Professional Summaries

When I first got out of college I was told that I needed to have a polished resume and cover letter. Looking back at my old cover letters makes me cringe. Cover letters were supposed to be a way for you to tell a future employer why they should hire you.. but the copy & paste cover letter examples that you usually find online tend to sound impersonal, redundant, and basic. In such a competitive landscape you need to differentiate yourself. Here’s how I’ve done it in past.

Introduction

Who are you (professionally.. this is not the time to tell them your love for your dog or tacos.. tell me that at another time)? Provide two to three sentences that quickly summarize your experience and why you are passionate about the work.

What you bring to the table?

Pick 3-4 skillsets that you have that align to the job that you are applying for. I generally advise to provide general skillsets and specific examples so that the employer knows that you have transferable skillset.

For example, maybe you worked as a paralegal or in a non-profit and you managed multiple projects and deadlines. Guess what? You have project management experience! List out one detailed experience in project management and quantify when possible.

Professional Summary Example

For the past five years, I've used my project management and data analysis skills to help companies acquire new customers either through product launches or market expansions. Whether they're an established brand or a fast growing start up, I specialize in building high-impact growth strategies for companies with a strong brand presence, by leading cross-functional teams, creating strategic partnerships, and most importantly using my curiosity and analytical tools to provide customer insights to organizations. 

Here's what I bring to the table: 

1) Curiosity over Fear: This is the core of who I am. Whether it is facing my fear of heights or doing something completely different at work, I look fear into the eye and move past it. This past spring, I was staffed to lead a project on my own for the first time. To set myself for success I made sure to use my resourcefulness to create a project plan that would lead my team to a successful outcome. Ultimately, it helped us sell the second phase of the project where we got to implement our strategy. 

2) Hands-on Approach: There is no task too small or too large for me to handle, I'll always say yes with a can do attitude.  I get excited about helping people and that’s why I’ve made myself readily available to each company’s needs even if it hasn't been in my official title description. In my last role, that meant helping the marketing team with three in market events to be able to reach more customers.

3) Go-Getter: Sales taught me how to transform a no to a yes, which ultimately taught me how to work independently. I spent two years convincing over 400+ small business owners to give me their time in order to listen to their business needs and provide them tools to grow their client base and increase operational efficiency.  I have the tenacity and discipline to be able to execute the company’s goal with little to no direction.

4) Execution Focus: I have the ability to focus on what matters and obsess down to the details. I am consistent about setting clear objectives and measures, and I am diligent about monitoring progress. I've helped Fortune 500 brands scale their marketing campaigns by following up with everyone to keep all projects moving forward.

So now what?

When applying for jobs it is best to make sure that you have a strong point of contact that can help you get your information to the right people. Make it easy for hiring managers and include your professional summary in the body of the email and attach your resume and work portfolio. This email should be tailored so it can be easily forwarded to the right person/team.

Need Help?

If you are interested in learning more on how to create and personalize your professional summary schedule a 1:1 coaching session with me! We will review your core skillset and experience and how to communicate it in a professional summary.