A summary is an introduction to the reader. It tells the reader, “why you.” The summary introduces you by function: human resources professional, financial executive, accounting manager, project manager, administrative assistant, clerical worker. This is not your title but your function. Frequently, you put two adjectives before the function. Make sure that the adjectives do describe you and are helpful to you in your job search. I worked with a woman who wanted a hard-driving sales position. Her summary began: “Amiable sales professional.” Firms that are looking for sales hunters don’t want them to be amiable. After a statement of who you are, you then go on to briefly outline your strengths and talents.
Look through some job postings that interest you and find out what companies are seeking. If you have those qualifications, highlight them in your summary. Do not include in the summary anything you do not want to do again. If you are excellent at filing and don’t enjoy filing, then don’t include it in the summary. The statements are not done in complete sentences and do not use personal pronouns.
If you have been in your current position for a long period of time, don’t stress the years. For example, writing “Technical Sales Professional with 24 years of experience” does you more harm than good. The reader might infer your age or might wonder if your technical skills are up to date.
EXAMPLES
An experienced, dependable Administrative Professional with superior organizational skills and attention to detail. Background includes human resources/benefit administration, sales support, and mortgage account management. Recognized for capacity to adapt to rapidly changing situations, while providing exceptional customer service. A personable, articulate communicator with a proven ability to multi-task and manage priorities effectively. Proficient in MS Office.
Dependable and personable Office Manager with strengths in communication and proactive problem solving. Go-to person for contracts and price comparisons. Effective liaison between company and building management. Comfortable with multi-tasked assignments. Known for being able to achieve in ambiguous situations with little direction. With the following skills:
- Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Works XP, Adobe Acrobat Professional, Adobe Acrobat Visio and Adobe Acrobat.
- Typing skills 70-wpm.
Persuasive Sales Representative with a record of exceeding company revenue targets using a consultative selling and relationship building approach. Educational sales of textbooks, technology, intervention, and supplemental products. Self-starter with highly effective interpersonal skills and a proven ability to communicate concepts, ideas, and applied knowledge of products and services. Competitive leader who demonstrates persistence, systematically pursues opportunities, and leads by example to achieve company goals. Known as a quick learner who easily bridges the gap between customers and work place solutions.
Accomplished and dynamic business professional with experience in developing and implementing strategic plans. Recognized performer with a proven record of directing cross functional teams to deliver excellent results. Skilled in P&L management as well as adapting to rapidly changing business environments. Highly effective interpersonal skills and experienced in communicating to a wide variety of audiences.
Personable and tenacious Business Professional with a Ph.D in Biology. Possessing many years of experience in research, great intellectual curiosity, skills in problem solving and presentation. Experience in molecular biology and business with ability to explain scientific issues in non-technical language. A collegial team player who thrives in fast-paced environment. Fully conversant in Mandarin and currently studying French. Interested and willing to travel internationally and especially to third world countries. Strong interest in an impactful position in the social services with an International Development or Global Health focus.
In the upcoming weeks, I will continue my comments on writing a resume.
PLEASE COMMENT
Once again, I would appreciate any experiences, comments or questions that will help other readers. I would particularly enjoy some humorous experiences and success stories. Once a month, I will choose one commenter to contact for a free coaching session.
HOW TO REACH ME
FUNNY EXAMPLE FROM A RESUME
“Extensive background in public accounting. I can also stand on my head!”
See http://www.speedygrl.com and go to the resume quotes on right hand side
Thanks to tech guru David Behrens (http://neptunestudios.net), and editor M. C. Pastoret.
