What Is a Resume Profile?

A resume profile is a section of a resume or curriculum vitae (CV) that includes a brief summary of an applicant’s skills, experiences, and goals as they relate to a specific job opening. The profile can be listed as an overview or summary, or a headline that includes the candidate’s job goal can be added above the profile to help get the employer’s attention.

Why Add a Profile to Your Resume

Resume profiles are the first opportunity to highlight a person’s relevant career experiences, skills, and what goals they are looking to achieve while in their next position.

What Is Included in a Resume Profile

A resume profile is typically several sentences or a short paragraph that summarizes an applicant’s goals and ambitions for his or her next job. It also highlights the candidate’s most relevant qualifications and skills for the position. Profile sections can be titled “Overview,” “Qualifications Profile,” “Professional Summary,” or “Qualifications Summary.”

How to Write a Resume Profile

When written effectively, this section of your resume will catch the eye of a recruiter or employer, setting you apart from other applicants and helping you to secure an interview. Your profile is an opportunity to show the hiring manager that you’re an excellent fit for the job. Here’s how to make your most relevant credentials stand out:

Use a profile to highlight your accomplishments and draw the reader’s eye to your most important attributes. Include percentages, skills mentioned in the job posting, certifications, and a brief overview of your related experience, when writing a profile for your resume. Try to make a close match between your qualifications and the employer’s requirements. Take a few minutes to edit your profile to match the employer’s job requirements each time you apply for a job.

Examples of Resume Profiles

Review resume profile descriptions for a variety of different jobs. Be sure to tailor your resume profile to fit the specific job opening for which you are applying and indicate the skills that qualify you for it.

Resume Template With a Profile Section

This is a resume example with a profile. Download the resume template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online). Overview Driven guidance counselor with 10+ years experience teaching and advising high school students. Fluent in Spanish; skilled at communicating and developing relationships with ESL students and their families. Developing knowledge of American Sign Language. Excellent written and oral communication skills. Related Experience Guidance Counselor, Whitman Charter High School, Boston, MASept. 2014 – PresentProvide one-on-one and group academic counseling to 300-member student body at innovative charter high school focused on vigorous college planning and preparation.

Design and teach weekly course for high school seniors on college application process.Created and updated database of scholarship opportunities for student use.Conceptualized and launched new family educational / support program to ensure success of ESL and underrepresented students who would be the first in their family to apply for and attend college.

Assistant College Counselor, Levine Academy, Boston, MASept. 2011 – July 2014 Met individually with high school seniors to discuss all aspects of the college application process, including college review and selection, application and essay preparation, transcript acquisition, and the financial aid application process.

Taught summer courses on college application process to ESL students and their families.Organized college admission visits to the high school; moderated Q&A sessions.

English Teacher’s Aide, Whitman Charter High School, Boston, MAAug. 2010 – July 2011 Honed expertise in teaching ESL students from a wide variety of cultural, ethnic, and economic backgrounds.

Led reading groups with ESL students during class to improve reading and comprehension.Awarded Outstanding Aide of the Year for excellent work performance.

Education & Credentials Master of Science, Counseling, 2014, Boston College, Boston, MABachelor of Education, Boston University, 2010, Boston, MA