Writing a resume summary statement that will stand out to employers is very important. The summary statement is oftentimes the first bit of information a hiring manager will read about you. Standing out from the get-go leaves a positive impression.
The following will provide an overview of why CV summaries are important and some practical tips on how you can improve yours.
What does summary mean on a CV
A summary, sometimes called a profile or bio, is a short paragraph at the beginning of your CV. It gives a snapshot of your most outstanding accomplishments and skills. It helps the reader quickly learn about who you are and what you can do.
Why is it important to add a summary statement on resume
It’s important to have a strong summary because it might be the only thing a hiring manager will read. It should give them all the information they need to make a decision about you.
These can be especially helpful for new graduates or someone changing careers. It allows you to clearly show the link between your history and the prospective job – your transferable skills.
Resume Summary vs Objective
An objective statement is usually one or two lines focused on your professional goals and aspirations. This is not helpful to employers because it does not tell them anything about how and why you’re qualified for the role.
On the other hand, a resume summary is 4-6 lines, highlighting what you can do for a prospective employer. It showcases how your qualifications and experience will benefit them.
What to put in a summary on a CV
- Your job title
- Number of years of experience
- The results of your accomplishments
- How you achieved those accomplishments
- Relevant skills
- One or two relevant personality traits
Tips for writing a summary statement
- Research the company and role to find keywords. These are phrases or words that are important in a job listing, they define what it is about. They are different in each industry and job. Here are a few examples for an Office Management role:
- Administrative Assistance
- Team Leadership
- Workflow Management
- Operations Management
- Supplier Engagement
- Customer Service
- Budget Management
- Calendar Management
- Keep it short, adding too much information will make it difficult to scan
- Only include information relevant to the job you’re applying for
- Engage the hiring manager to read further
- Use strong verbs to describe your achievements
Common mistakes to avoid when writing a resume summary statement
- Adding personal pronouns – I, me
- Using too many buzzwords or clichés
- Including vague or unrelated information
- Inserting too many adjectives to describe yourself
- Writing a generic summary
The following is an example of a summary statement using each of the above-mentioned sections and tips:
An Office Manager with 10 years of experience improving workflow, driving customer satisfaction and saving costs by providing excellent service, integrating cost-reduction strategies and building efficiencies. A proactive and engaging leader who enjoys helping teams succeed via performance management, training and mentoring. Excels at negotiating with suppliers and building trusted relationships.
Resume summary statement example on Indeed
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/resumes-cover-letters/resume-summary-examples
Conclusion
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