Should My Resume Have a Professional Summary?

Yes, in most cases. A professional summary near the top of your resume can quickly paint a useful picture of who you are and why you are a good fit for the particular job opening.

Think of it as an answer to the question: Why is this particular person good for this job? Focus on your relevant experience, strongest qualifications, and the value you can bring instead of using generic descriptions or stating only what you want from your next role.

There is no single perfect length, but two to four lines, or roughly two to three concise sentences, is a useful target. It should be long enough to provide meaningful context without delaying the reader from reaching your experience.

Tailor the summary to the role and keep every claim accurate. A short, specific introduction is much more useful than a paragraph filled with broad phrases such as results-driven or hard-working.

See more on this subject: How and When to Write a Professional Summary — UCLA Career Center