Ask a Resume Writer: How Do I Write a Great Resume Summary?

A strong resume summary statement is essential for any job seeker who wants to stand out and get the interview.

But what does a great summary for a resume look like?

How do you write a resume summary statement, and is using an AI resume summary generator a good idea?

Laurie Ballow, Certified Advanced Resume Writer at iHire, breaks it all down for us.

What Is a Summary on a Resume?

“Your resume summary paragraph goes at the top of your resume and serves as a strong introduction for your document. Think of it as a condensed version of your elevator pitch,” Ballow began. “A great resume summary convinces the reader you’re a strong candidate and entices them to read on. Unlike objective statements, which used to be the norm, resume summary statements aren’t about your career goals so much as they are about what you bring to the table that makes you a good match for the role.”

A resume summary for an office manager might look something like this:

Highly organized and detail-oriented Office Manager with 10 years of experience overseeing daily operations, streamlining administrative processes, and fostering a productive workplace environment in hybrid settings. Skilled in managing schedules, multi-million dollar budgets, and resources to increase efficiency and save costs. Known for excellent communication skills, a proactive approach, and the ability to adapt to dynamic business and client needs. Bilingual in English and Spanish.

How to Write a Resume Summary

First, consider your unique experience, skills, strengths, and qualifications.

“Before you try to write a summary paragraph, jot down all your unique selling points,” Ballow advised. “How many years of experience do you have in your industry? What are your educational qualifications? Which of your top skills are in high demand right now? What do you have to offer that others in your field do not?”

Next, consider the types of jobs you’re applying for.

“Look closely at job ads for patterns. Are there certain requirements or qualifications you see repeatedly mentioned? Make sure those get into your resume summary,” Ballow continued. “You’ll want to adjust your resume summary statement so it reflects the specific requirements of each job before you apply, though it’ll save you a lot of time to have a version to start with that’s at least close.”

Now that you have a clear picture of what employers are looking for and what you have to offer, you’re ready to write your resume summary.

“It may seem counterintuitive, but many professional resume writers write the summary paragraph last. You have the entire rest of the document to refer to as you put it together, so you can be confident you’re not overlooking anything,” added Ballow.

Use AI to Write a Great Resume Summary

Can AI help you write a strong summary for your resume?

“AI tools are great for getting started with your resume summary statement. Ask your tool of choice to write a three- to five-sentence summary for a job seeker with your specific qualifications, and be sure to provide details on your target role, too,” Ballow advised.

iHire’s free Resume Builder tool has an AI resume summary generator built in that uses your information and career goals as a starting point. You can edit the summary before proceeding to other sections of your resume, or adjust your skills, experience, and target title and create a new one instantly.

“The key here is to take what the AI resume summary generator provided and make it your own. Don’t go with whatever it spits out at first without modifying it,” cautioned Ballow. “At the end of the day, no matter how strong your resume is, it has to be an accurate reflection of your career.”

With these tips and best practices in mind, you’re now ready to write a great resume summary that will stand out to employers and get you into the “yes” pile! Explore our Resource Center for more resume advice, guides, and templates, and check out our free Resume Builder with AI features that will save you time and get you even closer to your dream job.