How to Write a Resume Summary

Thre is a lot of well-intended help on writing a resume summary, unquestionably the most valuable real estate on the resume for the human or machine to pick in or pick out your resume.

After reading and experimenting a lot from highly capable experts. Especially, referencing the work of Barbra Minto, an icon in business communications. I conjured up that resume summary should be a cohesive narrative, rather than a collection of keywords and skill inventory. Here is the advice :

A summary should be your master accomplishment, 4-6 sentences that should highlight your big accomplishments, results and skills relevant to the job. 

I am giving an example below for a marketing manager role and I will unravel it below to explain.

*A brand builder having 10+ years record of crafting business models, marketing strategies and product platforms across FMCG and Health Care industries, that drove revenues by $200M and $50M. Ushered the success by highly brand management, strategic implementation, people leadership and influencing skills. A Stanford MBA, and 5 years of marketing experience further sharpened the skills set. *

1. Start with a catchy word-phrase that differentiates you- a brand builder.  

2. Share 2-3 key outcomes you delivered that are relevant to the job. Here, I wrote, "business models", "marketing strategies" and "product platforms". Also, mention the industry/sector if required by the job post or you believe it adds useful context.

3. Quantify business results, focus overall revenue/profit, it won't be an audited # but be in a reasonable range but it is much more powerful.

4. Mention the key skills, here, I put, "brand management", "strategic implementation", "people leadership" and "influencing skills". You'll mine these through the key responsibilities in the job post or the required skills mentioned. The important point here is that you're not just citing these skills, you're mentioning that these skills drove your outcomes and results, mentioned above.

5. Lastly, add education and experience of a global company to further differentiate yourself. Again, only if necessary, there is a very thin line between boastfulness and subtility. As for others, whose background is not from these schools, you can emphasize your skills and outcomes to make an impact.

Feel free to add your valuable insights and reach me for any help or clarification.

Eddy Qureshi (0426 275 643 , [email protected])