The professional profile section on your resume, also referred to as the About Me section, is your first impression of the hiring manager, and it’s one you need to get right. It can act as a personal introduction to potential employers and can make or break your resume. It’s your chance to immediately grab attention and give hiring managers a brief overview of who you are and why you would be a great fit for the role.
Whether you are a seasoned professional or a recent graduate, the way you describe yourself will give insight into your personality, work ethic, and ability to meet the job requirements. We provide the steps to write a strong profile, potential words to describe yourself on a resume, and About Me resume examples.
Why an About Me Section Can Strengthen Your Resume
The About Me section plays a key role in your resume, summarizing your unique skills, values, and career goals. It helps establish your personal brand and can be especially effective for recent graduates, those making a career change, and anyone with a unique skill or tie to the company or industry.
Applicants should include an About Me section, such as a profile summary, in every resume and tailor it to the position and industry. If you’re making a career change, it could focus on transferable skills and how the company’s values align with yours. Use powerful words to describe yourself on a resume, such as strong adjectives and action verbs.
Key Elements To Include in an About Me Section on a Resume
Describe your professional identity
The first sentence in the About Me section should include your role title and an adjective or two, such as “Creative digital marketer” or “Detail-oriented data analyst.” If you’re struggling with describing yourself on a resume, focus on which of your skills would have the most impact on the role or look through the job description for any words or phrases you can include.
Highlight key skills and strengths
The About Me section is just a few sentences long, so make them count. Pick skills that are the most relevant to the target role and industry. For example, if you’re applying for a project manager position in the marketing industry, highlight your solid understanding of the sales funnel and a strong background in PM software, such as Jira or Asana. This is a good place to work in keywords or qualifications that don’t easily fit in other resume sections.
Showcase career goals and aspirations
While the focus should be on how your background can help the company, hiring managers may prioritize candidates whose personal career goals align with the employer’s goals. Research the company to find out its values and mission statement. When considering which words to describe yourself on the resume, use those that match up. For example, if the company’s values include a “human-centered approach,” use this in your About Me section.
Strong About Me Samples for a Resume
Below are some specific resume About Me examples for different career levels and industries.
Professional resume summary example
A marketing manager with six years of experience specializing in go-to-market strategy, public relations, social media, and Google Analytics. A proven track record of executing high-impact marketing campaigns and rebranding initiatives to expand reach across target audiences. Adept at building and leading diverse teams.
Objective statement example
Seeking a challenging position as a marketing manager to utilize skills in digital marketing and further develop leadership abilities.
Entry-level resume summary example
A social media marketing coordinator with three years of experience specializing in brand messaging, content writing, data analytics, and HootSuite. A proven track record of developing marketing strategies and executing social media campaigns to drive brand exposure across target audiences.
Mid-career resume summary example
Motivated sales associate with over five years of experience in retail environments, working both at Bloomingdales and Yves Saint Laurent. Recognized for providing excellent customer service, boosting sales, and strengthening brand loyalty. Seeking to transfer my high energy and passion for the retail industry to a leading luxury retailer.
Senior-level resume summary example
A senior data scientist with over 10 years of experience using machine learning, Big Data, and deep learning to deliver data-driven solutions for enterprise organizations. A proven track record of creating dynamic machine learning algorithms to enhance data visualization and drive positive business outcomes.
Architect resume summary example
Versatile and creative architect with over 15 years of experience designing commercial and residential buildings in various sizes and styles. Record of unique and sustainable design that exceeds LEED standards.
Law clerk resume summary example
A law clerk with two years of legal experience specializing in federal law, legal research, pretrial motions, and data analysis. A proven history of delivering valuable legal support to lawyers and judges during civil suits and trial cases.
Marketing professional resume summary example
A digital marketing expert with over eight years of experience driving customer engagement, optimizing social media campaigns, and using analytics to achieve measurable growth. Adept at using tools like Google Analytics, HubSpot, and Facebook Ads to increase conversions and enhance brand visibility. Looking to bring my expertise to a marketing manager role at [Company Name], where I can further refine my strategy skills and contribute to brand expansion.
Software developer resume summary example
Experienced software developer with a strong background in Python, JavaScript, and cloud-based applications. Skilled at collaborating in agile teams to develop scalable solutions for global enterprises. Passionate about utilizing innovative technologies to solve complex problems. Seeking to contribute my skills in developing cutting-edge solutions at a forward-thinking tech company.
Steps To Write an Effective About Me Section
Step 1: Start with your job title or role
How to describe yourself on a resume comes down to being as clear and relevant as possible. Use the first sentence of the About Me section to introduce yourself, including your current job title or role you’re seeking and how many years of experience you have in the industry.
Step 2: Describe key skills and achievements
Focus the next two to three sentences on highlighting your strengths and professional achievements. Use powerful, descriptive words that align with the language in the job description. While technical skills and data-driven accomplishments are important, include a few soft skills to show you’re a well-rounded candidate.
Step 3: End with career objectives or personal goals
The last sentence should connect your career or personal goals with the employer’s objectives. This is where you can tie in a company value or show how to resolve an issue the business faces.
Words To Describe Yourself on a Resume (and How To Use Them)
When figuring out what to write in the About Me on a resume, language and word choice matter. Here are some examples of words to describe you on a resume based on how you want to come across as a candidate.
Words that convey leadership and initiative:
- Driven
- Dedicated
- Strategic
Words that emphasize creativity and solution-seeking:
- Innovative
- Proactive
- Resourceful
Words that highlight teamwork and communication:
- Collaborative
- Empathetic
- Reliable
How To Tailor Your About Me Section for Different Applications
When applying to a new industry or role
If you are a recent graduate or trying to make a career change, emphasize your transferable skills. These can be technical skills, such as computer proficiency, and soft skills, such as communication and leadership skills. A relevant degree or certification can reinforce your preparedness to enter a new field.
For creative vs. technical roles
The language you use in the About Me section should fit the role. For example, a creative role may require more adjectives and language that reflect your passion for the industry. A technical role may require more data-based metrics and specific proficiencies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Writing an About Me Section and How To Describe Yourself on a Resume
Should I include personal interests?-
When deciding how to describe yourself on a resume, leave off personal interests unless they’re directly related to the industry, such as teaching a computer skills class at the library if you’re applying for a help desk position.
How long should my About Me section be?+
The About Me section should be about two to three sentences, four at the maximum. Look at About Me examples in a resume template to see how to structure this section.
Is the About Me section necessary for all resumes?+
An About Me section is essential for all resumes, but what this looks like depends on the role. Sometimes, you need to focus more on your professional background and qualifications. In contrast, in others, it may highlight transferable skills and why you're seeking a role at that particular company.
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