Writing

How to Write a Resume Summary (with Examples for Every Level)

Your summary is the first thing a recruiter reads, often for only a few seconds. A good one tells them who you are, what you are good at and what you want next, in three or four lines.

By the BoostedCV writing team · Updated · 6 min read

What a resume summary is

A professional summary (also called a profile or personal statement in the UK) is a short paragraph at the top of your resume or CV. It replaces the old "career objective" that talked about what you want. A summary talks about what you offer.

A simple 3-part structure

  1. Who you are: your job title or field and your level of experience.
  2. What you are good at: two or three skills that match the job, with a result if possible.
  3. What you want next: the type of role you are targeting.

Keep it to three or four lines. Use keywords from the job ad naturally. Skip vague words like "hard-working", "passionate" and "team player" unless you back them up.

Examples

Experienced professional

Payroll Officer with 7 years' experience processing high-volume payroll in Xero and MYOB for organisations of up to 400 staff. Known for accuracy, award interpretation and clear communication with employees. Looking for a senior payroll role in a growing business.

Graduate

Business graduate with a major in marketing and hands-on experience from a 6-month internship running social media campaigns for a retail brand. Confident with Canva, Meta Ads Manager and Google Analytics. Seeking a marketing coordinator role.

Career changer

Former hospitality supervisor moving into customer service and operations, with 5 years of leading teams of up to 12, handling complaints and managing rosters and stock. Recently completed a Certificate IV in Business. Seeking a customer service team leader role.

Healthcare

Registered Nurse with 4 years' experience in acute surgical and emergency settings. Skilled in triage, wound care and patient education, with a strong record in infection control audits. Seeking a permanent role in emergency nursing.

Trades and warehouse

Licensed forklift operator with 6 years in fast-paced distribution centres, picking and dispatching at high accuracy with a clean safety record. Experienced with RF scanners and WMS systems. Looking for a team leader or senior storeperson role.

Examples are for illustration. Write yours from your own experience.

Common mistakes

Frequently asked questions

Should a resume summary be in first person?

Write it without "I" at the start of each sentence. For example: "Payroll Officer with 7 years' experience…" rather than "I am a payroll officer…".

Is a personal statement the same as a summary?

In the UK the short paragraph at the top of a CV is often called a personal statement or profile. It does the same job as a resume summary.

Do I need a summary if I have little experience?

Yes. A short summary helps a recruiter understand what you are aiming for and what you bring, which matters even more when your work history is short.

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