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Professional Summary Tips & Examples

Professional summaries are captivating hook statements for employers that pull them in like an enticing first paragraph in a book. The summary is usually listed at the top of a resume and can show employers that you have the skills necessary for the job. The most effective summary is tailored to match the position you are applying for. You should focus on particular experiences that directly relate to the job. Using keywords from the job listing and quantifying as much as possible are effective strategies. You want to convince the employer to schedule an interview with you where you can talk even more about your skills and experience. When writing your summary, focus on how you will add value to the company and remain relevant. Note the skills and goals that match what the company is looking for in their applicants. You will want to keep it short. The statement should include a couple productive sentences that leaves fluff absent. Professional summaries may also show where you want to go in your career. You should only state career goals that are reasonable for the company. For example, if you want to become a sports writer, but are applying for a job in the fashion industry, do not state this. The summary may be headed in more than one way. Simply stick to “Professional Summary” or use other appropriate titles like “Summary,” “Success Statement,” or “Profile.” When you do not have a lot of related experience for a job, a professional summary can explain why you are qualified and may be the reason you get hired. Sample Summaries: • “Highly-driven team player and aspiring store manager with proven analytical skills seeking to grow knowledge of the retail industry by using my communication skills as a retail associate.” • “Seeking a position as a clinical practice assistant for a health maintenance organization, utilizing my award-winning writing, research, and leadership skills. • “Customer service manager seeking an opportunity to use my customer service and management skills to improve customer satisfaction.”

Professional summaries are captivating hook statements for employers that pull them in like an enticing first paragraph in a book. The summary is usually listed at the top of a resume and can show employers that you have the skills necessary for the job.

The most effective summary is tailored to match the position you are applying for. You should focus on particular experiences that directly relate to the job. Using keywords from the job listing and quantifying as much as possible are effective strategies. You want to convince the employer to schedule an interview with you where you can talk even more about your skills and experience.

When writing your summary, focus on how you will add value to the company and remain relevant. Note the skills and goals that match what the company is looking for in their applicants. You will want to keep it short. The statement should include a couple productive sentences that leaves fluff absent.

Professional summaries may also show where you want to go in your career. You should only state career goals that are reasonable for the company. For example, if you want to become a sports writer, but are applying for a job in the fashion industry, do not state this.

The summary may be headed in more than one way. Simply stick to “Professional Summary” or use other appropriate titles like “Summary,” “Success Statement,” or “Profile.”

When you do not have a lot of related experience for a job, a professional summary can explain why you are qualified and may be the reason you get hired.

Sample Summaries:

·         “Highly-driven team player and aspiring store manager with proven analytical skills seeking to grow knowledge of the retail industry by using my communication skills as a retail associate.”

·         “Seeking a position as a clinical practice assistant for a health maintenance organization, utilizing my award-winning writing, research, and leadership skills.

·         “Customer service manager seeking an opportunity to use my customer service and management skills to improve customer satisfaction.”