A resume summary is an important part of a job application, as it provides a brief overview of your qualifications, skills, and experience. It is typically the first section of a resume that an employer will read, and it can be the deciding factor in whether or not they choose to read further.
For a typical job opening, roughly 250 resumes are received, with a selection of 4-6 individuals advancing to the interview stage, and only one ultimately being offered the position.
Therefore, it’s crucial to write an eye-catching professional summary for resume that highlights your most relevant qualifications and makes a strong impression. A well-written summary can help you stand out from other candidates and increase your chances of getting an interview.
It should be brief, specific, and relevant to the job you are applying for. Additionally, it must be able to convey the unique value that you can bring to the company in an efficient and compelling way.
Here are a few tips on how to make your resume summary stand out:
- Keep it brief: A resume summary should be a few sentences long, no more than 3-4 sentences.
- Tailor it to the job: Use keywords and phrases from the job description to show how your qualifications align with the requirements of the role.
There are several free tools that can help you match your resume with a job description. Some popular options include:
- Jobscan
- Resunate
- resume-review.org
- Resumonk
- Hiration (resume review)
These tools can help you identify the keywords and phrases that are most important for a particular job and make sure that your resume is optimized for them. They also can help you identify any gaps or inconsistencies in your resume and suggest ways to improve it. Keep in mind that even though these tools are helpful, it’s still important to have a human review of your resume to make sure that it’s polished, professional, and concise.
- Highlight your achievements: Use strong action verbs to describe your accomplishments and quantify them whenever possible.
Here’s an example of a professional resume summary of an experienced data scientist:
“Data scientist with 5 years of experience in analyzing and interpreting complex data sets to drive business decisions. Skilled in machine learning, statistical modeling, and big data technologies such as Hadoop and Spark. Strong background in Python and R. Proven track record of delivering actionable insights to improve performance and reduce costs for a variety of industries.”
Example of a resume summary for a fresher data scientist:
“Recent graduate with a degree in statistics and a strong foundation in machine learning, data mining, and statistical modeling. Proficient in Python, R, and SQL. Seeking an entry-level position in data science to apply theoretical knowledge and problem-solving skills to real-world data analysis and interpretation.”
- Use a professional tone: Avoid using first-person pronouns and keep the tone formal.
A poor resume summary might read something like this: “I am a hard worker and a quick learner. I have a lot of experience in a lot of different areas. I am really good at everything and I am looking for a job that pays well. I am available to start right away.”
This summary doesn’t provide any specific information about the person’s qualifications or experience, and it doesn’t indicate what kind of job they are looking for. It also includes phrases that are too general and could apply to anyone, such as “hard worker” and “quick learner.”
It’s also important to note that your summary should be tailored to the specific job you’re applying to and should be at max, 3 to 4 lines, and not written as a general statement.
A better resume summary would focus on the specific skills and experiences that make the person well-suited for a particular type of job and it should be specific to the job you’re applying to.
- Consider using bullet points: It is easier to read and convey your key points effectively.
- Make sure it’s at the top: The summary should be the first section of your resume, so it’s the first thing a hiring manager will read.
- Review and proofreading: Always proofread your resume for grammar and spelling errors.
- Keep it updated: Make sure your summary accurately reflects your current skills and experience.
