Why have potential employers read your entire resume to let them know what a great candidate you are? Instead, start with a summary of your CV that highlights the goals you have achieved and the qualifications you have achieved. To write an effective CV summary, start with step 1.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Knowing the Basics
Step 1. Understand what the curriculum vitae summary is
This is a brief overview that highlights the experiences you have had and which could also be useful for the position you are applying for. It is placed at the beginning of the resume and gives the reader an idea of who you are and why you are a perfect candidate, without the need for other information.
The summary is a great way to highlight your skills, your strengths, your experiences and the goals you have achieved. It could be the difference between a stashed resume and a resume to take a second look at
Step 2. Understand what a good resume summary looks like
A well-written summary uses words effectively to highlight the qualities you have and that the employer is looking for. It must describe the results of your previous work experience - being great is not enough, you have to prove it! Writing effective sentences does exactly this, it gives the reader (ie the potential employer) a good overview and encourages him to learn more.
Here is an example of an effective sentence: "Development and management of manufacturing operations in the United States and Latin America to increase efficiency by 15%". Use hard facts and numbers to create a realistic picture. There is something you did (the action) followed by the results you got (the numbers). A winning combination
Step 3. Remember this is not a goal
Writing "objective" at the beginning of the summary is a bit old-fashioned and does not provide any added value to the CV in front of an employer. The phrase "to get a position of responsibility where I can …" says nothing about why you should be chosen from among the other candidates. Everyone seems to have the same goal so you risk being ignored.
The summary isn't what you want to do - it's what you've already done. Keep aside what you want to do and how you see yourself in that position for a possible interview. Now, focus on the things you have done and are most proud of
Step 4. Pay attention to the length
The length of an effective summary varies from case to case. It depends on your previous experience and the job you are applying for. The summary, on average, should consist of 3-5 sentences. Something longer creates too much verbosity and takes you away from the idea of a short overview.
The most important thing is that it is effective and simple. HR managers have piles of resumes to evaluate - if you're too verbose, yours could be sidelined in a moment of fatigue. Write a short summary to keep the reader's attention alive
Part 2 of 3: Writing an Effective Summary
Step 1. Get off to a great start
Describe your best personal qualities or "relationship skills" that are relevant and essential to being successful in the job. Reread the job posting: what are the personal characteristics they are looking for that you can prove you have?
Don't forget to describe yourself as a “highly motivated entrepreneur” or as a “loyal and well-organized administrator”. Even if you don't feel the best, do it anyway. Think of some catchphrase people usually describe you with. What are the benefits you can bring to a work team?
Step 2. Highlight your years of experience, relevant qualifications and which fields you specialize in
Write only what is meaningful and relevant. If you only have a few months of experience and few qualifications, don't worry about this part. They will find the information in your resume.
“Business Development Manager with over 10 years of experience selling B2B software for the construction industry” is a perfect example of how to describe everything at once: years of experience, qualification, industry and sector. To be impressed
Step 3. List important awards and honors
Don't describe every award you have received. It is a summary, after all. It is not a contest or a novel!
"Awarded for two consecutive years as the best artist of the South East region" is an award to put at the top of the list. Choose the ones that stand out the most and that you think are the most significant
Step 4. Describe the course of study and the qualifications acquired that you consider relevant or those preferred by the employer
It is best to underline the key points. This way the employer will know right away that you are much more than a suitable candidate.
"Graduated in Business Administration with Masters from the London School of Economics" can be a great combination. In some cases, writing something a little out of the box isn't bad - it might impress the reader as much as other more "traditional" results
Part 3 of 3: Refine the Summary
Step 1. Use effective phrases and words
As mentioned before, it is important to describe your worth using effective sentences. Here is the magic formula for writing them:
- Put a word at the beginning of each sentence that describes an action - "manage", "develop", "coordinate", etc.)
- Then explain what you did - "corporate reorganization", "implementation of new procedures", "communication between subcontractors" etc.
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In the end, describe the results - "to achieve cost savings of 10%", "increase overall efficiency", "reduce errors by 5%" etc.
Put all of these three elements together to create effective, straight-to-the-point sentences that will impress the reader and most importantly, intriguing
Step 2. Avoid writing in the first or third person
This means avoiding words like "I", "mine", "me", "we", "her", "his", "our" or your name. Get straight to the point - start with a verb and avoid words that aren't necessary.
If the sentence sounds too complex, it probably is. All you need are verbs, nouns, adjectives and the right prepositions. Try to cut out the unnecessary and make the sentence as simple as possible
Step 3. Avoid generic words about your character
For example, "trustworthiness" and "loyalty" are two qualities that you may have but that won't get you the job. What's more, what are the most important judgments? Focus on the qualities you can demonstrate through your work history and the goals you have achieved.
Unfortunately, these qualities are rather inflated: everyone wants to appear trustworthy and loyal or simply show that they appreciate these qualities
Step 4. Adapt the summary to the specific job posting
The first thing a candidate must do is read the job advertisement carefully. Understanding the job well and who the employer is looking for will help you write an effective summary. It can be challenging if you are applying for dozens of jobs, but if you don't, you will have to apply for dozens of other vacancies.
For example, if the company is looking for someone with 5-10 years of experience in project management and you have 10 years of experience as a project manager, it is better if you write it in the summary. Some things are so simple that it seems incredible to be overlooked
Step 5. Start great and finish great
Employers and HR managers look at hundreds of resumes every day for every single job offer. They take a brief look at the resumes, selecting candidates who have impressed them. It's no longer enough to say you want that job; you have to explain why they should interview you and make your qualities clear. You need to start big to grab their attention and finish big for them to think, "We should call this person."
