Your new resume will be starting to take shape. The next step is to create a first page to capture the reader’s attention and encourage them to continue reading.
The first page of your resume should provide an overview of your skills and experience. Ideally, it could stand alone as a one-page resume if required.
Don’t be afraid of some repetition. After all, repetition is key to human understanding and a valuable tool in persuasive writing.
Saying that, you shouldn’t, however, include verbatim whole achievement stories from the body of your resume. Instead, highlight your most persuasive content and achievements on the first page and expand in the body of your resume.
Below is a list of the components for your first page. You don’t need to include every section. Rather, use your judgement to determine your most important content and showcase it front and centre.
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Contents
Resume Sections for First Page
Heading: Use your name. Big, bold and confident. There is no need to title your document ‘Resume’
Position Title: Add the title of the role you are applying for. By doing so, you set a clear intention and help with Applicant Tracking System (ATS) ranking.
Summary of Expertise or Key Skills: This is helpful for roles that require significant technical knowledge. It will quickly confirm if you have the necessary technical expertise.
Career Highlights or Selected Achievements: Use this section to list your top achievements. You should provide a summary and expand in the body of your resume. The examples you select for this section should closely match the requirements of the role you are applying.
Professional Portfolio: If you have a professional online presence, then you can include links. However, make sure that any online content is directly relevant to the position you are applying for and professional. Along with your LinkedIn profile, additional examples include a professional blog, published articles, awards and certificates, creative presentations, portfolios or news features.
Awards: Include any academic or professional awards.
Testimonial: If you have a strong testimonial, you can also include it on your first page.
Personal Brand Statement
Your personal brand statement is 1-2 sentences describing your personal brand, that is, what you do best. It should be memorable, hard-hitting and engaging.
A personal brand statement is a promise of benefit. Less is more. Be as specific as possible to demonstrate clarity and a professional focus.
If you don’t already have a clear idea of your personal brand, review your resume and look out for a theme in your achievements to help to identify where your strengths lie. In doing so, ask yourself, what do I do that adds remarkable value? What are the benefits I bring to an employer?
Alternatively, have a look at your testimonials or performance feedback. Testimonials can also provide clues to strengths and unique value. What do others identify as your strengths?
Once you have a clear idea of what sets you apart, put together a hard-hitting statement.
Here are some examples:
Sales Operations Manager known for strengthening people, processes, and systems for improved sales performance, brand recognition and market share.
Marketing Coordinator who achieves brand exposure and lead generation through well-executed brand events accompanied by tactical digital campaigns.
Remember, your personal brand should be reflected throughout your resume, not just in this opening statement. Therefore, review your personal brand statement and make sure that each strength you have mentioned is highlighted multiple times throughout your resume.
Personal or Professional Summary
The personal or professional summary should highlight what makes you the best candidate for the specific role you are applying for.
Above all, your summary should be authentic and not a paragraph of buzzwords and disjointed statements. You want to use this section to build a connection with the human reader. To do so, you should share your breadth of experience and knowledge, refer to any required qualifications, highlight two or three essential skills, and any top achievements.
Furthermore, your summary should reflect your personal brand and include tangible evidence and specific strengths you can back up with examples. This will be more persuasive than stringing together a bunch of adjectives and generic statements.
You can write your summary in the first person. This will help with authenticity and building a connection.
Alternatively, if you need assistance writing your resume, you can complete a quote request.
Example Personal Summary
I have 15 years of experience providing administrative support within the health industry. Commencing as a Receptionist for XYZ Dental Services, I oversaw reception and provided general administrative assistance. In this role, I build my reputation for thoughtful customer service. In 2019, I was headhunted to ABC Medical Clinic. For the past three years, I have provided leadership to the Administration and Accounts Team and significantly enhanced team performance through process improvements, coaching, and mentoring.
- Six years of experience operating machinery and small plant including 980K Cat Loader; holds Current Driver’s Licence, Forklift Licence, and Licence to Perform High-Risk Work.
- Certificate III Horticulture/Landscape & Certificate II in General Construction, along with hands-on experience in concrete work, digging drains and laying pipes and culverts.
- Puts team success first; known for a willingness to take on any task and for going above and beyond to get the job done.
As a Senior Dentist, for 12 years, I have been providing quality patient care in public and regional private practice. My approach to patient care is friendly and gentle, driven by my desire to make a positive difference for my patients. As a result, patients consistently praise me for thoughtfully responding to concerns and providing guidance for ongoing dental management and health. In 2017, I won a Community Health Care Award for supporting dental health in regional and disadvantaged communities.
For more examples: How to Write a Short and Engaging Pitch About Yourself for Your Resume
Next Step: Editing & Proofreading
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