30 Resume Summary Examples that Work in 2024

Regardless of whether you’re looking for an entry-level job or a larger career advancement, you probably already know how important your resume can be in your quest to find that perfect job. The problem is, though, that few resumes these days have that special touch that truly makes the job seeker stand out from the crowd. 

If you’ve agonized over your own resume and still feel like there’s something missing, there’s a good chance that the problem is that you’re not making good use of your professional resume summary.

In this post, we’ll show you how to write 30 great resume summary statements that land your resume in the ‘Yes’ pile. You’ll also find some tips, tricks, and examples to ensure you capture the attention of a hiring manager.

What is a resume summary?

The one thing most people fail to understand as they create resumes filled with facts, figures, and lists of accomplishments is that today’s companies and hiring managers are inundated with tons of resumes that follow that same approach. And if your resume is as dry and dull as all of those, it’s not likely to receive the attention that it needs to earn you a second look. 

That’s where your resume summary statement comes into play. Your summary sits at the top of your resume – just beneath your contact information and headline. It consists of the following:

• Your job title and how much experience you have

• At least three to five skills (keywords) that convey your abilities and expertise

• A minimum of one measurable accomplishment

• Industry keywords and phrases tailored to the job description of the role you want 

• Language that indicates your passion and enthusiasm – a personal touch

When you take the time to write a compelling resume summary with the right keywords and phrases, your chances of being called in for an interview will dramatically increase.

So it is vitally important that you know how to make yours stand out from other job seekers. 

What does it look like?

A resume summary is a brief statement that summarizes your career history, skills, and achievements and is designed to quickly describe how your work history will add value in future roles. 

Here’s an example profile summary for a CREATIVE STRATEGIST:

“A visionary, accomplished, and bilingual Creative Strategist highly regarded for championing innovative design solutions that integrate and anticipate consumer trends while remaining captivating and unique. Out-of-the-box thinker who delivers key strategic insights while orchestrating content, narrative, and creatives across high-profile projects for F500 companies like Apple and Toyota. Known as a decisive leader and excellent communicator who guides diverse teams and always meets nuanced client needs. Recognized for helming multilayered, high-visibility, revenue-driving events while delivering holistic experiential marketing platforms. Proven track record of delivering one-of-a-kind results that exceed lofty expectations.”

How long should your resume summary be?

When writing any resume summary, it can be tempting to simply fill it with every major point you want the reviewer to know. That would be a mistake, though. 

No recruiter or hiring manager wants to read a professional summary that just rehashes every point made in the body of the resume. That sort of summary will simply be ignored and it would defeat the purpose anyway.

The reality is that your summary should be a “hook” that captures recruiters’ attention and gives them a reason to read the rest of the resume. To do that, you should write a resume summary statement that contains between three and five sentences that highlight key points that will invite further reading.

Writing resume summary statements for the reader

The best writing is that which speaks to its audience in understandable terms that they can immediately identify with – i.e., keywords. When it comes to your summary statement, that means including the job posting’s requirements in your finished product.

While you certainly don’t want to simply regurgitate the job posting’s requirements in your summary, you should try to incorporate the terms used in that posting as you describe your qualifications.

If the company is looking for a Director of Marketing and your former title at a different firm was Head of Marketing, use the “Director of Marketing” title when you’re describing your former position. That helps ensure that your prospective employer recognizes that you’ve done the same job in the past. Do this for specific skills and experience as well. Simply identify terms used in the job posting and use those terms when describing your skills, attributes, and experience.

How to use keywords in a resume summary

Keywords are skills and qualifications from the job description that employers are looking for on your resume. However, keywords are important to your other audience, too, the applicant tracking system, also known as the ATS.

Most companies use an ATS to scan your resume for keywords, indicating that you’re a good match for a job. A resume summary is a natural place to throw in those keywords. 

By focusing your attention on the specific needs detailed in the job posting, you can avoid the mistake of making assumptions about the employer’s needs. In addition, you can ensure that your resume is properly read by any computer software that the recruiter might be using to sift through resumes as the company narrows its candidate search to determine who to interview and who to ignore.

The elevator pitch

If you’ve ever heard the term “elevator pitch,” then you understand the need for brevity and clarity when you’re trying to capture someone’s attention. The elevator speech is like a sales pitch and is a short, concise summary of your resume that articulates the value that you can bring to your prospective employer’s company. It emphasizes your strengths, quickly connects them to the specific job you’re applying for, and showcases how you can meet the company’s needs.

Here is a good post from Forbes.com on crafting a good elevator pitch.

Resume summary vs objective

Keep in mind the resume summary statement is distinct from the resume objective statement. An objective is focused on your needs, a resume summary is employer-focused. In days gone by, people would include an objective at the top of their resume that looked something like this:

“Dedicated Creative Strategist seeking a challenging role where I can contribute design, content strategy, major events experience, and consumer communication insights to propel high-profile brands to new heights.” 

While this objective statement has a few keywords and talks about some of the things this Creative Designer can do, it falls short of delivering value to future employers. There are no concrete examples of achievements and its overall tone is vague and ambiguous. 

That’s generally true for all objective statements, which is why employers prefer to see profile summaries that succinctly outline specific impacts candidates have had in other roles or during their careers.

30 resume summary examples for different job types

To get an idea of how this all looks when it is put together, consider the following resume summary examples:

1. Marketing and Communications resume summary examples

Digital Marketing Manager:

Visionary Digital Marketing Manager with over 8 years of experience developing and implementing successful online campaigns that connect businesses with consumers – both passive and active. Known as an expert in SEO, SEM, and PPC. Possess a proven track record of increasing online presence and driving lead generation – improved conversions by 12% at ABC company within 6 months. 

Public Relations Specialist:

Strategic Public Relations Specialist with an extensive record in building and maintaining positive brand images. Adept at crafting compelling narratives that secure media coverage and connect with target audiences. Reputation for managing crises and maintaining positive media relationships. 

2. Information Technology resume summary examples

Software Engineer:

Innovative Software Engineer with 12 years of experience developing and executing scalable solutions that drive million-dollar revenues. Proficient in multiple programming languages and dedicated to creating clean and maintainable code. Leverage full-stack development expertise and Agile methodologies to drive tangible results.

Cybersecurity Analyst:

Expert Cybersecurity Analyst with a strong background in threat detection and incident response. Skilled in assessing vulnerabilities and implementing security measures that safeguard international organizations, protecting over 275 petabytes of data. History of leading key enterprise engagements that challenge the status quo to fuel change, notably orchestrating the largest and most intricate partnership in financial services sector. 

3. Healthcare resume summary examples

Registered Nurse:

Accomplished nursing professional specializing in patient assessment, care, and advocacy. Consistently deliver comprehensive and compassionate care to diverse populations, including Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Immediate Care Unit (IMCU), Med/Surg, and Telemetry patients. Utilize advanced communication skills to collaborate with physicians, therapists, and fellow nurses. Earn frequent recognition and commendation from patients on satisfaction surveys for providing excellent care.

Medical Researcher:

Detail-oriented Medical Researcher specializing in BLS2 and BLS3 protocols and clinical trial initiatives that advance drug discovery projects. Possess an unrelenting momentum in laboratory activities, including the identification of novel approaches. Work with little to no procedural roadmaps, author new lab protocols, and serve as a point of contact for personnel. Thrive in matrix organizations and collaborate on a global scale.

4. Finance resume summary examples

Financial Analyst:

A client-centric Finance professional offering 5 years of international and multicultural experience in relationship management, credit analysis, and trade finance. Energetic leader adept at building strategic relationships and conquering billion-dollar revenue goals. Engaging leadership style bolstered by a dynamic mindset and talent for needs analysis, research, and proactivity. Conceptualize, develop, and deliver creative financial strategies that support future growth objectives and the core mission of the organization.

Certified Public Accountant

Energetic Certified Public Accountant (CPA) candidate who recently completed all 4 CPA exams on the first try. Accomplished and inquisitive finance professional with a passion for innovative solutions that ensure business solvency. Known for leveraging an entrepreneurial and independent analytical mindset to forge pathways through client financials and transactions to create a dynamic picture that provides financial insights to high-net-worth clients. 

5. Sales resume summary examples

Sales Manager:

Proactive technical sales director with robust experience seamlessly blending tech leadership with sales acumen to execute go-to-market strategies that fuel revenue growth. Build and grow new markets from the ground up and leverage a deep understanding of hybrid cloud solutions (SaaS, PaaS, IaaS) to achieve ground-breaking results, including doubling business to $10M within 3 years and reducing sales cycles from 6 months to 90 days. Known for improving performance by 30% and reducing costs across hybrid infrastructures.

Retail Sales Associate:

Seasoned sales veteran and business development strategist who consistently exceeds district sales goals by fusing an understanding of the human buying motive with sales leadership experience to overcome customer objections. Recognized by ABC Corp for leading district in overall sales for 3 consecutive years. Chosen by leaders at XYZ Inc to step into management position to steward the success of 7 sales staff, creating a culture of excellence that met consumer needs.

6. Education resume summary examples

Elementary Teacher:

Student-focused Certified Elementary Teacher with 20+ years of experience shaping the minds of first graders. Dedicated to providing creative, yet effective, classroom management and guided curriculum that optimizes student success. Known for infusing lesson plans with emerging technology to maximize learning objectives and improve student outcomes in alignment with district expectations. 

Adjunct Instructor:

Criminal Justice subject matter expert, education advocate, and US Army Veteran who leverages diverse and progressive career in leadership, personnel management, and training to guide education and human welfare objectives to facilitate student achievement. Fuse real-world experience with theoretical practicums to turn 20+ students into active learners. Proven ability to work in an independent environment or as a member of a teaching team in traditional (in-seat), hybrid, remote, synchronous, and distance learning settings.

7. Engineering resume summary examples

Mechanical Engineer:

Forward-thinking Mechanical Engineer offering a 15+ year progressive career of achievement within the gearing industry. Practical experience in all phases of engineering projects from feasibility testing and manufacturing to critical analysis and sales. Proficient at technical project management with a focus on collaboration, project documentation, troubleshooting, problem resolution, and team management. Manage up to 15 concurrent projects and handle competing priorities in fast-paced and deadline-driven environments.

Civil Engineer:

Global visionary in design, construction, and facilities management with 20+ years of transformative leadership experience. Steer multimillion-dollar projects from start to finish, paying close attention to cost-effective strategies and tech-driven solutions. Pioneer MEP systems across a range of complex buildings, including hospitality, commercial, and residential properties.

8. Human Resources resume summary examples

HR Manager:

Problem-solver and people manager with 4 years of experience training a revolving door of new HR leaders. Possess extremely adaptable management style with an ability to modify personality, and even behave out of character, based on what people need to achieve organizational continuity and project goals. Committed to creating a culture of excellence through employee engagement with a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I).

Recruitment Specialist:

Talent planning partner with more than 10 years of experience optimizing business continuity efforts by resolving critical human capital issues for corporate, nonprofit, and startup environments. Design and execute effective talent-sourcing strategies that turnaround understaffing issues, recruiting 100 new employees in 6 months. Sought after to help clients maintain regulatory compliance, including resolving a wage violation within 2-days’ notice to avoid legal action.

9. Administration resume summary examples

Executive Assistant:

Versatile support expert with a decade of excellence in elevating ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) executives across dynamic sectors. Adept at establishing and maintaining SOPs for property management, anticipating complex needs, driving process improvements, and embodying unwavering discretion and poise. Strong interpersonal acumen, conflict resolution prowess, and adept team leadership contribute to a track record of innovatively crafting roles and nurturing enduring connections.

General Manager:

Ambitious management professional offering an accomplishments-driven career in sales, marketing, and operations with demonstrated experience in top-tier, globally branded organizations. Subject matter expert on identifying profitable opportunities and guiding teams of 25+ to maintain margins, manage expenses, reduce shrinkages, prevent loss, and maintain compliance with regulations. 

10. Customer Service resume summary examples

Customer Service Representative:

Results-driven and motivated customer service enthusiast offering approximately 7 years of experience in hospitality, restaurant, and food principles in high-pressure, fast-paced environments. Ethical professional skilled in creative problem solving, providing elite customer service, and promoting brand loyalty. Detail-oriented with exceptional instincts for meeting high expectations and delivering service standards in 100+ restaurant seating environments.

Call Center Supervisor:

Motivational Call Center Supervisor with approximately 17 years of experience developing and leading exceptional call center teams. Possess a strong track record of success in achieving first-call resolution and reducing customer hold times. Analytical professional able to assess 40+ staff against forecasted trends and make proactive adjustments to policies and procedures.

11. Creative and Design resume summary examples

Graphic Designer:

Creative and innovative artist, video designer, and illustrator fusing 6 years of experience with a degree in graphic design and certification in user experience design to deliver branding stories that communicate creative concepts to diverse audiences. Specialize in creating original illustrations and graphics for as many as 12 concurrent projects. Act as a collaborative leader leveraging digital media, emerging technologies, and design-thinking methodologies to deliver on-time and on-budget projects to clients. Possess a passion for translating client needs into usable branding strategies.

UX/UI Designer:

Award-winning and intellectually curious Creative Director, UX Designer, and Digital Art Director with an accomplished track record of designing and deploying comprehensive design strategies that consistently achieve client satisfaction, translate product vision, and connect with diverse audiences. Fuse a passion for improving user experience (UX) by leveraging and optimizing creative strategy, project management, and team-building initiatives to present pixel-perfect visuals that provide clarity, consistency, and maximum communication impact.

12. Legal resume summary examples

Attorney:

Solutions-oriented Attorney with extensive experience delivering trusted legal services to a portfolio of more than 50 clients. Proven ability to combine strategic perspective with business and legal acumen to communicate complex legal concepts to non-experts, including details on over 150 trademark applications. Balance compliance with need, agility, and flexibility to guide innovation. Actively provide input and assistance on contracts and other legal matters, taking primary responsibility for making autonomous decisions to overcome overt challenges. 

Legal Assistant:

Adaptable administrative and legal professional with diverse experience in immigration, policy, and outreach. Fuse a passion for the legal system and a background in customer service/sales to help people navigate complex systems. Leverage advanced knowledge of technology (MS Office, Photoshop, Stata, QuickBooks) to organize work and compile research. Understand case management, transcription, and legal document preparation.

13. Project Management resume summary examples

Project Manager:

Global leader and expert in managing complex strategic transformation projects and programs across product and data-driven organizations. Employ Agile management practices to lead on-time delivery of projects aligned with customer expectations. Achieve enterprise goals by coaching, mentoring, and empowering diverse teams across 12+ geographies and business units. Thrive in ambiguous, fast-paced environments, making data-driven decisions, driving strategic insights, and collaborating with all levels of management to resolve operational inefficiencies. 

Construction Coordinator:

Retail Construction Coordinator and Superintendent with extensive experience overseeing construction sites, contractors, subcontractors, materials, and supplies. Maintain vigilance over quality work and compliance with regulations, including OSHA codes. Reputation for staying within million-dollar construction budgets and delivering on-time projects despite challenging environments.

14. Real Estate resume summary examples

Title Abstractor:

Detail-oriented Title Abstractor offering approximately 10 years of experience performing extensive title research gathering deeds, leases, judgments, mortgages, easements, contracts, and encumbrances to produce accurate abstracts. Experience writing Certified Title Opinions in 2 states (West Virginia and Pennsylvania). Accomplished track record of analyzing and producing lease take-offs, curative documents, and certified titles providing documentary evidence of the right of ownership. 

Commercial Real Estate (CRE) Developer:

Commercial Real Estate Development professional with 10+ years of experience in directing up to $200M of senior housing and medical office/industrial projects across the Southeast United States. Accomplished track record of complete development oversight from inception through entitlements and construction to delivery. Outstanding business and financial acumen with abilities in trend forecasting, real estate acquisitions, and business plan development. 

15. Little to no experience resume summary examples

Junior Electrical Designer:

Action-oriented problem-solver with an electrical engineering degree supported by international experience in electrical installation projects. Capable of reading and interpreting complex blueprints and understanding how to apply the physics and mathematics of electricity to large and small-scale systems. Have a reputation for maintaining strict compliance with policies and code regulations and possess bilingual proficiencies in English and French. 

Helpdesk Associate:

Technical enthusiast with a recent degree in Computer Science from Major University. Utilize abilities to troubleshoot hardware and software issues to win university systems maintenance competition. Fuse a background in retail customer service with a calm demeanor to meet the demands of frustrated clients whose systems are non-functioning. 

Writing a resume summary when you have no relevant experience

Of course, those last two are a bit different from the rest because the job seekers don’t have a lot of experience. With that said, you can still write a profile paragraph that will pique a prospective hiring manager’s interest. 

Most people will have some relevant skills and experience in the job field they’re trying to enter – whether they’re using transferable skills from jobs held while they were in school or achievements from working on projects at school. 

Let’s take a look at how to use those workarounds to elevate the language of your resume, especially as it relates to your profile summary. 

Stress other qualifications

When you have little to no relevant work experience to highlight, make sure to stress other relevant qualifications. That would include everything from your relevant skills and educational coursework to specific accomplishments you’ve achieved in prior jobs that are at least somewhat relevant to the job you’re seeking. For example:

• Focus on skills and experiences that you possess that would be great selling points and relevant to the position. These can include things like budget management, marketing research, customer service rep, social media management, conflict resolution skills, and even familiarity with critical software or hardware systems. Check out this post to learn more about the right skills to include on your resume.

• Emphasize educational achievements that demonstrate that you have the knowledge needed to do the job.

• Highlight accomplishments from previous jobs that demonstrate the value you can bring to the organization.

• If necessary, list relevant outside interests that demonstrate an ability to meet the employer’s needs.

• Don’t forget to incorporate the job posting keywords into these qualifications. That’s important for ensuring that your resume still gets past the software used for initial resume reviews.

Get their attention in just a few seconds

Your profile summary has a lot of work to do to get a hiring manager’s attention. Not only does it have to extol your skills and achievements, it has to tell the story of what you bring to the table for a new position. Remember to stay away from using an outdated objective and let your career summary paragraph blend your career history with a bit of personal flair to stand out from the crowd. 

The right resume summary can help you avoid that rejection pile and enhance your chances of getting that dream job you want! ZipJob has a team of professional resume writers who are pros at crafting unique and stand-out professional summaries. Check out our services to see how we can help you.

Good luck with your job search!

Recommended reading:

• 10 Vital Skills to Put on Your Resume

• Resume Formats: The 3 Best Options

• Writing Your Work Experience: Samples & How to Guide