The resume introduction is a hiring manager’s first impression of your background and professionalism. However, summing up years of professional experience in just a few sentences can be challenging. This guide explains why the resume introduction is so critical and provides resume intro examples for different professions.
What Is a Resume Introduction?
The purpose of the resume introduction is to capture the reader’s attention. It should show how your background matches the qualifications for the role so that the hiring manager wants to keep reading.
The resume introduction sits at the top of the document after your contact information and current job title, generally in the header. When looking at resume introduction examples, summary and objective statements are most common, but the headline format is another example of a resume introduction.
Why Your Resume Introduction Is Important
The resume introduction is arguably the most crucial section of your resume because it’s the first thing the hiring manager reads after your basic contact information. Studies show that recruiters only spend an average of just over seven seconds on your resume the first time they review it, so first impressions are critical.
A strong resume introduction also sets a professional tone for the rest of the resume. Coupled with solid bullet points, quantified career achievements, and a clear key skills list, your resume introduction highlights your background and qualifications. Looking at resume intro examples on templates and resume samples can give you a better idea of how this section works cohesively with the rest of the document.
Types of Resume Introductions
When creating professional documents, you have several choices for formatting and what to include in the content. For example, an introduction on a resume has three main formats: a resume summary, a career objective statement, or a professional headline. Below, we provide more information on each of these and relevant resume intro examples.
Resume summary
This is the best option for experienced professionals. It uses three to four short sentences to cover your years of experience and any specific qualifications or achievements relevant to the position.
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
This statement explains what you hope to achieve with your career rather than what you’ve already accomplished. The format is generally only used by entry-level candidates or those changing jobs who need to gain transferable skills or experience.
Example:
A recent graduate with a degree in web design, specializing in user experience (UX) design, front-end development, and graphic design. Seeking a position with Pantheon Technologies to apply user-centered design principles in a forward-thinking work environment centered on innovation and real-world solutions.
Professional headline
This is a concise, direct approach to the resume introduction. The professional headline is a short phrase, around seven to 10 words long, that includes your job title and the number of years of experience you have.
Example:
Talent Acquisition Specialist With Over 10 Years of Experience
How To Write an Effective Resume Introduction
1. Tailor to the job description
Always customize the resume introduction to the specific job. Including keywords from the job description or highlighting your most relevant qualifications helps the hiring manager quickly identify you as a good fit. Look at resume intro examples for your role to get ideas on what’s most important to include.
2. Use strong action verbs and keywords
Scan the job description and highlight important verbs and keywords to the position. Use as many of these in your resume introduction as are relevant and accurate for your experience.
3. Highlight achievements
When displaying achievements in your resume introduction, focus on those you can quantify as most relevant to the job. A resume introduction, for example, may show that you improved the Net Promoter Score (NPS) by 40% if you’re targeting a customer service role.
Resume Introduction Examples by Profession
Looking at the introduction on a resume example can help you better understand the objective of this section and what to include. We’ve provided resume intro examples by profession to help you get started.
Example of resume introduction for marketing professionals:
A marketing manager with over 10 years of experience defining brand messaging and leading campaigns for enterprise organizations. A proven track record of identifying opportunities to enhance digital marketing efforts and grow brand awareness across core demographics. Adept at building and leading diverse marketing teams.
Example of resume introduction for information technology specialists:
An information technology (IT) specialist with five years of experience specializing in Windows server, hardware and software configuration, system administration, and database management. A proven track record of coordinating with onshore and offshore teams to deliver IT solutions for client businesses. Adept at identifying optimal technical solutions based on customer needs.
Example of resume introduction for sales representatives:
A sales professional with one year of experience within the medical sales industry, specializing in upselling, lead generation, cold calling, and sales strategy. Adept at analyzing competitive sales trends and delivering in-depth product demonstrations to client businesses.
Example of resume introduction for teachers:
Resourceful elementary school teacher with nearly 10 years of experience inspiring and developing young minds. Adapt readily to new work challenges and conditions. Master of Educational Studies.
Common Mistakes To Avoid in a Resume Introduction
- Lack of focus: Your resume should always be concise and targeted to the position. When writing the introduction on a resume, for example, focus on the most important qualifications you have that match the job description.
- Overloading with buzzwords: While keywords can help your resume get to the interview pile, stuffing the document with buzzwords can make it read unnaturally and stilted.
- Vague statements: Some resume introduction examples and templates may use generic language that doesn’t speak to your specific background or isn’t relevant to your accomplishments or the position. Target each sentence to the particular role you’re applying for.
Resume Introduction Example
Here’s an example of a resume with a good introduction:
Jordan Ellis
[City, State] • [Phone Number] • [Email Address] • [LinkedIn Profile]
Professional Summary
Strategic marketing manager with 8+ years of experience developing data-driven campaigns and leading teams in B2B and B2C markets. Proven track record of increasing brand engagement by 35% and optimizing customer acquisition channels to meet KPIs. Skilled in SEO, content strategy, and brand positioning, with a strong focus on cross-functional collaboration to drive business growth.
Professional Experience
Senior Marketing Manager
BrightWave Marketing, New York, NY
June 2016 – Present
- Increased customer engagement by 35% through a targeted content strategy, integrating SEO and SEM techniques for a comprehensive digital approach.
- Led a cross-functional team of 10, coordinating efforts across marketing, product development, and customer service to ensure alignment on campaign goals and product launches.
- Spearheaded a social media rebranding initiative that boosted follower engagement by 50% within the first quarter, leveraging customer insights and trend analysis.
- Developed and implemented a customer acquisition strategy that improved lead conversion rates by 20% through optimized email marketing campaigns and retargeting techniques.
- Collaborated with sales and product teams to refine go-to-market strategies, directly contributing to a 15% increase in quarterly revenue.
Marketing Coordinator
WebNova Solutions, Boston, MA
May 2013 – May 2016
- Designed and launched monthly email newsletters that increased subscriber engagement by 40% and reduced churn rate by 15%.
- Conducted keyword research and competitor analysis to drive SEO-focused content, achieving top-ranking search results on key topics within the tech industry.
- Organized and managed customer feedback sessions to identify areas for improvement in product design and functionality, resulting in an 18% enhancement in customer satisfaction.
- Supported the development of branded content for social media, growing overall online visibility and reinforcing brand identity across digital platforms.
Key Skills
- Soft Skills: Adaptability, communication, leadership, creativity, and change management. Skilled at handling evolving business needs and pivoting strategies to align with company goals and industry changes. Recognized for cross-functional collaboration and mentoring team members to achieve personal and professional growth.
- Technical Skills: Google Analytics, SEO & SEM, CRM software (Salesforce, HubSpot), project management (Asana, Trello), data visualization (Tableau, Power BI), and marketing automation tools.
Education
Master of Science in Data Analytics
University of California, Berkeley
Graduated: 2019
Bachelor of Science in Marketing
Boston University
Graduated: 2013
Achievements
- Increased Lead Generation by 25%: Developed and led a targeted campaign across email and social media channels, resulting in a significant uptick in lead generation and conversion.
- Recognized for Cross-Functional Leadership: Built strong working relationships with multiple departments, effectively aligning marketing goals with product and sales objectives.
- Enhanced Brand Awareness: Implemented a brand positioning strategy that boosted online visibility by 40%, directly impacting brand engagement and customer loyalty.
Certifications
- Google Analytics Certified
- HubSpot Inbound Marketing Certification
- Advanced SEO Training, Yoast Academy
FAQs About Resume Introductions
How long should a resume introduction be?-
Because a resume should only be one to two pages, the introduction must be short. A good rule is two to four sentences or three to five concise bullet points.
Should I write a resume introduction for every job?+
When writing a resume introduction, it's critical to tailor the copy to the job description. For example, incorporate the role title, use keywords, and highlight must-have qualifications, such as a degree.
What's the difference between a resume summary and an objective?+
A resume summary highlights your career achievements and is appropriate for experienced professionals. And a resume objective explains what direction you're trying to take in your career and suits entry-level candidates.
Can I use the same introduction on my LinkedIn profile?+
You can use the same introduction on your LinkedIn profile if you optimize it for the platform. This could include using specific keywords or including a few more personal touches. Some AI models can help you create slightly different introductions quickly.
How often should I update my resume introduction?+
Review your resume introduction frequently to ensure it’s accurate. Update it whenever you learn additional skills or your job target changes.
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