How to start a resume with a summary statement

A resume summary statement is a short paragraph at the beginning of a resume that highlights a job seeker’s professional skills and experience. Furthermore, it gives hiring managers a glimpse into the job seeker’s expertise before diving into their resume.

And, the summary statement typically sits right below the job seeker’s contact information and right above the body of the resume:

Career summary
Personal statement
Professional summary
Summary of experience
Summary of qualifications
Qualifications summary
Competencies
Executive resume summary

As hiring managers may read through hundreds of resumes in a week, a strong summary statement can be just what a resume needs to stand out from the pack.

When to use a resume summary section

Resume summaries are ideal for job seekers who have many years of work experience in the same field (and will be continuing in that field), and, on the other hand, resume summary statements are not always ideal for job seekers with little experience or notable gaps in their resume.

If you have been working in the same field for less than 10 years, it might serve your resume best to forego the summary statement and use the extra space to expand your work experience. Furthermore, a resume summary section takes up space that could be used in the body of your resume.

Resume summary vs. objective statement

The resume objective statement is likely the introductory statement you remember using in decades past. It focuses on the job seeker’s needs and future goals, with no mention of the those of the company. Here’s an example of a traditional objective statement.

Alternatively, a career summary is geared toward the employer’s needs and highlights accomplishments and notable skills related to the job. And, the resume objective statement, on the other hand, left the hiring manager with more questions than answers.

How to write a summary statement for a resume

For example, if you stepped into an elevator and saw the hiring manager who holds the keys to your dream job. And, consider the strengths, experiences, and accomplishments that are unique to you and write each of them down as you brainstorm.

After compiling information from the job posting and your resume, you can begin putting together your resume summary statement. Remember to use active voice, action words, and utilize relevant keywords. Save space by keeping your summary statement below five lines.