5.     Resume Preparation

D.      The Summary Statement


Generate Interest with a High-Impact Summary Statement

Hiring managers are busy people. A single job posting might attract thousands of resumes. To get noticed, create a career summary statement. The goal of this section is to develop a hard-hitting introductory declaration packed with your most sought-after skills, abilities, accomplishments and attributes.

If you are looking for a job similar to the one you currently have, then your summary will emphasize the job titles and experience you possess. If you are making a career change, your summary will be more focused on transferable skills.

Six Steps To A Winning Career Summary

Take these six steps to create a winning career summary:

1. Conduct Research on Your Ideal Job

The more closely you can target your profile to the employer's needs, the better your results will be. Start by searching jobs for your ideal position. Compare the ads and write a list of common job requirements and preferred qualifications.

2. Assess Your Credentials

Based on your research, how do you measure up? How would you help potential employers meet their goals? Besides the qualifications described, do you offer any added bonus? If you are lacking in one area, do you make up for it with other credentials?

If you are having a hard time assessing your skills, get help. Ask your colleagues, instructors and supervisors what they see as your key qualifications. Review your performance evaluations. What do others say about the quality of your work? Then write a list of your top 10 marketable credentials.

3. Relay the Value You Bring to the Table

The next step is to weave your top credentials into your summary. Keep in mind that the summary helps the hiring manager determine if you should be called for an interview. Include a synopsis of your career achievements to show that your dedication to results is transferable to your next employer. Explain how you would help solve their problems. Ask yourself, "How will the employer benefit from hiring me?"

4. Add a Headline

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

 5. Focus on Your Goal

The most effective summaries are targeted on one career goal. If you have more than one possible objective, consider drafting different versions. Fill your summary with key words related to your career field. Your profile can also be supplemented with a bulleted "Key Skills" section, which provides an easy-to-read listing of your core capabilities.

6. Proofread, Refine and Perfect

First impressions are lasting impressions. Is your summary persuasive and free of errors? Is your tone appropriate for you career field? Avoid empty, generalized statements such as "excellent communication skills."

Examples of Summaries:

Example 1—Corporate Real Estate Executive

Corporate Real Estate Executive
Increasing Bottom-Line Profitability through Real Estate Strategies

Professional Profile

Accomplished executive with a proven ability to develop and implement real estate strategies that support business and financial objectives. Negotiate and structure multimillion-dollar real estate and service transactions. Have led key initiatives that reduced operating budget by $32 million, turned around company's overall performance and contributed to 550 percent stock increase. Recognized as an expert in applying financial concepts to real estate asset management decisions.

Respected leader, able to build highly motivated management teams focused on achieving revenue goals. Keep up-to-date with changes in the industry through professional affiliations and continuing professional development (earned an MBA in finance/real estate and master of corporate real estate designation).

Areas of Expertise

  • High-Volume, High-Dollar Negotiations
  • Strategic/Tactical Planning
  • Multimillion-Dollar Operating and Capital Budget Administration
  • Analytical and Financial Skills
  • Statistical Modeling and ROI Analyses
  • Management Reporting, Accounting, Property and Lease Administration
  • Build-to-Suit Development Transactions
  • Relationship Management
  • Partnership Deals
  • FCC Legal and Financial Compliance
  • Facilities Planning/Management
  • Acquisitions/Dispositions

Example 2—Customer Service

Customer Service

A successful customer service representative with a proven track record of achieving a high quality of customer satisfaction while exceeding call volume standards. Strengths include: excellent listening and communication skills, troubleshooting and problem solving skills.

·   Attention to detail

·  Accuracy

·  Multitasking

·  Learn quickly

·  PC proficient

·  Adaptable and flexible

Example 3--Administration (Executive Assistant)

Over seven years of experience in executive and administrative assistance. Primary expertise in event planning for local and national trade shows and sales conferences with ability to excel with minimum supervision. Computer skills include Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. A strong background in:

·   Attention to Detail

·  Written Communication Skills

·  Interpersonal Skills

·  Matters of Confidentiality

·  Problem Solving

·         Customer Service

Example 4--Cash Management Technician

An experienced cash management technician with expertise handling a high volume of transactions, performing research and problem resolution and a proven track record of meeting deadlines while maintaining accuracy, efficiency and quality customer service within the financial services industry. Experienced with monthly financial statement preparation.

·   Attention to Detail

·  Accuracy

·  Problem Solving

·  MS Office (Word, Excel, Access)

·  Bookkeeping (A/R, A/P)

·   Lotus Notes, AS/400

 

Example 5—Accounting

Five years experience in accounting preparing journal entries and reports, reconciling accounts, and researching and correcting errors. Specific experience in Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Payroll, Petty Cash, and wire transfers. A self-starter and quick learner who is accurate and detail-oriented.

·   AS/400, Windows 2000, NT

·  Analytical and research oriented

·  Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access,  PowerPoint)

·  Work effectively with minimal supervision

·  Problem Solving

·   Meet deadlines consistently

Example 6—Human Resources

More than ten years of experience in Human Resource Management including: Benefits, Compensation, Recruiting, Relocation, and Employee Relations. Proven track record as a knowledgeable professional with the ability to identify problem areas and develop and implement solutions.

·   Leadership skills

·  Customer Service

·  Process improvement

·  Budgeting

·  Peoplesoft HRIS

·         Windows, MS Office

Example 7—Project Management/Marketing

Extensive experience in project management, strategic planning and marketing, concept and product development, technology, and internal audit. Initiated and implemented change with a more customer service focus. Successful in selling solutions to senior management to support business strategies.

·   Negotiation skills

·  Creativity and initiative

·  Conflict resolution skills

·  Computer literate

·  Written and verbal communication

·   Database development and management

 

Example 8--Data Entry

An organized and detail oriented individual with extensive experience in data entry and general office administration. Strengths include: good customer service skills, excellent attendance, hard working and get along well with others.

·   Word and Excel

·  Fast worker and meet deadlines

·  Windows 2000

·  Typing 50 wpm

·  Accuracy

·         Team player

Example 9--Marketing Management

Motivated leader with results oriented experience in plant/facility management, sales and operations within the energy industry. Highly organized entrepreneur with superior communication skills, and outstanding performance in fast paced competitive business environments. High impact team builder with strategic planning and business development experience. Areas of expertise include:

·   New Business Development

·  Sales and Marketing

·  Budget Responsibility

·  Long Range Strategic Planning

·  Team Building

·  Customer Satisfaction

·  Process Redesign

·  Human Resources

Example 10--IT

Goal-oriented professional with significant and progressive business and information technology experience in the computer, transportation, and publishing industries. Areas of expertise include operations and systems management, client computing, technology planning, and project management. Major strengths include managing technology and re-engineering organizations and processes.

TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE

·   PC proficient

·   Excel

·   Lotus Notes

·   AS/400

·   Access

·   Marimba

·   Novell

·   Word

·   HP/Openview

·   UNIX

·   Power Point

·   Help Desk

·   Cisco

·   MS Project

·   Net/IQ