The Ultimate Guide to Writing a Compelling Resume Summary

Why You Need a Summary

A resume summary acts as a teaser for the rest of your document. Located at the top, it gives recruiters a quick snapshot of who you are and what you bring to the table.

Formula for Success

A strong summary generally follows this structure: Adjective + Job Title + Years of Experience + Key Achievements + Unique Value Proposition.

Before and After

Weak: "Hardworking marketing manager looks for new opportunity."

Strong: "Creative Marketing Manager with 8+ years of experience in digital advertising. Successfully increased brand engagement by 40% for a Fortune 500 company. Expertise in SEO, content strategy, and team leadership."

Tips for Writing

• Keep it under 4 sentences.
• Tailor it to the specific job opening.
• Focus on what you can do for the employer, not just what you want.