You’re getting ready to apply for a new job, but you’re a bit stumped on the resume summary section. Since there’s so much important information in your resume, it’s hard to know exactly what accomplishments and qualifications to include.
On the surface, it might seem like a formality, but you need to put time and effort into this section. Potential employers — and their resume screening tools — will read this before moving on to your resume. If they’re not interested in what they see, they’ll likely stop reading.
Like many parts of your resume, the summary section is an area that will need to be updated for each job you apply to. This will allow you to customize your introduction to fit the position at hand best.
Ready to get started? Here are four details to consider including in your resume summary section.
Pertinent Stats
Numbers don’t lie, so including performance-related statistics in your resume summary section can really emphasize your fit for the job. For example, you might highlight the 50% revenue increase your current company realized by implementing a solution you devised.
Since they don’t know you, vague accomplishments confuse potential employers. Quantifying your experience is a great way to help them understand the value you would bring to the team.
Years of Experience
Chances are, the job you’re applying to will have a minimum of required years of experience. However, everyone won’t follow the rules. Show you’re more than qualified by stating the number of years you’ve worked in the field. This will tell the hiring manager you have the right qualifications, so they should keep reading.
Keywords
Many companies use resume scanning software to weed out candidates without the right qualifications. The problem with this is you could be accidentally eliminated — even with the proper skills and experience — if your resume doesn’t include certain keywords.
Thankfully, it’s easy to figure out what these keywords are by combing through the job description and seeking out words used frequently. Find a way to weave a few of these into your summary section seamlessly, so the scanning tools won’t accidentally eliminate you.
Relevant Skills
Hiring managers are typically inundated with resumes for competitive positions. This means they often only have time to quickly scan resumes when deciding who to invite for first-round interviews. Make it easy for them to realize you’re a great fit by using the summary section to sell your skills — both hard and soft — most applicable to the position.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your career, PrideStaff Dallas wants to help. Contact us today to find out what we can do for you!
