Your resume introduction is your first — and sometimes only — chance to grab a recruiter’s attention. Think of it as your elevator pitch in print. In just a few short lines, you need to highlight who you are, what you bring to the table, and why you’re a strong fit for the role.
Whether you're an experienced professional pivoting industries or a recent graduate trying to land your first job, a well-written resume introduction can be the difference between getting noticed or overlooked. In this article, we’ll break down the best resume introduction examples, show you a complete sample resume, and give you expert tips to help you write one that stands out.
WHAT IS A RESUME INTRODUCTION AND WHY IT MATTERS
A resume introduction is typically the first section at the top of your resume, right after your contact information. It’s also referred to as a professional summary or profile statement. Unlike an objective (which focuses on what you want), a resume introduction focuses on what you offer. It helps recruiters quickly understand your value, especially when they’re scanning hundreds of resumes.
The goal is to summarize your experience, skills, and achievements in a compelling, concise way — and tailor it to the job you’re applying for.
Let’s take a look at a real-world, manually written resume tailored to a mid-level marketing role, with a strong and natural introduction.
COMPLETE SAMPLE RESUME WITH AN EFFECTIVE INTRODUCTION
Jordan Ellis
Marketing Professional
Phone: (000) 123-4567
Location: Chicago, IL
Professional Summary
Creative and results-driven marketing professional with 7+ years of experience developing and executing digital campaigns across multiple channels. Proven track record of increasing brand engagement and driving lead generation through data-driven strategies. Skilled in SEO, content marketing, and paid social media. Passionate about using storytelling and analytics to deliver marketing outcomes that align with business goals.
Professional Experience
Digital Marketing Manager
Skyline Tech Solutions — Chicago, IL
January 2021 – Present
Led a cross-functional team to execute digital campaigns that increased website traffic by 38% in 12 months.
Optimized email marketing workflows, improving click-through rates by 26%.
Managed a $100k+ annual paid social media budget across Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
Collaborated with product and sales teams to align messaging and customer personas.
Marketing Specialist
BrightPath Digital — Evanston, IL
August 2017 – December 2020
Created blog and landing page content that improved organic rankings for 25+ keywords.
Developed monthly analytics reports using Google Analytics and HubSpot.
Assisted in launching a new product that generated over 1,500 sign-ups in the first quarter.
Education
Bachelor of Science in Marketing
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Skills
SEO & SEM
Google Analytics & HubSpot
Content Strategy
Paid Social Media (Meta, LinkedIn)
A/B Testing
CRM Management
PRACTICAL TIPS FOR WRITING A STRONG RESUME INTRODUCTION
Tailor it to the job.
Use keywords and phrases from the job description. If they’re looking for someone who knows SEO, make sure that’s in your summary.
Focus on results, not just responsibilities.
Anyone can say they “managed social media” — instead, mention that you grew Instagram followers by 40% or improved CTRs by 20%.
Keep it short and impactful.
Aim for 3–5 lines. Don’t overwhelm the reader — your introduction should act as a hook that makes them want to read more.
Skip the buzzwords.
Avoid generic terms like “go-getter” or “team player.” Be specific and show your value with facts or accomplishments.
Use confident language.
Strong action words like “led,” “developed,” and “delivered” make your achievements stand out.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT RESUME INTRODUCTION EXAMPLES
What’s the difference between a resume introduction and a resume objective?
A resume introduction highlights your experience and what you bring to the role, while an objective focuses on what you hope to gain. In most modern resumes, a summary (introduction) is preferred, especially for those with some experience.
Should I include a resume introduction if I’m just starting out?
Yes! Even entry-level applicants can write a strong introduction by focusing on education, internships, transferable skills, and enthusiasm for the role or industry.
How do I make my resume introduction stand out?
Use specific numbers or results when possible, match it to the job description, and keep it concise. Avoid clichés and focus on what makes you uniquely qualified.
Can I use the same introduction for every job application?
It’s better to tweak your resume introduction for each job you apply to. Customizing it with role-specific keywords shows that you’ve taken the time to understand the position and how you fit.
A great resume introduction sets the tone for everything that follows. By using the right strategy and tailoring your message to the job at hand, you can stand out in a crowded job market — and land more interviews.
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