Hiring managers sift through mountains of résumés and reams of cover letters. Their inboxes overflow. They must work with efficiency to fill vacant positions. Do hiring managers—and yourself—a favor by employing a summary statement on your résumé. Don’t leave it up to them to discern what’s important in your skills and experience: highlight what you want them to know.
Your résumé should include a summary or objective statement that is tailored to the position and organization, uniting your skills, experience, and values, into a quick synopsis that encapsulates your competitive advantage.
Your LinkedIn profile should extend this comprehensive narrative by including a concise “about” statement that reflects your professional experience, top skills, and purpose in the workplace. It should include not only the “what” of your roles and field, but the “why” behind it that sets you apart.
Whether or not you nail a summary may dictate if they care to read more. Make a strong first impression with a carefully crafted, personal statement that invites the hiring manager to get to know you better.
