Many individuals may advise you to begin your resume at the very start, but that approach might not be as helpful as it seems. In truth, the resume introduction should be written last. By doing so, you can easily choose the most relevant and compelling points to highlight once you have completed the entire document. This guide will show you how to craft a resume introduction paragraph that captivates recruiters and keeps them engaged throughout your resume. Are you ready to get started?
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Choosing a Resume Introduction
Just like in a conversation, the first words you use in your resume can make a significant impact. Before deciding what to include, consider how you’ll convey your main message and highlight your best-selling points. These are the details you should focus on in your resume profile.
The good news is that regardless of your industry, the rules for crafting a resume introduction remain the same, whether you work in marketing or medicine. Depending on your experience and skills, you can opt for one of two types of resume profiles.
Resume Objective
For individuals who are new to the job market or have limited experience, the resume objective is an ideal starting point. It also serves as a suitable choice for those looking to transition into a different career path.
The primary objective of the resume aim is to showcase the candidate’s skills and expertise, proving that they possess the qualities necessary to excel in their desired role.
An example of a well-crafted resume objective for an internship applicant without prior work experience:
Resume Introduction Example
A university English student with exceptional writing and communication skills, eager to build a career in journalism. Demonstrated talent by publishing three award-winning articles for the university newsletter and a guest blog post that attracted 100,000 visitors. Seeking to enhance research and interviewing abilities through the Daily Gazette internship.
This sample showcases the candidate’s strengths and enthusiasm, underscoring their value as a potential asset to the employer.
In the event that you decide to shift your career focus after spending several years in a job, this example will guide you in crafting a compelling objective for your career change resume.
Sample Resume Introduction
I have 4 years of experience in the corporate world, specializing in social media management and advertising campaigns, which has made me a proficient marketing specialist.
My aim now is to utilize my industry skills and expertise to enhance visibility and boost sales for a local non-profit using cost-effective or even free marketing techniques. Despite transitioning to a different industry, the focus remains on the valuable talents and experience that the NGO can benefit from.
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Resume Summary
Whether you have accumulated several years of experience or are just starting your career, a resume summary is the ideal choice for introducing yourself on your resume.
The resume summary puts the spotlight on your past work experience and acquired skills, effectively showcasing why you are the most qualified candidate for the job. Here’s an example of an excellent resume summary to include in your resume introduction:
Intro for a Resume
A seasoned project manager with over 5 years of experience, adept at overseeing mid-sized teams on complex projects. Demonstrates exceptional skills in relationship-building and project management, resulting in delivering projects at least $10K under budget and 10% ahead of schedule. As a senior project manager at Acme, I aspire to utilize my expertise in project management to drive success.
This example efficiently showcases the candidate’s crucial skills and quantifiable accomplishments, capturing the hiring manager’s attention and encouraging further reading.
Now, let’s show you how to craft a resume introduction as compelling as the ones above.
Summary of Qualifications
A qualifications summary is a concise, bullet-pointed list of achievements, skills, and pertinent experience that showcases your aptitude for the role. Think of it as a career synopsis in easily scannable bullet points.
Now, let’s transform the previous resume summary into a qualifications summary:
Sample Introductions for a Resume
-Skilled project manager with over 5 years of experience leading mid-sized teams on high-level projects.
-Strong managerial and relationship-building skills.
-Successfully delivered projects at least $10K under budget and 10% faster than expected.
-Seeking to leverage project management talents as a senior project manager at Acme.
Isn’t that easy? Simply rewrite your resume’s top 4-5 highlights into brief bullet bullets.
Resume Headline
If you’re struggling to condense your resume onto a one- or two-page template, consider using a resume headline. A resume headline, also called a resume title, is a concise statement placed at the top of your resume, highlighting your professional identity and key skills. It appears below your contact information.
Take a look at these sample resume headlines for inspiration:
Introduction for a Resume: Example
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Highly accomplished marketing manager with a Clio Award and over seven years of industry experience.
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Security specialist possessing OSCP certification and over 5 years of professional expertise.
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Exceptional project manager consistently delivers projects 10% ahead of schedule.
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Bilingual CNA with strong team management skills and certifications in CPR and BLS.
So, how can you write a resume introduction that is as good as the ones above? We’ll demonstrate.
Start With The Rest of Your Resume
Even though the resume introduction appears at the top of your resume, it should not be overlooked as you continue with the rest of the document. It is actually a good practice to save your resume introduction for the end.
Why is that?
Because for maximum impact, your resume introduction should align with the rest of your resume sections.
As you elaborate on your achievements and essential skills in other parts of your resume, such as work experience, skills, education, and other sections, you can then highlight them in your resume introduction through your summary or objective.
Writing a Resume Introduction
Deciding between a summary and an objective is just the first step; now, you must craft the actual content. Follow these tips to create a compelling resume introduction:
- Keep it concise. Stick to three or four strong sentences; avoid unnecessary details.
- Tailor the first paragraph to the specific job you’re applying for. Analyze the job posting and focus on the desired qualities. For added impact, omit the company name.
- Use action words and relevant resume keywords for an ATS-friendly resume template.
- Showcase your value. Conclude with a statement about how you can contribute to the company and convey your genuine interest in the position.
- After writing, proofread carefully. Avoid any typos that could diminish the impression you’ve worked hard to make.
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Find out your A1 A2 B1 B2 C1 C2 level of English with our online test and receive your English certificate.
I am Nilay, an experienced English Language Assessment Director at the International English Test, where I have been working full-time since February 2020. I specialize in helping people worldwide validate their English proficiency through comprehensive assessments and certifications.
Before joining the International English Test, I worked as a self-employed English Language Assessment Consultant from January 2015 to December 2019. During this time, I assisted companies and individuals in improving their language skills, helping them achieve their academic and professional goals.
I hold a degree in Engineering and have also studied at Shafston International College in Australia. My educational background has equipped me with the tools to make a meaningful impact in the field of English language learning. Additionally, I enjoy sharing my expertise through articles that explore effective teaching methods and language assessment strategies, contributing to the International English Test and the broader assessment community.