Writing a great professional summary for your resume is an important part of the job search process. It helps you to showcase your skills and experience to potential employers and can be the difference between getting an interview call or not.
Not just that, it is the first hook that pulls the recruiter into going through the other sections of your resume.
Whether you’re a fresher or an experienced professional, here are some top tips for writing a great professional summary for your resume.
Points to keep in mind while crafting your professional summary
1. Keep It Concise
Your professional summary should be concise and to the point. Aim to keep it to two or three sentences maximum. In those sentences, try to succinctly summarise what you bring to the table.
2. Do not be Modest – highlight your achievements
You should highlight your strengths in your professional summary. Focus on specialized skills and experience that you have that are relevant to the job you’re applying for.
3. Tailor Your Summary to the Job Description
Your professional summary should be tailored to the job you’re applying for. Review the job description and make sure your summary reflects the skills and experience the employer is looking for.
4. Include Keywords from Job Description
Include keywords related to the job you’re applying for. This will help to make sure your resume is picked up by applicant tracking systems.
5. Avoid Clichés
Try to avoid clichéd phrases such as ‘hard working’ and ‘team player’. Instead, focus on what makes you unique and what sets you apart from other applicants.
Example of a Good Professional Summary
Seasoned IT professional with over 10 years of experience in network and system administration, server management and IT support. Skilled in troubleshooting, maintenance and repair of computer hardware and software, as well as providing excellent customer service. Expert in deploying and managing Windows and Linux systems in a large enterprise environment. In-depth knowledge of the latest technologies and approaches, such as cloud computing, virtualization and system automation.
Example of a Poor Professional Summary
A hardworking and reliable employee with great time management skills. Looking for a new challenge in an administrative role. Experienced with computer software.
As you can see, the good professional summary is tailored, concise and full of relevant information. The poor summary is generic, clichéd and does not give the reader any indication of the candidate’s skills and experience.
Writing a great professional summary for your resume is an important part of the job search process.
Take the time to craft a summary that showcases your skills and experience, and you’ll be sure to stand out from the crowd.
Read : How to write a great key skills section in your resume – Freshers and Experienced Professionals
