10 Resume Profile Examples (And How to Write Yours)

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Imagine you've got everything covered in your resume : You listed your past experiences, included keywords from the job description, and pared it down to design elements an applicant tracking system (ATS) can parse. Now it’s an accurate representation of your professional qualifications—but you still can’t shake the feeling that who you are as a person is getting a bit lost. That’s where a resume profile comes in.

Adding this section to your resume is a good way to show more of your personality while still being professional. Curious? Read on to find out exactly what a resume profile is, and how to write yours—including examples.

What is a resume profile?

A resume profile is a few concise sentences or bullet points that can be placed at the top of your resume (below the header). It “describes who you are as a professional,” says Muse career coach Yolanda Owens , founder of CareerSensei and who also worked as a college corporate recruiter for more than 20 years.

Once you perfect your resume, check out open jobs on The Muse to maximize your chances »

Career professionals don’t all agree on the exact contents of a resume profile, or even on whether it’s different from a resume summary . So you have a bit of flexibility in how you think about yours and what you include in it.

For example, you might think of a resume profile as a way to “tell the reader who you are, what you do, and what you’re looking for,” so that you can grab their attention and “quickly showcase your accomplishments,” says Muse career coach and former recruiter Jennifer Smith , founder of Flourish Careers .

Or you might approach your resume profile like Owens does, as the equivalent to “a dating profile that describes how you see yourself at work, and the type of work environment that makes you feel productive and purposeful.”

What’s the difference between a resume summary and a profile?

While some career coaches may use the terms resume summary and resume profile interchangeably, others treat them differently.

The first is a quick synopsis of the relevant experiences and skills you bring to a role. The latter can do the same, but it can also focus on your traits and achievements, your story as a professional, and your desires for your next role.

At this point, you might be wondering: If a resume profile includes what you’re looking for in your next role , how is it different from a resume objective ? Some people say that resume objectives are outdated at best and a waste of space at worst. If that’s true, why is a resume profile acceptable?

The difference lies in “the additional context that’s included in the profile,” says Smith. A traditional objective merely states what you’re looking for and maybe a vague reason why. But “the profile goes deeper into who you are and what you do” in addition to what you’re looking for next, connecting your past and present to your future.

Is a resume profile necessary? Who should use it?

Resume profiles can be advantageous for all job seekers, Smith says, especially for those “who are changing either their role or industry.” If you’re a career changer , a strong, explicit resume profile will give you space to tell the reader right up front that, no, you didn’t apply to this job by mistake—this is the next step in your career and here’s why.

Resume profiles are also particularly useful for entry-level job seekers who may need to tie their education and other experiences together more explicitly. If a candidate is writing an entry-level resume , Owens suggests that they “use the profile section to explain what they’re looking for in terms of challenges and learning, and the skills they possess that could potentially add value.”

What to include in a resume profile

Think about what you’d want the person reading your resume to know first. Is it something about your qualifications or your biggest accomplishment? Is it how well you work with others or what your personality adds to a team? This is what should go into your resume profile. You have a few sentences (or bullets) to work with, so don’t restrict yourself to highlighting just one thing.

Here are a few types of information that you can include in a resume profile, according to our coaches:

  • Relevant skills and experiences
  • Relevant achievements and accomplishments
  • Years of experience
  • Strengths as a professional (both soft and hard skills )
  • Signature traits related to the job
  • Personal traits that contribute to your work
  • Qualities you’re looking for in your next role, team, or company
  • Willingness to relocate (if you’re applying to a job not near the location listed on your resume)

What are recruiters looking for in a resume profile?

Don’t underestimate the power of a good first impression to get someone to keep reading the rest of your resume with interest. “The resume profile has an ability to quickly convince a recruiter that the person is a strong, qualified candidate,” says recruiter and Muse career coach Steven Davis , founder and CEO of Renaissance Solutions .

But recruiting isn’t just about making sure candidates have the right skills, Owens says. Recruiters also need to get a feel for whether the team and work environment will be a good match for the candidate long term.

Candidates’ skills and experiences should be well represented throughout their resumes, so as a recruiter, Owens most often “looked at the profile as a way to get a sense of their work persona and gauge environment fit for the role.”

How to write a profile for a resume : 5 steps

Once you know what recruiters and hiring managers are looking for in your resume profile and what you’d like to portray, you can follow these tips as you write your own:

1. Keep it concise

Your resume profile should be no more than four sentences or bullet points, and should not have more than 500 characters. Remember recruiters read dozens of resumes daily, so you don't want yours to be unnecessarily long and tiring.

2. Find the format the suits you best

Decide if you want to use either bullet points or paragraph form. Your resume profile can be written as bullet points, but keep in mind that bullet points often take up more space than a paragraph. “To preserve real estate on the resume and attempt to keep it to one to two pages , I always recommend using paragraph format,” Owens says.

3. Consider the position you're applying for

Tailor your profile to the job, but not so much that it’s not true to who you are. If your resume profile is closer to a summary that highlights your key qualifications and accomplishments as they relate to a given job, you should be tailoring it very carefully for each application and incorporating keywords from the job description.

Read more: What it Really Means to "Tailor Your Resume"

However, if your resume profile is more of a personal (but still professionally appropriate) description of yourself, Owens recommends against tailoring it to match each job: “What you don’t want to do is try to tell employers what you think they want to hear,” she says, if it doesn’t reflect who you are. “That’s how you end up in positions where you’re ultimately unhappy.”

4. Quantify your experiences and accomplishments

Whenever possible, quantify your experiences and accomplishments by adding numbers, percentages, and other metrics to your resume profile. Keep in mind that recruiters nowadays not only want to know what you did, but also what you achieved and the exact results of your work.

5. Show some personality

While the rest of your resume won’t let much of your personality shine through, your profile gives you an opportunity for creativity. If you’re applying to a casual company, you can add a splash of personality, but if you’re applying to a more formal organization, it’s best to keep things more buttoned up.

Resume profile: Examples

Want to know what all this advice looks like in action? Check out these 10 resume profile examples for different types of job seekers and professions.

Career changer

Quality-control team lead with 10+ years experience who specializes in making thorough business decisions and leading others through day-to-day operations to achieve excellence. Decided to transition to the outdoor recreation industry during the COVID-19 pandemic after realizing that people, especially children, spend too much time indoors behind computer screens. Excited to bring experience in quality assurance and operations to a management position at an outdoor recreation facility to help people of all ages get outside and enjoy themselves safely.

Recent college graduate or entry-level candidate

Recent magna cum laude animal sciences graduate with a focus on small animal care excited to bring passion and knowledge to a position with an animal shelter or animal-focused nonprofit and learn more about programs that protect animals from euthanasia. As president of the University of Georgia chapter of the Association of Shelter Veterinarians, planned, organized, advertised, and managed a fundraiser that brought in over $20,000 in donations to a local shelter while also placing 43 cats and dogs with adoptive families. Proud dog mom of two former shelter pets, Dakota and Miley (pictures available upon request).

Account Executive (Sales)

Account executive who has been making deals since my first lemonade stand at age four for a total of $20+ million in sales. I love the rush of being on a sales team working toward goals—both in exceeding my own targets and in cheering on my teammates and celebrating their wins. In my current role, I’ve discovered that the most satisfying feeling of all was teaching a few of our SDRs to close deals. Seeing how proud they were of themselves as they got better motivated me to seek out a sales training role at a highly collaborative company.

Find account executives jobs on The Muse

A detail-oriented accountant with experience preparing tax and financial reports for charities to be posted publicly online. Evaluated budget (including payroll) for inefficiencies and suggested cost-cutting and time-saving measures that ultimately allowed the nonprofit to put an additional 5% of yearly donations directly into charitable programs. Excited to bring accounting skills to a nonprofit in the public health sector after spending over five years volunteering for public health charities such as the Red Cross and Project N95.

Find accountant jobs on The Muse

Customer Service Representative

An empathetic customer service representative who loves getting to talk to new people every day and help them solve problems. Crafted service approach of finding out what customers’ goals are and what their level of expertise in the product was rather than automatically giving boilerplate advice, leading to a 92% customer satisfaction rating. Avid video game player and designer looking to bring this passion to a customer service role for a gaming company.

Find customer service representative jobs on The Muse

Human Resources Manager

Human resources generalist who oversaw the transition of a 100+ employee company to remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic. Adept at dealing with the issues facing fully remote or hybrid workforces, including in hiring, professional development, and conflict resolution. Conceived of and instituted DEI programs for employees working from home. Looking for a position with a company that has a fully distributed or hybrid workforce and is committed to increasing diversity in its hiring pool.

Find human resources manager jobs on The Muse

Marketing Manager

Email marketer with 6+ years of experience gathering data-driven insights to make decisions about marketing campaigns. Conceived, proposed, and executed a campaign for a new headphone line across all marketing channels including email, social, content marketing, and print ads, with a total reach of 30 million impressions leading to over $1 million in sales. A team player who has taken the time to learn what each teammate in 10-person marketing department does and even filled in for them when needed. Excited to find a position in a collaborative work environment that oversees marketing campaigns across multiple channels.

Find marketing manager jobs on The Muse

Office Administrator

  • Friendly, organized, and proactive administrative assistant with four years of experience looking to move into an office administrator role
  • Saved office over $3,000 per quarter in supplies by creating new inventory tracking document on Google Sheets, showing other employees how to check supply levels and request orders, and comparing the supply sheet to inventory every two weeks to stop duplicate supply orders
  • Spent four months filling in for office manager during maternity leave

Find office administrator jobs on The Muse

Project Manager

Looking for a project manager who can save at-risk initiatives and projects and make sure they come in on time and under budget and are fully functional at launch? I’ve held positions in customer care, engineering, product, and communications, so I know how to work with employees in all departments and see a project from multiple angles, ensuring each piece is on track and communicating with stakeholders along the way. I work best in environments where innovation is encouraged and no one expects to wear just one hat.

Find project manager jobs on The Muse

Web Developer

  • Back-end web developer with experience using Java, Python, and SQL to develop features for online databases
  • Go-to debugger on team of seven engineers
  • Developed a site (link) that uses television shows you’ve watched to suggest new shows based on the ratings and recommendations of users with similar watch histories, bringing in an average of 10,000 visitors monthly

Find web developer jobs on The Muse

how to write a profile in a resume

How to Write a Convincing Resume Profile [+23 Examples]

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On average, a recruiter looks at your resume for around 6 seconds. 

Yep, that’s right - they give your CV a quick skim, and if they don’t find what they’re looking for, they just move on to the next one.

Think fast!

How can you convince the recruiter to read your resume, the same instant they look at it?

The answer is simple: you should create a resume profile.

And in this guide, we’re going to teach you how, exactly, you can do that.

  • What a resume profile is and why it’s important
  • How to create an effective resume profile in 3 easy steps
  • 26 practical resume profile examples

How to Write a Resume Profile (Step-by-Step)

OK, let's start with the obvious - what even is a Resume Profile?

The resume profile is a short,3-5 sentence paragraph that summarizes your career. It covers your top achievements, skills, and years of experience. 

The resume profile is also known as a resume summary and resume profile statement.

Here’s what a resume profile looks like on a resume:

resume summary resume profile

Now, let’s talk about why you should include a resume profile:

  • It shows the recruiter that you’re relevant from the get-go, giving them a reason to read the rest of your resume.
  • It helps you stand out. You don’t just show the recruiter that you’re relevant - you show them that you’re THE right candidate.

And here's an example of a well-written Resume Profile:

Customer Service Team Lead with three years of experience in a multicultural BPO environment. Specialized in the creation & monitoring of KPIs, compliance with SLAs and being the main POC for all key internal and external stakeholders. Looking to transfer process management and performance quality control skills into the exciting position as Quality, Control and Compliance Specialist at XYZ Ltd.

Keep in mind, though, that a resume profile is different from a resume objective.

  • The resume profile summarizes your work experience to date and your relevant skills and achievements.
  • The objective , on the other hand, is more about your professional goals. You DON’T include work experience here. Instead, you focus more on why you want to work at company X, and how your background makes you the right fit.

So, if you don’t have much relevant work experience (recent graduate, career change, etc.), you should opt for a resume objective instead.

Now that we’ve got the basics out of the way, here's a thorough Step-by-Step on how to build YOUR resume profile:

Step #1 - Tailor Your Resume Profile to the Position

The first thing to do is to tailor your resume profile to the position you're applying for. 

You can’t just take the lazy way out and create a one-size-fits-all resume profile. That way, you’re pretty much setting yourself up for failure.

Instead, it should 100% be written with the job you’re applying for in mind.

When writing your resume profile: 

  • Look at the job ad you want to apply to;
  • See the requirements;
  • Tailor your profile accordingly.

Now, here’s what this looks like in practice. Let's say you're applying for a position in digital marketing.

  • 1 - 3 years of experience with Google Ads
  • Experience with Facebook Ads
  • Excellent copywriting skills
  • Experience using Google Tag Manager and Google Data Studio is an advantage

We highlighted all the must-have requirements with Bold and underlined what’s optional.

Now, let’s create the right resume profile for the job:

Google Ads Specialist with 2 years of experience in the creation and management of Google search, display and video ads. Six-month-long project experience with social media marketing. Highly skilled with Google Search, Facebook Ads Manager, and Google Tag Manager. Experienced in creating project reports for clients with Google Data Studio.

Step #2 - Mention Your Top Wins

Now let's look at what you CAN and CAN'T include in your resume profile.

DO's - Relevant :

  • Top skills;
  • Problems solved;
  • Key achievements;
  • Awards won;
  • Anything that is irrelevant to the job applied for, no matter how big the achievement, how top the skill or how much effort you put into winning that award.

Now, let’s cover a practical example.

Let’s say that 2 candidates are applying for a Junior Javascript Developer position.

Here’s a resume profile done right:

  • Recent Computer Science graduate with hands-on experience. Took part in 6-month-long Agile development process project, working with: JavaScript, HTML5, CSS3, Ajax, Rest, XML, Angular 2+ and jQuery. Completed “The Complete JavaScript Course 2019: Build Real Projects” course from Udemy. PMP Agile Certified Practitioner.
  • Recent Computer Science graduate with 6 months of experience with JavaScript. Currently ongoing Master’s in Photography. Certified lifeguard and professional football player. Freelance writer with over 200,000 regular monthly readers.

See the difference between the two? The first is 100%, completely focused on the role.

The second, well, not so much.

Which one would you call in for an interview? Exactly!

job search masterclass novoresume

Step #3 - Focus on Achievements (Instead of Responsibilities)

And last but not least – focus on achievements. 

Your resume profile should be a summary of the biggest wins in your career (not a list of things you’ve done).

Your goal here is to “Wow” the recruiter, not to get them saying “Oh, well, that’s OK, I guess.”

So for example, let’s see how this is NOT done

  • Seasoned recruiter with experience in publishing job ads, sourcing candidates, and conducting interviews.

See the issue here? Anyone that’s into recruitment can say they’ve done this. You’re not saying anything special.

Now, what if we turn this example into an achievement:

  • Seasoned recruiter with X+ years of experience in tech hiring. Hit and exceeded hiring KPIs by over 50% for 2019’s first and third quarter. Specialized in working with senior talent in software engineering and executive management.

See the difference? The first example is a very generic candidate, while the second is a high-achiever.

In some fields, you might not have a lot of achievements to mention - and that’s totally OK.

If you’re a cashier, for example, you can’t say that “you’ve processed over 1,000 transactions per month.”

In such cases, it’s totally OK to stick to responsibilities and experiences instead!

[Bonus] The Novorésumé Formula for Writing Resume Profiles

Having some difficulties with your resume profile?

  • [Your Field] professional with X+ years of experience, skilled in [Skill 1], [Skill 2], and [Skill 3]. Looking to apply my [Domain] knowledge as a [Job You’re Applying For] at [Company X]. Experience in [Top Achievement #1] and [Top Achievement #2].

Now, here’s what the template looks like when put into practice:

UX / UI Designer with 5+ years of experienced, skilled in Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop. Looking to apply my software design know-how as a lead UX designer at Company X. Previous experience in designing most of [Software Startup A] and [Software Startup B]’s software UX and UI.

Resume Profile Q&A

Still have some questions on how to polish up your resume profile? We’ve got you covered:

Q: How do I list a resume profile as a student ?

A: Simple! Go for a resume objective, instead of a profile. In that case, you’ll focus more on your skills and goals instead of work experience.

Don’t forget to specify where and how you got those skills. No need to go into in-depth explanations, but make sure they sound realistic and avoid vagueness at all costs.

Still have some space left? Feel free to add relevant university projects you’ve completed. 

Soon-to-be graduate from XYZ University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. 4.0 GPA in Experimental Psychology. Took part in a month-long internship at the university psych lab. Excelled at psych questionnaire development and implementation, and SPSS data analysis. Excited to transfer and develop skills further as a Junior Psychological Measurement Specialist at ABC Ltd.

Are you struggling with creating your first student resume? Check out our guide on how to create a resume with no experience!

Q: How do I list a resume profile as a career-changer ?

A: What you need to do here is focus on your transferable skills . Like so:

“Customer Support Specialist with over three years of experience in first and second-line phone and chat technical support, looking to transfer communication skills as a Sales Representative at XYZ Ltd. Excellent track record of reliability, being the main POC for all escalation points, and likeability, having received an average of 9.3/10 customer rating for the last two quarters.” 

23+ Practical Resume Profile Examples (For Every Field)

Need some inspiration with your resume profile?

Here are 23 practical resume profile examples you could borrow ideas from...

Customer Service & Sales

Customer service specialist resume profile.

“Motivated and experienced first-line customer service and support specialist with over three years of work put into tech support, troubleshooting and customer satisfaction. Experienced with LiveAgent and ZenDesk. Excellent track record in providing excellent support service. XYZ Ltd.’s employee of the month for May 2019 for receiving a 99.99% support satisfaction rate.”

Not sure how to build a customer service resume ? We have a guide for that!

Sales Associate Resume Profile

“Accomplished Sales Associate with experience in business and private persons insurance sales. Excellent people and communication skills, proven by last two quarters’ personal success in exceeding department’s KPIs by 25%.”

Want to create a sales associate resume that lands you the job? Check out our guide!

Administration

Executive assistant resume profile.

“Executive Assistant with 2+ years of experience as the companies’ CEO right-hand man. Successfully carried out all key administrative tasks, from communicating with company clients to data entry and creating well-researched office documentation. Highly skilled at MS Office tools.”

Receptionist Resume Profile

“Motivated, communicative receptionist with 5+ years of experience as an office administrator and receptionist in both big and small companies. Meticulous record-keeping, and experience working with MS Office Pack, Intranet and physical bookkeeping.”

For more examples, check out our receptionist resume guide.

Data Entry Clerk Resume Profile

“Data entry clerk with 3+ years of experience in high quantity complex data screening, entry and maintenance . Highly skilled at Excel; extremely fast typer and knowledgeable about digital databases. Strong attention to detail and dedication to the job.”

Copywriter Resume Profile

“SaaS copywriter specializing in landing page optimization. 2+ years of experience writing compelling content for e-mail, Facebook and Google marketing. Experienced in using Google Optimizely and Firebase for A/B testing. Previously worked with Unbounce to create and test new landing pages from scratch.”

PPC Specialist Resume Profile

“Driven PPC Specialist with over 4 years of experience in digital marketing. Proficient at: Google AdWords, Google Analytics, Facebook Ads Manager and LinkedIn Ad Platform. Some copywriting skills gained through freelancing. Experience handling an advertising budget of $80,000 with excellent ROI results.”

Need help creating your marketing resume ? We’ve got your back!

Business and Management

Project manager resume profile.

“Dedicated project manager with 3+ years of experience managing IT projects. Managed 5+ software projects from beginning to completion. Basic understanding of several programming languages, including React, Node.Js, and Java. ”

Check out our project manager resum e guide for more examples!

Business Analyst Resume Profile

“Results-driven Business Analyst with over 7 years of experience in consulting businesses, analyzing their processes and operations and presenting them with practical business solutions. 2 years of experience consulting one of the Fortune 500 companies. Experience using several business process management software solutions, including Appian BPM. Helped increase XYZ LTD’s manufacturing output by over 2.5%.”

Human Resources (HR)

Human resources resume profile.

“HR Specialist with two years of experience in developing small companies’ HR strategies, employee training and organizing company events, while under a tight budget. Experienced with the entire talent acquisition process from recruitment to the retention of employees.”

Recruitment Specialist Resume Profile

“Recruitment Specialist with a B.A. in Human Resources and M.A. in Work and Organizational Psychology with full-scope recruitment experience with both active and passive candidate sourcing. Sourced, interviewed and hired 15+ software engineers in Company X’s expansion efforts to Canada in 2021. ”

Finance & Accounting

Bank teller resume profile.

“Bank Teller with one year of experience as the front office cashier and customer service representative at XYZ Bank’s main office. Experienced with handling customer transactions and inquiries. Highly skilled at customer satisfaction, following bank SOPs and complying with data privacy and safety deposit box standard guidelines.”

Check out our bank teller resume guide for more examples!

Accountant Resume Profile

“Certified Public Accountant with over 8 years of experience. Solid knowledge of US GAAP and accounting systems. Top skills include budget forecasting, advanced computer skills, and analytical reasoning. Looking for a new challenge as an accountant at Company X.”

Check out our accountant resume guide for more examples!

Food & Service

Waiter/waitress resume profile.

“Experienced Waitress with a polite and friendly demeanor. Skilled at working in fast-paced environments; extremely good memory and able to memorize menus quickly and without fault. Previous experience includes working in Restaurant X and Bar Y.”

Check out our guide to server resumes for more examples!

Supermarket Cashier Resume Profile

“Experienced and reliable cashier with a polite and friendly demeanor. Worked at Happy Fun Resort over the past 2 summers as cashier in Company X and Company Y. Strong computer skills and experience working with PoS systems. ”

Discover how to make a cashier resume that excels with our article!

Housekeeper Resume Profile

“Dedicated and hard-working housekeeper with 6+ years of experience with both hotel and private home housekeeping. Very punctual and efficient. Previous experience working at Hotel X and Uncle Bob’s Private Cleaning Crew.”

Technical & IT

Data analyst resume profile.

“Data Analyst with 3+ years of experience. Highly data and detail-oriented with excellent analytical thinking. Background in mathematics, statistics, and computer science. Proven track record of using data to improve company operations. ”

Check out our guide to the data analyst resume for more examples.

Software Engineer Resume Profile

“Full-stack software engineer with 5+ years of experience developing end-to-end software solutions. Worked as head engineer at Tech Company X, leading a team of developers working on a new software solution in the Fin-Tech industry. Expert in Node.Js, React, and Java.”

Discover how to make a software engineer resume that excels with our article!

IT Specialist Resume Profile

“Dedicated IT specialist with 5+ years of experience. Previous positions involved network management and database administration. Advanced knowledge of SQL, C++ and Linux. ”

Need an extra push with your resume? Discover top tips on creating an IT resume in 2024.

Computer Science Resume Profile

“Results-oriented computer science student from University Y looking for an entry-level software engineering position. Good communication skills and team player, having led several teams for university projects. Practical experience working with JavaScript, MySQL, and PHP. ”

For more on computer science resumes , check out our dedicated guide.

Nurse Resume Profile

“Nurse RN with 8+ years of experience providing excellent patient care. M.A. in nursing. Expert at charting, patient care, and medicine administration. Seeking to leverage my experience as a nurse at Hospital X.”

Discover more nurse resume examples in our dedicated guide!

Dental Assistant Resume Profile

“Dental assistant with over 5 years of experience in the field. Charged with direct patient care, patient record-keeping, and routine lab works. Strong knowledge of the Dentrix software.

Graphic Design

Graphic designer resume profile.

“Graphic design specialist with 3+ years of experience working with design and marketing agencies. Responsible for every step of the design process, from conceptualization, to execution. Practical experience in designing flyers, websites, landing pages, and more. Skilled in Adobe Creative Suite and MS Office. Good communication skills.”

Need an extra push with your resume? Discover top tips on creating a graphic designer resume in 2024.

UI/UX Designer Resume Profile

“Detail-oriented UX / UI designer with 5+ years of experience creating end-to-end digital experiences. Designed software solutions in the fin-tech and hr-tech industries. Skilled in Adobe Creative Suite. Fluent in English, Spanish, and French.”

Other Fields

Architect resume profile.

“Architect with 4+ years of experience in landscape design, interior and exterior design, with a focus on designing commercial and residential buildings. Strong attention to detail and creative thinker.”

Discover the top tips for creating an architect resume in 2024 with our guide.

Warehouse Worker Resume Profile

“Hard-working warehouse worker with 4 years of experience in the industry. Physically fit, able to lift heavy objects. Previous experience at Made Up Delivery Solutions involved shipping, receiving and packaging goods.”

Discover more nurse warehouse worker resume examples in our dedicated guide!

Key Takeaways

And that’s a wrap!

Now, let’s summarize everything we’ve learned:

  • A resume profile is a short, 2-4 sentences run-down of your top career highlights and achievements
  • A resume profile is also known as a resume summary and resume profile statement.
  • Don’t have much work experience? You might want to go for a resume objective instead.
  • Every good resume head should include your years of experience (“5+ years of experience doing…”), top achievements (“Increased XYZ LTD’s ROI by X%”), and relevant skills (“Skilled in React, Node.JS, and Java”).

Looking for more career and resume advice? We recommend checking out our career blog for industry-leading articles on how to land the job & succeed in your career!

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20+ Resume Profile Examples for All Industries (+ How-to Guide)

20+ Resume Profile Examples for All Industries (+ How-to Guide)

A resume profile is a short paragraph (3–5 sentences) at the top of your resume that summarizes your career so far. It contains only crucial information like your proudest accomplishments, top skills, or key experiences. Based on it, recruiters will instantly know whether you’re a relevant candidate, and they’ll carefully read your resume instead of barely scanning it.

We’ll help you write an attention-grabbing resume profile statement and provide tips on how to pick out the relevant information to include.

You’ll also get 20+ resume profile examples to steal or get inspired by.

After reading this article, you’ll know:

  • How to create an attention-grabbing, high-quality resume profile
  • How to highlight your best achievements
  • How to customize your resume profile statement for each new position (it’s easier than it sounds!)
  • Most common mistakes to avoid

What Is a Resume Profile?

A resume profile is a short block of text at the top of your resume, right below contact information.

It’s an umbrella term for a resume summary and a resume objective . So when you come across the term resume profile or resume profile statement, remember that it basically means a resume summary and occasionally (for candidates who have limited experience) a resume objective. (Click the links above if you want to learn more about what makes these two different.)

A profile section of a resume contains only the key information from your career.

⚠️ Pro tip: It should always be focused on what you can do for the company, not on what you want out of the job. You can negotiate your conditions later on — in a resume profile, you need to show the value you bring to the table.

Let’s take a look at a good resume profile example.

Notice how the candidate focuses on their areas of expertise and backs them up with specific, quantifiable achievements (%). They also mention being excited about joining the company and how they can contribute.

Sample resume profile

Experienced Retail Store Manager with 5+ years in the industry, responsible for leading teams and driving sales. Increased sales year-over-year by 17% and reduced employee churn by 21%. Strong leadership and communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to coach and develop others. Excited about joining Zara’s team and increasing sales through outstanding customer service and organizational skills.

Below is a bad resume profile statement example for the same position.

I’m a dedicated Retail Store Manager. My experience includes managing a store and making sales, as well as onboarding and training new employees. I speak fluent Spanish and possess outstanding communication skills. I’m looking to join a company where I could further develop my sales and managerial skills.

Not horrible? Maybe. But far from stellar. Here’s why:

  • The candidate described their position, even though it’s common knowledge what that position entails.
  • They did not include any quantifiable results or proof of their skills and expertise.
  • This resume profile also lacks powerful words or action verbs that would make it more impactful.
  • Finally, the candidate used a lot of personal pronouns, which is a big no-no (a resume is always written without a subject).

Resume Profile Examples for the Most Popular Industries and Professions

Here’s the list of resume profile examples for different industries and professions. We hope it will help you get inspired to write your own professional profile for a resume efficiently.

(Or you can just copy the example relevant to your industry, tweak the metrics and the wording a bit and you’ll be good to go!)

If you want to learn more about the ins and outs of writing a resume profile and get step-by-step tips for how to create yours, feel free to scroll down to the next section.

Store Manager resume profile

Experienced retail Store Manager with 5+ years of experience in the apparel industry. Strong leadership and communication skills with a demonstrated ability to coach and develop others. Increased sales year-over-year by 21% and decreased employee churn by 17%. Excited about joining Zara’s team and increasing sales through outstanding customer service and managerial skills.

Customer Service Representative resume profile

Patient and highly organized Senior Customer Service Representative with 5+ years of experience in the trucking and logistics industry. Extensive experience with all major electronic logging devices. Successfully finished 2022 with a 97.2% customer satisfaction rate, leading a team of 7. Looking to join Interex’s team, form a Customer Care team, and establish procedures and benchmarks for successful operations.

Call Center Representative resume profile

Resourceful Call Center Representative with 2+ years of experience in the B2B sector. Highly developed communication and problem-solving skills; thrives in fast-paced environments. At Spinfluence, increased customer satisfaction rates by 27% and handled 70-80 customer calls daily. Excited about joining Omnilert and leading customer service initiatives to boost satisfaction rates and company reputation.

Content Writer resume profile

A dedicated recent graduate with M.A. in English language and literature. 5+ years of writing experience for various types of content, including descriptive, analytical, persuasive, and critical content. Winner of the Alexander Rose Memorial Award for Excellence in Creative Writing in 2021. Excited about contributing to Big Interview’s content marketing team with superb research, writing, and editing skills.

Business Development Manager resume profile

A motivated Business Development Manager with more than 8 years of experience in the fashion industry. Secured a $3.2M contract in previous company and boosted yearly revenue by 32%. Excited about contributing to Skill Communication’s revenue with extraordinary marketing and sales knowledge and skills.

Nurse resume profile

Diligent, registered nurse with 15+ years of experience in private and public hospitals throughout Europe. Specialized in ER, ICU, and burn unit. Nurtured over 45,000 patients and increased customer satisfaction by 25% by adopting and implementing new medical quality control procedures. Wants to join Clearwater hospital and contribute to service quality with excellent medical and people skills.

Software Engineer resume profile

Dedicated Software Engineer with more than 4 years of experience in the education industry. Advanced knowledge of Ruby on Rails, Java, JavaScript, SQL Server, and No SQL. Created numerous features for an interviewing and resume-building platform that generated more than 1M users. Eager to join Big Interview and build advanced features for users around the world.

HR Professional resume profile

People-oriented HR professional with 5+ years of experience. Skilled at employee retention and development. Created and implemented a new learning and development system, which resulted in a 32% employee churn decrease. Excited about joining Aventura and building a world-class team with exceptional human capital and workplace culture development skills.

Marketing Manager resume profile

Data-oriented Marketing Manager with 7 years of experience in the advertising industry. Focused on and excelling at content marketing and email marketing. Successfully handled 7 key accounts with a 95% customer satisfaction score. Looking to join Essence’s Marketing team and increase revenue through tried-and-tested marketing tactics.

Security Guard resume profile

Reliable Security Guard with over 10 years of experience in retail settings. Highly skilled in non-violent crisis management. Overlooked the entire building with only 2 safety incidents in the last 3 years. Wants to join Sephora and ensure a safe working environment through outstanding surveillance and property safety skills.

Receptionist resume profile

Dependable Receptionist with 15 years of experience at luxury hotels. Excels at administrative and front-desk tasks. Fluent in Spanish and Italian. In 2022, handled telecommunications and scheduling with 100% accuracy. Excited about building White Lotus’s image through outstanding customer service skills.

Food Delivery resume profile

Efficient and dependable Food Delivery Driver with 2 years of experience. Skilled in meeting strict deadlines in hectic environments. Winner of the Employee of the month award three times in a row at Dominic’s Pizza. Looking to join Vega and drive brand loyalty through punctual, customer-oriented service.

Accountant resume profile

Ethical Accountant with over 20 years of experience in tax accounting and financial auditing. Skilled in data analysis and budgeting. Reduced a client’s overall business expenditure, saving the company $1M over the course of one year. Enthusiastic about joining Lira IT, managing accounting transactions, and improving company profits.

Project Manager resume profile

Highly organized Project Manager with 5 years of experience in the SaaS space. Excels at planning and managing product implementation and development. Planned and forecasted resource requirements with 98% accuracy in the last 2 years. Excited about joining BackEight and building a successful email automation solution.

Administrative Assistant resume profile

Reliable Administrative Assistant with 3 years of experience. Possesses a strong understanding of corporate policies and procedures. Increased Operations’ team productivity by 32% by simplifying existing operational regulations. Looking to join Evito and support the team with outstanding organizational skills.

Teacher resume profile

Dedicated English teacher with 9 years of experience in high schools. Skilled at implementing numerous pedagogical strategies to successfully teach and develop adolescent students. Winner of the Teacher of the Year award in 2022. Excited to join Eagleton High School and contribute to youth education and development through extensive pedagogical experience.

How to Write a Resume Profile

Here’s a foolproof formula for you:

[Your position + years of experience + industry]. [General experience + key skills]. [Your biggest achievements (quantitative or qualitative)]. [How you can contribute to the company you’ve applied for].

And here’s the process of writing a resume profile statement:

Mention your job title and years of experience

List your key skills, mention your top achievements, describe how your past experience can translate into success for the new organization, write your resume profile last.

  • Tailor each resume profile statement to a specific job ad

Let’s break it down and help you craft a show-stopping professional profile for a resume that will land you that interview.

Adding your current (or latest) job title and years of experience (and optionally industry) will give recruiters some context right away. Spice it up with one or two key adjectives that best describe you.

For example:

  • A creative Content Writer with 4+ years of experience in the B2B space.
  • A dedicated Customer Service Representative with 2 years of experience in the trucking and logistics industry.
  • Senior Retail Manager with 9+ years of experience.

In the next sentence, list your key skills relevant to the position. If you’re changing industries or have limited experience, think of relevant transferable skills you could bring up. As always, try to be as specific as possible.

  • Skilled at writing long-form, educational content for one of the top 10 largest HR firms in the US.
  • Highly developed communication and problem-solving skills; thrives in fast-paced environments.
  • Excels at training and leading email marketing teams and driving sales.

Remember those quantifiable achievements you need to list in the Work Experience section ?

It’s time to pick out the most impressive one and list it in the profile section of a resume.

Remember the time you saved the company some money; or increased sales; or engaged and retained customers or team members? List that.

Can’t come up with an impressive achievement?

Think about your duties and view them through the lens of:

  • Frequency: how often you delivered, how many calls you took per day, etc.
  • Scale: how many people you managed, how big the budgets you handled were.
  • Qualitative achievements: if you don’t have hard numbers but you know you did something well, mention it. This can be a promotion, employee of the month award, etc.
  • Increased blog traffic by 21% in 2022.
  • Increased customer satisfaction rates by 19% in 2021 by developing and implementing a new operational policy.
  • Increased monthly sales by 37% in Q3 2022 and decreased employee churn by 13% through a new reward and development program.
  • Winner of the Employee of the Month award 3 months in a row.
  • Successfully taking 50–70 customer calls per day and resolving issues within 10 minutes.

For more help, read all about How to list achievements and accomplishments on a resume (tons of examples included).

Remember that you need to focus on how you will contribute to the company, not on what you need from it.

Now’s the time to do it.

This sentence is usually the last one. In it, say that you are excited to join their company and do X by means of Y.

X = The plans or initiatives that were mentioned in the job ad; or the goals planned for that particular position.

Y = Your experience and expertise.

  • Excited about joining Big Interview and leading customer service initiatives to boost satisfaction rates and company reputation.
  • Looking to contribute to Big Interview’s content strategy with superb writing, editing, and SEO skills.
  • Excited to join Zara’s retail team to boost sales and increase customer satisfaction with excellent customer service and communication skills.

A friendly piece of advice: although a resume profile statement comes at the top of your resume, make it the last section you write.

This is a very short paragraph that needs to contain only the essential information. If you write it first, you’ll likely forget to include a valuable piece of info. You’ll also probably be a bit vague and waste precious space.

So write it at the very end. You’ll be able to see the bigger picture, prioritize information, and pick out the jewels of your career thus far.

Tailor each resume profile to a specific job ad

We always recommend tailoring your entire resume to a specific job ad — the resume profile is no different.

Each job ad contains specific requirements and keywords. Including those keywords will prove that you have the exact experience they’re looking for.

In addition, it will help you pass the Applicant Tracking System (ATS) easily.

Here are some tips on how to make your resume stand out:

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here’s a bad example of a professional profile for a resume for a Store Manager. On the face of it, it looks fine. Heck, it actually seems to follow the formula we outlined above! But let’s take a closer look.

Let’s dissect it to see which common mistakes you need to avoid.

Being generic

Whenever you can, include details about the industry you’re in, the type of clients you worked for, work achievements and not duties, and how exactly you can contribute to the company.

The example above is generic as it contains a lot of words that say essentially nothing.

“Motivated store manager with over 5 years of retail experience”.

❌ “Motivated” might not be the best adjective to use, as it’s not painting an exact picture and it’s a general trait that is not THAT relevant to a store manager position. Highly organized? Reliable? Process-driven? Much better! These tell us a bit about the person’s capabilities and priorities.

❌ “…Over 5 years of retail experience” — if they’re a store manager, it’s very likely they’re in retail. Instead of being generic, they could have mentioned the industry (apparel; cosmetics, auto retailers, home furnishing, etc.).

Be as specific as possible; otherwise, you’ll leave recruiters in the dark.

Using buzzwords and meaningless jargon

Buzzwords waste space. They’re the fast food of your resume. Tempting but useless.

❌ “Looking for new opportunities to utilize my skills and experience to drive business success”. Utilize what to do what? What does business success even mean?

Not to mention the fact that this candidate appears focused on themselves and their goals only.

Resume profile - Mocking Spongebob

Not referring to the job ad

We’ve said this so many times we’re getting a bit tired of ourselves.

The resume profile, the work experience section, skills, tailor everything.

Tailoring a resume meme

Not quantifying your achievements

Always quantify your achievements; otherwise, recruiters won’t know how good at your job you are.

Key Takeaways

  • A resume profile is like a trailer for the movie that is your resume. You need to crush it or your resume’s box office will be a flop.
  • Use this bulletproof formula: [Position + experience + industry] + [General experience + key skills] + [Biggest achievements (quantitative or qualitative)] + [Potential contribution] .
  • Hand-pick your key skills and best achievements.
  • Explain how your experience can contribute to the prospective company’s success.
  • Write your resume profile last, after you’re done with the rest of the resume.
  • Tailor each resume profile statement to a specific job ad.
  • Don’t be generic and don’t use buzzwords.
  • Have someone check your resume (look for missing info, formatting inconsistencies, typos, etc.). A quick and easy solution is to upload your resume to our Resume AI tool which will give you exhaustive feedback and help you polish your profile section of a resume and the rest of it.

_______________________

Need a hand? There’s 3 ways we can help you:

  • Learn how to write an eye-catching resume that lands jobs
  • Discover how to list work experience in a resume
  • Get Resume AI and improve your resume minutes

Now go and write! Good luck!

How to write a resume profile if I have no experience?

If you don’t have relevant experience, you can create an effective resume objective (remember that resume profile is an umbrella term for both resume summary and resume objective). In your resume objective, you will focus on who you are as a professional and what you look for in your career and in a particular role. Emphasize your potential, your transferable skills, relevant certifications and courses, and how you can contribute to the company. As always, you’ll want to tailor your resume objective to each role you apply for.

Do I have to include the profile section on my resume?

It is recommended to include a profile section of a resume, resume summary, or resume objective because they help grab recruiters’ and hiring managers’ attention. Including a resume profile also helps save the hiring decision maker’s time, immediately presenting how your skills are relevant to the job.

What’s the difference between a resume profile, a resume summary, and a resume objective?

A resume profile is an umbrella term for resume summary and resume objective. A resume summary is a paragraph at the top of a resume that provides a short overview of your key achievements, skills, and qualifications. It’s suitable for experienced professionals. It is focused on what you bring to the table and how the company will benefit from having you on their team. A resume objective, on the other hand, focuses on your career goals and aspirations. It includes the type of job you’re seeking and what you want to achieve in that role. It’s suitable for candidates with no experience, for entry-level positions, or career changers.

What are the best words to use in a resume profile?

The best words to use in a professional profile for a resume are action verbs which showcase your drive and achievements (accomplished, administered, achieved, increased, decreased, doubled, converted, solved, executed, established, implemented…), and power words to better describe you (result-oriented, analytical, innovative, adaptable, committed, experienced…).

What to include in a professional resume profile?

Include your position, years of experience, and industry. Then, a bit of general experience and some of your key skills. Add your proudest accomplishments and quantify them, and finish off with a short description of how you can contribute to the company.

Should a resume include a profile picture?

In the US (and many other countries), it is not recommended to include a headshot on a resume in order to avoid discrimination and unconscious bias. Besides, the whole point of your resume is to highlight your achievements and skills which have nothing to do with the way you look. However, in some countries (mainly in Asia and South America) people usually include their photos. Although we still don’t recommend it, it’s best to check best practices for the company and the country in which you’re applying. Of course, certain job ads will require a photo, so you’ll need to include it in your resume (like for modeling, acting, etc.).

how to write a profile in a resume

Maja Stojanovic

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How To Write An Effective Resume Profile (With Examples)

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In This Guide:

Tackling the difficulty of writing “about me”, do you need a resume profile, professional resume profile: how to write one, examples from different industries, what else can you include besides a resume profile, what is the difference between a resume profile and resume summary, resume profile: gotchas & takeaways.

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Title: “How To Write An Effective Resume Profile (With Examples)”

In a world full of distractions, it’s extremely hard to get someone’s attention.

Recruiters and hiring managers are no exception.

That’s why starting with a decent resume profile is a great way to hook the reader and get their attention.

This way, you can significantly increase your chances of landing a job interview.

In the following article you will learn:

  • How to overcome the struggle of writing about yourself
  • When and why you need a resume profile
  • How to write one that will put you ahead of other applicants
  • Real industry examples to help you find inspiration

Let’s dive right in!

Writing about yourself is simply the easiest task for some and at the same time the most difficult one for others.

But why is that so?

In most cases, the reason is a lack of confidence or no clear idea of what information is most pertinent.

Luckily, we are here to help you.

We will provide you with an outline of how to write a great resume profile, and help you feel more comfortable with describing your ambitions, goals, and previous achievements.

But before we discuss why you need a resume profile, here are a few tips on how not to sound awkward:

  • Don’t try to make people like you
  • Don’t use jokes in your resume profile
  • Rephrase your sentences to find the best, yet simple, wording
  • Shorten your sentences and be specific

But first and foremost, what is a resume profile?

A resume profile is a section of a resume that includes a brief summary of an applicant’s previous experience, skills, and future goals related to a specific job opening.

With that being said, you know that this  resume section  can really help you stand out among the rest of the candidates.  

To fully understand what to include in it, you need to ask yourself the following questions:

  • Are you changing careers?
  • Are you an experienced professional?
  • Are you an entry-level worker, a recent college graduate, or still a college student?

If you are changing careers, you should highlight your previous achievements and proven track record of successful case studies in your recent jobs. You can briefly describe why you decided to change your career path and embark on a new journey, professionally.

If the answer to the second question is yes, you can write even more about your previous success stories.

Mention how you helped your former company achieve great results and why you were a valued member of the team. You might also include a “promise” of how you can help your new employer achieve their goals based on your experience and knowledge.

And last, if you are an entry-level worker or still a college student, focus on the future! Set new goals that you want to achieve and describe how you fit the company’s mission and culture.

We know it may sound overwhelming, but don’t worry. If you follow the structure, creating a resume profile is simple!

As we mentioned, it’s all about the right structure and points you want to highlight.

Based on our long-term experience, we found the formula to create the perfect resume profile!

All you need to highlight is:

  • Key achievements

Start with your experience. If you have a long employment history, tailor your resume and your resume profile in a way it suits the position you’re applying to.

If you are not sure how to tailor your resume properly, don’t hesitate to check out our detailed article where we guide you through the process!

Key achievements are also a great way to show your expertise and convince the hiring manager that you are the right applicant for the job. Add them right after the experience to bring more value to the opening lines.

Last but not least, highlight your technical and soft skills to enrich your resume profile even more. Present yourself as a professional with great technical knowledge and a colleague who is always there for the team!

Where does it go in your resume?

Your resume profile is a perfect fit for the top of your resume. Most recruiters won’t read the document if the start is not relevant to the position. Always begin with the header, followed by the resume profile.

The hiring managers will get to know you and your goals and will be able to decide whether to give you a chance or not.

Let’s check out some great industry examples!

Project Management Resume Profile example:

Enhancv How To Write An Effective Resume Profile (With Examples)

As you can see, Alex writes about his 5 years’ experience in covering project and product management to demonstrate strong experience in the field. After that, he presents himself as a fast and eager learner, who can quickly adapt to any changes and project requirements.

The whole resume profile is simple, clear, and straight to the point!

Interior Design Resume Profile Example:

Enhancv How To Write An Effective Resume Profile (With Examples)

In this case, John Seamore lacks a work history but has 3 years of freelance and volunteer experience. He plays well with the numbers to strengthen the statement in his resume profile.

The resume profile is simple, clear, and gives enough valuable information to the hiring managers!

Computer Science Resume Objective Example:

Enhancv How To Write An Effective Resume Profile (With Examples)

<>Here, the applicant again lacks work experience, but the approach is different. He speaks more about what his goal is – to join the ABC development team as a software engineer. He mentions his position as a co-founder of SaveIt student finance management service, which shows he has an entrepreneurial mindset and willingness to develop. Again, the whole summary is clear and straight to the point.

CHECK OUT 10 MORE EXAMPLES OF RESUME PROFILES HERE

A resume profile is only one of the  secondary resume sections  you might want to include to empower your CV.

Some other sections to consider are:

  • Headline title – This is the opening section at the top of your resume that serves as a way for the recruiters to get to know who you are and how to contact you. It’s the first thing an employer should see and the one that makes the first impression.
  • Key achievements section – In this section, it’s appropriate to give more information about your greatest achievements and any certificates earned.
  • Strengths – If you have strong characteristics that you want to share with your future employer, this section is the right place for that!
  • My time – The distribution of your time is a great way to describe what type of person you are as well as outline your hobbies and interests.

Frankly, there is no difference at all.

A resume profile is another way to say resume objective or resume summary. The purpose of these sections is the same – to grab the attention of the reader, present you in the best possible way and tilt the scales in your direction.

Let’s summarize:

  • It’s not so hard to write about yourself if you know the right structure and process.
  • No matter if you just finished university or if you are on the path to a career change, you need a resume profile.
  • Following our formula can help you write a professional resume profile quickly and easily.
  • Your resume profile should be unique, depending on the industry you are operating in.
  • There is no difference between a resume profile and summary.

What did you think of this article? Do you feel ready to create an awesome resume profile? Share your thoughts in the comments! :)

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Resume Profile Examples: 20 Samples (+ How to Write One)

Kayte Grady

3 key takeaways

  • A resume profile is a statement summarizing your most notable achievements.
  • There are three specific elements you need to include to create a good resume profile.
  • Teal's Resume Builder has a Summary Generator to help you create a profile in less time.

Crafting a good resume profile is a crucial step in your job search. It's the first thing employers see, and it needs to convey your professional value quickly. But distilling your entire career into a few impactful sentences can be tricky.

In this article, you'll learn what makes a strong resume profile and how it differs from similar resume introductions. You'll also discover the key elements to include, see resume profile examples from various industries, and get step-by-step instructions for writing your own standout profile.

Need a resume profile? Make a free resume with Teal and use AI generation to get it done—fast.

What is a resume profile?

A resume profile is a short statement that summarizes your key qualifications and strengths designed to immediately capture hiring managers, recruiters, and prospective employers' attention and convey why you're an excellent fit for the position.

As prime resume real estate, your resume profile sits at the very top of your resume, underneath your name, contact information, and target title. 

It is a concise snapshot (around five sentences), highlighting your most relevant and compelling qualifications and experience that aligns with what a future employer is looking for.

Resume profile example

Resume profile vs. resume summary 

Resume profiles and resume summaries are often used interchangeably, with good reason. Both provide a snapshot of your professional identity to grab the employer's attention. The main difference? A profile is more results-driven, focusing on tangible skills and specific achievements. A resume summary offers a broader overview, potentially including softer skills or general qualifications.

Resume profile vs. resume objective

The distinction between resume profiles and resume objectives is clearer. A resume profile showcases what you bring to the table, highlighting specific skills and achievements.

A resume objective, however, talks about your career goals or aspirations. It's typically used by career changers, new grads, or those returning to the workforce. Unless you fall into these categories, an objective might not be your best choice. It can seem self-centered and doesn't immediately show your value.

Benefits of a strong resume profile

A professional resume profile helps you stand out, make a strong impression, and grab the attention of hiring managers. 

A well-written resume profile statement can be a great way to differentiate yourself from other candidates because it sets the stage for the rest of the resume—providing a concise overview of your tangible, measurable qualifications, skills, and achievements. 

So, how does crafting an engaging and compelling profile encourage employers to read further and dive into the details of your experience?

  • Grabs attention by highlighting your most relevant and impressive qualifications immediately, ensuring that the reader takes notice.
  • Makes an impression by enabling you to showcase unique strengths, expertise, and accomplishments—demonstrating why you're the ideal fit for the role.
  • Creates interest by providing a compelling overview of your qualifications and achievements. It also generates curiosity and motivates the reader to explore the rest of the resume in detail.
  • Sets the stage by giving prospective employers a clear understanding of your background and establishing a strong foundation for the following information.
  • Showcases unique value by providing an opportunity to highlight specific achievements, awards, or certifications that demonstrate your exceptional abilities and impact.

A graphic to write a resume profile with Teal

What to include in a resume profile 

Your resume profile should showcase your most relevant experience, skills, and achievements with a focus on impact. Always aim to include measurable results.

As a resume introduction , your resume profile should include:

  • Years of experience
  • Key skills relevant to the job
  • Most impressive achievements with quantifiable results
  • Relevant certifications or education
  • Unique value proposition - what sets you apart?

Remember, keep it concise and impactful. Your goal is to grab the employer's attention and make them want to read more about you.

Professional title

Clearly state your professional title, highlighting your expertise. And remember, your resume title or target title (the title you're aiming for) should sit above your "Resume Profile" section. This helps employers quickly understand your specialization.

Summary statement

Craft a concise summary of your key qualifications, skills, and achievements. Focus on tangible results and notable experiences (but only those relevant and significant to the role you're applying for).

Relevant experience

Highlight your work experience, emphasizing specific accomplishments, projects, or roles that demonstrate your skills and expertise. Quantify your achievements with measurable results to showcase your impact.

List your core skills and competencies that are relevant to the position. Include both technical and soft skills, using industry-specific keywords to optimize your profile and grab attention. Highlight areas of strength like strong leadership, problem-solving abilities, teamwork, or adaptability and connect them to data whenever possible.

Industry-related keywords from the job description

Incorporate relevant keywords and industry-specific terminology throughout your profile. This helps align your profile with the requirements of the target role and enhances your chances of being noticed by hiring managers.

Achievements

Showcase specific accomplishments and successes, like awards, recognitions, or impressive measurable outcomes from your previous roles. Provide quantifiable results to demonstrate your impact.

Professional associations or affiliations

 If you're feeling light on quantifiable metrics, it's okay to mention any memberships in professional organizations, industry affiliations, or leadership roles that demonstrate your commitment to professional development and staying current in your field. Include numbers like years you've been a member or data about your participation.

Language proficiency

 If applicable to the role you're applying for, include any language skills that are relevant to the role or industry. Fluency in multiple languages or proficiency in specific languages can be an asset, particularly in global work environments.

How to write a resume profile summary

A well-crafted resume profile summary is like a short professional bio that typically consists of three key parts: an introductory statement, one or two sentences highlighting your skills and achievements, and at least one metric. This structure allows you to quickly capture the employer's attention and showcase your value and impact.

How to write a resume profile

1. Title your section

If you opt for a title, keep it simple and clear. Use "Professional Profile," "Professional Summary," or simply "Profile." This title immediately signals to the employer what they're about to read, setting the stage for your career snapshot.

2. Introductory statement

Start with a powerful opener that summarizes your professional identity. This should be a concise statement that encapsulates your years of experience, industry, and primary skill set.

For example:

SaaS marketing leader with 8 years of experience in digital campaign management, print and digital media, and brand development.

3. 1-2 statements highlighting skills and achievements (with impact)

Provide specific achievements that demonstrate your value. Focus on results that align with the job you're applying for, and include at least one quantifiable metric to show your impact.

For instance: "I spearheaded innovative social media strategies that increased engagement by 150%, leading to a 25% boost in sign-up revenue. I've led cross-functional teams of 10+ to deliver 7+ marketing campaigns. In addition, my data-driven approach using tools like Google Analytics, Clarity, and AHREFS for content creation increased branded traffic by 40% year-over-year."

Pro Tip: Want to skip the examples and get straight to the point? Teal's AI Resume Summary Generator pulls details from your work experience and the job you're applying for to create customized resume profiles in less time (and with less work!)

Resume profile examples

Looking to get right into it? Check out these resume profile examples from across different industries and roles. Use them as a guide or as inspiration for creating one that highlights your relevant skills and most impressive metrics—differentiating your About Me section from the competition in today's job market.

Resume profile summary examples - education

College professor teaching assistant resume profile.

As a college TA, I deliver exceptional educational support, achieving a 99% pass rate. Recognized for a 96% student satisfaction rate and consistently positive feedback from students and faculty, I received the 2023 Purdue President's Award for dedication to student growth. Skilled in facilitating interactive classroom sessions, I increased student engagement and participation by 20%, as shown by pre- and post-session assessments. I have also mentored and guided over 50 students, leading to their academic achievements and recognition.

Why this is strong: This College TA resume profile statement is strong because it highlights an award for outstanding performance that reinforces their status as highly accomplished and respected.

Student resume profile example

As an ambitious Computer Science student with a passion for innovation and problem-solving, I've completed several notable projects, including a web-based application that streamlined inventory management and reduced processing time by 30%. I also led a 10-person team to build a mobile application that garnered over 15,000 downloads and received a 4.8/5 user rating on app stores. My dedication to learning and staying updated with emerging technologies allows me to consistently deliver high-quality projects within strict deadlines, maintaining a 3.7 GPA.

Why this is strong: This student resume profile example is strong because it highlights relevant academic achievements and leadership skills using metrics and numbers. It also points to the student's high GPA—delivering proof this student is dedicated to their education.

Teacher resume profile summary

With 15 years of success in delivering high-quality math education in the middle school sector, I've achieved a 99% pass rate on standardized math assessments, ensuring students' mastery of key concepts. By implementing innovative teaching strategies, I have increased student engagement by 30% and facilitated a positive and dynamic learning environment. I have effectively mentored and guided over 100 students, resulting in their successful transition to advanced math courses. My ability to differentiate instruction has led to a 20% increase in students achieving above-grade-level proficiency.

Why this is strong: This teacher resume profile example is strong because it emphasizes measurable outcomes, such as increasing student engagement by 30%.

Transitioning teacher resume profile statement

With 10 years of special education instruction, I’ve improved academic outcomes for students with varying abilities. I've increased student engagement by 40% and facilitated significant academic and social-emotional growth. My expertise in data analysis and progress monitoring has led to a 25% increase in students meeting their individualized goals. I have strong collaboration skills, demonstrated by working with over 3,000 parents, 16 multidisciplinary teams, and 100+ community stakeholders to create inclusive learning environments. As a sales representative in edtech, I aim to leverage my special education knowledge and experience with technology to support personalized learning.

Why this is strong: This resume profile example for a career change highlights the teacher's strong communication, collaboration, and advocacy skills and the impact of those skills, which are also incredibly valuable in a sales representative role where building relationships and working with teams are vital.

Professional resume profile examples - hospitality

Event coordinator resume profile example.

Experienced event coordinator with a proven track record of executing successful events and delivering over 100 exceptional client experiences with a 98% client satisfaction rate. Through effective budget management and negotiation, I consistently achieved cost savings of 15% without compromising the quality of events. My strong attention to detail and organizational skills ensured flawless event execution, resulting in a 95% on-time delivery rate. With excellent communication and problem-solving abilities, I have successfully resolved event-related issues and managed last-minute changes, ensuring seamless event experiences for clients and attendees, resulting in no attendee complaints in my 7-year career.

Why this is strong: This event coordinator resume profile example effectively communicates the candidate's expertise in event management and their ability to deliver exceptional experiences for clients and attendees through client numbers and specific metrics that were a result of their strengths and skills.

Guest services manager resume profile example

With 10 years of experience as a guest services manager, I consistently deliver outstanding customer service, achieving a 95% satisfaction rate. I manage a team of 20+ representatives, maintaining a 98% customer satisfaction rating. By implementing streamlined processes and training programs, I reduced customer complaint resolution time by 30%, boosting efficiency and customer loyalty. My strong leadership and motivational skills increased team productivity by 20% and decreased employee turnover by 15%.

Why this is strong: This profile covering a customer service resume role (as guest services manager) is strong because it clearly highlights the candidate's results-driven approach and quantifiable achievements. Specific metrics, such as the 95% satisfaction rate and the 30% reduction in complaint resolution time, demonstrate the candidate's ability to deliver exceptional customer service and drive positive outcomes.

General manager resume profile example

As a results-driven GM who drives operational excellence and business growth, I've successfully led 50 diverse teams in 4 industries, consistently surpassing revenue targets and improving profitability. Through strategic planning and execution, I've achieved a 20% increase in annual revenue and a 15% improvement in profit margins. My strong leadership skills have enabled me to build high-performing teams and foster a positive work culture, resulting in a 30% reduction in employee turnover.

Why this is strong: This general manager resume profile highlights the candidate's track record of driving business growth, exceeding targets, and improving operational performance through the use of specific metrics, such as revenue increase, profit margin improvement, and employee turnover reduction.

Resume profile summary examples - human resources

Human resources administrative assistant resume profile statement.

As an HR administrative assistant, I manage calendars, schedule appointments, and organize virtual meetings, reducing scheduling conflicts by 98%. I've also streamlined document management processes, increasing document retrieval efficiency by 30%. My written and verbal communication skills ensure timely and professional correspondence, maintaining smooth communication within the organization and with external stakeholders, with no negative feedback.

Tech Recruiter resume profile

Tech recruiter with a proven track record of sourcing and attracting top talent for diverse organizations. I've successfully filled positions across industries, from startups to Amazon, resulting in a 95% candidate retention rate. Through my expertise in candidate screening and assessment, I've increased the quality of hires by 20%, contributing to improved team performance and reduced turnover. Utilizing innovative sourcing strategies and leveraging online platforms, I have expanded the talent pool by 30% and decreased time-to-fill by 15%.  

VP of human resources resume profile summary

As a strategic VP of HR, I've successfully developed and implemented HR strategies aligned with business objectives for the last 15 years, resulting in a 25% increase in employee engagement and a 20% improvement in overall productivity. Through effective talent acquisition and retention strategies, I've reduced churn rates by 15% and implemented succession planning initiatives to ensure a strong leadership pipeline. By introducing performance management systems and employee development programs, I've also contributed to a 30% increase in employee performance and advancement. Additionally, my HR compliance and risk management expertise has ensured legal and regulatory compliance while minimizing organizational liabilities by 14%.

Resume profile example - sales and marketing

Account executive resume profile .

Account executive with 7+ years of experience and a proven track record of exceeding quarterly targets by 18% and driving revenue growth. I've successfully generated over $1 million in annual sales, consistently achieving a 20% increase in sales revenue year over year. Through effective relationship-building and consultative selling techniques, I've expanded client portfolios by 30% and maintained a 95% client retention rate. I leveraged effective communication to highlight the value proposition of products and services, resulting in a 15% increase in average deal size. With a focus on customer satisfaction and long-term partnerships, I have built strong client relationships and received positive feedback for providing exceptional customer service.

Email marketing specialist resume profile summary

Analytical and results-driven email marketing specialist with a history of creating impactful email campaigns and driving engagement—resulting in a 25% increase in open rates and a 20% increase in click-through rates. Through effective segmentation and personalization strategies, I've improved email campaign performance and delivered targeted messaging to different customer segments. By utilizing marketing automation tools and conducting A/B testing, I have optimized email workflows and increased conversion rates by 15%. Additionally, I've successfully implemented lead nurturing strategies that have resulted in a 30% increase in lead-to-customer conversion. With strong analytical skills, I have continuously monitored and analyzed 500+ campaign metrics to drive data-based decision-making.

Marketing coordinator resume profile

Detail-oriented and proactive marketing coordinator with a knack for supporting marketing initiatives and driving brand visibility across multiple channels, resulting in a 20% increase in website traffic and a 15% growth in social media following. Through my strong project management skills, I have consistently delivered marketing projects 91% on time and 100% within budget. With excellent written and verbal communication skills, I have contributed to developing over 60 engaging marketing materials and pieces of content that effectively communicate the brand message.

RevOps manager resume profile example

As a RevOps manager, I've implemented revenue processes and technologies that increased sales efficiency by 25% and reduced sales cycle time by 20%. Through my strong analytical skills, I've developed and maintained 50+ revenue dashboards and reports, providing valuable insights into key metrics and performance indicators. By collaborating with sales, marketing, and finance teams, I've streamlined cross-functional workflows, improving overall operational effectiveness by 23%. I've also implemented revenue forecasting and planning methodologies, contributing to accurate revenue projections and informed decision-making. Focusing on continuous improvement, I've identified and implemented revenue optimization strategies, resulting in a 15% increase in overall revenue.

Sales development representative resume profile

Results-oriented SDR with a proven track record of driving lead generation and qualifying prospects. I have successfully generated over 500 qualified leads, resulting in a 30% increase in sales pipeline. Through my effective prospecting techniques and strong communication skills, I have consistently exceeded monthly lead-generation targets by 20%. By leveraging my product knowledge and understanding of customer pain points, I have effectively communicated the value proposition of products and services, resulting in a 25% conversion rate from qualified leads to opportunities.

Resume profile samples - technology

Application developer resume profile summary.

As an application developer specializing in Ruby on Rails, I've developed and deployed robust web applications, improving user experience by 20% and overall application performance by 15%. I've also resolved complex technical issues, reducing application downtime by 25% for smooth operation. Collaborating with cross-functional teams, I deliver projects 97% on time and 100% within budget, resulting in high client satisfaction. Staying updated with industry trends and technologies, I've contributed to adopting best practices and continuous improvement in application development, with 7 years of participation in TechConnect Professionals.

Data scientist resume profile

Analytical and detail-oriented data scientist with a strong track record of leveraging data-driven insights to drive business growth by an average of 27% year after year. I have successfully developed and implemented machine learning algorithms that have improved predictive modeling accuracy by 20% and increased revenue by 15%. Through my proficiency in programming languages and data manipulation tools, I have efficiently processed and analyzed large datasets, resulting in efficient data-driven decision-making. In 2023 I received the DataDriven award for top performing data scientist out of 6000 individuals.  

Full-stack web developer resume profile statement

Highly skilled and versatile full-stack developer with expertise in designing and developing responsive web applications, resulting in a 25% increase in user engagement and a 20% improvement in page load speed. By collaborating with cross-functional teams, I have delivered projects that align with business requirements and user needs, ensuring 96% client satisfaction and 98% positive feedback. With strong problem-solving skills, I have effectively resolved technical challenges, reducing bug occurrence by 30% and ensuring smooth application functionality.

Help desk technician resume profile summary

As a customer-focused help desk technician with a 93% satisfaction rating, I resolved 95% of support tickets within SLAs and cut average ticket resolution time by 20% by quickly addressing hardware and software issues. Through effective communication and empathy, I provided personalized assistance, leading to positive feedback and improved user experience. I also created a comprehensive knowledge base with over 200 support articles, enabling self-service support and empowering users to resolve common issues independently.

Professional resume profile best practices

Creating a strong resume profile boils down to showing a hiring manager your impact through numbers, metrics, and data. You need to make every word count while focusing on your most impactful and relevant accomplishments.

Tip #1: Highlight your strengths through specific achievements. For example, demonstrate leadership by mentioning how you led a team to achieve measurable results.

Tip #2: Quantify your achievements. Instead of "Improved sales," say "Increased sales by 20% in Q1." This provides concrete evidence of your impact.

Tip #3: Tailor your profile to the job posting. Focus on skills and achievements most relevant to the position you're applying for.

Tip #4: Keep it concise and scannable. Use clear language to communicate your key strengths and achievements without unnecessary detail.

Tip #5: Proofread carefully. Ensure your profile is error-free and reads smoothly. Consider reading it aloud to check for clarity and flow.

How to write a resume profile with Teal

The Teal Resume Builder has all of the tools you need to create your resume profile quickly and easily.

Step 1: Sign up for a free Teal account if you haven't done so.

Step 2: Navigate to the Resume Builder icon in the left panel of your Dashboard. From here, you can select the resume you want to create a resume profile summary for or click the "New Resume" button at the top right of your screen.

Step 3: From here, you have two options. Click "Add Professional Summary" then, write a resume profile with AI using Teal's "Generate with AI" feature or craft your own in the space provided.

how to write a profile in a resume

If you opt to use AI, Teal pulls keywords (like technical skills, soft skills, and other important language) from the JD of any role you've saved in your Job Application Tracker as well as from details your from work history and other professional experience.

Common mistakes to avoid with your resume profile

You know what a resume profile is; you've seen some resume profile examples, so now, let's touch on some mistakes to avoid when creating your professional resume profile.

  • Don't use vague or generic statements—be specific!
  • Don't use buzzwords excessively—use language and keywords from the job description.
  • Don't forget measurable results—include impact, numbers, and data.
  • Don't focus on responsibilities—emphasize accomplishments
  • Don't forget customization—tailor your resume profile for every application and role.

Create your resume profile with Teal

A strong resume profile grabs the attention of a hiring manager, recruiter, or prospective employer by showcasing all that you've done in a clear, impactful, and measurable way.

But resume writing doesn't have to be time-consuming. Try the Teal AI Resume Builder to create your resume profile with the click of a button. Or copy and paste one of the resume profile examples above (adding your own metrics, of course) to instantly and effectively communicate your qualifications, skills, and achievements.

Sign up for Teal for free today to get started. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How can i tailor my resume profile to a specific industry or job position, what is the ideal length for a resume profile, and how can i ensure it's concise yet impactful, how often should i update my resume profile, and what triggers should prompt a revision.

how to write a profile in a resume

Kayte Grady

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Resume Profile Explained (with Examples)

13 min read · Updated on January 17, 2024

Ken Chase

Make an impact with a knock-out profile

When it comes to job search success, nothing is more important than ensuring that your resume captures an employer's attention. After all, even the best resumes are useless if no one reads them. Of course, that raises an important question: is there anything you can do to make your resume get the attention it deserves?

In this post, we'll explain how a great resume profile can help you to solve that challenge. We'll explain how a resume profile works, when you should use it in your resume, and how to create a profile that immediately commands interest. Finally, we'll provide several resume profile examples that you can customize and use in your own resume.

What is a resume profile?

If you're already familiar with the resume objective statement or resume summary, then the concept of a resume profile should be easy to understand. Put simply, the resume profile is an introductory paragraph that quickly summarizes your skills and experiences in a way that motivates hiring managers to continue reading your resume.

As you'll discover in our resume profile examples later in the post, a great profile focuses attention on your best skills, experience, and achievements. You can think of it as an elevator pitch for your resume - a quick snapshot that provides just enough information to make the reader want to learn more about you.

Related: Make the Perfect First Impression With Your Resume

What types of resume profiles can you use?

To better understand the resume profile, it may help to look at some of the different types of resume profiles that job seekers can use. There are three different types of common profiles, including the objective statement, summary, and summary of qualifications.

Objective statement

The resume objective statement is often considered obsolete, since it tends to focus more on your career goals than the employer's needs. It's often used by entry level workers with little experience or career-changers who need to explain why their skill set makes them a good candidate for the job. To use it effectively, job candidates need to ensure that they include some language that explains how they can benefit the employer if they're hired. For example:

“Creative social media professional with 3 years of experience and proven results. Skilled in cross-platform engagement enhancement and brand development. Looking for an opportunity to work with a company that prioritizes customer experience and brand loyalty. Experience includes increasing customer engagement by 130% over a six-month period.”

Related : Resume Objective Examples: A Career Objective Guide

Summary paragraph

The resume summary has replaced the objective statement in most modern resumes - and for good reason. This brief paragraph may also mention one or two key skills, but its primary focus is on detailing your important work experience and measurable achievements. As a result, the summary is a preferred option for job seekers with significant experience, since it's designed to demonstrate your value as an employee. Below, is an example of this type of profile statement:

“Accomplished Project Manager with more than ten years of successful team building and project execution expertise. Skilled in process development, workflow management, and collaboration with stakeholders. Received Agile Leader award in 2018. While at ABC Corporation, developed personnel resource allocation program that increased project efficiency by 48% in the first year of use.”

Summary of qualifications

The third option is the summary of qualifications. The main difference between this type of summary and the summary paragraph involves the format choice. Instead of being one block of text, it combines a brief paragraph with several bullet point examples of notable achievements. For example:

Dynamic Team Leader with 7 years of experience in customer management, problem-solving, and team building. Proven to increase team productivity, enhance the customer service experience, and provide real value to an employer.

  • Led 30-person team of technical professionals, with 95% customer satisfaction
  • Reorganized project workflow for ABC Corporation, increasing efficiency by 45%
  • Developed training program that reduced employee onboarding costs by 17%

What elements should you include in your resume profile?

Before you create a resume profile, it's important to think about the types of information you want to include for your reader. What types of qualification is the employer evaluating as part of its hiring decision? Does the job description focus primarily on core skills ? Do you have achievements that are likely to make a positive impression on the hiring manager?

There are many different profile elements that you can include, so you'll need to prioritize based on the employers' needs. The fact is that you won't have room in your profile to cover all these different types of information, so choose wisely:

Skills that are relevant to the position you're seeking

Your length of experience

Notable achievements, preferably ones that you can quantify with real numbers

Core personal characteristics that make you a good fit for the role

Your career aspirations - preferably noted in a way that shows how they align with the company's vision

Related : Top 15 Professional Goals and How to Achieve Them

Again, make sure that you focus attention on the job posting, taking note of every key skill and experience that the employer cites as required qualifications. You'll want to tailor your profile - and the rest of your resume - to align with those stated employer needs.

Pro tip: Make special note of those job requirements, since you will want to use the same language in your resume. Those keywords are essential for ensuring that your resume can satisfy any applicant tracking system screening the employer might be using.

You should also do some research to learn more about the company's culture. That will enable you to further tailor your resume profile to include personal traits that highlight how well you'll fit into that environment. Sometimes, those little details can make the difference between you and another similarly qualified candidate.

How to write your own resume profile: tips

When you're ready to create your resume profile, it's important to know how to do it the right way. Since it's the first thing employers will see after they're done reading your contact details, you need to make sure that it's as compelling as possible. The following tips can help.

Write this part of your resume last

Even though your profile section will be near the top of your resume, you should still create this important section last. Why? Well, it's simple: since the resume profile serves as a summary of your qualifications, it's helpful to get the rest of the resume done before you start on that summary.

Make it brief

Be as concise as you can. Again, think of this profile section as a salesperson's elevator pitch. It doesn't need to tell your entire employment story, but should instead serve as a brief highlight of your greatest hits. As a rule, try to restrict this paragraph to no more than four sentences. If you use a summary of qualifications, include just one or two brief sentences and three or four bullet points.

Choose the best profile type for your job search needs

Which type of profile should you create? If you're an entry-level employee, you may want to focus on a modified objective statement - one that focuses on your career goals, while highlighting the ways in which your skills can benefit the employer. If you have more experience, you may want to rely on the summary paragraph. Just be sure to include at least one measurable achievement to highlight your value.

If you're switching careers and need to focus attention on transferable skills, you may even want to rely on a summary of qualifications. Those bullet points can be a great way to emphasize specific skills and highlight the value that you've provided for previous employers.

Tailor the profile to your desired position

Make sure that your profile aligns with the job you're seeking. You can do this by including some core keywords from the job posting, detailing your qualifications. However, make sure that your profile ultimately aligns with who you are as an employee. If you take the tailoring to extremes, you may end up with a profile that fails to accurately represent your personality and character.

Don't be afraid to add personality

Speaking of personality, this is the place to add that personal touch. Your skills, work experience, and education sections are not appropriate for adding personality, but a few well-chosen words in your profile can help the employer to better understand you as a person.

Of course, make sure that your personal flourishes fit with the type of job you're seeking. For example, a few words about your fun work style will be appreciated if you're applying for a customer service or similar position. That same language may not be as useful if you're seeking a role in a law firm. Use your best judgment as you determine how much personality to put into any profile.

Use measurable achievements

We've already mentioned measurable achievements several times, but it's important to highlight them once again. Your resume profile should include at least one quantifiable accomplishment, backed by real numbers that demonstrate the value you've provided. For example:

  • Implemented new networking system that reduced downtime by 33%, improving both efficiency and productivity and providing 12% cost savings for the company
  • Led sales team effort that increased new customer acquisition by 13% while generating $12 million in new revenues in the first six months of the fiscal year
  • Created an online customer engagement program that increased website visits by 45%, enhanced new sales activities by 13%, and boosted revenues by 10% within one quarter of implementation

Resume profile examples you can use

As you might expect, your approach to creating a resume profile can also differ based on the type of job you're seeking. That's because different job roles require different skill sets, experiences, and personal qualities.

To get you started, we've compiled resume profile examples covering a wide variety of professions. You can use these professional profile examples as templates for your profile, or simply refer to them for guidance as you create your own unique resume opening.

Resume profile examples for students

Recent Information Technology graduate focused on operating and security software management. Seeking employment with a dynamic software firm in need of advanced networking and troubleshooting expertise. Experience includes a one-year internship with DynacorpX, providing testing and problem-resolution that helped increase company productivity by 14%.

Resume profile example for entry-level applicants

Friendly, detail-oriented, and organized customer service professional looking to be part of an energetic, mission-focused team.

  • Skilled at developing organizational processes, managing records, and engaging customers
  • Successfully resolved customer complaints, with 90% satisfaction rate while volunteering with FreshStart
  • Broad computer systems expertise, including database and presentation platforms

Resume profile example for career-changers

Personnel-focused Sales Team Leader with 10+ years of experience in team building, training, and sales program development. Looking to transition to a project management role to better use organizational and project implementation skills. While at ABC Corporation, successfully created and executed a sales process reorganization that cut waste by 45%, saving the company more than $40,000 per year.

Related : 21 Project Management Skills Every Project Manager Needs to Succeed

Resume profile example for a Graphic Designer

Dynamic and innovative Graphic Designer with 4 years of experience in the gaming and entertainment industry. Skilled in developing storyboards, character animation, typography, and general layouts. Creative successes include development work on more than 200 unique graphic design projects that helped to generate more than $300 million in revenue.

Resume profile example for a Marketing Manager

Creative Marketing Manager focused on data-driven solutions. More than 8 years of experience in building collaborative teams capable of overcoming any challenge. While at XYZ Inc., led a 10-person team responsible for broadening target audience by 200%, increasing company revenues by 120% over a three-year period. Expertise includes digital marketing campaigns focused on driving new customer acquisition and target audience engagement.

Resume profile example for an Accountant

Detail-oriented finance professional with 7 years of accounting expertise. Proficient in accounting best practices, including creation and management of financial reports, regulatory compliance, tax issues, and budget management and forecasting. Reorganized DEF Corporation's accounting department, reducing inefficiencies by 28%, cutting costs by 19%, and improving productivity by 33%.

Resume profile example for an Administrative Assistant

Reliable Administrative Assistant with 8 years of experience in office management and personal assistance. Comprehensive expertise in presentation development, scheduling management, reporting, and confidentiality. Reorganized filing and reporting systems at Beagle Law, improving client response times by 40%, reducing redundancies, and cutting labor costs by 12%.

Resume profile example for a Data Scientist

Fact-driven Data Scientist with 8 years of experience in data analysis, predictive modeling, and data mining. Proficient with SQL, Python, Tableau, and other common data visualization systems. While at DataCore, took the lead on development of new processes that increased decision-making efficiency by improving the company's ability to use data to gain useful insights. Project resulted in an 18% increase in overall departmental productivity.

Resume profile example for an HR Manager

Personnel-focused HR Manager with 7 years of experience managing human resources functions. Expertise in recruitment, onboarding processes, employee training and relations, and performance reviews. Designed AmAm's new HR policies to align with new firm policies, emphasizing progressive discipline and promotion of a positive work environment. Effort resulted in a 33% reduction in turnover and 43% increase in employee satisfaction.

Resume profile example for a Teacher

Results-oriented educator with 6 years of experience as a middle school Teacher. Expertise in crafting challenging but engaging lesson plans designed to encourage critical thinking and classroom participation in an inclusive way. Dedicated to professional development to stay abreast of current educational best practices and focused on enhancing each student's ability to achieve success. Specific competencies include English, US History, and Basic Civics.

Resume profile example for a Construction Manager

Task-oriented construction professional with more than 10 years of experience in both commercial and residential project management. Led teams responsible for completing more than 60 construction projects valued at more than $40 million dollars, with a 99% on-time and under-budget record of success. Bilingual (English and Spanish) manager with expertise in budget allocation, resource management, project estimates and implementation.

Craft the best possible intro for your resume!

No matter what type of resume profile you decide to use to introduce yourself to prospective employers, your goal should always be the same: to create a powerful and compelling message that inspires employers to read the rest of your resume. The tips and resume profile examples we've provided should ensure that you have everything you need to craft your own profile narrative.

Still not sure if your resume profile has what it takes to capture your reader's interest? Get a free resume review from our team of top experts today!

Recommended reading:

47 Accomplishment Examples for Your Resume: Expert Picks

The Best Resume Format to Get Hired

How to Advance Your Career (plus 10 Insightful Tips)

Related Articles:

Do Hiring Managers Actually Read Cover Letters?

How to Create a Resume With No Education

Why You Lose When You Lie on Your Resume: Learning From Mina Chang

See how your resume stacks up.

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How to Write a Resume Profile or Summary Statement

Woman writing on a form

A resume summary or career profile is a brief statement at the top of your resume. If you are a career changer or have many years of experience, craft a powerful summary to highlight your accomplishments and skills.  Show the employer, at a glance, why you’re qualified for the job!

Resume Profile Guidelines 

General guidelines to keep in mind: 

  • Keep your profile short. Two to five phrases written in a bulleted form or brief paragraph will do. Think of the summary as a snapshot of your skills,  accomplishments, and knowledge.
  • Label your profile professionally: Summary of Qualifications, Career Profile, Career Highlights, Professional Summary, or just Summary or Profile. 
  • Place your profile section at the top of your resume page, above your work history, so that the employer can see it when they first review your resume.

How To Create Your Profile

To choose what to highlight in your summary, research positions of interest and write a list of the common requirements and qualifications. 

Assess your skills and credentials. How does your background and experience align with the qualifications outlined in the job description? Select skills, experiences, special knowledge, and accomplishments that you want to highlight in your profile selection.

Next draft a few phrases that summarize your Skills/Experience/Accomplishments/Knowledge/Education

Now write a sentence describing your “professional role,” which you can use as the opening line in your profile. For example: 

  • Accomplished Marketing Executive with over 10 year experience in…
  • Fully knowledgeable in…
  • Experience managing professional staff including…

Finally, put all of the sentences together and edit for a clean, concise, and compelling profile statement. 

Career Profile 

Successful professional with corporate marketing and training experience seeking position in nonprofit organization leveraging fundraising and program development skills. Recognized for ability to develop strong relationships and plan strategically. Strengths include: 

  • Time Management
  • Relationship Building
  • Public Speaking

Highly skilled and results-oriented professional with solid academic preparation holding a Juris Doctor degree and extensive experience in intelligence and special operations seeks position in risk management. Proven ability to assess and manage complex obstacles; viewed as a strong troubleshooter. Successful in intense and demanding environments, providing decisive team leadership and structure with a track record of motivating and developing soldiers. Willing to relocate.

Publishing executive with multi-faceted background encompassing international licensing and brand management. Developed specialties in editorial planning, global marketing strategy, and design. Managed multiple projects simultaneously and efficiently by overseeing the daily operations of 17 magazine titles worldwide. Proven ability to develop strong relationships across cultures and to provide decisive team leadership in a fast-paced environment.

Additional Resources

We have many resources available to help you navigate career change and showcase your transferable skills.   

  • For tips on resume structure and content read through Writing a Resume: Getting Started and Resumes with Impact: Creating Strong Bullet Points  
  • For detailed instruction, view the webinars on Writing a Results Focused and Targeted Resume and How to Perfect Your Professional Narrative

Related Resources

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Writing a Resume: Getting Started

If you’re applying for an internship or job, attending a networking event, or seeking a volunteer opportunity, chances are you’ll need a resume. We’ll walk you through the basics.

how to write a profile in a resume

Resumes with Impact: Creating Strong Bullet Points

How can you make your resume stand out to an employer? This resource will help you learn how to use the STAR method to develop strong bullet points that highlight your skills and accomplishments relevant to a position.

How to Explain Employment Gaps

Learn tips to address employment gaps on your application materials and in interviews.

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How to Write a Resume Profile (Examples Included)

Mike Simpson 0 Comments

how to write a profile in a resume

By Mike Simpson

Let’s face facts; looking for a job isn’t easy. As a candidate, you’re trying to find ways to stand out from the pack. You also need to ensure that the hiring manager can see at a quick glance that you’re the perfect candidate for the role. How can you pull that off? With a winning resume profile, of course.

Your resume profile acts like a beacon, drawing the hiring manager in by highlighting the best of what you have to offer. But if you really want it to work, you need to make sure you approach it properly.

If you aren’t sure how to write a profile for a resume in a way that’s enticing or need a few resume profile examples to get the creative juices flowing, here’s what you need to know.

What Is a Resume Profile?

Alright, let’s start with the basics. What is a resume profile anyway?

In the simplest sense, a resume profile is an overview of what you bring to the table professionally. It goes right near the top of your resume, sitting just below your contact information, and gives the hiring manager a quick idea of why you’re an awesome candidate.

However, unlike some of the alternatives – like a resume objective or traditional resume summary – the resume profile taps on your skills, experience, and professional goals in one place. That makes it more flexible than some of your other options for the first section of your resume

Typically, a resume profile is a quick paragraph or set of bullet points filled with incomplete sentences. That’s right; it’s another spot where saying “I” isn’t part of the equation.

The purpose of a resume profile is to make it easy for the hiring manager to learn critical details about you. Usually, hiring managers spend less than two minutes reviewing resumes during the initial screening (and some may only skim a resume for 7.4 seconds before deciding whether to pursue a candidate).

That means you don’t have a lot of time to make a powerful impression. Luckily, with a great resume profile, two minutes may be more than you need.

What Makes a Great Resume Profile?

Alright, so you only have a tiny bit of time to catch a hiring manager’s attention. That means you need a stellar resume profile to entice them to give your resume (and you) some extra consideration.

Creating an outstanding resume profile means tapping on a few key points. Usually, you want to mention your:

  • Amount of experience and job title, or recent relevant education
  • Area of expertise
  • Relevant skills
  • Relevant achievements

You can also touch on your career goals if you can position them in the right way. While your goals are about, well, you, you need to cover them using an approach that aligns with the hiring manager’s needs. If you can do that, talking about your goals is an option here, too.

However, there’s more to the equation than that. You also need to tailor the information to the position.

As with all parts of your resume, updating your resume profile to match the specific job you want to score is crucial. That way, the content is relevant to that particular hiring manager, increasing the odds that they’ll find it enticing.

It’s also smart to through some numbers in there. On a resume, numbers visually stand out, so they attract the eye. If you want to make sure your resume profile gets noticed, quantifying a couple of the details can help.

Finally, it’s important to keep in mind that brevity is your friend here. In most cases, you want to limit your resume profile to just a few sentences max.

A giant wall of text is never a good idea, as it makes your resume hard to review. If you go past four sentences or so, you’re probably pushing your luck.

Common Resume Profile Mistakes

Just like with every other part of your resume, certain mistakes really hurt your chances of moving forward. Classics like spelling errors are always a problem, so keep an eye out for the basics when you craft your resume summary.

While we touched on this already, this one is worth restating; a big wall of text is a bad idea. If your resume profile is longer than four sentences, it can be hard to read, and that’s always a problem if you’re creating a resume.

Another issue is missing the mark when it comes to relevance. Always, always, always tailor your resume profile to the job. After all, you’re trying to attract a specific hiring manager. If you aren’t speaking to their unique needs, you aren’t going to make the best impression possible.

Talking too much about what you want or need is also a problem. Remember, when you’re writing a resume, it’s about you, but it also isn’t. Yes, you’re sharing an overview of what you bring to the table. But your goal should be to address the hiring manager’s needs, not what you want out of the deal.

How to Write a Resume Profile

Sometimes, the hardest thing to do is to decide how to approach a section of your resume. Without a solid strategy, it’s difficult to showcase what you want to share in the best way possible.

Luckily, you’re here, and we’ve got your back. If you’re trying to figure out how to write a profile for a resume, here’s a step-by-step process that can help.

1. Lead Off with Your Relevant Experience or Education

Typically, the first thing you want to touch on is your relevant experience or education. If you’re already working in the field, the formula is very simple:

[Job title] with [number] of years of experience in .

For example, if you are a software developer, it could say, “Software developer with 6 years of experience in custom Java application development.” For a high school administrator, it could say, “High school administrator with 8 years of experience working with at-risk students.”

If you don’t have relevant experience, then leading off with your education can be a better choice. The formula for this approach is:

Recent [school name] graduate with [degree level] in [major], with a focus on [knowledge area] and [knowledge area].

For the “knowledge area” sections, you’ll showcase relevant coursework or expertise. That way, you can highlight your specialty areas.

For example, “Recent University of Washington graduate with Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology, with a focus on networking and telecommunications” can work. You can also tweak the approach a bit, going with something like, “Recent Arizona State University Master of Accountancy graduate with a focus on accounting analytics and advanced auditing.”

Just getting out of high school and looking for your first job? You can also use this recent graduate approach too. Start off with “Recent high school graduate” instead. Then, discuss relevant skills – including soft skills or traits – that make you a great fit for the job. You can also mention your GPA if it was stellar, as it could help you stand out, and it lets you get some numbers into the mix.

2. Mention an Area of Expertise

While you technically tapped on areas of expertise in the first step, this is one spot where you want to double down. That way, you can mention more of the job’s required skills or experience in your resume profile, making yours even more relevant in the eyes of the hiring manager.

Usually, you’ll want to add a single sentence that taps on an industry-specific job duty-related capability. You may say, “Highly skilled at [relevant job requirement or capability” or “Proven expertise in handling [relevant job task].”

Again, you want to quantify the details whenever possible, so make sure to get a number in there if you can.

3. List Job-Related Skills

Now, you’re going to talk a bit more about job skills. With this, you may need to customize the approach depending on how much experience you have. For example, if you’re newer to the field, you may have a “working knowledge,” while those with more experience could have “comprehensive knowledge.”

Choose an accurate descriptor for the skills you include. Then, mention two or three that you have that align with the job description.

4. Add an Accomplishment

By ending your resume profile with an achievement, you can close out with another opportunity for some numbers. Plus, it gives you a final chance to really pack a punch, so pick an accomplishment that relates to the role and that you can quantify.

10 Resume Profile Examples

Alright, it’s time for what you’ve all been waiting for: resume profile examples. These are all based on the points above, though each one is adapted to fit the needs of the role and where a person may be professionally. As a result, some may include certain points and not others or may focus more heavily on areas that will provide the hiring manager with the most value.

With all of that in mind, here are 10 different resume profile examples, each targeting a different kind of position and moment in a person’s career.

1. Entry-Level Customer Service

Recent high school graduate with a 4.0 GPA and excellent communication skills. Highly skilled at teamwork and collaboration, as well as maintaining a positive attitude when faced with challenges. Lead school volunteering club car wash, which earned $1,500 for local charities in one day.

2. Early Career Administrative Assistant

Administrative assistant with 3 years of experience assisting fast-paced consulting firm. Highly skilled at data entry, business communications, and report generation. Comprehensive knowledge of schedule management. Updated office filing processes to align with digital transformation initiative, resulting in an annual savings of $3,500.

3. Recent Graduate Network Administrator

Recent University of Washington graduate with Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology, with a focus on networking and telecommunications. Completed 4 major projects during studies, honing critical security and project management skills. Highly knowledgeable of emerging trends, including cloud-based solutions and telecommuting technologies.

4. Recent Graduate Accountant

Recent Arizona State University Master of Accountancy graduate with a focus on accounting analytics and advanced auditing. Completed internship with ABC Firm, strengthening a foundation in GAAP, as well as increasing knowledge of account management and in-depth analysis. Expertise in advanced audit reporting with a goal of increasing operational efficiency and ensuring accuracy.

5. Mid-Career Marketing Professional

Agile marketing professional with 5 years working for large-scale, multi-product businesses. Introduced email campaign updates that lead to 18 percent rise in click-thru rates and a 20% boost in related sales. Experienced in KPI identification and tracking. Managed $20,000 marketing campaign for new product launch, exceeding resulting sales expectations 10-fold.

6. Mid-Career Software Developer

Experienced full-stack software developer with 7+ years of experience with JavaScript, Python, and Java. Proven expertise in handling custom software development projects for clients in the healthcare space, and working knowledge of HIPAA and other healthcare industry requirements. Track record of completing projects, on average, 5% ahead of schedule and 12% under budget.

7. Mid-Career Nurse

Multilingual nurse with 4 years of experience in high-traffic emergency rooms. Successfully balances patient care quality with efficiency, leading to a 15% boost in patient satisfaction. Implemented scheduling processes that reduced staffing costs by 5%.

8. Early Management IT Professional

Committed IT supervisor with 5 years of experience overseeing 6-person tech team. Skilled at coaching and performance management, and familiar with DevOps and Agile methodologies. Implemented cloud-based solution that resulted in a $5,000 year-over-year cost savings. Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) and PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP).

9. Experienced HR Department Manager

Human Resources Manager with 10 years of experience leading teams of 15+ HR professionals. Successful implementation of diversity and inclusion initiatives that led to 20% boosts in employee retention and 15% reduction in time-to-hire. SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP).

10. C-Suite-Level Company Leader

Forward-thinking bilingual Executive with 6 years of experience leading enterprise-level multi-national corporations while maintaining a customer-centric vision. Experienced with balancing the strategic needs across multiple departments based on a big picture perspective. Created operational policies that boosted overall company productivity by 18% while reducing costs by 10%.

Putting It All Together

Ultimately, creating a winning resume profile is fairly simple. Use the tips above to ensure yours hits the mark. That way, your first impression on the hiring manager will be a strong one.

how to write a profile in a resume

Co-Founder and CEO of TheInterviewGuys.com. Mike is a job interview and career expert and the head writer at TheInterviewGuys.com.

His advice and insights have been shared and featured by publications such as Forbes , Entrepreneur , CNBC and more as well as educational institutions such as the University of Michigan , Penn State , Northeastern and others.

Learn more about The Interview Guys on our About Us page .

About The Author

Mike simpson.

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Co-Founder and CEO of TheInterviewGuys.com. Mike is a job interview and career expert and the head writer at TheInterviewGuys.com. His advice and insights have been shared and featured by publications such as Forbes , Entrepreneur , CNBC and more as well as educational institutions such as the University of Michigan , Penn State , Northeastern and others. Learn more about The Interview Guys on our About Us page .

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how to write a profile in a resume

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Resume Profile: Examples & What to Put in Your Own Profile

how to write a profile in a resume

A resume profile is a short summary of your skills, experiences, and qualifications written at the top of your resume. It introduces you as a candidate and highlights what you can offer to a potential employer. This section is becoming increasingly popular among job seekers, and for good reason.

What is a Resume Profile?

As mentioned, a resume profile is a short paragraph at the top of your resume that provides a snapshot of who you are as a candidate. It usually consists of 2-3 sentences or bullet points that summarize your professional background, relevant skills, and achievements. It’s also known as a summary or a personal statement.

Why is a Resume Profile Important?

Hiring managers and recruiters receive hundreds of resumes for each job opening. To save time, they often skim through resumes, especially at the initial screening stage. A resume profile grabs their attention and gives them a quick overview of your qualifications. It also helps them decide whether to read on or not. A well-written profile can make you stand out from the sea of applicants and increase your chances of getting an interview.

How to Write a Good Resume Profile

A good resume profile should be tailored to the specific job you’re applying for. It should highlight your relevant skills, experiences, and achievements that match the requirements of the job. It should also be concise, easy to read, and error-free.

To write a good resume profile, start by researching the job you’re applying for and the company you’re targeting. Identify the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the job and make a list. Then, craft a short paragraph that summarizes your qualifications and how they align with the job requirements. Use action verbs and quantify your achievements to make them more compelling. Finally, proofread your profile and make sure it’s free of typos and grammatical errors.

A resume profile is a powerful tool that can help you market yourself effectively to potential employers. By following these tips, you can write a compelling and effective profile that sets you apart from other applicants.

how to write a profile in a resume

The Basics of Creating a Strong Resume Profile

A resume profile is a brief statement that summarizes your skills, qualifications, experience, and career objectives. It is one of the most critical parts of your resume, as it serves as your introduction to potential employers. A well-written resume profile can help you stand out from the crowd of applicants and increase your chances of getting hired. Here are some tips on how to create a strong resume profile:

Tips for Writing a Great Resume Profile

  • Be concise and to the point: Your resume profile should be no longer than a few sentences. Avoid long paragraphs and unnecessary information.
  • Focus on your skills and qualifications: Highlight your most relevant skills and qualifications that match the job you are applying for.
  • Use keywords: Use keywords that are specific to the job you are applying for. This will help your resume get picked up by applicant tracking systems (ATS).
  • Be specific: Use concrete examples to illustrate your skills and qualifications. For example, if you have experience managing a team, mention the number of people you managed and the results you achieved.
  • Customize your profile: Tailor your profile to the job you are applying for. Use the job description and company information to craft a profile that showcases how you are a strong fit for the role.

How to Make Your Profile Stand Out

There are several ways to make your resume profile stand out:

  • Show your personality: Inject some personality into your profile to make it memorable. Use humor or anecdotes that highlight your unique qualities.
  • Use a professional tone: While you want to show your personality, you also need to maintain a professional tone in your profile.
  • Highlight your achievements: Use your profile to showcase your past achievements and how they relate to the job you are applying for.
  • Use numbers and percentages: Quantify your achievements with numbers and percentages to make them more impactful.
  • Be relevant: Ensure that everything you mention in your profile is relevant to the job you are applying for.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Your Resume Profile

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when writing your resume profile:

  • Being too general: Avoid using generic statements that could apply to anyone. Be specific about your skills and qualifications.
  • Being too long-winded: Keep your profile short and to the point.
  • Being too informal: While you want to show your personality, avoid being too informal in your profile.
  • Focusing on duties rather than achievements: Instead of focusing on your day-to-day duties, focus on what you achieved in your past roles.
  • Using cliches: Avoid using phrases like “team player” or “results-driven.” Instead, use specific examples to illustrate your skills and qualifications.

Your resume profile is a crucial part of your job application. By following these tips and avoiding common mistakes, you can craft a strong profile that showcases your skills, achievements, and personality.

The Structure of a Strong Resume Profile

A strong resume profile is essential for making a great first impression on potential employers. It should showcase your expertise, accomplishments, and unique qualities that make you the right fit for the job. Here are the key elements that should be included in a strong resume profile:

Overview of Key Elements

The key elements of a strong resume profile include a headline statement, professional summary, professional experience, education and certification, skills and expertise, and personal interests and achievements. Each of these elements should be tailored to the specific job you are applying for and highlight your unique skills and qualifications.

Headline Statement

The headline statement is the first thing potential employers will see on your resume. It should be attention-grabbing and clearly state the type of job you are seeking. For example, if you are a digital marketer looking for a job in social media, your headline statement could be “Social Media Strategist with 5+ Years of Experience.”

Professional Summary

The professional summary is a brief overview of your skills, experience, and accomplishments. It should be tailored to the specific job you are applying for and highlight your most relevant qualifications. For example, if you are applying for a marketing position, your professional summary could include your experience in branding, strategy, and analytics.

Professional Experience

Your professional experience is one of the most important elements of your resume profile. It should detail your work history, focusing on key accomplishments and responsibilities that demonstrate your ability to excel in the job you are applying for. Use bullet points to make this section easy to read and highlight the most important aspects of each position.

Education and Certification

Your education and certification should be listed in reverse chronological order. This section should include any degrees or certifications you have earned that are relevant to the job you are applying for. Be sure to list the institution where you earned your degree or certification, as well as any honors or awards you received.

Skills and Expertise

The skills and expertise section should highlight your technical and soft skills that are relevant to the job you are applying for. Include any software or technical skills you have, as well as any certifications you have earned. Soft skills, such as communication and leadership, should also be listed here.

Personal Interests and Achievements

The personal interests and achievements section may not seem like an important part of your resume profile, but it can help you stand out from other candidates. This section should highlight your hobbies and interests that demonstrate your work ethic, creativity, and leadership skills. It can also include any awards or recognition you have received outside of work.

how to write a profile in a resume

A strong resume profile should showcase your skills, experience, and unique qualities that make you the right fit for the job you are applying for. By tailoring each element of your resume profile to the job you are applying for, you can increase your chances of getting hired.

Examples of Effective Resume Profiles

Example of a strong headline statement.

A headline statement is an attention-grabbing sentence that highlights your professional branding, experience, and career goals. A strong headline statement emphasizes your unique value proposition and contributes to your employer’s knowledge about your background.

Example: Sales Professional with 8+ Years of Experience Driving Revenue Growth and Building Customer Relationships.

Example of a Powerful Professional Summary

A professional summary is a brief overview of your career objective, relevant experience, and accomplishments that will impress hiring managers. A compelling professional summary showcases your potential to add value to the organization and encourages the recruiter to see your resume as a worthwhile investment.

Example: Highly motivated Project Manager with 10+ years of experience in IT, always striving for efficiency and successful project delivery. Skilled in team management, stakeholder communication, and project tracking techniques for effective task completion.

Sample Job-Specific Profiles

Customizing your resume for a particular job is essential for demonstrating your qualifications, suitability, and interest in the role. A job-specific profile highlights your relevant skills, achievements, and experience that meet the employer’s requirements.

Example: Healthcare Professional with 5+ Years of Experience in Nursing.

Profile Examples for Job Seekers with Limited Experience

If you are starting your career, you may not have a wealth of experience to draw from, but you can still create a competitive resume profile by other means. A job seeker’s profile for individuals with limited experience should focus on transferable skills and personal attributes that demonstrate a strong work ethic, motivation, and willingness to learn.

Example: A recent college graduate with a degree in Marketing, who excelled in research, analytics, and communication, seeking an entry-level marketing position.

Profiles for Career Changers

Career changers seeking to shift to a new industry, function, or role need to draw attention to their transferable skills, experience, and education that align with the new career direction. By emphasizing skills that are relevant to the new job, hiring managers can see how you can successfully pivot to a different career path.

Example: Experienced sales professional with a demonstrated track record of exceeding sales quotas, looking to transition into a business development role in the tech industry.

Your resume profile sets the tone for your entire resume and is a critical component of your job application. By using these effective resume profile examples, you can create a powerful narrative that highlights your qualifications and passion for the job, giving you a competitive edge in the job market.

How to Tailor Your Resume Profile to Different Job Opportunities

If you’re like most job seekers, you probably have a standard resume that you send out to all potential employers. However, it’s important to remember that not all jobs or companies are the same, and a one-size-fits-all approach may not be the most effective way of presenting yourself to potential employers. Here are some tips on how to tailor your resume profile to different job opportunities:

Research the Job and the Company

Before you begin writing your resume, take the time to research both the job and the company you’re applying to. This will give you a better idea of the specific skills and experiences that the employer is looking for, as well as the company culture and values. Use this information to tweak your resume profile and ensure that you’re presenting yourself as the ideal candidate for the job.

Highlight Your Relevant Skills and Experience

When it comes to your experience and skills, don’t be afraid to spotlight only those that are most relevant to the job opening. This means emphasizing your experiences and skills that align with what the job posting or company description is indicating that they need from candidates.

Don’t Overdo It

At the same time, it’s important not to overdo it when highlighting your relevant skills and experience. You don’t want to come across as over-qualified or desperate. Instead, strike a balance between showcasing your talents and keeping it concise.

Be Concise and Relevant

Finally, make sure that all the information you include in your resume profile is concise and directly relevant to the job you’re applying for. You don’t need to include every detail of your work history or accomplishments. Instead, focus on the most impactful experiences that illustrate your qualifications for the job at hand.

Tailoring your resume profile is not just important, it’s essential if you want to stand out from other candidates and land the job of your dreams. Take the time to research and customize your resume to each job opportunity you pursue, and you’ll increase your chances of success.

Making Your Resume Profile ATS (Application Tracking Systems) Friendly

As technology advances, more recruiters and hiring managers are using Application Tracking Systems (ATS) to scan resumes and filter out candidates who do not meet specific criteria. Unsurprisingly, this means that optimizing your resume for ATS is important to ensure that your profile has the best chance of making it to the next phase of the hiring process. Here is what you need to know about ATS and how to optimize your resume profile for them.

Understanding ATS

An ATS is a software program that is used by recruiters to manage the recruitment process efficiently. They enable hiring managers to track resumes, screen candidates, and process job applications more quickly. ATS parses submitted resumes by breaking them down into relevant sections. These sections are then analyzed, and the software’s algorithms determine if a candidate’s profile matches the job’s requirements.

Tips to Optimize Your Resume Profile for ATS

Here are several steps to make your resume profile ATS friendly:

Use keywords: The first step to optimizing your resume for ATS is to use relevant keywords. These include job-specific technical skills, industry buzzwords, and certifications. Use these keywords in the job titles, skills, and experience sections of your resume.

Use clear formatting: Keep your resume formatting simple and avoid graphics or complicated layouts that could confuse the ATS. Stay clear of columns, tables, and strange characters. Stick to standard bullet points and avoid text boxes.

Use simple language: Avoid using overly complicated language when writing your resume profile. The ATS will struggle to understand technical jargon and use simple language to detail your experience.

Customize your profile: Each job application will require a different approach. Tailoring your resume to each role you apply for will increase the likelihood of it getting picked up by ATS software.

Avoiding Common ATS Mistakes

Here are some common ATS mistakes to avoid:

Resumes submitted as PDFs: While PDFs look professional, they can be challenging for ATS software to parse, potentially resulting in an incomplete or incorrectly parsed resume.

Unusual fonts or characters: Avoid using fonts that are difficult to read or contain characters that ATS may not be able to read.

Too much information: Keep your resume relevant and concise, and avoid including extraneous information that may confuse the ATS system.

Objective statements: While it may have been common to include an objective statement in the past, they are not useful for ATS in selecting an appropriate candidate. Instead, emphasize your relevant experience and skills.

In today’s job market, creating a resume profile that is ATS-friendly is essential. By understanding what ATS is looking for and using the right keywords, formatting, and language, you can maximize your chances of getting selected for interviews. Avoiding common ATS mistakes will also help your resume get through to the next round.

Formatting and Design of Your Resume Profile

When it comes to creating a professional-looking resume profile, formatting and design are essential components that can make or break your chances of getting noticed by potential employers. Your profile should be visually appealing, well-organized, and easy to read. Here are some tips for formatting your profile:

Tips for Formatting Your Profile

  • Use a clean and simple layout that is easy on the eyes.
  • Divide your profile into sections with clear headings and subheadings.
  • Use bullet points to break up the text and make it easier to read.
  • Make sure your font size and type are easy to read.
  • Use white space to make your profile look less cluttered.

Color Schemes and Typography

While the design of your resume profile is important, it’s essential you don’t forget about the color schemes and typography. Choosing the right color schemes and typography is crucial because it can communicate the right message to recruiters and increase the chances of you getting hired.

When it comes to typography, use a font that is easy to read and suits your profession. For example, if you’re a designer, you might use a more creative font to reflect your skills, but if you’re in finance, a traditional font might be more appropriate.

When it comes to choosing color schemes, focus on using simple and professional colors. Avoid using too many colors or garish color combinations that can detract from your profile. Using the right color schemes can help convey the right message and make you appear more professional.

The Role of Visual Elements in Resume Profiles

Using visual elements in your resume profile can make it more attractive, engaging and help you stand out from the crowd. Images, charts, and graphs can help demonstrate your skills and achievements in a way that is easy to understand.

Moreover, using visual elements is a great way to break up your text and make your profile easier to scan. Although visual elements can be advantageous, be sure not to overload your profile with too many images or graphs that can make it look cluttered or confusing.

Formatting, color schemes, typography, and visual elements play a critical role in creating an effective and compelling resume profile. By following the tips and guidelines mentioned above, you can create a standout profile that can enhance your job search by grabbing the attention of employers and hiring managers.

Frequently Asked Questions About Resume Profiles

Common questions and concerns.

What is a resume profile?  A resume profile, also known as a professional profile or career summary, is a brief statement that highlights your skills, experience, and accomplishments as a job candidate. It is typically placed at the top of your resume, just below your name and contact information.

Is a resume profile necessary?  Absolutely! A resume profile serves as a powerful marketing tool that can make or break your chances of getting noticed by potential employers. It provides a concise overview of your qualifications and helps you stand out from other applicants.

What should you include in your resume profile?  Your resume profile should highlight your most relevant skills and achievements, as well as your career goals and objectives. Use strong action verbs and quantify your results whenever possible to showcase your impact.

How Long Should Your Resume Profile Be

How long should a resume profile be?  Your resume profile should be a brief statement of 3-4 lines or 50-100 words at most. It should be concise and focused on your most important qualifications.

Can you write a longer profile?  While it’s important to keep your resume profile concise, you can provide additional information in your resume’s experience and education sections. However, be mindful of the overall length of your resume – it should typically not exceed two pages.

Can You Expand Your Profile With Supplemental Materials

Can you include supplemental materials in your resume profile?  While it’s not recommended to include supplemental materials in your resume profile, you can provide links or attach relevant documents such as a portfolio or writing samples in your application.

What should you include in your supplemental materials?  Your supplemental materials should showcase your skills and provide evidence of your accomplishments. Select items that are directly relevant to the position you are applying for.

Should You Update Your Profile Regularly

Why is it important to update your resume profile regularly?  Your skills and achievements may change over time, and it’s important to keep your resume profile up-to-date to reflect your current qualifications. Additionally, updating your profile regularly can help you stay on top of your career goals and objectives.

How often should you update your resume profile?  You should update your resume profile whenever you experience a significant career change, complete a major project, or learn a new skill. It’s also a good practice to review and update your resume profile every six months to a year, even if there have been no significant changes in your career trajectory.

A strong resume profile is a key component of an effective resume. Keep your profile concise and focused, highlight your most relevant skills, and update it regularly to showcase your career growth and progress.

Tips for Writing a Cover Letter That Complements Your Resume Profile

When it comes to job search, a cover letter is just as important as your resume. In fact, it complements your resume profile by providing an opportunity for you to showcase specific skills and experiences that match the job requirements. Here’s the breakdown of the tips on how to write an effective cover letter that complements your resume profile:

Overview of the Cover Letter

A cover letter is a one-page document that accompanies your resume when you apply for a job. Its purpose is to introduce yourself, highlight your relevant qualifications, and convey your motivation for applying for the position. It should grab the employer’s attention and convince them to consider you for an interview.

Tips for Writing a Cover Letter that Stands Out

To make a great impression, your cover letter should be tailored to the company and the job requirements. Here are some tips to make your cover letter stand out:

  • Start with a strong opening sentence that hooks the reader’s attention and creates an immediate interest in your application.
  • Personalize the cover letter by addressing the hiring manager by name and demonstrating a knowledge of the company and its products or services.
  • Highlight your relevant skills and experiences that match the job requirements. You can use bullet points to showcase your achievements.
  • Show your motivation and enthusiasm for the job by explaining why you are interested in the position and how it aligns with your career goals.
  • Close your cover letter by thanking the employer for considering your application and expressing your willingness to further discuss your qualifications in an interview.

How to Tailor Your Cover Letter to Your Profile

Your cover letter should complement your resume profile by highlighting specific skills and experiences that match the job requirements. Here are some suggestions:

  • Identify the key skills and experiences listed in the job posting and highlight those that you possess.
  • Use specific examples to demonstrate how your skills and experiences have helped you succeed in your previous roles. Use numbers and data when possible.
  • Be concise and selective with your content. Don’t repeat information that’s already in your resume.
  • Emphasize your key achievements and how they align with the job requirements.
  • If you’re applying for a job in a different field, explain how your skills and experiences translate to the new role and industry.

By following these tips, you can write a cover letter that complements your resume profile and convinces the employer to invite you for an interview. Remember to proofread your cover letter for typos and errors and tailor it to each job application.

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How To Write A Resume Profile (With Examples)

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  • How To Write A Resume Profile

When writing your resume , you will typically consider the top portion as either an overview or profile. This section is incredibly significant on your resume, as it’s the first thing your potential employer will read. It gives them a good indication of who you are as a professional and a person.

You will want to give this part a good amount of consideration when crafting your resume. You may even choose to write different profiles for different job opportunities, depending on the role and qualifications. Below, we discuss more about resume profiles.

Key Takeaways:

A resume profile is a brief summary of qualifications, experience, and goals found at the top of the resume.

A resume profile helps capture the reader’s attention and entices them to learn more.

A specific job title, experience, hard skills, and soft skills should all be found in a resume profile.

A resume profile is different from a resume objective, which focuses more on the the type of position you want to obtain.

How To Write A Resume Profile (With Examples)

What Is a Resume Profile?

Why it’s a good idea to use a resume profile, what to include in a resume profile, resume profile vs. resume objective, tips for writing a resume profile, example resume profiles, resume profile frequently asked questions.

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A resume profile is a part of your resume or curriculum vitae ( CV ) that provides a brief summary of an applicant. This section can include skills, qualifications, experience, and goals related to the job opportunity. The resume profile is sometimes called a resume summary or overview.

You may also choose to include a headline indicating what your job goal might be, where you include the number of years you’ve been in the industry and any specific qualifications you might possess. This can sometimes help get your potential employer’s attention.

Resume profiles are typically short, kept to two to five sentences. These can be in a bulleted form or a brief paragraph, depending on your preferences. The summary should be a quick snapshot of your skills, experience, accomplishments , and specific knowledge.

As mentioned earlier in this article, a resume profile is typically the first thing your potential employer or hiring manager will see when they pick up your resume. When done effectively, this portion of your resume will be designed to capture the reader ’s attention. You should consider customizing your profiles for each job you apply for, or at least for specific job titles .

For example, suppose you are in marketing, and you possess a wide range of skills. In that case, you can create a few different resume profiles, such as one for digital marketing, social media marketing, product marketing, and more. Doing this will help you stand out from the competition, especially if many applicant resumes are more generalized.

Your resume profile should be a few sentences, either in bulleted form or a short paragraph. This part will summarize your goals and ambitions for the next job you hope to land. This is your selling point and should include all of your relevant qualifications, skills, and experience in your field of expertise. Here’s what to include in your resume profile:

Title. Be sure to title your section. You can choose from “Overview,” “Qualifications Profile,” “Professional Summary,” or “Qualifications Summary,” depending on which fits you best.

Specific job title. When crafting your profile, be sure you give yourself a specific job title in the career field of your choice. This should be as specific as you can get without going overboard. Terms like “ business development representative ,” “guidance counselor ,” or “digital marketer ” are appropriate terms.

Experience. Be sure to include the number of years of experience you have under your belt in your field in your first line. Use it in conjunction with your job title and write something like, “ Social media marketer with 10+ years experience.”

Hard skills . The reader of your resume wants to be sure they’re not wasting their time by looking through your resume. This means you should surface your important hard skills upfront in your profile to give them a good indication of your experience and skills. Something like “crafting effective digital campaigns and strategies” is appropriate.

Soft skills . You’ll want to balance your hard skills with soft skills, especially if you’re applying for a customer-facing or management position. Employers require hard skills, certainly, but soft skills shouldn’t be overlooked.

Your resume profile should sound something like this:

“Driven social media marketer with 10+ years of experience crafting effective digital campaigns and strategies. Skilled at both written and oral communication and effectively managing large and diverse teams. Advanced knowledge of Marketo and Pardot. Certified Salesforce Advanced Administrator.”

You may hear resume profile and resume objective used interchangeably. It may not seem like it, but there are differences between the two terms. It’s important to understand the meaning of each so that you consider which is more appropriate to use on your resume.

A resume profile is essentially a summary of your work history . Typically the job seeker will do this by identifying their years of experience, a description of their skills and abilities, and a summary of any relevant qualifications. The profile should be focused on experience, so if you have many years in a specific field, using a resume profile is your best bet.

A resume objective is more focused on what type of employment position you are looking to obtain. The objective will specifically call out what you’re searching for while listing some key skills and accomplishments that may let the hiring manager know that you’re the right fit for the job.

When you’re writing your resume profile, think of it as a short pitch you might make to someone to convince them you’re right for the job. What are the key things you can surface that might convince them that you’re the right fit for their team? Consider asking yourself some of the questions below to build out an effective resume profile.

How many years of experience do I have working in this career field? In this industry?

What skill sets do I have that may be beneficial to this specific job or the company?

How would I describe myself to a hiring manager in under 60 seconds?

What is my proudest professional accomplishment?

Is there an example of previous work experience I can include in my profile to make it stand out?

After answering those questions to yourself, consider the following:

Keep it short. A resume profile should grab the reader’s attention. Only give the information you need to make the reader want to learn more. Too many words and you risk losing the reader and you will waste valuable space that could be used elsewhere on your resume.

Use action words. Make your profile stand out with some authority. Use vocabulary that highlights who you are and declares yourself to be an exceptionally qualified candidate.

Be specific and use quantifiable achievements. A vague profile is just a waste of space. Make sure your profile clearly makes you unique.

Avoid cliches. While using action words and listing specifics are important, avoid presenting them in a manner that sounds just like everyone else, or worse, amateur.

With these in mind, you can be sure to make an impactful resume profile.

Certified Public Accountant with 15+ years of accounting experience in real estate and ten years supervisory experience in financial reporting/general ledger. Fully knowledgeable in SOX work, financial reporting, budgeting, developing and maintaining accounting policies and procedures, and journal entry preparation. Passionate about client satisfaction and team growth.
Customer services specialist with ten years of management experience. Strong communication skills with certifications in employee mediation and team-building strategies. Proven efficiency and effectiveness as a manager in over three stores, most recently by implementing new service strategies to increase customer satisfaction by almost 50%.
Passionate educator with six years of economics teaching experience and a Master’s degree in Business. Certification in teaching business, economics, and social studies in K-12 schools. Certified in the state of Delaware , New Jersey, New York , and Connecticut .
Focused information technology professional with sixteen years of experience as a software support specialist for top software companies . Skilled at multitasking and handling a multitude of platforms. Quick learned with a passion for technology. Capable of explaining complex software features in broad terms.
Product marketing director with 15+ years of experience in field and product marketing. Successfully create strategies and execution plans to increase sales by as much as 50% in some markets. Excellent management skills . Effective communicator with a knack for copywriting.

How do you write a personal profile on a resume?

Write a personal profile on a resume by concisely describing your qualifications. You want your profile to be a hook that entices the reader to learn more about you. Therefore, keep your profile short and interesting with specific information unique to you. Gear your profile specifically to the job you are applying to.

Are resume profiles helpful?

Yes, resume profiles are very helpful. Resume profiles give you the chance to highlight some of your qualifications and advertise to the reader that you are worth their time. Resume profiles are also great to help you understand what are your goals and qualifications.

Where does a resume profile go?

A resume profile goes at the top of your resume. In this way the resume profile acts as a preview about yourself. The quick summary gives the reader an idea about what is to follow and can help determine whether or not they wish to continue reading.

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Caitlin Mazur is a freelance writer at Zippia. Caitlin is passionate about helping Zippia’s readers land the jobs of their dreams by offering content that discusses job-seeking advice based on experience and extensive research. Caitlin holds a degree in English from Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, PA.

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Click here to directly go to the complete resume profile summary examples

Character is higher than intellect.

"I was born to be true, not to be perfect" or "I never dreamed about success, I worked for it" does not suffice for a good resume profile.

It is understood that "character cannot be developed in ease and quiet". But the "trial and suffering" - the experiences and the achievements which reflect our character are often tricky to frame.

A profile section of resume does the job for you. The resume profile summary is a snapshot of all your experiences which introduces you to the recruiter. It tells:

  • why you are an important candidate
  • which skills set you apart
  • how you can add value in their organization

Along with a few expert resume profile examples, including resume profile summary examples, we have characterized the resume profile while answering a few of the main questions:

  • What is a resume profile?
  • When to use a resume profile
  • What to put in profile section of resume?
  • How to write a profile for a resume?
  • How to optimizing your resume profile?
  • Resume profile examples for top professionals

Never let your resume profile be the reason for the lack of shortlists.

What Is a Resume Profile?

The profile on resume is the teaser for your resume body. It builds a foundation in the mind of the hiring manager.

He spends about 10 seconds on each resume. So your best achievements have a chance of getting lost in the resume.

But don't worry, as this section could be best utilized to bring them to the hiring manager's attention.

For an experienced professional , a resume profile summary is:

  • a summary of one's professional endeavor
  • a paragraph of 2 - 3 sentences
  • placed at the top
  • denotes one's skillset
  • highlights the best achievements
  • tailored to the target job

For a fresher , however, the resume profile statement is:

  • an objective of his professional pursuit
  • expresses one's strong suite
  • allows the recruiter to understand how you may serve as a desiring candidate to the target organization.

It usually states your career title and years of experience right away. Then it shows your most preferred achievements best fitting your target job.

It is highly recommended that you introduce resume keywords in your resume profile so that the Applicant Tracking Software (ATS) can parse your resume clearly.

Let's look at how to write a resume profile. But first, let's look at a few resume profile examples:

Objective resume profile statement for a Finance Graduate

Dynamic and result-oriented Finance Graduate adept at deploying analytical & database tools to scrutinize business operations. Proficient in employing effective data analysis techniques for sound decision-making & successful execution of projects. A goal-seeking individual with a comprehensive understanding of taxation & accounting principles and possessing a natural flair for research encompassing primary & secondary channels.

Resume Profile Summary for an IT Recruitment Specialist

11+ years experienced, value-driven & result-oriented Senior Quality Assurance Manager & Telecom Specialist with a track record of spearheading diverse teams to champion LTE/WCDMA/CDMA/GSM Optimization, including 42 months of experience in RF Optimization/Tuning for LTE & 25 months for GSM. Proficient in formulating & implementing Network Planning & Optimization (NPO) strategies, in addition to conducting audits & directing parametric changes to achieve QA norms. Highly skilled in liaising with internal/external stakeholders to optimize network KPIs and deliver compelling business value to end-user & clients.

When to Use a Resume Profile

Resume Objective vs Resume Profile Summary

It is a common question whether to use an objective or a resume profile summary for your resume profile.

Professionals at Hiration say that a professional resume profile summary is almost always the best.

This is because an objective only shows your goal. Instead, you should share how you can fulfill the company's goal. That would work best by listing all your "achievements" that fit the job.

It is always best to clarify your doubts with a professional review of your resume.

Resume Profile: Objective

A resume profile objective on top of your work/educational profiles will give a bird’s-eye view of the applicant’s career trajectory till date.

A broad-level resume profile summary of key skills gathered in the course of the applicant’s career followed by selected achievement points should enumerate the impact you can deliver.

Resume Profile Summary

A resume profile summary is a short and powerful description of your skills and achievements, usually found at the top of your resume.

It spans 2-3 sentences and highlights the most important aspects in your profile. Think of it like how you would formally introduce yourself to a recruiter.

It is one of the best tools you can employ to get shortlisted for any job.

A resume profile summary is also called by various other names such as career summary, resume profile statement, resume profile summary, resume summary of qualifications, qualifications summary, etc.

Also Read: How to draft the perfect resume summary?

What to Put in Profile Section of Resume?

Be sure to include your job title and years of experience .

Try to be as crisp and direct in your resume profile as possible.

Your resume profile could be best optimized by focusing on the following areas:

  • Relevant Certifications
  • Initiatives Taken
  • Problems Solved
  • Metrics Improved
  • Publications

To have a unique resume, start with a action word or power verb!

Also Read: What are the best resume action words and power verbs?

How to Write a Resume Profile?

A professional resume profile statement is written after your resume is complete.

Let us make it simpler for you. So, what are the steps you are going to follow?

First, complete your resume. Secondly, group your key points under buckets and furnish your Key Skills and Certifications .

Once your resume is complete, start writing your resume profile summary in the following steps:

  • Include the number of years of experience
  • Follow with your target job profile
  • Highlight your most relevant achievements
  • Showcase your skills which you are skilled at
  • Begin your sentences with "Adept at", "Proficient in", etc.
  • Tailor your sentences to your target job

Although it looks pretty easy, it is not when you are an entry level graduate or a career changer!

Let's consider the following resume profile example for a "QA Manager & Analyst", for a more comprehensive approach:

~10 years experienced Business/IT Analyst and Quality Management Expert adept at spearheading and training cross-functional teams to champion end-to-end project lifecycle from requirement analysis and testing to go-live and post production support. Proficient in executing projects encompassing process improvement, QA testing & defect tracking as part of conceptualizing and implementing cost-effective solutions to deliver compelling value to key stakeholders, end users & clients.

The first sentence in the resume profile resonates:

  • The number of years of experience: ~10 years experienced
  • Target job profile: "Business/IT Analyst" and "Quality Management Expert"
  • Function skilled at: leading cross-functional teams
  • Result achieved: champion end-to-end project lifecycle

Unlike other resume points, use full-stops in the profile section of resume.

The second sentence in the resume profile resonates:

  • Functional skills implemented: executing projects encompassing process improvement, QA testing & defect tracking
  • Achievements through skills: conceptualizing and implementing cost-effective solutions
  • Value added: deliver compelling value to key stakeholders, end users & clients

In case you have a relevant certification, add it as a pretext to your profile.

For example, if you are a Project Manager with PMP certification, you may start your resume profile summary with "~12 years experienced PMP Certified Project Manager".

Entry-level Resume Profile

For entry level resume profiles, it is hard to list the resume achievements. You are new and unaware of the industry rules. But do not worry!

An entry-level resume should list the following points that match the job:

  • Related tasks in unrelated jobs
  • Volunteer work
  • Short freelance tasks

If you do not have sufficient accomplishments, you can volunteer or freelance a few days to stand out.

Resume profile is the most important factor that decides whether your resume is worth pursuing or not. We suggest you use a tailor made one.

Resume Profile for Career Changers

For the career changers, it is difficult to mask the gap in your resume.

You should list the following points to stand out from the herd:

  • Focus on transferable skill set .
  • Choose the suitable layout which brings out the important job/achievement if the past.
  • Stress on your achievements .
  • If you have been learning/volunteering/freelancing during any gap in employment history, mention it.

Optimizing Your Resume Profile

The question of how to write a resume profile is not complete without knowing how to optimize it.

To stand out from the crowd, use our professional resume profile examples below.

They will help you tailor your resume and quantify your professional achievements.

This way, your first impression will be even more powerful and hiring managers will be all about you.

Custom Fit Your Profile Section

  • Avoid putting any old achievements in the profile section of your resume.
  • Pick out your best achievements and tailor it accordingly.

Quantify Accomplishments

A glance at your numbers in a resume brings out a quantifiable impact.Be sure to include as many metrics as you can.

The following resume profile examples showcase that you can easily insert:

  • years of experience
  • cost benefits
  • numerical data
  • time savings
  • % process optimization

Resume Profile Examples for Top Professionals

Resume profile summary samples.

Resume professional profile examples.

Check out the following professional resume profile examples to create your own.

G.M - Strategic Sourcing & Supply Chain Management

A result oriented professional with 30+ Years of Rich Experience in the entire Spectrum of Manufacturing industry like Strategic Sourcing, supply chain Management, Operations, New Product development, Export Customer Management etc is looking for Senior Level Assignments

Senior Sales Professional

23+ years experienced, result-oriented & value-driven Senior Sales Professional with a track record of incubating & championing dynamic sales teams to formulate sales strategies & achieve cross-country targets. Adept at driving Business Growth in a wide range of industries with proven expertise in accelerating sales turnover in highly competitive & continuously evolving markets. Proficient in implementing Go-To-Market strategic plans around Market Segmentation & Competitor Evaluation. Demonstrated capability of liaising with key stakeholders to drive significant gains in profitability & deliver compelling business value to clients.

Technology Professional

19+ years experienced, value-driven, result-oriented & hands on Technology professional with a track record of incubating product/solution engineering teams & establishing Global Center of Excellence (COE) hubs. Proficient in conceptualizing & delivering complex & scalable enterprise/consumer solutions for early-stage ventures. Highly skilled in liaising with key IT & Business stakeholders for executing key project deliverables & developing enabling technologies to optimize business processes & accomplish strategic goals. Adept at combining an entrepreneurial drive with managerial expertise to integrate/optimize processes & deliver compelling business value to clients.

Senior Management Professional & Implementation Leader

15+ years experienced, value-driven & result-oriented Senior Management Professional & Implementation Leader with a track record of spearheading diverse teams for streamlining day-to-day operations by effectively incorporating & championing new products, services & technologies. Proficient in liaising with key internal/external stakeholders for conducting productive training sessions & customizing solutions for conglomerates. Adept at initiating automation & overseeing API Integration, in addition to directing process optimization initiatives for achieving compliance & delivering compelling business value for clients.

Business Leader & Project Head

33+ years experienced Business Leader & Project Head adept at championing organizational leadership to drive strategic deliverables and bottom-line across commercial food service equipment and consumer durables/electronics industries. Armed with a track record of formulating cost-effective strategies to penetrate new markets & expand distribution network. Deploying stellar negotiation & relationship building skills to secure favourable contracts & deliver compelling value to key stakeholders.

Senior Technical Services Professional

21+ years experienced, value-driven & result-oriented Senior Technical Services Professional with a track record of spearheading diverse teams to champion Clinical Applications of technical services across diverse domains. Adept at collaborating with external & internal stakeholders to process business requirements for conceptualizing & delivering technical solutions. Proficient in deploying Scientific Research & Analysis to scrutinize industry-based trends and initiate Technological & Professional Innovation. Armed with an extensive techno-managerial experience for executing mission-critical projects. Proven expertise in mentoring young professionals and providing them with hands-on training to enhance long-term organizational performance.

Principal Solutions Architect

18+ years experienced & value-driven Principal Solutions Architect with a track record of leading 100+ member teams to execute projects & strategize delivery of consumer-oriented solutions. Proficient in conceptualizing & designing mobile, web & front-end applications and administering Java Technologies & Cloud Infrastructure to champion user-centric Product Development. Highly skilled in employing Solution Architecture, Industry 4.0, IOT and cross-platforms like Android, Java/J2EE & Cloud system applications to spearhead next-generation customer engagements & deliver compelling business value to clients.

Project Management Professional & Certified ScrumMaster

~14 years experienced Project Management Professional & Certified ScrumMaster with a track record of spearheading teams to formulate strategies & effectively execute key deliverables in the IT domain spanning offshore & onsite projects across India and overseas. Adept at deploying Agile & Scrum methodologies to deliver improved systems, unmatched quality and stellar customer feedback. Proficient in deploying innovative technologies to conceptualize & deliver user-centric products. Highly skilled in incubating teams, optimizing processes & liaising with key stakeholders to deliver compelling business value to clients.

Front End Development Professional

4+ years experienced & result-oriented Front End Development Professional with expertise in advanced development methodologies for effectively executing key deliverables of mission-critical projects. Demonstrated ability to translate business requirements into technical solutions while methodically fulfilling client-specified parameters to prioritize quality, security and scalability.

System Administrator and Computer Network Consultant

8+ years experienced system administrator and computer network consultant skilled in managing data center and host systems, installation of systems, LAN, server administration, VMware installation, Wi-Fi/WLAN designing & installation and staff management. Highly skilled in managing both data center as well as computer host systems. Possesses hands on experience of performing daily server backups and periodic restoration. Proficient in implementing site to site VPN and setting up and managing LAN, WLAN, Wi-Fi systems. Adept in the administration of various technological tools such as Google suite, McAfee, Oracle VM, Google apps, Barracuda backup etc. In my current role as the System Administrator at Muscat Overseas Co. in Oman, I have been taking care of the complete system administration for the organization over the past 6 years. Keen to apply the acquired problem solving skills to a challenging role in a reputed organization.

DevOps Engineer

7+ years experienced & result oriented DevOps Engineer possessing in-depth experience of managing cloud based technology & effectively handling configuration & deployment of infrastructure & services. Gained hands on experience in implementing core DevOps concepts such as containerization, virtualization, version control, cloud computing, database management & administration, load balancing, etc. by using a wide variety of technologies while working with multiple DBMS, Operating Systems & programming languages. Adept at learning and implementing new technologies very swiftly as demonstrated by his transition from an Android Developer to a DevOps professional. Drives excellence in every project to deliver outstanding results.

Resume Objective Samples

A fresher's resume profile is highly endorsed by a professional

These resume profile examples shall guide you on how to write one on your own. Customize it and tailor your resume profile specific to your target job.

Data Analyst & Software Developer

Dynamic and detail-oriented Data Analyst & Software Developer adept at deploying analytical & database tools to scrutinize business operations. Proficient in employing effective data analysis techniques to ensure sound decision-making & optimize processes. Possesses a proven track record of leading teams & liaising with relevant stakeholders to successfully execute projects & deliver compelling business value to clients.

Entry Level Marketing Professional

Dynamic Management Professional armed with a practical approach for creative problem-solving & possessing a track record of liaising with key stakeholders to formulate & execute marketing strategies. Adept at deploying analytical tools to boost brand positioning & product marketing. A goal-seeking professional with an expertise in analyzing market trends to bolster customer acquisition & deliver compelling business value to clients.

Finance Graduate - Fresher

Dynamic and result-oriented Finance Graduate adept at deploying analytical & database tools to scrutinize business operations. Proficient in employing effective data analysis techniques to facilitate sound decision-making & successfully execute projects. An eager learner with excellent business communication skills & armed with the required skill set to be propelled to higher positions.

Software Developer

Enterprising Software Developer currently pursuing Integrated M.S. in Computer Science & armed with an expertise in engineering usercentric solutions for driving breakthrough efficiency. Adept at end-to-end SDLC as part of executing strategic projects and interpreting technical requirements for bolstering quality, security & scalability. Proficient in initiating automation to optimize processes & delivering compelling value to key stakeholders.

Marketing Professional

Data-driven Marketing Professional adept at formulating and implementing marketing strategies to effectively execute key project deliverables for measurably increasing brand awareness. Proficient in identifying and fostering long-lasting business relationships, in addition to conceptualizing initiatives for bolstering brand visibility in accordance with client requirements. Highly skilled in leading teams for organizing end-to-end PR events and programs in liaison with internal teams and external stakeholders. Adaptable and transformational leader with an ability to work independently, deliver effective presentations and convert opportunities to further accomplish organizational goals.

Graduate Pilot

Dynamic and result-oriented High School Graduate with passion and determination to become a world class pilot. Highly adept at working in both large and small teams to deliver stellar results. Effectively coordinates with all stakeholders to smoothly deliver projects. A goal-seeking individual with a comprehensive understanding of physics & armed with the required skillset to be propelled to higher positions. Seeking to leverage the acquired gamut of skills to bring value to an esteemed organisation as a commercial Pilot in the aviation industry.

Finance & Business Analytics Post-Graduate

Dynamic and result-oriented Finance & Business Analytics Post-Graduate armed with a practical approach for problem-solving and possessing a track record of accomplishing organizational goals to fruition. An organic team player with an ability to both lead teams for achieving business objectives and excel as a subordinate for gaining a profound understanding of new concepts and skills. Adept at deploying analytical & database tools to scrutinize business operations. A goal-seeking individual with a comprehensive understanding of taxation & financial principles and proficient in delivering compelling business value to clients.

You shall find customizable job-specific resume profile samples on Hiration's online resume builder .

Key Takeaway

The above guide shows you how to write a professional resume profile that stands out. To sum up:

  • Pick your achievements according to the job profile
  • Put your best accomplishments at the top
  • Quantify all your achievements
  • Tailor your resume profile to the target job
  • Include instances of deploying expertise to achieve results
  • Begin phrases with "Proficient in", "Adept at", etc.
  • Read through resume profile examples for a more guided approach

Go to Hiration career platform which has 24/7 chat support and get professional assistance with all your job & career-related queries.

You can also write to us at [email protected] .

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how to write a profile in a resume

How to write a profile in your resumé (with examples)

Wouldn’t it be great to be able introduce yourself to a potential employer before the interview? That’s exactly what a resumé profile does. A resumé profile is a little section at the top of your resumé that highlights your relevant skills and qualifications, to grab the hiring manager’s attention.

Read on to learn exactly what a resumé profile is, how to write one, and the benefits it might bring. You’ll also get tips on how to write a profile that matches the job description, examples you can follow, and answers to some common questions.

What’s a resumé profile?

Benefits of having a profile on your resumé, how to write a winning resumé profile, resumé profile examples for different roles.

  • Resumé profiles without experience

Tips on how to write your resumé profile

A resumé profile is a summary of your best and most relevant professional qualities. It tells a recruiter why you’d be a great choice for the job. Your resumé profile should highlight only the experience, achievements and skills that relate to the position you’re applying for. This is your first and best chance to get a hiring manager interested in the rest of your resumé, so a resumé profile should always be brief and straightforward.

Unlike resumé objectives , which focus on the type of job you’re applying for, resumé profiles are almost purely for your experience and skills. This ‘blurb’ is a short overview of the rest of the information in your resumé, so a hiring manager can see who you are in a few concise sentences. By highlighting key areas of the position and how they apply to you, your profile can help you advance in the hiring process .

A strong profile in your resumé can give you a greater chance of finding work. Hiring managers read through many resumés in search of a new talent, and writing a concise profile can help get their attention.

Here’s a look at some of the many benefits you can discover from writing a strong resumé profile.

Gets attention

A well-written resumé profile can grab a hiring manager’s attention quickly. This can help set your resumé apart from other job seekers from the outset.

Highlights your key qualifications

You can use a resumé profile to condense all your relevant skills and experience. This helps you concisely outline your proven track record with the role you want. This can make it easier for a hiring manager reading your resumé to digest your information at a glance.

It’s customisable to each role

You can customise your resumé profile towards a specific job, and include the keywords you find in the job description to improve your chances of success. Keywords include specific words or phrases a company is looking for, such as:

  • specific skills
  • job functions
  • names of software programs
  • experience level

It appeals to applicant tracking systems

Companies often use applicant tracking systems (ATS). This software automatically recognise a resumé profile that matches the employer’s specific needs. The system isolates the keywords the company uses in their job descriptions. It can quickly highlight job seekers with the most suitable qualities. A well-written resumé profile will appeal to these systems and help you move past other applicants.

Explains your career changes

A strong resumé profile lets you frame your achievements in a context that’s relevant to the job you’re trying to get. You can connect your work experiences to give a clear picture of your intended career path .

It’s only a short section, but that can make it even trickier to get right. Here is some advice to consider if you want to write a resumé profile that appeals to a potential employer.

1. Analyse the job description

Have a good read of the job ad and identify the key skills and requirements the company is looking for. Matching your resumé profile to the job specifications will make it easy for a hiring manager to see where your abilities at the role overlap. If you understand the needs of the role, it will be far easier for you to tailor your resumé profile to appeal to a recruiter more effectively. 

2. Research the company

Research the company to get an idea of its mission, values and culture . In your resumé profile, if you have the space, mention how you have similar values and how your skills can help them reach their goals.

3. Understand the purpose

Make sure you understand the purpose of a resumé profile, so it’s easier to set the right tone and outline your intention more confidently. Ensure your resumé profile explains to the employer why you’re qualified for the job, by describing your skills, accomplishments, and who you are as a professional.

4. Include key elements

The most important elements to include in your resumé profile are your skills, experience and achievements. Include any relevant technical skills gained from past positions. Also, mention the soft skills you gained that now apply to the role you want. Personalise these skills to reflect your strengths. Consider:

  • the number of years of experience you have working in a similar role
  • the area you specialise in, or in which you have the most experience
  • the soft and hard skills you have that relate to the role
  • any prior achievements that brought positive results to your previous workplace
  • your professional career goals
  • keywords from the job ad

5. Resumé profile examples

Your resumé profile format will typically always be the same, no matter the position you’re applying for. If you’re someone with entry-level experience or more senior experience, it doesn’t matter either. Focus on your most relevant skills that apply to the role.,

No two resumé profiles are exactly alike. Different professions and fields will need to highlight different skills and experience. Here are some examples of resumé profiles for different careers.

Qualified accountant with more than five years of experience in corporate tax accounting eager to take on a senior partner position. Strong understanding of complex mathematics, complemented by excellent client liaison skills, with up-to-date knowledge of all popular accounting software.  

Administrative assistant

Administrative assistant with a bachelor’s degree in business administration seeking part-time administrative role. Three years of experience working in a busy office for a national real estate agency with more than 200 employees. Advanced skills in a variety of CRM and comms platforms, with inventory and cash reconciliation skills. 

Copywriter with five years’ experience in a fast-paced agency ready to take on senior editor role. Experienced in all aspects of copy creation, from ideation to proofreading to client revisions. Knowledge of publishing and design software, and proven expertise in writing for social media, as well as long-form blogs and articles. Course certificates in digital scriptwriting, ad optimisation and podcasts. Confident taking on any medium or format. 

Sales representative

KPI-focused sales representative with over 10 years of experience working in retail applying for a store manager position. Friendly, empathetic and passionate about ensuring customer satisfaction, with impeccable presentation and interpersonal skills. Experience leading a team, with consistent track record of exceeding sales targets. 

Primary school teacher with over 10 years of experience, seeking senior faculty role. Action- and outcome-oriented professional with qualifications in special education and community service. Experienced in developing curriculum as well as designing and leading teacher training and parenting programs. Passion for working with children of all ages and abilities. 

Resumé profile examples without experience

A resumé profile is especially important to include when you don’t have much work experience. Here are two resumé profile examples for entry-level workers applying for a position in retail.

Confident and charismatic graduate with excellent communication skills, outstanding presentation and a keen eye for detail seeking junior retail position. Ability to work to tight deadlines and a strict schedule, with proven skills in picking up new tasks. As captain of the school football team, developed strong leadership skills, leading our team to the grand final. Seeking professional development to help launch a career in sales.

Recent graduate

Front-end web developer with a Bachelor of Information and Technology, applying for an app developer position and seeking further professional development. Strong technical skills in IT, with knowledge of cloud computing and transferable skills in computer science. Extensive knowledge of SEO optimisation, with proven skills in creating a working e-commerce site.

It can be difficult knowing what to write for a resumé profile when you’re just starting out, especially since it’s a relatively small paragraph and you might not be sure of what to include. Here are some tips you can follow to help you write a short but impactful resumé profile.

Avoid using vague language and clichés

One of the most important parts of writing a resumé profile is being specific with your language. This lets you target the exact skills and experience that relate to the advertisement. Specific terms make it clear to a potential employer that you’ve read the description and that you understand the role you’re applying for. Examples of vague and over-used terms to avoid in your resumé profile include:

  • people-person
  • team player
  • entrepreneurial
  • customer-focused

Ensure relevance to the position

Make sure every element of your resumé profile is tailored to the position you’re applying for. If your career objectives are too broad, it can appear as though you’re applying to many positions with a single resumé. It should look like you genuinely want to work for the company and contribute to their success. 

Proofread and edit your resumé profile

Your resumé profile is sometimes only chance you have to make a positive impression on an employer. Make sure your resumé profile is free of spelling or grammatical errors, to show that you have good attention to detail . Consider asking friends or family to look over your resumé profile to offer any suggestions that might improve it. Use a spellchecker to help you catch mistakes that are difficult to spot.

Your resumé profile is your opportunity to summarise your skills, experience and achievements in an eye-catching way. It’s your chance to show a hiring manager that you’re a great fit for the job you’re trying to get and would be an asset to their organisation. Remember to first  research the company and get some background into the role they’re advertising. Once you understand what they’re looking for in an employee, you can tailor your resumé profile to match what they need.

What’s the difference between a resumé profile and a resumé objective?

Resumé profiles outline the specific skills, qualifications and achievements of job seekers. A resumé objective focuses on what job seekers want from a position they're applying for.

How can I create a strong resumé profile with limited work experience?

Focus on your most relevant skills that apply to the role. If you were captain of your football team, you can reference leadership skills. List your key achievements from school, such as any awards or commendations. If you’re good with computers, list computer science knowledge. See above for some examples. 

What are the elements to include in a resumé profile?

Include the job title, the name of the company, and all of your skills, achievements, and experience. Refer to the job description when including this information to ensure it matches the keywords you find there.

How do I tailor my resumé profile to a specific job description?

Read the job ad and search for the keywords the company uses that reference the skills and experience you’re searching for. You can also research the company website and include how your goals and values match theirs. Don’t use cliche terms and focus specifically on how you fit the role.

What common mistakes should I avoid when writing my resumé profile?

Avoid lengthy, vague, or too-detailed sentences. Write in everyday English and only write what’s relevant to the role – the body of your resumé shows a fuller picture of your background. Simple errors can make a bad impression, so make sure you proofread your profile to ensure it’s free of mistakes.

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How to Write a Resume for Today's Job Market

Posted on 03 sep 2024.

According to Gitnux, recruiters spend less than 15 seconds on 55% of job applications. This makes it crucial to build an eye-catching resume that effectively conveys your skills and qualifications to keep recruiters reading. This guide explores what to write in a resume to make it stand out, a resume sample, and additional tips.

How to Write a Resume for a Job

It's important to understand how to present yourself as the ideal candidate by highlighting key aspects of your professional background. Follow these eight steps to make a resume that stands out to hiring managers.

1. Gather the Relevant Information

Gathering information relevant to your desired job enables a smooth resume-writing process and the inclusion of all important details. Carefully review your qualifications and create a comprehensive list that includes:

  • Soft skills, hard skills, and technical skills
  • Job titles, dates of employment, and key duties
  • Impressive measurable accomplishments
  • Educational credentials that demonstrate your expertise
  • Volunteer work that helped you develop skills and experience relevant to the job
  • Notable awards and honors you received

Once gathered, you can sort through them and exclude information less relevant to your desired job.

2. Choose the Right Format

There are three different resume formats you might use, each organized differently to best highlight your selling points.

  • Chronological : This resume format emphasizes an individual's work experience, making it ideal for those with a strong work history and professional achievements.
  • Functional : The functional resume format focuses on the individual's skills, training, and education. It is an excellent formatting choice for those entering the workforce or changing careers.
  • Combination : A combination or hybrid resume combines the functional and chronological styles to highlight your skills and work experience if you want to advance in your career.

3. Add Your Contact Information

Clearly display your name and contact information at the top of your resume so recruiters know exactly how to contact you for a job interview. Contact information should include your phone number and email address. Your name and job title should be in a bolder and larger font than the rest of the document text. You may also include a link to your professional online portfolio.

4. Write a Compelling Resume Summary

Write a concise and impactful resume summary that gives an overview of your skills, qualifications, and career goals and conveys your professional personality. Hiring managers may only review your resume briefly — display your most attractive qualities as a candidate so recruiters feel compelled to explore your resume further.

5. Add a Persuasive Work Experience Section

A persuasive work experience section should include a comprehensive summary of your past job roles. Each job role included in your work history section might include some of the following features:

  • Dates of employment
  • Company location
  • Primary job responsibilities related to the job you're applying for
  • Noteworthy work accomplishments during your employment

6. List Your Education History Accurately

If you have recent education credentials, you may also make a comprehensive and accurate education section. Each listing might include:

  • The name of the school, college or university
  • Location of the school
  • Year and month of graduation or the expected graduation date
  • Degree received
  • Relevant coursework
  • Relevant achievements, such as awards, scholarships, and honors

7. Use a Skills Section to Highlight Your Strengths

There are three categories of skills you might include on your resume, including:

  • Hard skills : Hard skills are typically gained through coursework and work experience, such as computer forensics skills, email and social media marketing, or risk management and identification.
  • Soft skills : These cannot always be taught and are generally traits that help individuals excel in the workplace. Examples include attention to detail, creativity, and adaptability.
  • Technical skills : Technical skills include specialized knowledge and expertise in certain areas that allow you to perform specific tasks well. These skills may include using specific tools like Adobe Creative Suite or Java extremely well.

8. Highlight Accomplishments in Optional Resume Sections

If you have relevant accomplishments that might catch the recruiter's attention, include them in a section on certifications, licenses, and training. Specify its title, when you received it, and a brief description. You can also create an awards, honors, and volunteer work section if you have achievements relevant to the desired job.

Sample Resume Example

Here is one of the best sample resume examples following the combination resume:

Chanelle Cooper Certified Project Management Professional Los Angeles, CA 90058 555-555-5555 [email protected]

Highly reliable, result-oriented project manager with four years of experience in product and project management involving implementing, developing, and supporting complex infrastructures for fast-growing startups. As an eager and hardworking individual, I adapt to changing project requirements well and have a proven history of solution-oriented problem-solving.

Professional Experience

Project Manager

[Company name] 2022-Present | Los Angeles, CA

  • Led a team of developers to build a proprietary CRM system
  • Curated a $2 million business implementation project that helped save around $3 million in operational inefficiencies between the development and sales departments
  • Optimized the company's sales process and increased sales revenue by 20%

Customer Success, Product Support

[Company Name] 2021-2022 | San Francisco, CA

  • Streamlined post-sales support and increased customer retention rate by 28%
  • Researched user behavior and led a strategic product roadmap across multi-functional teams
  • Integrated a reporting system into BI sales workflow, increasing post-meeting inquiries for the technical sales department
  • Technical skills: Tableau, SQL, JIRA and Python
  • Hard skills: Process management, project initiation and planning, risk management, and documentation
  • Soft skills: Critical thinking, leadership, prioritization, and coaching

University of California, Berkeley | 2016-2020 | Berkeley, CA Bachelor of Science, Industrial Engineering, 3.8 GPA

Resume Writing Tips to Help You Land the Job

Here are a few valuable resume-writing tips on how to put together a compelling resume.

  • Include keywords related to your target job : Recruiters typically use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to filter through resumes and narrow them down to applicants that meet the job position's needs. To help ensure the hiring manager sees your application, include keywords related to your desired job , often found in the job description itself.
  • Dedicate time to form and proofread your resume : You may make a good impression on the company by proofreading your work and dedicating time to tailor your resume for each job.
  • Make the resume scannable and ATS-friendly : You can make it easier for the ATS to understand your resume by incorporating good formatting , such as using consistent spacing and alignment; avoiding complex headers, tables and graphics; and using words and headings that are easily recognizable to the ATS.
  • Get help from a professional resume writer : If you lack time to work on a resume or need assistance forming a compelling one, professional resume writers may help you create one that accurately and appropriately outlines your professional background.

Leverage Resume-Writing Services From Resumeble

Do you need assistance writing a resume that portrays you as a reliable professional? Resumeble offers premium resume-writing services. Our certified resume writers work to understand your unique qualities, work background, and career goals and craft a personalized ATS-optimized resume that accurately reflects your specific skills and experiences. For more information, review the perks of our resume service and place an order today.

  • 7 seconds: this is how long your resume has either to impress or be ignored by the recruiter
  • 300+: average number of applications one corporate job opening posted online receives
  • 3%: number of sent resumes that result in interviews

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Effective Ways to Start a Resume: A Step-by-Step Guide

The beginning of your resume is crucial – it’s the first thing a recruiter sees, so it must concisely and accurately describe your skills, experience, and achievements. Whether you choose a summary or an objective, this professional description has to convince the hiring manager to continue reading your application. This guide teaches you how to start a resume and includes compelling tips and examples.

Types of resume introductions

There are multiple types of resume introductions and they all suit unique situations and job seekers. The four most common resume introductions include:

  • Summary : Describes your career experience and achievements. Best for established professionals who have been in their industry for over two years.
  • Objective : Explains your skills and career goals. This is ideal for recent graduates, junior professionals, or people changing careers.
  • Qualifications summary : Details your most important skills and competencies in a bullet list. Perfect for people switching industries, who need to highlight transferable skills.
  • Profile : Describes your career experience as well as your top skills. This is a combination of a resume summary and a qualifications summary and is useful for a wide range of professional levels.

Resume summaries and objectives are the two most common types of resume introductions. Our resume samples provide realistic examples of both and showcase many different professional levels.

Crafting a compelling resume introduction

A well-written resume introduction concisely communicates who you are and why you’re an excellent fit for their open role. Let’s explore two powerful ways to add depth and clarity to your resume intros, making them more compelling and impactful to each recruiter who reads them.

Tailor it to the job description

Carefully read the job description and make note of specific keywords, including skills, achievements, and even the job titles they use. For example, the same role can be referred to as both Web Developer and Full-stack Developer.

Using these terms in your resume introduction shows your direct relevance and positions you as a candidate with the exact qualifications the company is looking for. Hiring managers often sift through hundreds of resumes to fill one role, and they’ll be happy to see the required skills right in the introduction.

This practice also helps you build an effective ATS resume . The right keywords show applicant tracking systems that your resume is relevant and push them through for review.

Highlight relevant skills and achievements

Choose a handful of powerful skills and accomplishments and mention them right away. You’ll provide a more extensive list in your Work Experience and Skills sections, but your summary or objective is a great opportunity to introduce powerful statements early on.

The most impactful elements are achievements and hard skills, such as Python expertise or completing a successful project, but it’s also important to provide soft skills if they’re vital to the role. For example, emphasizing your patience and emotional intelligence is a good idea for registered nurses.

Expert Tip:

Include eye-catching information in your resume introduction, such as measurable metrics and relevant certificates and licenses. These powerful details clearly convey your qualifications and the impact you have on a company right at the start, encouraging hiring managers to continue reading your resume.

Writing your resume introduction

Now that you know what goes into a strong resume introduction, let’s take a closer look at writing one. 

We recommend all intros be two- to four-sentence long descriptions. This gives you just enough space to discuss your primary skills and spark their interest but it doesn’t go on so long that the recruiter loses interest.

Start with your job title and how long you’ve been in that specific industry to give immediate context to your resume. If you’re new to the industry, start your introduction with your job title and relevant education, such as GPA or college degree.

After this, highlight a few essential skills throughout one to two sentences. Add a small description of how you use your skills for better context, such as: “ Expert in stakeholder management, contributing to the success of crucial projects and ensuring client satisfaction.”

End with a strong line describing a license or certification, or simply say you’re excited to bring your talents to their team. This is a great opportunity to use their company name and show you don’t just copy/paste your application between organizations.

Resume introduction examples

Now, we’ll review some realistic resume introduction examples to help inspire you. Choose which type of resume intro you need, and then study the structure to see how it applies to you and your skills.

Energetic Restaurant Manager with 8 years of experience handling a fast-paced five-star restaurant. Expertise in training staff in customer service techniques, leading to 97% customer satisfaction rate and a Best Service award. Excited to use powerful leadership skills to help The Black Rooster achieve higher profitability, efficiency, and performance.

Dedicated graduate with a Bachelor of Business Administration seeking a Human Resources Coordinator position. Eager to use emotional intelligence and business acumen to encourage a healthy work culture and build solid working relationships. Looking to grow my career by using my interpersonal skills and building my HR experience.

Qualifications summary

  • Bilingual, comfortably conversing in fluent English and Mandarin Chinese.
  • Expert stakeholder management, addressing concerns with ease and maintaining a 98% client satisfaction rate.
  • Strong interpersonal skills, quickly building relationships with colleagues and clients.
  • Winner of “Project of the Year” in 2018 and 2020

Passionate Web Developer with 7 years of experience managing website and application projects. Keen skills in JavaScript, CSS, jQuery, SQL, and HTML5. Adept in using UX/UI abilities to build a better customer experience. Excited to bring sharp programming skills to Mint Industries.

Tips when writing your introduction

Here are a few tips to help you get started writing your resume introduction:

  • Choose an intro type that suits your experience level
  • Highlight crucial soft skills like leadership, initiative, safety, and cost-saving skills
  • Showcase your best, most relevant technical skills
  • Start each sentence with an action word like “ Expertise in…” or “Keen skills in… ”
  • Write your intro from the implied first-person perspective. This means writing in the first person but removing unnecessary, distracting words like “I” and “my.”
“A well-written resume introduction concisely communicates who you are and why you’re an excellent fit for their open role.”

Best practices for resume introductions

Lastly, we’ll cover the top do’s and don’ts for an impactful, meaningful resume introduction. Bookmark this page and keep this list in your back pocket – take it out whenever you’re building a resume, and you’ll have a quick reference.

Here are our best tips and tricks:

  • Keep your resume introduction concise and informative. Hiring managers only spend a few seconds on each resume, and a lengthy summary may turn them off.
  • Ask colleagues and friends for feedback and make adjustments where necessary.
  • Use keywords from the job description, including skills and job titles, to help your resume get through applicant tracking systems.
  • Take advantage of pre-made resume templates to ensure your introduction looks clean and professional. 
  • Don’t be afraid to add bits of your personality into your summary, especially if you’re applying to a more relaxed company. Many small companies appreciate this; it helps you stand out from hundreds of other applicants.

Learn how to start a resume the right way

An impactful resume introduction grabs the reader’s attention and immediately conveys your fit and relevance. Create an excellent intro using our top tips:

  • Choose a type that suits your career level – recent graduates should opt for objectives, and experienced professionals are better off choosing summaries.
  • Start sentences with strong words like Energetic, Dedicated, Experienced, Expertise, Adept in , and Expert in .
  • Tailor it to the job description and use relevant keywords
  • Keep it concise; quickly describe yourself in two to four sentences.

Ready to use these tips and build a winning resume today? Head over to CVwizard’s resume maker where you can easily use whichever resume introduction you want, flexing header titles and using bullets or plain text for the body.

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how to write a profile in a resume

Question : I don't have a lot of time to prepare for my exit from the military. Which should I focus on: a resume or building a LinkedIn profile?

Answer : Hmmm, is that like asking, "I have two hungry children. Who do I give the food to?"

All kidding aside, transitioning from the military to civilian sector requires time, attention and focus. There are no shortcuts, quick fixes or ways to fake it. To have a meaningful and successful transition into the next chapter of your life will take work -- work you'll have to put in.

Let's look at the two transition tools you mentioned: a professional resume and your LinkedIn profile. While very different pieces of your career, they serve a similar purpose. They tell others about your skills, experience and interests.

Your resume offers a look backward at everything you've done professionally. From your schooling, training and certifications to your successes, milestones and professional accomplishments, this document highlights your fit for an open position.

Hiring professionals use resumes to assess a candidate's qualifications and potential competency for the job they're hiring. There are requirements and preferences the hiring professional is looking to see on your resume to determine whether you move further in consideration. They want to see whether you have enough training and experience, the right certifications and credentials, and they may evaluate your writing style and ability to communicate your personal brand.

What most resumes fail to do, however, is project who you are and what you can offer in the future. Most resumes simply look backward, offering a catalog of bulleted lists of achievements in the hope that the reader (or applicant tracking system) is intuitive enough to extrapolate the value you can offer the company, if selected for the position.

The LinkedIn Profile

On the other hand, a profile on LinkedIn is like a mini-website for you to promote and position yourself for your career. LinkedIn gives you tremendous real estate on the site to highlight your accomplishments, goals, interests and talents.  On your LinkedIn profile, you can explain why you chose your career path, describing your passion for your career, including military service. And you can clarify a career pivot. If, for example, you're leaving the military as a medic and are pursuing your Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. On a resume, you're limited on space. Your LinkedIn profile has ample room for explanation.

Hiring professionals love to view LinkedIn profiles. As the data supports (and many have shared with me personally), they view LinkedIn as a place to learn more about a candidate beyond what's bulleted out on a resume. For instance, they can see how you write about yourself, the ways you interact and engage with others (in your comments, shares and posts), how you describe your skills in more narrative form and what other people say about you (in endorsing your skills or offering you recommendations on your profile).

While a resume is a necessary piece of the job-change toolkit, LinkedIn is a living story of who you are, what you care about and where you're heading. If you're just looking for a job, focus on a resume. Want to build a career? Make sure you have a well-thought-out LinkedIn profile and share knowledge, insights, interests and engage with others regularly.

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Personal statement for resumé

When you’re applying for jobs, a strong resumé and cover letter are essential for making an impact on prospective employers. Including a well-written personal statement on your resumé might be just the thing that gets you an interview. 

This short introduction of your skills, experience and qualifications gives employers an at-a-glance summary of who you are and what value you’d bring to their organisation. It’s a quick overview of your most relevant traits and abilities, so recruiters can see instantly if you’d be a good match for the role.

Here’s how to write a great personal statement for your resumé.

What is a personal statement?

Key elements to include in a personal statement, personal statement examples, tips on writing a personal statement for your resumé, formatting and structuring your personal statement, common mistakes when writing a personal statement.

A personal statement is a short introductory section at the top of a resumé . Its purpose is to catch the hiring manager’s attention and show them why you’re a good match for the position. It’s also known as a career objective, a summary statement, an executive summary, or a personal profile for a resumé.

Your personal statement is your chance to show a glimpse of your personality and share your career aspirations. The rest of your resumé simply lists your achievements, which might overlap with those of the other people applying for the role. A personal statement for a resumé can provide more insight into your unique strengths. A well-written personal statement may convince an employer that they should seriously consider you for the role.

A good personal statement for a resumé usually has the following elements:

Who you are.  This is your professional identity – it might be your most recent job title or a more general term, such as ‘high school student’ or ‘recent graduate’, along with any qualities or passions that make you unique.

A summary of your experiences.  This might be professional experience, recent qualifications or volunteer work.

Your value proposition as an employee.  This is what you could bring to the role, such as hard or soft skills , or personal qualities that can help you succeed.

Your career objectives.  This is what you want to achieve professionally.

Before you start writing, read through these personal statement examples to see how the key elements come together.

For students looking for internships

  • I’m in my third year of a Bachelor of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (Honours) degree and seeking a summer internship to deepen my understanding of electrical engineering and obtain industry experience. I earned high distinctions in all my courses last semester and have a passion for applying theory to real-world problems. I enjoy collaborating with others in my field and working towards finding solutions that positively impact society.
  • I am a second-year Bachelor of Business (Human Resource Management) student at the University of Auckland seeking a summer internship to learn from HR professionals who share my passion for people and business. As a sales assistant for a small clothing boutique, I have learned how to manage open tasks, schedule projects, and engage customers through social media platforms. I believe my strong communication skills, emotional maturity, and passion for human resources recommend me as a strong candidate for an internship.

For fresh graduates

  • I recently graduated from Massey University with a Bachelor of Business (Marketing) and am ready for to launch a career in digital marketing. Managing a YouTube channel with 20,000 subscribers has complemented my studies and given me skills in audience engagement, brand management, and brand voice. I am a naturally creative person with an aptitude for technologies such as Canva and ChatGPT. I hope to develop my marketing knowledge with a position that lets me learn and grow and learn from experienced industry professionals.
  • As a recent graduate of the University of Otago, I am ready to apply the knowledge and experience I gained in my Bachelor of Accounting program to a role in this dynamic industry. I am seeking a role that can support me as I study to become a Certified Practicing Accountant. I value mentorship from senior professionals and can work independently and efficiently to meet deadlines. I hope to find a role within a growing organisation that encourages skill development and professional advancement.

For working professionals

  • I am an experienced store manager with more than five years in my current position within a fast-paced tech-retail setting. I’m a passionate team leader, having mentored junior staff and supported training programs to upskill team members. My commitment to customer service and strong commercial acumen have driven my teams to exceed their sales targets and increase annual departmental profits. I hope to secure a role with a national company, with a view to progress to senior management level.
  • I am a journalist with 10 years’ experience in news reporting. I’m passionate about sharing local stories and providing a voice to community members. I consider myself an intrepid reporter, with an ability to connect with people from all walks of life – in the newsroom and the field. I have a high level of journalistic integrity and can reliably meet deadlines. After living in Sydney’s greater west for the last five years, I am looking to relocate and pursue a career in Auckland. 

For mid-career transitions

  • I am a sales associate and women’s wear designer seeking a full-time position as an in-house designer. For the last seven years I have sold my own line of clothing through local markets and Etsy, and I’m keen to take the next step in my move towards a career in the fashion industry. A Certificate III in Apparel, Fashion, and Textiles complements my self-taught technical knowledge and hands-on experience in pattern-making and clothing design. Looking for a long-term role for a New Zealand-owned label.
  • Mid-level marketing manager with in-house and agency experience, seeking to pivot into creative copywriting. Recent AWARD School graduate and freelance business writer with an international portfolio, skilled in brand strategy and writing for social media. Keen to learn and grow within a respected ad agency. 

The following sections discuss ways that you can make your own personal statement more effective.

Select the most impactful experiences to share

Writing about the most impactful experiences can help make a personal profile for a resumé more persuasive and concise. Choose experiences that are most relevant to the role. These may be experiences that demonstrate your relevant skills or show you can successfully perform the job duties. 

Recent experiences are usually more impactful than older ones, as they show current skills and knowledge. Unique relevant experiences can also help your resumé stand out.

Keep it relevant to the job scope

Your resumé personal statement can be more effective if it shows how your skills and experience align with the role’s requirements. You might mention scenarios where you’ve demonstrated leadership or analytical skills, for example. 

The job description can tell you what skills and experience are most relevant for the role. Writing about positive results you’ve achieved in the past can demonstrate your ability to excel in a similar role. If you’re transitioning in your career, you can highlight the transferable skills that can help you succeed.

Keep your personal statement concise

Impactful personal statements are usually three or four sentences – between 50 and 200 words. Sticking to this length makes it easier for the most important information to stand out. Stripping out unnecessary details also make your personal statement more engaging. Filler words such as ‘very’ add little to your statement, so it’s best not to use them. Rephrasing wordy sections can also help you reduce your word count.

The way you format and structure your personal statement can make this part of your resumé easier to read and help you seem more professional. These layout tips can make reading your personal statement easier.

Use paragraphs and bullet points effectively.  A single paragraph is the most common personal statement format. 

Use consistent formatting for your personal statement and resumé.  Use a font, font size, and style that matches your resumé’s body to appear professional. A basic font between 10 and 12 points is usually appropriate. Serif fonts are more common for corporate resumés, while sans serif fonts are popular in creative fields.

Write in first person.  As your personal statement and resumé are personal to you, it’s best to write the entire document in the first person, using ‘I’ statements. This perspective can give your statement a warmer tone, help you connect with the manager, and make it clear that you wrote your own resumé. You may write your statement without using the word I, but take care to maintain the first-person perspective.

Learning what mistakes people commonly make when writing a personal statement can help you spot and avoid them when writing your own.

Using common cliches and overused phrases

Cliches and overused phrases are so commonplace that they’ve lost their power. Choosing more unique words and sharing personal experiences that demonstrate your qualities can help your resumé’s personal statement stand out. Some common clichés and overused words include:

  • highly-qualified
  • self-motivated
  • team player
  • hard worker
  • strong written and oral communication skills
  • results-oriented

Including information best left out

Including only the most important information makes your personal statement stronger. Here are some details that are best left out :

  • early career experience
  • anything negative, such as professional weaknesses or the reason you left your last job
  • personal details, such as your marital status, age or religion
  • your salary expectations

Bad personal statement examples

Recognising the flaws in other personal statements can help you improve your own writing. Here are some examples of bad personal statements.

I have been a content creator for the last seven years. During this time, I have been a key member of my team that everyone could rely on. My commitment to hard work, technical skills and passion for this career would make me an asset to any business. I am looking for a new challenge that lets me apply my skills in content creation.

Why it’s bad:  it’s generic and vague. As ‘content creator’ is such a broad term, the writer could have highlighted specific skills, such as videography or blogging. They list qualities people expect of their employees, such as reliability and hard work, rather than noting how they're outstanding. ‘New challenge’ is another generic term that makes their career goals unclear.

I am a software developer seeking my first management role. I have no experience in leadership, but I am a quick learner with a can-do attitude. My comprehensive programming knowledge and enjoyment of teamwork would make me an asset to any business.

Why it’s bad : it shows the job seeker wants to transition in their career, but does not show they’re ready for the role. They frame their lack of leadership experience negatively rather than instilling confidence that they could succeed in a management role. While their programming knowledge may help them in a technology field, the employer could also presume this given their job title. They also didn't mention any transferable skills that demonstrate their leadership potential.

Take the time to write personalised statements that show you’re a great choice for every role you apply for. Writing a strong personal statement can help you make a positive first impression on an employer and clearly demonstrate your job suitability. Applying the tips above can help you write an effective personal statement that increases your chances of securing the right role.

What should I write in my personal statement for a resume?

You should introduce who you are, highlight the most relevant experience you have and show the value you would bring to the position. You should also include your career goals in your personal statement.

Can you provide personal statement examples for a job application?

You should include a personal statement on your resu,e when you apply for a job. Above is a selection of personal statement examples for different levels of experience.

How long should a personal statement be on a resume?

A personal statement should be three or four sentences or between 50 and 200 words. The more experience you have, the longer your personal statement is likely to be.

What are some dos and don'ts for writing a resume personal statement?

Do include relevant and compelling information and write with personality. Don’t write more than a paragraph or use third-person perspective.

How can I make my personal statement stand out to employers?

Using strong, specific language and sharing your personal experiences and career goals can help your personal statement stand out. Try to reflect your personality, as you're the only person who can bring your blend of skills, experience, and personality to the role.

Are there any online tools to help me craft a personal statement?

There are many AI personal statement generators online, but you should use them with caution as they may give generic results. You might like to use AI tools as a starting point , and then customise the results to make them more personal and unique.

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