An applicant summary, also called a professional summary or resume summary, is a brief paragraph summarizing your professional background, skills, and career goal. It offers potential employers a snapshot of what you bring to the table and what job you are working toward. This guide covers everything you need to know to write a compelling applicant summary. Plus, we’ll provide examples and tips to help you craft a summary that captures their attention and reflects your qualifications.
Why is an Applicant Summary Important?
First Impressions Matter
Your resume or professional profile is often one of thousands for a recruiter. An engaging applicant summary can immediately capture attention, making the recruiter want to learn more about you.
Showcases Relevance
By highlighting your most relevant skills and experiences, the applicant summary quickly demonstrates how you meet the qualifications. It can trigger the ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) to shortlist your resume immediately, increasing your chances of being hired.
Saves Time
Hiring managers spend only a few seconds reviewing each resume. A strong applicant summary can efficiently convey all the information they need, making it easier for them to identify you as a suitable candidate.
Do You Need an Applicant Summary on Your Resume?
Applicant summaries can benefit many job seekers but it is not necessarily required. Including a professional summary depends on your career journey, the position you are applying for, and many other factors. Some reasons you would want to include an applicant summary include:
- A career change
- A gap in employment
- Applying for a specific type of position
- Demonstrating senior-level experience
- Providing an example of work experience
- Targeting keywords for the ATS
However, an applicant summary is meant to enhance and expand upon your application, not summarize. It should not include information that the resume or online profile already provides. For this reason, those with less than three years of experience commonly omit their resume summary.
How to Write a Strong Applicant Summary
1. Start with a Strong Opening Statement
The opening line of your applicant summary should immediately convey who you are as a professional. This could be your job title, years of experience, or a key skill that defines your career. The goal is to grab the reader’s attention and set the stage for the rest of your summary.
Example
Before: “I am a project manager with experience managing teams.”
After: “Dynamic Project Manager with 8+ years of experience leading cross-functional teams to deliver complex projects on time and within budget.”
2. Highlight Key Skills and Achievements
Your summary should emphasize the skills and accomplishments of the job you’re applying for. Focus on what makes you uniquely qualified for the role. Mention specific skills, certifications, or achievements that align with the job description.
Example
Before: “I have experience in digital marketing and content creation.”
After: “Skilled Digital Marketing Specialist with a proven track record of driving 30% increase in web traffic through innovative content strategies and SEO optimization.”
3. Include Your Career Goals
If applicable, consider adding a sentence about your career objectives, especially if they align with a specific company’s mission or the role you’re applying for. Many do not include their career goals if they are not directly related. If you choose to include a sentence about your career goals, tailor your resume summary to each position you apply to. It can demonstrate your long-term interest in the position and commitment to growing within that company.
Example
Before: “Eager to apply the knowledge I learned in my education to a real-world company.”
After: “Eager to leverage my expertise in financial analysis to contribute to a forward-thinking fintech company and drive data-driven decision-making.”
4. Keep It Concise and Focused
While it’s important to include relevant details, your applicant summary should be concise. Aim for two to four sentences that focus on an overview of your qualifications. Avoid unnecessary jargon or filler words that dilute your message.
5. Use Action-Oriented Language
Action verbs and dynamic language make your summary more compelling and impactful. Words like “led,” “achieved,” “implemented,” “optimized,” and “delivered” convey confidence and demonstrate your ability to take initiative.
Example
Before: “Responsible for managing a team and completing projects.”
After: “Led a high-performing team of 10 to successfully deliver 20+ projects, resulting in a 15% increase in client satisfaction.”
6. Avoid Clichés and Buzzwords
Phrases like “hard-working,” “results-driven,” and “team player” are overused and can make your summary blend in with others. Instead, focus on specific skills and experiences that showcase your strengths without relying on buzzwords.
Example
Cliché: “Dedicated and results-oriented professional with a passion for excellence.”
Specific: “Proactive Account Manager with a history of exceeding client expectations and driving revenue growth through innovative strategies.”
7. Showcase Your Unique Value Proposition
What sets you apart from other candidates? This could be a unique combination of skills, an impressive achievement, or a specialized area of expertise.
Example
“Bilingual (English/Spanish) Marketing Specialist with expertise in multicultural campaigns, bringing a unique perspective to audience engagement and brand storytelling.”
8. Proofread and Revise
Your applicant summary is often the first thing a recruiter will read, so it’s crucial to ensure it’s free of errors. Proofread your summary carefully, and consider asking a trusted friend or mentor to review it as well. A polished, error-free summary reflects professionalism and attention to detail.
Examples of Applicant Summaries
Example: Financial Analyst
Detail-oriented Financial Analyst with 5+ years of experience in financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting. Skilled in financial modeling with a strong background in Excel, Tableau, and SQL. Seeking to leverage analytical skills to contribute to a dynamic finance team focused on strategic growth.
Example: Software Engineer
Experienced Software Engineer of 10+ years with expertise in developing scalable web applications using Java, Python, and JavaScript. Proficient in full-stack development, with a strong background in cloud computing and DevOps practices. Known for delivering high-quality code and collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams to drive product innovation. Seeking to contribute to a cutting-edge tech company that values continuous learning and career development.
Example: Human Resources Professional
Certified Human Resources Professional with a passion for fostering inclusive and high-performing workplaces. Over 7 years of experience in talent acquisition, employee relations, and performance management. Proven ability to implement HR strategies that align with business objectives and enhance employee engagement. Seeking to contribute to a forward-thinking organization committed to diversity and employee development.
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