The Resume Summary Section

by Forrest Clements
DON'T:
❌ Use a plain header.
"Professional Summary" makes your resume seem generic and unspecific.
DO:
✅ Use a specific header.
Examples like "Product Manager Summary" or "Data Analysis Summary." Tailor it for each role you apply to!
DON'T:
❌ Write a paragraph.
Putting a big wall of text at the very top of your resume is a great way to immediately lose your reader's attention.
DO:
✅ Write 3-5 bullet points.
Bullets are MUCH easier to consume for your reader. Keep each one to no more than 2 lines of text.
DON'T:
❌ Write an "objective" statement.
They're a relic from an era before online applications. You applied for the job, didn't you? That alone communicates your objective.
DO:
✅ Frame your experience around how you add value. Your first bullet should summarize who you are as a professional and what you do that helps companies.
DON'T:
❌ Use buzzwords.
Literally everyone is a "hard-working, detail oriented, results-driven, self-starter with a proven track record." Ditch the clichés!
DO:
✅ Focus on specific accomplishments from throughout your career.
Share several case studies of major projects or examples of your biggest wins. This is your "greatest hits" or "highlight reel" section!
DON'T:
❌ Only list responsibilities, competencies, or areas of expertise.
Focusing only on tasks or "job description language" doesn't tell your reader if you are good at your job or not!
DO:
✅ Quantify your results.
Weave in numerical data that gives your reader a sense of the scope of your work. How much? How many? How effective?
A strong summary section draws your reader in, grants qualification checks in their mind, and ensures your best work doesn't get missed, even if they only read the first third of your document.
It also makes tailoring your resume much easier as you can focus primarily on updating your summary section for each position.
What other resume summary section best practices do you stick to?
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