The About Me section on your resume is a little more than a quick summary. It could be what sets you apart from your competitors.
Today’s market is fiercely competitive, and a well-balanced self-description for a resume can offer a valuable insight into your personality, career goals, and relevant qualifications.
This article will convey what to say about yourself on a resume, offering tips and examples to communicate your professional narrative.
What is an 'About Me' section?
Sometimes known as a personal statement, it is essentially your official "elevator pitch" – a brief description of who you are as a professional.
This part is usually positioned near the top of your resume, beneath your name and contact information. It allows you to present your personal brand.
It should be no longer than 50-100 words, yet still accomplish the task of drawing the reader in.
While the About Me section may seem similar to a resume summary or an objective statement, there are key differences that set them apart:
Feature | About Me Section | Resume Summary | Objective Statement |
---|---|---|---|
Purpose | Introduces your professional identity and personal brand. | Highlights key qualifications and experiences relevant to the job. | States your career goals and what you hope to achieve in the position. |
Focus | Emphasizes your personality, skills, experiences, and aspirations. | Concentrates on your accomplishments and what you can bring to the role. | Centers on your aspirations and desired career path. |
Length | Usually 2-4 sentences. | Typically 2-3 sentences. | Often 1-2 sentences. |
Tone | More narrative and personal, connecting on a deeper level. | Concise and professional, summarizing career highlights. | Direct and straightforward, focused on future goals. |
Best For | Candidates looking to showcase their unique qualities and personal brand. | Experienced professionals summarizing their career trajectory. | Entry-level candidates or those making a career change. |
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Build My ResumeWhy this resume section matters?
First impressions
When a hiring manager has few minutes to read each resume that crosses her desk, a well-crafted opening statement can grab her attention right away. It establishes the tone of your entire application and gives them reason to keep reading.
Showcases your personal brand
The About Me section in resumes provides the opportunity to demonstrate your personality. This increasingly provides a differentiating factor in an environment where technical proficiency and qualifications was a priority.
Your values, passions and what makes you unique can help an employer see how you will fit into their company culture.
Highlights your professional journey
This is your space to summarize your career story into a short overview. Include details of the significant milestones, the skills you’ve developed, and what drives you professionally.
Connects you to the role
By tailoring the About Me section on your resume to the specific job, you can demonstrate your understanding of the role and how your background makes you an ideal candidate.
Encourages further engagement
This part makes a narrative that can then be carried through to the interview and hiring process.
What to put in the 'About Me' section of a resume?
Crafting an effective About Me section involves careful consideration of several key elements.
Professional title
Begin by stating your job title or area of expertise. This helps the reader immediately understand your qualifications and role. For example:
- "Marketing Specialist with 5+ years of experience in digital marketing and content strategy."
- "Software Engineer specializing in full-stack development and user experience design."
Key skills and strengths
Highlight 2-3 of your strongest skills or attributes that relate directly to the job you’re applying for. Focus on abilities that set you apart. For instance:
- "Proficient in data analysis, with a knack for translating complex data into actionable insights."
- "Strong communication skills, enabling effective collaboration across cross-functional teams."
Aspirations
Adding at least a short statement about your career goals gives the employer some perspective on your motivations and how you see yourself fitting into the organization. For example:
- "Seeking to leverage my expertise in digital marketing to help companies enhance their online presence."
- "Eager to apply my software development skills in an innovative startup environment focused on user-centered design."
Personal touch
A bit of personality can also help: include your interests, values, or other details that are relevant to your profession. For instance:
- "Passionate about sustainable marketing practices that promote environmental consciousness."
- "An avid traveler who enjoys exploring new cultures and how they influence design trends."
Best tips for writing
Keep it concise
When someone visits your profile, you have just a few seconds to make a good impression.
In fact, according to network data, it’s around 10 seconds.
Aim for 50-100 words. This isn’t the place for a long paragraph where you can expand on yourself at leisure.
Use active language
Write in an active voice to make your statements stronger and more engaging. Instead of using "I have experience in project management," say "Successfully managed projects that increased efficiency by 30%."
Be authentic
Write as you talk, in a way that seems authentic to your personality and professional demeanour. Avoid jargon but also steer clear of clichés. Whenever possible, use natural language, words that feel genuine to you.
Tailor each submission
Look at the job description and the company culture, and figure out which words and themes they use to communicate with their both employees and candidates.
This not only shows that you are aligned with the job requirements but can also help your document get past Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) that filter resumes based on keyword matches.
Proofread
Errors in your resume can leave a poor impression. Always proofread all sections for grammar, spelling, and clarity.
Consider asking a friend or colleague to review it for feedback.
'About Me' resume section examples
Below are samples of how to describe yourself on a resume for different spheres.
Marketing Specialist
“Results-driven Marketing Specialist with over 5 years of experience in digital marketing and brand management. Adept at developing and executing marketing campaigns that increase brand awareness and drive customer engagement. Passionate about using data analytics to inform marketing strategies and optimize performance. Excited to bring my expertise in social media marketing and content creation to a dynamic marketing team.”
Software Engineer
“Detail-oriented Software Engineer with 6 years of experience in full-stack development and a strong background in JavaScript, Python, and cloud technologies. Proven track record of delivering high-quality software solutions on time and within budget. Enthusiastic about collaborating with cross-functional teams to develop innovative applications that enhance user experiences. Looking forward to contributing my technical skills and creativity to an agile software development team.”
Graphic Designer
“Creative Graphic Designer with 7+ years of experience specializing in branding, print design, and digital media. Known for transforming complex ideas into visually compelling designs that resonate with target audiences. Strong passion for user-centered design principles and staying current with industry trends. Eager to leverage my skills in a forward-thinking agency focused on innovative marketing solutions.”
Human Resources Manager
“Dedicated Human Resources Manager with over 10 years of experience in talent acquisition, employee relations, and performance management. Skilled in creating and implementing HR policies that enhance workplace culture and improve employee satisfaction. Committed to fostering inclusive environments where employees can thrive. Looking to apply my strategic HR expertise to support a progressive organization in achieving its people goals.”
Sales Associate
“Enthusiastic Sales Associate with 3 years of experience in retail sales and customer service. Known for building strong relationships with customers and exceeding sales targets through personalized service and product knowledge. Passionate about creating positive shopping experiences and driving repeat business. Eager to bring my communication skills and sales acumen to a high-energy retail environment.”
Project Manager
“Organized Project Manager with 8 years of experience in leading cross-functional teams to deliver projects on time and within scope. Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining a focus on quality and client satisfaction. Strong communicator and problem solver, committed to driving project success through effective collaboration and stakeholder engagement. Excited to bring my project management expertise to a results-oriented organization.”
Data Analyst
“Analytical Data Analyst with 4 years of experience in data mining, statistical analysis, and visualization. Proficient in SQL, Python, and data visualization tools like Tableau. Passionate about translating complex data into actionable insights to drive strategic decision-making. Looking forward to utilizing my analytical skills to contribute to a data-driven organization focused on continuous improvement.”
Customer Service Representative
Compassionate Customer Service Representative with over 5 years of experience in providing exceptional support in fast-paced environments. Skilled at resolving customer issues and building rapport through effective communication. Committed to delivering a positive customer experience and ensuring satisfaction. Excited to bring my problem-solving skills and dedication to a customer-focused team.”
Nurse
“Compassionate Registered Nurse with 7 years of experience in emergency and critical care settings. Proven ability to provide high-quality patient care while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. Passionate about advocating for patients and promoting health education within the community. Eager to apply my clinical skills and dedication to improving patient outcomes in a reputable healthcare facility.”
Web Developer
“Innovative Web Developer with 5 years of experience in building responsive and user-friendly websites using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Strong background in optimizing website performance and ensuring cross-browser compatibility. Enthusiastic about utilizing the latest technologies and design trends to create engaging online experiences. Looking to contribute my technical expertise and creative problem-solving skills to a dynamic web development team.”
Content Writer
“Passionate Content Writer with over 4 years of experience crafting engaging articles, blog posts, and marketing content. Adept at researching diverse topics and tailoring content for specific audiences to enhance brand storytelling. Committed to producing high-quality, SEO-optimized content that drives traffic and boosts online visibility. Excited to contribute my writing skills and creativity to a dynamic marketing team focused on innovative content strategies.”
Financial Analyst
“Detail-oriented Financial Analyst with 5 years of experience in financial modeling, forecasting, and data analysis. Proficient in Excel and financial software, with a strong ability to interpret complex financial data and provide actionable insights. Passionate about helping organizations make informed financial decisions. Eager to leverage my analytical skills to support a forward-thinking financial team in achieving strategic goals.”
Social Media Manager
“Creative Social Media Manager with 6 years of experience developing and executing social media strategies that drive engagement and brand awareness. Proficient in content creation, community management, and social analytics tools. Enthusiastic about staying on top of industry trends and utilizing innovative approaches to connect with audiences. Looking forward to bringing my expertise in social media marketing to a vibrant team dedicated to building strong online communities.”
Supply Chain Coordinator
“Results-driven Supply Chain Coordinator with over 7 years of experience in logistics and inventory management. Proven ability to optimize supply chain processes and enhance operational efficiency. Strong analytical skills and attention to detail enable me to identify and resolve supply chain challenges. Eager to contribute my expertise to a dynamic team focused on improving supply chain performance and customer satisfaction.”
Project Coordinator
“Organized Project Coordinator with 3 years of experience supporting project managers in delivering successful projects. Proficient in project management software and skilled in coordinating tasks, timelines, and resources. Strong communicator who excels in fostering collaboration among team members. Excited to bring my organizational skills and dedication to a dynamic project management team.”
Research Scientist
“Detail-oriented Research Scientist with 6 years of experience in molecular biology and genetics. Proven track record of designing and executing experiments to advance scientific knowledge. Passionate about leveraging research to contribute to innovative solutions in healthcare. Eager to join a forward-thinking research team dedicated to making impactful discoveries.”
Account Executive
“Driven Account Executive with 5 years of experience in sales and client relationship management. Proven ability to identify client needs and develop tailored solutions that drive revenue growth. Strong communication and negotiation skills have enabled me to build lasting relationships with clients. Looking forward to contributing my sales expertise to a high-performing team focused on exceeding targets.”
Teacher
Dedicated and passionate Teacher with over 8 years of experience in fostering student learning and growth in diverse classroom environments. Skilled in creating engaging lesson plans that cater to different learning styles and promote critical thinking. Committed to building positive relationships with students, parents, and colleagues to create a supportive and inclusive educational atmosphere. Excited to bring my enthusiasm for teaching and expertise in curriculum development to a collaborative school community focused on student success.
Bookkeeper
“Detail-oriented Bookkeeper more than 5 years of experience in managing accounts, processing invoices, and maintaining financial records for small to mid-sized businesses. Proficient in using accounting software such as QuickBooks and Excel to streamline bookkeeping processes and ensure accuracy. Committed to providing reliable financial insights and supporting business growth through meticulous record-keeping and analysis. Excited to bring my organizational skills and attention to detail to a dynamic accounting team.”
Mechanical Engineer
“Innovative Mechanical Engineer with 6 years of experience in designing and developing mechanical systems for industrial applications. Skilled in using CAD software and simulation tools to create efficient designs and solve engineering challenges. Passionate about implementing sustainable practices and improving product performance through rigorous testing and analysis. Looking forward to contributing my technical expertise and collaborative spirit to a forward-thinking engineering team.”
Conclusion
To sum up, your About Me section is one of the crucial elements on your resume that can help you to make a first impression on the employer.
By thoughtfully highlighting your unique strengths, values, and career goals, you can create a compelling narrative that resonates with hiring managers.
With the right approach, this statement can become a key asset in your job search, inviting further engagement and interest from prospective employers.