3 Key Takeaways:
- Resume introductions are brief statements that summarize the rest of your resume, highlighting your most relevant skills and qualifications.
- It's important to use a resume intro because it grabs the eye of the hiring manager.
- Best practices for how to start a resume and customize it for each job post using the AI Resume Builder
You don't have much time to convince a hiring manager to read your entire resume. That's why a resume introduction is so important. As the first section of your resume, this summary uses a brief 3-5 sentences to explain who you are, what you do, and how you can add value to the company.
In this post, you'll learn the different types of resume introductions and how to start a resume. Plus, you’ll learn how to customize your resume introduction to make it stand out and get resume introduction examples to use as a guide for creating your own.
Struggling to write your resume introduction? Make one fast with Teal's AI Resume Builder.
What is a resume introduction?
A resume introduction is a brief statement that appears at the beginning of your resume, summarizing your professional background and qualifications. You might also hear this section called a professional summary, resume summary statement, career summary, short professional bio, resume objective, or personal statement.
Your resume's opening statement might include information on your educational background, relevant skills, work experience, or anything else that counts toward your strongest selling points. The idea is simply to provide a concise, well-written overview of any relevant information that will grab the employer's attention.
Why is a resume introduction important?
The idea of a resume introduction is to catch the hiring manager's attention by providing a quick overview of your relevant skills, experience, and career goals.
This section of your resume is something you must pay attention to. Resume introductions are important because they "hook" a hiring manager, convincing your potential employer to keep reading and learning more about you.
An effective opening statement entices the reader by highlighting your unique selling points. It sets the tone for the rest of your resume and helps you stand out from other applicants.
Choosing a resume introduction
Just like choosing the right resume format, you'll also need to choose the right resume introduction. There are a few different types of resume introductions from which you can choose.
Make a good first impression by using the right one for your situation, such as a:
Resume introduction type #1: Resume objective
While a career objective (or resume objective) was once a staple in resume writing, times have changed. In today's job market, your goals and objectives are secondary to demonstrating your potential value to the organization. Rather than an objective statement, consider a professional summary that packs a persuasive punch.
Resume introduction type #2: Professional summary
As a way to summarize your career, a resume summary is ideal for somebody who has diverse workplace experiences under their belt. We encourage most Teal users to stick with a professional summary.
Resume introduction type #3: Qualifications summary
Use a qualifications summary if your skills and experience are highly relevant to the position you're targeting. This can help prove that you're qualified for the job.
How to write a resume introduction
In this section, we'll explore how to introduce yourself in a way that showcases your value and motivates the hiring manager to continue evaluating your application. The tips can mean the difference between getting an interview and being overlooked in the review process.
A powerful intro that sparks interest and highlights your strengths, experience, and passion for the work can lead to an interview—or mean missing the chance altogether.
Want to save time? Try Teal's AI Resume Summary Generator to write a tailored, position-specific summary in a matter of seconds.
1. Focus on resume introduction length
Start a resume off right by choosing the type of introduction that's best for your current work history and industry skills. The best length for a resume introduction is 3-5 sentences. This gives you enough space to call out the most important information without going overboard (remember, the idea is to write something that people will actually take the time to read).
2. Match your resume introduction to a job
To more effectively position yourself as a successful employee, remember to customize your resume introduction for each job application. Read the job requirements mentioned in the job description and note any ATS keywords, technical skills, or other specific qualifications.
Then make sure to incorporate those words into your resume summary or objective to position yourself as someone who has exactly what the company is looking for.
Pro Tip: Teal's Job Application Tracker & AI Resume Builder help extract the top keywords so you can quickly customize your resume intro and let a company know exactly why you are applying for a specific position.
3. Include metrics
If you're able to include numbers in your resume opening statement—specific metrics or other quantifiable information—this is a great way to prove your capabilities right off the bat. Metrics contribute to a great resume introduction because they demonstrate the impact you made at your prior organization.
To find metrics, consider how success and performance are measured in your industry or job position. Then see if you can dig up relevant numbers. Incorporate what you find by adding a resume opening sentence that sounds something like: "Accomplished mid-career copywriter who crafted SEO-optimized blog posts that improved click-through rate by 10%."
4. Use strong action verbs
Another helpful tip for the best resume introduction: Use action verbs. Strong action words help spice up your opening statements by bringing your prior work to life and strengthening your resume summary, as the hiring manager can easily picture the impressive work you did.
You can find countless lists of action verbs for resume online that will help you paint a vivid picture of your key skills in your resume intro.
5. Write your resume introduction last
And while this may sound counterintuitive, it's actually helpful to write your resume introduction last. Similar to writing your short professional bio, it'll be faster and easier to go through your finished resume and pull out the highlights rather than starting from scratch (nobody likes staring at that blinking cursor).
Make it easier to write your opening statement and impress hiring managers by using Teal's AI Resume Builder. Teal's AI pulls from your work experience and any job description to quickly create a resume introduction tailored for every specific application.
Resume introduction examples
Regardless of your resume format, these examples of resume introductions can inspire you to create a compelling resume that will assist you in your job hunt.
Resume introduction example for a student
Even if you’re a student, a strong resume introduction can help you stand out. Here's a beginner resume summary example for a student:
"As a highly motivated student pursuing a bachelor's degree in biology with an interest in sleep research, I'm excited to apply my academic knowledge and gain hands-on experience in the field through an internship. I'm a quick learner and team player with a solid understanding of the principles of neuroscience, physiology, and research methodologies, and I am ready to contribute to ongoing research projects focused on improving our understanding of sleep and sleep disorders."
Example resume introduction for a recent graduate
Here's an example resume introduction for a recent graduate looking to kickstart their career. This sample highlights key skills, education, and relevant experience:
"As a recent graduate with a bachelor's degree in biology and a passion for understanding the science of sleep, I'm eager to apply my knowledge and skills to a career in sleep research. With a strong foundation in neuroscience, physiology, and research methodologies, I'm well-equipped to contribute to studies aimed at improving our understanding of sleep disorders and their treatments."
Resume introduction examples for entry level professionals
Here's are resume summary examples for entry-level professionals starting their careers. These introduction examples emphasizes skills and practical experience:
"As a skilled HVAC professional, my strong foundation in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems makes me well-equipped to make a positive impact. I have gained practical experience through hands-on projects helping with the installation and maintenance of various HVAC systems. I am confident that I have the skills and motivation to excel in this industry.
"As a driven laboratory technician, I bring hands-on experience in microbiology and biochemistry, with a focus on accuracy and safety. In my recent internship, I contributed to a project that increased data accuracy by 20% through meticulous sample handling and process improvements. I am detail-oriented, proficient in lab safety protocols, and eager to apply my knowledge to support advanced research at your LabTech."
How to start a resume introduction for a mid-level professional
Here are resume introduction examples for mid-level professionals looking to further their careers. Starting a resume profile like this showcases specific expertise, highlights measurable achievements, and demonstrates a blend of analytical and creative skills to make a strong case for impact.
"As an experienced social media marketing professional, I'm excited to apply my project management skills and expertise to drive growth and engagement for your organization. With a proven track record of success in developing and executing social media strategies, I have a strong track record of delivering results managing social media campaigns across a variety of platforms. I am highly analytical and data-driven, and am also a creative thinker who is always looking for new and innovative ways to engage audiences and drive business results."
"As a financial analyst with five years of experience in FP&A, I have a proven track record of driving efficiency improvements and cost reductions. By implementing data-driven strategies, I helped my previous team reduce operating expenses by 15%, directly contributing to an annual profit increase of $500K. My analytical skills, combined with a collaborative approach, enable me to deliver impactful insights that align with organizational goals."
Examples of a resume introduction for experienced professionals
Here are two resume introduction examples for experienced professionals aiming to highlight their extensive expertise. These About Me resume sections focus on key resume accomplishments, specialized skills, and the value they bring to their field or industry.
"With over a decade of experience as an attorney, I have a proven track record of success in handling complex legal matters, including contract negotiations, civil litigation, and intellectual property disputes. I am highly skilled in legal analysis, negotiation, and advocacy, and I have a reputation for delivering results that exceed expectations. My strong communication skills and attention to detail make me an asset to any legal team."
"With over 15 years as a project manager in the construction industry, I have led large-scale projects valued at over $10M each, consistently delivering them on time and under budget. My strategic approach to project planning, combined with my ability to manage cross-functional teams, resulted in a 25% increase in project efficiency in my previous role. I am passionate about driving impactful results and am excited to bring my expertise to support your company’s growth."
How to start a resume with Teal
If you're looking for a quicker and easier way to craft your resume, Teal can help. Use the AI technology integrated within Teal's AI Resume Builder to generate professional summaries directly within the Teal platform.
By following these steps, you can ensure that you receive AI outputs of the highest quality:
- If you haven’t signed up already, create a Teal account without any charges or commitments.
- Next, log into your web browser account and select the AI Resume Builder on the left-side navigation bar.
- Scroll until you reach the “Professional Summary” section, then click the button that says “Generate with AI”.
- If the response doesn't meet your expectations, you have the option to edit it or choose the "Regenerate with AI'' feature.
- After selecting the best summary, make sure to save it.
Note: Each Teal member will receive ten AI credits for AI-generated content. Teal+ members can enjoy unlimited access to generative AI include summaries, cover letters, resume bullets and mock interviews.
Create multiple versions of your professional summary using Teal’s AI integration feature. And while Teal creates your resume introduction based on your experience, you can also a job description to find (and then incorporate!) more relevant keywords. Finally, send your polished resume off to the job ad and impress human resources with your resume introduction and beyond.
Teal’s AI features can also help you generate resume accomplishments and an entire cover letter as well. Sign up for a free Teal account today to see for yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good introduction for a resume?
A good resume introduction concisely summarizes your skills, experience, and how you add value to a potential employer in just 3-5 sentences. Tailor it to the job, include relevant skills or metrics, and highlight your unique contributions to grab the hiring manager’s attention and encourage them to read further.
How can I introduce myself in a resume?
Introduce yourself on a resume by writing a short, impactful summary that highlights your professional background, key skills, and what makes you a strong fit for the role. Focus on aligning your strengths and experience with the job’s requirements to immediately convey your value to the employer.
How do you start about yourself on a resume?
Start your resume by crafting a concise introduction, such as a professional summary, that reflects your key qualifications, career highlights, and relevant accomplishments. Use strong action verbs and, if possible, quantifiable achievements to show your impact and engage the hiring manager right from the beginning.
