Choosing the Right Words to Describe Yourself on Your Resume

When it comes to crafting a resume, one of the most challenging aspects can be describing yourself in just a few words. However, creating a clear and compelling personal summary can be a critical component in catching the attention of potential employers and standing out in a competitive job market. In this article, we’ll explore some tips and strategies for describing yourself effectively in a resume.

Why a Personal Summary Matters

Your personal summary is typically the first thing a hiring manager will see when reviewing your resume. It’s your opportunity to introduce yourself, provide an overview of your skills and experience, and set yourself apart from other applicants. A well-crafted personal summary can pique the interest of a hiring manager and encourage them to keep reading, while a poorly written one can be a turn-off and lead to your application being overlooked.

Tips for Describing Yourself in a Resume

Start with a Strong Opening Statement

Your personal summary should begin with a strong opening statement that grabs the reader’s attention and provides a clear indication of who you are and what you have to offer. Consider using a bold font or a larger font size to make your opening statement stand out. For example:

• “Award-winning graphic designer with 10+ years of experience in branding and marketing.”
• “Dynamic sales professional with a proven track record of exceeding sales goals.”

Highlight Your Skills and Experience

After your opening statement, provide a brief overview of your skills and experience. Keep in mind that your personal summary should be concise – aim for no more than 3-4 sentences. Use bullet points or short phrases to highlight your key skills and accomplishments. For example:

• “Expert in Adobe Creative Suite, with extensive experience creating visual identities for clients in a variety of industries.”
• “Proven ability to close deals, with a history of exceeding sales quotas and building long-term client relationships.”

Tailor Your Personal Summary to the Job

When crafting your personal summary, it’s important to tailor it to the specific job you’re applying for. Review the job posting and identify the key skills and qualifications the employer is looking for. Use language from the job posting in your personal summary to demonstrate that you have the necessary skills for the job. For example:

• “Experienced project manager with a track record of leading cross-functional teams to deliver complex projects on time and within budget.”
• “Highly skilled software developer with expertise in Java and Python, with a passion for developing innovative solutions to complex problems.”

Avoid Generic Buzzwords

While it can be tempting to use buzzwords or cliches in your personal summary, these can often be viewed as generic or insincere. Instead, focus on using clear, specific language that accurately reflects your skills and experience. For example:

• “Creative problem-solver with a talent for developing out-of-the-box solutions to complex challenges.”
• “Skilled communicator with a talent for building rapport and fostering strong relationships with clients and colleagues.”

Consider Adding a Personal Touch

Depending on the job you’re applying for, you may want to add a personal touch to your personal summary. This can help you stand out and make a connection with the reader. For example:

• “As an avid hiker and outdoor enthusiast, I bring a passion for exploration and a willingness to take on new challenges to every project I work on.”
• “With a background in music performance and a talent for improvisation, I bring a unique perspective to my work as a software developer.”

FAQ

Should I use a personal summary on my resume?

Yes, including a personal summary can be a valuable addition to your resume, as it provides a brief overview of your skills and experience and can help you stand out from other applicants.

How long should my personal summary be?

Your personal summary should be concise, typically no more than 3-4 sentences. Use bullet points or short phrases to highlight your key skills and accomplishments.

Can I use a personal summary for every job I apply for?

While it’s possible to use a similar personal summary for multiple job applications, it’s important to tailor it to the specific job you’re applying for. Use language from the job posting and highlight the skills and qualifications the employer is looking for.

Should I include personal information in my personal summary?

While it’s important to add a personal touch to your personal summary, be careful not to include personal information that is not relevant to the job. Stick to highlighting your skills and experience that are directly related to the job.

Can I change my personal summary for different job applications?

Yes, you can and should change your personal summary for different job applications to reflect the specific skills and qualifications the employer is looking for. This will help you stand out and demonstrate your fit for the job.