how to write impact statement for resume

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Resumes with Impact: Creating Strong Bullet Points

How can you make your resume stand out to an employer?

• Use an easy-to-read format and structure that highlights your relevant education and experience.
• Develop bullet points or statements to show relevant skills and qualities. Be specific about what you did and how you did it.
• Start your bullet points or statements with strong action verbs.
• Provide contextual details to inform the reader about the purpose of your work, the scope of the project, and what you produced or accomplished.
• Quantify your work and achievements where possible.

Using the STAR method

The STAR method can help you create impactful descriptions for each experience on your resume.

First, read through the posting for a job that interests you. This will help you understand the role and the employer’s needs. Identify the skills and qualities they seek. You can usually find them in the responsibilities and qualifications sections.

Next, use the STAR method to describe the context of your work, your actions, and how your actions had positive impact on the organization.

Situation: What was the situation, problem, or conflict you were facing?

Task: What were you tasked with? What were your responsibilities or goals?

Action: What action did you take? What did you do to solve this problem? (start with action verbs)

Result: What was the result or outcome of your action? How did it benefit the organization? Can this result be quantified?

Follow the STAR method to create descriptions that incorporate the key skills and qualities the employer is seeking. Your final statement will start with the action section and include the results section when appropriate.

Skills/qualities you want to show: initiative, organization, analytical thinking, writing, interpersonal skills, problem solving

Situation: The trainees were learning too slowly and could not navigate the company’s data tracking system by the end of the two-week training period. Instead, they were not ready for another two weeks.

Task: Help trainees learn the system faster.

Action: Initiated, wrote, and edited the first training manual for the company’s data tracking system. Successfully presented proposal to use manual to management. Revised training program curriculum to implement new manual. Trainees worked through the manual during the two-week training period.

Result: At the end of the training period, trainees were ready to use the data tracking system two weeks earlier than expected; the training manual was adopted across the company and is still in use.

FINAL STATEMENT FOR RESUME: Initiated, wrote, and edited the first training manual for company’s data tracking system, which cut training period in half, was adopted across the company, and is still in use today.

This example could focus on different skills (communication, persuasion, leadership, training), depending on what’s relevant to the job.

Bullet Point Examples

What, how, and why.

Answer these questions to transform a generic description into an impactful  bullet point. 

• What did you do? What was the situation, problem, or challenge you were facing?
• What were your responsibilities or goals?
• How exactly did you do it? How did you accomplish your tasks? Did you use any tools, equipment, or computer programs?
• Did you work as part of a team or independently?
• Why are these actions important? How did they benefit the organization? What was the result or outcome of your actions?
• Can you quantify the results? (Note: Not every bullet point on your resume must be results-oriented.)

Generic Description

Public Health Society, Events Coordinator

• Responsible for organizing events and panels

In this example, it is not clear what the candidate did to organize events and panels, what skills they used, or what kind of events and panels they organized. Because of this, the writer misses the chance to showcase the skills used to carry out this task.

Strong, Concrete Description

• Plan and coordinate panels on public health for audiences of 25–50 undergraduates on a bi-monthly basis
• Identify and contact health professionals in the community to participate in panels
• Create marketing materials and publicize events through social media

Add context and skills (WHAT was the situation and HOW were the tasks accomplished) to deepen the information provided.

In this example, the first bullet point clearly highlights organizational skills. It also lets the employer know the scope, target audience, and frequency of the events. This efficiently illustrates the candidate’s abilities and experience.

The second bullet point indicates research and interpersonal skills, which were used to secure panelists. It also demonstrates the ability to communicate with professionals outside of the university.

The third bullet highlights a specific business skill and/or the ability to be strategic in marketing, as well as familiarity with using social media for marketing purposes.

Adding Accomplishments and Impact:

Employers review resumes to understand the impact you’ve had on a project, organization, or company. Explain WHY your actions matter; how did your actions affect outcomes? For instance:

• Were the materials and publicizing efforts successful?
• Did these actions result in reaching a new group of students?

Review each statement you’ve created for your resume. Can you add an accomplishment or achievement? What happened as a result of that action? How did it benefit the organization? You don’t need to add a result to every bullet point on your resume, but it’s helpful to demonstrate achievements when possible.

What does this look like? In the bullet point about marketing materials and social media, this might read:

• Create marketing materials and publicize events through social media. Increased attendance at several club programs by 75% (if you have an accurate figure)
• Create marketing materials and publicize events through social media. Saw increased attendance at several club programs throughout the year (if you are unable to quantify)

These statements combine the Action and Result sections of the STAR method.

Related Resources

Writing a Resume: Getting Started

If you’re applying for an internship or job, attending a networking event, or seeking a volunteer opportunity, chances are you’ll need a resume. We’ll walk you through the basics.

Your Resume: What to Put In, What to Leave Out

Wondering how to organize the information on your resume? This resource overviews the sections to include on your resume, and what information to include in each of them.

200+ Action Verbs to Spice Up Your Resume

Use varied, strong action verbs to grab the reader’s attention and make your resume stand out to potential employers. This resource includes over 200 action verbs you can use as a starting point.

How to Write a Resume Profile or Summary Statement

If you are in the process of changing careers, craft a powerful summary to highlight your accomplishments and relevant skills. Show an employer, at a glance, why you’re qualified for the job!

Optimizing Your Resume for Applicant Tracking Systems

90% of Fortune 500 Companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to manage high volumes of job applications. 75% of candidates are “phased out of consideration” because they don’t pass a screening! Our tips will help your resume make it through ATS.

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Writing Impactful Resume Bullets

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Resume Accomplishment Statements

Accomplishment statements are the bullets/sentences under the experience section of your resume that describe and quantify your achievements, results, and successes from prior internship, student organization, volunteer, military, or education experiences. When writing these statements, don’t just list your role, responsibilities, and tasks; employers want to also know how you can contribute to their team or organization. Provide specific examples of the impact you made and the value you added during those experiences.

The following guidelines will help you start the process of writing strong accomplishment statements that highlight your qualifications and demonstrate your skills. Before you start writing accomplishment statements, consider the following:

❓ Have I ever : Improved something? Achieved more with fewer resources or money? Reduced costs? Improved productivity? Saved time? Increased recruitment numbers? Designed, developed, or implemented a new process, program or product? Brought diverse constituents together to accomplish something? Improved morale? Solved a pressing problem? Managed or led a team? Presented complex information clearly? Successfully multitasked? Dedicated long hours of work to accomplish something within a short timeframe? Balanced extracurricular/outside commitments with coursework? Took initiative without anyone asking? Received awards or positive performance reviews?

❓ Also consider: What are you most proud of? What would others you have worked with say about your contribution? How have organizations benefited from your work? What special projects have you worked on and what was the outcome? What is the tangible evidence of your accomplishments?

Guidelines for Creating Impactful Resume Accomplishment Statements

1. utilize the action + project + result format.

• Project : Group related tasks together into more meaningful projects or activities
• Action : Choose an action verb that describes what YOU did and what YOUR contribution was (NOT your TEAM!) to the project/activity. Highlight what SKILLS you made use of or gained through this experience
• Result : Pitch the result and impact of your work. QUANTIFY the result and impact in terms of % improvement or % increase. If your work resulted (or will result) in a publication or patent, mention that

✏️ Write it out : [A] Choose an action verb + [P] Name a project you completed or problem you solved + [R] Describe the results you achieved, quantifying when possible

2. Accomplished [X] as measured by [Y] by doing [Z] Format

✏️ Write it out : [X] Lead with the impact you delivered + [Y] Numerically measure what you accomplished + [Z] Detail specifically what you did

Converting to Result Bullets: Before and After

• Worked with a student leadership committee to increase member participation
• Contributed to system for streamlined application submissions and tracking
• Selected for scholarship
• Led a 5-person leadership team to increase student participation by 100% from 50 to 100 members by creating a stronger social media presence
• Collaborated with the IT team to develop an online application submission and tracking system, reducing cost by 10%
• Selected as one of 230 participants nationwide, based on top class rank coupled with community engagement work
• Use Powerful Action Verbs : While each bullet starts with an action verb, certain action verbs sound more impactful than others. e.g. led, created, developed
• Quantify your Impact : Before revision, bullets are focused mostly on describing activities, not outcomes. It is important to numerically measure what you accomplished through your actions
• Contextualize Your Accomplishment : Provide a baseline for comparison to make it easier for recruiters to understand your accomplishment

Converting to Skill Bullets: Before and After

• Explored the evolutionary origins of various cognitive processes by studying capuchin monkeys
• Looked at branding and marketing strategies of Company X in comparison to competitors
• Worked with fellow interns to put on a conference
• Delivered key insights on the evolutionary origins of cognitive processes by researching and analyzing over 100 years of literature on capuchin monkeys
• Compiled an overview of the competitive landscape for Company X by conducting expert interviews and online research
• Facilitated collaboration among 5-person intern team to put on a conference; divided tasks based on expertise, developed a feasible timeline, and kept team on task and within budget
• Pitch Your Skills : Highlight transferable skills you gained from your past experience that your future employer will value (e.g. research, analytic skills, teamwork, communication skills, leadership)
• Be Specific : The inclusion of relevant details shows the reader that the candidate is capable of making an impact in the organization

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How To Create A Resume With Impact: Duties vs. Results

When preparing your resume , remember this is a document to market your experience and skills and showcase what you have to offer. Your resume is much more effective and attractive to employers when it demonstrates what you have achieved with your previous experiences and what you can potentially achieve for the new employer.

Unfortunately, a bunch of the resumes employers receive today still read like a laundry list of duties. Avoid this common mistake with the tips below to create a resume with impact.

Don’t State The Obvious

If you’re simply describing your job duties on your resume—a generic job description—there’s probably going to be little interest from employers. Although today’s applicant tracking systems (the software that reads and ranks resumes) will need this information, employers really need to know how you performed against goals or your peers.

Quantify And Qualify Accomplishments

Your accomplishments on the job are what will differentiate you from the next candidate. They're also what will help demonstrate why you are the best candidate for the job.

For instance, if you have a career in sales, rather than state the obvious (“Contact prospective customers to introduce new product releases") tie in the results you’ve achieved. A more effective statement would read: “Initiated contact with 20+ prospective customers on new product releases and secured 15 sales contracts, ranking as the top salesperson of the year.” This latter statement, which includes numbers that quantify your work experience , provides insight into why you're a great candidate for a job in sales.

If you are in a position where it's not easy to quantify accomplishments, then consider these questions:

• Are you the only person doing this job?
• If not, how many peers do you have, and how does your performance compare?
• Are you the go-to person for anything in particular?
• What are some of the things that your managers have put in your performance evaluations?

Be The Problem Solver

Job postings will include details of responsibilities, but sometimes they may also hint at situations where they seek candidates with particular experience in the area. Be the problem solver by demonstrating on your resume a similar situation that you took action on and resolved. Whether it was to help streamline order processing or enter a new international market, bullet points to convey experience on the matter and results achieved offer greater impact than detailing your general duties on the job.

Employers simply want to hire the best talent so show them what you can accomplish for them, not the general job duties of a position. Keep that in mind and you’ll create a resume with impact!

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This article was originally published at an earlier date.

• 7 Ways To Tailor Your Resume For A Leadership Position - Work It ... ›
• How To Create A Job Description That Sparks Interest - Work It Daily ›
• How to Include Numbers and Quantify Your Resume ›
• 39 Resume Accomplishments Examples to Demonstrate Your Value ›
• How To Write a Resume Impact Statement | Indeed.com ›

Spring Cleaning: 4 Ways To Fix Your Job Search

Is your job search turning into a grind with no end in sight? It may be time to take a step back and reevaluate your entire approach.

In cold weather climates, the beginning of spring is a time to clean the house and get organized—a practice known as spring cleaning. Through the years, spring cleaning has taken on a larger meaning with people using the time to organize and declutter things in their lives.

For professionals on the job hunt, a little spring cleaning (metaphorically speaking) could be a great way to reinvigorate your job search. Here are a few strategies your job search spring cleaning should include.

Reevaluate Your Job Search Approach

Make a list of the last handful of jobs you applied for and see if you can identify any positive or negative trends. Consider things like:

• How did I learn about this job?
• How did I apply for the job?
• Did I earn an interview?
• What was the ultimate result?

A lot can be learned about your job search approach just by answering these questions and identifying patterns. For example:

Negative Trends

You discovered five jobs through job boards, applied to all of them via the job boards, and never heard back from any of them.

The common pattern here is applying through job boards. This isn't to say that job boards don't serve a purpose in the job search process, but they have their limitations , and you can't run your job search entirely off of them. When you apply through a job board, there's a good chance that your materials will never get past the applicant tracking system (ATS) and never be seen by an actual person.

One simple fix is to research who the hiring manager or recruiter is that posted the position and email your materials to them directly.

The more efficient fix would be to take a proactive approach by putting together a bucket list of companies that you want to work for and start making connections on LinkedIn with people who work at those companies. You may already know some people who work there or have connections that can refer you to some individuals.

This is a great way to network your way onto a company's radar.

Positive Trends

You applied to three jobs via referral, were invited to two job interviews, and made it through multiple rounds of interviews for one of the jobs before being passed over for someone with a little more experience.

The pattern here is that getting referred to a job by a professional acquaintance is a great way to land a job interview . This indicates that you're leveraging your network well and you should continue to focus on your networking efforts.

The next step is to review the interview process and determine what went well and what needs to be improved. Sometimes the interviewer will provide feedback , and that feedback can be valuable. However, not everyone is comfortable with giving feedback.

Chances are you probably have a good idea about areas of improvement and the skills you need to gain. Put together a plan for addressing those shortfalls.

The good news in making it deep into any interview process is that it indicates that the company likes you as a potential employee (even if the timing just wasn't right) and the experience could be a roadmap to a job with that company at a later date, or another similar opportunity elsewhere.

Give Your Resume & Cover Letter Some Much-Needed Attention

Are you continuously sending similar resumes and cover letters to each job opening with only minor adjustments? If so, your strategy needs some serious spring cleaning.

Let's start with resumes!

Every resume should be tailored to the position in order for it to stand out to recruiters and hiring managers . It may seem like a lot of work, but it's actually less work than submitting the same resume over and over again and never hearing back.

The reason why it's so important to tailor your resume is that throughout your career, you acquire numerous skills, but the job you're applying for may only be focusing on 6-8 of those skills. In that case, those skills must rise to the top of the resume with quantifiable examples of how you successfully used those skills at previous jobs.

Remember, recruiters go through hundreds of resumes. They need to be able to tell from a quick glance whether or not you're a potential candidate for the position.

While updating your resume, you could also spruce up your LinkedIn profile by highlighting the skill sets that you want to be noticed for by recruiters.

As for writing a good cover letter , the key to success is writing a disruptive cover letter . When you write a disruptive cover letter , you're basically telling a story. The story should focus on how you connect with the particular company and job position. The story could also focus on your personal journey, and how you got to where you currently are in your career.

If your resumes and cover letters aren't unique, now is the time to clean things up and get on track.

Build Your Personal Brand

Just because you're looking for work doesn't mean that you don't have anything to offer. Use previous career experiences and passions to build your personal brand .

Ask yourself, "How do I want other professionals to view me?"

Pick an area of expertise and start sharing your knowledge and experience with your professional network by pushing out content on your LinkedIn and social media accounts. Good content can include blogs, social media posts, and videos.

By sharing content about your experiences and passions, you slowly build your personal brand, and others will start to notice. The content could lead to good discussions with others in your network. It could also lead to reconnecting with connections that you haven't spoken to in years, or making new connections.

You never know when one of these connections could turn into a job lead or referral. The trick is to get on people's radars. So, when you're cleaning up your job search, be sure to build a plan for personal branding.

Maintain Healthy Habits During Your Job Search

Your job search is important, but it's even more important to know when to pull back and focus on personal health and spending time with family and friends.

There are actually things that you can do for your own enjoyment that could help your job search in the long run, such as:

• Grab coffee with a friend - It's good to engage in light conversation with friends during challenging times. And if your job search does come up, remember that most people have been through it themselves and you never know when a friend may provide you with a good idea or lead on a job.
• Volunteer - Volunteering is a great way to get involved in the community and help others. In addition, if you develop a little bit of a career gap while looking for a job, you can always talk about how you filled that time volunteering, if you're asked about it during a job interview.
• Continue to focus on other passions - Are you a fitness nut? Blogger? Crafter? Continue to do the things that bring you happiness. And if you're in a position to profit from your passion through a freelance job or side hustle , even better!

Spring is the perfect time to clean up and improve your job search so you can land the job you want. If you're struggling to find a job, follow the tips above to reinvigorate your job search—and watch your career blossom!

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Why You Shouldn't Write A 'One-Size-Fits-All' Resume

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Writing Effective Impact Statements: Who Cares? So What?

Why impact statements.

Impact statements demonstrate how our work makes a difference in the lives of people, communities, and the environment.  Documenting the results of our efforts is also increasingly expected by funders and stakeholders. Those of us in the public sector identify and illustrate how our work makes a difference in our clientele’s economic, environmental, and social well-being through impact statements and impact reports.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture asks land-grant universities to collect and submit information on "impacts" of teaching, research, and Cooperative Extension programs.

At the federal level, impact statements are shared with members of Congress and other key decision makers. In Virginia, impact statements are used to highlight the value of our work to the Congressional delegation, members of the Virginia General Assembly, and other supporters and stakeholders.

Impact reporting is important because it:

• Helps us reflect on and improve our work.
• Demonstrates the difference we make in people’s lives, communities, and the environment.
• Improves visibility of programs (local, state, national).
• Generates support.
• Is a repository of results for speeches and other communication.
• Helps us focus on issues, initiatives, and program themes.
• Builds greater understanding of our programs by the public. Illustrates our accountability.

Impact reporting is important to land-grant faculty and staff because:

• Good impact reports can enhance performance appraisal as well as promotion and tenure/continued appointment.
• Stakeholders are asking for it.
• It lessens urgent requests for program examples, etc.
• Your work receives more visibility.
• Your work is exposed to potential funders.
• It can summarize and celebrate a job well done.

What is Impact?

Impact means the reportable and verifiable difference a land-grant program makes in the lives of people. Impacts are the documented results of a program, course, or research project.

Impact reporting:

• Illustrates the importance of the land-grant effort.
• Describes the positive change we make in social, economic, and environmental conditions in Virginia, the nation, and around the world.
• Provides public accountability.
• Increased income.
• Increased productivity.
• Value added.
• Expected values of outcomes.
• Alternative opportunity cost of capital.
• Willingness to pay.
• Multiplier effect.
• Increased quality of life (health, education, etc.).
• Non-market benefits (cost effectiveness, e.g.).
• Values of indirect outcomes.
• High rates of return on investment.
• Provides teaching/learning, research/discovery, and extension and outreach/engagement program accountability.
• Shows a return on investment.
• Fosters better public understanding of the whole picture of teaching/learning, research/discovery, and extension and outreach/engagement.
• Provides a reputation that improves future funding opportunities.
• Increases awareness of programs within the institution.
• Helps us reflect and learn from our work.

An impact statement is a brief summary, in lay terms, of the economic, environmental, and/or social impact of our efforts. It states accomplishments and their payoff to society by answering the questions:

Our impact audiences include:

• State officials,
• Federal officials,
• Local governing bodies,
• The general public,
• External funding sources,
• Industry representatives,
• Alumni, and

These audiences have:

• Some influence and control over our programs.
• Want information for decision-making.
• Have many people competing for their attention.
• Want quantifiable differences brought about by investments in our programs.

Writing an Impact Statement

An impact statement:.

• Briefly summarizes, in lay terms, the difference your teaching/learning, research/discovery, and extension and outreach/engagement efforts have made.
• States accomplishment and creates strong support for programs.
• Answers the questions... "So what?” and “Who cares?"
• Conveys accomplishments in simple language free of technical jargon.
• Is submitted by faculty for three to five efforts each year.

Audience for impact statements:

Your impact audience is the public: local, state, and federal officials, your peers, external grantors, and industry representatives. Keep in mind that both basic and applied studies have impacts.

Impact statements follow a simple formulaI:

• Why are we doing this teaching/learning, research/discovery, and extension and outreach/engagement program?
• What needs were expressed?
• What was the situation/problem, and why was it a problem?
• What college initiative and/or Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES) planned program is addressed?
• What did you do?
• What were the key elements?
• Who was the target audience?
• What resources were expended?
• The impact of your works is in the answer to the question "What is the payoff socially, economically, and environmentally?"
• What knowledge was gained?
• What skills were increased?
• What practices/behavior changed? How many people changed?
• How much money was saved?
• Were policies changed as a result?  
• What were the end results (quantitative and qualitative)
• How was evidence collected to document the impacts (surveys, observation, etc.)?
• What was the scope of the impact (campus, regional, statewide, etc.)
• List collaborators or contributors.
• Your name and contact information.

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How to Write an Impact Statement

Impact statements are the bullet points under each experience on your resume that capture the actions you took, provide background related to your efforts and identify clearly for the reader the consequence of your actions. They go beyond simply stating what you did - they provide a greater sense of the impact of your efforts and allow the reader to more readily understand the skills, traits or capabilities you possess.

Your resume is a MARKETING document which sells the brand YOU (it is about you but it is not for you - you are not the audience). Developing strong impact statements allow you to clearly identify that you possess the skills and capabilities your target audience is looking for. Incorporating impact statements into your resume allows you to be more strategic and most effectively highlght your brand.

Traditional resume formats simply provide a chronological listing of responsibilities or tasks. Such documents do not 'speak' to the reader nor are they crafted with a specific audience in mind - this is a key reason so many applications seem to go into a "void" once they are submitted and candidates never move beyond the application phase of the recruiting process.

Applicants want an employer to pick the "product" they have to offer (themselves) out of a sea of possible "product" choices (a stack of resumes of interested applicants) but most don't craft a document focused on what their audience (the reader) wants to know and cares about the most. Don't leave it up to the reader to contemplate why you may be a great "fit" for the job they have to offer - clearly show them that you understand what they are looking for and you possess the very skills, traits and capabilities that will allow you to be successful should they hire you. Impact statements allow you to clearly highlight the key skills the employer is looking for.

To create effective impact statements:

Step 1: Determine the skills which are most important to highlight ...

• Analyze the position you are interested in applying - review the entire job description, focusing not only upon the "Skills & Qualifications" section but also information regarding the organization or department the position is a part of as well as details regarding the key duties/responsibilities of the position itself
• Highlight/make note of any text that directly indicates (or alludes to) the use of a skill/trait; write down the specific skill/trait that the text focuses upon (for example if it states you are expected to "benchmark best practices and collect/analyze organizational metrics" , you would right down "Analysis/Analytical Sklls" as this is the relevant/key skill needed to carry out this task/duty)
• As you write down each skill/trait place a check mark beside the skill; carry out the analysis for the entire job description adding new skills to the list and/or adding check marks next to skills you have already listed
• Once you have fully completed your assessment, order your list of skills by number of check marks beside each skill (from most to least); ordering the skills allows you to identify the most relevant skills/traits for the role;
• Create impact statements for the top 5-6 skills/traits you have noted to ensure you are clearly showing the reader you have the very skills & abilities they value the most and are looking for to the greatest degree

Step 2: Create impact statements using the ABC method

Now that you have a sense of the skills you want to highlight, it is important you create bullet points/statements which fully show you possess (and have successfully demonstrated use of) such skills. Using the example above, if you determine that analysis/analytical skills are one of the most relevant skills for the position you are applying to, think of a time, across your experience, where you were required to utilize your analytical skills - under that experience (can be a formal work experience, extra-curricular/volunteer activity, community involvement or academic project), create a bullet point which includes wording that provides answers to the following questions:

• What was the tangible ACTION that you took? What did you specifically do (that could be seen or observed by someone watching you)?
• What was the BACKGROUND related to the action you took? How did you do what you did (What approaches or ways did you use to do what you did?) OR Why did you do what you did (what were you attempting to solve, deal with, achieve, etc.?)
• What was the CONSEQUENCE of your efforts? What was the benefit of your actions? They can be qualitative (e.g., improved staff morale) or quantitative (increased event participation by 50%).

Sample Impact Statements

Researched and wrote a paper on the effects of cyberbullying on pre-teenagers, in order to assess and identify the emotional impacts of such activity on youth; publication received positive reception resulting in invitation to present findings at a national Safe Schools conference. (statement seeks to demonstrate analytical skills )

• Action: Researched and wrote paper
• Background: In order to assess & identify emotional impacts
• Consequence: Invited to present findings at a national conference for safe schools

Collaborated in a project team of four to develop and deliver multimedia presentation highlighting bias within the criminal justice system and impact on indigenous peoples; strong cohesion of team, clear role definition and shared objectives amongst team members resulted in strong positive feedback on presentation effectiveness (statement seeks to demonstrate teamwork )

• Action: Collaborated in a project team of four
• Background: To develop and deliver multimedia presentation
• Result: Team cohesion, clear roles and shared objectives resulted in strong positive feedback

Initiated development of a computerized database in order to improve office operations and limit repetitive data entry tasks; efforts led to reduction in data entry time by 4 hours per week and increased office efficiency. (statement seeks to demonstrate initiative/personal leadership )

• Action: Initiated development of a computerized database
• Background: In order to improve office efficiency
• Result: Saved 4 hours of data input time per week

Skill Action Verbs

Review this list of past tense action verbs to help you in crafting your impact statements

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Resume Impact Statement

Looking for jobs can be tiresome but getting hired is the fruit of that laborious task. Job seekers everywhere know that having a good or an impressive resumé can also be part of the fruit of your labors. Especially when your impressive resumé catches the eye of your future employer.  But it is not enough to simply write down your job history and the years you worked. Why not get creative and write a different styled resumé to strike your employer’s interest. Employers usually want to read resumés that make a huge impact. Stand out from the crowd. To do that, this article will help you make the best impact statement resumés for your next job application . 

4+ Resume Impact Statement Examples

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Define Resume

A resumé is a well written documen t that showcases you. This is a summary of who you are and what your employers want to see. You use this type of document when you are applying for a job. What should be found in your resumé  is your educational background, summary of your work, your basic information, and the skills and qualifications you have gained.

Define Impact

An impact means to have a strong or powerful effect. This effect can be on an individual or an object. This effect can also happen anytime regardless of the situation. In addition to that, it means to have an influence on someone or something despite what situation you are in. This impact can either be positive or negative.

Defining Statement

A statement is something that a person says or writes. An action done to express an idea or an opinion. Something that has been said or done in a formal and or official way. In addition to that, a statement can also mean a way for an individual to express their thoughts, ideas or opinions in a formal way. Something that you say or write becomes official.

Defining Resume Impact Statement

A resumé impact statement means a description of your doings, actions and your responsibilities from your previous jobs. These impact statements are often found under your work experience in your resumé. This gives your employers an idea of what your roles and responsibilities were. As well as to see if you are a right fit for the job you are sending your resumé too. These impact statements are often written in bullet form.

Importance of Resumé Impact Statement

One thing to remember when you ask yourself why do I need to write an impact statement? Resumé impact statements, give you the opportunity to to show actual examples of the actions you made. Positive impact statements from the jobs you had before. In addition to that, recruiters often look for these statements to see how experienced you are at your field, and how you can be a valuable member to the company.

Tips for Writing Resumé Impact Statements

Now that you have some general idea as to why these impact statements are so important, you are almost ready to write them down. But before you do so, here are some tips to help you. What to write and what to avoid writing. Check them out below.

• Remember the actions you took – Try to remember the actions you did from your previous jobs. Determine what they are and write them down in a piece of paper. Check to see which of these actions were so important. Write them down below the position and the job you had before. Bullet form.  
• Don’t just list them – Just because it is in bullet form, you may be tempted to simply write them down. Avoid using one or two words describing your actions. Explain or describe them. Let your future employer know these were the actions you took and why they are important.
• Aim your statements – Do not just write your skills and statements. Aim them to the position you are applying for. If you are applying as a teacher, your skills should match the position.
• Review what you have written – Remember to always review what you have written down. You may have written an impact statement that does not go with the job position you are applying for. You may also have written a very good impact statement but it does not fit the job you had before. Check everything.
• Revision is key – After you have reviewed, revision is your key to making the best impact statements. Revise your statement to make it sound professional. Watch your tone, and how you use your words.

Why is an impact statement so important?

Impact statements are the icing to your resume. They give the employers an overview of what you did in your previous jobs. They also give your employers a glimpse into how you handle the responsibilities in your jobs.

I do not have any experience, do I need to use an impact statement?

You can simply use the skills you gained in school if you wish to make an impact statement for your resume.

Should I write it in a paragraph form or should I use bullet form?

The most common way to write it is through bullet form. If you wish to write it in paragraph form, it may take a while for your employers to search for the statement. It is best to use bullet form. As it is also clearer and easy to understand.

Resume impact statements are what makes resumes stand out from the rest. These statements are what a lot of employers look for. This is the summary of how you handled your responsibilities in your previous jobs and it is also the employers way to see if you are the right fit. Resume impact statements can also help you land the job you want since you cannot lie in these statements. Having to write them down, you must remember the actions you done. Good luck, use these to make your resume stand out from the rest.

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• Instructive
• Professional

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Writing an Impact Statement: Four Things You Need to Know

An impact statement is a short document that explains the significance of your research work. Researchers or students often use impact statements to answer questions related to the impact of their research on the current knowledge in that field or socioeconomic/environmental outcome. The impact statement is used to inform and convince different stakeholders. Who are these stakeholders? Stakeholders are often the people in charge of allocating funds—university administrators, grant program facilitators, or government policy makers. Therefore, it justifies why researchers need to further their current research or pursue a new area of interest.

Sections of an Impact Statement

Given that impact statements although necessary, do not directly advance research, writing one can be quite tedious. The grant funders or employers may ask you to submit it before the allocation of funds or beginning of a research project/program.

Impact statements follow a standard format . Typically, it consists of the following five elements, in this order:

• A clear description of the issue or problem that your research addresses. Often you can adapt the problem statement from your recently published articles or conference presentations.
• A statement of the action you are taking or intend to take to resolve the problem. This action statement should directly refer to the problem statement you wrote in (1).
• An explanation of the impact. This is the most important part of the impact statement. You need to describe clearly who benefits from your work and in what ways. You can focus on multiple different levels of benefit—individual, organizational, community, or social benefits, as well as benefits to the research community.
• A list of the people involved in the research, other than yourself. Any collaborators, including institutions you are working with to complete the research, need to be listed in this section. Stakeholders will be looking to understand what each member of the research team is contributing to the project.
• Your name and contact information, and (sometimes) a brief description of your background and involvement in the project.

Although some universities and funders might have other formats they prefer for the impact statement, this simple formula will work in the majority of cases. Check the requirements for your specific case before using the guidelines presented here.

Related: Done drafting an effective impact statement for your research proposal?  Check out this section today!

Top 4 Tips for Impact Statement

These tips will help you make your impact statements strong and impactful.

• Think about your audience when you write the impact statement. If you are writing an impact statement for people who are not researchers in your field, do not emphasize your work’s contribution to research in your field! Instead, focus on how the research will benefit broadly. Avoid overly specialized or technical language. Your readers may not be experts at what you do. Your impact statement needs to convince them that your work is important, even if they do not know all the arcane terminology you use on a daily basis.
• Use numbers to describe the impact of your work. For example, you can say how many people you have helped (for example, a number of participants in an extension program or clinical trial), how long your work has lasted or will last or how many people might be reached by a report you intend to write. Numbers help understand the importance of your work.
• Keep the impact statement short and meaningful. Your action statement should be very brief, just summarizing what you have done, so you can get the benefits of the work. People who read impact statements do not need to know every detail of your research.
• Proofread the impact statement, and have someone else proofread it, too to avoid unnoticed mistakes or typos.

If you have any other tips that have helped you write great impact statements, be sure to share them with us in the comments section below!

Thanks so much for your guidance. I am a beginner but motivated learn more in writing impact statement Regards, Pedro

Thank for a clear guidance to impact writing for beginners like me.

that’s really helpful thx!

direct and to the point, quick help for homework

Thank you now I understand what an environmental impact statement mean and how is writing.

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Ace Your Interviews with Strong Resume Action Statements

In today’s competitive job market, having a well-crafted resume is essential for success. Your resume serves as your first impression to potential employers and can make or break your chances of landing a job. One key element of a strong resume is utilizing impactful action statements.

The purpose of this article is to provide guidance on how to create strong resume action statements that effectively highlight your skills and experience. We will explore the importance of these statements in catching the attention of hiring managers and discuss the different types of action statements that can be used to differentiate yourself from other candidates.

Over the course of this article, we will delve into specific strategies for crafting strong action statements, including how to use power verbs and quantify your achievements. Additionally, we will provide examples of effective action statements and offer tips for tailoring your statements to different types of job opportunities.

By the end of this article, readers will have a comprehensive understanding of what it takes to create powerful action statements that will help them stand out in the job market. Whether you’re just starting your job search or seeking to improve your existing resume, the insights shared in this article will help you take the next step towards landing your dream job.

Understanding the Basics of Resume Action Statements

When it comes to crafting a standout resume, action statements are an essential element that should not be overlooked. Action statements are brief, action-oriented phrases that describe your accomplishments, skills, and experience. They help to showcase your abilities and demonstrate your value as a candidate to a potential employer.

Definition of Action Statements

Action statements are concise, powerful statements that showcase your accomplishments and use power verbs to describe your actions. They are written in a way that highlights your strengths and achievements in a way that is easily understood by hiring managers and recruiters.

Importance of Incorporating Them in Resumes

Incorporating action statements in your resume is vital to showcasing your skills, experience, and accomplishments. Hiring managers and recruiters use these statements to quickly evaluate candidates and determine if they meet the qualifications for a role. Action statements also help your resume stand out from a sea of other candidates, making you memorable and more likely to be selected for an interview.

Examples of Action Verbs and Phrases

When writing action statements, using strong, action-oriented verbs is key. Here are some examples:

• Developed and Implemented
• Created and Produced
• Managed and Organized
• Improved and Streamlined
• Accelerated and Exceeded
• Facilitated and Led

Phrases that highlight your achievements and results are also effective, such as:

• Increased sales revenue by 20%
• Reduced customer complaints by 15%
• Created a new process that saved the company $50,000 annually

Dos and Don’ts of Writing Effective Action Statements

Effective action statements should be:

• Quantifiable
• Results-oriented
• Tailored to the job description and requirements

Some don’ts to keep in mind include:

• Using vague language or generic statements
• Focusing too much on responsibilities rather than achievements
• Overusing the same verbs or phrases

By incorporating action statements into your resume and following these dos and don’ts, you can showcase your skills, experience, and accomplishments effectively and increase your chances of landing the job you want.

Analyzing Job Postings for Action Statement Inspiration

When it comes to crafting a strong resume, one of the best ways to grab the attention of recruiters and hiring managers is to use action statements. These statements stand out, showcase your accomplishments, and demonstrate how you can add value to a company. But what makes a great action statement? How can you ensure that they align with the specific job you’re applying for?

The answer to these questions lies in analyzing job postings for inspiration. By carefully examining job postings, you can identify relevant skills and keywords that will make your action statements stand out. Here’s how to do it:

How to identify relevant skills and keywords from job postings

The first step in analyzing job postings for action statement inspiration is to scrutinize the skills and qualifications required for the position. This includes everything from technical qualifications (e.g., software proficiency) to soft skills (e.g., communication or teamwork).

In addition, pay attention to any specific words or phrases that are repeatedly used in the posting. Do they emphasize innovation, customer service, or attention to detail? These buzzwords can signal what the company prioritizes in a candidate.

Make a list of all the skills and keywords you uncover. This will serve as the foundation for your action statements.

Incorporating these skills and keywords into your action statements

With your list of skills and keywords in hand, craft action statements that showcase how you possess these attributes. For example:

• “Developed a highly innovative marketing campaign that increased website traffic by 40%”  (showcasing innovation)
• “Managed cross-functional teams to streamline product launch and improve customer satisfaction”  (showcasing teamwork and customer service)

It’s important to be specific and quantifiable in your action statements. Use concrete examples of how you’ve applied these skills in past roles.

Examples of successful action statements derived from job postings

Here are some examples of successful action statements derived from job postings:

• “Implemented a new project management system that reduced project completion time by 20%”  (from a project manager posting that emphasized efficiency)
• “Spearheaded a strategic social media campaign that resulted in a 200% increase in engagement”  (from a marketing posting that emphasized digital marketing)
• “Led a series of training sessions that improved customer service scores by 25%”  (from a retail posting that emphasized customer service)

By using job postings as inspiration for your action statements, you’ll ensure that your resume reflects the specific qualities that employers are looking for. And by doing so, you’ll increase your chances of landing the interview – and ultimately, the job.

Showcasing Achievements through Action Statements

As a job seeker, you know how important it is to stand out in a crowded job market. One way to do that is by highlighting your accomplishments on your resume. But simply stating what you achieved is not enough. You need to show how you achieved it.

That’s where action statements come in. An action statement is a sentence that describes what you did, how you did it, and what the result was. For example, instead of saying “Increased sales in my department,” you could say “Developed a sales strategy that resulted in a 25% increase in revenue for my department.”

Importance of quantifying achievements in action statements

Quantifying your achievements is essential because it helps the hiring manager understand the scope of your impact. Using numbers and percentages makes your accomplishments more tangible and impressive.

For instance, “Managed team members” becomes more valuable when you say “Managed a team of 10 people and increased efficiency by 20% in six months.”

Tips for articulating achievements in a compelling manner

Start with a strong action verb such as “Developed,” “Implemented,” or “Managed.” Use active voice to convey confidence and assertiveness.

Include details about the challenge you faced, the action you took, and the outcome of your efforts.

Use numbers and percentages whenever possible to quantify your achievements.

Focus on achievements that are relevant to the job you are applying for.

Keep your language concise and avoid jargon or technical terms that may not be understood by the hiring manager.

Examples of action statements that effectively showcase achievements

Built a social media marketing campaign that increased website traffic by 50%.

Created a customer service training program that resulted in a 30% decrease in customer complaints.

Oversaw a product launch that generated $2 million in revenue within the first month.

Developed a manufacturing process that reduced production time by 20%.

Led a sales team that exceeded its quarterly targets by 25%.

By using action statements that quantify your achievements and showcase your accomplishments, you can create a resume that stands out and helps you ace your job interview. So, next time you update your resume, make sure to highlight your accomplishments in a compelling and quantifiable way.

Crafting Action Statements for Specific Industries

Crafting action statements that resonate with specific industries is a crucial component of writing a successful resume. Not all industries expect the same skills and accomplishments, and as a result, it is essential to understand the unique expectations of each.

Understanding the Unique Expectations of Different Industries

Before we can craft effective action statements that speak to the unique needs of each industry, it is crucial to understand those expectations.

For example, the finance industry values analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to handle complex data sets. On the other hand, the creative industry tends to value innovation, networking skills, and the ability to think outside the box.

When applying for a particular job within an industry, it is essential to understand the specific requirements of that position. This knowledge helps to tailor your action statements to that job’s unique expectations, significantly improving your chances of landing the position.

Highlighting Industry-Specific Skills and Accomplishments through Action Statements

Once you understand the expectations of the industry and the job, crafting industry-specific action statements becomes much easier. These action statements help to highlight the specific skills and accomplishments that are most relevant to the industry.

For example, suppose you are applying for a marketing position within the healthcare industry. In that case, action statements that highlight experience with healthcare marketing campaigns or understanding of healthcare regulations would be particularly relevant.

Examples of Industry-Specific Action Statements

Here are a few examples of industry-specific action statements:

Healthcare Industry

• Created and executed successful social media marketing campaigns that reached an audience of over 100,000 people within the healthcare industry.
• Led a team of healthcare professionals to implement HIPAA-compliant data management practices that reduced data breaches by 50%.

Finance Industry

• Conducted in-depth financial analysis that led to a 20% increase in profits for a Fortune 500 company.
• Developed a financial forecasting model that increased accuracy by 15%.

Creative Industry

• Spearheaded a successful viral social media campaign that generated over 1 million views in a week.
• Sponsored and organized an art show featuring local artists that raised over $10,000 for a community organization.

By crafting action statements that are tailored to specific industries, you can showcase your skills and accomplishments in a way that speaks directly to recruiters and employers. Ultimately, this improves your chances of landing the position and crafting a successful career in your industry of choice.

Using Numbers and Metrics to Strengthen Action Statements

If you want to ensure that your resume stands out among the pile, then you need to make it as compelling as possible. One way to do this is by using numbers and metrics in your action statements. But why is it important to use numerical data in action statements?

Importance of using numerical data in action statements

First, using numbers and metrics helps to quantify your achievements and demonstrate the impact you made in your previous roles. This provides concrete evidence of your abilities and sets you apart from other candidates who may simply be making claims without any evidence to back them up. Second, incorporating numerical data into your action statements helps to make them more specific and memorable. Finally, numerical data helps to paint a picture of what you can bring to a potential employer by showing them the results you achieved in the past.

Examples of how to incorporate metrics into action statements

Here are some examples of how you can incorporate metrics into your action statements:

• Increased sales revenue by 25% through the development and execution of a new marketing strategy.
• Streamlined production processes, resulting in a 40% reduction in manufacturing time and a 15% increase in overall efficiency.
• Led a team of 10 engineers and oversaw the completion of 7 major construction projects, totaling $50 million in value.

These statements not only demonstrate the specific achievements of the candidate, but they also provide context around their ability to drive results.

Tips for effectively using numbers in action statements

When incorporating numerical data into your action statements, it’s important to keep a few things in mind:

• Use specific numbers that help to quantify your achievements.
• Focus on the impact you made rather than simply listing your responsibilities.
• Be honest and accurate with your numbers. It’s better to understate your achievements than to overinflate them.
• Be consistent with your formatting. If you’re using percentages, ensure that they’re formatted the same way throughout your resume.
• Finally, don’t go overboard with the numbers. While it’s important to quantify your achievements, don’t make your action statements too overwhelming or difficult to read.

By using numerical data in your action statements, you not only provide evidence of your abilities but also make your resume more impactful and memorable. Use the tips above to make sure that your resume stands out from the crowd and lands you that dream job.

Using Power Words in Action Statements

As a copywriter and subject matter expert, one of the most important things you can do to ace your interviews is to use strong resume action statements that clearly communicate your skills and accomplishments. However, it’s not just about what you say; it’s also about how you say it. That’s where power words come in.

Definition and Importance of Power Words

Power words are words and phrases that are particularly impactful and memorable. They have a way of grabbing the reader’s attention and conveying a sense of confidence and authority. When used in action statements, power words can help to showcase your unique qualities and sell yourself as an impressive candidate.

Using power words is particularly important in action statements because these statements are your chance to demonstrate your capabilities and achievements. By including powerful language, you can clearly and succinctly communicate the value that you offer.

Examples of Commonly Used Power Words in Action Statements

There are many power words that you could potentially include in your action statements. Some of the most commonly used ones include:

• Implemented

These words are effective because they clearly communicate a sense of action and accomplishment. They help to convey that you are results-oriented and capable of driving positive change.

However, it’s important to note that power words aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Depending on your specific skills and accomplishments, there may be other power words that are particularly impactful.

Tips for Selecting Effective Power Words for Your Specific Skills and Accomplishments

When selecting power words for your action statements, it’s important to think carefully about what you want to communicate. You want to choose words that are both accurate and effective in showcasing your skills and experience.

Here are a few tips to help you choose the right power words:

Start with your job posting. Look at the specific skills and experience that the job requires and think about how you can showcase those skills in your action statements.

Emphasize action. Choose words that clearly convey a sense of action and accomplishment. Avoid passive language that doesn’t accurately reflect your level of involvement.

Be specific. Don’t just use generic power words that could apply to anyone. Instead, choose words that are specific to your accomplishments and experience.

Vary your language. Don’t just rely on one or two power words throughout your action statements. Instead, vary your language to keep things interesting and show your versatility.

By following these tips, you can select power words that effectively showcase your unique abilities and accomplishments. This can help you stand out from the competition and impress potential employers.

Using power words in action statements is a vital component of a strong resume. By choosing impactful language that accurately represents your skills and accomplishments, you can demonstrate your value as a candidate and increase your chances of success in your next interview.

Formatting and Optimizing Action Statements for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)

When applying for jobs online, many job seekers may not realize that their resumes must be optimized for success in applicant tracking systems (ATS). ATS are software tools used by hiring managers to screen and filter resumes. Therefore, it is crucial to understand how ATS work and why they matter.

Understanding how ATS work and why they matter

ATS scan resumes for keywords and phrases that match the job description. Resumes that don’t have the required keywords and phrases are automatically rejected. Therefore, to increase the chances of getting an interview, it is essential to include the right keywords in your resume. Without them, your resume may never make it to the hiring manager’s desk.

Tips for optimizing action statements for ATS

To optimize your action statements for ATS, it’s crucial to use the right keywords and phrases. It is essential to study the job description carefully and use the same language or keywords mentioned in the job posting. However, avoid keyword stuffing as it can lead to your resume being rejected by the ATS.

Use bullet points to make your resume scannable. Also, keep your action statements concise and straightforward. Avoid long paragraphs, and use short sentences with strong action verbs. Resist using cliche statements and buzzwords that don’t convey any information to the employer.

Examples of action statement formatting for ATS

Before:  Responsible for managing projects and ensuring they are completed on time and within budgets.

After:  Managed projects, ensuring completion within budgets and deadlines.

Before:  Collaborated with team members on daily tasks and responsibilities.

After:  Collaborated with cross-functional teams to accomplish daily tasks and responsibilities.

Making sure your resume is optimized for ATS is critical to landing an interview. By understanding how ATS works and following the tips outlined above, job seekers can increase their chances of getting the job they desire.

Common Mistakes to Avoid when Writing Action Statements

When it comes to writing effective action statements for your resume, there are several common mistakes that many job seekers make. Here are some of the most frequent errors, along with tips on how to avoid them:

Overview of common mistakes made in action statements

Using weak verbs: Action statements are all about showing off your skills and achievements, so using weak verbs like “assisted” or “contributed” can make you appear unimpressive to potential employers.

Being too generic: Avoid using generic or vague statements that could apply to anyone, such as “I am a team player” or “I work well under pressure.” These statements won’t make you stand out from other job applicants.

Neglecting to quantify: Don’t forget to include specific numbers and metrics in your action statements. Hiring managers want to see concrete evidence of your accomplishments, so including quantifiable results like “increased sales by 25%” or “managed a team of 10 employees” is essential.

Tips for avoiding these mistakes

Use strong action verbs: Instead of weak verbs like “helped” or “worked,” use stronger, more action-oriented verbs like “led,” “initiated,” or “created.” This will make your accomplishments sound more impressive and help you stand out from the crowd.

Be specific: Rather than making vague statements about your abilities, be specific about what you’ve accomplished. For example, instead of saying “I’m a great communicator,” you could say “I developed and executed a successful communication plan that increased customer satisfaction by 25%.”

Quantify your achievements: Make sure you include specific numbers and metrics in your action statements. This could mean stating the percentage of sales you increased, the number of people you managed, or how many projects you completed on time and under budget.

Examples of poorly-formed action statements and how to fix them

Poorly-formed statement: “Assisted with customer service inquiries” Better statement: “Resolved customer service inquiries, resulting in a 90% satisfaction rate”

Poorly-formed statement: “Contributed to the marketing campaign” Better statement: “Developed and executed a successful marketing campaign that increased sales by 20%”

Poorly-formed statement: “Handled administrative tasks” Better statement: “Streamlined administrative processes, reducing turnaround time by 50%”

By avoiding these common mistakes and following the tips provided, you can create strong action statements that showcase your skills and achievements in a way that will impress potential employers.

Editing and Proofreading Action Statements for Maximum Impact

When it comes to crafting strong resume action statements, the importance of editing and proofreading cannot be overstated. A poorly written or edited action statement can not only detract from the clarity and effectiveness of your resume, but it can also negatively impact your chances of landing your desired job. Here are some tips to help you polish your action statements to perfection.

Importance of Editing and Proofreading for Clarity and Effectiveness

The primary purpose of your action statements is to demonstrate your abilities and achievements to potential employers. However, if these statements are unclear or poorly written, they will fail to achieve this purpose. Effective editing and proofreading can help you to identify and correct mistakes, such as grammatical errors or awkward phrasing, that may be detracting from the clarity and effectiveness of your action statements.

Tips for Editing and Proofreading Action Statements

Here are some tips to help you edit and proofread your action statements for maximum impact:

• Read your action statements out loud to identify any awkward phrasing or run-on sentences.
• Use a tool such as Grammarly or Hemingway to identify any grammatical errors or areas for improvement in your writing.
• Ensure that your action statements are targeted towards the specific job you are applying for, using keywords and phrases that are relevant to the position.
• Keep your action statements concise and to the point, focusing on your accomplishments rather than your duties.

Examples of Poorly Edited Action Statements and How to Fix Them

Here are some examples of poorly written or edited action statements, along with suggestions for how to improve them:

Example 1: Poorly Edited

• “Managed a team of employees and conducted performance reviews on a regular basis.”

This statement is unclear and lacks specificity. Here is an improved version of the same statement:

• “Supervised a team of 10 employees, conducting quarterly performance reviews that resulted in a 20% increase in productivity.”

Example 2: Poorly Written

• “Responsible for performing a variety of tasks, including data entry and administrative duties.”

This statement is vague and lacks impact. Here is an improved version of the same statement:

• “Maintained accurate and up-to-date records through precise data entry, while providing exceptional administrative support to senior management.”

By editing and proofreading your action statements, you can ensure that you are presenting yourself in the best possible light to potential employers, highlighting your achievements and abilities in a clear and impactful way. With these tips and strategies, you can create action statements that will help you ace your interviews and land your dream job.

Sample Action Statements for Different Roles and Industries

As you strive to create an outstanding resume that can help you stand out from the competition, you might be struggling with how to make your work experience shine. One of the most critical components of a strong resume is the action statements that you include. These statements describe your accomplishments and the impact you made in your previous roles, giving hiring managers an idea of your skills and abilities.

To help inspire you and get you started on creating your strong resume, we have compiled a comprehensive list of sample action statements for different roles and industries. Whether you are in finance, marketing, IT or any other field, you will find examples that will help you tailor your resume to your specific industry and role.

Our list of sample action statements covers various skills and competencies, from leadership and project management to communication and problem-solving. You will find statements that use strong action verbs and detail-oriented descriptions to showcase your achievements and successes while providing concrete examples of your skills in action.

Remember that these statements are only examples, and it is essential to tailor them to your specific experience and the job you are applying for. Use these samples as inspiration and aim for authenticity and clarity in your own action statements. You should highlight your unique achievements and successes while being concise and straightforward.

When crafting your action statements, aim to demonstrate your impact in measurable terms. Use numbers, percentages, or other hard data to quantify your achievements and show your potential value to the organization. For example:

• Increased sales by 30% through the development and execution of a new marketing strategy.
• Reduced project timelines by 20% by implementing a new project management methodology.
• Improved customer satisfaction ratings by 15% by implementing personalized customer service initiatives.

By incorporating these kinds of measurable results in your action statements, you will make a more significant impact and better showcase your abilities to potential employers.

Creating strong action statements that showcase your skills, accomplishments, and impact is critical to crafting an outstanding resume. Use the comprehensive list of sample action statements for different roles and industries as a starting point to inspire and guide your writing. Aim for authenticity and clarity in your statements, quantifying your achievements with measurable results. With these tips, you will ace your interviews and land your dream job.

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Five Essential Tips for Writing an Impact Statement

An impact statement is a short, convincing explanation of how your project can have a positive effect on a larger community. Impact statements are often used to support work that is being proposed, and might be included in a grant application, a dissertation proposal, an application for a faculty position, a presentation to corporate executives or potential investors, etc.

Other impact statements describe work that is particularly or fully complete, and are used to justify continued support and to generate publicity. For example, many funding agencies and companies require progress reports every year or every quarter. Universities use impact statements to promote ongoing projects, attract potential students, and solicit donations. Policy makers—including politicians—use these reports to show that public resources are being used for projects that benefit the public good.

Competition for funding and institutional support is often intense, so an effective impact statement can make the difference between enthusiastic financial support and a cancelled project. Here are five tips for writing an effective impact statement. For simplicity, the focus is on writing about proposed work, which is described using future tense (e.g. "We will identify . . ."). To write about completed work, you would simply shift to past tense (e.g. "We identified . . . ").

1. Keep it simple

Impact statements are typically about 1 page long, and rarely longer than 2 pages. Writers should focus on being concise and memorable, rather than being excessively detailed. Your goal is to clearly and convincingly describe: (A) The problem you are trying to address. (B) How you plan to address that problem. (C) Who might benefit from this research. (D) How they might benefit from this research.

The range of worthwhile research projects is immense. Some projects have very obvious impacts, for example:

• Problem: Pancreatic cancer has one of the lowest survival rates of all cancers, with only 4% of patients surviving 5 years after diagnosis.
• Plan: Our study will analyze blood samples from first degree relatives of pancreatic cancer patients, in an effort to identify molecular markers of pancreatic cancer that can be used for early detection.
• Who benefits: Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the USA and leads to an estimated 227,000 deaths per year worldwide. Many of the risk factors are associated with modern life: smoking, obesity, diabetes mellitus, and a high-fat diet.
• How they benefit: Among pancreatic cancer patients, survival is better when the disease is diagnosed before it has metastasized out of the pancreas, since surgical removal is still possible. Unfortunately, 80-85% of patients are currently diagnosed after the cancer has already spread. By identifying molecular markers of pancreatic cancer, at-risk individuals can be screened regularly, diagnosed earlier, and live longer.

Other research projects will have less obvious impacts, so it may be useful to combine the discussion of who benefits and how they benefit:

• Problem: Nearly 100 years ago, dark matter was first proposed to explain anomalies in the movement of galaxies, and is now thought to make up 80% of the matter in the universe. However, we still do not know what dark matter is.
• Plan: Our project would apply a new technology to the search for axions, which are one of the leading candidates for dark matter. Axions have not yet been proven to exist, but are thought to be billions to trillions of times smaller than an electron. This minuscule size means that extremely sensitive techniques are needed to detect faint axion signals.
• Who benefits and how they benefit: This project may provide humans with extraordinary new insight into the very composition of the universe. Even if that goal is not fully realized, this project will pave the way for new technologies that are likely to advance scientific research and improve daily life in ways that are difficult to predict.

2. Know your audience

Impact statements are written for people who are not specialists in your field. Therefore, you should focus on the "big picture," and avoid unnecessarily technical details and jargon. Different audiences will have different backgrounds and perspectives. While your proposed project may remain the same, it's often a good idea to take a slightly different angle for different audiences.

If your intended audience consists of other researchers reviewing your grant application, you don't need to spend much time explaining how basic research in fruit flies provides insight that can then be used to understand more complex animals including humans. However, you should explain this concept clearly when writing a statement that might be included on a university website.

Some groups—including the National Science Foundation (USA) and university donors—want to support research activities that also improve science education and increase minority representation in the sciences. Therefore, it would be wise to emphasize how your project would provide additional research opportunities at your institution, which has a large population of first-generation college students.

Carefully review the priorities of the organization to which you are applying, or the group you are representing. These priorities are often clearly described in the instructions provided to authors, or on the organization website. Then customize your impact statement for that group. As an example, let's consider a psychologist who studies how children recover from trauma. When writing for an organization with a global focus, the psychologist might emphasize how the research can help children in refugee camps. When writing for an organization that focuses on the USA, the emphasis might be on how the same research can help children who have been traumatized by gun violence.

3. Be specific when discussing impact

While academics are accustomed to thinking about traditional academic achievements (grants, publications, tenure, etc), the impact statement requires you to consider how your work will benefit the larger community.

Here are some areas that funding agencies want to impact (with examples):

• Society (e.g. consequences of increased social isolation)
• Public policy (e.g. effect of age limits on handgun purchases)
• Health (e.g. treatments for dementia)
• Technology (e.g. improvements in speech to text technology)
• Environment (e.g. optional price point for electric cars)
• Law (e.g. effect of cash bail on low income neighborhoods)
• National security (e.g. study of domestic terrorist groups)
• Commercial activity (e.g. weaknesses in the supply chain)

Being specific is essential. "My work will contribute to understanding climate change" is too vague and does not show a benefit beyond an increase in academic knowledge. More specific would be "My work will lead to a better understanding of how forest management in the Pacific Northwest should change in response to climate change. This will allow us to reduce the chances of catastrophic wildfires that can devastate communities and further exacerbate climate change."

When considering impact, keep in mind that some funding agencies place high value on educational benefits, including work that would:

• Promote teaching, training, and learning
• Increase public engagement with science and technology
• Enhance infrastructure for research and education
• Broaden participation of under-represented groups
• Strengthen partnerships between academia, industry, and others

4. Name your collaborators

For some research projects, broader impacts may largely be achieved through traditional channels. For example, new findings in inorganic chemistry are presented at conferences and published in academic journals, thereby reaching many of the people who can use that information in additional research. Even in these cases, you should name your collaborators and briefly describe what they will be contributing to the project. For example, "Two new graduate students will be contributing to the research. Dr. S.M. Lee, director of the high-resolution electron microscopy facility at nearby State University, will provide guidance on preparing the samples."

In other cases, implementing broader impacts will require the expertise of people outside your field. In these cases, it is absolutely imperative to show that you understand how the desired change can be implemented, and have already started discussions with people who can help make it happen. For example, "The decision to focus on nonverbal adults was made after discussions with T.W. Lopez, who is the programming director at the local senior center. The trial program would occur there, and county funding is available to expand the program to other centers if it is shown to be effective."

5. Use numbers to describe impact

Use numbers to describe the potential impact of your work. It is often useful to describe the number of potential beneficiaries in ever increasing circles. For example, "The trial program would occur at the local senior center with an expected 20-30 participants. If shown to be effective, county funding is available to expand the program to 10 other senior centers serving a total of 400 nonverbal adults. Additional research will determine if this method is effective for nonverbal children, including those on the autism spectrum. This could benefit the estimated 1200 children on the autism spectrum that receive education and therapy through the county.

You want the readers of your impact statement to be impressed and inspired by your proposed work, and convinced that it can lead to positive change. The affected community can be as small as a tiny school, or as large as the entire world.

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55 Resume Action Statements

Resume action statements are concise statements that describe your accomplishments, skills, and experience using powerful verbs and quantifiable results. They are a crucial part of any resume and can help you stand out from other applicants. Here are some tips for writing effective resume action statements:

• Start with a strong verb: Use powerful verbs to start each bullet point, such as “managed,” “created,” “developed,” “implemented,” “achieved,” or “improved.”
• Quantify your results: Use numbers or percentages to quantify your accomplishments and show the impact you made, such as “increased sales by 25%,” “managed a team of 10 employees,” or “reduced costs by $10,000.”
• Be specific: Use specific examples to illustrate your skills and experience, such as “developed a new marketing strategy that increased website traffic by 50%,” or “managed a successful product launch that generated $100,000 in revenue.”
• Tailor your statements: Customize your bullet points to match the requirements of the job you are applying for, using keywords from the job description and highlighting your relevant skills and experience.
• Keep it concise: Use short, clear sentences and avoid using long paragraphs or excessive jargon.
• Use bullet points.

Table of Contents

1. Effective resume action statements

• Managed a team of 10 employees, increasing productivity by 20% in one year.
• Developed and implemented a new customer service strategy, resulting in a 90% satisfaction rate among customers.
• Created a social media marketing campaign that increased website traffic by 50% and generated $10,000 in revenue.
• Reduced costs by $20,000 by streamlining inventory management processes.
• Improved customer retention by 15% by implementing a loyalty program.
• Led a successful product launch that generated $100,000 in sales in the first month.
• Analyzed market trends and developed a sales forecast that exceeded revenue goals by 10%.

 2. Sales resume action statements

• Increased sales revenue by 25% by developing and executing a new sales strategy.
• Built and maintained a client base of over 100 accounts, resulting in $1 million in annual sales.
• Negotiated contracts with vendors and suppliers, resulting in a 10% reduction in costs.
• Developed and delivered sales presentations to potential clients, resulting in a 50% success rate.
• Coordinated and managed a team of sales representatives, resulting in a 15% increase in sales productivity.

 3. Information Technology resume action statements

• Designed and developed a new software application, resulting in a 50% reduction in processing time.
• Conducted system analysis and recommended improvements to enhance system performance.
• Led a team of developers in the design and implementation of a new website, resulting in a 30% increase in traffic.
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure timely and accurate delivery of projects.
• Developed and conducted training sessions for end-users, resulting in a 90% user adoption rate.

4. Education resume action statements

• Developed and implemented a new curriculum that improved student engagement and achievement.
•  Conducted student assessments and provided feedback to students and parents, resulting in a 95% pass rate.
• Coordinated and led extracurricular activities, resulting in a 50% increase in student participation.
• Mentored new teachers and provided guidance on best practices for classroom management and instruction.
• Developed and conducted professional development workshops for faculty and staff, resulting in a 70% participation rate.

5. Marketing resume action statements:

• Developed and executed a multi-channel marketing campaign, resulting in a 40% increase in sales.
• Conducted market research and analyzed data to identify new opportunities and trends.
• Coordinated and managed events, including tradeshows and product launches, resulting in a 25% increase in attendance.
• Created and managed social media content and campaigns, resulting in a 30% increase in followers and engagement.
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop and execute marketing initiatives, resulting in a 20% increase in brand recognition.

 6. Engineering resume action statements

• Designed and developed a new product, resulting in a 30% increase in revenue.
• Conducted feasibility studies and recommended improvements to optimize product performance.
• Coordinated and led testing and validation efforts, resulting in a 95% pass rate.
• Managed and trained a team of engineers, ensuring adherence to quality standards and project timelines.
• Developed and conducted training sessions on new technologies and best practices for engineering teams.

7. Human Resources resume action statements

• Developed and implemented a new talent acquisition strategy, resulting in a 20% reduction in time-to-fill positions.
• Conducted candidate assessments and interviews, resulting in a 90% success rate for new hires.
• Coordinated and managed employee training and development programs, resulting in a 60% increase in employee satisfaction.
• Developed and implemented a new performance management process, resulting in a 95% completion rate.
• Conducted employee engagement surveys and recommended improvements to enhance employee morale and retention.

8. Finance resume action statements

• Developed and managed financial models and forecasts, resulting in a 10% increase in revenue.
• Conducted financial analysis and recommended improvements to optimize financial performance.
• Coordinated and managed financial audits and compliance efforts, resulting in a 100% compliance rate.
• Developed and managed budgets and financial plans, resulting in a 5% reduction in costs.
• Conducted financial reporting and analysis for senior management, resulting in informed decision-making.

9. Legal resume action statements

• Conducted legal research and analysis to support litigation efforts, resulting in successful outcomes in 80% of cases.
• Drafted and reviewed contracts and legal documents, ensuring compliance with legal standards and regulations.
• Coordinated and managed legal document review and production efforts, resulting in a 95% completion rate.
• Developed and implemented legal strategies and policies, ensuring adherence to legal standards and regulations.
• Conducted legal training and development programs for employees, resulting in a 70% participation rate.

10. Healthcare resume action statements

• Developed and implemented a patient care plan that improved patient outcomes by 20%.
• Collaborated with physicians and nurses to provide comprehensive care to patients with complex medical needs.
• Conducted patient assessments and developed treatment plans, resulting in a 5% increase in satisfaction rates among patients.
• Managed a team of healthcare professionals, ensuring quality patient care and adherence to standards.
• Trained new staff members on patient care policies and procedures, resulting in a 50% decrease in training time.

11. Customer Service resume action statements

• Conducted customer surveys and recommended improvements to enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty.
• Coordinated and managed customer service teams, ensuring quality service and adherence to standards.
• Developed and conducted customer service training programs for employees, resulting in a 50% decrease in customer complaints.
• Provided exceptional customer service to resolve complex issues and retain customers.

Resume action statements are an essential part of a winning resume. These statements are concise, specific, and quantifiable descriptions of your accomplishments, skills, and experience. Effective resume action statements use powerful verbs, quantify results, and are tailored to the job you are applying for.

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24 Resume Summary Examples That Get Interviews

By Biron Clark

Published: November 8, 2023

Biron Clark

Writer & Career Coach

A resume summary statement usually comes right after a job seeker’s contact info and before other resume sections such as skills and work experience. It provides employers with a brief overview of a candidate’s career accomplishments and qualifications before they read further. Because of how early it appears on the document, your resume summary statement (or your CV “profile” in the UK) is one of the first places recruiters and employers look. And without the right information, they’ll doubt that you’re qualified and may move to another resume.

So I got in touch with a select group of professional resume writers, coaches and career experts to get their best resume summary examples you can use and adapt to write a resume summary that stands out and gets interviews.

As a former recruiter myself, I’ll also share my best tips to write your resume summary effectively.

Why the Resume/CV Summary is Important

You may have heard that recruiters only spend 8-10 seconds looking at your resume. The truth is: they spend that long deciding whether to read more. They do glance that quickly at first and may move on if your background doesn’t look like a fit. However, if you grab their attention, they’ll read far more. Recruiters aren’t deciding to interview you in 8-10 seconds, but they are ruling people out in 8-10 seconds. And this is why your resume summary is so crucial. It appears high up on your resume (usually right after your header/contact info) and is one of the first sections employers see. So it’s part of what they’ll see in the first 8-10 seconds.

Your resume summary statement is one of your first (and one of very few) chances to get the employer to stop skimming through their pile of resumes and focus on YOU.

Watch: Resume Summary Examples That Get Interviews

10 resume summary examples:.

These career summary examples will help you at any experience level – whether you’re writing a professional summary after a long executive career, or writing your first resume summary without any experience! After you finish this article you’re NEVER going to have to send out a limp, weak resume summary statement again (and you’ll get far more interviews  because of it).

1. Healthcare Sales Executive Resume Summary Example:

Turnaround & Ground Up Leadership – Concept-to-execution strategies for untapped products, markets + solutions that yield 110% revenue growth – Negotiates partnerships with leading distributors + hospitals—Medline to Centara + Novant Health to Mayo Clinic –  Revitalizes underperforming sales organizations via scalable, sustainable infrastructures emulated as best practice –  C-Level networks of clinical + supply chain leadership acquired during tenures with XXX, XXX and XXX

Why this resume summary is good:

This resumes summary example’s strength lies in the detailed, unique information that has been included. By including revenue stats, names of past employers and partners, the reader right away sees that this person will bring to the role a strong networking ability with key players in his industry, and more importantly can build, grow and revitalize a sales organization, market or product.

By:  Virginia Franco, Founder of Virginia Franco Resumes  and Forbes contributor.

2. 15+ Year Business Owner Resume Summary Statement:

Dynamic and motivated marketing professional with a proven record of generating and building relationships, managing projects from concept to completion, designing educational strategies, and coaching individuals to success. Skilled in building cross-functional teams, demonstrating exceptional communication skills, and making critical decisions during challenges. Adaptable and transformational leader with an ability to work independently, creating effective presentations, and developing opportunities that further establish organizational goals.

Why this is a good summary section:

This is a resume summary statement that was for  a candidate returning to work after having her own business for 15+ years. Because of this, we needed to emphasize her soft skills and what she can bring to this potential position. In addition, we highlighted the skills she has honed as a business owner so that she can utilize these qualifications as a sales professional, account manager , and someone knowledgeable about nutrition, medicine, and the overall sales process.

By: Dr. Heather Rothbauer-Wanish. MBA, Ph.D., CPRW, and Founder of Feather Communications

3. Human Resources Generalist Resume Summary Example:

Human Resources Generalist with progressive experience managing employee benefits & compliance, employee hiring & onboarding, performance management processes, licensure tracking and HR records. Dependable and organized team player with the ability to communicate effectively and efficiently. Skilled at building relationships with employees across all levels of an organization. Proficient with HRIS, applicant tracking and benefits management.

Why this is a good resume summary:

The applicant highlights their experience across a wide range of HR functions from the very first sentence, and continues this pattern throughout the rest of the summary. They then use easily digestible langue to showcase their hard skills (in the first & fourth sentences) and soft skills (in the second & third sentences). They also integrate a variety of keywords to get past automated job application systems , without sounding spammy or without overdoing it.

By: Kyle Elliott, MPA/CHES,  Career Coach and Consultant

4. Social Media Marketing CV Profile Example (UK):

Social media expert with successes in the creation and management of social media strategies and campaigns for global retail organisations. Extensive experience in the commercial utilisation of multiple social media channels including Facebook, Twitter and YouTube; I build successful social strategies that increase brand awareness, promote customer engagement and ultimately drive web traffic and conversions.

Why this summary is good:

This summary is well-written, short, sharp, and gives recruiters a high-level explanation of the candidate’s core offerings in a persuasive and punchy style. A quick scan of this profile tells you the exact type of social media platforms the candidate is an expert in, as well as the campaigns they have experience running and types of organizations they have worked for. Most importantly, the summary is rounded off by showing the results that this person achieves for their employers, such as increased web traffic and conversions.

Editor’s note: This CV profile summary was written for the UK market… this is a great one to use/copy, but make sure you put it through a spell-checker if you’re applying for jobs in the US (utilisation vs. utilization, etc.)

By: Andrew Fennell, Director at StandOut CV , contributor for The Guardian and Business Insider

5. Marketing Manager Professional Summary Example:

Marketing Manager with over eight years of experience. Proven success in running email marketing campaigns and implementing marketing strategies that have pulled in a 20% increase in qualified leads. Proficient in content, social media and inbound marketing strategies. Skilled, creative and innovative.

This resume summary stands out because it gets straight to the point. By immediately introducing the number of years of experience the candidate has, the HR manager doesn’t need to spend time adding up years. The candidate also jumps right into his or her strongest skill, provides a statistic , then gives additional skills.

By: Sarah Landrum, career expert and contributor at Entrepreneur.com and Forbes

6. Warehouse Supervisor Resume Summary Example:

Warehouse Supervisor with Management, Customer Service, & Forklift Experience –  Dependable manager with 15+ years of experience in warehouse management and employee supervision. –  Skilled at managing inventory control, shipping & receiving, customer relations and safety & compliance. –  Certified Power Equipment Trainer, Forklift Operator and Reach Operator skilled at coaching other staff. –  Promoted to positions of increased responsibility given strong people and project management skills.

The applicant was applying for a warehouse supervisor position that required them to have demonstrated management, customer service and forklift experience. As such, the applicant showcased their experience in these areas with a few keywords in the title, followed by additional details in the accompanying bullet points. Their final bullet shows a record of promotions, while reinforcing the applicant’s customer service and project management skills.

7. IT Project Manager Resume Summary Example:

Experienced Project Manager with vast IT experience. Skills include computer networking, analytical thinking and creative problem solving. Able to apply customer service concepts to IT to improve user experience for clients, employees and administration.

Because this candidate is switching career paths, it’s important he or she take skills used for previous positions and apply those skills to the new job listing. This is a great example because the candidate makes it clear that his or her experience is not in the new field, but that they are still able to bring relevant experience to the table. When writing your resume summary, keep these tips in mind: Use writing that is straight to the point, clear and concise, you’ll have a higher chance of getting noticed by the hiring manager.

8. Career-Changer Resume Summary Example:

Earn trust, uncover key business drivers and find common ground as chief negotiator and identifier of revenue opportunities in sales, leadership and account management roles spanning e-Commerce, air travel and high-tech retail. Navigate cultural challenges while jumping time zones, lead international airline crews and manage corporate accounts to deliver an exceptional customer experience. A self-taught techie sought after as a go-to for complex billing systems and SaaS platforms alike—bridging the divide between technology and plain-speak. – Tenacious Quest for Success + Learning . Earned MBA and BS in just 3 years while working full-time – gaining hands-on experience in research- and data-driven product roadmap development, pricing and positioning. – Results-Driven Leadership. Whether leading Baby Boomers, Gen X or Millennials—figures out what makes teams tick, trains and transforms individuals into top-performers. – Challenger of Conventional Wisdom. Always ask the WHY. Improve the user experience through smart, strategic thinking that anticipates outcomes. Present cases that influence, and lead change that drives efficiency and profitability.

This client was eager for a career change and had moved from role to role and industry to industry. After completing her Master’s degree, she was eager to tie her skills together to land a role – which she did – as a Senior Technology Account Strategist for a global travel company. Although a bit longer than a traditional summary, its strength lies in the details. Without ever getting to the experience section, the reader gets a clear idea of the scope of responsibility, and hard and soft skills the candidate brings to the table.

By: Virginia Franco, Founder of Virginia Franco Resumes  and Forbes contributor.

9. Project Management Executive Professional Summary Example:

15+ years of initiating and delivering sustained results and effective change for Fortune 500 firms across a wide range of industries including enterprise software, digital marketing, advertising technology, e-commerce and government. Major experience lies in strategizing and leading cross-functional teams to bring about fundamental change and improvement in strategy, process, and profitability – both as a leader and expert consultant.

Why this resume summary is good:

“Project Manager” is one of those job titles that’s REALLY broad. You can find project managers earning $50K, and others earning $250K. The client I wrote this for was at the Director level, and had worked for some of the biggest and best tech companies in her city. So this resume profile section shows her level and experience, and the wide array of areas she has responsibility for in her current work. You can borrow or use some of the phrasing here to show that you’ve been responsible for many important areas in your past work.

By: Biron Clark, Founder of  CareerSidekick.com.

10. Startup And Finance Management Consultant Career Summary Example:

Experienced strategist, entrepreneur and startup enthusiast with a passion for building businesses and challenging the status quo. 8+ year track record of defining new business strategies, launching new ventures, and delivering operational impact, both as a co-founder and management consultant. 

Why this resume summary example is good:

This summary was for a highly-talented management consultant looking to break out of finance, and into trendier tech companies like Uber . His track record and educational background were great, so the goal of this summary section was to stand out and show he’s more than just the typical consultant with a finance background. So we emphasized his passion for startups, and his ability to think outside the box and challenge the status quo. That’s something that companies like Uber and other “disruptive” tech companies look for.

14 Resume Summary Examples for Various Industries

Compassionate and effective 5th-grade teacher with experience overseeing the classroom and preparing lessons. Extensive experience encouraging students through positive reinforcement and motivational techniques. Collaborate well with school administration and other members of the teaching team. Ensure all students meet learning requirements, including literacy, social, and arithmetic skills.

2. Teacher’s Assistant

Goal-oriented teacher’s assistant with ten years of experience working with elementary school children. Aid teachers with lesson planning, classroom settings, and group instruction. Model positive behavior and maintain order in the classroom. Willingness to take on additional responsibilities to meet learning objectives.

Tech Industry

3. computer programmer.

Innovative computer programmer with a proven track record of writing high-quality code and supporting team needs with subject matter expertise. Adept in multiple programming languages, including Python, JavaScript, and C++. Ability to troubleshoot complex programming issues with inventive solutions. 

4. Cybersecurity Analyst

Dedicated cybersecurity analyst with ten years of experience in online security research, execution, planning, and maintenance. Proven track record of identifying business risks and proactively resolving them. Experience designing and instituting layered network security for large-scale organizations. Train users and other staff members on IT safety procedures and preventive techniques.

Skilled healthcare professional with ten years of experience in patient care, diagnosis, and providing appropriate treatments and medical services. Manage medical staff and resolve complex medical cases with maximum efficiency. Communicate the patient’s condition and treatment plan in easily understood terminology. Remain current with the latest advancements in medicine and research to ensure patients receive proper care.

6. Registered Nurse

Seasoned registered nurse offering comprehensive patient care in emergency room settings. Experience handling diverse patient populations and caring for various conditions. Proven leadership managing nursing teams and other staff. Focus on enhancing patient care and satisfaction through empathetic communication and excellent customer service. 

7. Digital Marketing Manager

Forward-thinking digital marketing manager experienced in all facets of digital marketing, including social media management, PPC advertising, SEO, and email marketing. Proven experience creating comprehensive marketing plans that improve lead prospecting and enhance brand awareness. Up to date with the newest tools available for digital marketing campaigns.

8. Marketing Analyst

Industrious marketing analyst well-versed in analyzing marketing campaign analytics and making recommendations to improve performance. Collaborate with account managers and use KPI metrics to explain the results of marketing initiatives. Meticulous with a strong work ethic and robust communication skills.

Food and Service Industry

Experienced wait staff member capable of managing orders, processing payments, and upselling menu items. Ensure restaurant guests feel welcome with attentive service catered to their needs. Remain current on updates to the menu and assist guests with selecting orders to meet their dietary requirements. Maintain a positive attitude and focus during busy restaurant periods.

10. Hotel Receptionist

Friendly hotel receptionist with extensive experience handling guest check-ins, check-out, and payments. Facilitate a positive guest experience with polished customer service skills and a readiness to address common inquiries and complaints. Collaborate well with other hotel team members, including executive administration and on-site restaurant staff.

Business/Office Jobs

11. financial analyst.

Highly motivated financial analyst with a proven track record of recommending appropriate financial plans based on financial monitoring, data collection, and business strategizing. Experienced in qualitative and quantitative analysis, forecasting, and financial modeling. Excellent communication skills for building and fostering long-term business relationships across the organization.

12. Tax Accountant

Experienced tax accountant with ten years of experience preparing federal and state tax returns for corporations and partnerships. Monitor changes in laws to ensure the organization properly complies with reporting requirements. Assist with tax audits, ensuring the team receives proper supporting evidence for tax positions. Analyze and resolve complex tax issues. Look for available tax savings opportunities for corporations with an aggregate savings of $500K last year. Excellent analytical skills and attention to detail.

Sales and Customer Service

13. sales representative.

Enthusiastic sales representative with expertise in identifying prospects and converting qualified leads to paying customers. Provide quality customer service and contribute to team sales success. Offer exceptional communication skills and seek to understand client needs before making the appropriate product recommendations. Continually meet and exceed sales goals. Leverage extensive knowledge of available products to provide appropriate client solutions and enhance customer loyalty and retention.

14. Customer Service Associate

Knowledgeable customer service professional with extensive experience in the insurance industry. Known as a team player with a friendly demeanor and proven ability to develop positive rapport with clients. Maintain ongoing customer satisfaction that contributes to overall company success. Highly articulate, with a results-oriented approach that addresses client inquiries and issues while maintaining strong partnerships. Collaborate well with the customer service team while also engaging independent decision-making skills.

Now you have 24 professional resume summary statements and some explanations of why they’re effective. Next, I’ll share tips for how to write your own in case you’re still unsure how to begin based on these examples above.

How to Write a Resume Summary: Steps and Hints

We’ve looked at 10 great resume summary examples above. As you begin writing a resume summary for yourself, here are some helpful tips to keep in mind:

• Read the employer’s job description. Your career summary shouldn’t be a long list of everything you’ve done; it should be a refined list of skills and experiences that demonstrate you’re a fit for their job.
• Mention your current job title if relevant. One common way to begin your resume summary is to state your current job title.
• Explain how you can help employers achieve their goals or solve their problems.
• Consider using bold text to emphasize one or two key phrases.
• Include any relevant metrics and data like dollar amounts, years of experience, size of teams led, etc. This helps your resume stand out.
• Focus on making the employer want to read more. The goal of your resume summary isn’t to show everything you can do, but to grab their attention and show enough that they continue reading.

Creating a Customized Resume Summary

While general summaries are appropriate when applying for jobs requiring similar skills and experience, a customized resume summary can enhance your chances of moving on to the next step in the hiring process. 

That’s because most companies use automated tracking systems (ATS) to review submitted resumes for content directly related to the job posting. If you use keywords and natural language phrases in your summary that interlink to the job description, you’ll have a much higher chance of passing the ATS review.

Let’s look at an example of a resume summary that is customized for the specific job description below:

“Highly motivated social media specialist with strong project management skills. Creative marketer skilled in crafting innovative social media campaigns that resonate with a target audience. Regularly develop compelling copy and social media content to enhance lead generation and brand awareness. Detail-oriented with extensive project management skills that ensure proper prioritization of tasks and projects. Work with various social media management and analytics tools to examine results and make adjustments as necessary.”

This summary directly addresses the key points in the job description but rewrites them so the customization is natural and flows well. It’s personalized for the open role and uses similar terms with a few strategically placed keywords, such as “social media content” and “project management.”  

How Long Should a Resume Summary Be?

As you read the resume summaries above, you probably noticed there are some short single-paragraph resume summary examples and much longer career summaries that are two to three paragraphs plus bullet points. So how long should YOUR professional summary be? If you have relevant work experience, keep your summary to one or two paragraphs. The piece you really want the hiring manager to read is your most recent work experience (and you should make sure you tailored that info to fit the job description). The resume summary is just a “bridge” to get the hiring manager into your experience.

If I were writing my own career summary right now, I’d likely use one single paragraph packed with skills, accomplishments, and exactly why I’m ready to step into the job I’ve applied for and be successful!

Even for a manager resume summary, I recommend a very short length. However, if you’re changing careers, or you’re looking for jobs without any work experience , the summary section needs to stand on its own, and should be longer. That’s why some examples above are a bit longer.

Formatting Your Resume/CV Career Summary

You may have noticed a variety of different formats in the career summary examples above. There isn’t one “right” way to format this section on your resume or CV. However, I recommend either using one or two brief paragraphs, or combining a short sentence or paragraph with bullets. Avoid writing three or four long paragraphs with no special formatting like bullet points. That’s simply too much text for your summary section and will cause recruiters and hiring managers to skip over it in some cases.

Should You Include a Resume Objective?

You do not need to include an objective on your resume, and doing so can make your resume appear outdated. Use a resume summary instead of an objective. Follow the resume summary examples above and focus on discussing your skills, qualifications, and achievements, rather than stating your objective. Employers know that your objective is to obtain the position you’ve applied for, and the resume objective has no place on a modern resume/CV in today’s job market.

Examples of Bad Resume Summaries

Now that we’ve seen a few exemplary resume summaries, let’s look at some that you should avoid at all cost.

1. Typos and Grammatical Errors

“Experienced cashier who knows how to run the register cash. Responsible with the money and can talk with the customer. Knows when to stoc up the invenory and checks it all the time. Can count change and run credit card tranactions. Get the customer happy by good service. I am always cheerful and organized.”

Why this resume summary is bad:

If you read the summary carefully, you’ll notice several spelling errors. The words “stock,” “inventory,” and “transactions” are all spelled wrong. Grammatical errors make the summary choppy and difficult to follow (“Get the customer happy by good service”).  A summary like this probably won’t fly with a company looking for a detail-oriented cashier responsible for managing in-person sales.

2. Lacks Relevant Keywords

“Talented worker with experience managing a team of staff. Creative and responsible with knowledge of organizational processes. Can keep up with the busiest of environments. Stays focused when at work, ensuring prompt task completion. Dependable and willing to collaborate with a team to get things done.”  

In this example, the chef doesn’t use keywords relevant to cooking, restaurants, or kitchens. The summary is very generic and can apply to nearly any job. A manager who receives the application isn’t likely to understand what value the candidate can bring to the restaurant.  To fix the summary, the applicant must rewrite it to include relevant keywords and phrases. 

3. No Numbers to Quantify Achievements

“An experienced and hardworking manager ready to align procedures for maximum revenue and profits. Proven track record of streamlining and strengthening processes, resulting in higher sales and better customer satisfaction. Collaborate well with sales team members, ensuring they have the resources and knowledge to support customer purchases and inquiries. Develop strong rapport with clients and maintain ongoing relationships.”

This isn’t a terrible summary for a sales manager, but it has room for improvement. For one, the first two sentences essentially duplicate each other, mentioning an aptitude for improving processes with the objective of higher sales. The other issue is a lack of quantifying achievements. 

The applicant mentions they have a proven record of increasing sales, but they could strengthen the summary by quantifying their results. For example, they might say, “Proven track record of streamlining and strengthening processes, resulting in a 25% increase in sales over the past year.” The quantifier provides additional credibility. 

4. Not Targeting the Specific Job

“Looking for work in a role that requires great customer service, project management, and communication skills. Able to collaborate with people from diverse and varying backgrounds. Highly organized and reliable worker with a strong work ethic. Responsible and reliable worker you can count on.”

While the candidate lists various skills they have, including customer service and project management, there’s no indication of prior roles held or what position they’re applying for. The summary could apply to numerous positions in a variety of industries. To improve the resume summary, the applicant must specify the job they’re applying for and indicate their prior experience in a similar role, if they have any.

After You Start Getting Interviews, Make Sure to Take Advantage…

If you follow the advice above, you’ll have a great professional resume summary to make your qualifications stand out to employers. But landing the interview is only half the battle… So make sure you go into every interview ready to convince employers that they should hire you, too! If you write a great resume summary example that gets employers excited to interview you, they’re going to ask you questions like, “tell me about yourself” early in the interview to learn more about your background. So make sure you’re prepared with an answer.

I also recommend you review the top 20 interview questions and answers here.

Your resume caught their interest, so naturally, they’re going to follow up with a variety of questions to learn more about your professional background.

The bottom line is: A strong professional resume summary, followed up by other well-written resume sections will get you the interview, but your interview performance is what determines whether you get the job offer!

About the Author

Read more articles by Biron Clark

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I would recommend to customise the skills section of your resume, and ensure that it matches the job posting. The higher the number of phrases within the resume matching the job requirements the more are the chances that the recruiter will pick you for the job.

I just wanted to say, “thank you!”. This was very helpful. Instead of jumping from one website to the next there’s so much useful, relevant information right here.

Hi, I have been having trouble creating a resume as My old one is so long, I’ve worked for a government agency for the past 14 years and held multiple positions doing many different duties for each and now I have to relocate to another area where they do not have an agency like mine in my new area within a 3 hour drive, how can I squeeze all my experience and duties on one page and where do I even start, I’m so nervous, it’s been so long since I’ve attempted the job hunt. So I’m wondering, I do not want to cut anything out that may hurt my chances and I can’t afford to have my resume rewritten by a professional. Can you guide me as to where you think would be a good place to start, I’ve been staring at this laptop for weeks trying to decide on a resume template, there are so many. I thank you for your time and any input will help.

Hi, I am a new graduate and do not have any experience in my field which is Nursing. I want to apply for the jobs but I have no idea about what to mention in my resume.

Hi, this article should help with the resume summary, at least: https://careersidekick.com/summary-for-resume-no-experience/

Other than that, you need to put your academic experience. And internships/part-time jobs if you’ve had any.

Dear Biron,, Thanks for sharing the 10 examples of professional summaries in your article, and especially the reasons why they were considered to be good. However, as a HR professional, I would most likely skip over most of them and would not read much past the first or second sentence. The summaries were mostly too wordy and boring, and did not demonstrate ‘oomph’ at first cursory reading. Simply indicating certain skills or behaviors does not give an idea of the level of expertise, and could simply be wishful thinking on the part of the resume writer.

Just goes to show that there are many ways to see what makes a good summary.

I am a chemical engineer and project management professional with 15+years experience. My experience is between process engineering and project management . How can I marry the two in my profile summary?

It’s not about showing everything you’ve done. It’s about showing employers evidence you’ll succeed in their job. You can show a bit of both but focus heavily on what’s most relevant for the jobs you’re applying for right now. 80/20.

This was absolutely helpful and amazing! Thank you very much!

Hello, I am an active job seeker. I hold a law degree from a foreign country and currently in college for an associate degree. My question is, how do I blend both my foreign job experience with that of the United States in my resume. Thank you.

I’d put your work history in chronological order, starting with the most recent up top. That’s what I’d recommend for 95% of people actually. Then it doesn’t matter where you held each job.

And then in your Education section, I’d include your foreign degree and the current degree you’re pursuing in the US, too (for the US degree, you can say “in progress” or “graduating May 2019” for example).

I am 40 years old & B.A degree holder I have experience in many fields.I would like to join any one fields

I am a fresh graduate, who has five years teaching experience and some months customer service representative experience. Pls kindly assist me to put the resume summary together

I’m an active duty service member and finding in a little difficult creating a good transitional summary from 20 year profession in tactical communications to a drug and alcohol counselor. Do you have any recommendations how I should approach this? Any assistance would be helpful. Thanks

Great piece

How to write the CAREER ABSTRACT in resume for ware super visor retail business?

Just wanted to say thank you.Your advise and information was clear and easy to understand , sometimes there is nothing pertaining to what im looking fot in particular, buy you have sermed to cover everything I n a short quick easy to understand method.It will help tremendously.

Thanks! Glad to hear it helped :)

Very informational

What if you have work experience, but the job your going for(teachingeducation) has nothing to do with warehouse work? How should I build my resume?

In the summary, describe yourself and then say, “…looking to transition into ___” (the type of work you want to be doing now).

This is a bit like a resume “Objective”. I normally don’t recommend an Objective section (and I recommend a Summary section instead), however the one time an Objective does make sense is when you’re trying to change industries or make a big change in the type of role you have.

So that’s why my advice here might seem like I’m telling you to combine an Objective with your resume Summary.

Then “tailor” your previous work to be as relevant as possible. Even if you worked in a different industry you can still show things like leadership, accountability, progress/improvement, hard work, achieving goals, strong teamwork skills, etc. You can do all of that in your resume bullets and work history.

Don’t u have Resume Summary of legal secretary/legal assistant?

No, sorry about that. There are hundreds of different professions/job titles, and we aren’t able to include an example for every scenario out there. These resume summary examples are designed to give you a general idea of how to write yours.

The summaries listed are excellent example and have helped me develop a stand out summary for a new position.

Hello, I been trying to land the job of my dreams. I need help with my resume if i want the recruiters in airlines to notice me. I’ve applied before but haven’t had complete success to making it to a face-to Face Interview. It is a career change – yet i feel i am a great candidate bc i have had many customer service and I even attended an academy for that specific position. Can you please tell me what I am doing wrong on my resume ?

what if i never had a job experience?

Great question. If you don’t have any work experience, take one of the formats/examples above and put your accomplishments and qualifications from your academic studies.

Your headline could say: “Motivated Bio-Sciences Graduate With Expertise in ____”.

And then you might talk about accomplishments in school, group projects you worked on or led, etc.

Basically, when you have no work experience, your school/studies BECOMES your recent work. You should talk about that like it’s a job, because that’s the experience you do have.

really amazing article and too useful , thanks

Hi Mr. Clark, I have been out of the work force for about 18+years and I have been a small business owner for the same number of years. However, I want to go back to the work force. But my problem is that, I don’t know how to prepare my resume or resume summary statement. I had a degree in Communication,Arts and Sciences and a postgraduate degree in Public Administration. I’m a bit confused as to how to incorporate all these experiences into my resume. Please can you help?

Hi Dorothy, I can recommend a professional resume writer if you want. But they’re typically not cheap, so it’s something you’d have to be willing to invest in. If not, there’s a lot of free info online about how to “tailor” your resume for specific jobs. I can’t help one-on-one unfortunately, but I’d recommend thinking about which type of jobs you want, and think of what experience you have that is most relevant. that’s what to put on your resume. Your resume isn’t only about you, it’s about them – what do they want/need? (if you want to get a ton of interviews, that’s how to do it :) ).

Can I have a professional resume writer?

I use a similar format when writing my opening statement for my coverletter. How do you recommend differentiating the two? Or is it ok to use largely the same language?

I think it’s okay to use something similar. I might be more brief in the cover letter… it needs to be about them just as much as it’s about you. Whereas the resume is all about you, at least in the summary section. (The later sections should still be tailored to THEIR needs..)

Struggling to write a Summary Statement for a Secretary/Administrative Assistant position. I have 15 years government experience but have been away from the government since 9/1993 and have spent 15 years as a Substitute Teacher after taking off for 10 years to raise my children.

Hiya! I am a mother of three attempting to return to the workforce. I have been a stay at mom for about 13 years, so I have a (large) gap in my employment history; which doesn’t look great. I have a college education and have obtained a few certifications whilst not employed, plus many volunteer hours. I know that I should probably use a functional resume format. Would love some advice on what I should include in my summary statement.

Hi Juniper,

I rarely like functional resumes, but it might be worth trying. I’d “split-test” it (a marketing term). Create two resume styles, send out 50% one way, 50% the other way, and track results for a week.

I’d treat the resume summary statement just like any other resume. Highlight your skills and past wins/accomplishments.

how do i explain long term gaps in employment? leave them out?

Hi Paulette,

Don’t mention them on a resume summary. But do mention the gaps on a cover letter or lower down on the resume. Here’s an article on how to explain gaps in employment:

https://careersidekick.com/explaining-gaps-in-employment/

I am student in civil engineering field. Have 1.5 yrs of work ex. How should i structure my resume. Thanks.

Hello My name is Shataka and I’m a current job seeker trying to land my dream job as a Counselor. I have Master degree in Counseling Psychology and a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work. My experience lies in many different fields. I’m currently a Substance Abuse Counselor, with a teaching background and over 5 years of social service experience. I guess my question is how would I sum up all my experience to help me find a job as a Counselor.

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