How to Write a Resume Summary That Gets Read

The summary is the first thing a recruiter reads, usually for only a few seconds. It should tell them who you are, what you are strong at, and why you fit this job.

The formula

Write a line for your role and years of experience, a line for your two or three strongest relevant skills, and a line for a result you delivered.

Experienced example

Backend developer with 6 years of experience building payment services in Python and PostgreSQL. Skilled in API design, Docker and AWS. Cut checkout failures by 35% across a platform serving 200,000 users.

Early-career example

Computer science graduate with internship experience building web apps in React and Node.js. Completed a capstone project used by 300 students. Looking for a junior developer role focused on customer-facing products.

Mistakes to avoid

• Vague phrases like "hard-working team player".
• Long paragraphs. Keep it to about 3 lines.
• Using the same summary for every application. Adjust it to the posting.