Do NOT start your resume with your Experience!

What up friends!

I’ve got a HOT TAKE coming your way but after writing over 1,000 resumes, please trust me, this is well informed advice…

When it comes to the job search process, your resume is your ticket to getting noticed by potential employers. However, writing a strong resume can be a challenging task, especially if you are unsure of where to start. You may be tempted to dive right into your experience or education, but there is a better way to catch the attention of hiring managers.

At the top of your resume, you should begin with a professional summary that showcases your strengths and what you can bring to the table. This section should be brief but powerful, conveying your unique value proposition as a job candidate. So, what should you include in this section???

Let's break down the four sentences provided in the script…

Sentence 1: High-performing professional with [#] years of experience delivering high-impact work in the [industry] industry.

This sentence establishes your credibility and experience in your field. Use this opportunity to highlight your most relevant and impressive accomplishments. For example, if you are a marketing professional, you could mention your success in launching a new product or increasing website traffic. Be specific and use data if possible to quantify your achievements.

Sentence 2: Skilled in developing strong internal and external relationships to facilitate collaborative achievement of high-priority goals.

In today's workplace, collaboration is key. Employers want to see that you can work well with others to achieve common objectives. Use this sentence to showcase your relationship-building skills, both within and outside of your organization. Highlight any leadership experience you have that demonstrates your ability to bring people together to achieve a shared goal.

Sentence 3: Confident in ability to thrive in a fast-paced setting and leverage skills in [skill #1], [skill #2], and [skill #3], to enable team success.

This sentence demonstrates your adaptability and versatility as a professional. It's important to show that you can handle a fast-paced environment and bring specific skills to the table that will benefit the team. Think about what skills are most relevant to the job you are applying for and highlight those. For example, if you are applying for a project management role, you might mention your skills in communication, organization, and time management.

Sentence 4: Committed to lifelong learning and going the extra mile to contribute to facilitate continuous improvement.

This sentence shows that you are not only interested in the job at hand but are also invested in your long-term career growth. Employers want to see that you are committed to ongoing learning and development. Highlight any relevant professional development courses you have taken or any industry associations you belong to.

Essentially, the professional summary is a crucial part of your resume that should not be overlooked. Use it to showcase your strengths and unique value proposition as a job candidate. Be specific, use data if possible, and tailor your summary to the job you are applying for. By doing so, you will be more likely to catch the attention of hiring managers and land your dream job.

If you’re looking for a new resume template to add this professional summary to, as well as all your other great content in an eye-catching and impressive way, check out my resume templates here: