How to Write a Perfect Resume Summary Statement

Updated on: November 15, 2020

A resume is the primary job application document. Therefore, it makes sense to make it look and feel complete from every angle.

And, of course, the resume summary needs to be given a lot of attention, just because your resume begins with the summary statement.

Resume summaries are critical for creating that essential first impression. The “first impression” hype is not overrated. It is real.

While many of us believe that first impressions should never be conclusive, they are in the professional world.

Since a hiring manager will not give you a second chance, the first one is all that you have to make a positive impression. Use this time and space wisely.

How to Write a Good Summary Statement on a Resume?

Read the Job Description First

Before you attempt writing a resume summary, make sure that you read the job description in detail. Make notes on what it says.

If it is asking for an organized and dedicated individual make sure that your resume summary reflects that you are both.

While you do not have to use the same words to describe yourself, it is best to pick up keywords to use them in your resume summary.

This makes it easy for hiring managers (and ATSs) to select you as a possible candidate.

Keep It Short

The summary statement should not span more than 4 sentences as you might risk boring the hiring manager with long stories of your eligibility.

Create Quality Content

Keep away from long, boring resume summaries containing irrelevant information. Instead, focus on the quality of what you write.

Make sure that your resume summary is in accordance with international standards – while you may not find an exact standard defining how a resume summary is written; you should be able to see what must be written and what can be left out from one.

Make it Targeted

The content of your resume summary must be target-oriented. Hiring managers have little or no time, and they do not want to read irrelevant information.

Just mention why you feel that you are suitable for a job and take it from there.

Menton Your Skills

Never forget to mention your most polished skills, especially if they meet the requirements put forth by the employer.

Conclusion

The word “summary” denotes a short paragraph, so make sure that it remains short and does not bore the reader into putting it down and picking up another resume in the hope of reading something more succinct but more informative!