summary of qualifications sales resume

Sales Resume Summary Samples

A sales resume summary is meant to be a quick snippet of your resume, concisely highlighting your most important skills and qualifications. When applying for sales positions, think of your resume summary as a sales pitch for yourself. Use the summary to introduce yourself, but remember to keep it short and include keywords from the job description whenever possible.

Sales resume summary examples 

To get the most out of your sales resume summary, prioritize skills and background experience. You can mention some work experience, but skills and attributes should be at the forefront. Recognition and past successes, such as revenue increases, are also useful. To get a better idea of what a sales summary statement should look like, take a look at the following examples:

Senior sales summary

Example:  Senior sales professional with over 25 years of experience providing assistance in office and storefront environments primarily within retail and electronics industries looking for new strategies to engage and inspire team members and customers.

This summary works because it shows off the extensive experience and skills of the applicant. Having drive and the desire to learn and improve are also present.

Sales summary without experience

Example:  Sales professional with exceptional customer service and sales skills seeking to provide premier service to clients and up-sell products in person, over the phone and through email who possesses written and verbal communication skills and always strives for customer satisfaction.

Because this applicant lacks extensive formal experience, they highlight their skills. They also mention a variety of sales channels to show they want to sell on multiple fronts.

Customer-centric sales summary

Example:  Sales manager focused on maximizing sales by properly managing accounts and building a loyal customer base who excels at addressing customer concerns and forwarding both long-term and short-term goals for the company and customers.

This summary focuses on the ability to establish and maintain relationships with customers, which is essential for many sales positions and highlights account management experience, a specialized skill.

Sales summary with formal recognition

Example:  Motivated sales representative and member of the National Association of Pharmaceutical Sales Reps seeking to leverage 5 years of experience in medical and pharmaceutical sales to retain and recruit customers.

Short, concise and hits all the major points. Skills and formal recognition are highlighted, in addition to the goal to improve sales through retention and recruitment.

Ambitious sales summary

Example:  Results-oriented sales representative with 6 years of experience, three as a sales manager, looking to leverage the knowledge of office supply sales and maintaining client relationships to exceed sales goals through ambitious strategies.

The applicant highlights their experience, skills and desires. They’re looking not only to meet goals, but to exceed them. This kind of sales summary can be effective, but make sure you can live up to the promise.

Career switch sales summary

Example:  Sales representative with extensive experience as a customer relationship officer seeking to leverage skills in customer relations and communication to establish and maintain client relationships and meet sales goals for your software products.

Career switch summaries can be tricky, but this one highlights transferable skills and a clear intent about how the applicant will use those skills.

Career switch within company sales summary

Example: Motivated sales professional with five years of quality assurance experience seeking to leverage product knowledge and extensive communication skills to maintain client relationships and exceed sales goals to drive revenue.

This applicant is looking to switch roles within a company. Their experience in quality assurance grants them extensive knowledge of the product and, coupled with communication skills, makes them suitable for sales.

Cold call-focused sales summary

Example:  Experienced sales professional with 15 years in the industry seeking to use customer service and communication skills to maintain client relationships and establish new ones through leads and cold calls to maintain a consistent success rate.

This experienced professional will go the extra mile making cold calls to push sales, an uncommon talent that this applicant has past success with.

Proven customer-focused sales summary

Example:  Customer-focused sales representative looking to leverage a history of revenue increases by maintaining established client relationships and finding new ones.

The applicant highlights past successes in using sales skills to increase revenue, which clearly illustrates expected positive results for the employer.

Sales summary offering new leads

Example: Career sales professional seeking new challenges to drive sales with customer-oriented communication and service, in addition to bringing an array of contacts and leads.

This applicant is offering to bring their own leads, which can potentially benefit the employer even more than a new sales hire.

B2B sales summary

Example:  Veteran sales professional with a history in B2B industries and a deep knowledge of IT services seeking to leverage customer service and technical skills to increase revenue for your company.

This summary depicts a career sales professional applying for an IT company that markets to other businesses. Specifying experience in B2B sales will set them apart from other candidates.

Marketing career switch sales summary

Example:  Sales professional with six years of experience in marketing seeking to use knowledge of the sales funnel and product line to increase revenue from customers at every step of the process.

This former marketing professional is seeking a career switch to sales, and they highlight how their knowledge and skills are applicable to the sales process.

High-achieving sales summary

Example:  Sales professional with seven years of experience seeking to leverage extensive customer service and negotiation skills to meet and exceed sales goals in a fast-paced and challenging environment.

This is a summary of an applicant looking for a challenge. It’s useful if applying for a position that has high goals and requires extensive work.

Managerial sales summary

Example: Motivated sales manager with four years of experience seeking to leverage the knowledge of products and customer service skills to motivate a team of sales professionals to exceed goals and increase revenue.

This summary for a sales manager position appropriately highlights experience, familiarity with the industry and a desire to lead with company profit in mind.

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Summary of Qualifications for a Resume (With Examples)

11 min read · Updated on February 15, 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.

Related post : Resume Objective Examples: A Career Objective Guide

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.

Related Post: 47 Accomplishment Examples for Your Resume: Expert Picks

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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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.

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30 Resume Summary Examples + How to Write One in 2024

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It’s the backbone of your job hunt, but it can be frustrating to figure out what goes into a good resume .

And one of the murky areas that hopeful applicants wrestle with is whether to include a summary or objective statement in their resume. When every bit of space on your resume is invaluable, how do you know when a summary or objective is essential?

If you’re already a pro, head to our  easy-to-edit resume tool  to build your resume before moving on to making a cover letter , or you can customize the resume below. Otherwise, join us, and we’ll clear away the confusion and give you 30 summary statement examples you can make your own.

Real Estate Agent Resume

What is a Summary on a Resume?

The summary of your resume should give a quick “snapshot” of your best qualifications, which you’ll later emphasize and quantify with your skills and experience. Your summary offers an overview of which qualifications make you the perfect fit for the job:  So, focus on the highlights of your career.

You want your summary to emphasize your  history of accomplishments and excellence , leveraging that information to demonstrate how you’ll benefit the company and enhance the position for which you’re applying. Your summary should be attention-grabbing and immediately show why you’re the ideal hire!

Is a resume summary the same as a career objective?

You may wonder whether a resume summary and a  career objective  serve the same purpose—and whether they’re interchangeable. There’s plenty of overlap between resume objectives and summaries, thus muddling the waters. 

These key differences will help you simplify and clarify a confusing topic:

Summaries are great if:

• You have extensive, quality experience
• You’re staying within your field or branching out to something similar
• You have some impressive metrics to share

Objectives are better if:

• You’re a new graduate
• You’re changing careers or breaking into the field

Wait! Is the summary the same as a summary of qualifications?

The lesser-known summary of qualifications is not quite the same as a resume summary! While your summary should describe your qualifications and relevant history in a couple of concise sentences, a summary of qualifications is more technical and usually presented in a bulleted list. The summary of qualifications lets you work in some ATS-friendly keywords and then dazzle a recruiter with metrics, accomplishments, and skills.

It’s usually recommended to keep your list of qualifications to three to six bullet points, limiting each to one or two lines. But this format eats up space on your resume quickly! So, it’s best to replace your resume’s summary or objective with a summary of qualifications if you have a long, complicated history of experience in your field and need to emphasize the highlights of your background at a glance.

Know When to Use a Resume Summary

A resume summary is  often best suited to applicants with 10+ years of experience, although standalone accomplishments  can  be equally powerful . 

If you’ve achieved an unusual level of expertise or racked up an impressive list of accomplishments during a shorter time, consider including a summary!

Our simple  free resume templates  make it easy for you to add or remove information and manipulate sections for personalization without affecting the overall layout of your resume. If you work with a resume template through a word-processing program, like the creative  Google Docs resume templates  we designed, making edits can throw everything off kilter, often causing you to start from scratch to correct the problem.

Indicators that a summary would fit nicely on your resume:

• You’ve worked long enough (10+ years) that you should condense the highlights of your career
• You have an eye-catching list of accomplishments and quantifiable achievements
• You’ve worked with big-name companies or prestigious projects
• You’ve advanced quickly within your field during an unusually short time

If the list above feels intimidating, circle back to the original question of whether a summary enhances your resume.

Indicators to exclude the summary & let your skills & experience speak for themselves:

• You’re a new graduate who hasn’t had time to build much experience 
• Your previous work experience has been somewhat run-of-the-mill
• Your background and qualifications look somewhat generic or bland once written 
• You haven’t had many opportunities that resulted in quantifiable achievements

If you can relate, your resume will be strongest if you drop the summary entirely. Instead, lead with your skills and emphasize dependability, ambition, and potential in your experience section.

How to Write a Resume Summary

If you’re bracing yourself for the process of honing your summary, don’t worry! It’ll be a breeze if you follow our tried-and-true formula and keep our handy tips in mind as you write.

Follow our resume summary formula

The process is as easy as: X + Y + Z = Attention-snagging summary!

X = Your characteristics and personality traits Y = Years of experience and quantified success/results Z = How these results apply to the specific job role

Consider this resume summary for a programmer:

You can pinpoint each element when you break this summary down:

X = Inquisitive, driven, and eager Y = 8+ years of experience, a client base of 100+ people, and a savings of 725+ manual hours Z = Specific programming skills like Python and jQuery that will enhance performance within the position

Our best resume summary tips

Now, we’ll unpack some tips to help you nail down the perfect summary to jumpstart your resume:

• Summary length:  Limit your summary to two or three sentences.
• Keywords:  Consider job-specific keywords that the ATS scans for as well as keywords that will hook recruiters.
• Quantify your claims:  When you list accomplishments and achievements, back them up with hard facts! Data like improvement percentages, customer satisfaction metrics, and client base numbers will boost your credibility.
• Tailor summaries to specific positions:  You never want your summary to feel generic, so look for specific requirements in the job description that you can respond to with relevant details from your own experience.
• Grammar and mechanics:  Proofread carefully for spelling and punctuation errors, and keep a close eye on grammar. It’s also ideal to avoid informal contractions and opening sentences with “I.” Your summary should immediately spotlight your professional value—so keep sentence structure concise and use “my” when presenting your skills.

Don’t worry if this is a little overwhelming at first glance!  Save your summary for last,  even though it appears first. Once your other sections are fine-tuned, it’ll be easier to pinpoint choice details to fill in the formula and complete your perfect summary. (And who says you have to nail your summary the first time you write it?! Go through as many iterations as you need when you  outline your resume .)

The good, the bad, and the ugly resume summary

So, what do these concepts look like in action? Take a look at this example of an excerpt from a digital marketing manager’s job description:

As a digital marketing marketer, you will plan, oversee, manage, and implement our brand’s digital marketing campaigns. You will:

• Plan each digital marketing campaign and delegate tasks in a team setting
• Oversee and evaluate the quality of digital marketing materials
• Analyze campaigns and identify how to improve performance

What kind of summary works for this job description? We’ll take it from bad to best.

I graduated with a marketing degree last year and did lots of group projects. I know how to structure a market campaign and read analytics.

Why it’s ugly:  There’s zero personality here. The claims are not only weak and vague, but there’s nothing quantifiable to back them—let alone any indication of managerial skills. Even though the summary addresses some details from the job description, they’re too generic. 

My degree in marketing makes me a great fit for this position. I can use my communication and analytical skills to help your team create great ad campaigns. I’m also familiar with Google Analytics and LinkedIn and have worked with several teams.

Why it’s bad:  While this summary addresses skills and teamwork experience more effectively, the tone still lacks the gusto that most managerial roles require. The first sentence takes up space while offering too little information, and the second two are redundant and unenthusiastic.

Ambition, creativity, and a BA in marketing empowered me to gain 6+ years of experience with a digital marketing team and boost website traffic by 67%. My proficiency in Microsoft Excel, SEO, and KPI tracking enable me to plan, create, and analyze advertising campaigns. My well-honed strategies and communication skills will elevate Nestlé USA’s marketing team to new heights.

Why it’s best:  This summary completes the formula! You can see personality, experience, and quantifiable claims coupled with the applicant’s skills that fit the exact job description. Dynamic, powerful verbs such as “boost,” “create,” and “empowered” also suggest this applicant is qualified for an advanced role.

30 Resume Summary Examples to Inspire You + Why They Work

You’ve got the basics down; now you’re ready to take inspiration from these 30 professional resume summary examples across different professions. As you check them out, keep our key formula in mind. Before you know it, you’ll have a starting point for your own incredible summary.

We begin many of these with a quick list of key points in the job description, so you can see how each summary is carefully customized to the role.

1. Accountant resume summary

Accountant job description  key points :

• Adept at creating and managing financial documents
• Maintaining ledger entries and monthly budgets
• Detailed error checking and problem-solving
• Auditing and document collection
• Mentorship and training skills

Accountant resume summary :

Why this resume works

• The applicant’s ambitious yet matter-of-fact personality is evident in a way that reinforces their desire to take an active leadership role in the accounting field.
• The solid metrics of a CPA certification and an improvement percentage also quantify the applicant’s selling points.
• And lastly, the focus is on more advanced skills instead of entry-level basics. 

Need more help? Our  accountant resume guide  and  accountant cover letter examples  have you covered from top to bottom.

2. Attorney resume summary

Attorney job description  key points :

• Adept with communication and navigating client consultations
• Familiarity with litigation and a strong ability to adapt to changing legislation
• Strategic, analytical thinking, and strong ethical problem-solving skills
• Preparing, customizing, and checking legal documents
• Forewarning clients of potential obstacles and helping them understand their options

Attorney resume summary :

• The candidate immediately demonstrates an ambitious personality alongside a quantifiable accomplishment.
• Next, the more in-depth set of abilities highlights a well-rounded approach to legal success—ending on a strong note with specific examples of how they’ll benefit the law firm.

If you need more guidance on your  attorney resume  or  attorney cover letter , we can show you the way regardless of your experience level.

3. Business analyst resume summary

Business analyst job description  key points :

• Analytical and quick, adaptive thinking patterns
• Basic IT abilities in Microsoft Excel, SQL, Google Sheets, and Agile Development
• Superior communication and interpersonal/soft skills
• Meticulous attention to detail with an ability to deliver precise reports/data and advice

Business analyst resume summary :

• The formula is all here—personality with a spotlight on skills that apply directly to the job position—and the applicant dives right into measurable achievements.
• While technical skills are touched upon, broader qualifications and personal traits that mesh with the company take the spotlight.

Take your career documents to the next level with comprehensive guidance on your  business analyst resume  and  business analyst cover letter .

4. Customer service resume summary

Customer service job description  key points :

• Impeccable communication, critical thinking, and conflict resolution skills
• Flexibility, adaptability, and reliability
• Task organization and prioritization
• Personable and an affinity for welcoming customers/patrons
• Basic technical/computer skills while monitoring metrics and applying them to better meet company goals

Customer service resume summary :

• This summary would be ideal for a candidate looking to progress to a more managerial customer service role since it offers quantifiable results alongside a strong demonstration of a go-getter personality.
• The applicant also included their experience alongside relevant skills, finally tying everything in with the specific company’s goals.

If you’re  building your resume  for the first time, glancing through our  customer service resume  guide will steer you in the right direction before you transition to your  customer service cover letter .

5. Data analyst resume summary

Data analyst job description  key points :

• Analytical and strategizing skills
• Strong ability to identify trends and problems quickly
• Organization, planning, and communication
• Collaborative and team-based abilities
• Technical database management and basic understanding of key languages like Python and Oracle

Data analyst resume summary :

• A data analyst’s job is highly technical, so it’s ideal to dive right into metrics and list several hard skills in your summary.
• While you can still find personality traits and evidence of soft skills in a team setting, this summary is more focused on measurable, results-driven improvements that the applicant can provide.

You’re in good hands (this is not a plug for Allstate, by the way) with our  data analyst resume  guide if you need some solid examples. Chances are you’ll need a  data analyst cover letter  to go with your resume; we’ve got that handled, too.

6. Data engineer resume summary

Data engineer job description  key points :

• Technical skills like database and development programming languages
• Strong ability to develop, optimize, and maintain database software
• Attention to detail, problem-solving, and communication skills
• Advanced understanding of data pipelines and infrastructures
• Adaptive ability to support stakeholders and executive teams’ data infrastructure needs

Data engineer resume summary :

• As a data engineer, this applicant emphasizes leadership qualities, showing a desire for advancement with metrics to corroborate previous accomplishments.
• You can also see technical skills presented strategically to demonstrate the applicant’s skills in light of the job description.

Start your  data engineer resume  with the right  resume template  that speaks to you and your dream role. Besides a resume summary, know what else requires good writing? Yeah, your  data engineer cover letter .

7. Data scientist resume summary

Data scientist job description  key points:

• Second-nature understanding of the Scientific Method and algorithms
• Advanced ability to organize unstructured data and information
• Clear communication alongside translating large volumes of data into easily-comprehensible business insights
• Improve data quality and streamline/implement pricing models
• Integrate stakeholder input and collaborate on constant, adaptable business model improvements

Data scientist resume summary :

• This applicant demonstrates a driven personality with a highly analytical mindset and scientific background.
• You also get a realistic idea of how they’ll use their skills to produce quantifiable results—and benefit the company.

Looking for more resources? We can help you with the entirety of your  data scientist resume  and help you understand the nuances of writing a  data scientist cover letter .

8. Graphic designer resume summary

Graphic designer job description  key points :

• Attention to detail and a solid understanding of design theory for both print and digital applications (colors, typography, shapes, composition, etc.)
• Technical expertise with digital illustration/editing programs
• Understanding of marketing strategy, advertising techniques, and social media
• Excellent communication with clients and team members

Graphic designer resume summary :

• The candidate’s bright personality shines here, quite impactful for a creative field when backed by quantifiable examples of success.
• Teamwork abilities and experience with digital marketing also take center stage, demonstrating a balance between creativity and organized planning. 

Choose a  well-designed resume template  for your  graphic designer resume , and find a matching template to boost your confidence when it comes to your  graphic designer cover letter , too.

9. Human resources (HR) resume summary

Human resources (HR) job description  key points :

• A knack for facilitating communication between peers and departments
• Ability to update company policies, benefits, employee records, and payroll
• Proactivity when it comes to helping employees understand company policies
• Performance reviews, conflict resolution, de-escalation, and corrective action
• Assist with managing meetings and fostering employee communication and trust

Human resources (HR) resume summary :

• Soft skills are important in HR, especially when addressing sensitive topics, so this applicant’s focus on the personal side of company policies is wise.
• Even so, they still supply a strong metric for previous success and specify how their traits would fit the job position.

Don’t miss our complete  HR cover letter guide , and we share what works and what doesn’t on the rest of your  human resources (HR) resume .

10. Nursing resume summary

Nursing job description  key points :

• Fast, effective communication and task implementation
• Collect patient data such as medical history, current conditions/medications, and updates
• Critical thinking and decision-making abilities regarding when to treat patients vs. when to consult doctors/supervisors for guidance
• Organizational skills and ability to interpret patients’ information, adhere to treatment plans, adjust treatment plans as needed, and administer medications
• Tactfully and kindly discuss care options with patients and families

Nursing resume summary :

• This candidate’s caring, clear-headed personality shines, and they provide an empirical metric for their experience.
• Additionally, you can easily find specific examples of crucial skills that will help them perform efficiently in any fast-paced nursing position.

The roles are endless when it comes to the medical field, so make sure you’re on the right track with your  nursing resume  as well as when it comes to  writing your nurse cover letter .

11. Operations manager resume summary

Operations manager job description  key points :

• Excellent leadership and administrative capabilities
• Analytical thinking and organizational skills
• Ability to manage communication and efficiency among departments
• Adept at hiring, training, and optimizing schedules for employees
• Oversee/analyze production methods, performance, quality assurance, and related data, relying on Salesforce and Tableau

Operations manager resume summary :

• The applicant’s focused and driven personality is evident in the way they immediately showcase their lengthy experience and various aspects of their managerial prowess!
• You also see a success metric right away alongside technical skills aligned with the job description.

Your  operations manager resume  is sure to shine when you consider our  top resume tips ; then, you’ll be primed to write your  operations manager cover letter .

12. Product manager resume summary

Product manager job description  key points :

• Strong ability to analyze product quality from manufacturing to end-of-life
• Firm understanding of company goals and the ability to align products with those goals
• Superior communication and collaboration among cross-functional teams
• Skillfully interpreting data from Google Analytics and various other sources, leveraging it for improved production/distribution strategies
• Ability to analyze KPIs and identify areas for improvement

Product manager resume summary :

• As with any management-focused job description, the emphasis on strategizing and collaborative analysis here are ideal—and the technical skills balance out the interpersonal abilities well.
• The quantifiable improvement in feedback also strengthens this summary! 

Our  product manager resume  guide will ensure your resume is in tip-top shape from resume summary to  resume format . If you’re resume’s already a success, don’t forget about your  product manager cover letter .

13. Program manager resume summary

Program manager job description  key points :

• Planning, initiating, and implementing plans to achieve company goals and complete project portfolios
• Excellent management, leadership, and communication 
• Proactively motivate a team to carry out program activities
• Budgeting, organizational, and strategy-building skills
• Ability to analyze metrics of program success, such as KPIs and satisfaction rates, to identify areas for improvement

Program manager resume summary :

• Talk about detail! We can see several metrics here coupled with an energetic and goal-oriented personality.
• Additionally, these metrics and traits skillfully imply the exact set of abilities this job position requests.

Sail through the rest of your  program manager resume , and don’t forget to check it against our  AI-powered resume tool  before you draft the perfect  program manager cover letter .

14. Project manager resume summary

Project manager job description  key points :

• Excellent team management skills and a strong ability to facilitate collaboration and team cohesion
• Creativity and adaptability in project planning, budgeting, and implementation
• Ability to bridge the gap between project teams and company executives or clients to provide updates and results
• Organization, time management, and attention to codes and policy compliance
• Skillful preparation and management of briefing materials, progress tracking, and reports/reviews that can be leveraged for future improvements

Project manager resume summary :

• This job role is all about results, so leading with personality traits and metrics that support the candidate’s ability to yield these results is ideal.
• Accentuating what the applicant can offer this particular company is also a great move!

PMs, we see you! Peruse our  project manager resume examples  for support and inspiration, and sail through your  project manager cover letter , too.

15. Recruiter resume summary

Recruiter job description  key points:

• Excellent soft skills, including strategic communication. Ability to foster positive relationships with both applicants and staffing agents while managing client and candidate expectations
• Ability to gather information and quickly assess candidates
• Efficiency under pressure when working with high-priority or time-sensitive hires
• Strong ability to gauge talent/potential during interviews
• Develop/update job descriptions, requirements, proposed pay, and benefit plans

Recruiter resume summary :

• This summary concisely highlights the blend of personality traits and interpersonal skills that this applicant offers.
• The candidate still supplies a quantifiable example of their success and relevance, too.

You know all about the job hunt, but we get that you need help with your  recruiter resume , too. When it comes to  writing a resume  or your  recruiter cover letter , we’ll share all we know.

16. Sales resume summary

Sales job description  key points :

• Effective communication, persuasion, negotiation, and people-reading skills
• Ability to answer/field questions or find information quickly
• Time management and organization skills
• Preparing sales contracts, reports, and presentations
• Following up to ensure customer satisfaction, obtain payments, or promote new plans, services, or products
• Understanding and furthering company programs and specific sales objectives

Sales resume summary :

• You can witness plenty of beneficial personality traits here!
• Plus, the candidate’s experience is evident in the skills they highlight—and they specifically speak to the value they’ll offer the company.

Sell your career documents and snag your dream role with our resources for your  sales resume  and  sales cover letter .

17. Scrum master resume summary 

Scrum Master job description  key points :

• Excellent ability to lead, communicate, and collaborate with a team to meet goals while maintaining Scrum values
• Thorough understanding of Agile frameworks and ability to coach teammates in Agile
• Adaptability in fixing errors and problem-solving with strong recovery skills to keep the focus on sprint goals
• Use metrics and stakeholder/team feedback to ensure optimal product quality
• Organization, coordination, and task prioritization

Scrum Master resume summary :

• We clearly see experience, educational, and technical qualifications here.
• Personality shines through while demonstrating a clear understanding of the job role and, of course, everything ties in with the target company at the end.

Scrum Masters, we know you appreciate a logical and organized approach, so start by exploring our  resume examples  and diving into what works on the  best Scrum Master resumes . We can also teach you how to tackle your  Scrum Master cover letter  with ease.

18. Social media manager resume summary

Social media job description  key points :

• Familiarity with social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, and the ability to maintain responsiveness on all channels
• Quick adaptability to changing social media/market trends and current events
• Adept at monitoring KPIs, SEO performance, and other metrics and assessing the effectiveness and potential improvements
• Ability to collaboratively plan and implement campaigns by creating, posting, and managing original content with the use of Hootsuite

Social media manager resume summary :

• It’s all there—experience, an ambitious, confident personality, credibility-boosting metrics, and highly relevant skills.
• The applicant also provides compelling insight regarding their approach to the company’s success.

As a social media guru, you have an eye for details, which is why you’ll appreciate our free and  creative Word resume templates  as you finish building your  social media manager resume  and writing your  social media manager cover letter .

19. Software engineer resume summary

Software engineer job description  key points :

• Engineering-focused educational background in math or computer science
• Technical experience with tools like C++, Java, Unix, database and cloud storage, etc.
• Strong ability to navigate, explain, and lead the entire software development lifecycle
• Solid understanding of the best software engineering practices with a focus on scalability, quick problem-solving, and information management
• Application infrastructure and design skills that mesh well with speed/optimization

Software engineer resume summary :

• There’s tons of personality here along with strong metrics that demonstrate the applicant’s skills.
• And while there’s a clear mention of technical skills, the strategic thinking of an engineer takes the spotlight, showcasing the ability to expertly handle advanced roles.

If your  software engineer resume  needs a facelift, consider one of our  free resume templates . Remember that your  software engineer cover letter  can make a great first impression.

20. Teacher resume summary

Teacher job description  key points :

• Supervisory and communication skills with the ability to process student feedback and customize lesson plans
• Ability to maintain leadership of the room and engage students with lessons 
• Planning and preparing lessons, assignments, and educational materials
• Updating grades frequently, providing thoughtful feedback, and modifying work for struggling students
• Provide insight, advice, and encouragement regarding students’ future career paths

Teacher resume summary :

• The conversational yet professional tone is ideal for a teacher delineating a diverse and adaptable skillset and backing it up with a quantifiable metric.
• The applicant’s best traits practically demonstrate themselves!

Along with your  teacher resume , your  teacher cover letter  should also be top of mind.

21. Server resume summary

22. Nanny resume summary

23. Data Entry resume summary

24. Marketing resume summary

25. Teacher Assistant resume summary

26. Caregiver resume summary

27. Social Worker resume summary

28. Dental Assistant resume summary

29. Front-End Developer resume summary

30. Web Developer resume summary

Resume Summary Recap & Your Next Steps

You’ve made it to the end, but don’t feel too overwhelmed or get lost in the weeds while striving to pinpoint the best parts of your experience and skillset to include in your summary! Return as often as you need to the summary examples above, and don’t hesitate to draw inspiration from our  resume examples . 

When you start writing your summary, keep our formula in mind:

X + Y + Z = Success!

X = Your characteristics/personality Y = Experience and quantified success/results Z = How your accomplishments apply to the specific role

Carefully read every job description while you search, and tailor your resume summary to each listing. The extra effort and finishing touches will show!

Remember it’s easiest to write your summary once you’ve drafted the rest of your resume , so you can get crackin’ in our  resume builder  for an interactive, intuitive solution. And if you like the resume below, you can start customizing it right away. So, here’s to your success. We’re cheering you on! 

When crafting your document, be sure to include specific information from the job ad but only if you actually have that experience. Because the ATS will automatically search for appropriate keywords and phrases, you can readily find what employers are searching for in other resumes and the ad for the job you’re applying for. Also, look at other ads for similar positions to find industry-specific keyword information to include.

Senior Financial Analyst Resume

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

More Resume Tips & Guides

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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.

Comments are closed.

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Resume Worded   |  Career Strategy

Sales executive resume summary examples.

Approved by hiring managers, here are proven resume summary examples you can use on your Sales Executive resume. Learn what real hiring managers want to see on your resume, and when to use which.

• Sales Executive
• Account Executive
• Business Development Executive
• Channel Sales Manager
• Entry-Level Sales Executive
• Regional Sales Director
• Sales Manager
• Sales Operations Manager
• Senior Sales Executive
• Territory Sales Manager
• Sales Executive resume templates
• Similar summary examples

Sales Executive Resume Summary Example

Proven results in exceeding targets.

When you can demonstrate that you've consistently outperformed your sales targets, you're telling recruiters that you're a reliable bet. You're not just promising potential - you're delivering proof. The use of a specific figure here - 30% - is a smart move. It's tangible and impactful.

Clear career progression

Being promoted consistently is a strong signal that you're not just competent, but exceptional. You're showcasing your ability to rise up the ranks, which implies leadership skills and an ability to impress. Just make sure you can back this up with real examples in your job history.

Global team management

Managing a global team isn't just about leadership; it's about navigating different cultures, time zones, and ways of working. If you can do this successfully, it shows you're adaptable and can handle complexity. Name-dropping 'C-suite' here suggests you're comfortable at a high level, too.

Account Executive Resume Summary Example

Showcasing your problem-solving skills.

By highlighting that you've 'implemented a new client onboarding process that reduced churn by 15%', you're showing that you're a problem solver. You've identified an issue (client churn), implemented a fix (the onboarding process), and delivered a tangible result (15% reduction in churn). This paints a picture of someone who's proactive and results-driven.

Illustrating your negotiation skills

Negotiating contracts is a significant part of an Account Executive’s job. By stating your 'proven ability to negotiate contracts that increased annual revenue by 20%', you're showing recruiters that you're an effective negotiator who can deliver financial results, a key skill in sales roles.

Business Development Executive Resume Summary Example

Improving conversion rates.

Introducing a new strategy that improved conversion rates tells recruiters you're innovative and results-driven. It's not just about doing the work; it's about finding better ways to do it. This kind of strategic thinking is highly valued in business development roles.

Experience in diverse work environments

Being able to thrive in both fast-paced startups and established Fortune 500 companies is a strong selling point. It shows you're flexible, adaptable, and can navigate different cultural and operational landscapes.

Channel Sales Manager Resume Summary Example

Demonstrating your relationship management skills.

By stating that you 'implemented a partner onboarding program that reduced partner attrition by 20%', you're showing that you're skilled in managing relationships. This indicates that you know how to nurture business partnerships and can take initiatives to improve partner relationships.

Showcasing your portfolio management skills

Managing a 'portfolio of 50+ partners across multiple industries' is no small feat. By including this in your summary, you signal your ability to juggle multiple relationships and responsibilities at once, a key skill in any sales role.

Entry-Level Sales Executive Resume Summary Example

Education and training.

As an entry-level candidate, it's essential to capitalise on your educational background and training. It indicates your theoretical knowledge base and shows you've been proactive in gaining practical sales skills.

Early success and adaptability

Showing early success, like boosting sales in a university project, is a fantastic way to demonstrate potential. Mentioning Salesforce and other CRM tools not only shows recruiters you're tech-savvy, but it also helps with ATS systems that are scanning for keywords.

Regional Sales Director Resume Summary Example

Impressive sales growth.

Increasing sales by 50% is a bold claim that's bound to catch attention. It suggests you're not just a good salesperson, but a great one. It's particularly effective if you're applying for a role where aggressive growth is a goal.

Leading a large salesforce

Leading a salesforce of 50+ representatives is a clear indicator of your leadership skills and ability to manage at scale. It's also worth noting that mentioning 'various industries' shows your adaptability and diverse experience.

Sales Manager Resume Summary Example

Improving employee retention.

Reducing employee turnover not only shows your leadership skills, but it also demonstrates your ability to create a positive work environment where people want to stay. This is an often overlooked aspect of a sales role, but it's incredibly valuable in building a high-performing team.

Leading large teams

Managing a large team across multiple regions is no easy feat. It requires organizational skills, excellent communication, and the ability to inspire and motivate. By mentioning this, you're telling employers you're up to handling large-scale responsibilities.

Sales Operations Manager Resume Summary Example

Highlighting your strategic thinking.

You've mentioned that you 'implemented a new sales forecasting system that improved accuracy by 30%'. This implies that you're not just focused on the day-to-day running of things but have a strategic, long-term view of the sales process. It implies that you can identify areas for improvement and take initiative to address them.

Demonstrating leadership

By stating that you've 'managed cross-functional teams of 10-15 members to drive sales initiatives', you're showing potential employers that you possess leadership skills. It's a clear signal that you're capable of mobilizing and leading teams, critical for any managerial position.

Senior Sales Executive Resume Summary Example

Turning around underperformance.

Essentially, you're saying you're a problem-solver here. You're not just maintaining the status quo; you're making things better. It displays initiative and an ability to tackle big challenges - a desirable trait in any sales role.

Experience in diverse industries

Mentioning that you've worked in tech, healthcare, and finance tells employers you're versatile and can quickly adapt to new environments. It demonstrates a broad understanding of different market dynamics and customer needs, which is a big plus in sales.

Territory Sales Manager Resume Summary Example

Revealing your ability to innovate.

By sharing that you 'introduced a territory management strategy that increased market penetration by 25%', you’re showcasing your ability to innovate and implement new strategies. This shows your commitment to continuous improvement and your ability to adapt to changing market conditions.

Showcasing your team management skills

Your experience in 'managing a team of 20 sales representatives, consistently exceeding sales targets' reveals your capability in managing a large team and driving them to success. This is a strong selling point as it showcases your leadership and ability to motivate your team to exceed their targets.

Sales Executive Resume Templates

Business development.

Sales Resume Summary Examples

• > Account Manager Summary Examples
• > Operations Manager Summary Examples
• > Real Estate Agent Summary Examples
• > Sales Associate Summary Examples
• > Sales Manager Summary Examples

Sales Resume Objective Examples

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Seth Meyers reads out Trump’s entire rap sheet in breathless opening monologue

Seth Meyers did not waste any breath while reading out Donald Trump’s entire rap sheet after news broke he had become the presumptive GOP nominee after his rival, Nikki Haley , dropped out of the presidential race.

The host said that the Republican establishment has now “raced to line up behind four-time criminal indictee and insurrectionist Donald Trump ” after Ms Haley’s departure, but that was not the only thing he had to say about the former president, who is hoping to take office in the White House for a second time.

In an almost minute-and-a-half monologue, Meyers reeled off a continuous list of things Mr Trump has done, has been accused of and has coming up for him, all the while still coming out on top as the presumptive Republican nominee.

“Presumptive GOP nominee for president, again, for a third time, despite the fact he is a twice-impeached, four-time criminal indictee and racist who’s been found liable for fraud and sexual abuse. Banned from doing business in the state of New York for three years. Owes over half a billion dollars in fines. Took millions from foreign governments while he was president. Tried to extort a foreign country to interfere in an election in 2020 and encouraged another to help him win in 2016,” Mr Meyers started, however, he did not stop there.

The host said that Mr Trump “actively undermined a nation’s response to a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic and let a deadly disease spiral out of control. Is about to go on trial for breaking campaign finance laws by paying hush money to cover up an affair during the 2016 campaign. Orchestrated a months-long coup attempt that culminated in a violent insurrection to disrupt the peaceful transfer of power and install him as an unelected dictator. Stole classified documents and obstructed attempts to get them back. Has never once won the popular vote and has been routinely rejected by a majority of Americans in election after election”.

At the point you may think Meyers has covered it all, he reminds us of many other bizarre Mr Trump moments.

Mr Trump “spews deranged conspiracy theories about everything from climate change to immigration, to vaccines to windmills. Glitches on three-syllable words, two-syllable words and one-syllable words, cheats at golf, can’t spell his own name, his wife’s name or the words ‘indicted’, ‘education’, ‘unprecedented’, ‘stolen’, ‘Denmark’. ‘Kentucky’ or ‘tap’,” Meyers said.

“And is on top of everything else, the single weirdest, most off-putting human being on the face of the f****** planet,” he concluded.

Meyers mentioned some recent events in the tale of Mr Trump, such as the various court cases he has been battling throughout his 2024 campaign, racking up millions of dollars in fines.

He also alluded to some past moments in Mr Trump’s political career, such as when he allegedly tried to get the Ukrainian president to dig up political dirt on Joe Biden, which led to his first impeachment.

Of course, the events leading up to and on January 6 were mentioned, which was followed by a federal investigation, with Mr Trump being charged with crimes connected to his alleged efforts to overturn the results of an American election.

Other charges were also mentioned, such as the ones about Mr Trump’s handling of classified documents at Mar-a-Lago.

Also included were Mr Trump’s various social media spelling mistakes and his recent blunders when saying words like “climate” at his rallies and campaign events.

Despite all of this, Mr Trump still prevailed against his Republican rival, Ms Haley, on Super Tuesday and is likely to be set for another face-off with President Joe Biden as the race to the White House continues.

“I’m sorry, but this guy is not a real person, he’s a glitching NPC from a video game,” Meyers declared.

The Independent is the world’s most free-thinking news brand, providing global news, commentary and analysis for the independently-minded. We have grown a huge, global readership of independently minded individuals, who value our trusted voice and commitment to positive change. Our mission, making change happen, has never been as important as it is today.

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Basic information

Open to U.S. citizens or nationals (residents of American Samoa and Swains Island). Subject to background check. Full information will be available on USAJOBS.

Supervisory status: Supervisory

Job title: Office of Solutions: FedRAMP Director

Official title in USAJOBS: IT Program Manager PLCYPLN/INFOSEC

Number of vacancies: 1

Location: Anywhere in the U.S. (remote)

Salary range: GS-15 ($143,736 to $191,900)

Your salary, including base and locality, will be determined upon selection, dependent on your actual duty location. Please note the maximum salary available for the GS pay system is $191,900. For specific details on locality pay, please visit OPM’s Salaries & Wages page or for a salary calculator OPM’s 2024 General Schedule (GS) Salary Calculator . You can find more information in our compensation and benefits section .

Travel requirement: Occasional travel may be required up to 15% per year.

Work schedule: Full time.

Appointment type: This is a permanent position.

Learn more about the benefits of working at GSA and TTS .

Role summary

The Director of FedRAMP leads the federal government’s initiative to make it straightforward and safe for Federal agencies to use modern cloud-based software and infrastructure to deliver on their mission.

The position serves as the principal leader and point of contact for the Federal Risk Management and Authorization Program (FedRAMP).

FedRAMP was created in 2011 to accelerate the government’s use of commercial cloud services, by creating a standardized process for security review and authorization and making security information easily available to agencies. More generally, FedRAMP operates as a bridge between the public and private sectors, to help companies that offer innovative services navigate federal security expectations and to bring the best of the private sector into government.

Since its creation, the cloud sector has changed substantially and agency needs have focused more on software-as-a-service products. In recent years, Congress and the White House have updated the program’s mission and authorities, with a mandate to scale and modernize the program, while continuing to ensure the high bar of security that the public expects around government data and operations.

The Director will oversee FedRAMP’s strategy to achieve this. The position is a dynamic role that will engage with government and private sector stakeholders, make key policy and operational decisions affecting government-wide use of cloud products, while supervising program staff and resources. The role will require information security expertise, a vision for change, and entrepreneurial spirit to position the program as a cybersecurity leader, maintain trust in the FedRAMP brand, and operate efficiently and consistently.

Key objectives

1. you will expand the size and diversity of the fedramp marketplace..

Identify and understand the present and future needs of the federal government, and focus the FedRAMP program on bringing into government the cloud service providers that will safely help agencies meet those needs.

Increase the capacity and speed of the FedRAMP ecosystem, including by working collaboratively with federal agencies and others to create more channels and processes for authorizing cloud providers.

Serve as the primary spokesperson for the FedRAMP program with industry, government, and the media.

Manage relationships and forge partnerships with key government partners, including the FedRAMP Board, the Executive Office of the President, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and others.

2. You will accelerate and simplify the FedRAMP process for federal agencies and cloud service providers.

Orient FedRAMP around agile delivery principles, by enabling cloud providers to operate using secure agile software development practices and rapid delivery of security updates and features.

Transition FedRAMP to an automation-first, API-driven program, in its internal operations as well as through customer-facing services for automated self-validation and submission.

Establish and publish customer-oriented key performance metrics for the program, and drive program improvements along those metrics to demonstrate visible progress to public and government stakeholders.

Continuously optimize the fundamental processes of the FedRAMP program, as well as the processes agencies and third parties operate to participate in FedRAMP.

3. You will grow FedRAMP’s reputation as a trusted independent evaluator of cloud services.

Protect and build the FedRAMP brand as a meaningful and rigorous security and risk management process, whose authorizations can consistently be presumed adequate for use by any federal agency.

Build the overall technical and information security expertise of the FedRAMP program, through recruitment, training, and ongoing staff development.

Keep FedRAMP focused on the biggest security threats to the federal government and the commercial cloud ecosystem.

Ensure the program maintains oversight of any third-party organizations involved in the assessment and review of cloud services.

Qualifications

Provide as much detail as possible on your resume so that we can evaluate your previous experience. Follow our guidance on creating a federal style resume.

Failure to provide required information may result in disqualification.

For each job on your resume, provide:

• The exact dates you held each job (from month/year to month/year or “present”)
• Number of hours per week you worked (if part time)

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

To qualify, you must have one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower GS-grade (or equivalent). Specialized experience is defined as follows:

• This will be updated at a later date.

How to Apply

Get notified when this position is open for applications.

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