Your resume needs something that will draw the attention of recruiters and provide them with a quick overview of what makes you the perfect candidate for the job – essentially an “elevator pitch.”
The hardest part about writing a resume is actually starting. Adding your name, address, phone number, and email are easy enough, but what comes next? Should you start with your professional experience, education, or maybe your most relevant skills? The answer is: none of the above.
Every resume should begin with the right resume introduction. Job seekers have a choice between a Professional Profile, Career Objective, or Qualifications Summary, but how does one choose the right resume introduction for them? The introduction you choose could be the difference between getting the interview or a one-way ticket to the trash can.
However up until now, the differences between the three styles has not been clear, making it hard for job seekers to choose the one that best suits their resume.
Resume Genius has put together a flow chart to help job seekers select the introduction that maximizes their chances of getting an interview. Simply follow the flow chart below and let it guide you to your resume introduction. After you’ve found your intro, then make sure to also check out the explainers and examples to help you write your own.
So now that you know which introduction is best for you and have a better idea of what one looks like, you may still need a little more information on how to customize it for your own resume.
Writing a Resume Introduction
The flow chart above has already broken down the three styles and provided examples of how they differ from one another. Now let’s delve a little deeper into how you can adapt the intro to effectively promote your experience and skills.
Find your introduction below:
Career Objective Tips
Career objectives are great for those who are just entering the workforce or who only have 1-2 years of experience under their belt. A career objective consists of three basic parts. They include:
- Years of work/internship experience and the job duties performed
- The major qualities, skills, or abilities that you will apply to the specific position to meet the company’s goals (Note: you must be able to prove these skills in the professional experience section)
- Relevant degrees, licenses, and certificates you hold
When you combine the three points above, you establish a solid argument for why you deserve to a position over the competition.
Good luck on the job hunt!
About The Author
Erik “EPIC” Episcopo is a career adviser and hiring manager at Resume Genius, home of the world’s best resume builder. Erik strives to provide the most useful resume advice to hard-working Americans. If he needs a break from fixing the unemployment rate, Erik can be found on the basketball court, rooting for the Memphis Grizzlies, or stuffing his face with delicious morsels of goodness
