Career Summary

A headline, or resume title, hooks your readers and compels them to continue reading. A headline should include your job target as well as the main benefit of hiring you.

The first difficulty with summaries like these is that, being summaries, they will probably not include everything you might at first want to say about yourself.

But this can work to your advantage. In 3 to 4 short sentences, the summary should include that part of your expertise which is most relevant to the specific position.

The most effective summaries target one career goal. If you have more than one possible objective, consider drafting different versions. Your profile can also include a "Key Skills" section, which provides an easy-to-read listing of your core capabilities.

This step is to weave your top credentials into your summary. Keep in mind that the summary helps the hiring manager determine if you should be called for an interview. Include a synopsis of your career achievements to show that your dedication to results is transferable to your next employer.

Here are first quick tips for writing the professional career summary section in a resume:

☛ Keep it short

☛ Know your company

☛ List your technical proficiencies

☛ Rewrite summary

Include a balanced mixture of:

☛ Years of experience, including the scope of your experience.

☛ Relevant educational degrees, certifications, special training, etc.

☛ Specific accomplishments and/or recognition.

☛ Skills and experience that set you apart from the competition.

☛ Areas of expertise in your specific career field.

Employers and recruiters are busy people. Most probably don't have time to read every resume from the beginning to end. What they do is sift through them, short- listing the ones which strike them best in the first few moments.

Example: Customer Service Supervisor

10 years of call center experience including 5 years as a Customer Service Supervisor.

☛ Managed a team of 20 direct reports in a call center environment.

☛ Recognized for improving operational efficiencies by streamlining processes and increasing call service levels.

Extensive experience in recruiting, hiring, and training Customer Service Representatives.

Bachelor's Degree in Business Management.

Examples of career summary for benefits manager:

☛ Experienced Benefits Manager with over 15 years of experience leading the design, analysis, and implementation of benefit related programs.

☛ Rewarded for reducing Benefits Program costs by 25% which resulted in improved customer experiences.

☛ 8 years of direct benefit management experience with a Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources Management.

☛ Received 100% compliance scores in auditing processes, and ensuring compliance with plan provisions and federal, state and local laws and regulations.

☛ SPHR certified.

Example: IT Manager

Results-oriented IT Professional with proven leadership skills. 8 years experience as an IT Operations Manager, plus 5 years as technical and desktop IT support in an enterprise environment.

☛ MBA degree in Computer Science.

☛ Received MCSE, MCSA, and MCSD certification.

☛ Strong knowledge of software architecture, security, and TCP/IP LAN and WAN technologies.

☛ Extensive experience implementing and supporting Microsoft products including: Active Directory, Exchange Server, SQL Server, SharePoint 2007, Office Communication Server, IIS.

☛ 3-6 sentences or bullet points.

☛ It specifies your experience and accomplishments that are most relevant to the job that you want.

☛ Career goals are clearly evident based on your experience and accomplishments.

☛ Avoid the words "I," "me," or "my." These words could be perceived as self-centered. Remember, it's not about you. It's about the company. Tell the company what you have to offer them.

☛ Use resume action words.

☛ Describe specific results using numbers and/or percentages, wherever possible.