10 Resume Profile Examples (And How to Write Yours)

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Imagine you've got everything covered in your resume : You listed your past experiences, included keywords from the job description, and pared it down to design elements an applicant tracking system (ATS) can parse. Now it’s an accurate representation of your professional qualifications—but you still can’t shake the feeling that who you are as a person is getting a bit lost. That’s where a resume profile comes in.

Adding this section to your resume is a good way to show more of your personality while still being professional. Curious? Read on to find out exactly what a resume profile is, and how to write yours—including examples.

What is a resume profile?

A resume profile is a few concise sentences or bullet points that can be placed at the top of your resume (below the header). It “describes who you are as a professional,” says Muse career coach Yolanda Owens , founder of CareerSensei and who also worked as a college corporate recruiter for more than 20 years.

Once you perfect your resume, check out open jobs on The Muse to maximize your chances »

Career professionals don’t all agree on the exact contents of a resume profile, or even on whether it’s different from a resume summary . So you have a bit of flexibility in how you think about yours and what you include in it.

For example, you might think of a resume profile as a way to “tell the reader who you are, what you do, and what you’re looking for,” so that you can grab their attention and “quickly showcase your accomplishments,” says Muse career coach and former recruiter Jennifer Smith , founder of Flourish Careers .

Or you might approach your resume profile like Owens does, as the equivalent to “a dating profile that describes how you see yourself at work, and the type of work environment that makes you feel productive and purposeful.”

What’s the difference between a resume summary and a profile?

While some career coaches may use the terms resume summary and resume profile interchangeably, others treat them differently.

The first is a quick synopsis of the relevant experiences and skills you bring to a role. The latter can do the same, but it can also focus on your traits and achievements, your story as a professional, and your desires for your next role.

At this point, you might be wondering: If a resume profile includes what you’re looking for in your next role , how is it different from a resume objective ? Some people say that resume objectives are outdated at best and a waste of space at worst. If that’s true, why is a resume profile acceptable?

The difference lies in “the additional context that’s included in the profile,” says Smith. A traditional objective merely states what you’re looking for and maybe a vague reason why. But “the profile goes deeper into who you are and what you do” in addition to what you’re looking for next, connecting your past and present to your future.

Is a resume profile necessary? Who should use it?

Resume profiles can be advantageous for all job seekers, Smith says, especially for those “who are changing either their role or industry.” If you’re a career changer , a strong, explicit resume profile will give you space to tell the reader right up front that, no, you didn’t apply to this job by mistake—this is the next step in your career and here’s why.

Resume profiles are also particularly useful for entry-level job seekers who may need to tie their education and other experiences together more explicitly. If a candidate is writing an entry-level resume , Owens suggests that they “use the profile section to explain what they’re looking for in terms of challenges and learning, and the skills they possess that could potentially add value.”

What to include in a resume profile

Think about what you’d want the person reading your resume to know first. Is it something about your qualifications or your biggest accomplishment? Is it how well you work with others or what your personality adds to a team? This is what should go into your resume profile. You have a few sentences (or bullets) to work with, so don’t restrict yourself to highlighting just one thing.

Here are a few types of information that you can include in a resume profile, according to our coaches:

  • Relevant skills and experiences
  • Relevant achievements and accomplishments
  • Years of experience
  • Strengths as a professional (both soft and hard skills )
  • Signature traits related to the job
  • Personal traits that contribute to your work
  • Qualities you’re looking for in your next role, team, or company
  • Willingness to relocate (if you’re applying to a job not near the location listed on your resume)

What are recruiters looking for in a resume profile?

Don’t underestimate the power of a good first impression to get someone to keep reading the rest of your resume with interest. “The resume profile has an ability to quickly convince a recruiter that the person is a strong, qualified candidate,” says recruiter and Muse career coach Steven Davis , founder and CEO of Renaissance Solutions .

But recruiting isn’t just about making sure candidates have the right skills, Owens says. Recruiters also need to get a feel for whether the team and work environment will be a good match for the candidate long term.

Candidates’ skills and experiences should be well represented throughout their resumes, so as a recruiter, Owens most often “looked at the profile as a way to get a sense of their work persona and gauge environment fit for the role.”

How to write a profile for a resume : 5 steps

Once you know what recruiters and hiring managers are looking for in your resume profile and what you’d like to portray, you can follow these tips as you write your own:

1. Keep it concise

Your resume profile should be no more than four sentences or bullet points, and should not have more than 500 characters. Remember recruiters read dozens of resumes daily, so you don't want yours to be unnecessarily long and tiring.

2. Find the format the suits you best

Decide if you want to use either bullet points or paragraph form. Your resume profile can be written as bullet points, but keep in mind that bullet points often take up more space than a paragraph. “To preserve real estate on the resume and attempt to keep it to one to two pages , I always recommend using paragraph format,” Owens says.

3. Consider the position you're applying for

Tailor your profile to the job, but not so much that it’s not true to who you are. If your resume profile is closer to a summary that highlights your key qualifications and accomplishments as they relate to a given job, you should be tailoring it very carefully for each application and incorporating keywords from the job description.

Read more: What it Really Means to "Tailor Your Resume"

However, if your resume profile is more of a personal (but still professionally appropriate) description of yourself, Owens recommends against tailoring it to match each job: “What you don’t want to do is try to tell employers what you think they want to hear,” she says, if it doesn’t reflect who you are. “That’s how you end up in positions where you’re ultimately unhappy.”

4. Quantify your experiences and accomplishments

Whenever possible, quantify your experiences and accomplishments by adding numbers, percentages, and other metrics to your resume profile. Keep in mind that recruiters nowadays not only want to know what you did, but also what you achieved and the exact results of your work.

5. Show some personality

While the rest of your resume won’t let much of your personality shine through, your profile gives you an opportunity for creativity. If you’re applying to a casual company, you can add a splash of personality, but if you’re applying to a more formal organization, it’s best to keep things more buttoned up.

Resume profile: Examples

Want to know what all this advice looks like in action? Check out these 10 resume profile examples for different types of job seekers and professions.

Career changer

Quality-control team lead with 10+ years experience who specializes in making thorough business decisions and leading others through day-to-day operations to achieve excellence. Decided to transition to the outdoor recreation industry during the COVID-19 pandemic after realizing that people, especially children, spend too much time indoors behind computer screens. Excited to bring experience in quality assurance and operations to a management position at an outdoor recreation facility to help people of all ages get outside and enjoy themselves safely.

Recent college graduate or entry-level candidate

Recent magna cum laude animal sciences graduate with a focus on small animal care excited to bring passion and knowledge to a position with an animal shelter or animal-focused nonprofit and learn more about programs that protect animals from euthanasia. As president of the University of Georgia chapter of the Association of Shelter Veterinarians, planned, organized, advertised, and managed a fundraiser that brought in over $20,000 in donations to a local shelter while also placing 43 cats and dogs with adoptive families. Proud dog mom of two former shelter pets, Dakota and Miley (pictures available upon request).

Account Executive (Sales)

Account executive who has been making deals since my first lemonade stand at age four for a total of $20+ million in sales. I love the rush of being on a sales team working toward goals—both in exceeding my own targets and in cheering on my teammates and celebrating their wins. In my current role, I’ve discovered that the most satisfying feeling of all was teaching a few of our SDRs to close deals. Seeing how proud they were of themselves as they got better motivated me to seek out a sales training role at a highly collaborative company.

Find account executives jobs on The Muse

A detail-oriented accountant with experience preparing tax and financial reports for charities to be posted publicly online. Evaluated budget (including payroll) for inefficiencies and suggested cost-cutting and time-saving measures that ultimately allowed the nonprofit to put an additional 5% of yearly donations directly into charitable programs. Excited to bring accounting skills to a nonprofit in the public health sector after spending over five years volunteering for public health charities such as the Red Cross and Project N95.

Find accountant jobs on The Muse

Customer Service Representative

An empathetic customer service representative who loves getting to talk to new people every day and help them solve problems. Crafted service approach of finding out what customers’ goals are and what their level of expertise in the product was rather than automatically giving boilerplate advice, leading to a 92% customer satisfaction rating. Avid video game player and designer looking to bring this passion to a customer service role for a gaming company.

Find customer service representative jobs on The Muse

Human Resources Manager

Human resources generalist who oversaw the transition of a 100+ employee company to remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic. Adept at dealing with the issues facing fully remote or hybrid workforces, including in hiring, professional development, and conflict resolution. Conceived of and instituted DEI programs for employees working from home. Looking for a position with a company that has a fully distributed or hybrid workforce and is committed to increasing diversity in its hiring pool.

Find human resources manager jobs on The Muse

Marketing Manager

Email marketer with 6+ years of experience gathering data-driven insights to make decisions about marketing campaigns. Conceived, proposed, and executed a campaign for a new headphone line across all marketing channels including email, social, content marketing, and print ads, with a total reach of 30 million impressions leading to over $1 million in sales. A team player who has taken the time to learn what each teammate in 10-person marketing department does and even filled in for them when needed. Excited to find a position in a collaborative work environment that oversees marketing campaigns across multiple channels.

Find marketing manager jobs on The Muse

Office Administrator

  • Friendly, organized, and proactive administrative assistant with four years of experience looking to move into an office administrator role
  • Saved office over $3,000 per quarter in supplies by creating new inventory tracking document on Google Sheets, showing other employees how to check supply levels and request orders, and comparing the supply sheet to inventory every two weeks to stop duplicate supply orders
  • Spent four months filling in for office manager during maternity leave

Find office administrator jobs on The Muse

Project Manager

Looking for a project manager who can save at-risk initiatives and projects and make sure they come in on time and under budget and are fully functional at launch? I’ve held positions in customer care, engineering, product, and communications, so I know how to work with employees in all departments and see a project from multiple angles, ensuring each piece is on track and communicating with stakeholders along the way. I work best in environments where innovation is encouraged and no one expects to wear just one hat.

Find project manager jobs on The Muse

Web Developer

  • Back-end web developer with experience using Java, Python, and SQL to develop features for online databases
  • Go-to debugger on team of seven engineers
  • Developed a site (link) that uses television shows you’ve watched to suggest new shows based on the ratings and recommendations of users with similar watch histories, bringing in an average of 10,000 visitors monthly

Find web developer jobs on The Muse

what to put in a profile resume

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Writing a Resume Profile: 30 Examples and Tips for 2024

what to put in a profile resume

As a job seeker, you already know how crucial a well-written resume is to secure employment. However, did you know that a well-crafted resume profile is equally important? The resume profile, also called a summary statement, is a short paragraph that presents your skills, experiences, and career objectives.

Why is a good resume profile important? It is the first thing hiring managers see, and it can make or break a job application. A strong profile can grab the recruiter’s attention and persuade them to continue reading your resume. Conversely, a weak or generic profile can make your resume blend in with the pile of other applicants.

In this article, we will explore how a good resume profile can improve your chances of getting hired. We will provide you with 30 examples and tips to help you write a compelling profile that highlights your unique skills and experiences.

By the end of this article, you can expect to know:

  • The elements of a good resume profile
  • How to tailor your profile to the job description and industry
  • Tips on writing attention-grabbing summaries
  • Examples of strong and weak profiles

So, if you are struggling to create a persuasive resume profile, keep reading to learn how to craft a strong one and stand out from the competition.

What is a Resume Profile?

A resume profile, also known as a professional summary or career summary, is a brief summary of a candidate’s skills, experiences, and achievements. This section is typically placed at the top of a resume, immediately after the header, and provides a snapshot of the candidate’s career.

what to put in a profile resume

Definition and Purpose

The primary purpose of a resume profile is to quickly and effectively communicate the candidate’s value proposition to potential employers. It is a powerful way to showcase a candidate’s unique qualities and stand out in a crowded job market.

The profile should be tailored to the job description and highlight the most relevant skills and experiences, including any noteworthy achievements or awards. It should also provide a glimpse into the candidate’s personality and work style.

A good resume profile should grab the reader’s attention and encourage them to read on. It should also communicate the candidate’s career goals and demonstrate how they fit into the organization’s culture and mission.

How it Differs from Other Resume Sections

While the resume profile serves as an introduction to the candidate, it differs from other sections in a few key ways.

Firstly, unlike the objective statement, which focuses on what the candidate hopes to gain from the position, the resume profile concentrates on what the candidate can offer the employer. It emphasizes the candidate’s unique qualities, experiences, and skills that make them the best fit for the job.

Secondly, the resume profile often includes measurable achievements, such as increased sales, successful projects, or recognition from superiors. This helps to convey the candidate’s value proposition more effectively than a list of skills alone.

Lastly, the resume profile is typically shorter than other sections, usually around three to four sentences but no more than a paragraph. Its brevity ensures that it grabs the employer’s attention quickly and doesn’t overwhelm them with information.

Who Needs a Resume Profile?

Your resume profile can make or break your chances of landing an interview. But who exactly needs a resume profile? Here’s a breakdown on when you should include one, which jobs require it, and which industries prioritize it.

When to Include a Resume Profile

Including a resume profile is highly recommended when you have extensive experience and qualifications that are specific to the position you are applying for. If you want to show potential employers that you are a top candidate for the job, a strong resume profile will grab their attention and entice them to keep reading.

Here are some situations when it’s appropriate to include a resume profile:

  • You’re changing careers and want to showcase relevant skills and experience
  • You’re applying for a senior-level position and need to stand out from the crowd
  • You’re targeting a position where competition is high and you need to showcase what makes you unique

Jobs That Require a Resume Profile

While not every job requires a resume profile, there are certain positions where it’s almost mandatory. These include:

  • Sales positions, where your profile can showcase your interpersonal skills and ability to close deals
  • Executive positions, where your profile can highlight your leadership experience and vision for the company
  • Creative positions, such as graphic designers or copywriters, where your profile can showcase your portfolio and unique style

Industries That Prioritize Resume Profiles

Some industries place a higher emphasis on resume profiles than others. These include:

what to put in a profile resume

  • Marketing and advertising, where creativity and persuasive communication skills are key
  • Tech and IT, where experience with specific programming languages or technologies can set you apart
  • Consulting, where your profile can showcase your problem-solving abilities and industry-specific knowledge

A strong resume profile can make a big difference in your job search. Consider including one if you’re looking to stand out from the competition, especially if you’re targeting a job or industry where it’s highly valued.

Resume Profile Examples

When it comes to writing a resume profile, there are various styles and structures to follow. In this section, we will be discussing four main types of resume profile examples: Basic, Creative, Professional, and Industry-specific.

Basic Resume Profile Examples

A basic resume profile aims to highlight your skills and experience in a clear, concise, and straightforward manner. The tone used is formal and professional, and the length is usually about three to four sentences.

  • Highly motivated and skilled IT professional with over five years of experience in software development. Proficient in Java, Python, and C++, with a proven track record of delivering high-quality projects on time and within budget.
  • Detail-oriented customer service specialist with excellent communication skills and a passion for helping others. Experienced in handling customer complaints, resolving issues, and ensuring customer satisfaction.

Creative Resume Profile Examples

A creative resume profile adds a touch of personality to your resume by showcasing your unique skills and abilities. It should be engaging, conversational, and attention-grabbing, and should reflect your creative flair.

  • Aspiring chef with a passion for fusion cuisine and a talent for creating mouth-watering dishes that leave lasting impressions. Trained in both traditional and modern cooking techniques, with a creative mindset and a keen eye for detail.
  • Innovative marketer with a proven ability to create dynamic content that drives engagement and generates leads. Skilled in SEO, social media, and email marketing, with a flair for creative storytelling and a deep understanding of consumer behavior.

Professional Resume Profile Examples

A professional resume profile is similar to a basic resume profile, but with a more sophisticated tone and a focus on achievements rather than skills. It should highlight your career progression, leadership skills, and industry expertise.

  • Accomplished human resources manager with over 10 years of experience in recruiting, employee relations, and performance management. Known for building strong partnerships with senior leaders, developing HR policies that align with business objectives, and driving positive change across the organization.
  • Strategic sales executive with a track record of exceeding revenue targets and building successful sales teams. Skilled in market analysis, product positioning, and relationship building, with a deep understanding of the competitive landscape and a talent for identifying new business opportunities.

Industry-specific Resume Profile Examples

An industry-specific resume profile is tailored to a particular sector or job role, with a focus on relevant skills and experience. It should demonstrate your knowledge of the industry, your understanding of key trends and challenges, and your ability to succeed in the role.

  • Experienced healthcare administrator with a background in hospital operations, regulatory compliance, and patient care. Proficient in managing complex budgets, leading cross-functional teams, and implementing quality improvement initiatives that drive positive patient outcomes.
  • Results-driven software sales professional with a deep understanding of the tech industry and a talent for creating customized solutions that meet the needs of enterprise clients.

Tips for Writing a Great Resume Profile

How to structure your profile section.

When writing your resume profile, it’s important to structure it in a clear and concise way. Start with a brief statement that summarizes your overall professional experience and qualifications. Follow this with specific skills and achievements that demonstrate your expertise in your field. Additionally, include any relevant education or certifications you have earned. Remember to keep your profile section focused and to the point.

What to Avoid When Writing a Profile

Avoid using vague language or cliches when describing your skills and experience. Instead, use concrete examples and data to show the impact you have made in your previous roles. Additionally, avoid including irrelevant or outdated information. Finally, be sure to proofread your profile section for errors in spelling and grammar.

How to Highlight Your Skills and Experience

When highlighting your skills and experience, consider the job you are applying for and tailor your profile section accordingly. Use keywords from the job description to showcase how your experience and skills align with the company’s needs. Additionally, use specific examples and numbers to demonstrate the impact you have made in previous roles.

Adding Personal Touches to Your Profile

While it’s important to keep your profile section professional, adding personal touches can make it more engaging and memorable. Consider including a short sentence or two about your hobbies or interests. This can give employers a sense of your personality and potentially spark conversation during an interview. Additionally, consider using a professional headshot to help your profile stand out visually.

With these tips, you can write a strong and engaging resume profile that showcases your qualifications and highlights what makes you a great candidate for the job.

How to Tailor your Resume Profile to the Job

One of the most important things you can do to increase your chances of landing a job interview is to tailor your resume profile to the job you’re applying for. This means doing your research and customizing your profile for each application.

Research the job and company

Before you start crafting your resume profile, take some time to research the company and job you’re applying for. Look for information about the company’s culture, values, and mission. This will give you a better idea of what they’re looking for in a candidate and help you tailor your profile to their needs.

Align your skills and experience to the job requirements

Once you have a good understanding of the job and company, it’s time to align your skills and experience with the job requirements. Read through the job description and make a list of the skills and qualifications they’re looking for. Then, take a look at your own skills and experience and identify any that match up with what they’re looking for.

Customize your resume profile for each application

Now that you have a list of the skills and experience they’re looking for, it’s time to customize your resume profile for each application. Focus on highlighting the skills and experience that match up with what they’re looking for, and try to tailor your language to their company culture and values.

Using keywords in your resume profile

One way to tailor your resume profile to the job you’re applying for is to use keywords from the job description. Look for keywords that relate to the skills and experience they’re looking for, and try to incorporate them into your profile in a natural way. This will help your resume get noticed by hiring managers and increase your chances of landing an interview.

Resume Profile vs. Resume Objective

When writing a resume, you have to decide whether to include a resume profile or resume objective or both. A resume profile is a brief summary that highlights your skills, achievements, and experiences relevant to the job you’re applying for. In contrast, a resume objective is a statement that describes the specific goals you want to achieve in your next job.

Differences between the Two Sections

The main difference between the two sections lies in their focus. A resume profile emphasizes your professional background, whereas a resume objective focuses on your career goals. While both sections serve the same purpose of introducing you to your potential employer, a resume profile provides a more comprehensive overview of your work experience and education, whereas a resume objective is specific to a particular job or position.

When to Use a Resume Objective Instead of a Resume Profile

You should consider using a resume objective when you’re:

  • Just starting your career and lack professional experience
  • Changing career paths into a different field
  • Applying for a job that requires specific skills or experience
  • Applying for an entry-level or junior position

A resume objective can help you draw attention to your qualifications, especially if you lack professional experience or if you’re making a career change. However, if you have substantial experience in your field, you might benefit more from a resume profile that highlights your achievements and skills.

Tips for Writing a Clear and Concise Resume Objective

When writing a resume objective, keep these tips in mind:

  • Be specific about your career goals and the job you’re applying for
  • Use powerful and action-oriented verbs to describe your skills and achievements
  • Avoid using generic statements that don’t add value or don’t highlight your unique skills and experiences
  • Keep it short and straightforward, preferably no more than three sentences

Your resume objective should be tailored to the job you’re applying for and provide a clear and concise overview of your career goals and qualifications. Use persuasive language and strong verbs to showcase your skills and achievements and stand out from other applicants.

A resume profile and a resume objective serve different purposes, and the one you choose to include in your resume depends on your career goals and qualifications. Provide a clear and concise resume objective that is tailored to the job you’re applying for to help you stand out and land the job you want.

Resume Profile vs. Cover Letter

When applying for a job, you may be asked to submit both a resume profile and a cover letter. While they may seem similar, these two sections serve different purposes in the job application process.

Differentiating Between Resume Profile and Cover Letter

A resume profile is a brief summary of your professional experience, skills, and qualifications. It typically appears at the top of your resume, before your work history or education. On the other hand, a cover letter is a document that accompanies your resume and is used to introduce yourself to the hiring manager.

What to Include in Your Resume Profile Instead of Your Cover Letter

Your resume profile should highlight your most relevant experience and accomplishments. This is an opportunity to showcase your skills and qualifications in a concise and compelling way. Some key elements to include in your resume profile are:

  • A summary of your professional experience and skills
  • Any relevant certifications or training
  • Key achievements and accomplishments

While your resume profile should be tailored to the specific job you’re applying for, it should not include information that is already covered in your cover letter or resume.

Using a Resume Profile to Complement Your Cover Letter

Your resume profile and cover letter should work together to create a comprehensive and compelling picture of your qualifications for the position. Use your cover letter to explain why you are interested in the position and how your skills and experience make you a strong candidate. Then, use your resume profile to provide more detailed information about your qualifications and experience.

For example, if you’re applying for a marketing position, your cover letter might explain how your previous marketing experience makes you a strong fit for the position. Your resume profile could then provide specific examples of successful marketing campaigns you have led, as well as details about any relevant certifications or training.

Remember that your resume profile and cover letter should be complementary and work together to present a clear and convincing case for why you are the best candidate for the job. By carefully crafting both sections, you can increase your chances of landing an interview and ultimately getting hired for your dream job.

How to Make your Resume Profile Stand Out

Your resume profile is the first thing that recruiters and hiring managers see when evaluating your application for a job. It’s important to make sure that your profile stands out and captures their attention. Here are some tips on how to do that:

Using metrics and achievements

Recruiters and hiring managers love to see tangible results. Using metrics and achievements is a powerful way to showcase your accomplishments and demonstrate your value. For example, instead of saying that you increased sales, you could say that you increased sales by 15% in the first quarter. This is more specific and gives hiring managers a clearer picture of what you can bring to the table.

Incorporating relevant buzzwords and industry terms

Many companies use software to screen resumes for keywords and phrases that match the job requirements. Incorporating relevant buzzwords and industry terms can help your profile get past the initial screening process. Take a look at the job description and try to include some of the key terms and phrases that they use.

Adding a personal touch to your profile

While it’s important to include metrics and relevant buzzwords, it’s also important to add a personal touch to your profile. This can help you stand out from other candidates and show recruiters and hiring managers that you are a well-rounded individual. For example, you could mention your hobbies or volunteer work that you’re passionate about.

Formatting and design tips for your profile section

The formatting and design of your profile section are just as important as the content. Here are some tips to make sure that your profile looks polished and professional:

  • Use bullet points to make your profile easy to scan and read.
  • Use a professional font that is easy to read, such as Arial or Times New Roman.
  • Use bold text to highlight your name and section headings.
  • Include a professional headshot if possible.
  • Make sure that your profile is visually balanced and doesn’t look cluttered.

By using metrics and achievements, incorporating relevant buzzwords, adding a personal touch, and paying attention to formatting and design, you can make sure that your resume profile stands out and catches the attention of recruiters and hiring managers. Keep these tips in mind as you craft your profile and you’ll be on your way to landing your dream job.

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How to Write a Resume Profile (Examples Included)

Mike Simpson 0 Comments

what to put in a profile resume

By Mike Simpson

Let’s face facts; looking for a job isn’t easy. As a candidate, you’re trying to find ways to stand out from the pack. You also need to ensure that the hiring manager can see at a quick glance that you’re the perfect candidate for the role. How can you pull that off? With a winning resume profile, of course.

Your resume profile acts like a beacon, drawing the hiring manager in by highlighting the best of what you have to offer. But if you really want it to work, you need to make sure you approach it properly.

If you aren’t sure how to write a profile for a resume in a way that’s enticing or need a few resume profile examples to get the creative juices flowing, here’s what you need to know.

What Is a Resume Profile?

Alright, let’s start with the basics. What is a resume profile anyway?

In the simplest sense, a resume profile is an overview of what you bring to the table professionally. It goes right near the top of your resume, sitting just below your contact information, and gives the hiring manager a quick idea of why you’re an awesome candidate.

However, unlike some of the alternatives – like a resume objective or traditional resume summary – the resume profile taps on your skills, experience, and professional goals in one place. That makes it more flexible than some of your other options for the first section of your resume

Typically, a resume profile is a quick paragraph or set of bullet points filled with incomplete sentences. That’s right; it’s another spot where saying “I” isn’t part of the equation.

The purpose of a resume profile is to make it easy for the hiring manager to learn critical details about you. Usually, hiring managers spend less than two minutes reviewing resumes during the initial screening (and some may only skim a resume for 7.4 seconds before deciding whether to pursue a candidate).

That means you don’t have a lot of time to make a powerful impression. Luckily, with a great resume profile, two minutes may be more than you need.

What Makes a Great Resume Profile?

Alright, so you only have a tiny bit of time to catch a hiring manager’s attention. That means you need a stellar resume profile to entice them to give your resume (and you) some extra consideration.

Creating an outstanding resume profile means tapping on a few key points. Usually, you want to mention your:

  • Amount of experience and job title, or recent relevant education
  • Area of expertise
  • Relevant skills
  • Relevant achievements

You can also touch on your career goals if you can position them in the right way. While your goals are about, well, you, you need to cover them using an approach that aligns with the hiring manager’s needs. If you can do that, talking about your goals is an option here, too.

However, there’s more to the equation than that. You also need to tailor the information to the position.

As with all parts of your resume, updating your resume profile to match the specific job you want to score is crucial. That way, the content is relevant to that particular hiring manager, increasing the odds that they’ll find it enticing.

It’s also smart to through some numbers in there. On a resume, numbers visually stand out, so they attract the eye. If you want to make sure your resume profile gets noticed, quantifying a couple of the details can help.

Finally, it’s important to keep in mind that brevity is your friend here. In most cases, you want to limit your resume profile to just a few sentences max.

A giant wall of text is never a good idea, as it makes your resume hard to review. If you go past four sentences or so, you’re probably pushing your luck.

Common Resume Profile Mistakes

Just like with every other part of your resume, certain mistakes really hurt your chances of moving forward. Classics like spelling errors are always a problem, so keep an eye out for the basics when you craft your resume summary.

While we touched on this already, this one is worth restating; a big wall of text is a bad idea. If your resume profile is longer than four sentences, it can be hard to read, and that’s always a problem if you’re creating a resume.

Another issue is missing the mark when it comes to relevance. Always, always, always tailor your resume profile to the job. After all, you’re trying to attract a specific hiring manager. If you aren’t speaking to their unique needs, you aren’t going to make the best impression possible.

Talking too much about what you want or need is also a problem. Remember, when you’re writing a resume, it’s about you, but it also isn’t. Yes, you’re sharing an overview of what you bring to the table. But your goal should be to address the hiring manager’s needs, not what you want out of the deal.

How to Write a Resume Profile

Sometimes, the hardest thing to do is to decide how to approach a section of your resume. Without a solid strategy, it’s difficult to showcase what you want to share in the best way possible.

Luckily, you’re here, and we’ve got your back. If you’re trying to figure out how to write a profile for a resume, here’s a step-by-step process that can help.

1. Lead Off with Your Relevant Experience or Education

Typically, the first thing you want to touch on is your relevant experience or education. If you’re already working in the field, the formula is very simple:

[Job title] with [number] of years of experience in .

For example, if you are a software developer, it could say, “Software developer with 6 years of experience in custom Java application development.” For a high school administrator, it could say, “High school administrator with 8 years of experience working with at-risk students.”

If you don’t have relevant experience, then leading off with your education can be a better choice. The formula for this approach is:

Recent [school name] graduate with [degree level] in [major], with a focus on [knowledge area] and [knowledge area].

For the “knowledge area” sections, you’ll showcase relevant coursework or expertise. That way, you can highlight your specialty areas.

For example, “Recent University of Washington graduate with Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology, with a focus on networking and telecommunications” can work. You can also tweak the approach a bit, going with something like, “Recent Arizona State University Master of Accountancy graduate with a focus on accounting analytics and advanced auditing.”

Just getting out of high school and looking for your first job? You can also use this recent graduate approach too. Start off with “Recent high school graduate” instead. Then, discuss relevant skills – including soft skills or traits – that make you a great fit for the job. You can also mention your GPA if it was stellar, as it could help you stand out, and it lets you get some numbers into the mix.

2. Mention an Area of Expertise

While you technically tapped on areas of expertise in the first step, this is one spot where you want to double down. That way, you can mention more of the job’s required skills or experience in your resume profile, making yours even more relevant in the eyes of the hiring manager.

Usually, you’ll want to add a single sentence that taps on an industry-specific job duty-related capability. You may say, “Highly skilled at [relevant job requirement or capability” or “Proven expertise in handling [relevant job task].”

Again, you want to quantify the details whenever possible, so make sure to get a number in there if you can.

3. List Job-Related Skills

Now, you’re going to talk a bit more about job skills. With this, you may need to customize the approach depending on how much experience you have. For example, if you’re newer to the field, you may have a “working knowledge,” while those with more experience could have “comprehensive knowledge.”

Choose an accurate descriptor for the skills you include. Then, mention two or three that you have that align with the job description.

4. Add an Accomplishment

By ending your resume profile with an achievement, you can close out with another opportunity for some numbers. Plus, it gives you a final chance to really pack a punch, so pick an accomplishment that relates to the role and that you can quantify.

10 Resume Profile Examples

Alright, it’s time for what you’ve all been waiting for: resume profile examples. These are all based on the points above, though each one is adapted to fit the needs of the role and where a person may be professionally. As a result, some may include certain points and not others or may focus more heavily on areas that will provide the hiring manager with the most value.

With all of that in mind, here are 10 different resume profile examples, each targeting a different kind of position and moment in a person’s career.

1. Entry-Level Customer Service

Recent high school graduate with a 4.0 GPA and excellent communication skills. Highly skilled at teamwork and collaboration, as well as maintaining a positive attitude when faced with challenges. Lead school volunteering club car wash, which earned $1,500 for local charities in one day.

2. Early Career Administrative Assistant

Administrative assistant with 3 years of experience assisting fast-paced consulting firm. Highly skilled at data entry, business communications, and report generation. Comprehensive knowledge of schedule management. Updated office filing processes to align with digital transformation initiative, resulting in an annual savings of $3,500.

3. Recent Graduate Network Administrator

Recent University of Washington graduate with Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology, with a focus on networking and telecommunications. Completed 4 major projects during studies, honing critical security and project management skills. Highly knowledgeable of emerging trends, including cloud-based solutions and telecommuting technologies.

4. Recent Graduate Accountant

Recent Arizona State University Master of Accountancy graduate with a focus on accounting analytics and advanced auditing. Completed internship with ABC Firm, strengthening a foundation in GAAP, as well as increasing knowledge of account management and in-depth analysis. Expertise in advanced audit reporting with a goal of increasing operational efficiency and ensuring accuracy.

5. Mid-Career Marketing Professional

Agile marketing professional with 5 years working for large-scale, multi-product businesses. Introduced email campaign updates that lead to 18 percent rise in click-thru rates and a 20% boost in related sales. Experienced in KPI identification and tracking. Managed $20,000 marketing campaign for new product launch, exceeding resulting sales expectations 10-fold.

6. Mid-Career Software Developer

Experienced full-stack software developer with 7+ years of experience with JavaScript, Python, and Java. Proven expertise in handling custom software development projects for clients in the healthcare space, and working knowledge of HIPAA and other healthcare industry requirements. Track record of completing projects, on average, 5% ahead of schedule and 12% under budget.

7. Mid-Career Nurse

Multilingual nurse with 4 years of experience in high-traffic emergency rooms. Successfully balances patient care quality with efficiency, leading to a 15% boost in patient satisfaction. Implemented scheduling processes that reduced staffing costs by 5%.

8. Early Management IT Professional

Committed IT supervisor with 5 years of experience overseeing 6-person tech team. Skilled at coaching and performance management, and familiar with DevOps and Agile methodologies. Implemented cloud-based solution that resulted in a $5,000 year-over-year cost savings. Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) and PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP).

9. Experienced HR Department Manager

Human Resources Manager with 10 years of experience leading teams of 15+ HR professionals. Successful implementation of diversity and inclusion initiatives that led to 20% boosts in employee retention and 15% reduction in time-to-hire. SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP).

10. C-Suite-Level Company Leader

Forward-thinking bilingual Executive with 6 years of experience leading enterprise-level multi-national corporations while maintaining a customer-centric vision. Experienced with balancing the strategic needs across multiple departments based on a big picture perspective. Created operational policies that boosted overall company productivity by 18% while reducing costs by 10%.

Putting It All Together

Ultimately, creating a winning resume profile is fairly simple. Use the tips above to ensure yours hits the mark. That way, your first impression on the hiring manager will be a strong one.

what to put in a profile resume

Co-Founder and CEO of TheInterviewGuys.com. Mike is a job interview and career expert and the head writer at TheInterviewGuys.com.

His advice and insights have been shared and featured by publications such as Forbes , Entrepreneur , CNBC and more as well as educational institutions such as the University of Michigan , Penn State , Northeastern and others.

Learn more about The Interview Guys on our About Us page .

About The Author

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Co-Founder and CEO of TheInterviewGuys.com. Mike is a job interview and career expert and the head writer at TheInterviewGuys.com. His advice and insights have been shared and featured by publications such as Forbes , Entrepreneur , CNBC and more as well as educational institutions such as the University of Michigan , Penn State , Northeastern and others. Learn more about The Interview Guys on our About Us page .

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20+ Resume Profile Examples for All Industries (+ How-to Guide)

20+ Resume Profile Examples for All Industries (+ How-to Guide)

A resume profile is a short paragraph (3–5 sentences) at the top of your resume that summarizes your career so far. It contains only crucial information like your proudest accomplishments, top skills, or key experiences. Based on it, recruiters will instantly know whether you’re a relevant candidate, and they’ll carefully read your resume instead of barely scanning it.

We’ll help you write an attention-grabbing resume profile statement and provide tips on how to pick out the relevant information to include.

You’ll also get 20+ resume profile examples to steal or get inspired by.

After reading this article, you’ll know:

  • How to create an attention-grabbing, high-quality resume profile
  • How to highlight your best achievements
  • How to customize your resume profile statement for each new position (it’s easier than it sounds!)
  • Most common mistakes to avoid

What Is a Resume Profile?

A resume profile is a short block of text at the top of your resume, right below contact information.

It’s an umbrella term for a resume summary and a resume objective . So when you come across the term resume profile or resume profile statement, remember that it basically means a resume summary and occasionally (for candidates who have limited experience) a resume objective. (Click the links above if you want to learn more about what makes these two different.)

A profile section of a resume contains only the key information from your career.

⚠️ Pro tip: It should always be focused on what you can do for the company, not on what you want out of the job. You can negotiate your conditions later on — in a resume profile, you need to show the value you bring to the table.

Let’s take a look at a good resume profile example.

Notice how the candidate focuses on their areas of expertise and backs them up with specific, quantifiable achievements (%). They also mention being excited about joining the company and how they can contribute.

Sample resume profile

Experienced Retail Store Manager with 5+ years in the industry, responsible for leading teams and driving sales. Increased sales year-over-year by 17% and reduced employee churn by 21%. Strong leadership and communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to coach and develop others. Excited about joining Zara’s team and increasing sales through outstanding customer service and organizational skills.

Below is a bad resume profile statement example for the same position.

I’m a dedicated Retail Store Manager. My experience includes managing a store and making sales, as well as onboarding and training new employees. I speak fluent Spanish and possess outstanding communication skills. I’m looking to join a company where I could further develop my sales and managerial skills.

Not horrible? Maybe. But far from stellar. Here’s why:

  • The candidate described their position, even though it’s common knowledge what that position entails.
  • They did not include any quantifiable results or proof of their skills and expertise.
  • This resume profile also lacks powerful words or action verbs that would make it more impactful.
  • Finally, the candidate used a lot of personal pronouns, which is a big no-no (a resume is always written without a subject).

Resume Profile Examples for the Most Popular Industries and Professions

Here’s the list of resume profile examples for different industries and professions. We hope it will help you get inspired to write your own professional profile for a resume efficiently.

(Or you can just copy the example relevant to your industry, tweak the metrics and the wording a bit and you’ll be good to go!)

If you want to learn more about the ins and outs of writing a resume profile and get step-by-step tips for how to create yours, feel free to scroll down to the next section.

Store Manager resume profile

Experienced retail Store Manager with 5+ years of experience in the apparel industry. Strong leadership and communication skills with a demonstrated ability to coach and develop others. Increased sales year-over-year by 21% and decreased employee churn by 17%. Excited about joining Zara’s team and increasing sales through outstanding customer service and managerial skills.

Customer Service Representative resume profile

Patient and highly organized Senior Customer Service Representative with 5+ years of experience in the trucking and logistics industry. Extensive experience with all major electronic logging devices. Successfully finished 2022 with a 97.2% customer satisfaction rate, leading a team of 7. Looking to join Interex’s team, form a Customer Care team, and establish procedures and benchmarks for successful operations.

Call Center Representative resume profile

Resourceful Call Center Representative with 2+ years of experience in the B2B sector. Highly developed communication and problem-solving skills; thrives in fast-paced environments. At Spinfluence, increased customer satisfaction rates by 27% and handled 70-80 customer calls daily. Excited about joining Omnilert and leading customer service initiatives to boost satisfaction rates and company reputation.

Content Writer resume profile

A dedicated recent graduate with M.A. in English language and literature. 5+ years of writing experience for various types of content, including descriptive, analytical, persuasive, and critical content. Winner of the Alexander Rose Memorial Award for Excellence in Creative Writing in 2021. Excited about contributing to Big Interview’s content marketing team with superb research, writing, and editing skills.

Business Development Manager resume profile

A motivated Business Development Manager with more than 8 years of experience in the fashion industry. Secured a $3.2M contract in previous company and boosted yearly revenue by 32%. Excited about contributing to Skill Communication’s revenue with extraordinary marketing and sales knowledge and skills.

Nurse resume profile

Diligent, registered nurse with 15+ years of experience in private and public hospitals throughout Europe. Specialized in ER, ICU, and burn unit. Nurtured over 45,000 patients and increased customer satisfaction by 25% by adopting and implementing new medical quality control procedures. Wants to join Clearwater hospital and contribute to service quality with excellent medical and people skills.

Software Engineer resume profile

Dedicated Software Engineer with more than 4 years of experience in the education industry. Advanced knowledge of Ruby on Rails, Java, JavaScript, SQL Server, and No SQL. Created numerous features for an interviewing and resume-building platform that generated more than 1M users. Eager to join Big Interview and build advanced features for users around the world.

HR Professional resume profile

People-oriented HR professional with 5+ years of experience. Skilled at employee retention and development. Created and implemented a new learning and development system, which resulted in a 32% employee churn decrease. Excited about joining Aventura and building a world-class team with exceptional human capital and workplace culture development skills.

Marketing Manager resume profile

Data-oriented Marketing Manager with 7 years of experience in the advertising industry. Focused on and excelling at content marketing and email marketing. Successfully handled 7 key accounts with a 95% customer satisfaction score. Looking to join Essence’s Marketing team and increase revenue through tried-and-tested marketing tactics.

Security Guard resume profile

Reliable Security Guard with over 10 years of experience in retail settings. Highly skilled in non-violent crisis management. Overlooked the entire building with only 2 safety incidents in the last 3 years. Wants to join Sephora and ensure a safe working environment through outstanding surveillance and property safety skills.

Receptionist resume profile

Dependable Receptionist with 15 years of experience at luxury hotels. Excels at administrative and front-desk tasks. Fluent in Spanish and Italian. In 2022, handled telecommunications and scheduling with 100% accuracy. Excited about building White Lotus’s image through outstanding customer service skills.

Food Delivery resume profile

Efficient and dependable Food Delivery Driver with 2 years of experience. Skilled in meeting strict deadlines in hectic environments. Winner of the Employee of the month award three times in a row at Dominic’s Pizza. Looking to join Vega and drive brand loyalty through punctual, customer-oriented service.

Accountant resume profile

Ethical Accountant with over 20 years of experience in tax accounting and financial auditing. Skilled in data analysis and budgeting. Reduced a client’s overall business expenditure, saving the company $1M over the course of one year. Enthusiastic about joining Lira IT, managing accounting transactions, and improving company profits.

Project Manager resume profile

Highly organized Project Manager with 5 years of experience in the SaaS space. Excels at planning and managing product implementation and development. Planned and forecasted resource requirements with 98% accuracy in the last 2 years. Excited about joining BackEight and building a successful email automation solution.

Administrative Assistant resume profile

Reliable Administrative Assistant with 3 years of experience. Possesses a strong understanding of corporate policies and procedures. Increased Operations’ team productivity by 32% by simplifying existing operational regulations. Looking to join Evito and support the team with outstanding organizational skills.

Teacher resume profile

Dedicated English teacher with 9 years of experience in high schools. Skilled at implementing numerous pedagogical strategies to successfully teach and develop adolescent students. Winner of the Teacher of the Year award in 2022. Excited to join Eagleton High School and contribute to youth education and development through extensive pedagogical experience.

How to Write a Resume Profile

Here’s a foolproof formula for you:

[Your position + years of experience + industry]. [General experience + key skills]. [Your biggest achievements (quantitative or qualitative)]. [How you can contribute to the company you’ve applied for].

And here’s the process of writing a resume profile statement:

Mention your job title and years of experience

List your key skills, mention your top achievements, describe how your past experience can translate into success for the new organization, write your resume profile last.

  • Tailor each resume profile statement to a specific job ad

Let’s break it down and help you craft a show-stopping professional profile for a resume that will land you that interview.

Adding your current (or latest) job title and years of experience (and optionally industry) will give recruiters some context right away. Spice it up with one or two key adjectives that best describe you.

For example:

  • A creative Content Writer with 4+ years of experience in the B2B space.
  • A dedicated Customer Service Representative with 2 years of experience in the trucking and logistics industry.
  • Senior Retail Manager with 9+ years of experience.

In the next sentence, list your key skills relevant to the position. If you’re changing industries or have limited experience, think of relevant transferable skills you could bring up. As always, try to be as specific as possible.

  • Skilled at writing long-form, educational content for one of the top 10 largest HR firms in the US.
  • Highly developed communication and problem-solving skills; thrives in fast-paced environments.
  • Excels at training and leading email marketing teams and driving sales.

Remember those quantifiable achievements you need to list in the Work Experience section ?

It’s time to pick out the most impressive one and list it in the profile section of a resume.

Remember the time you saved the company some money; or increased sales; or engaged and retained customers or team members? List that.

Can’t come up with an impressive achievement?

Think about your duties and view them through the lens of:

  • Frequency: how often you delivered, how many calls you took per day, etc.
  • Scale: how many people you managed, how big the budgets you handled were.
  • Qualitative achievements: if you don’t have hard numbers but you know you did something well, mention it. This can be a promotion, employee of the month award, etc.
  • Increased blog traffic by 21% in 2022.
  • Increased customer satisfaction rates by 19% in 2021 by developing and implementing a new operational policy.
  • Increased monthly sales by 37% in Q3 2022 and decreased employee churn by 13% through a new reward and development program.
  • Winner of the Employee of the Month award 3 months in a row.
  • Successfully taking 50–70 customer calls per day and resolving issues within 10 minutes.

For more help, read all about How to list achievements and accomplishments on a resume (tons of examples included).

Remember that you need to focus on how you will contribute to the company, not on what you need from it.

Now’s the time to do it.

This sentence is usually the last one. In it, say that you are excited to join their company and do X by means of Y.

X = The plans or initiatives that were mentioned in the job ad; or the goals planned for that particular position.

Y = Your experience and expertise.

  • Excited about joining Big Interview and leading customer service initiatives to boost satisfaction rates and company reputation.
  • Looking to contribute to Big Interview’s content strategy with superb writing, editing, and SEO skills.
  • Excited to join Zara’s retail team to boost sales and increase customer satisfaction with excellent customer service and communication skills.

A friendly piece of advice: although a resume profile statement comes at the top of your resume, make it the last section you write.

This is a very short paragraph that needs to contain only the essential information. If you write it first, you’ll likely forget to include a valuable piece of info. You’ll also probably be a bit vague and waste precious space.

So write it at the very end. You’ll be able to see the bigger picture, prioritize information, and pick out the jewels of your career thus far.

Tailor each resume profile to a specific job ad

We always recommend tailoring your entire resume to a specific job ad — the resume profile is no different.

Each job ad contains specific requirements and keywords. Including those keywords will prove that you have the exact experience they’re looking for.

In addition, it will help you pass the Applicant Tracking System (ATS) easily.

Here are some tips on how to make your resume stand out:

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here’s a bad example of a professional profile for a resume for a Store Manager. On the face of it, it looks fine. Heck, it actually seems to follow the formula we outlined above! But let’s take a closer look.

Let’s dissect it to see which common mistakes you need to avoid.

Being generic

Whenever you can, include details about the industry you’re in, the type of clients you worked for, work achievements and not duties, and how exactly you can contribute to the company.

The example above is generic as it contains a lot of words that say essentially nothing.

“Motivated store manager with over 5 years of retail experience”.

❌ “Motivated” might not be the best adjective to use, as it’s not painting an exact picture and it’s a general trait that is not THAT relevant to a store manager position. Highly organized? Reliable? Process-driven? Much better! These tell us a bit about the person’s capabilities and priorities.

❌ “…Over 5 years of retail experience” — if they’re a store manager, it’s very likely they’re in retail. Instead of being generic, they could have mentioned the industry (apparel; cosmetics, auto retailers, home furnishing, etc.).

Be as specific as possible; otherwise, you’ll leave recruiters in the dark.

Using buzzwords and meaningless jargon

Buzzwords waste space. They’re the fast food of your resume. Tempting but useless.

❌ “Looking for new opportunities to utilize my skills and experience to drive business success”. Utilize what to do what? What does business success even mean?

Not to mention the fact that this candidate appears focused on themselves and their goals only.

Resume profile - Mocking Spongebob

Not referring to the job ad

We’ve said this so many times we’re getting a bit tired of ourselves.

The resume profile, the work experience section, skills, tailor everything.

Tailoring a resume meme

Not quantifying your achievements

Always quantify your achievements; otherwise, recruiters won’t know how good at your job you are.

Key Takeaways

  • A resume profile is like a trailer for the movie that is your resume. You need to crush it or your resume’s box office will be a flop.
  • Use this bulletproof formula: [Position + experience + industry] + [General experience + key skills] + [Biggest achievements (quantitative or qualitative)] + [Potential contribution] .
  • Hand-pick your key skills and best achievements.
  • Explain how your experience can contribute to the prospective company’s success.
  • Write your resume profile last, after you’re done with the rest of the resume.
  • Tailor each resume profile statement to a specific job ad.
  • Don’t be generic and don’t use buzzwords.
  • Have someone check your resume (look for missing info, formatting inconsistencies, typos, etc.). A quick and easy solution is to upload your resume to our Resume AI tool which will give you exhaustive feedback and help you polish your profile section of a resume and the rest of it.

_______________________

Need a hand? There’s 3 ways we can help you:

  • Learn how to write an eye-catching resume that lands jobs
  • Discover how to list work experience in a resume
  • Get Resume AI and improve your resume minutes

Now go and write! Good luck!

How to write a resume profile if I have no experience?

If you don’t have relevant experience, you can create an effective resume objective (remember that resume profile is an umbrella term for both resume summary and resume objective). In your resume objective, you will focus on who you are as a professional and what you look for in your career and in a particular role. Emphasize your potential, your transferable skills, relevant certifications and courses, and how you can contribute to the company. As always, you’ll want to tailor your resume objective to each role you apply for.

Do I have to include the profile section on my resume?

It is recommended to include a profile section of a resume, resume summary, or resume objective because they help grab recruiters’ and hiring managers’ attention. Including a resume profile also helps save the hiring decision maker’s time, immediately presenting how your skills are relevant to the job.

What’s the difference between a resume profile, a resume summary, and a resume objective?

A resume profile is an umbrella term for resume summary and resume objective. A resume summary is a paragraph at the top of a resume that provides a short overview of your key achievements, skills, and qualifications. It’s suitable for experienced professionals. It is focused on what you bring to the table and how the company will benefit from having you on their team. A resume objective, on the other hand, focuses on your career goals and aspirations. It includes the type of job you’re seeking and what you want to achieve in that role. It’s suitable for candidates with no experience, for entry-level positions, or career changers.

What are the best words to use in a resume profile?

The best words to use in a professional profile for a resume are action verbs which showcase your drive and achievements (accomplished, administered, achieved, increased, decreased, doubled, converted, solved, executed, established, implemented…), and power words to better describe you (result-oriented, analytical, innovative, adaptable, committed, experienced…).

What to include in a professional resume profile?

Include your position, years of experience, and industry. Then, a bit of general experience and some of your key skills. Add your proudest accomplishments and quantify them, and finish off with a short description of how you can contribute to the company.

Should a resume include a profile picture?

In the US (and many other countries), it is not recommended to include a headshot on a resume in order to avoid discrimination and unconscious bias. Besides, the whole point of your resume is to highlight your achievements and skills which have nothing to do with the way you look. However, in some countries (mainly in Asia and South America) people usually include their photos. Although we still don’t recommend it, it’s best to check best practices for the company and the country in which you’re applying. Of course, certain job ads will require a photo, so you’ll need to include it in your resume (like for modeling, acting, etc.).

what to put in a profile resume

Maja Stojanovic

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COMMENTS

  1. 10 Resume Profile Examples (And How to Write Yours)

    This is what should go into your resume profile. You have a few sentences (or bullets) to work with, so don’t restrict yourself to highlighting just one thing. Here are a few types of information that you can include in a resume profile, according to our coaches: Relevant skills and experiences.

  2. How to Write a Convincing Resume Profile (+15 Examples)

    Learn how to write a professional resume profile that grabs employers’ attention using our step-by-step writing guide and 15 industry-specific examples.

  3. What Is a Resume Profile? 12 Examples of Strong Profiles - Indeed

    A profile on a resume is a written statement located at the top of your resume that briefly highlights the experience and skills you bring to the position. It also lists achievements or accomplishments made during your current or previous role.

  4. Writing a Resume Profile: 30 Examples and Tips for 2024

    We will provide you with 30 examples and tips to help you write a compelling profile that highlights your unique skills and experiences. By the end of this article, you can expect to know: The elements of a good resume profile. How to tailor your profile to the job description and industry.

  5. How to Write a Resume Profile (Examples Included)

    If you’re trying to figure out how to write a profile for a resume, here’s a step-by-step process that can help. 1. Lead Off with Your Relevant Experience or Education. Typically, the first thing you want to touch on is your relevant experience or education.

  6. 20+ Resume Profile Examples (+ How To Write One) - Big Interview

    A resume profile is a short paragraph (35 sentences) at the top of your resume that summarizes your career so far. It contains only crucial information like your proudest accomplishments, top skills, or key experiences.