What to Include in a Resume Summary Statement

Source: thebalancecareers.com

What's a summary statement, and when should you include one on your resume? Also known as a summary of qualifications or a resume profile, a summary statement gives the hiring manager, at a glance, a synopsis of your professional qualifications.

When writing a resume summary statement, be sure to include concrete information on how you have added value to companies and helped to transform departments or organizations. This will show the hiring manager that you would be an asset to the company.

Here's advice on how to write a resume summary statement, what to include, and examples to review.

What is a Resume Summary Statement?

A resume summary statement is a brief list or a few sentences at the top of your resume (after your contact information) that highlights your qualifications for a job. It showcases your most important credentials, and is listed above your employment history. The person reviewing your resume will be able to view your most important attributes at a glance.

Resume Summary Statement vs. Resume Objective

A resume summary statement is not the same as a resume objective. Both are a few sentences long, and are located at the top of one’s resume. However, a resume objective statement tends to focus more on your own interests as a job seeker—it emphasizes what you are looking for in a job or company.

A resume summary statement, on the other hand, communicates what you can bring to the table in the targeted role. It is a way to “sell yourself” to the employer.

Benefits of a Resume Summary Statement

There are a number of benefits to including a summary statement in your resume. The main benefit is that it helps your resume stand out. When hiring managers are reading through dozens, even hundreds, of resumes, they often skim through each and miss information. By beginning with a statement that concisely describes why you are qualified, you are more likely to get a closer look.

However, just writing a resume summary statement does not guarantee that employers will be interested in your resume.You need to make sure your resume summary statement concisely demonstrates why you are an ideal candidate for the specific job and company.

How Long Should a Resume Summary Statement Be?

The summary statement should be approximately two to four lines and speak to your professional background only. A cover letter is an expanded version of the statement that will allow your personality to shine through.

What to Include in a Resume Summary Statement

Your summary statement is often the first item read on a resume, so you want to get to the point: why should a company hire you? In about one to four sentences, highlight your most relevant strengths, skillset, and core competencies that are unique to you as a candidate.

In particular, demonstrate how you would add value to the company. Have you saved money for a company in the past? Did you streamline an administrative process? Include skills and experiences that will impress the employer, using specific percentages, numbers, or dollar amounts to quantify your achievements.

Be sure to tailor your resume summary to the specific job listing.

In a resume summary statement, avoid skills that are commonplace (for example, avoid mentioning Microsoft Office), or overused words (such as "multitasker" or “team player”). Try to use action words to demonstrate your achievements.

To recap, you want to include the following elements in your statement:

• Core strengths and skill sets most relevant to the role
• Past relevant experience with key functions
• Notable accomplishments that you intend to repeat in the next role