How to write a profile resume that gets you hired

To get interviews and job offers in today's tough market, you need to stand out from the crowd. One way to do that is by crafting a strong profile resume—a short but powerful summary that highlights your skills, experience, and career goals. A well-written profile resume serves as your professional summary, your elevator pitch, and your chance to make a great first impression.

 Whether you're an experienced professional looking to advance your career or a recent college graduate searching for your first job, a compelling profile resume can significantly improve your chances of getting hired. ​​In this article, we'll guide you through the essentials of crafting an effective resume profile to help you land your next opportunity. 

Here’s what to expect as we explore these topics: 

• What is a resume profile? 
• Benefits of having a profile on your resume 
• How to write a winning resume profile 
• Resume profile examples 
• Tips on how to write your resume profile 
• Conclusion 
• FAQs 

What is a resume profile? 

A resume profile is a section at the top of your resume that highlights essential skills, experiences, and career objectives relating to the position you're applying for. You can also call it a professional profile or career summary. It summarises your professional background and emphasises your qualifications, encouraging employers to read the rest of your resume.  

Compared to a resume objective, which lists your goals, or a resume summary, which lists your work experience, a resume profile focuses on unique selling points and skills for the job you're applying for. 

Distinction between resume profile, career objectives, and other resume sections

The resume profile, career objectives, and other parts of the resume show your qualifications and career path in different ways. Your resume profile displays your unique skills at the top of the resume to get the attention of hiring managers.  

Career objectives discuss your goals and are also at the top of the resume. However, they're less common on current resumes because employers look for what you can do for the company. 

Other parts of the resume, such as education, work experience, relevant skills, and accomplishments, give more information about your history and achievements, which backs up what you say in your profile.  

Relevance of a resume profile in the job-hunting process

The resume profile is an important part of the job search process for these reasons:

Impact on first impressions

Hiring managers can get a good sense of a job seeker from their resume profile, which sets the tone for the rest of the application and makes them want to learn more. 

Role in enhancing your application

The resume profile shows off your most important skills and how they match the job requirements. This can improve your chances of landing interviews and help you stand out from other job seekers. 

Benefits of having a profile on your resume 

Resume profiles can be helpful for all job seekers. However, as Josh Billings, a 19th-century humorist and lecturer, once said, “There's a great power in words if you don't hitch too many of them together.” Crafting an interesting profile for your resume can significantly improve your job application. Here are some benefits of a resume profile.

1. A good profile grabs attention 

A well-written resume profile grabs the attention of hiring managers with a brief but powerful summary of your professional identity and value. It tells them about your unique and relevant skills and what you can bring to the job, making them want to read more. 

2. Opportunity to highlight key qualifications 

Your resume profile emphasises your most important interpersonal skills and accomplishments. Listing these first helps show that you qualify for the job to make an excellent first impression on potential employers. 

3. Highly customisable  

You can tailor your profile resume to match the specific job you're applying for. Strategically using keywords from the job description helps align your profile with the company's needs, increasing your chances of passing applicant tracking systems (ATS) and catching the attention of hiring managers. 

4. Helps your resume stand out in the Application Tracking System (ATS)  

A well-written profile sets the right tone and goal, making it easier for an ATS to see your qualifications. You can have a better chance of moving to the next step of the hiring process if you align your profile with your work goals and the job requirements. 

5. Provides an opportunity to explain career changes  

Your profile lets you connect your past experiences to the job path you want to take, putting your accomplishments in context. Whether you're switching to a new field or trying to progress, a well-written profile will help you communicate your career path and goals. 

How to write a winning resume profile 

To get hiring managers' attention, you need to write a resume profile that makes you stand out. Here's how to make yours shine.

1. Understanding the purpose 

Your profile resume is more than just a summary—it's your chance to set the right tone and intention. It should align with your career goals and job requirements, giving employers a quick but strong impression of who you are and what you bring to the table. 

2. Learn the key elements of a resume profile 

Your resume profile summarises the best things you've done in your work. Highlight your communication skills, experiences, and accomplishments in a way that says, “I'm the perfect fit!” Personalise it by adding your skills and making sure it shows what you bring to the table. 

3. Identify the sections to include in your resume profile 

A strong resume profile includes key details that make your application stand out. Here are the essential sections to cover: 

• Years of experience: Mention how long you've been in the industry to establish credibility. 

• Specialty or expertise: Highlight the area where you have the most experience or excel the most. 

• Relevant skills: Showcase both soft and hard skills that align with the job you're applying for. 

• Key achievements: Include accomplishments that brought measurable results or made a real impact. 

• Professional career goals: Briefly state your career aspirations and how they align with the job. 

• Job-specific keywords: Use relevant terms from the job posting to increase your chances of passing applicant tracking systems (ATS). 

By structuring your resume profile with these sections, you ensure it effectively communicates your value to potential employers. 

4. Align your resume profile with job descriptions  

Carefully analyse the job description to understand what the company is looking for. Identify key skills and requirements, then tailor your profile resume to highlight how your experience matches the employer’s needs. 

5. Highlighting relevant skills and experiences 

Show the employer that you're what they've been looking for. Ensure your resume matches the job requirements and highlights the skills and experiences that make you the best job seeker. Make it challenging for them to reject you. 

6. Matching the company's culture 

You're looking for the right job, so research the company's culture and values. Weave them into your profile. Show the employer that you're a cultural fit, ready to hit the ground running and make a real difference. 

Resume profile examples 

Need some inspiration with your resume profile? Here are some resume profile examples to give you ideas.

Industry-specific resume profile examples

Here are some industry-specific examples that can help inspire your own resume profile: 

Accountant 

“Certified Public Accountant with over eight years of experience and a bachelor's degree in accounting. Solid knowledge of US GAAP and accounting systems. Top skills include budget forecasting, advanced computer knowledge, and analytical reasoning. Seeking to leverage my expertise to contribute to the financial success of a dynamic organisation.” 

Administrative assistant 

“Organised and proactive administrative assistant with over two years of experience managing office operations and providing executive support. Successfully carried out all key administrative tasks, including communicating with company clients, performing data entry, and creating well-researched office documentation. Eager to contribute administrative expertise to streamline processes and support organisational goals.” 

Copywriter 

“SaaS copywriter who focuses on landing page optimisation. Skilled at writing catchy copy for websites, social media, and business materials. Can perform A/B testing with Google Optimizely and Firebase. Looking to use my writing abilities to captivate readers and help clients achieve their goals.” 

Salesperson 

“Salesperson with extensive experience who focuses on results and has a history of exceeding goals to increase sales. Skilled at satisfying customers and building good relationships with clients. Looking to use my sales skills to help a team that is already doing well.” 

Teacher 

“Passionate and determined teacher who wants students to succeed. Can make and use interesting lesson plans that fit diverse learning styles. Skilled at running a school and making it a good place to learn. Dedicated to promoting career growth and inspiring students to love learning for a lifetime.” 

Software Developer 

"Results-driven software developer with five years of experience building and optimising high-performance applications. Skilled in Python, Java, and JavaScript with expertise in full-stack development, API integration, and cloud solutions. Passionate about problem-solving and delivering scalable solutions to enhance user experience and business operations." 

Project Manager 

"Experienced project manager with over seven years of success in leading cross-functional teams and delivering projects on time and within budget. Proficient in Agile, Scrum, and risk management. Skilled at improving workflows, increasing team efficiency, and ensuring high-quality project execution to drive business success." 

Marketing Manager 

"Creative and data-driven marketing manager with six years of experience in digital marketing, branding, and campaign strategy. Strong expertise in SEO, PPC, content marketing, and social media management. Proven ability to increase brand visibility, generate leads, and drive revenue growth through targeted marketing initiatives." 

Graphic Designer 

"Innovative graphic designer with four years of experience creating visually compelling designs for print, digital media, and branding projects. Skilled in Adobe Creative Suite, typography, and UI/UX design. Passionate about crafting engaging visuals that enhance brand identity and improve audience engagement." 

Civil Engineer 

"Detail-oriented civil engineer with five years of experience in structural design, site development, and project management. Proficient in AutoCAD, Revit, and construction planning. Committed to designing sustainable and cost-effective infrastructure solutions that meet safety standards and project goals." 

Data Analyst 

"Data-driven analyst with expertise in transforming complex datasets into actionable insights. Proficient in SQL, Python, and data visualisation tools like Tableau and Power BI. Strong problem-solving skills and experience in trend analysis, forecasting, and optimising business processes to drive efficiency and growth." 

Pharmacist 

"Licensed pharmacist with extensive knowledge of medication management, patient counseling, and regulatory compliance. Experienced in ensuring accurate prescription dispensing, improving patient outcomes, and collaborating with healthcare teams to provide the best pharmaceutical care. Passionate about promoting health and wellness through safe and effective medication use." 

Entry-level resume profiles 

Starting your career with an entry-level job is an important step toward gaining real-world experience. But how do you craft a strong profile resume when you have limited experience? The key is to focus on your skills, internships, and academic achievements. 

Even without extensive work experience, you can highlight transferable skills, relevant coursework, and any hands-on projects that demonstrate your abilities. Employers look for candidates who are eager to learn, adaptable, and comfortable using technology in a professional setting. 

Most entry-level jobs involve working under experienced professionals, giving you the chance to learn from their expertise while showcasing your potential. By crafting a well-structured profile resume, you can prove that you’re ready to contribute to the organisation and grow in your role. 

Example of an entry-level resume profile 

“Energetic and ambitious individual with a passion for [relevant field]. Recent graduate with hands-on experience gained through internships and academic projects. Proficient in [list relevant software or tools]. Strong interpersonal skills with a proven ability to collaborate effectively in team environments. Detail-oriented and organised with a commitment to delivering high-quality results. Seeking an entry-level position where I can further develop my skills and contribute to organisational objectives.” 

Tips on how to write your resume profile 

Here are some tips for writing a resume profile that may encourage a hiring manager to choose you.

1. Avoid vague language 

A hiring manager reads many resumes that use the same words, such as “detail-oriented team player” or “motivated self-starter”. They can't learn anything useful about you from these phrases. 

Describe your skills and successes in a way that people can understand. Instead of saying you're a “problem-solver”, highlight a time when you saw a problem, came up with a solution, and had measurable results.  

2. Ensure relevance to the position 

Always read the job description carefully and make a list of the most important skills and qualifications. Then, in your resume profile statement, make sure those items stand out. If you're looking for a job in marketing, highlight your knowledge of digital marketing strategies and campaign analytics. 

To get a job as a project manager, show that you can lead cross-functional teams and finish projects on time and on budget. By making your resume unique to each application, you show that you're interested in and qualified for the job.  

3. Proofread and edit 

When writing a resume profile summary, proofread and edit it to ensure it's free of errors. Take a break after writing. Then, read it with fresh eyes to find any mistakes you may have missed. If you need a second opinion, ask a friend or coworker to help. Paying close attention to the little things can help you show a polished and professional image to potential employers. 

Conclusion 

A professional resume profile makes a good impression on potential employers. We have discussed the most important parts of a good resume profile, such as using relevant keywords, making sure your profile fits the job standards, showing a proven track record, and using specific examples to show what you can do. Take the time to improve your resume description to help you get the job you want. 

FAQs 

1. What is the difference between a resume profile and a resume objective?
   Resume objectives list your work goals, while a professional resume profile lists your skills and what you can do for the company. 
2. What are examples of strong resume profiles?
   Here are some examples of good resume profiles across different industries:
   ⁠
   Human resources
   “HR specialist with more than two years of experience making plans for small businesses, training employees, and planning company events on a tight budget. Experience with hiring people and staff retention.”
   ⁠
   Graphic design
   “Expert in graphic design with three years of experience working for marketing and design firms. Experienced in all stages of the planning process, from coming up with ideas to putting them into action. Can design flyers, websites, landing pages, and more. Frequently uses MS Office and Adobe Creative Suite.”
3. How can I create a strong resume profile with limited work experience?
   Focus on highlighting important skills, accomplishments, and education, even if you don't have much work experience. Include any jobs, volunteer work, or school projects that show how skilled you are and how much you want the job.
   ⁠
   ⁠Show off the skills and traits that make you a good choice, such as communication skills, working well with others, and having a strong work ethic. 
4. What are the elements to include in a resume profile?
   A strong resume profile summary should showcase your skills and experience and your most important qualifications and accomplishments. You should also talk about your work goals and how the job you're applying for fits with them. Adding industry keywords relating to the job can also help your profile show up in an ATS and get the attention of hiring managers. 
5. How do I tailor my resume profile to a specific job description?
   To make your resume profile statement fit a job description, read it carefully and list important skills and experience. Then, use relevant terms and draw attention to your skills, accomplishments, and experience that fit the job.
6. What common mistakes should I avoid when writing my resume profile?
   Here are some key points to keep in mind:
   -Avoid using vague or generic language.
   -Keep your profile concise and to the point.
   -Provide specific examples and achievements.
   -Include relevant keywords.
   -Highlight your skills, strengths, and future career goals.
   -Proofread carefully before submitting.