How to Write a Resume Profile

How to Write a Resume Profile How to Write a Winning Resume ProfileSeptember 23, 2019 By the Resume Genius Team Reviewed by Mark Slack, CPRWAdding a resume profileto your resume is likeputtingan elevator ina 10-story building. It can help get the hiring manager get to exactly where they want to go in a hurry.Build My Resume NowWhen used properly, a professional profile can make your resume irresistible to hiring managers. So what are you waiting for? Read on to find out how to write an effective resume profile, and land yourself mora interviews in the future.Table of ContentsWhat is a Professional Profile?Difference Between Main Resume IntrosThe Four Points of a Professional ProfileResume Profile ExamplesDownload ur Professional Profile Template Pack1. What is a Professional Profile?A professional profile is a powerful resume introduction that gives hiring managers a detailed look atyour job-related skills and expertise.It is often referred to as a resume profile (the two terms ar e synonymous), and depending on your preference can be written in paragraph form or as a list of bullet points.Consider these two styles for your own profileResume Profile in Bullet Form Open GalleryProfessional Profile in Sentence Form Open GalleryWe know what you are thinkingWell, whats the difference between a resume objective, summary of qualifications, resume summary, and professional profile?Good question.2. What is the Difference between a Career Objective, Qualifications Summary, Resume Summary, and Professional Profile?This is the million-dollar question. The beginning of your resume is essentially the elevator speech through which you introduce yourself to the hiring manager.All three styles have the same purposeto grab the attention of the hiring manager by highlighting your relevant qualifications.However, the method by which they deliver this information differs slightly.Elements of a Career ObjectivePosition-centeredCustomized to a specific job descriptionOften style d as a statement of 2-3 sentencesLets compare a career objective and professional profileWaitress Resume (Career Objective) Open GalleryWaitress Resume (Professional Profile) Open GalleryElements of a Qualifications SummaryFocuses more on your career achievementsConsists of 56 bullet points that showcase your fruchtwein impressive accomplishmentsApplicant-tracking system friendly because it targets specific keywords related to the jobNext, lets compare a qualifications summary and professional profileQualifications Summary (Janitor) Open GalleryResume Profile (Janitor) Open GalleryElements of a Resume SummaryAn eye-catching introduction that features 45 bullet points, each including a subheading, statistic, and an example of an achievementHighlights your key characteristics, skills, and accomplishmentsContains numbers, which are proven to attract a hiring managers attentionHere is a resume summary compared with a professional profileResume Summary (Machine Operator) Open Galler yProfessional Profile (Machine Operator) Open GalleryElements of a Resume ProfileA mix of both a career objective and qualifications summary Can be styled as either a paragraph or bullet point listSince they are not necessarily targeting a specific position, professional profiles are great when uploading your resume to job search sites and networking resumes TipNot sure how to choose between the four choices? Use our resume introduction flow chartto make the right decision.The profile is a bit more structured than the career objective or qualifications summary as it focuses on four key points.3. The Four Points of a Professional ProfileDepending on how much experience you have, your profilecan include an additional point.That said, we recommend not going over five points in your professional profile because you risk losing the attention of the hiring manager.To maintain readability, aim for 500 characters or less. TipProfessional profiles are great when uploading your resume to j ob search sites and networking resumes.Point 1 Years of Experience or EducationYou should begin by giving your years of experience in a particular position. Leading with your experience will garner the attention of the hiring manager and prove you can perform the position. Make sure to include your job titleLeading your resume profile with your experience will grab the attention of the hiring manager and prove you can perform the position.Heres how the first point might look for an accountantA certified public accountant with 5+ years of experience in ledger processes and account reconciliations.For students or recent graduates with little to no experience, you should focus on extracurricular activities, relevant coursework, or volunteer experience.Heres how the first point of a recent graduate might lookA recent graduate of the School of Accounting at James Madison University, with in-depth knowledge in corporate financing and operational accounting.Point 2 Specialty Area of Experi enceThe next point should mention a particular specialty within the industry that you possess. This will prove that you are an expert in your field.If you cant think of a specialty, consider adding a job duty that you excel at.Heres an exampleAn expert at performing large enterprise audits of $100 million.Notice how the point quantifies the candidates specialty with an actual dollar amount to give their point more weight and reassure the hiring manager. TipTry to add measurable or quantifiable accomplishmentsto your resume profile whenever possible.Point 3 Industry-Relevant SkillsIn your third point, you should showcase the skills that you will be able to contribute to the specific job.Research the skills your industry values the most and add those that you possess.If you are changing your career path, consider skills that might contribute to your new position. And if you have any certifications or licenses pertinent to your industry, add them hereCheck out this example from the ac countantPossess comprehensive knowledge of database software, and strong oral communication in English and Spanish.Point 4 AchievementsYour final point should stress your career achievements. Remember that relevance is the key.Stating that you came in first at the state fairs hot-dog-eating contest wont impress an employer looking for an accountant.Stating that you came in first at the state fairs hot-dog-eating contest wont impress an employer looking for an accountant Instead, add achievements that are applicable to the industry.If you have multiple achievements, then feel free to add a fifth point to your profile.Heres what our accountant addedCorrected errors within our annual budget analysis, which led to a 15% reduction of costs.4. Resume Profile Examples from Four IndustriesProfessional profiles can be written several different ways, so weve included text samples to give you a more concrete idea of what yours might end up looking like.Thefour resume profile examplesbelow shou ld help get you on the right trackExample 1 (Administrative Assistant)Administrative Assistant with 6+ years of experience assembling flawless presentations, preparing facility reports and maintaining the utmost confidentialityAdept at interdepartmental coordination and communicationPossess comprehensive knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and OutlookHoned company filing and reporting procedures, saving $4000 annuallyExample 2 (Waitress)Project Execution Implemented new menu introduction strategies, increasing customer purchases of wine by 10% on average.Management Assisted in the training of 6 new waiters, ensuring restaurant methodology and practicesAwards Recognition Frequently praised for excellent service on restaurants online rating systemSalesmanship Deep and broad knowledge of wines and pairingsExample 3 (Janitor)Janitor with 7+ years of experience handling the maintenances of gasthauss and schoolsSpecialize in working with teams to achieve institutional efficiency goalsPro ven management skills and in-depth knowledge of safety regulationsRestored HVAC system, saving the hotel +$50,000 in repair costsExample 4 (Customer Service Representative)Customer service representative with over 4 years of experience in account administration and telephone sales. Expert at designing and implementing sales strategies. Possess excellent customer service, sales, and communication skills. Implemented a new sales strategy, cutting training expenses by 90% while increasing close ratio by 10% within a 3-month window.5. Looking for a Great Professional Profile Resume Template?Check out our gallery of HR-approved, battle-tested professional profile templates. They are free to downloadand will help you land interviews fasterGates Gray Open GalleryStonehenge Red Open GalleryArmstrong Blue Open GalleryJohansson Red Open GalleryMurray Blue Open GalleryFreeman Gray Open GalleryWashington Red Open GalleryConnery Gray Open GalleryDownload These Resume Profile TemplatesHav e any comments or questions? Our staff of in-house resume experts are waiting in the wings and ready to help you in any way possible.In the meantime, check outour robust guide outlining how to write a resume if youre struggling to finalize your application, or useour easy-to-use resume builderif youre in a hurry. Good luck on the job hunt