4 Tips for Creating a Professional Summary That Stands Out

Hiring managers sift through hundreds of resumes every week, and studies have shown that recruiters will spend no more than six seconds reviewing yours. What can you do to convince recruiters that you’re the right candidate in such a short window? How can you turn those six seconds into your next job?

An excellent professional summary is one way to make sure your resume catches their eye. Use these four tips developed by Employment BOOST’s team of resume writers to build a summary that encapsulates your professional brand and signals to hiring managers that you’re the right candidate for the job.

1. Cut to the chase – you’re not writing literature.

Given how quickly hiring managers scan your resume, you should be direct regarding your skills, attributes, and accomplishments. While you should always utilize proper grammar and avoid repetitive diction, you don’t want any fluff getting in the way. Save your prose for the writing samples.

2. Optimize your summary for search engines.

Search engine optimization (SEO) is a critical tool in getting your resume past applicant tracking systems and in front of human beings. Place key terms and industry buzzwords throughout your summary to bolster your resume’s performance in search results. When crafting your resume, use every opportunity to insert keywords in subtle and effective ways.

3. Use the right words for you and the job.

Don’t be pedantic, but don’t be generic. Use powerful and descriptive language that underscores your unique traits and showcases the value you can bring to this specific role. Scan the job posting for particular traits and don’t be afraid to reuse them. Are you astute, perceptive, and inventive? Analytical, methodical, and detail-oriented? Then say so!

4. Hit the sweet spot for length.

The ideal length for a professional summary is three to four sentences. This gives you enough space to explain why you’re hirable without becoming tedious. That being said, anything less won’t capture what you bring to the table. Don’t write an autobiography, but don’t sell yourself short.