A resume has one job. That is, to get you job interviews. To do that, your resume must quickly grab attention. In fact, the best way to do that is to start your resume with a summary statement. To clarify, think of this is as a resume with a summary of qualifications.

Why You Need a Resume With a Summary Statement

You’ve heard the statement, “put your best foot forward.” Effective resumes also follow this format. This is why you need immediately establish your qualifications for the job to which you are applying. Certainly, placing a professional summary statement at the top of your resume is a great way to do this.

Getting through the initial resume screening or Application Tracking System (ATS) review takes a matter of seconds. And not many seconds. Usually less than 10 seconds. Therefore, it’s very important to make your case quickly. A resume with a summary statement is an easy way to do this. However, many job seekers miss this opportunity to quickly tell employers their story of how they qualify for the job.

Tips for Writing a Resume Summary of Qualifications

Before you start, remember the purpose of the resume summary of qualifications. It is to serve as a quick statement at the top of your resume summarizing your qualifications for the employer’s job opening. Above all, remember it’s a summary. It should encourage the reader to want to see the rest of your resume to see the details. For example, focus on just a few of your most important or impressive qualifications in a few short sentences or bullet points. But, above all, it must capture their interest. If it does not grab their attention, they may not read your resume any further.

The most effective resume summary examples are about 3-5 sentences or bullet points. Most importantly, these should highlight your strengths and experience related directly to the job requirements. Imagine if the employer was only able to read your resume summary. Would they be interested enough to want to read the rest of your resume? Quick reminder. A resume is a sales document, not just a statement of facts. Therefore, if you are not comfortable writing about yourself or with sales writing, you may want to consider using a top resume writer. Click here to check our list and reviews of some of the best resume writers.

3 Reasons Why Your Resume Needs a Summary

Here are the three key reasons why you need to start your resume with a summary of qualifications.

1. Focuses Your Resume

Focus. It’s a key to a successful resume. Preparing a resume summary forces you to identify your top few qualifications. Quickly.

For example, perhaps you heard of an elevator speech? The concept is that during an elevator ride you can share with someone the highlights of business or in this case your qualifications for a job. It’s a very short and tightly focused sales pitch — the length of an elevator ride. Click here for more information on an elevator speech.

In the same vein, the most valuable space on your resume is the top third of your resume. That is to say that the resume summary could make the biggest impact in the shortest period of time. On the other hand, a detailed job chronology or your education would not have nearly the same impact. Therefore, the summary should appear at the top of your resume right after your name and contact information. Yes, it’s that important.

2. Differentiates You From Other Job Candidates

Employers may receive hundreds of resumes in response to a single job posting. As a result, you need to do everything you can to stand out from all of the other candidates. A well written resume summary helps the employer with the initial resume review. Most importantly, it gives them the information they need to quickly eliminate your resume from consideration or to set aside for a more detailed review. Therefore, some people prefer a few short sentences, others prefer a few targeted bullet points. Either way, make sure they address your qualifications for the job. That is the whole point. Front and center. In short, this is why I am qualified. Boom.

3. Replaces Outdated Objective Statements

The goal of your resume is get you an interview. To do that you must convince the employer of your qualifications. For example, years ago it was common to start a resume with a statement of objectives. In this useless section, candidates made lofty statements about their career aspirations and goals that rarely matched the jobs to which they applied. Consequently, please, do not ever put an objectives statement on your resume.

It’s not that a potential employer doesn’t care about your goals, they most likely do. However, your goals won’t get your foot in the door for an interview. But, save that discussion for the interview itself. Rather, use the resume summary to highlight what you have to offer the employer and how you meet their specific needs. Review the job posting carefully and then tailor your resume summary of qualifications to their needs.

Get Started Now

We talked earlier about how resumes may only be looked at for a matter of seconds. So, knowing that you have only seconds, what is your elevator speech. That is, what would you want to share in those few seconds. Never assume your full resume will be read. You need to work hard to make that happen.

Here are some questions to think about as you prepare your resume summary.

• How would you describe yourself in a sentence?
• How would others you work with describe you?
• What’s one thing the hiring manager should know about you?
• What differentiates you from others with similar backgrounds
• Can you list the most relevant skills you have?
• Can you summarize accomplishments you most proud of that would fit the company/job you’re applying to?

Get Started Now, Get More Interviews

Now that you understand the purpose of the resume summary, you can begin to write your own. Above all, remember that a resume is a sales document. Therefore, this is your sales pitch or your elevator speech. Your opportunity to make your case for the interview. Impress the resume reviewers or get past the ATS screening criteria. That’s your goal. Hopefully you have enough information now to get started.

Writing about yourself is hard. If you decide you need help, check our reviews of some top resume writers who may be able to help.