How to Write a Standout Summary Section: Tips and Examples

Why is a Summary Section Important?

A summary section is often the first thing hiring managers read when reviewing your resume. It's an opportunity to grab their attention, showcase your expertise, and demonstrate why you're the best fit for the job.

According to a survey by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), 77% of employers consider a candidate's resume to be one of the most important factors in the hiring decision process. A well-written summary section can make all the difference in getting your foot in the door and landing an interview.

How to Write a Standout Summary Section

Here are some tips on how to write a standout summary section:

• Tailor Your Summary: Customize your summary for each job you're applying for by highlighting the skills and experiences that match the job requirements.
• Keep it Concise: Aim for 2-3 short paragraphs or a single, well-crafted paragraph that summarizes your key strengths and qualifications.
• Use Keywords: Use relevant keywords from the job posting to show that you have the skills and experience the employer is looking for.
• Emphasize Achievements: Instead of just listing your responsibilities, focus on the specific accomplishments and results you've achieved in your previous roles.
• Use Active Language: Use action verbs like "managed," "created," "developed," and "improved" to convey a sense of energy and momentum.
• Showcase Your Personal Brand: Use your summary section to showcase your personality, values, and career goals.
• Get Feedback: Ask friends, family members, or mentors to review your summary section and provide feedback.

Example of an Effective Summary Section

Here's an example of a well-written summary section:
"Results-driven marketing professional with 5+ years of experience in digital marketing, seeking a challenging role that utilizes my skills in data analysis and campaign development. Proven track record of improving campaign ROI by 25% through targeted advertising and social media engagement."

This summary section is effective because it:

• Tails the job seeker's experience to the specific job requirements
• Keeps it concise, with a clear and focused message
• Uses relevant keywords from the job posting
• Emphasizes achievements instead of just listing responsibilities

Tips and Tricks

Here are some additional tips and tricks to help you write a standout summary section:

• Use numbers and statistics to make your accomplishments more concrete.
• Highlight transferable skills, even if they were gained in a different industry or job function.
• Show, don't tell: Instead of simply stating that you're "results-driven" or "team-oriented," demonstrate these qualities through specific examples.