A resume summary can really make or break your job application. It’s your shot to highlight what makes you the perfect pick for the role. Wondering how to craft a summary that really grabs attention?
Good news — you’ve landed in the perfect place! We’re all about demystifying resume summaries, no matter if you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out. Ready to learn how to make a killer first impression?
Here’s what we’ve got for you:
- What a resume summary is and why you need one.
- How to write an excellent resume summary statement.
- Easy-to-follow resume summary examples.
- Tailored examples for various job positions.
- Handy pointers for writing a standout summary.
- Answers to all your resume summary questions.
Related Guides & Tips
Resume summary — why is it important?
A resume summary, or a professional summary, is a brief two- to three-sentence introduction near the top of a resume that presents recruiters with an overview of your professional achievements and skills.
A resume summary aims to capture the employer’s attention and persuade them that you are the ideal candidate for the job. Given that hiring managers often spend only about seven seconds reviewing a resume before deciding to proceed, the resume summary is key to getting an interview.
When should you use a resume summary?
It’s common to mix up resume summaries with objective statements since they both aim to introduce the job applicant; however, they serve different purposes.
Unlike an objective statement which outlines the applicant’s career goals and reasons for applying, a resume summary highlights their work history, key accomplishments and the unique value they can offer to the employer or role.
Professional summaries are best if you are:
- An experienced professional highlighting your career achievements.
- Seeking advancement in your career field.
- Applying for a job in a different industry.
- Reentering the workforce after a short break.
If you are a job seeker who would benefit from one, here’s what a good summary statement looks like:
6 resume summary examples to use in your job search
Whether you’re a recent graduate entering the workforce or a seasoned professional returning from retirement, your specific job search circumstances should guide your professional summary.
Below are typical scenarios job seekers might encounter, accompanied by resume summary examples tailored for each situation.
Resume summary for the same role at a different company
Journeyman machinist with 10 years of experience at National Labs. Trained with top machinists on CNC axis-milling and turning machines, lathe operation and blueprint reading. Adept problem-solver with outstanding interpersonal skills, including strong communication and collaboration skills. Capable of operating, troubleshooting, repairing, and maintaining heavy machinery efficiently and safely.
This is a strong professional summary sample because it:
- Outlines the applicant’s technical and soft skills clearly.
- Mentions professional training in the field.
- Uses power words such as “adept” and “outstanding.”
- Includes length of experience and a big company name at the top.
Resume summary if you have changed jobs frequently
Multifaceted and reliable office manager with seven years of contract experience with a variety of clients. Skilled at coordinating, sourcing, supporting, administering and budgeting for offices of all sizes in various environments. Organized and flexible with a track record of optimizing processes for maximum efficiency. Excels at creating innovative solutions that resolve business challenges quickly and increase the bottom line. Proven ability to work with many different personalities.
This is a strong professional summary sample because it:
- Focuses on the applicant’s adaptability and flexibility.
- Clearly shows that the applicant is very experienced in all facets of the job.
- Uses power words such as “excels,” “resolve,” “proven ability” and “innovative.”
- Presents a variety of relevant soft and hard skills.
Pro tipMost large companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to filter out candidates, scanning for specific skills and keywords from the job description. Incorporating the right keywords will help make an ATS-friendly resume.
Resume summary with one year of experience
Reliable and compassionate certified nursing assistant with two years of experience caring for elderly and vulnerable adults. Track record of outstanding client care for 30 bedridden and physically challenged personal care home residents. Friendly, patient and flexible, plus OSHA and HIPAA compliant.
This is a strong resume summary example because it:
- Starts with the applicant’s most relevant qualifications.
- Mentions the applicant’s experience level.
- Calls out the type of clients the applicant has worked with.
- Ends with the applicant’s professional certifications.
Resume summary for a senior-level position
Award-winning graphic designer with marketing acumen and five years of experience helping nonprofits succeed through branding, fundraising, social media marketing, event coordination and newsletter creation. Most recently led a team of 10 volunteers to fundraise more than $2,500 for Houses for the Homeless so they can expand their reach in the tri-state area, ultimately helping thousands of people in the Brighter Futures Program to find permanent housing and long-term stability.
This is a strong resume summary example because it:
- Highlights a summary of qualifications in the first sentence.
- Presents a list of relevant hard and soft skills and experience.
- Includes length of experience and a big company name.
- References management experience.
Resume summary for an entry-level position
Newly licensed real estate agent seeking first role in residential real estate. Knowledgeable about the real estate closing process thanks to two internships in the field. Strong ability to connect and communicate with prospective sellers and buyers.
This is a strong resume summary example because it:
- Mentions a professional license.
- Presents a list of relevant hard and soft skills and experience.
- Includes information about past internships.
Resume summary for students
Driven physical therapy major seeking summer internship. Compassionate with strong interpersonal skills and extensive training in creating treatment plans for clients. Adept at recordkeeping to track client’s progress. Able to work evenings and weekends.
This is a strong resume summary sample because it:
- Highlights desirable soft skills that are relevant to the role.
- Includes a list of relevant hard and soft skills and experience.
- Mentions the ability to accommodate a flexible schedule.
Next, let’s review resume summary examples from specific industries.
Start your resume journey with our expert designed list of templates—browse and get started now.
Professional summary examples for 40+ occupations
You can craft a resume summary for any job or industry, showcasing your most relevant experiences and achievements. Below are several examples to guide you in creating effective resume summaries tailored to your specific career goals.
By the way, you’ll find a lot more where this came from in our resume examples library.
Accounting resume summary example
Seasoned accounting professional with over eight years of experience in financial analysis, budgeting and auditing. Proven ability in optimizing financial processes and enhancing compliance, contributing significantly to a 20% increase in financial efficiency in previous organizations. Recognized for implementing cost-saving initiatives leading to substantial budget reductions.
See a complete accounting resume
Art summary statement example
Art graduate with a deep understanding of contemporary art, skilled in curatorial practices and gallery management. Proven ability to create engaging exhibitions and maintain strong relationships with artists and the art community, resulting in a 40% increase in gallery attendance. Experienced in organizing high-profile art events and exhibitions.
See a complete art resume
Banking resume summary example
Customer-focused banking professional adept in financial advisory and relationship management. Consistent record of achieving sales targets and enhancing customer satisfaction in previous banking roles, contributing to a 25% growth in client portfolio. Recognized for outstanding advisory services and deep knowledge of financial products.
See a complete banking resume
Biotech professional summary example
Biotech professional with five years of experience and expertise in molecular biology, bioinformatics and bioprocess engineering. Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage complex projects. Spearheaded the development of a gene therapy platform that reduced time-to-market by 20%. Skilled in regulatory compliance and driving innovation in therapeutic development.
See a complete biotech resume
Business resume summary example
MBA graduate with expertise in strategic management, market analysis and project management. Proven track record in developing business strategies that drive growth and efficiency, leading to a 15% increase in profitability for past employers. Skilled in team leadership and cross-functional collaboration, enhancing organizational performance.
See a complete business resume
Cashier professional summary example
Reliable cashier with a strong background in retail operations and customer service. Proficient in POS systems and known for accuracy and efficiency in high-volume transaction environments, maintaining a 99.8% accuracy rate in transactions. Demonstrated ability in managing customer inquiries and providing prompt resolutions.
See a complete cashier resume
Communications resume summary example
Experienced communications professional with a strong background in media relations and content creation. Proven ability to develop and execute effective communication strategies that enhance brand visibility and media engagement, resulting in a 35% increase in media coverage for previous employers. Skilled in digital communication and public speaking.
See a complete communications resume
Construction summary statement example
Results-driven construction manager with extensive experience in overseeing large-scale projects. Proficient in budget management, team leadership and ensuring compliance with safety and building regulations, resulting in a 10% reduction in project completion time. Expert in resource allocation and risk management, ensuring high-quality outcomes.
See a complete construction resume
Consulting resume summary example
Strategically minded MBA graduate with a specialization in consulting. Strong analytical skills and experience in providing innovative solutions to complex business challenges, contributing to a 25% improvement in client business processes. Adept at data-driven decision-making and effective communication with stakeholders.
See a complete consulting resume
Customer service professional summary example
Experienced customer service professional with a track record of enhancing customer satisfaction and sales performance. Expertise in team leadership, motivational strategies and delivering high-quality service standards, achieving a 95% customer satisfaction rate in previous roles. Skilled in conflict resolution and customer retention strategies.
See a complete customer service resume
Cybersecurity resume summary example
Recent graduate with a degree in cybersecurity, enthusiastic about applying expertise in digital security and data protection at a leading technology firm. Dedicated to safeguarding sensitive information and ensuring a secure online environment, backed by a solid foundation in cybersecurity principles and threat mitigation strategies.
See a complete cybersecurity resume
Dentistry resume summary example
Skilled dental assistant with comprehensive experience in patient care, dental procedures and office management. Committed to providing excellent dental services and fostering a comfortable patient environment, resulting in a 90% patient satisfaction rate. Proficient in dental software and patient education.
See a complete dentistry resume
Electrician summary statement example
Certified electrician with in-depth knowledge of electrical codes and standards. Extensive experience in residential and commercial electrical installations, committed to safety and excellence, maintaining a zero-incident safety record. Known for efficiency and high-quality workmanship in electrical projects.
See a complete electrician resume
Engineering professional summary example
Accomplished civil engineer with 20+ years of experience in infrastructure development. Expertise in environmental law, risk assessment and project management, contributing to the successful completion of over 30 major infrastructure projects. Skilled in team coordination and project oversight.
See a complete engineering resume
Executive resume summary example
Seasoned executive with 15+ years of experience in the technology sector. Proven ability in increasing operational efficiency by 30% through innovative process reengineering. Skilled in spearheading innovative projects and guiding high-performing teams to exceed corporate goals, resulting in significant revenue growth.
See a complete executive resume
Fraud analyst professional summary example
Aspiring fraud analyst with a strong foundation in data analytics and criminal justice. Proficient in identifying and investigating fraud patterns, aiming to contribute to the security and integrity of financial operations. Demonstrated analytical prowess in detecting a 10% increase in fraudulent activities in previous roles.
See a complete fraud analyst resume
Government resume summary example
Public administration graduate with internships in government and nonprofit sectors. Eager to apply research skills and policy knowledge in a policy analyst role, contributing to effective governance and public service. Recognized for outstanding policy analysis skills, contributing to a 20% improvement in policy implementation efficiency.
See a complete government resume
Health care resume summary example
Organized medical receptionist with years of experience in health care administration. Aiming to transition to a medical billing role, bringing expertise in privacy compliance, medical record management and patient care. Proven track record in enhancing patient experience and streamlining administrative processes.
See a complete health care resume
Hospitality resume summary example
Experienced server in fine dining, looking to transition to a hotel concierge role. Deep knowledge of local culture and attractions, with a history of providing exceptional customer service and support, leading to a 35% increase in guest satisfaction. Skilled in event planning and guest relations.
See a complete hospitality resume
Human resources professional summary example
Human resources coordinator with extensive experience in training, performance management and policy implementation. Seeking a payroll administrator role to apply financial skills and contribute to effective HR operations. Proven success in reducing staff turnover by 25% through effective training and engagement strategies.
See a complete human resources resume
Information technology resume summary example
IT consultant with years of experience in network and data security. Aiming to leverage in-depth knowledge of company policies and network structure in an IT manager role. Recognized for implementing security measures that reduced system vulnerabilities by 20%.
See a complete information technology resume
Insurance summary statement example
Insurance professional with expertise in homeowners’ insurance, seeking a claims adjuster position. In-depth knowledge of policy coverage, claim investigation and customer service, resulting in a 98% customer satisfaction rate. Skilled in negotiating settlements and managing complex claims.
See a complete insurance resume
Internal auditor resume summary example
Analytical finance professional with five years in internal auditing. Expertise in compliance, risk management and financial reporting, aiming to contribute to operational improvements in a senior auditor role. Successfully identified and mitigated risks, leading to a 10% reduction in compliance issues.
See a complete internal auditor resume
Janitor professional summary example
Dedicated janitor with 10+ years of experience in facility maintenance. Known for efficiency and attention to detail, seeking a position to ensure clean and safe environments. Acknowledged for reducing maintenance costs by 15% through efficient management of resources and supplies.
See a complete janitor resume
Legal resume summary example
Paralegal with five years of experience in the New York State Supreme Court. Expertise in case management, depositions and discovery, aiming to contribute to a growing litigation practice. Proven ability to manage over 100 cases simultaneously, maintaining high accuracy and efficiency.
See a complete legal resume
Medical professional summary example
Experienced radiology technician seeking a position in Florida. Proficient in radiological procedures, equipment operation and patient care, with a commitment to excellence in medical services. Recognized for improving patient throughput by 20% through efficient procedure management.
See a complete medical resume
Medical coding summary statement example
Certified Medical Coder with three years of experience in hospital settings. Proficient in ICD-10 and CPT coding, aiming to ensure accuracy and efficiency in medical billing. Achieved a 98% accuracy rate in code assignments, significantly reducing billing errors.
See a complete medical coding resume
Mental health counselor resume summary example
Skilled mental health counselor with a master’s in clinical psychology. Expertise in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and crisis intervention, aiming to support individuals at a wellness center. Contributed to a 40% improvement in patient recovery rates through effective therapy techniques.
See a complete mental health counselor resume
Microbiology professional summary example
Microbiologist specialized in infectious diseases, seeking an entry-level position. Strong foundation in laboratory research and pathogen study, aiming to contribute to groundbreaking research. Played a key role in a study that led to a 15% advancement in understanding infectious disease mechanisms.
See a complete microbiologist resume
Military resume summary example
Veteran military professional with 12 years of distinguished service in the U.S. Army, specializing in logistics, team leadership and strategic planning. Proven track record in managing complex operations and leading cross-functional teams, aiming to bring disciplined, organizational skills to a project management role in the civilian sector.
See a complete military resume
Model resume summary example
Dynamic professional model with three years of experience in fashion and commercial modeling. Versatile and creative, known for a strong work ethic and adaptability to various styles and concepts. Successful in numerous high-profile campaigns, aiming to expand portfolio with major fashion brands and agencies.
See a complete model resume
Nursing summary statement example
Newly certified nurse, returning to the workforce with practical experience in caregiving. Skills honed in personal care, physical therapy and medication management while attending to a family member. Dedicated to providing compassionate care in a professional health care setting.
See a complete nursing resume
Personal assistant professional summary example
Experienced personal assistant with over five years of managing business and personal affairs for executives. Enhanced productivity by 40% through exceptional organizational and multitasking skills. Aiming to utilize expertise in a challenging role that demands high-level support and efficient coordination.
See a complete personal assistant resume
Pharmacy technician resume summary example
Certified Pharmacy Technician with a solid foundation in prescription processing and pharmaceutical calculations. Demonstrated 98% accuracy in medication dispensing, aiming to contribute to the high-efficiency operations of a reputable pharmacy.
See a complete pharmacy technician resume
Psychology resume summary example
Dedicated psychology graduate with honors, focused on applying knowledge of behavioral therapy and research in practical settings. Keen interest in child and adolescent psychology, aiming to significantly impact therapeutic roles.
See a complete psychology resume
Public relations professional summary example
Skilled public relations specialist with three years of experience in corporate communication and media relations. Demonstrated ability to increase media coverage by 20% for previous employers, seeking to bring expertise and innovative strategies to a progressive organization.
See a complete public relations resume
Real estate resume summary example
Dynamic real estate professional with a proven track record of a 95% client satisfaction rate over four years. Expert in property sales and market analysis, eager to contribute to a reputable real estate firm with a focus on client satisfaction and business growth.
See a complete real estate resume
Restaurant manager resume summary example
Proactive restaurant manager with over eight years of experience in high-volume dining. Improved customer satisfaction by 30% through effective staff training and operational management. Aiming to apply leadership and creative problem-solving in a thriving culinary environment.
See a complete restaurant manager resume
Sales summary statement example
Senior project manager with 10 years of successful experience at ABC Sales, looking to transition into an account manager role. Highly skilled in detail-oriented tasks, time management and building customer relationships to exceed sales targets.
See a complete sales resume
Scrum master professional summary example
Certified Scrum Master with five years in Agile project management, adept at reducing project delivery times by 25%. Seeking to apply skills in facilitating team collaboration and continuous improvement in a tech-focused environment.
See a complete Scrum master resume
Skilled trades resume summary example
Skilled tradesman with a decade of experience in electrical and plumbing work. Demonstrated ability to complete projects 20% faster than average, seeking a position that utilizes diverse skills in a reputable organization.
See a complete skilled trades resume
Social work resume summary example
Compassionate social worker with experience in aiding at-risk youth, returning from a three-year Peace Corps service in the Dominican Republic. Fluent in Spanish and eager to apply new skills and perspectives to social work in residential facilities.
See a complete social work resume
Teaching professional summary example
Experienced educator with a rich background as a tutor, seeking a teaching role at Jonestown High School. Passionate about fostering academic growth, known for creating personalized learning experiences that engage and inspire students.
See a complete teaching resume
Tutor resume summary example
Recent English literature graduate with a talent for tutoring and a commitment to creating engaging learning environments. Excellent communication skills and a proficiency in diverse teaching methods, aiming to help students reach their full potential.
See a complete tutor resume
UX designer summary statement example
Innovative UX designer passionate about enhancing user experiences. Successful track record in redesign projects, achieving a 35% increase in user engagement. Aiming to apply creative design thinking and problem-solving skills in a tech-focused company.
See a complete UX designer resume
Resume summary statement FAQ
Last Updated: February 01, 2024
Yes, it’s OK to repeat skills from your resume summary in other areas of your resume, as long as they are requirements from the job description. Doing so helps your resume stand up to the scrutiny of applicant tracking systems (ATS), which scan applications for the most relevant keywords.
A good rule of thumb is to apply two to three times the words that are used frequently or are called out as the most important, essential or must-haves in the job description. But be honest — you will be called upon to use essential skills and knowledge if hired!
For example, if the job requires outstanding planning skills and you know you can prove you have them, then mention you are a planner in your summary statement, but make sure it’s highlighted in your job history section and list it as a skill in your skills section.
No. Personal branding statements are often placed near a job seeker’s name on their resume. Because they are often used as a tagline or slogan, they are repeated on every resume, in social media profiles and in portfolios. For example, “I streamline processes and increase productivity!”
On the other hand, a personal summary is a type of resume profile used to tell employers what a job applicant’s biggest strengths are, what they can do for an employer and why they are the best candidate for the position. Although like branding statements, they are also used to market a job applicant, they are customized for each job and they are much more detailed.
You should not use a resume summary if you do not have work experience. An objective statement is a better approach for you. If you have some work experience, review our resume summary examples for entry level positions.
Yes. When formatting a resume, it’s acceptable to use bullet points in the professional summary for a resume to highlight important skills for quick scanning if it’s a functional or skills-based resume.
For example, a skills-based resume summary for a home health aide would look like this:
- Multitasking: Provide quality daily health care, including blood testing, monitoring, washing and wound care to 10 patients with very different needs.
- Verbal communication: Interface daily with family members and doctors concerning patients’ treatments.
- Compassionate: Stellar customer reviews for the ability to provide emotional comfort to patients.
- Knowledgeable: Stay updated on all new medical tests and procedures.
However, there are other resume formats. Most job applicants will use either a chronological or a combination resume format. These job seekers should use the brief paragraph format because it allows them to address more than just skills.
When you’re writing your resume, the top things to avoid in a summary statement are:
- Personal pronouns, such as “I,” “they” and “she.”
- Long paragraphs
- Repetition
- Unnecessary personal information such as your age, hobbies and gender
- Salary or benefits
- Mistakes
- Generic statements
- Lies
Was this information about Resume Summary Examples: 50+ Summaries For Any Job helpful? Let us know!
Don is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with more than 10 years’ experience creating digital content, including four years helping job seekers develop their careers. He holds an M.S. in Journalism from Northwestern University.
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