A summary of your resume provides a succinct outline of your personal characteristics and what you could provide to a company. Presently (2018), the majority of excellent resumes must include resume summaries instead of the outdated “Objective.” The summary of your resume is basically your elevator pitch that is a concise “commercial” of what you do and the ways you can help an organization.

What to Include

The first step is to include a summary of your resume just after your contact information. By not including a summary or giving a few sentences about your abilities (or better yet, including an objective) is almost certain that your resume will be rejected unless you have a personal connection with the manager who is hiring. A resume summary is basically an elaboration of the “Tell me about yourself question.” When writing a summary, it is important that you include pertinent and precise information that demonstrates the person you are without being overly generic. A good summary should include your name, which you have been, what you’ve accomplished, and what you can contribute as well as what you are good at. It is also important to put your resume’s name above the summary of your resume to clearly define what you’re about (i.e., Sales Professional, IT Executive, Project Manager, etc.)

Keep It Short

It is possible that you have worked in the field for more than 20 years, and you’ve done enough work to fill up 100pages or more of text. However, your summary shouldn’t exceed five or six paragraphs. TheLadders (2017) carried out an investigation and found that an average recruiter takes six seconds reviewing resumes which is why your resume’s summary should be brief and appealing. It is essential to grab the attention of hiring managers and emphasize your most compelling selling aspects or distinctive value offering. Be sure not to be redundant and include excessively generic phrases that could be applicable to any candidate.

Three Fantastic Resume Samples of Summary:

Example #1 – Global Vice Chairman

A results-oriented global executive with experience in successfully developing and leading communication businesses across North America, Asia-Pacific, Europe as well as Latin America. Expertise in trust in corporations and reputation management, operational leadership, and the development of business strategies and streamlining operations to dramatically improve profitability and revenue. Highly respected and well-known as a commentator on issues of trust in the corporate world, crises, and corporate image in the context of CNN, Bloomberg, CNBC, and the BBC, as well as Channel News Asia, in addition to providing insights for trade, print, and other broadcast media across five continents. Participant at United Nations Global Compact Leaders Conference as well as at the Clinton Global Initiative, The World Economic Forum’s Anti-Corruption Conference, FSG’s Shared Value Conference, and numerous corporate and client-related occasions.

Example #2 – Senior Sales Executive

An award-winning sales executive who has vast experience in global sales/marketing as well as financial management. Expertise in sourcing and keeping new business to serve as the lead for deals and establishing the process to complete KYC due diligence for specific clients. A proven track record of creating more than $100 million in bookings and wins. Effective client relations manager who comprehends the needs of clients, manages expectations, creates lasting relationships, builds trust, and assures the supply of comprehensive solutions. Highly skilled in working within the FinTech sector.

Example #3 Technical Director

Highly skilled IT executive with a proven experience in developing, creating, building, and deploying multi-million-dollar technological, tactical as well as operational solutions, which greatly enhances organizational performance. The project was responsible for the development of more than 450 retailers from a tech standpoint, including hardware software, LAN/WAN, and telephony, as well as managing 350+ projects’ lives from conception to implementation. Experienced in managing teams effectively by instilling enthusiasm and helping people attain excellence. Ability to effectively communicate with technical as well as non-technical people.

Three of these examples demonstrate the character of the candidate, as well as what the candidate has accomplished, the value that the candidate has to offer, and what their qualities are, in a succinct and compelling way without any unnecessary overly-exaggerated. A resume summary that is filled with generic phrases like the following example:

Example #4 Example #4 Generic Fluff Summary

Professional who is creative and energetic with a broad experience in operation. A proven track record of working effectively with various levels of leadership and establishing efficient relationships. The ability to immediately make significant contributions to the organization. Flexible and open-minded, with a remarkable ability to adapt to any circumstance. Outstanding research ability, strategic thinking, communications, and presentation skills.

Conclusion

Consider your resume summary as the sole item a prospective employer will be able to read, and often it could be. The summary of your resume is your elevator pitch. It must include the person you are, what you’ve accomplished in the past, what you’ve contributed to society, and what your skills are in a succinct and convincing manner. Make sure to add your name at the top of your summary to clearly establish the person you are. It is possible to utilize the standard “Professional Summary” or “Qualifications” when you have a diverse background, and it’s hard to determine who you are by one name. Be sure to include a summary of your resume since those who don’t have one will most likely be denied.