Resume Summary | 60+ Examples & Tips

A resume summary is an overview of your main qualifications and professional characteristics. It’s the first section of the standard resume format and summarizes your background and experience level as well as your most relevant qualities, skills, and/or accomplishments in 2–4 lines.

For each job application, your resume summary should look a little different because the purpose of a resume is to quickly show employers how well your background aligns with the job requirements.

The tips and examples below will help you customize your resume summary for different employers and job applications.

What is a resume summary?

A professional summary for a resume is a concise overview of your background and qualifications that you customize each time you apply for a job. It consists of a few noun phrases (e.g., “Versatile and dependable office manager with 3+ years of experience”) or verb phrases (e.g., “Consistently exceeded reporting deadlines”) in 2–4 lines.

Most resume summaries include these details:

• Positive adjectives that describes your professional qualities (e.g., “dedicated”)
• The number of years you’ve held similar roles (e.g., “6 years of experience”)
• Qualifications from the job posting that you’ve demonstrated at previous jobs or relevant achievements that prove you’ll add value

Your resume needs an effective and concise professional summary for these reasons:

• The summary is an opportunity to use keywords from the job posting so that the employer’s applicant tracking system (ATS) will flag you as a qualified applicant who might be eligible for an interview.
• After the ATS screening, the resume summary provides human recruiters with helpful context so that they can evaluate the rest of your resume fairly and accurately.
• The summary showcases your personality and motivation, which is especially important when a cover letter isn’t necessary.

How to write a good summary for a resume

Writing an effective professional summary to convince employers that you’re a great fit involves a few steps.

Review the job posting for keywords

Start by looking closely at the job posting for keywords and other details that your resume summary should include. These include the hard skills (e.g., software, programming languages, etc.) and soft skills (e.g., attention-to-detail) that the job requires. Then, make a list of the required skills that you have to offer.

Write a heading

At the top of your resume, just below your contact information, write a heading (e.g., “Professional Profile,” “Professional Summary,” or the job title).

Summarize your main area of expertise

Start the resume summary with a powerful adjective—such as “dedicated,” “meticulous,” “compassionate,” or “analytical.” Then, complete the phrase with your role and level of experience (e.g., “Dedicated and innovative computer science instructor with 5 years of experience inspiring the next generation of IT professionals”).

Summarize your relevant skills or achievements

Starting with words like “proficient in” or “advanced expertise in,” write 1–2 phrases about the skills from the job posting (using the same keywords) that you’ve demonstrated at previous jobs (e.g., “Detailed knowledge of building codes, AutoCAD, and project management software”).

Alternatively, you can describe 1–2 achievements, starting with action verbs (e.g., “Created engaging, interactive training modules that reduced average training times and improved employee retention”).

60 resume summary examples

These resume summary examples for multiple jobs illustrate strategies for tailoring a professional summary to different roles and industries. Each fictional example includes an applicant’s main area of expertise and key skills or accomplishments.

Customer service resume summary examples

• Customer-focused and intuitive CSR with 3 years of experience providing exceptional service in fast-paced virtual queues for online retailers. Adept at addressing customer inquiries, tracking orders, and researching escalated concerns. Passionate about creating memorable shopping experiences and cultivating long-term customer loyalty.
• Energetic and personable customer service representative with over 4 years in the hospitality industry. Provided white-glove support in a specialized phone queue for platinum elite customers. Ensured seamless reservations, impeccable client records, and strong customer loyalty. Proficient in NetSuite and Omni-channel CX.
• Detail-oriented customer service rep with 2+ years of service in the credit card industry. Effectively managed a high-volume of customer inquiries and maintained high satisfaction ratings through clear and empathetic communication. Detailed knowledge of ZenDesk, regulatory compliance, and credit card policies.

Teaching resume summary examples

• Dedicated K–6 music teacher with 6+ years of experience teaching music electives and coordinating an award-winning elementary band program. Detailed knowledge of music education standards and best practices. Excels at collaborating across the curriculum and building positive relationships with students and parents.
• Energetic 9–12 Language Arts teacher with 8 years of classroom experience. Proven success with scaffolding, data-driven instruction, classroom technology, and learning standards. Passionate about world literature and the power of the written word.
• Innovative and engaging middle school science teacher with 5 years of experience delivering hands-on, inquiry-based lessons. Created inclusive learning environments where students consistently demonstrated scientific curiosity, critical thinking, and success with experiments, projects, and Next Generation Science Standards.

EdTech resume summaries

• Detail-oriented and solutions-driven implementation specialist with 4+ years of success supporting K–12 technology integration. Skilled in conducting needs assessments, customizing educational software, and providing educators with impactful LMS and CAT training.
• Results-oriented product manager with 5+ years of experience in developing and managing writing instruction technologies from concept to launch. Strong background in user research, market analysis, and cross-functional teams. Passionate about leveraging technology to improve educational outcomes.
• Meticulous tutoring program director with 7+ years of experience managing teams of 500+ virtual math tutors. Developed virtual tutoring protocols that improved program retention and academic success for secondary math students worldwide. Ensured seamless performance management and 98% student and parent satisfaction.

Banking and finance resume summaries

• Attentive and personable bank teller with 2 years of experience providing exceptional customer service. Skilled in processing transactions, handling customer inquiries, and resolving account issues. Built strong customer relationships and expanded customer awareness of bank products and services.
• Resourceful financial analyst with 5+ years of experience providing in-depth, data-driven budgeting recommendations. Proficient in financial modeling, data analysis, and performance reporting to optimize financial strategies. Skilled at using advanced Excel functions and financial software to produce actionable insights. Committed to helping clients achieve financial goals and maintain fiscal responsibility.
• Customer-focused loan officer with 4+ years of success in evaluating loan applications and helping individuals and businesses secure financing. Detailed expertise in financial assessment strategies, loan products, and application procedures. Passionate about personalized service and long-term client relationships.

IT resume summary examples

• Results-driven software developer with 3+ years of experience designing, developing, and deploying scalable applications for web and mobile platforms. Proficient in multiple programming languages—including JavaScript and Python—with experience in agile development methodologies. Passionate about writing efficient code and improving system performance.
• Meticulous cybersecurity analyst with 5 years of experience in protecting sensitive financial data and ensuring network security. Proven success with identifying vulnerabilities, implementing security protocols, and performing risk assessments. Proficient in firewalls, encryption software, and intrusion detection. Dedicated to safeguarding systems, ensuring compliance, and preventing data breaches.
• Experienced data scientist with 6+ years of success analyzing complex healthcare data to provide actionable insights that improve patient outcomes and operational efficiency. Proficient in machine learning, statistical analysis, Python, and Tableau. Designed predictive models that improved healthcare delivery for over 3M patients.
• Creative mobile app developer with 3 years of experience creating user-friendly educational apps for iOS and Android. Proficient in Swift, Kotlin, and React Native, with a strong focus on developing interactive and engaging tools that empower learners. Developed features that improved accessibility for over 2M students.

Engineering resume summary examples

• Accomplished electrical engineer with 6 years of experience designing, testing, and maintaining electrical systems in the manufacturing industry. Proficient in circuit design, power distribution, and control systems. Strong knowledge of electrical standards, codes, and safety protocols. Successfully leveraged MATLAB and AutoCAD Electrical to improve plant efficiency and reduce manufacturing costs.
• Innovative mechanical engineer with 5+ years of experience designing, developing, and testing mechanical systems for the aerospace industry. Proficient in SolidWorks and AutoCAD with a strong background in thermodynamics and manufacturing processes. Excels at optimizing designs and ensuring quality control.
• Multifaceted civil engineer with 7+ years of experience in designing, planning, and coordinating infrastructure projects. Expertise in project management, structural analysis, Civil 3D, and SAP2000. Strong reputation for completing projects on time, within budget, and in compliance with environmental regulations.

Project manager resume summary

• Innovative construction project manager with over 7 years of experience in managing large-scale commercial projects. Skilled in project planning, budgeting, resource management, and safety compliance. Successfully led a team of 50+ contractors to complete a $20M office complex ahead of schedule, resulting in cost savings of 15%.
• Resourceful IT project manager with 6+ years of experience leading software development projects in fast-paced tech environments. Expertise in Agile and Scrum methodologies, team leadership, and stakeholder communication. Delivered a cloud migration project for a Fortune 500 that improved system efficiency by 40%. Proven ability to manage complex timelines, budgets, and cross-functional teams.
• Creative and results-driven marketing project manager with 4 years of experience managing cross-channel campaigns and driving brand growth. Proficient in strategic planning, budgeting, and analytics. Led a product launch campaign that resulted in a 30% customer engagement increase and a 20% boost in sales within Q1.
• Meticulous and proactive healthcare project manager with 7 years of experience overseeing software implementation. Implemented an EHR system that reduced patient record retrieval times by 40%. Skilled at managing cross-functional teams and ensuring project compliance with healthcare regulations.

Management resume summary examples

• Results-oriented operations manager with a strong background in optimizing production processes and improving manufacturing efficiency. 10+ years of experience in team leadership, employee training, and supply chain management. Dedicated to high standards for safety, quality, productivity, and team morale.
• Creative and strategic marketing manager with 6 years of experience driving digital marketing initiatives for tech companies. Expertise in SEO, content marketing, email campaigns, and social media strategy. Adept at analyzing market trends, customer needs, and competitor activity to create impactful marketing strategies.
• Detail-oriented retail manager with 4 years of experience managing high-volume operations. Proven track record of driving revenue growth, enhancing customer service, and leading teams to exceed sales targets.
• Dynamic general manager with 6 years of experience in the hospitality industry. Expertise in strategic planning, staff development, and budgeting. Led teams that exceeded company goals for guest satisfaction and efficiency. Adept at fostering a positive employee culture while improving profits and reducing costs.

Nursing resume summary examples

• Compassionate and reliable LPN with 4+ years of experience providing high-quality, long-term patient care. Skilled in monitoring vital signs, administering medications, and assisting with daily patient activities. Proven ability to collaborate with healthcare teams to ensure optimal patient outcomes in fast-paced environments.
• Dedicated RN with over 5 years of experience providing high-quality hospital care. Proficient in patient assessment and critical care interventions. Collaborates effectively with multidisciplinary teams to ensure patient safety.
• Intuitive and resourceful RN with 3 years of experience providing exceptional labor and delivery, post-anesthesia, and neonatal care. Proficient in comprehensive assessments, individualized care plans, and family-centered care practices. Collaborative team player with a commitment to ongoing professional development.

Physical therapist resume summaries

• Results-driven physical therapist with 4 years of experience in outpatient rehabilitation for sports-related conditions. Adept at assessing patients’ needs, providing evidence-based treatments, and tracking progress. Skilled in educating patients on injury prevention, home exercise programs, and proper body mechanics.
• Empathetic pediatric physical therapist with 3 years of experience working with infants to adolescents. Specializes in development treatment plans for developmental delays, neuromuscular conditions, and orthopedic issues. Created comfortable and engaging environments that helped children and families thrive.
• Dedicated physical therapist with 5 years of experience with post-surgical rehabilitation. Specializes in individual treatment plans that improve mobility, strength, and pain management. Extensive knowledge of manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, and patient education techniques.

Medical assistant resume summary examples

• Compassionate CMA with 2 years of experience in family practice settings. Proficient in taking patient histories, preparing exam rooms, and administering vaccines. Excels at managing patient flow, maintaining meticulous EMRs, and building strong patient relationships.
• Patient-focused and dependable medical assistant with 3 years of experience in pediatric care. Proficient in developmental screenings and immunization procedures. Highly organized with a strong ability to maintain a calm and comforting presence.
• Attentive ophthalmic technician with 2 years of experience interviewing ophthalmology patients and conducting diagnostic tests. Strong working knowledge of eye anatomy and ocular medications. Proven ability to cultivate a positive rapport with patients, doctors, and staff.

SEO specialist resume summaries

• Creative SEO specialist with a knack for crafting high-ranking, high-quality EdTech content that resonates with audiences while adhering to SEO best practices. Over 3 years of success driving organic traffic, improving rankings, and enhancing the user experience for websites focused on teaching and learning.
• Resourceful SEO specialist with 5 years of experience optimizing websites for healthcare providers. In-depth knowledge of best SEO practices for medical content and local search optimization. Proven ability to increase traffic and improve online visibility through patient-centered content strategies.
• Detail-oriented and performance-focused SEO specialist with 4 years of experience optimizing e-commerce platforms. Proficient in keyword research, competitor analysis, product page optimization, and analytic tools (Google Analytics, SEMrush, Ahrefs). Delivered tailored SEO strategies that improved rankings and engagement.

Graphic designer resume summary examples

• Versatile graphic designer with 4+ years of experience specializing in web and UI/UX design. Collaborated with developers to create seamless and user-friendly apps with a strong focus on visual aesthetics. Proficient in HTML/CSS, responsive design, wireframing, prototyping, Adobe XD, Figma, and Sketch.
• Dynamic graphic designer with a focus on motion graphics and video production. 3+ years of experience creating engaging animated videos and multimedia designs for advertising campaigns. Proficient in After Effects, Premier Pro, and more with a strong ability to craft videos that align with brand objectives and captivate audiences.
• Innovative graphic designer with 5 years of experience in print advertising design. Adept at designing eye-catching advertisements, brochures, posters, and trade-show materials that increase visibility and drive engagement.

Resume summary examples for HR positions

• Compassionate and strategic human resources manager with 7 years of experience overseeing HR operations in the healthcare industry.  Adept at leading teams, resolving conflicts, and implementing talent management programs. Developed HR policies and training programs that improved employee satisfaction and retention.
• Proactive HR generalist with 5+ years of experience in recruitment, employee relations, performance management, and compliance. Skilled in crafting and implementing training programs that improve efficacy and motivate employees.
• Resourceful HR specialist with 3+ years of success in recruiting and onboarding. Skilled at sourcing, interviewing, using ATSs, and leveraging social media platforms to attract top talent. Proven success in reducing time-to-hire and improving retention.

Administrative assistant resume summary

• Organized and efficient K–12 administrative assistant with 5+ years of experience. Skilled in managing student records, scheduling events, maintaining a welcoming and professional front office, and communicating with students and parents. Proficient in student management software, MS 365, and Google calendar.
• Proactive administrative assistant with 4 years of experience supporting executive teams in fast-paced corporate environments. Skilled in coordinating travel, preparing reports, and handling meeting logistics. Strong track record of improving efficiency and supporting leadership teams to achieve organizational goals.
• Detail-oriented administrative assistant with 3 years of experience in medical office support, patient scheduling, and patient records. Strong working knowledge of HIPAA, EHR systems, and appointment scheduling software. Strong ability to multitask in a high-volume environment while maintaining excellent patient care.

Resume summary examples entry level

• Creative social media coordinator with a background in marketing and graphic design. Excels at crafting engaging and visually appealing social media content. Proficient in Buffer, Photoshop, Canva, and data analysis tools.
• Results-driven and customer-focused sales representative with excellent communication, presentation, and problem-solving skills. Dedicated to identifying customer needs, presenting relevant product solutions, and maintaining exceptional customer satisfaction.
• Dependable MRI technologist with detailed knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology. Proven ability to work efficiently under pressure in fast-paced hospital settings. Proficient in operating and troubleshooting MRI equipment. BLS and ARRT certification.

Summary for resume with no experience examples

• Dependable and compassionate early childhood education student with detailed knowledge of early learning techniques and child development. Highly motivated to contribute to a positive and welcome classroom environment as a preschool teaching assistant. Proven track record of effective verbal and written communication.
• Methodical computer science graduate with academic success developing web applications and software solutions. Proficient in C++, Java, and Python. Exceptional track record with deadlines, punctuality, and effective communication.
• Aspiring front office assistant with strong written communication and problem-solving skills. Advanced expertise in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Adept at learning quickly and thriving in fast-paced environments.

Resume summary examples for students

• Motivated marketing student with academic knowledge of digital marketing, content creation, and social media strategy. Proficient in Adobe Analytics, Asana, and social media platforms. Strong attention-to-detail and written communication skills.
• Energetic and customer-focused UGA student with a strong background in retail sales, communication, teamwork, and time management. Impeccable track record of accurate cash handling and friendly customer service in previous retail roles. Immediately available for a seasonal retail position.
• Dedicated undergraduate with academic knowledge of HR functions, employment law, and benefits administration and a strong motivation to refine my HR skills through a summer internship. Demonstrated exceptional communication, accountability, and leadership through various group projects with tight deadlines.

Resume summary for career change

• Results-driven 9–12 math teacher leveraging 7+ years of classroom experience to an implementation specialist career. Extensive first hand experience with using CAT platforms and data-driven instruction to improve academic outcomes. Highly motivated to help other educators gain the maximum benefit of CAT technology.
• Detail-oriented healthcare professional with 6+ years of experience in patient care, now shifting focus to project management. Strong organizational, leadership, and communication skills developed while coordinating patient care and managing cross-functional teams.
• Analytical technical support specialist and CISSP with 5+ years of experience transitioning to a cybersecurity role. Skilled in identifying vulnerabilities, maintaining secure networks, and ensuring system functionality.

Frequently asked questions about resume summary

Is a summary or an objective better for a resume?

A resume summary is better than a resume objective. You can include an objective in a resume summary, though. A resume summary provides employers with an overview of your skills and experience at the top of your resume. Your summary can include a phrase about your short-term career goal, too.

Describing your objective can be useful for your first job or a major career change as long as you also summarize your skills and background.

Have you tried QuillBot’s free paraphrasing tool? It can instantly level up your resume with powerful word choices and concise syntax.

How can I make my resume ATS friendly?

Some tips for how to make a resume ATS-friendly are:

• Use a simple template, and avoid images and graphics.
• Use standard headings (e.g., “Work Experience”).
• Choose a standard, readable font (e.g., Arial, Calibri) that’s between 10–12 points.
• For bullet points, use standard characters instead of fancy symbols.
• Use keywords from the job posting throughout your resume (e.g., in your summary or objective section).

You should also make sure your resume is free of spelling and grammar errors, so that the ATS’s AI can easily read it. QuillBot’s free Grammar Checker can help you do just that.

How do I start a resume summary?

Start a resume summary with an adjective that describes you professionally (e.g., “dedicated” or “meticulous”) and a phrase that summarizes your role and level of experience (e.g., “Compassionate and innovative reading instructor with 4 years of experience promoting early literacy”).

Then, add 2–3 phrases about your main skills and/or achievements (e.g., “Proficient in advanced LMS features and Science of Reading software” or “Developed engaging lesson plans that improved comprehension and decoding skills for K–3 readers”).

When you’re writing a resume summary, QuillBot’s free paraphrasing tool can help you with effective word choices.

Can I use AI to write a resume summary?

You can use generative AI to draft a resume summary, but you should always rewrite AI-generated text to reflect your own writing voice and to ensure that your resume summary accurately describes your experience.

Some employers use AI detectors, and you don’t want a resume summary that’s too similar to other applicants. The purpose of a resume is to show your unique value.

When you do use AI for help with a resume summary, write the AI prompt with the job description and the rest of your resume {in curly brackets}.

QuillBot’s free Paraphraser can help you revise a resume summary and improve word choices from AI outputs.