A guide to writing an engaging resume profile
To get interviews and job offers in today's tough market, you need to stand out from the crowd. One way to do that is to include a resume profile, a short but powerful summary of your skills, experience, and job goals. So, how can a resume profile help? It's your professional resume summary, your elevator pitch, and your chance to make a great first impression.
Whether you're an experienced professional wanting to move up in your career or a recent college graduate looking for your first job, a good resume summary can improve your chances of getting hired. Here's what we'll cover in this article:
- What is a resume profile?
- Benefits of having a profile on your resume
- How to write a winning resume profile
- Resume profile examples
- Tips on how to write your resume profile
- Conclusion
- FAQs
What is a resume profile?
A resume profile is a section at the top of your resume that highlights essential skills, experiences, and career objectives relating to the position you're applying for. You can also call it a professional profile or career summary. It summarises your professional background and emphasises your qualifications, encouraging employers to read the rest of your resume.
Compared to a resume objective, which lists your goals, or a resume summary, which lists your work experience, a resume profile focuses on unique selling points and skills for the job you're applying for.
Distinction between resume profile, career objectives, and other resume sections
The resume profile, career objectives, and other parts of the resume show your qualifications and career path in different ways. Your resume profile displays your unique skills at the top of the resume to get the attention of hiring managers.
Career objectives discuss your goals and are also at the top of the resume. However, they're less common on current resumes because employers look for what you can do for the company. Other parts of the resume, such as education, work experience, relevant skills, and accomplishments, give more information about your history and achievements, which backs up what you say in your profile.
Relevance of a resume profile in the job-hunting process
The resume profile is an important part of the job search process for these reasons:
Impact on first impressions
Hiring managers can get a good sense of a job seeker from their resume profile, which sets the tone for the rest of the application and makes them want to learn more.
Role in enhancing your application
The resume profile shows off your most important skills and how they match the job requirements. This can improve your chances of landing interviews and help you stand out from other job seekers.
Benefits of having a profile on your resume
Resume profiles can be helpful for all job seekers. However, as Josh Billings says, “There's a great power in words if you don't hitch too many of them together.” Crafting an interesting profile for your resume can significantly improve your job application. Here are some benefits of a resume profile.
It grabs attention
A well-written resume profile grabs the attention of hiring managers with a brief but powerful summary of your professional identity and value. It tells them about your unique and relevant skills and what you can bring to the job, making them want to read more.
It's an opportunity to highlight key qualifications
Your resume profile emphasises your most important interpersonal skills and accomplishments. Listing these first helps show that you qualify for the job to make an excellent first impression on potential employers.
It's highly customisable
You can change your resume profile to ensure that it fits the job you're applying for. Using keywords from the job description that fit the company's needs can help your profile pass applicant tracking systems (ATS) and impress interviewers.
It helps your resume stand out for the ATS
A well-written profile sets the right tone and goal, making it easier for an ATS to see your qualifications. You can have a better chance of moving to the next step of the hiring process if you align your profile with your work goals and the job requirements.
It provides an opportunity to explain career changes
Your profile lets you connect your past experiences to the job path you want to take, putting your accomplishments in context. Whether you're switching to a new field or trying to progress, a well-written profile will help you communicate your career path and goals.
How to write a winning resume profile
To get hiring managers' attention, you need to write a resume profile that makes you stand out. Here's how to make yours shine.
Understand the purpose
Your resume profile is more than a summary; it's where you set the right tone and goal. It gives a peek into who you are professionally and what you can bring to the company. It fits with your job search and career goals.
Learn the key elements of a resume profile
Your resume profile summarises the best things you've done in your work. Highlight your communication skills, experiences, and accomplishments in a way that says, “I'm the perfect fit!” Personalise it by adding your skills and making sure it shows what you bring to the table.
Identify the sections to include in your resume profile
Show employers how you got to where you are in your career. Talk about your experience, your specialities, the skills you bring, and any significant achievements. Include your work goals and terms from the job posting.
Align your resume profile with the job description
Read the job description. Find out what the company wants, and then make your profile fit those needs.
Highlight relevant skills and experience
Show the employer that you're what they've been looking for. Ensure your resume matches the job requirements and highlights the skills and experiences that make you the best job seeker. Make it challenging for them to reject you.
Match the company's culture
You're looking for the right job, so research the company's culture and values. Weave them into your profile. Show the employer that you're a cultural fit, ready to hit the ground running and make a real difference.
Resume profile examples
Need some inspiration with your resume profile? Here are some resume profile examples to give you ideas.
Industry-specific resume profile examples
Here are some industry-specific examples that can help inspire your own resume profile:
Accountant
“Certified Public Accountant with over eight years of experience and a bachelor's degree in accounting. Solid knowledge of US GAAP and accounting systems. Top skills include budget forecasting, advanced computer knowledge, and analytical reasoning. Seeking to leverage my expertise to contribute to the financial success of a dynamic organisation.”
Administrative assistant
“Organised and proactive administrative assistant with over two years of experience managing office operations and providing executive support. Successfully carried out all key administrative tasks, including communicating with company clients, performing data entry, and creating well-researched office documentation. Eager to contribute administrative expertise to streamline processes and support organisational goals.”
Copywriter
“SaaS copywriter who focuses on landing page optimisation. Skilled at writing catchy copy for websites, social media, and business materials. Can perform A/B testing with Google Optimizely and Firebase. Looking to use my writing abilities to captivate readers and help clients achieve their goals.”
Salesperson
“Salesperson with extensive experience who focuses on results and has a history of exceeding goals to increase sales. Skilled at satisfying customers and building good relationships with clients. Looking to use my sales skills to help a team that is already doing well.”
Teacher
“Passionate and determined teacher who wants students to succeed. Can make and use interesting lesson plans that fit diverse learning styles. Skilled at running a school and making it a good place to learn. Dedicated to promoting career growth and inspiring students to love learning for a lifetime.”
Entry-level resume profiles
In many companies, entry-level jobs are your starting point. They give you a basic understanding of the company, its operations, and the industry. These jobs are very important for getting real-world experience, learning the ropes, and building the skills you need to move up in your work. For many entry-level jobs, you need to know about technology, be eager to learn, and be confident in a business setting.
Entry-level jobs usually involve working for professionals with extensive experience. You can benefit from their knowledge and guidance. You can also show your potential, eagerness to learn, and how your skills can help the organisation.
Example of an entry-level resume profile
“Energetic and ambitious individual with a passion for [relevant field]. Recent graduate with hands-on experience gained through internships and academic projects. Proficient in [list relevant software or tools]. Strong interpersonal skills with a proven ability to collaborate effectively in team environments. Detail-oriented and organised with a commitment to delivering high-quality results. Seeking an entry-level position where I can further develop my skills and contribute to organisational objectives.”
Tips on how to write your resume profile
Here are some tips for writing a resume profile that may encourage a hiring manager to choose you.
Avoid vague language
A hiring manager reads many resumes that use the same words, such as “detail-oriented team player” or “motivated self-starter”. They can't learn anything useful about you from these phrases. Describe your skills and successes in a way that people can understand. Instead of saying you're a “problem-solver”, highlight a time when you saw a problem, came up with a solution, and had measurable results.
Ensure relevance to the position
Always read the job description carefully and make a list of the most important skills and qualifications. Then, in your resume profile statement, make sure those items stand out. If you're looking for a job in marketing, highlight your knowledge of digital marketing strategies and campaign analytics. To get a job as a project manager, show that you can lead cross-functional teams and finish projects on time and on budget. By making your resume unique to each application, you show that you're interested in and qualified for the job.
Proofread and edit
When writing a resume profile summary, proofread and edit it to ensure it's free of errors. Take a break after writing. Then, read it with fresh eyes to find any mistakes you may have missed. If you need a second opinion, ask a friend or coworker to help. Paying close attention to the little things can help you show a polished and professional image to potential employers.
Conclusion
A professional resume profile makes a good impression on potential employers. We have discussed the most important parts of a good resume profile, such as using relevant keywords, making sure your profile fits the job standards, showing a proven track record, and using specific examples to show what you can do. Take the time to improve your resume description to help you get the job you want.
FAQs
- What is the difference between a resume profile and a resume objective?
Resume objectives list your work goals, while a professional resume profile lists your skills and what you can do for the company.
- What are examples of strong resume profiles?
Here are some examples of good resume profiles across different industries:
Human resources
“HR specialist with more than two years of experience making plans for small businesses, training employees, and planning company events on a tight budget. Experience with hiring people and staff retention.”
Graphic design
“Expert in graphic design with three years of experience working for marketing and design firms. Experienced in all stages of the planning process, from coming up with ideas to putting them into action. Can design flyers, websites, landing pages, and more. Frequently uses MS Office and Adobe Creative Suite.”
- How can I create a strong resume profile with limited work experience?
Focus on highlighting important skills, accomplishments, and education, even if you don't have much work experience. Include any jobs, volunteer work, or school projects that show how skilled you are and how much you want the job. Show off the skills and traits that make you a good choice, such as communication skills, working well with others, and having a strong work ethic.
- What are the elements to include in a resume profile?
A strong resume profile summary should showcase your skills and experience and your most important qualifications and accomplishments. You should also talk about your work goals and how the job you're applying for fits with them. Adding industry keywords relating to the job can also help your profile show up in an ATS and get the attention of hiring managers.
- How do I tailor my resume profile to a specific job description?
To make your resume profile statement fit a job description, read it carefully and list important skills and experience. Then, use relevant terms and draw attention to your skills, accomplishments, and experience that fit the job.
- What common mistakes should I avoid when writing my resume profile?
Here are some key points to keep in mind:
Avoid using vague or generic language.
Keep your profile concise and to the point.
Provide specific examples and achievements.
Include relevant keywords.
Highlight your skills, strengths, and future career goals.
Proofread carefully before submitting.
