Resume Writing Tip: Ensure Your Summary Statement Reflects Your Personal Brand

Writing the Summary Statement on your resume can seem like a difficult task for job seekers. In the first place, many professional don’t like to talk about themselves. And, admittedly, some don’t like to write. So putting the two together, can be a frightening task, indeed. You look at the blank page and crumble under the pressure.

Well, have no fear. As you’ll soon learn some simple tricks for knocking your Summary statement out of the park and with ease.

Keep in mind that the Summary Statement is generally the first thing a hiring manager will read on your resume to get a sense of who you are. So it’s important you do your best to shine.

In addition, the Summary section also serves as prime real estate for showcasing your personal brand.

In this regard, 

I turned to a career services professional to find out more.

Dana Leavy, founder of Aspyre Solutions career coaching in New York, helps young and mid-level professionals through the process of career transitions and effective job search strategy.

Here’s what she had to say on the matter:

A summary statement can quickly and effectively brand yourself to a prospective employer, she said.  

This is often the first item read, so get to the point — Why should they hire you, essentially?

Often an “Objective” statement tends to focus more your own interests as the job seeker, while a “Summary” statement communicates what you can bring to the table in the targeted role.

Highlight your most relevant strengths, skills & core competencies that are unique to you as a candidate, versus a trait or skill that’s an industry or professional standard (i.e. “multi-tasker” or “team-player”).

The Summary statement should be approximately 4-6 lines and speak to your professional background only.  Do not address any outstanding circumstances (employment gaps, change of career, personal experiences, etc.).  A cover letter is an expanded version of the statement that will allow for personality to shine through.

Samples of effectively branded Summary statements are as follows:

ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONAL

Multi-faceted, efficient & reliable administrative professional with 10+ years of experience supporting executives, sales and managers to improve internal operations for small businesses. Proficient in all of the standard office desktop software, CRM applications and design programs. Diversified skill sets covering administrative support, client relations, writing, human resources & recruiting, account management and project management. Excellent inter-personal, phone and digital communication skills.

PROJECT MANAGER

Seasoned project manager with 5+ years of print project management experience and knowledge of web production obtained from positions in educational publishing, consumer packaging, and financial services.  Professional, flexible, creative, and service-oriented.  Offering a unique combination of creativity and analytical skill with the ability to assess both vantage points to create cost-effective solutions for internal and external clients.

CEO

Hands-on executive officer known for strategic  and focused approach, with extensive accolades for limiting risk, creating lean teams, and establishing creative strategies for optimizing internal operations, financial returns and external customer service and output.

Here are the Key Takeways

Notice, she added, that in all three examples the candidates touched upon the following key elements:

1. Core strengths & skill sets most relevant to their role
2. Past relevant experience with key functions
3. Notable accomplishments that they intend to repeat in the next role

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