Writing a resume: Summary Statement

Many applicants include a summary statement on their resumes. A summary statement is a few short sentences highlighting why you’re a valuable employee. A summary statement can be a powerful way to capitalize on the short time hiring managers spend on your resume by succinctly presenting your skills and passions. You can think of it as an attention-grabbing blurb, tag line, or hook.

As you draft your summary statement, be specific about your desired role. Start your summary with a specific title like “City Planner,” “Administrative Professional,” or “Fundraising Specialist,” and follow it with no more than three sentences summing up your experience, skills, and goals. These sentences should describe what defines you as a professional in your field. 

For example, Writer/Editor. Liberal arts graduate with a passion for blogging, social justice, and print journalism. Four years of experience as a columnist for college newspaper. Seeking to contribute to the mission of nonprofitorganization.

You can also use your summary to highlight your goals and demonstrate how you hope to work toward them in your next role.

For example, if you graduated with a degree in Computer Science and are applying for an IT help desk job, you could highlight that you enjoy using technology to improve others' lives.

Once you have a strong summary statement, don't be afraid to alter it based on your application. You can customize your summary just as you do your other application materials.

For example, if you’ve just earned a degree in Economics while working as a consultant at a retail chain store. You could lead with “Economics Graduate” if you’re applying for jobs related to your major. You could use “Price Analyst” if you’re looking for another job in the retail field.

Just keep in mind that every millimeter of space on your resume is valuable. Be careful not to repeat information that appears elsewhere on your resume, create a list of buzzwords, or otherwise waste that valuable space.