Is a Resume Summary necessary?

In today’s market, a job seeker needs to take advantage of any option that will let then stand out over and above all other applicants. Some recruiters say that the resume summary is the difference maker between tossing or taking a second look while others say that they have never seen a good resume summary.

So, what is the resume summary? Well, it is like an objective but a bit more intense. It’s not as inclusive as a cover letter but it does give the job seeker an opportunity to “introduce” himself in a more formal-type manner. Many job postings simply indicate that you should send a resume and they do not want a cover letter so this gives the job seeker a means to express who they are.
A resume summary gives you the opportunity to demonstrate your writing skills and also to explain why you are the person for the job. Please remember that it is not a cover letter and should be short as in a short paragraph. The information submitted in the summary should not be pulled from your resume. The summary is a way to describe something unique about you.
In a way, a summary is easier than an objective because it allows for a bit more flow and normal conversational type language. However, be sure that it is not just fluff, either. Remember, the purpose of the summary is to capture the employer’s attention.

Most recruiters tell you to put the summary after the objective. Make sure that it’s only a few sentences and that it does not simply repeat what is included in the body of the resume. Consider the resume summary like a two second commercial. If you have something to say that was not said in the objective or the resume itself, then it is probably a good idea to include a resume summary. Just make sure that the summary is well-written and meets the purpose – to make you standout over and above the competition. In addition, make sure that the summary is applicable for the posting. Do not include qualifications or descriptions of skills that you might have that have nothing to do with the job to which you are applying.

The resume summary is totally optional. If your resume says it all, you really don’t need to include one. However, if you have something to say that cannot be included in any of the other sections of your resume, then by all means – add a summary. As always, good luck with the job search!

By: Nancy Anderson, Staff Writer