When it comes to creating a job application, the summary section can make or break your chances of landing an interview. A well-crafted application summary can showcase your skills, experience, and achievements, while a poorly written one can lead to your application being overlooked. In this article, we will provide you with 5 tips to help you craft the perfect application summary.
What is an Application Summary?
Before we dive into the tips, let's first understand what an application summary is. An application summary is a brief overview of your application, typically located at the top of your resume or cover letter. Its purpose is to provide a concise summary of your relevant skills, experience, and achievements, and to entice the reader to read on.
Tip 1: Tailor Your Summary to the Job
The first tip is to tailor your summary to the job you are applying for. Study the job description and requirements, and make a list of the key skills and qualifications mentioned. Then, use this information to craft a summary that highlights your relevant skills and experience.
For example, if the job description requires a candidate with "excellent communication skills" and "experience in marketing," your summary might read:
"Results-driven marketing professional with 5 years of experience in creating and executing successful marketing campaigns. Proven track record of improving brand awareness and driving sales growth through effective communication and team collaboration."
Tip 2: Use Keywords and Phrases
The second tip is to use keywords and phrases from the job description in your summary. This will help your application pass through applicant tracking systems (ATS) and catch the eye of the hiring manager.
Use a keyword research tool to identify relevant keywords and phrases, and incorporate them into your summary. For example:
"Highly motivated and organized project manager with expertise in Agile methodologies and a proven track record of delivering projects on time and within budget. Skilled in project planning, team leadership, and stakeholder management."
Tip 3: Keep it Concise
The third tip is to keep your summary concise and to the point. Aim for a length of around 2-3 sentences, and focus on the most important information.
Remember, the goal of your summary is to entice the reader to read on, not to tell your entire life story. Keep it brief and focused, and use clear and concise language.
Tip 4: Use Action Verbs
The fourth tip is to use action verbs in your summary. Action verbs like "managed," "created," "developed," and "improved" can help to describe your achievements and responsibilities.
For example:
"Results-driven sales professional with 3 years of experience in managing and growing sales teams. Created and implemented sales strategies that resulted in a 25% increase in sales revenue. Developed and maintained strong relationships with clients and stakeholders."
Tip 5: Use Numbers and Statistics
The final tip is to use numbers and statistics in your summary. This can help to quantify your achievements and provide concrete evidence of your skills and experience.
For example:
"Experienced data analyst with 5 years of experience in analyzing and interpreting complex data sets. Improved data analysis efficiency by 30% through the development of new data visualization tools. Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop and implement data-driven solutions that resulted in a 20% increase in sales revenue."
Gallery of Printable Summary Examples
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of an application summary?
+The purpose of an application summary is to provide a brief overview of your relevant skills, experience, and achievements, and to entice the reader to read on.
How long should an application summary be?
+An application summary should be around 2-3 sentences long, and should focus on the most important information.
What keywords and phrases should I use in my application summary?
+You should use keywords and phrases from the job description in your application summary. This will help your application pass through applicant tracking systems (ATS) and catch the eye of the hiring manager.
In conclusion, crafting the perfect application summary requires careful attention to detail and a clear understanding of the job requirements. By following these 5 tips and using the right keywords and phrases, you can create a summary that showcases your skills and experience, and helps you stand out from the competition.