- The Launchpad
- Posts
- How to write a resume summary that sells
On Today’s Launch
What effective (and job-winning) resume summaries look like.
How to vet companies and hiring managers to avoid horror stories like the one a reader shared below.
Subscriber Question: How to Protect Yourself from Hiring Freeze Heartbreak
Previous launches you may have missed…
I really f**king hate summaries
Last week, reader’s voted on the topic they wanted me to write about this week. The winner was ‘resume writing’ hands down. Which brings us to our topic - summaries.
If you’ve ever browsed the depths of Reddit’s resumes subreddit, you’ve probably seen some heated debates about summaries. They’re actually pretty controversial in the resume world. Some people love em and others hate em.
They get a lot of heat, mostly because they’re so friggin’ hard to write. Most of the summaries I come across look something like this:
A good example of what not to do…
And that’s why you see some recruiters and career coaches telling folks not to bother with one - a bad summary can hurt your resume big time.
On the flip side, a well written summary can really amplify your resume. Think of it like a TL:DR to your career - a quick recap of key points tailor-made for the recruiter.
Today, I’m going to give you a couple examples of summaries from resumes that I have personally written - these clients all went on to land jobs within a few months of using the new resume. If you’re a premium subscriber, stay tuned till the end to get a template from one of these resumes for your own use!
So without further ado…
The Sales Leader (i.e., Sales Manager, Sales Lead etc.)
This summary belongs to a client I worked with a while back. He approached me for a resume because he was planning on applying for account executive positions at Amazon, and wanted something to give him a competitive edge.
Why this summary works:
For sales, impact is key. Whether you’re selling pancakes or software, the fundamentals of the role are the same, but the results differ.
Your job is to show those results front and center, with specifics.
What did you sell?
What kind of industries were you in?
How much experience do you have?
What were some of your biggest achievements?
I can’t stress specifics enough. Too often, people write statements like: “Proven track record of delivering top-notch sales and leading sales teams...”. Gaaah! Prove it with real data!
The result: This client went on to land that Amazon job! Woot woot!
The tech leader
This one belongs to a director of IT at a school district. He was looking for new opportunities, and sought my help to write up a resume that could generate interviews.
Why this summary works:
Same as before, the summary begins with relevant specifics about this person, like who they are (Director of Cybersecurity), relevant qualifications (CISSP), years of experience (13 years), and industries they’ve been in.
The second, third, and fourth bullet points highlight accomplishments that show relevant impacts. It’s not enough to just claim you can do X, you’ve got to prove it. More importantly, they use what I call a “matter of fact” tone - by expressing them in the past tense (i.e., managed and modernized…), we drive home the point that they actually happened and are referring to a specific event/accomplishment, as opposed to speaking in a general sense (i.e., “proven expertise doing…").
The result: This one went on to land a job at another company barely three months after working with me.
I’m giving away a free copy of this template today only. To grab it, click the button below (visible only to premium subscribers).
About the Author
I’m James, Cofounder of Final Draft Resumes. I’ve been in the career consulting space for 13 years, and before that, I was a recruiter for AECOM.
I’ve helped thousands of job seekers, from industries like software engineering, IT, sales, marketing, manufacturing, and more generate job opportunities through well-written resumes that translate unique backgrounds into coherent narratives.
If you’re struggling with your resume for whatever reason, reach out - I just might be able to help!
If you’re more of a DIY person, then check out Resumatic, my free-to-try resume builder.
A reader’s horror story
This reader had quite the ordeal with what at first seemed like their dream job. A warning for others. Read on…
Dear Launchpad,
I have to share my recent job hunt horror story. It all started with what seemed like a great opportunity. After a single interview, I landed a position at a well-known company. They were eager to get me started, with a start date just a few weeks out.
However, the cracks began to show during the onboarding process. Communication was lacking, and my attempts to confirm details were met with silence. It felt like I was chasing a ghost. When I finally received my new manager's contact information, it was just days before my start date. And of course, "Mark" (let's call him that) was nowhere to be found.
On my first day, it was a total s*** show. No one seemed to know I was coming, and basic logistics like getting my credentials seemed impossible. The office atmosphere was cold and unwelcoming, a far cry from the vibrant company culture they'd advertised.
But the real kicker? Mark. He was dismissive and acted like I was an inconvenience. It was clear that he had no interest in mentoring or onboarding me properly. I felt like I was set up to fail.
To make a long story short, my employment was suddenly terminated after just two days. The reason? A vague explanation about "not being a good fit." It was humiliating and demoralizing. Now, I'm back to square one in my job search 😔
My take…
This person probably dodged a bullet. Imagine what it would’ve been like working for “Mark” - probably an absolute nightmare.
Some key takeaways:
First, always meet your supervisor being accepting the job. This is non-negotiable for assessing their management style, personality, and overall fit with your work style. It also gives you a chance to ask questions about their expectations and the team dynamic.
Second, don't red flags. In this case, the lack of communication and the absence of the supervisor during the interview were major warning signs. Pay attention to your gut feelings and any inconsistencies you notice.
Third, research the company and your boss if you can. Look beyond the company website and marketing materials. Talking to current or former employees (a great post on how to do this) is a great way to get insider info before you make any commitments.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Throughout the hiring process, ask questions about the team, the culture, and the role. The more information you have, the better equipped you'll be.
Subscriber Question
I've been interviewing for a Senior Marketing Manager position at a tech startup. I've had several positive conversations with the hiring manager and the team, and they even asked me to complete a small project to showcase my skills. I put in a lot of effort and felt confident about my submission. However, yesterday, I received an email saying they've decided to "re-evaluate the position's scope and requirements" and are therefore pausing the hiring process. They thanked me for my time and said they'd keep my information on file.
I'm extremely disappointed and feel like I've wasted my time. Is there anything I can do in this situation?
I understand the frustration. It's disheartening to invest time and energy into a hiring process only to have it abruptly stopped. Unfortunately, companies do sometimes re-evaluate their needs or face unexpected budget constraints, leading to these kinds of decisions.
While it's easy to feel powerless, there are a few ways to turn this situation into a positive learning experience.
First, respond to the email expressing your disappointment but also thanking them for the opportunity and the feedback you received throughout the process. This maintains a professional relationship and leaves the door open for future opportunities.
Second, consider inquiring if they have any specific feedback on your project or candidacy. This shows your eagerness to learn and improve, and it might also give you insights into what they're looking for in the future.
Finally, let them know you're still interested in the company and would appreciate being considered if the position reopens or if other relevant opportunities arise. You can also suggest connecting on LinkedIn to stay updated on the company's progress.
PS: Always maintain a professional attitude throughout the communication. You never know when your paths might cross again in the future.
Good luck!