Resume Writing Guide
How to Write a Professional Summary
The professional summary determines whether a recruiter continues reading your resume. This guide covers its purpose, structure, and execution.
Definition
A professional summary is a two to four sentence paragraph positioned below your contact information. It presents your most relevant qualifications, skills, and accomplishments for the role you are pursuing.
The professional summary replaced the resume objective, which focused on what candidates wanted from employers. Modern summaries instead communicate what candidates offer. This distinction matters: recruiters spend an average of six seconds on initial resume review.
Summary vs. Objective
Objective (outdated)
"Seeking a challenging position in marketing where I can utilize my skills and grow professionally."
Focuses on candidate's desires rather than employer's needs.
Professional Summary (current)
"Marketing professional with five years generating $3M in revenue through strategic digital campaigns."
Demonstrates value with specific, measurable results.
Video Demonstration
The following video demonstrates how to write a professional summary using our resume builder.
Structure
An effective professional summary contains four components:
- 1.Professional Title — Your current role or target position
"Senior Marketing Manager"
- 2.Years of Experience — Quantified tenure in your field
"with 8+ years of experience"
- 3.Core Competencies — Two to three relevant skills
"specializing in digital strategy and brand development"
- 4.Key Achievement — A measurable accomplishment
"increased revenue by 150% over two years"
Example
"Marketing Manager with seven years of experience in digital strategy and brand development. Increased organic traffic by 200% and generated $2M in pipeline revenue through SEO and content initiatives."
Examples by Career Level
Software Developer
(Entry-Level)Computer Science graduate with full-stack development experience through internships and independent projects. Proficient in JavaScript, React, and Node.js. Developed five web applications including an e-commerce platform serving 1,000 daily users.
Marketing Manager
(Mid-Career)Marketing Manager with six years of experience in brand development and digital engagement. Increased organic traffic by 200% and generated $2M in pipeline revenue through SEO and content strategy. Managed cross-functional teams of eight members.
Project Manager
(Senior)PMP-certified Project Manager with ten years leading enterprise IT implementations for Fortune 500 clients. Delivered $50M in projects on schedule and under budget while directing teams of 25 professionals. Specialized in Agile methodologies.
Career Transition
(Changing Fields)Educator with eight years developing curriculum and facilitating learning for diverse audiences, transitioning to corporate training. Expertise in instructional design and learning management systems. Trained 500 students annually with 95% satisfaction ratings.
Common Errors
1. First-person pronouns
Avoid
I am a dedicated professional who has managed...
Preferred
Dedicated professional with a track record in managing...
First-person pronouns are implied and consume space better used for substance.
2. Vague descriptors
Avoid
Hardworking team player with great communication skills
Preferred
Sales professional who exceeded quarterly targets by 35% through strategic client management
Generic adjectives tell recruiters nothing. Specific achievements demonstrate capability.
3. Excessive length
Avoid
A five-sentence paragraph covering entire career history...
Preferred
Two to four sentences focused on relevant qualifications
Recruiters spend six to seven seconds on initial review. Brevity is essential.
4. Generic content
Avoid
Using identical summary for all applications
Preferred
Summary tailored to each position with relevant keywords
Each application requires customization to pass ATS screening and demonstrate fit.
Writing Process
- 1.Review the job description
Identify the key skills, qualifications, and keywords the employer requires. These terms should appear in your summary.
- 2.List your relevant qualifications
Document your skills, experiences, and achievements that align with the position requirements.
- 3.Quantify your achievements
Convert accomplishments into measurable results. Rather than 'improved sales,' write 'increased sales by 45% over six months.'
- 4.Draft using the structure
Combine your professional title, experience, skills, and achievement into two to four sentences. Aim for under 75 words.
- 5.Edit and refine
Remove filler words and first-person pronouns. Verify that relevant keywords are included for ATS compatibility.
ATS Compatibility
Applicant Tracking Systems filter resumes before human review. Research indicates that 75% of resumes are rejected at this stage. Your professional summary should be optimized for these systems.
- —Include keywords from the job posting
- —Use standard job titles
- —Spell out acronyms at least once
- —Avoid tables and special formatting
- —Include both technical and interpersonal skills
- —Use industry-standard terminology
Create Your Resume
Our resume builder includes guided prompts and pre-written phrases to help you craft an effective professional summary.