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11 Real Financial Analyst Resume Examples That Worked in 2024

Financial Analyst

Best for senior and mid-level candidates

There’s plenty of room in our elegant resume template to add your professional experience while impressing recruiters with a sleek design.

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• Financial Analyst Resume
• Financial Analyst Resumes by Experience
• Financial Analyst Resumes by Role

Writing Your Financial Analyst Resume

Financial analysts have different duties and responsibilities based on seniority level and business sector, making it hard to decide what to include on your financial analyst resume when applying for that dream finance job.

You must also know how to  format your resume , what information to include, and what projects to highlight to attract the attention of a hiring manager or recruiter. 

We’ve meticulously researched and analyzed countless financial analyst resume samples from all career stages in different industries, resulting in the creation of 11 resume samples to set you on your way to  building a professional resume  and  land more interviews in 2024 . Plus, our writing guide will give you plenty of  resume tips  so you hit the right note every time!

Financial Analyst Resume Example

or download as PDF

Why this resume works

• Run your resume through a  resume checker  to ensure you include enough stats and don’t have grammar or punctuation errors, but don’t forget to check it yourself!
• Don’t forget to include your projections and forecasts! Focus your financial analyst resume experience on how close your projections and forecasts were for the company and “how” those accurate projections and forecasts helped the business.

Financial Analyst Intern Resume

• Detail your academic projects in risk analysis and forecasting to demonstrate well-rounded experience on your financial analyst intern resume.

Entry-Level Financial Analyst Resume

• Even if you don’t have the technical skills required, skills like communication, data reporting, and scheduling show employers you’re organized, detail-oriented, and able to work together in a team.
• Be proud of your experience; hiring managers understand (and want to see) that we all started someplace.
• Always tailor this section to each job to which you apply. Include the name of the company, the job title you’re applying for, and skills mentioned in the job description.

Junior Financial Analyst Resume

• Yes, yes, we know it’s tedious, but it’s vital. You don’t have to spend hours on it, either; simply do some research on the company and scan the  financial analyst job description , then include relevant keywords on your junior financial analyst resume.
• Be sure to include the type of reports you created and the impact of your work (that’s where you can include metrics).

Senior Financial Analyst Resume

• Don’t be afraid to brag about your team’s size, your project’s budget, the number of projects you completed on time.
• And if you can, list how those projects have directly impacted the team, the company, and its clients. 
• Skills like “financial modeling,” “budget management,” and “SQL,” are all fantastic additions to your resume!

Chartered Financial Analyst Resume

• Reiterate your professional value on your chartered financial analyst resume by going beyond your best investments and drawing attention to your track record with clients.
• Try employing story-telling techniques in your financial analyst cover letter to demonstrate your success with clients.

Financial Planning Analyst Resume Example

• It may be difficult to include specific bullet points for all your areas of aptitude, so pick and choose your skills based on the job description. 
• This format lets hiring managers see your most recent (and probably most relevant) work experience first. 

Quality Assurance Financial Analyst Resume

• If you don’t have certifications, you can add awards instead. If the certificate or award isn’t well known, you should add the organization that issues the certification.
• Each templates come with their own pros and cons, especially when it comes to length. Some formats allow for longer content while others focus more on other sections, so try out a couple to see what works.

Program Financial Analyst Resume

• If you target your bullet points for each job to which you apply, hiring managers are more likely to give you an interview over a generalist resume. 
• When it comes to tailoring, look at the  financial analyst job description ; does it focus on data analysis, modeling, and presentations, or is there more emphasis on team leadership, ROI, and accounts payable? 
• You can categorize your bullet points by necessary skills so when the job application focuses more on one skill over another, you’re ready!

Financial Accounting Analyst Resume

• Since financial accounting analysts use their expertise to assess current situations and give financial advice, use clear metrics like project and initiative quantities, improvement percentages, and company savings. 
• Even using a simple pop of color in some of your headers can make your resume more memorable (and easier to read, too).

Budget Analyst Resume

• Limiting your work experience roles lets you include details like the number and type of projects that you handled like a champ.
• Don’t worry if you have too many jobs to list on your budget analyst resume . You only need to show  three to four  of your most relevant roles.
• When you provide quantifiable achievements in your experience section, think of which programs or skills you used and highlight those.

Related resume guides

• Investment Banking

You might be tempted to think that the only thing that matters on your resume is the content, but  proper resume formatting  is almost as important. Even if you have decades of impressive financial analyst experience, it’ll be hard for a hiring manager to look past poor formatting. A well-formatted resume will be readable for ATS and logical for hiring managers who only have a few moments in their day to look at your resume. 

Let’s review some of the most important aspects of resume formatting, including:

• Resume formatting choices

How to include your contact information

Outwit the ats, resume format choices.

Each of the following formats performs a particular function, highlighting your work experience, skills, or both.

Three resume format favorites among successful job applicants in 2024.

• Reverse-chronological format:  This format is exactly what you think: it orders your work experience starting from the most recent. This format will help hiring managers see your most relevant (and likely most impressive job title) first. 
• Functional format:  Unlike the reverse-chronological format, the functional formats place the most emphasis on skills. If you have employment gaps, you may want to consider this format, but be aware that hiring managers may be confused or wonder if you’re being forthcoming. 
• Combination/hybrid format:  This format weights work experience and skills equally by combining functional and reverse-chronological formats.

For financial analysts, we almost always recommend reverse-chronological formatting. Hiring managers love that it’s easy to read and skim, and you’ll love that it showcases your most senior position.

When a hiring manager wants to reach out for an interview, it’s important to make your name, phone number, and email easy for them to find. Ensure your contact information is highly visible by placing it at the very top of your financial analyst resume. 

Use a large font for your name and a large (but slightly smaller) font for your job title. Both your name and your job title should be centered in the header.

If you want to try using color in your resume we suggest using the color as the backdrop for your contact information header. Professional colors for financial analysts include navy, amber, or dark green.

Below your header, you’ll need to include contact information, which should include: 

• Phone number 
• Your city and state (optional but recommended if it’s a local business)
• Professional links, such as LinkedIn (optional)

Like the example below, you can do a lot with your header to showcase your creativity while remaining professional.

If you’re applying to an online job posting, the chances are high that the hiring manager is using applicant tracking system software (ATS) to pre-filter applicants.

The ATS works by picking up on words used throughout your resume and matching them to keywords selected by recruiters (usually keywords in the  financial analyst job description ). If you don’t have enough keyword matches, your resume may be thrown out before anyone can read it. That’s why your resume must be ATS-friendly.  

Be careful to adhere to the following formatting guidelines:

• Margins:  Use standard one inch margins, or at the very least half an inch, if needed to save space. 
• Font type:  Keep it basic by using Times New Roman, Arial, Cambria, or Garamond.
• Font sizes:  The body of your resume should be a 12-14-point font, but you can make it slightly smaller (but only slightly) if needed. Your job title should be larger, around 20-point font, and your name should be about 24-point font. 
• Header names:  Use colors, bolding, or complementary fonts to help your subheaders stand out throughout your resume. Just make sure your font is readable.
• Skills:  Customize your skills section for every job to which you apply. Carefully read the job descriptions to determine what keywords the recruiters will be scanning for while avoiding plagiarizing their job posting! 
• Logical order:  As we mentioned earlier, reverse-chronological order is the best for your financial analyst resume, and ATS operates under the assumption that your resume is formatted this way. 
• Page count:  Do everything you can (adjust font and margin, within reason) to fit the page perfectly. Your resume will look unprofessional and burdensome to read if it’s over a page. If your resume is a little short, recruiters will wonder if you’re inexperienced.

Formatting your resume  isn’t easy at first, but once you’ve  built your resume  for the first time, all you need to do is minor tweaks for each job application. 

Write your financial analyst resume

Writing your perfect financial analyst resume can be difficult especially with a job at stake. We know that  writing an effective resume  may feel overwhelming, but if you take it one section at a time, the process shouldn’t be too stressful.

Without further ado, let’s dig into the content of your financial analyst resume. Here’s what we’ll cover:

• Using a resume objective or summary statement 
• Writing about your work history
• Key skills for financial analysts
• Education and optional sections
• Customizations 
• Flawless editing

Understand the elusive objective/summary statement

Objectives and summaries are some of the most commonly misunderstood sections on a resume, but they can be useful. However, choosing between a  resume objective  or a  resume summary  is difficult because there are only a few circumstances in which you’ll use either one. 

Both are highly job-specific, two to three-sentence paragraphs used near the top of your resume (often under your job title). An objective is for entry-level candidates or job seekers who have recently changed fields. An objective will tell hiring managers why you want the job.

On the other hand, a summary is for professionals with over 10 years of experience in a specific field. It highlights skills you’ve developed and biggest achievements.

Neither the objective nor the summary is a mandatory inclusion on your resume, but these statements can enhance your resume and boost your chances of getting hired. Let’s go over a few examples: 

Example 1:  Young professional seeking a job at your office to continue advancing my career in finance. 

What could be improved:  This is a poorly written resume objective. You should mention the specific job title you’re applying to, the company name, and one to three highly-specific skills you possess that will improve or contribute to the company’s operations. 

Example 2:  Working in finance with experience in organizing and communicating.

What could be improved:  This summary is too bare-bones. It contains no meaningful information and just takes up space. 

Example 3:  Financial analyst with 7+ years of experience specializing in informative and persuasive professional presentations, seeking a role to utilize my depth of ROI and client relations skills as a team player at Spectrum. 

What we like:  This objective and the example below mention a specific job title, the company name, and the skills they bring to the table. It’s short and effective. 

Example 4:  Data-driven financial analyst with 23 years of business valuation and trend analysis under 3 major Fortune 500 corporations. With skills across many areas of data analysis and presentation, trend forecasting, and financial advisement, I provide a wealth of knowledge and business know-how to companies with which I’ve worked.   I am eager for an opportunity to improve ROI in several key areas to optimize growth at BetterMent.

What we like:  This summary (and the example below) are specific and contain information that makes this candidate an obvious choice. The applicant above also points directly to an area they know they can improve business operations. You want a hiring manager to read your summary and think, “we need this person.”

How to include your financial analyst work history

It should come as no surprise to you that the most important section of your financial analyst resume is your work history. It can be tempting to cram every job title you’ve held onto the page, but hiring managers prefer applicants who focus on the most relevant and recent work experience they’ve had. You can share information about older jobs and internships during your interview! You’ll want to include two to four job experiences. 

Write descriptive bullet points

Your work experience should be broken down into bullet points, which make your resume look more organized and easier for hiring managers to read. 

• Throughout your bullet points, you’ll want to avoid passive voice, which can make text boring to read and unengaging. Instead, use active voice, which exudes confidence and ownership of your work. Adding action words to start each bullet point, like “operated,” “spearheaded,” and “orchestrated,” will further engage readers and break up your text. 
• You’ll also want to be careful to avoid personal pronouns, like “I” or “my.” Employers already know you’re writing about yourself, and personal pronouns sound unprofessional.
• You can choose to end all of your bullet points with or without periods. Consistency is key. 
• Finally, you’ll want to consider verb tense. You can leave your current work experience in the present or past tense, but all of your former work experience must be in the past tense. 

Here are a few examples of good bullet points that incorporate these tips:

• Oversaw the financial due diligence of a $52M acquisition, including organization and report analysis 
• Developed an automated process using Excel for the internal team KPI reporting that increased accuracy by 17% and provided data 2 days faster to team leads 
• Monitored 10+ regulatory developments and industry trends to incorporate into the firm’s AML program

These bullet points are perfect for a financial analyst resume. They’re written in active voice, using action verbs, avoiding personal pronouns; they’re all written in the past tense, with consistent punctuation.

Leverage numbers

Numbers demonstrate your value to the company, unlike words alone. We’ve interviewed countless hiring managers to ask them what they consider the most important element of a successful resume; almost unanimously, they’ve reported that metrics made applicants much more likely to get interviews. For the best results, aim to include quantifiable metrics on at least 50 percent of your bullet points.

Here are a few ways you might consider adding metrics about your past roles in financial analysis: 

• Hard numbers:  Discuss the details of your work. What percentage have you increased ROI? What percent have gross earnings increased for the company during your time of employment?
• Sales:  Discuss the rate of potential clients converted from your presentations, the number of presentations you provided, and the success of your sales strategies. 
• Reports:  Have you successfully forecasted trends? Have your abstracts and internal presentations resulted in financial gain for the company?
• Collaboration:  Financial analysts need to collaborate across departments frequently. Let employers know you collaborate well with others by detailing the number of people or departments with which you’ve worked. 

If you’re having trouble visualizing how you’d use these questions to come up with numbers, don’t worry. Here are a few examples: 

• Provided financial guidance to Business/Functions, contributing to a 19% growth trend by developing strategic long-range planning recommendations for management
• Collaborated with 10+ major clients with multi-million dollar accounts
• Created forecasting tracking and management reporting systems to improve the availability and accuracy of financial data, triggering a 13% increase in accuracy
• Evaluated regulatory developments and industry trends to facilitate incorporation into the firm’s AML program, reducing time to meet trend demands by 40%

Financial analyst skills to include in your resume

The skills section is an important place to demonstrate your value to potential employers, not to mention it’s one of the best places to include keywords for ATS. Unfortunately, many hopeful applicants don’t emphasize the right skills. The right skills for your financial analyst resume will depend on the specific job to which you’re applying.

Generally, we recommend including a mix of soft and hard skills, with the majority being hard skills because they’re easier to measure and more job-specific. Aim to include six to ten highly relevant skills on your resume.  

Use the following financial analyst skills as examples to get you started:

• Financial Modeling 
• Cash Flow Management
• Financial Reporting
• Quantitative Finance on Python 
• Electronic Trading Systems Development
• Data Consolidation
• Predictive Analysis

Why are these  resume skills  appropriate? We’ve included a mix of hard and soft skills specific, measurable, and highly desired by most employers. When looking for your next financial analyst job, be sure to read the job description carefully. Often, you’ll be able to pick up on which skills are the most important to your hopeful employers.

But, a word of caution: avoid overselling your skills. If you don’t know how to do something or are inexperienced, leave it off your resume. Hiring managers want honesty above all.

Education + optional resume sections

ou probably already know that the financial analyst world can be a tough place in which to get your career started. Though there are no formal educational requirements, most employers will seek applicants with at least a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. 

Include the highest education level on your resume, but avoid including too much detail unless you’re a recent graduate with limited work experience. If you have minimal experience, you can utilize your education to demonstrate your working potential. Still, if you’re a more experienced applicant, you only need to provide your school name, graduation year, and degree. 

There aren’t any formal requirements for certifications for financial analysts, but you should mention any specialized training you’ve received, such as a Financial Analyst Certification, Data Analysis Certification, or Certified Software Quality Analyst. 

Finally, you may be wondering whether you should include any  interests and hobbies to your resume . Generally, we don’t recommend including them, but there are a few instances where they’re appropriate additions to your resume: 

• If you don’t have a great deal of work experience, it may be helpful to highlight some interesting hobbies or volunteer activities in which you’ve taken part. These can be great talking points during interviews if used appropriately! 
• If you’re a recent graduate seeking your first finance job, you likely lack a lengthy work history to share on your resume. In this case, you can use interests and hobbies to convey to employers that you’re a hard worker and someone who thrives under pressure. 

Tailor your financial analyst resume to the job ad

We’ve mentioned it a few times, but it’s important enough to reiterate. You need to tailor your financial analyst resume for every job to which you apply. Specifically, if used, your resume objective or summary statement needs to be customized with specific job titles and company names. Your skills section should be tailor-made to the job, too. You can do this by referencing skills mentioned in the job description (without ever copying anything from the job posting verbatim). Finally, your bullet points should be tailored to fit the specific needs of each company. 

Don’t submit a sloppy financial analyst resume

We know it’s difficult to take a step back after you’ve finished working on your financial analyst resume. However, we strongly recommend that financial analysts, and all job seekers, take a step back. Put your resume away for a day or two, and then look it over again for typos. Have friends or family proofread it, and take advantage of our  free resume checker .

One step closer to your next job

Congratulations! The first step to writing your professional financial analyst resume is research. If your resume is complete, you can upload it to see what AI-powered tips our  resume checker  has for you before making a cover letter .

If you haven’t started yet, or if you want to start your resume from scratch, use our  resume builder . Both our resume checker and builder will analyze your resume and provide specific tips on how you can make improvements. 

Financial Analyst Resume [The Ultimate 2024 Guide]

Looking to land your next job in finance?

You’ll need a compelling financial analyst resume to stand out from the competition.

At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter how good you are at analyzing financial data if you can’t prove it to the hiring manager at your dream company.

Luckily, that’s exactly what this article is here for. 

We’re about to teach you all you need to know about how to write a financial analyst resume, including:

Job-Winning Financial Analyst Resume Example

How to write a financial analyst resume (step-by-step).

• Free Financial Analyst Resume Template 

And more! Let’s dive right in, starting with:

What’s a better way to get started with your resume than to get inspired by a compelling financial analyst resume example, right?

The above resume does a lot of things right, such as:

• Follows the chronological resume format. While there are other resume formats out there, the chronological one is both the most popular, and the best one for the job.
• Lists contact information the right way. It includes a phone number, a professional email address, a LinkedIn URL, and a location.
• Catches the recruiter’s attention with a resume summary. This financial analyst resume summary shows the recruiter the candidate is relevant at a glance.
• Convinces the recruiter that they’re the right person for the job with an achievement-oriented work experience section. Achievements help show the recruiter how you stand out from the rest of the candidates.
• Uses bullets to make the financial analyst resume easy to follow. The recruiter has hundreds of other resumes to review. By using bullets, you make it easier for them to read your resume and understand your background.
• Includes a concise education section. Since the candidate has a lot of work experience, they don’t focus as much on their educational history.
• Lists the right hard and soft skills. A strong financial analyst should possess both types of skills (and show them off on their resume).
• Includes optional resume sections to fill up the space and make the resume even more compelling.

Found the financial analyst resume example interesting?

Awesome - time to start working on yours!

In this section, we’re going to walk you through 8 essential steps for creating a compelling financial analyst resume, starting with:

#1. Format Your Financial Analyst Resume Right

While there are 3 types of resumes formats you can use, the best option is the reverse-chronological format , which looks as follows:

The format starts off with the most recent work experiences and then goes backward in time.

Once you’ve decided on the format, you need to work on the style and layout of your resume. Here’s what that involves:

• Don’t go over the 1-page limit . Unless you’re a professional with 15+ years of experience, chances are, you don’t need more than a single page.
• Pick a professional font. Some of our favorites are Ubuntu, Times New Roman, and Roboto.
• Use 11-12 pt font size for the body text in your resume.

Free Financial Analyst Resume Template

Want to create a compelling resume without all the hassle of working on the formatting, style, layout, and the like?

Well, it’s possible!

All you have to do is pick one of our 8 free resume templates .

The formatting work is done for you, all you have to do is fill in your contents, and you’re ready to land your dream job!

And the best part? Our resume templates look absolutely slick compared to the typical black-and-white templates:

#2. Include a Contact Information Section

Once you’re done formatting your resume (or you’ve picked one of our free resume templates ), it’s time to start working on your resume contents.

The first step here is to include your contact information, which includes:

• Name and surname.
• Professional title . Your title should match the one mentioned in the job description. 
• Phone number.
• Professional email address. E.g. [name] + [last name] @gmail.com. 
• Location. The city, state, and country are enough, no need to mention your home address.
• (Optional) LinkedIn URL. If your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date, you can include a URL in your contact information section.

Here’s what your contact information section should look like once you’re done with it:

Financial Analyst

123-123-1234

[email protected]

linkedin.com/in/johnd

#3. Write an Attention-Grabbing Financial Analyst Resume Summary (or Objective)

The next section in your financial analyst resume is the resume summary.

A resume summary , in a nutshell, is a “preview” of your resume. It helps the recruiter understand whether you’re qualified without having to read your resume in its entirety.

Done right, a financial analyst resume summary should include:

• Your job title ( “Financial Analyst” )
• Your years of experience ( “With 6+ years of experience in the field” )
• Your top 1-2 achievements ( “Experienced in identifying wasteful processes and cutting spend by over 12% at Company X” )
• Your top skills ( “Skilled in risk management, data validation techniques, and data visualization” ).

Here’s a practical example of what this looks like on a resume:

• Senior financial analyst with 6 years of experience seeking a role at Company X. Past achievements include helping drive costs down by over 12% at Company Y by eliminating wasteful processes. Skilled in risk management, data validation techniques, and more. CPA-certified.

Don’t have a lot of work experience? You might want to use a resume objective instead. Read our guide to learn more.

#4. Focus on Achievements to Stand Out from Other Applicants

The next section on your financial analyst resume is the work experience section.

First things first, start by formatting the section as follows:

• List your work experiences reverse-chronologically. Start with your latest/current experience and go back in time from there.
• For each of your roles, include the following information: title, company name, dates employed, and 3-5 responsibilities and achievements.
• For older roles (think, jobs from 5-10+ years ago), you can include less than 3 responsibilities/achievements.

And here’s how that would look on your resume:

07/2015 - Current

• Collected, analyzed, and managed quantitative data.
• Created in-depth financial reports that lead to over 12% cost reductions in 2020.
• Prepared weekly reports and led presentations for training new staff.
• Reported directly to the CFO.

Now, if you want your work experience section to truly stand out from your competitors, here are some tips on how to make that happen:

• Focus on achievements when possible. The recruiter knows what your responsibilities were - they want to know how you excelled at the role instead. So, if possible, include achievements instead of responsibilities.
• Quantify your achievements. Saying “cut expenses” is one thing, saying “cut expenses by 12% in 2020 by identifying and eliminating wasteful processes” is something else entirely. Including information on results, timeframe, and actions taken helps give the hiring manager a better idea of your work history and skills level.
• Skip on irrelevant work experience. The hiring manager doesn’t care about your job waiting tables 12 years back during university, so you can safely skip it.

Applying for an entry-level financial analyst role? Check out our article on how to create a no-experience resume .

#5. Include Your Educational Background

On to the next section - education .

This one’s relatively straightforward, just include your educational history as such:

• Include your latest degree on top of the section. Start off with the degree name (e.g. B.A. in Finance), institution name, and years attended.
• If you have a second degree, include that too. Follow the same format.
• If you have a B.A. or an associate’s degree, feel free to skip including your high school information.

Here’s how the education section should look like on your financial analyst resume:

B.A. in Finance

Chicago University

08/2013 - 05/2017

If you’re a recent university graduate lacking in work experience, you can also add information about the courses you’ve attended in university to give the recruiter an idea of your knowledge:

Courses Attended:

• Corporate Finance
• Asset Management
• Risk Management

#6. List the Right Skills for the Job

The next step to perfecting your financial analyst resume is including the right skills.

And by “right skills,” we don’t mean listing out every single skill you’ve learned. 

Rather, you need to specifically include the skills that are going to help you do your job as a financial analyst right.

Some of the most in-demand financial analyst skills in 2024 are:

15 Essential Financial Analyst Skills

• Financial Modeling
• Financial Accounting
• Managerial Accounting
• Financial Reporting
• Statistical Analysis
• Data Validation Techniques
• Communication
• Process Improvement
• Attention to Detail

#7. Use The Optional Resume Sections (to Make Your Resume Even More Compelling)

Do you still have some space on your financial analyst resume? You can use some of these optional resume sections to fill up your resume to cover the entire page.

While these sections won't land you the job on their own, they can help you stand out from applicants with the same level of experience and skills.

The optional sections are:

• Certifications. As a financial analyst, there are a lot of certifications you can get to help attest to your skill set. E.g. CFA , CPA , FMVA, and others.
• Languages. In 2024, knowing an extra language or two is always an asset, regardless of what job you’re applying for.
• Hobbies & Interests . This section can help show the hiring manager who you are as an individual (as opposed to a professional) and (potentially) allow you to build rapport with your interviewer.

Here’s how these optional sections would look like on your financial analyst resume:

• German - Native
• English - Fluent
• Spanish - Intermediate

Certifications

• Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Certification (4). 02/2015 - 02/2016
• Financial Modeling and Valuation Analyst (FMVA). 03/2012 - 08/2012

Hobbies & Interests

• Artificial Intelligence
• Mindfulness

#8. Make Sure Your Financial Analyst Cover Letter is as Compelling as Your Resume

At this point, your resume probably already looks very compelling…

But we’re not done just yet!

You need to create a financial analyst cover letter that’s just as good as your resume.

Here are some tips on how you can do this:

• Start the cover letter by addressing the hiring manager with their full name or title. E.g. “Dear Margaret.” Sure, you could do the traditional “Dear Sir or Madam,” but including a name or position shows the recruiter that you did your research.
• In the introduction of your cover letter, include your job title, years of experience, top 1-2 achievements, industry experiences, and any of your other top selling points.
• In the body section of your cover letter, you can include things like more detailed skills, responsibilities, work history, and optionally, information on why you’d like to work at the company you’re applying for.
• Finish up the cover letter with a call to action. E.g. “Would be more than happy to discuss my work history more in-depth over an interview.”

Struggling with your cover letter? Check out some of our best resources on the topic:

• Guide on Writing a Cover Letter
• 21 Best Cover Letter Tips
• Most Common Cover Letter Mistakes

Key Takeaways

And that’s the gist of it!

That’s all you need to know in order to create a compelling financial analyst resume and land the job.

Before you go, let’s do a quick recap of the most important learning points we covered in this article:

• Use a resume summary to grab the hiring manager’s attention from the get-go.
• In your work experience section, focus on achievements over responsibilities. Quantify your achievements when possible.
• Include both hard and soft skills in your skills section.
• Include any certifications that you might have. E.g. CPA, CFA, etc.
• If you have some extra space in your resume, you can also include extra sections such as languages or hobbies.

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• • Developed financial management processes and methodologies to control the financial, administrative, and accounting areas of the company.
• • Defined and monitored key financial indicators to improve company performance.
• • Analyzed deviations and profitability for the different ventures resulting in increased revenue.
• • Overseen accounting, budgeting, planning, cash flow, and forecasting activities.
• • Ensured the quality, accuracy, and delivery of financial reports.
• • Managed financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting resulting in a 15% reduction in expenses.
• • Conducted financial analysis to provide insights and recommendations to senior management.
• • Developed financial models to support decision-making processes.
• • Prepared monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports and presentations.
• • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to improve financial processes and controls.
• • Provided financial analysis and reporting for multiple business units resulting in a 10% increase in revenue.
• • Developed and implemented financial processes and controls to ensure compliance with company policies and procedures.
• • Managed budgeting and forecasting processes to support business planning and decision-making.
• • Assisted in the preparation of financial statements and external reporting.
• • Collaborated with internal stakeholders to identify areas for cost savings and process improvements.

8 Finance Specialist Resume Examples & Guide for 2024

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All resume examples in this guide

Finance Coordinator

Financial Administrator

Financial Advisor

Financial Consultant

Financial Counselor

Financial Professional

Financial Representative

Resume guide, writing a job-winning experience section: finance specialist resume edition, an impressive skills section for your finance specialist resume, finance specialist resume header: tips, red flags, and best practices, the finance specialist resume summary: tips and tricks, finance specialist resume: a strong education section, finance specialist resume: how to choose the right format, your finance specialist resume: other sections to include, making your finance specialist resume shine, what makes a great finance specialist resume: key takeaways.

INDUSTRY STATS

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Finance Specialist positions are at a 5% growth rate, which is slower than average. With that said, there are currently 275,200 jobs in the market right now. The total number of jobs is expected to increase by 12,600 to 287,800 in the period of 2020-30.

What’s more, the median annual wage for the Finance Specialist jobs was $89,330 in May 2020. The lowest 10% earned less than $44,100 , and the highest 10% more than $208,000 .

Our conclusion? The Finance Specialist job market is wide open for candidates.

Top finance specialist sections that make the best resume

• Professional summary
• Experience (with numbers and results)
• Relevant skills
• Certifications

Finance specialist resume experience section: dos and don'ts

• List 4-6 bullet points per position;
• Include only relevant job experience;
• Make sure to highlight your strongest skills by focusing on the challenges you’ve faced and the results you’ve achieved;
• Don’t use buzzwords that carry no meaning;
• Don’t share confidential information about your previous employers.

If you prefer to be led by example, check out some great Finance Specialist resume experience section snippets below!

• Comprehensive understanding and management of the financial functions of the system specializing in Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Expense Reporting, Reconciliations and Cash Management based on the Xero Accounting system.
• Develop, implement, modify, and document record-keeping and accounting systems, making use of the current software applications, project management and analytical tools such as Asana and Fathom.
• Monthly payroll preparation with adherence to the UAE labor law for an employee base of 32.
• Developing, maintaining and analyzing budgets, create variance report and arriving at reasons for variance.
• Analyze operational trends, costs, revenues and cash flows and profitability for project businesses performance and provide advice on improvements.
• Preparation of monthly and quarterly VAT returns.
• Specialized leasing banker working closely with Relationship Managers, Assistant Managers, as well as bankers from specialized segments including Agribusiness and Health
• Completing an average of 14 documents per day including quotes, in the leasing space
• Analysing customer data, ensuring correct asset types have been created by the bankers, enabling confirmation of the bank's security against each asset
• Assisting the Equipment Finance team while working closely with colleagues to prioritize forecasted deals for drawdown and settlement
• Managing documents required for settlement and drawdown through direct liaison with customers and suppliers
• Adhering to local compliance requirements
• Leading an Automation project to accelerate weekly forecast by 80%
• Improved volume forecast accuracy to ~0.5% variance vs actuals
• Built/Improved 6 tools to automate reporting saving 6.5 hours weekly
• Prepare Weekly Volume and Revenue Actual/Forecast reports
• Enhanced estimation reliability for Import and Export Discounts
• Manage DACH reporting for Top Management
• Identify trends and advise on optimization and strategic financial planning
• Present Analyses' results and calculate their impacts on profitability
• Manage monthly closure activities and Adhoc requests
• Coordinating and communicating with the case superintendent and the legal specialist, and meeting with him to discuss the case and agree on the elements of the financial study (compensation mechanism, accounting principle, etc.).
• Prepare a record of the sequence of cases under study based on chronological order and update it on a weekly basis and provide it to the Secretary of the Department.
• Prepare a letter to request any data or information regarding the lawsuit from third parties (Tadawul, brokerage firms, banks, listed companies, plaintiffs, defendants, etc.).
• Responsible for cash positions on critical dates in month
• In charge of management reporting and project analysis
• Protected the company from currency exposure risk
• Internal processes management (e-racuni, Confluence, Zoho Vault, Department budgeting, ZOPI, office relocation)
• Performed monthly consolidation, business unit review, analysis, and projection for the financial performance of the commissary (i.g., variance and trend analysis, pricing, inflation, monthly outlook, etc )
• Standardized the P&L and Budget reporting and presentation materials
• Assisted in annual budget preparation, from assumption formulation, distribution, deployment, discussion to finalization
• Provided cost-benefit analysis to determine the financial viability of new capital expenditure projects using payback period, NPV, and IRR
• Built the Gross Profit Plan Simulation Report as the initial model for the POC presentation of Anaplan, a cloud-based planning software
• Created various reports and models customized to different users and business objectives and requirements
• Completed compliance services for tax incentives eligibility for new facilities
• Partnered with production, supply planning, account management, IT, and core business group for cost optimization, revenue enhancement, and process improvement initiatives
• Compiled large amounts of data for various projects, ranging from tax impact computations, material standardization to expense optimization
• Average monthly return consistently above 10%+, with 95%+ of all months being profitable, outperforming both the S&P500 and most day traders in ROI at a considerably lower risk level, while also being in the top 0.5% of users at the largest sports trading platform in the world.
• Using numerical and analytical ability to analyze Excel spreadsheets and software in order to invest my personal money into the sports trading market.
• Working independently and using problem-solving and creative skills to implement best practices and processes in order to increase profit margins.
• Other tasks include cash management, risk management, financial management, financial administration, etc.
• Average monthly return consistently above 10%+, with 95%+ of all months being profitable, outperforming both the S&P 500 and most day traders in ROI at a considerably lower risk level, while also being in the top 0.5% of traders at the #1 sports trading platform in the world.
• Working independently, using problem-solving skills and creative skills to implement best practices and processes in order to increase profit margins.
• Weekly tasks also include financial analysis, cash management, risk analysis, financial management, and more.
• Contributed to +90% BES Average
• New Hire Trainer
• Branch Supervisor
• Working in the field of Forex and Online casinos
• Reviewing new customers' accounts, monitoring transactions flow for abnormal activities on daily basis
• Monitoring suspicious patterns in customer's accounts and reporting fraud/abuse behavior to the team leader, risk management or relevant department
• Suggesting fraud refunds to prevent potential charge-backs.
• Auditing of customer's withdrawal requests on daily basis
• Constantly processing KYC documentation and monitor whether compliance requirements for the particular trading platform are met
• Checking for incoming charge-backs, retrievals, reversals in the credit card merchants and sending re-presentment for arbitration if needed Generating reports for net deposits
• Monitoring affiliate traffic for potential CPA abuse
• Handling of the Risk and Finance mail boxes and skype chats
• Escalating system faults and glitches to the relevant tech support teams and handling any other tasks assigned by the team leader or management
• Evaluated the performance of the team and manage to ensure 15% growth in their performance
• Acted as a main developer for the CRM and created the vision for the finance panel in the system
• Defined the training needs of the department, ensured and provided trainings to the team
• Analyzed the incoming calls in the department and managed to lower them with 35%
• Optimised the process of locating incoming bank transfers, saving over 6 hours of work per week
• Optimised the workflow in the department creating a positive and effective environment in the department
• Acted as an account manager to 20 partners of the company
• Created process maps for the finance procedures and optimised the process in the department
• Created a new task system towards the finance department and ensured its implementation
• Created KPI system and kept track of the effectiveness of the team
• Act as first point of contact and problem solver for any significant issues with partner and colleagues
• Act as main contact for an affiliate in Germany
• Insured the end of the year for an affiliate in Germany
• Part of the process of establishing an affiliate in Germany and ensuring its well-being
• Developed procedures in the finance reports for maintenance service
• Assisted in developing the finance procedures in maintenance serive
• Money flow accounting and direct customer invoicing for company's partners
• Provided trainings for Finance Basics to the departments in the company
• Direct management, invoicing and reporting for corporate partners direct customer liabilities
• Inter company money flow optimization and financial consulting
• Credit control of individual clients accounts
• Monitoring and control of corporate receivables, direct connection to enterprise partners;
• Preparing market, financing and financial risk management related presentations for company management (F/X Risk Coverage and exposure through use of derivatives (forward, swap, hedge), Bank Limit-Risk Information, Interest-Balance Agreements, Financial Statements, Export Commitments, Bank Guarantees, Conducting Credibility Cheques of Customers),
• Monitoring the cash & non-cash credits; corporate & investment credits, Letter of Credit (L/C), End-term Interests, Letter of Guarantee,
• Daily financial operations & daily management of cash flow and treasury operations; Monitoring of Payables & Receivables (AP&AR) (customers, vendors, tax, SGK etc.) Preparing bank instructions and payment orders in line with the relevant weekly payment plan(with aging studies), following up the necessary documentations in a timely manner, preparing & sharing day-end realization report,
• Managing the bank relations. Providing information that requested by the banks in accordance with the financial analysis / limit allocation studies carried out for the company and sharing with the bank,
• Closely monitoring the month-end financial closing & reporting,
• Improving ERP infrastructure and automation of finance processes.
• Last step on credit control and approval process at all vehicle types. Managing and reporting this process to inside of the company,
• Dealer communication management at before & after sales procedures,
• Monthly checking and reporting collateral structures in all credit types,
• Controlling and reporting of financial operation process,
• Preparing the monthly trend analysis and matching reports of operation productivity.
• Conducted financial counseling and debt management services for members to create effective financial plans and established account modifications to prevent future delinquencies
• Calculated payments programs for debt and negotiate to extend, refinance, or restructure credit terms and conditions for debt repayment
• Assist with making decisions and recommendations within authorized limits, including approving/decline account extensions, reduced interest, and refinances

The person reading your Finance Specialist resume will be busy, make sure you never waste their time with fluff.

Action verbs for your finance specialist resume

Recommended Reads:

• Can I Leave a Job I Was Fired From Off My Resume?
• Resume Without Work Experience: 6+ Sections to Demonstrate Impact

Writing a skills section that stands out:

• Check the job advert for keywords that you can use: this will help you pass ATS;
• Focus on relevant and valuable skills that will support your application;
• Make sure to include both hard and technical skills, leaving soft skills for other sections of your Finance Specialist resume;
• Don’t list skills you don’t have.

Top skills for your finance specialist resume

Microsoft Office

Project Management

Customer Service

Communication

Negotiation

Critical thinking

Problem solving

Collaboration

Add a Talent Section to your resume, where you can pick your top 3 soft skills and describe how you used them to complete a project or balance departmental communication.

• How to Create A Resume Skills Section To Impress Recruiters

Checklist for your finance specialist resume header

• Your name and surname in a legible and larger resume font
• The job title you’re applying for or your current job title as a subheading to your name
• Link to your portfolio or online profile, such as LinkedIn
• Address (City and State for the US; just your city for rest of the world)
• Email address
• Headshot (required or welcomed in the EU; not required and sometimes frowned upon in the US)

Stick to popular email providers such as Gmail or Outlook. And use these professional formats to create your username:

• [email protected]
• [email protected]
• [email protected]
• [email protected]
• [email protected]

Recommended reads.":

• Perfecting Your Resume Header so You Get Noticed
• How to Put LinkedIn On Your Resume

Some companies, states, and countries have policies about identifying information like photos on your Finance Specialist resume. Be sure to check all the relevant rules before submitting yours. If you’re in doubt, you can always try contacting the company’s HR department to ask for their policy.

Making a strong first impression.

• Keep your summary section short and easy to read; avoid long sentences;
• Highlight your total years of experience in the field;
• Mention 1-2 of your biggest achievements and strengths;
• Add a couple of keywords from the job advert.

Resume summary formula:

Your summary section should act as a brief but informative introduction to your experience section. In this section you should go into more depth about what you have done, and how you did it.

Recommended reads:

• 83 Resume Summary Examples & How-To Guide

What to include in your education section.

• Your highest education degree (incl. major, duration, name of institution);
• A bit more about the certifications you’ve got (if they are relevant to what you’re applying for);
• Some extracurricular activities that have helped you develop and strengthen your skills;
• If you’re an entry-level applicant: Relevant courses and projects.

Top certifications for your finance specialist resume

Business Accounting & Finance for Non-Specialist Managers

Understand business finance and the effect it has on business operations

Introduction to Finance, Accounting, Modeling and Valuation

Learn Finance & Accounting from Scratch by an Award Winning MBA Professor, Ivy Grad, worked @ Goldman & VC

The Complete Finance Manager Course 2022

Financial Management, ERP systems, Accounting, Capital budgeting, Presentation design, Management, and Negotiation

Accounting & Financial Statement Analysis: Complete Training

Accounting & Financial Ratio Analysis made easy. Learn important accounting skills that will get your foot in the door!

Finance for Non-Finance: Learn Quick and Easy

Obtain Suplemental Skills to Get a Raise, Better Job or Improve Your Own Business

• Should I Put In An Incomplete Degree On A Resume?
• How to Put an MBA On Your Resume (With Examples)

There are dozens of certifications that you can claim as a Finance Specialist. But, some are more effective than others. That’s why you mustn’t include every certificate other applicants might have. Try instead to earn and list a few of the difficult ones.

The content of your resume is necessary for showcasing your expertise, skills, and education. Great formatting, on the other hand, is essential for highlighting your attention to detail, creativity, and ability to stand out.

There are three basic resume formats to choose from:

• Reverse-chronological resume format ;
• Functional skills-based resume format ;
• Combination (or Hybrid) resume format .

Which one of these you choose depends on a couple of things, but most importantly: the industry and your level of experience.

The reverse-chronological resume format, for example, is great if you’re a Finance Specialist with many years of experience and no career gaps. It doesn’t really matter if your company of choice is a multinational corporation or an early-stage startup – this resume format is considered to be a safe bet.

If you’re someone with little or no experience, however, we advise you to go for a functional skills-based resume format. It focuses on skills, competencies, and education, rather than experience. This makes it great for entry-level applicants, career changers, and graduate students.

And if you’re tired of traditional formats and want to go over the top when it comes to your application, the combination or hybrid resume format is here to help. Here, you can focus on both your experience and your skills, there’s even space for you to highlight your most spectacular personality traits. If you want to give a modern feel to your Finance Specialist resume, this resume format is just what you need. Add a ‘my life philosophy’ section for additional bonus points!

Looking for ways to perfect your Finance Specialist resume layout and style ?

• Don’t risk it: choose standard 1-inch resume margins ;
• Go for traditional resume fonts (sized 10-12p);
• Match the length of your Finance Specialist resume with your years of experience – choose a one-page template if you’ve got less than 10 years of experience; otherwise, opt for a two-page resume ;
• To be on the safe side, save your resume in PDF . This will help you avoid formatting issues and unauthorized editing.
• Resume Headings To Stand Out With
• Targeted Resume: 3-Step Process to Win Any Recruiter Over

Sometimes you’ll want to go after a job which requires more experience than you have. Instead of using a typical Finance Specialist resume layout, you can use a creative layout. Getting noticed is the most important challenge and a creative resume layout might help you get invited for an interview as most of other accountants have boring resume designs.

Tired of resumes that focus only on your professional side? Want to show you’re an actual human being with a real personality that goes beyond your work experience? Then add some other sections to your Finance Specialist resume!

Depending on the industry, company, and position, you can go for a more creative or less creative approach. Choose 1-2 of the following:

• Publications
• Hobbies and interests
• Language skills
• Volunteer work

In a pile of boring black and white resumes, a creative Finance Specialist application feels like a breath of fresh air. And trust us, recruiters love this.

There are two ways to add a splash of creativity to your resume . You can either go for a creative layout (bright colors, modern fonts, etc.) or add some creative sections (e.g. ‘what my typical day looks like’).

It’s up to you! Just make sure to keep the position, company, and industry in mind. Otherwise, you risk going over the top. And that’s not always a good idea.

• Choose a resume layout that sends the right message across and fits your current career situation;
• Create a resume header that shows your desired job title, and easy to find contact numbers;
• Be specific about your experience, accomplishments and future goals in your summary;
• Feature detailed metrics and specific examples that show the impact you made in your previous roles when describing your experience;
• List soft skills backed by examples;
• Add all of your technical skills and certifications that you have and match the job description;
• Show off a dash of personality in your resume that will demonstrate your culture fit and the right mix of hard and soft skills.

Finance Specialist resume examples

Explore additional finance specialist resume samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.

Looking to build your own Finance Specialist resume?

• Resume Examples

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• Finance objectives and summaries

Finance Objectives & summaries

112 Finance objectives and summaries found

A well-written objective or summary on your resume can be the difference between getting rejected, or getting invited for an interview. Copy any of these Finance objective or summary examples, and use it as inspiration for your own resume. All examples are written by certified resume experts, and free for personal use.

Learn more about: objective vs. summary

Summary examples

Personable and enthusiastic professional with experience in sales and customer relations positions. Adept at managing high-profile client accounts and establishing strong business relationships which result in an overall increase in revenue and the attainment of defined corporate goals.

Bank teller

Methodical and customer-oriented professional, with 2 years’ experience in customer facing positions in high-pressure and fast-paced work environments within the retail sales industry. Offering practiced communication and critical thinking skills to resolve client issues and address complaints.

Personal banker

Customer-focused professional offering successful sales experience within the retail industry, with established expertise in managing and building long-term relationships with individual and corporate clients. Looking to transition my skills into a personal banker positon and help provide value to the bank and its customers.

Objective examples

Resourceful Banking professional, well versed in the workings of the financial market and customer care to successfully manage a portfolio of consisting of high income clients. Seeking a challenging position at a reputable financial institution that allows for further career growth.

Experienced bank teller, skilled at supporting daily branch operations and providing premium customer service to each customer. Seeking a challenging position within a visionary financial institution that offers the opportunity for further career growth and exposure.

Organized and analytical personal banker adept at facilitating banking processes and managing clients’ accounts within fast paced environments. Looking to leverage problem-solving and relations expertise to handle customer accounts and facilitate revenue goals for a reputable bank.

Financial analyst

Accomplished Senior Financial Analyst, offering in-depth knowledge and extensive experience in directing and advising on all aspects of complex financial and accounting processes. Effectively utilizes various financial techniques to analyze financial data, recommend tools, systems, and accounting measures to drive profitable performance. Offers leadership experience with the interpersonal skills needed to build strong relationships. Thrives in fast-paced environments requiring the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects within time limits.

Private equity analyst

Tenacious finance college graduate offering recognized analytical skills. Commended by professors for dedication to accuracy and consistently turning in projects before deadlines. Eager to learn and develop practical experience at a reputable financial institution.

Credit analyst

Accomplished in maximizing cash flow and retrieving millions of dollars in unsecured debt while minimizing aged receivables and uncollectible expenses. Remarkably successful in navigating the complex process of collecting on delinquent accounts. Proven history of maintaining full compliance with laws, regulations, and contractual agreements. Paired time-tested collection methods with industry-leading technologies to recover money as quickly as possible. Leverages active listening, crafting alternative solutions, and assertiveness to elicit quick, favorable responses from debtors.

A highly astute, energetic, and team-spirited financial analyst graduate seeking a position to meet and exceed an organization’s goals and objectives. Adept at working as part of a cross-functional team or independently. Communicates effectively with all levels of an organization.

Dynamic financial expert and private equity analyst adept at efficiently managing diverse portfolios to increase investments. Looking to leverage excellent relations expertise to manage high-profile clients and develop strategic financial plans that help them attain and exceed their financial goals.

Credit Evaluation expert with six years of extensive experience in credit structures, financial collections, and all related credit-based system procedures. Seeks an opportunity within the capacity of a credit analyst by maintaining the highest standards in the best interests of all parties.

Finance manager

Methodical finance manager with 6+ years’ professional experience in successfully growing clients’ revenue streams through strategic financial plans and project management. Offering expertise in evaluating business performance, developing detailed financial reports and competition analysis, and cash flow management in support of corporate and individual clients.

Finance director

Result-driven, conscientious, and task-oriented financial professional experienced in directing activities for accounting, financial planning, revenue generation, cost reduction and budget management. Adept in assisting staff through training, open negotiation, and counseling to develop and enhance their efficiency at work. Expertise in achieving team-driven process improvements to increase operational effectiveness, profitability, and consumer retention while certifying reliability and compliance.

Forward-thinking financial executive with an impressive track record of implementing high-impact growth strategies, robust internal controls, efficient reporting systems, and decision support driving 20% YOY revenue growth. Navigates organizations through strategic ambiguity to strategic clarity and integrity. Serves as business strategist and catalyst by leveraging data and performance management cycles to address multiple aspects of strategic risk.

Analytical and results oriented finance manager, adept at streamlining daily financial operations whilst translating complex data into actionable information to achieve strategic organizational goals. Looking to join an advanced organization that allows for further career growth and exposure.

Analytical and self-motivated professional seeking the position of Finance Director with 6+ years of work experience assembling, interpreting, and evaluating financial data; forecasting upcoming economic trends and emerging workable strategies to take advantage of market opportunities.

Accomplished finance manager with over 6 years’ experience in managing, evaluating and redefining team structures to meet strategic operational goals whilst providing financial guidance to organizations. Eager to leverage my leadership skills to drive business goals through strategic financial development initiatives.

Insurance agent

Customer oriented and analytical insurance agent, recognized for skills in sourcing and singing up new clients for policies. Leveraging previous sales and customer service expertise to evaluate each prospective clients’ need and recommend policies suited to them whilst providing them with ample information on insurance premiums, coverages, and claims information.

Claims adjuster

Dedicated to accurately and ethically determining liability in insurance claims. Committed to avoiding litigation by ensuring fair settlements with claimants. Talented problem-solver with high levels of social competence and a passion for helping people in crisis. Knowledgeable of Texas state regulations.

Certified Actuarial Analyst (CAA) with comprehensive foundation in actuarial valuations, budgeting, and forecasting. Outstanding accuracy in quantitative/ qualitative research and statistical analysis, financial modeling, risk, and probability analysis. Highly systematic and diligent professional with exceptional supervisory, managerial, and operations skills. Proficient in overall accounting cycle, from data-entry to creating financial reports.

Goal-focused insurance agent, recognized for leveraging previous sales and customer service expertise to consistently surpass set sales goals. Looking to build a successful career within an ambitious organization, whilst honing new skills to better execute duties and bring value to clients.

Well-rounded and result-driven professional eager to gain the position of Claims Adjuster. Enthusiastic about utilizing 6+ years of experience in claims risk assessment, policy interpretation, documentation and claim settlements to reach the best claim decisions for the organization.

A dynamic and performance-driven Actuary with 6 years of experience in statistic and financial data analysis. Seeks an opportunity to utilize excellently honed analytical and statistical techniques to evaluate and minimalize risk within a dynamic actuary position.

Financial advisor

Client-focused financial and banking professional, offering 12+ years of verifiable experience in financial services and client services operations with leading banking institutions. Equipped with both entrepreneurial and intrapreneurial leadership to drive top/ bottom-line growth. Utilizes excellent communication skills to develop a relationship with cross-functional business partners and key internal and external stakeholders. Implements cutting-edge solutions that foster improved processes, sound credit policies, and profitability.

Financial consultant

Savvy and expert financial consultant with six years of significant investment expertise. Maintained a successful record of providing tailored financial strategies that fit with client requirements. Managed various portfolios with due diligence and continual analysis of economic trends to ensure optimal asset allocation. Highly competent in appraising business and investment prospects, clear understanding corporates and their market trends. Consistent high performing specialist in corporate expansion, growth, and diversification.

Seasoned business leader and financial consultant, offering entrepreneurial leadership by creating and delivering financial planning and retirement solutions. Excellent ability to understand customer needs from multiple perspectives, as well as the ability to envision, create, and execute solutions to personal and business challenges. Skilled at contributing to strategic development planning and guidance to achieve a quality of life and financial sustainability. Demonstrates the highest level of integrity and fully commitment to excellence.

Dynamic Financial Advisor, adept at efficiently evaluating clients’ assets whilst educating them on different financial and investment products to develop comprehensive financial plans that facilitate the attainment of their financial goals. Looking to join an ambitious financial institution to raise client satisfaction and facilitate strategic financial plans.

Highly impactful financial consultant with exceptional six years’ experience identifying initiatives and implementing action-driven plans to support organizational growth and objectives. Seeks a position to utilize comprehensive investment expertise in beneficial to an organization.

Strategic financial advisor with a master’s in finance and business management. Offering over 6 years’ experience in financial reporting and analysis to support process improvement initiatives. Looking to drive organizational growth through strategic financial planning at a fast-paced organization.

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Finance director resume summary examples.

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

• Finance Director
• Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
• Corporate Finance Manager
• Entry-Level Financial Planner
• Finance Operations Manager
• Financial Analyst
• Financial Controller
• Senior Finance Manager
• Finance Director resume templates
• Similar summary examples

Finance Director Resume Summary Example

Highlighting revenue growth.

Noting a tangible increase in annual revenue, like a 20%, is a solid figure that demonstrates your ability to drive growth. It's about proving your worth, not just stating it.

Showcasing strategic accomplishments

Securing strategic partnerships that boost company valuation is a big deal. It shows you're not just about the nitty-gritty number crunching; you can play the bigger corporate game too.

Leading international teams

Highlighting your ability to manage teams across geographical boundaries conveys your leadership skills and adaptability to different work cultures. It's a nod to your global perspective.

Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Resume Summary Example

Boosting shareholder value.

A 35% increase in shareholder value over five years is a powerful testament to your financial strategy. It shows your ability to bring long-term growth and stability.

Large team management

Managing a finance department of 50+ displays your capability to handle high levels of responsibility, leadership, and team coordination.

Navigating through crisis

Maintaining profitability during an economic downturn demonstrates your resilience, strategic acumen, and crisis management skills. It shows you can keep the ship steady even in rough seas.

Most resumes don't make it past the first round of screening. Our tool analyzes your resume and provides actionable insights to help you get noticed by hiring managers. Get an instant score and find out how to improve your chances of landing an interview.

Corporate Finance Manager Resume Summary Example

Securing funding.

Securing $50M in funding for strategic initiatives is evidence of your negotiation skills and ability to secure necessary resources. It's a testament to your strategic financing skills.

Leading acquisition negotiations

Leading acquisition negotiations that resulted in a 15% increase in company market share is a strong representation of your strategic and negotiation skills. It also displays your impactful role in expanding the company's reach.

Aligning strategy with business goals

Working closely with C-suite executives to align financial strategy with business goals demonstrates your strategic mindset and understanding of the broader business context. It shows you're not just a numbers person, but a business leader.

Entry-Level Financial Planner Resume Summary Example

Efficient utilization of internships.

An internship is more than just a temporary job; it's a gateway to your career. Showcasing a successful internship at a leading firm in your resume summary like this one signifies that you could be a promising addition to the team. It also implies you have some practical experience in your field which makes you a valuable candidate.

Highlighting job offers

When a company is impressed enough to offer you a full-time job based on your internship performance, it speaks volumes about your capability. By mentioning this, you're essentially telling recruiters that you've already been vetted and approved by another respected organization in your field.

Showcase your resilience

Mentioning your ability to work effectively under high-pressure situations tells employers that you're resilient and can handle stress well. This is a highly valued trait in any industry, especially in finance, where the stakes can get quite high.

Finance Operations Manager Resume Summary Example

Improving cash flow.

Detailing how you improved cash flow by 40% through effective working capital management denotes your ability to manage financial resources effectively. It shows your control over one of the company's most critical assets - its cash flow.

Introducing cost-saving measures

Saving $2M annually by implementing cost-saving measures is a direct statement of your ability to save money for the company. It's a clear example of your financial acumen and efficiency.

Mentoring junior professionals

Mentoring a team of junior finance professionals shows your leadership skills, your willingness to share knowledge, and your commitment to nurturing talent. It also highlights your role in improving team performance.

Financial Analyst Resume Summary Example

Identifying investment opportunities.

A 30% increase in capital due to your identified investments shows your analytical skills and knack for spotting lucrative opportunities. It's a direct evidence of your contribution to the company's growth.

Recognition of performance

Receiving an 'Employee of the Year' award is a clear indicator of your exceptional performance. It's a stamp of approval from your organization attesting your work ethic and high standards.

Collaborating with cross-functional teams

Collaborating with cross-functional teams for financial planning and strategy displays your teamwork skills and ability to work across different areas. It conveys your versatility and understanding of diverse business operations.

Financial Controller Resume Summary Example

Tangible improvements.

By mentioning that you improved financial controls and reduced audit findings, you're not only showcasing your problem-solving skills but also demonstrating your tangible impact on the company's operations. This makes your achievements more significant and easier for potential employers to understand and value.

Leadership skills

Managing a team effectively, especially in a complex field like finance, is a great skill to showcase. When you mention that your management led to an increase in team efficiency, you're subtly portraying yourself as an efficient leader who can make significant contributions to the team's productivity.

Participation in significant events

Being part of a successful IPO is a big deal. By mentioning this, you're signaling your experience in dealing with high-stake, complex financial operations. It's a great way to showcase your competence and your capacity to handle big responsibilities.

Senior Finance Manager Resume Summary Example

Demonstrating cost-saving prowess.

A 25% reduction in operational costs is a testament to your strategic thinking and efficiency. It's a direct statement of your impact on the bottom line.

Underlining promotions

Being promoted twice in five years is a clear indicator of your value, consistency, and upward trajectory in your career. It's a testament to your performance and growth.

Improving team productivity

Establishing key KPIs that increase productivity shows your ability to identify and implement performance metrics. It signifies your potential as a strategic leader.

Finance Director Resume Templates

Finance executive.

VP of Finance

Finance Resume Summary Examples

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Finance Resume Objective Examples

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Thank you for the checklist! I realized I was making so many mistakes on my resume that I've now fixed. I'm much more confident in my resume now.

24 Resume Summary Examples That Get Interviews

By Biron Clark

Published: November 8, 2023

Biron Clark

Writer & Career Coach

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

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

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

Why the Resume/CV Summary is Important

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

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

Watch: Resume Summary Examples That Get Interviews

10 resume summary examples:.

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

1. Healthcare Sales Executive Resume Summary Example:

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

Why this resume summary is good:

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

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

2. 15+ Year Business Owner Resume Summary Statement:

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

Why this is a good summary section:

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

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

3. Human Resources Generalist Resume Summary Example:

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

Why this is a good resume summary:

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

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

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

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

Why this summary is good:

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

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

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

5. Marketing Manager Professional Summary Example:

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

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

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

6. Warehouse Supervisor Resume Summary Example:

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

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

7. IT Project Manager Resume Summary Example:

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

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

8. Career-Changer Resume Summary Example:

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

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

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

9. Project Management Executive Professional Summary Example:

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

Why this resume summary is good:

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

By: Biron Clark, Founder of  CareerSidekick.com.

10. Startup And Finance Management Consultant Career Summary Example:

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

Why this resume summary example is good:

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

14 Resume Summary Examples for Various Industries

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

2. Teacher’s Assistant

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

Tech Industry

3. computer programmer.

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

4. Cybersecurity Analyst

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

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

6. Registered Nurse

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

7. Digital Marketing Manager

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

8. Marketing Analyst

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

Food and Service Industry

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

10. Hotel Receptionist

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

Business/Office Jobs

11. financial analyst.

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

12. Tax Accountant

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

Sales and Customer Service

13. sales representative.

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

14. Customer Service Associate

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

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

How to Write a Resume Summary: Steps and Hints

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

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

Creating a Customized Resume Summary

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

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

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

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

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

How Long Should a Resume Summary Be?

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

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

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

Formatting Your Resume/CV Career Summary

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

Should You Include a Resume Objective?

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

Examples of Bad Resume Summaries

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

1. Typos and Grammatical Errors

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

Why this resume summary is bad:

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

2. Lacks Relevant Keywords

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

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

3. No Numbers to Quantify Achievements

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

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

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

4. Not Targeting the Specific Job

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About the Author

Read more articles by Biron Clark

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Great piece

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

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

Thanks! Glad to hear it helped :)

Very informational

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

what if i never had a job experience?

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

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

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

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

really amazing article and too useful , thanks

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

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

Can I have a professional resume writer?

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

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

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

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

Hi Juniper,

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

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

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

Hi Paulette,

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

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

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

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

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