. But how can you maximize your chances of ensuring that employers spend more than five or six seconds skimming your resume? The answer is simple: you need a great resume profile that can capture your reader's attention! And when you need a profile that really stands out, a summary of qualifications can be a great option.

In this post, we'll explain this type of resume profile and examine how it differs from a resume summary or objective statement . We'll also provide the tips you need to learn how to write a summary of qualifications for your resume and some useful examples that you can refer to for inspiration and guidance.

What is a summary of qualifications for a resume?

If you're familiar with objective statements and resume summaries, then you should readily understand the purpose of a summary of qualifications in a resume. Like those other types of resume profiles, a summary of qualifications - also sometimes referred to as a statement of qualifications - serves as an introduction to your resume. It is also exactly what the name suggests: a summary of the qualifications highlighted in your resume.

An effective summary of qualifications will provide key details about your skills , experiences , and accomplishments . Done properly, this brief summarization of those qualifications should spark enough interest in the reader's mind to entice them to read the rest of the document.

Resume summary, objective statement, and summary of qualifications: how they differ

It's also important to understand the differences between a summary of qualifications for a resume and the other two main resume profile options - the objective statement and resume summary. Each of these profile types is designed to introduce you to an employer. However, they each do that in a unique way:

The objective statement

The resume objective statement has been around for many decades. These statements tend to focus on the job seeker's career goals and how the desired job aligns with those objectives. Though the objective statement remains popular with many recent graduates, it is increasingly viewed as obsolete by job seekers who want to focus their profiles on how they can meet the employer's needs.

The resume summary

The resume summary fulfills that goal by emphasizing the job seeker's relevant skills and experiences. In addition, an effective summary also highlights how the job seeker used those skills to achieve measurable results for past employers. In short, it focuses on the type of value that you can provide to a prospective employer by citing specific examples of your notable achievements, using real numbers.

Summary of qualifications

As great as a resume summary paragraph can be, there may be times when you need a profile that can pack an even greater punch. That's where the summary of qualifications can be your best option. Like the resume summary, this profile option focuses on the skills, experiences, and achievements that make you a great candidate for the job. However, it does it in a different way.

You see, it doesn't use the same formatting that you see in standard objective statements or resume summaries. Those two profile types are written as three to five-sentence paragraphs. The summary of qualifications uses a different format altogether. Instead of being written in paragraph form, with complete sentences, it presents your qualifications in bullet point form, using achievement statements like those you would include in your professional experience section.

Related post : Resume Profile Explained (with Examples)

How do you write a summary of qualifications for your resume?

To create your own summary of qualifications for a resume, it's helpful to have a step-by-step guide for creating those bullet point details. The following tips and strategies should provide you with all the information you need to know to draft your own summary.

Select the details you want to include

Before you can create your bullet point summary, you need to decide which information you want to highlight. It's usually best to stick to your most compelling resume details and rewrite them for this summary. You should always start with a bullet point listing your professional title and length of experience in that role, and then include several bullet point examples of notable achievements.

Align your achievements with the role's qualification requirements

When you pick those accomplishments, make sure that they relate to the job you're seeking. Each achievement needs to demonstrate that you have what it takes to not only perform the job's duties, but to do so in a way that adds real value to the organization.

Use numbers to quantify results

To show value, you should ensure that your achievements show measurable results. Some possible examples of quantifiable achievements can include:

Revenue that you brought in for the company

The value of client accounts that you worked with

The number of customers you served

The size of any budget or project that you managed

Numbers related to increased profits, productivity, efficiency, and so on

Use your active voice for these bullet points

Each achievement should be described using an active voice to ensure that your resume summary of qualifications is as compelling as possible. To do that, you should use action verbs and make sure that the reader can understand that your actions produced the results. Consider the differences between these two achievements:

Passive : Inefficiencies were reduced by 12% over three years

Active : Implemented new workflow process that reduced inefficiencies by 12% over three years

The passive example is unclear about how those inefficiencies were reduced. The active example not only ensures that the reader knows you reduced those inefficiencies but also explains how you did it. While both examples do a great job of including real numbers to highlight measurable results, the active example is a far more compelling way to convey that information.

Note also that neither example uses first-person words like “my'' or “I” to describe the job seeker's actions. When it comes to resume writing , you should never begin your bullet points with that first-person emphasis. Instead, start each example with an action verb.

Related post : 100 + Keywords, Verbs and Action Words for Your Resume

Use keywords from the job posting

Your resume profile can be the perfect place to use the keywords your resume needs to get past any applicant tracking systems that the company may be using to screen applicants. You'll need a reasonable concentration of those keywords in your resume if you want your resume to be found in searches. 

To identify likely keywords, review the job posting to find any words or phrases related to specific qualifications - like needed skills, educational credentials, and experience. You can insert those keywords into your achievement bullet points to ensure that the ATS can find the words and phrases it's looking for.

Make sure that your achievements highlight your unique value

Finally, you should always strive to ensure that the summary of qualifications in your resume accurately reflects your personal skills, experience, and value as a potential hire. Don't be afraid to boast about your accomplishments here, as long as you're not stretching the truth. Remember, it's up to you to sing your own praises - none of your rivals are going to do it for you. Focus on the actions you took and the results you achieved.

At the same time, you want to be relatively brief. This is, after all, a summary of qualifications, not a comprehensive essay. Try to limit your bullet points to no more than five or six important statements. That should be enough to capture the hiring manager's attention and make them want to read on to learn more about you.

Summary of qualifications for a resume: examples

We'll end this by looking at some summary of qualifications examples to see how these tips can be used to craft your own summary. We've included examples for several distinct job roles. You can use or customize them to fit your employment needs.

1.     Salesperson summary of qualifications example

• Sales Account Representative with eight years of experience in product sales and client management

Led sales team campaign, doubling sales revenue each year for four consecutive years

Expanded seven major accounts, boosting combined revenue by $2.3 million

Developed and implemented training program, reducing team onboarding time by 43%

Recognized as Salesperson of the Year for 2019 - 2023

2.     Marketing Manager summary of qualifications example

• Dynamic marketing manager with six years of experience in brand enhancement

Led effort to rebrand ABC Corp, increasing market share by 12% and boosting profits by 12%

Designed and implemented digital marketing campaigns for client accounts valued at $15 million

Reorganized DeltaOne's marketing department, reducing costs by 19%

Launched more than two dozen social media advertising campaigns, increasing client customer engagement by an average of 75% per client

Bachelor of Science in Marketing, Anytown College, Anytown (2017)

3.     Software Engineer summary of qualifications example

• Creative Software Engineer with seven years of experience in game and app design

Led seven-person team that designed three of the most popular idle hero games for mobile

Designed characters and locations for definitive version of Big Dog console game

As Mega Media Head Designer, created concept art for company's online and television advertisement campaign, expanding market reach by 16%

Master of Arts, Graphic Design, Pretty Pixels University (2015)

4.     CPA summary of qualifications example

• Data-driven CPA with ten years of experience in payroll management, tax filing, and accounts auditing

Implemented new payroll system that reduced administrative costs by $10,000 annually

Streamlined tax filing process, while identifying more than $30,000 in unused deductions

Executed audit that identified $8,000 in monthly waste and redundancies

Bachelor of Science in Accounting, Money University (2011)

5.     Summary of qualifications example for entry level workers

You may be wondering whether newcomers to the workforce can use this type of resume profile to summarize their qualifications. After all, what achievements can they point to if they've just graduated from school and lack any meaningful work experience? Well, we've put together a summary of qualifications example for students that shows how recent graduates may be able to use this option too.

• BS in Marketing, Marketing Experts University (2024)

Creative marketing specialist, specializing in digital marketing and eCommerce

Partnered with ABC Corp for lab project, revamping their branding and contributing to 23% increase in customer outreach and sales

Internship with ABC Corp, serving as understudy to firm's Marketing Director

Three summers active in Search Engine Marketing bootcamp

You can also employ a similar technique if you're a career changer - even if you lack any direct experience in the industry you're trying to join. All you need to do is focus on transferable skills - skills that you've used in your previous career that can also prove valuable in your desired job - and identify achievements that used those skills. You can think of them as transferable accomplishments, or simply achievements that demonstrate your capability to do the job you're trying to land.

When choosing transferable accomplishments, focus on past achievements that demonstrate vital transferable skills. Those skills can include things like collaboration, leadership, conflict management, communication, and other broad interpersonal skills that are invaluable across a wide array of industries and job roles.

Related post : Make the Perfect Resume for a Career Change

Use a summary of qualifications to capture employers' attention!

To break out of a crowded field of rival candidates, you need to make sure that your resume quickly earns the attention it deserves. Using a summary of qualifications for your resume can be a fantastic way to ensure that employers see your best qualifications laid out right at the beginning of your resume, capturing their interest and increasing the chances of an interview and eventual job offer.

Need more tips on using a summary of qualifications for your resume? Get your free resume review from our team of experts today and find out how we can help you create the resume you need for job search success.

Recommended reading:

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See how your resume stacks up.

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IT Resume - How-To Guide for 2024 [11+ Samples]

You’re an IT specialist.

You promote efficiency by keeping information systems up-and-running

IT specialists are a vital cog of any company or office.

As such, companies have a strict hiring process. 

Couple this with skilled competition, and you need a seriously good IT resume.

You’re in luck! This guide takes you through a simple step-by-step process of creating an IT specialist resume that works.

• An example of a finished IT Specialist resume that works
• How to write a IT Specialist resume that’ll fill up your interview diary
• How to make an IT Specialist resume stand out [with top tips & tricks]

Before we get into the details, here’s an IT resume example , created with our very own resume builder :

Now it’s your turn! Simply follow the steps below to create an IT Specialist resume that get results, just like the above example.

Not the right resume example for you? We've got a lot more! Check them out in the list below:

• Data Scientist Resume
• Data Analyst Resume
• Data Entry Resume
• Web Developer Resume
• Computer Science Resume
• Artificial Intelligence Engineer Resume
• Software Engineer Resume
• Java Developer Resume
• Engineering Resume

How to Format an IT Specialist Resume

To really showcase your IT expertise, you need pick the best format.

The most common resume format is “reverse-chronological”, and it’s for good reason. Essentially, it allows the hiring managers to immediately see how you can benefit the company. We recommend IT Specialists start with this format.

The following resume formats can also work well:

• Functional Resume – If your IT skills are stronger than your work experience, we recommend a Functional Resume format. It’s ideal for CS graduates who lack the work experience or those who have gaps in their work history.
• Combination Resume – As the name suggests, this format combines both “Functional” and “Reverse-Chronological” formats. It focuses on skills AND work experience, so is ideal for IT Specialists who have some work experience.

With your format sorted, it’s time to arrange your resume layout .

When you’re developing a piece of software, you need to create the best user experience possible, and this is the same when creating your resume.

Use an IT Specialist Resume Template

As an IT Specialist, you’re well-versed in building efficient computer systems.

Similarly, you need to build a resume that flows well and doesn’t break.

The best way to do this is via an IT Specialist resume template. All of the following resume templates can be tailored for an IT position.

You could use a text editor, but then your entire resume layout is at risk from falling apart with every small alteration!

What to Include in an IT Specialist Resume

The main sections in an IT specialist resume are:

• Work Experience
• Contact Information

Want to go a step further? You can also add these optional sections:

• Awards & Certification
• Volunteer Experience
• Personal Projects

Interests & Hobbies

So, those are the sections of an IT resume, but what should you write for each of them? 

Read on to find out!

Want to know more about IT resume sections? View our guide on What to Put on a Resume .

How to Correctly Display your Contact Information

You need to really focus when you configure a system’s software.

Building your contact information resume section requires the same level of focus.

In fact, one misplaced digit can completely destroy your chances of being contacted for an interview.

The contact information section must include:

• Title – Align this to the exact role you’re applying for, which is “IT specialist”
• Phone Number – Check this for errors
• Email Address – Use a professional email address ([email protected]), not your childhood email ([email protected])
• Location – Applying for a job abroad? Mention your location
• (Optional) - Relevant social media
• Paul King - IT Specialist. 101-358-6095. [email protected]
• Paul King - IT Wizard. 101-358-6095. [email protected]

How to Write an IT Specialist Resume Summary or Objective

Put yourself in the recruiter’s shoes.

You’re sitting at your desk with hundreds of resumes in a heap in front of you.

Now, ask yourself honestly:

Are you going to spend 10 minutes dissecting each resume or are you going to spend 30 seconds skim reading?

This scenario highlights that we have to make every second count.

The best way to do this is with a resume summary or objective .

These are short paragraphs found at the top of a resume, just under your contact information.

But what is the difference between these two sections?

A resume summary is a 2-4 sentence summary of your professional experiences and achievements.

• Experienced IT Specialist with a strong background in designing, developing, and maintaining computer systems for a diverse business clientele. 5+ years of industry experience includes increasing UX scores by 40%, decreasing website load time by 22%, and training 20+ members of staff. Seeking a role with XYZ Solutions, where my skills can be leveraged to maintain and optimize the company’s computer systems.

A resume objective is a 2-4 sentence snapshot of what you want to achieve professionally.

• Motivated Computer Science graduate seeking the role of IT Specialist at SoftwareX. Passionate about building software solutions and maintaining computer systems. Developed software solutions for a local technology company while at University X. Relevant skills include Database Administration, Cloud Management, and Network Architecture.

Should an IT Specialist use a resume summary or objective?

Generally, we recommend that experienced IT Specialists use a summary. An objective is suited to those who have the required IT skills, but lack the industry experience (graduates, career changers, or those still studying).

How to Make Your IT Specialist Work Experience Stand Out

There isn’t much that beats years of relevant work experience .

It shows that you can walk the walk, not just talk the talk.

As such, make sure you spend time making this section perfect. 

Here’s the professional way to structure your work experience section:

• Position name
• Company Name
• Responsibilities & Achievements

IT Specialist

StartAgency

05/2017 - 04/2021

• Increased UX scores by 40%
• Decreased website load time by 22%
• Monitored installation, integration, configuration, and maintenance of the IT system for 0% downtime
• Trained over 20 staff members in internal website functions

To show that you’re the best applicant for the job, the work experience section should reveal your top achievements. You see, you want the recruiter to see the value in hiring you .

Instead of saying:

“Maintained the system”

“Monitored installation, integration, configuration, and maintenance of the IT system for 0% downtime”

So, what’s the difference between the two examples?

Simply put, the first example shows what you did in your day-to-day work life, but that’s about it…

The second example does into more depth and shows the value of your work. “0% downtime” is an impressive statistic that companies will be attracted by.

What if You Don’t Have Work Experience?

Maybe you’re a CS graduate looking for your first IT job?

Maybe you just fancy a career change?

Whatever the reason, recruiters want to see evidence that you can do the job.

The best way to do this is with a portfolio of work that shows your IT skills.

Don’t worry if you don’t have one, you can start today:

• Use a freelancing platform (UpWork)
• Use social media to market your services to friends and family
• If you don’t fancy the above options, you can become your own client! Show your skills by developing your own piece of software

Are you a recent graduate? Make sure to check out our student resume guide !

Use Action Words to Make Your IT Specialist Resume POP!

Do you really want your IT resume to read the same as the others?

If not, use some power words to make your achievements stand out:

• Conceptualized

How to Correctly List your Education

With the experience section finished, it’s time to reveal your educational history.

Just like when you’re debugging, keep this section simple and efficient. 

Simply enter your education history in the following format:

• Degree Type & Major
• University Name
• Years Studied
• GPA, Honours, Courses, and anything else you might want to add

B.A. in Computer Science

Boston State University

2013 - 2016

• Relevant Courses: Algorithms, Compilers, Principles of Programming, Logic and Database Theory, Systems Engineering, Computer Systems

There’s a chance that you still have questions that need answering. If so, here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions:

What if I haven’t completed education yet?

• Regardless of whether you’re an IT graduate or still studying, you should still mention every year of education to date.

Should I include my high school education?

• The general rule is to only include your highest education. So, include your high school education if you don’t have a relevant degree for IT.

What do I put first, my education or experience?

• Experiences are the priority, so those go first. If you’re a recent graduate, you will likely need to start with education.

Need further guidance? Check out our guide on how to list education on a resume .

Top Skills for an IT Specialist Resume

Your IT Specialist resume must do one thing: 

Show that you’re the best person for the job.

But how can you do this?

Well, by highlighting the right IT skills on a resume.  

This is done by looking at the job description, and then comparing the skills needed with the skills you already have.

Here are some of the most common skills to put on an IT resume:

Hard Skills and Computer Skills for an IT Resume

• Computer Hardware Knowledge
• Computer Software Knowledge
• Internet Applications
• Operating Systems
• Troubleshooting
• Internet Security
• Data Privacy
• Programming Languages
• Agile Development
• Database Administration
• Front-End & Back-End Development
• Cloud Management
• Data Synchronization
• Social Media Experience
• Project Management
• Technical Writing
• Network Architecture
• Quality Assurance
• Technical Support
• Software Installation
• Adobe Creative Suite
• Maintaining servers, routers, and PCs
• Configuring, managing, and maintaining networks
• Backup management
• Microsoft Office
• LAN technology

Soft Skills for an IT Resume

• Attention to Detail
• Problem Solving
• Communication
• Multitasking
• Customer service
• Organization
• Decision Making
• Working under pressure
• Time Management
• Analytical Skills

What Else Can You Include?

With every essential resume complete, it’s time to call it a day, right?!

Well, only if you’re sure that your resume is the absolute best it can be?

Completing the essential resume sections should be enough to get your foot through the door, but the following sections could be the deciding factor in whether you’re hired for the role or not.

Awards & Certifications

Have you won an award that showcases your talents?

Have you completed any courses to improve your IT skills?

Create an awards & certifications section in your resume. 

• Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
• CompTIA A+ Technician
• Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE)
• Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)
• Project Management Professional (PMP)
• Certified Cloud Technology Professional (CCTP)
• EMC Cloud Architect (EMCCA)

As an IT Specialist, you know how to speak all-things-computer.

However, this section involves listing vocal languages, like Spanish.

Those able to speak multiple languages may want to add a small languages section. 

Rank the languages by proficiency:

• Intermediate

Now, you may be wondering, “why does my gardening hobby matter?”

Well, your interests and hobbies reveal more about who you are. 

Simply include a few sentences about what you to do unwind (but keep it appropriate).

Here’s which hobbies & interests you may want to mention.

Include a Cover Letter with Your Resume

While some employers are happy with a resume, others will require a cover letter .

This is not the time to leave things to chance, so we recommend writing the best IT cover letter possible.

Cover letters are the perfect finishing touch to any application.

In fact, nothing comes close to their power at showing your desire to work for this specific company .

Here’s the perfect structure you can use for your IT Specialist cover letter:

You should complete the following sections:

Personal Contact Information

Your full name, profession, email, phone number, location, and website (or Behance / Dribble).

Hiring Manager’s Contact Information

Full name, position, location, email

Opening Paragraph

As the recruiter will be skimming through your application, you need to hook them with the first few sentences. Use concise language to mention:

• The exact position you’re applying for
• Your experience summary and best achievement to date

Once you have the recruiter interested, you can get deeper into the following specifics:

• Why you chose this specific company
• What you know about the company
• How are your IT skills relevant for the job
• Which similar industries or positions have you worked in before

Closing Paragraph

Don’t just end the letter in an abrupt manner, you should:

• Conclude the points made in the body paragraph
• Thank the recruiter for the opportunity
• Finish with a call to action to ignite a conversation. A simple “At your earliest opportunity, I’d love to discuss more about how I can help company X” will work.

Formal Salutations

End the letter with professionalism. We recommend something like, “Kind regards” or “Sincerely.”  

For more inspiration, read our step-by-step guide on how to write a cover letter .

Key Takeaways

You have now learnt how to build an IT Specialist resume that’ll have countless companies lined-up to interview you. 

Let’s quickly go over the most important points:

• Format your IT Specialist resume correctly. Use the reverse-chronological format, and then follow the best practices on content layout
• Use an IT resume summary or objective to catch the recruiter’s attention
• Talk about your top achievements in your work experience section
• Complete your application with a convincing cover letter

Suggested Reading:

• When to Use a 2-Page Resume  [7 Samples Included]
• Why Should We Hire You  - 10+ Best Answers
• How to Write a CV (Curriculum Vitae) in 2024 [31+ Examples]
• CV vs. Resume - What are the Differences & Definitions  [+ Examples]

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IT Technician Resume Example With Summary Statement

• Skills & Keywords
• Salary & Benefits
• Letters & Emails
• Job Listings
• Job Interviews
• Cover Letters
• Career Advice
• Work-From-Home Jobs
• Internships

IT technicians provide tech support that can involve a wide range of responsibilities, such as getting a printer to work, installing software, providing routine maintenance, answering questions, and so much more. 

Technical knowledge is required, but also, because the role often requires interactions with customers or fellow company employees, strong communication skills are a must, as well. When applying to IT jobs, highlight your hard skills (certification, program knowledge, etc.) as well as soft skills (communications, problem-solving, etc.) on your resume. 

Tips for Writing an IT Technician Resume 

Try these strategies to help your resume shine and gain the attention of hiring managers: 

Include relevant skills on your resume. As mentioned above, it's a good idea to include both hard and soft skills on your resume. Not sure what to highlight? Review a list of IT skills , and incorporate the ones you possess on your resume. It is also helpful to closely read job descriptions for roles you want, and then match your qualifications to the role you are applying to. Weave mentions of skills into your experience section. You can also include a skills section, which is a convenient place to list all programs that you are proficient with. 

Add a summary section. As you'll see in the sample resume below, a resume summary statement serves to highlight a candidate's achievements and qualifications for the job. A sharp, attention-grabbing summary can help you stand out from a sea of candidates. 

Note certifications. If you have received training or certifications, be sure to include this information. It makes you a more attractive candidate. Some job ads may even list the desired certification qualifications.

Include achievements. It's easy to get overly focused on listing skills and tasks completed in previous roles. Do not neglect to highlight any achievements. If you were able to solve a major issue quickly, save the company money through a license audit, or were acknowledged as a team player, be sure to mention that on your resume. 

Use numbers. Look for opportunities to quantify tasks and accomplishments. Instead of saying "Answered employee questions and resolved issues," you could say "Responded to 100-plus emails daily from employees and resolved or escalated all issues within a two-hour window." Including numbers helps descriptions pop. 

Get more tips on how to write an effective resume. 

IT Technician Resume Example

The following is an example of a resume for an IT technician. As you'll see, it includes details on the applicant's academic education and training, and it lists the technical skills acquired by the candidate.

Download the IT technician resume template  (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online), or explore even more resume examples for inspiration. Do not copy the resume below exactly. Instead, use it as a starting point to create your own resume. 

IT Technician Resume Example (Text Version)

Stacy Applicant 123 Main Street  Enola, PA 10036  (123) 456-7890  stacy.applicant@email.com

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY PROFESSIONAL

Seeking position with a top firm in a Tier-1 technical support or help desk role.

Experienced and knowledgeable information technology professional with 5+ years’ experience seeks to contribute her training and acquired skills within a Tier-1 technical support and/or help desk role.

Key skills include:

• Adept at Providing Computer Support
• Skilled in Systems Troubleshooting, Installations, and Maintenance
• Possess In-Depth Knowledge of Numerous Software Packages and Operating Systems
• Top Customer-Service and Help Desk Skills

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

PENNSYLVANIA OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL, Harrisburg, Penn. TECHNICAL HELP DESK SPECIALIST (March 2016 – Present)

Provide computer help via telephone with end-users while manning the desk-support operation.

Notable Accomplishments:

• Document help desk tickets/resolutions and provide overall assistance in the daily administration of a Novell Netware 4.11 Network.
• Perform diagnostics and troubleshooting of multiple issues, document help desk tickets/resolutions, and maintain equipment inventory lists.

TRI-COUNTY ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND, Harrisburg, Penn. PRODUCTION ASSOCIATE (June 2013 – March 2016)

Performed various administrative duties such as mass-mailings to support fundraising efforts for the blind.

Notable accomplishments:

• Compiled literature, prepared mailing labels and envelops, and disbursed collateral material.
• Managed the verification of all IBM equipment parts and assembled all collateral materials.

EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS SHIPPENSBURG UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA , Shippensburg, Penn. Bachelor of Science in Business (GPA: 3.75; Emphasis: Business/Office Administration), May 2013

Coursework: Business Communication, Business Programming, Marketing, and Finance

Certifications Intranetware 4.11 Administration and 4.1a Advanced Administration Certification from KnowdgeSoft Inc.

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Resume Summary of Qualifications: Complete Guide for 2024

When it comes to crafting a successful resume, the Summary of Qualifications (also known as a Career Summary, Professional Summary, or Executive Summary) is a crucial element. This section of the resume immediately follows the header and objective statement and serves as a snapshot of the job seeker’s most relevant skills and experience.

Defining the Purpose of a Summary of Qualifications

The purpose of a Summary of Qualifications is to provide a concise, high-level overview of the candidate’s most impressive selling points. Instead of diving deep into every minutiae of the job seeker’s work history, the summary provides an executive overview that enables the employer to quickly and easily determine if the candidate has the necessary qualifications for the position.

The summary section usually consists of a short list of bullet points or sentences that highlight the candidate’s most compelling achievements, skills, and experiences that relate explicitly to the job they’re seeking.

Benefits of Using a Summary of Qualifications

There are several benefits to using a Summary of Qualifications in a resume, including:

Capturing the employer’s attention: By providing a high-level view of the candidate’s most impressive qualifications, the summary section immediately catches the employer’s attention and makes them want to keep reading.

Highlighting the most relevant information: The summary section helps to filter out all the extraneous information that may be clogging up your full resume, allowing the employer to focus on the information that is most pertinent to the position.

Tailored to each job application: Since the summary section is meant to capture the most relevant qualifications, candidates can tailor this section to fit each application they submit. It’s a great way to highlight specific skills and accomplishments that match the job description while removing anything that isn’t relevant.

Comparison with Other Types of Resume Summaries

While the Summary of Qualifications is the most common type of resume summary, there are other options, such as a Professional Summary or Objective Statement.

A Professional Summary is similar to a Summary of Qualifications, but it doesn’t focus as much on the candidate’s achievements. It instead provides a brief overview of the candidate’s skills and experience.

An Objective Statement is a brief statement at the top of the resume that outlines what the candidate is looking for in their next job. Objective statements aren’t as common today as they were 20 years ago, as most experts believe that they don’t provide enough value to a resume.

The Summary of Qualifications is the most effective type of resume summary. It enables candidates to showcase their most impressive qualifications, capture the employer’s attention, and highlight the most relevant information.

Writing an Effective Resume Summary of Qualifications

A well-crafted summary of qualifications can be the difference between getting an interview and being overlooked by hiring managers. To create an effective summary, it’s imperative to keep in mind the specific employer and job you’re applying for. By researching the company and job posting, you can tailor your summary to highlight the skills and qualities they’re looking for.

To capture the attention of the reader, start off with a powerful and attention-grabbing headline. This should be a concise statement that sums up your experience and qualifications. Instead of using generic phrases like “highly qualified” or “experienced professional,” be specific and consider incorporating relevant buzzwords from the job posting.

Once you’ve hooked the reader with your headline, it’s time to showcase your relevant experience and skills. This section should focus on your most impressive accomplishments and contributions. Be sure to use metrics and quantifiable results whenever possible. Numbers can help demonstrate the tangible impact you’ve made in previous roles.

While it’s important to highlight your achievements, remember to keep it concise and engaging. The summary of qualifications should ideally be limited to 3-4 bullet points or sentences. Avoid using lofty language or industry jargon that may not be easily understood by those outside of your field.

By following these guidelines, you can create a resume summary of qualifications that effectively communicates your value to potential employers.

Structure of a Resume Summary of Qualifications

When crafting a winning resume summary of qualifications, it is essential to pay attention to the following elements that make the content stand out:

Components of a good Summary of Qualifications:

• Concise value proposition – use a strong statement to communicate your worth
• Core competencies: Highlight your most relevant and impressive skills and abilities
• Industry-specific keywords: Incorporate industry buzzwords, acronyms, and jargon to ensure the ATS picks up your resume

Ideal length and format

Your summary of qualifications should be no longer than four to six lines or 50-100 words. They should be easy to scan and read, so use bullet points, bold fonts for emphasis, and sufficient white space to increase the visual appeal of your document.

Examples of effective Summary of Qualifications

Here are some examples of effective summary of qualifications that you can consider including in your resume:

Marketing Manager with over 7 years of experience in devising and executing well-strategized campaigns that convert leads to sales while building brands’ reputation. Skilled in digital marketing, SEO, PPC, and email marketing.

Results-driven IT professional with over 10 years of experience in programming, systems architecture, and network administration. Adept in project management and collaboration with cross-functional teams to design solutions that improve operations efficiency.

Accomplished Customer Service Representative with 5+ years of experience in handling customer queries and complaints with professionalism and empathy. Skilled in conflict resolution and communicating solutions to customers, effectively improving overall satisfaction scores.

Your summary of qualifications serves as the teaser that helps recruiters determine whether or not your application is worth reading further. Ensure that you include only the most relevant and compelling details about your work experience, skills, and achievements, so it stands out among the sea of others seeking employment.

Resume Summary of Qualifications: Complete Guide

Personalizing your summary of qualifications.

When creating your resume’s summary of qualifications, it is essential to personalize it to showcase your unique value proposition, strengths, and achievements. This section of your resume gives employers a quick snapshot of your most relevant skills and experience related to the job you are applying for. Here are some tips on how to make your summary of qualifications stand out:

Identifying your unique value proposition

Your unique value proposition is what sets you apart from other applicants. It highlights your specific skills, experience, and accomplishments that make you valuable to the employer. To identify your unique value proposition, ask yourself:

• What are my top skills and strengths?
• What sets me apart from other applicants?
• What have I achieved that demonstrates my value?

Your answers to these questions will help you create a summary of qualifications that highlights your unique value proposition.

Focusing on your strengths and achievements

While it’s essential to include your work experience and education in your resume, the summary of qualifications is where you can show off your strengths and achievements. When describing your strengths, be specific and use concrete examples. Mention any awards or recognition you’ve received for your work.

When highlighting your achievements, focus on the impact you’ve made in your past roles. Talk about how your work resulted in cost savings, increased productivity, or improved customer satisfaction. Highlighting your achievements shows employers that you are a results-driven individual.

Using keywords and phrases relevant to the job

Employers often use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to screen resumes before a human ever sets eyes on them. These systems scan resumes for specific keywords and phrases related to the job. To make sure your resume makes it past the ATS and onto the desk of a human recruiter, use keywords and phrases relevant to the job.

Carefully read the job description and make a list of the keywords and phrases that are essential to the job. Then, make sure to include those keywords and phrases in your summary of qualifications.

Your summary of qualifications is your chance to make a memorable first impression on potential employers. By identifying your unique value proposition, focusing on your strengths and achievements, and using keywords and phrases relevant to the job, you can create a summary of qualifications that sets you apart and lands you an interview.

Mistakes to Avoid in a Resume Summary of Qualifications

When it comes to crafting a summary of qualifications for your resume, it’s important to strike the right balance between being descriptive and concise. However, there are several common pitfalls that you should avoid at all costs.

Common pitfalls to avoid

The following are some of the mistakes that job seekers commonly make in their resume summary of qualifications:

Overgeneralizing or using cliches:  Steer clear of vague statements that do not really reveal your skills, experiences or strengths. Avoid commonly used phrases like “detail-oriented,” “team player” or “strong communication skills” without providing any concrete examples or evidence to support them.

Being too vague or too specific:  Writing a summary of qualifications that is either too broad or too narrow will not serve the purpose of the summary. Try to avoid being too general by listing skills without specificity, or being too specific by including irrelevant or redundant information.

Writing in the wrong tone or style:  A summary of qualifications should be written in a professional tone that mirrors the job you are applying for. Avoid using informal language or humor, and be mindful of the language used in the job posting to ensure that your summary is appropriate for the position.

Tips for Making Your Summary of Qualifications Stand Out

A successful resume summary of qualifications can be a valuable asset in securing your dream job. While it is crucial to get your point across succinctly, it is equally important to make your summary stand out to catch the recruiter’s eye. To achieve this goal, we recommend following these tips:

Customizing your Summary of Qualifications for Each Job

One of the most important things you should do is customize your summary of qualifications for each job. Read the job description carefully, and take note of the necessary qualifications and skills the position requires. Then, tailor your summary to highlight your relevant achievements and experiences that align with those requirements. Doing this shows the recruiter that you have taken the time to consider their specific needs, which makes you a more compelling candidate.

Using Active Verbs and Varied Sentence Structures

Another way to make your summary of qualifications stand out is by incorporating active verbs and varied sentence structures. Using active verbs such as “created,” “analyzed,” and “managed” shows that you are a proactive person who takes initiative. Including varied sentence structures also helps keep your summary from becoming monotonous and tedious. Aim to include both short and long sentences and avoid using the same words repeatedly.

Making it Visually Appealing

Another way to make your summary of qualifications pop is by making it visually appealing. Create a clean, easy-to-read format with bullet points, bold text, and appropriate fonts that will attract the recruiter’s attention. By doing this, you will make sure that important points stand out and are easy to read.

Incorporating Calls to Action and Contact Information

Last but not least, don’t forget to incorporate calls to action and contact information in your summary of qualifications. Closing your summary with a call to action invites the recruiter to take action, whether that’s reaching out to you or scheduling an interview. Additionally, include your contact information, such as email and phone number, to make it easy for the recruiter to get in touch with you.

Customizing your summary of qualifications for each job, using active verbs, making it visually appealing, and including calls to action and contact information are crucial in making your summary stand out. Follow these tips, and your summary of qualifications is sure to capture the attention it deserves.

Examples of Great Resume Summary of Qualifications

When it comes to creating an effective resume summary of qualifications, one of the best ways to get started is to look at examples from various industries. Here are some examples that can serve as inspirations:

Sample 1: Marketing Professional

“Highly skilled marketing professional with over a decade of experience in creating and executing successful marketing campaigns. Proficient in developing and implementing marketing strategies that deliver results. Demonstrated ability to build and nurture relationships with key stakeholders and drive revenue growth through effective marketing efforts.”

Analysis:  This summary effectively showcases the candidate’s extensive marketing experience and skills. The use of specific quantitative data like “over a decade of experience” and “drive revenue growth” helps to establish credibility and authority.

How to adapt it:  If you’re a marketing professional, you can take inspiration from this summary by highlighting your specific skills and accomplishments in your own summary. For instance, you can mention your expertise in developing effective marketing campaigns or your proven track record of driving revenue growth.

Sample 2: Software Engineer

“Experienced software engineer with a strong background in developing scalable, high-performance software applications. Proficient in a variety of programming languages and frameworks. Expert in software design, testing, and deployment.”

Analysis:  This summary is short and to the point, but effectively showcases the candidate’s technical expertise and experience. The use of specific technical terms like “scalable, high-performance software applications” and “software design, testing, and deployment” demonstrates the candidate’s depth of knowledge.

How to adapt it:  If you’re a software engineer, you can take inspiration from this summary by highlighting your technical skills and experience. For instance, you can mention your proficiency in programming languages and frameworks, your experience in software design and testing, or any notable projects you’ve worked on.

Sample 3: Sales Representative

“Results-driven sales representative with a proven track record of exceeding sales targets. Skilled in building and maintaining strong relationships with clients and identifying opportunities for growth. Excellent communication and negotiation skills.”

Analysis:  This summary effectively highlights the candidate’s sales expertise and accomplishments. The use of specific quantitative data like “proven track record of exceeding sales targets” and “identifying opportunities for growth” helps to establish credibility and authority.

How to adapt it:  If you’re a sales representative, you can take inspiration from this summary by highlighting your sales accomplishments and customer relationship management skills. For instance, you can mention your experience in exceeding sales targets or developing strategies to identify new sales opportunities.

These examples demonstrate the power of a well-crafted resume summary of qualifications to showcase your skills and experience to potential employers. By analyzing what makes these summaries effective and adapting them to your own resume, you can create a summary that effectively highlights your unique strengths and qualifications.

Summary of Qualifications for Different Career Stages

When writing a summary of qualifications for your resume, it’s important to tailor it to your career stage. Here are some recommendations for entry-level, mid-career, and executive positions.

Entry-Level

If you’re just starting out in your career, focus on showcasing your relevant skills and education. Include any internships or volunteer experiences that demonstrate your work ethic and passion for the field. Don’t be afraid to mention any clubs or organizations you’ve been a part of that are related to your field of interest.

Here’s an example:

For those who have some years of experience under their belt, highlight your accomplishments and demonstrate your ability to take on leadership roles. Focus on your quantifiable achievements, such as increased revenue or improved processes.

For those in executive positions, it’s important to focus on your strategic vision and ability to lead teams to success. Highlight any industry awards or recognitions you have received.

Career Changers/Employment Gaps

For those who are changing careers or who have gaps in their employment, focus on highlighting transferable skills and any relevant experiences. Consider including any volunteer or freelance work that you’ve done.

Tailoring your resume summary of qualifications to your career stage is crucial to making your application stand out. Focus on showcasing your relevant skills and experiences and don’t be afraid to highlight your achievements. For career changers or those with employment gaps, concentrate on your transferable skills and relevant experiences.

Related Articles

• Including References on Your Resume: Formatting Examples
• Responding to a Rejection Email: Sample Emails Included
• EMT Job Description: Salary, Skills, & More for 2023
• The Ultimate Store Manager Resume Guide: Examples & Tips
• C-Level Executive Resume: Best Performing Examples for 2023

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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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