What Should I Put in the About Me Section on My Resume?

Introduction

Your resume’s About Me section serves as your professional handshake—a brief but powerful introduction that sets the tone for everything that follows. In a competitive job market where hiring managers spend an average of just six to seven seconds on an initial resume scan, those opening lines can mean the difference between landing an interview and ending up in the rejection pile. This critical section sits at the top of your resume, making it the first thing recruiters read after your contact information.

Understanding what to include in your About Me section requires balancing personal branding with professional relevance. You need to capture your unique value proposition while speaking directly to the employer’s needs. Too many job seekers either leave this section blank or fill it with generic platitudes that do nothing to differentiate them from other candidates. The most effective About Me sections combine personality with purpose, creating an immediate connection with the reader.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about crafting an About Me section that gets results. You’ll learn exactly what information to include, how to structure your writing for maximum impact, and how to avoid common mistakes that weaken your application. Whether you’re a recent graduate crafting your first resume or a seasoned executive updating your professional profile, you’ll find actionable advice and examples tailored to your situation.

What Is an About Me Section on a Resume?

The About Me section is a brief paragraph or bulleted list positioned at the top of your resume, typically appearing directly beneath your name and contact information. This section provides a snapshot of who you are professionally, highlighting your most relevant qualifications, key skills, and career focus. Think of it as your elevator pitch in written form—a concise summary that tells employers why they should keep reading.

Unlike other resume sections that list specific experiences or credentials, the About Me section synthesizes your professional identity into a cohesive narrative. It answers the fundamental question every hiring manager has: “Who is this person and what can they bring to our organization?” When done well, it creates context for the detailed information that follows in your work history and education sections.

The About Me section goes by several names in the resume world. You might see it labeled as a professional summary, personal profile, career profile, professional statement, or simply as an introduction. While these terms are often used interchangeably, they all serve the same fundamental purpose: to quickly communicate your value and capture the reader’s attention.

This section typically runs between three to five sentences or approximately 50 to 150 words. Some professionals opt for a bulleted format featuring three to four key points, which can be easier for hiring managers to scan quickly. Regardless of the format you choose, brevity and relevance remain paramount. Every word should earn its place by contributing to a compelling picture of your professional capabilities.

The positioning of the About Me section matters significantly. By appearing at the top of your resume, it serves as a lens through which hiring managers interpret everything else on your document. A well-crafted About Me section primes the reader to notice the specific experiences and skills that support your stated qualifications. This strategic placement makes it one of the most valuable pieces of real estate on your entire resume.

About Me vs. Professional Summary vs. Objective Statement

Understanding the distinctions between an About Me section, professional summary, and objective statement helps you choose the right approach for your specific situation. While these terms overlap considerably, subtle differences in their traditional usage can inform how you structure your resume introduction.

An objective statement focuses on what you want from the employer—the position you’re seeking or the career path you wish to pursue. Traditional objective statements often begin with phrases like “Seeking a position in…” or “Looking for an opportunity to…” This approach dominated resume writing for decades but has fallen out of favor because it emphasizes the candidate’s needs rather than the employer’s priorities.

A professional summary flips this perspective, emphasizing what you offer rather than what you seek. This format highlights your relevant experience, key accomplishments, and most marketable skills. Professional summaries typically work best for candidates with established careers who can point to specific achievements and quantifiable results from previous positions.

The About Me section represents a more personal and flexible approach that can incorporate elements of both formats. It allows for slightly more personality and can include soft skills, work style preferences, and professional values alongside hard credentials. This format works particularly well in industries where cultural fit and personality matter as much as technical qualifications.

For most modern job seekers, the About Me section offers the best balance of professionalism and personalization. It provides enough structure to communicate essential qualifications while allowing room for the authentic voice that helps candidates stand out. The key is adapting your approach based on your industry, career level, and the specific positions you’re targeting.

Consider your industry norms when deciding which approach to take. Traditional fields like finance, law, and healthcare often favor more formal professional summaries, while creative industries, startups, and tech companies may appreciate the slightly more casual tone of an About Me section. When in doubt, research the conventions in your target industry and mirror the language used in job postings.

What to Include in Your About Me Section

Crafting an effective About Me section requires selecting the right combination of elements that speak to your target employers. While you won’t include everything from this list in every resume, understanding these components helps you make strategic choices about what to emphasize.

Professional Title and Years of Experience

Open with a clear statement of your professional identity and experience level. This immediately tells hiring managers where you fit in the organizational hierarchy and whether your background matches their needs. For example, “Senior marketing manager with eight years of experience” or “Entry-level software developer with a passion for front-end technologies.” This positioning statement grounds everything else you’ll say.

Core Competencies and Technical Skills

Highlight the specific skills most relevant to your target position. Review the job posting carefully and identify the key qualifications employers seek. If they emphasize project management, data analysis, or customer relationship management, make sure these capabilities feature prominently in your About Me section. This alignment shows you understand the role and possess the required abilities.

Notable Achievements and Quantifiable Results

Include one or two standout accomplishments that demonstrate your impact in previous roles. Numbers speak powerfully—mention revenue generated, costs reduced, efficiency improvements, or team sizes managed. For instance, “Increased departmental productivity by 35% through process optimization” or “Managed a portfolio of 50+ client accounts totaling $2.5 million in annual revenue.”

Industry Expertise and Specializations

Specify your area of focus within your broader field. A general “accountant” becomes more compelling when described as a “forensic accountant specializing in fraud investigation” or a “tax accountant with expertise in international corporate structures.” This specificity helps employers quickly assess whether your particular expertise matches their needs.

Professional Values and Work Style

Briefly touch on how you approach your work. Are you data-driven or creatively oriented? Do you thrive in collaborative environments or excel as an independent contributor? These insights help employers assess cultural fit and give your About Me section a human dimension that lists of skills cannot provide.

Career Focus and Goals

While you should avoid the outdated “seeking a position” language, briefly indicating your career direction can be valuable. This works especially well when you’re targeting a specific industry or role type. Frame this in terms of what you offer rather than what you want: “Committed to leveraging data analytics expertise to drive evidence-based marketing decisions.”

How to Write an Effective About Me Section

Writing your About Me section becomes manageable when you follow a systematic approach. This process helps you distill your professional story into a compelling introduction that resonates with hiring managers.

Step 1: Analyze the Target Position

Before writing a single word, thoroughly review the job posting and company information. Identify the key qualifications, required skills, and desired attributes mentioned in the listing. Note the language and tone used—formal or casual, technical or accessible. Your About Me section should mirror this language while incorporating the specific keywords employers are seeking.

Step 2: List Your Relevant Qualifications

Create a comprehensive list of your experiences, skills, and achievements that align with the target position. Don’t edit yourself at this stage—capture everything potentially relevant. Include hard skills like software proficiency and certifications alongside soft skills like leadership and communication abilities. Note your most impressive accomplishments with specific metrics where available.

Step 3: Identify Your Unique Value Proposition

Review your list and identify the combination of qualifications that sets you apart from other candidates. What can you offer that others cannot? Perhaps it’s an unusual combination of technical and creative skills, experience in a specific niche, or a track record of solving particular problems. This unique value becomes the core message of your About Me section.

Step 4: Draft Your Opening Statement

Begin with a strong positioning statement that establishes your professional identity. Include your title, years of experience, and primary area of expertise. Make this sentence direct and impactful—it’s the hook that draws readers in. Avoid weak openings like “I am a…” and instead lead with stronger constructions like “Results-driven project manager with 10 years of experience…”

Step 5: Develop Supporting Sentences

Build on your opening with two to three sentences that elaborate on your key qualifications. Highlight your most relevant skills, notable achievements, and areas of expertise. Each sentence should add new information and collectively paint a complete picture of your professional capabilities. Use active verbs and specific details to maintain energy throughout.

Step 6: Close with Impact

End your About Me section with a forward-looking statement that connects your background to future contributions. This might reference your career focus, professional values, or enthusiasm for the target industry. The closing should leave readers eager to learn more about you in the sections that follow.

Step 7: Refine and Optimize

Review your draft for length, clarity, and impact. Remove any filler words or generic phrases that don’t add value. Ensure you’ve incorporated keywords from the job posting naturally into your text. Read your section aloud to check for flow and authenticity. Finally, have someone else review it for any errors or unclear passages.

About Me Section Examples for Different Career Levels

Seeing how these principles apply to different situations helps you craft your own About Me section. The following examples demonstrate effective approaches for various career stages.

Entry-Level and Recent Graduate Example

“Motivated marketing graduate from the University of Michigan with internship experience at a Fortune 500 consumer goods company. Skilled in social media management, content creation, and market research, with proficiency in Google Analytics, Hootsuite, and Adobe Creative Suite. Contributed to a summer campaign that increased Instagram engagement by 45% through targeted content strategies. Eager to apply academic knowledge and practical experience to help innovative brands connect with their audiences.”

This example works because it acknowledges limited experience while emphasizing relevant skills, quantifiable achievements from internships, and genuine enthusiasm for the field.

Mid-Career Professional Example

“Operations manager with seven years of progressive experience in manufacturing environments, specializing in lean production methodologies and continuous improvement initiatives. Proven track record of reducing operational costs by an average of 22% while improving quality metrics and employee satisfaction scores. Skilled at building cross-functional teams and implementing technology solutions that streamline workflows. Six Sigma Black Belt certification with expertise in statistical process control and root cause analysis.”

This example showcases substantial experience, specific achievements with metrics, and technical certifications that validate expertise.

Senior Executive Example

“Visionary chief technology officer with 15+ years of experience driving digital transformation for mid-market financial services firms. Successfully led technology strategy for organizations ranging from $50 million to $500 million in annual revenue, consistently delivering infrastructure modernization projects on time and under budget. Recognized thought leader with speaking engagements at industry conferences and published articles on fintech innovation. Passionate about building high-performing technology teams and leveraging emerging technologies to create competitive advantage.”

This example emphasizes strategic leadership, industry-specific expertise, and thought leadership credentials appropriate for executive-level positions.

Career Changer Example

“Customer success professional transitioning to instructional design, leveraging five years of experience creating training materials, onboarding programs, and customer education content. Developed a comprehensive product training curriculum that reduced customer support tickets by 30% and improved user adoption rates. Currently completing a graduate certificate in instructional design and eLearning, with proficiency in Articulate Storyline, Adobe Captivate, and learning management systems. Combines deep understanding of learner needs with technical content development skills.”

This example addresses the career change directly while highlighting transferable skills and new credentials that support the transition.

Industry-Specific About Me Section Examples

Different industries have distinct expectations for resume style and content. These examples demonstrate how to tailor your About Me section for specific professional contexts.

Technology and Software Development

“Full-stack developer with four years of experience building scalable web applications using React, Node.js, and Python. Contributed to open-source projects with over 500 GitHub stars and developed internal tools that reduced deployment time by 60% at a Series B startup. Strong foundation in agile methodologies, test-driven development, and CI/CD pipelines. Passionate about clean code, user experience, and mentoring junior developers.”

Healthcare and Nursing

“Registered nurse with six years of experience in emergency department and critical care settings, holding ACLS, PALS, and trauma nursing certifications. Skilled at rapid patient assessment, emergency protocols, and family communication during high-stress situations. Consistently recognized for patient satisfaction scores in the top 10% of hospital nursing staff. Committed to evidence-based practice and continuous professional development in emergency medicine.”

Finance and Accounting

“Certified public accountant with eight years of experience in audit and assurance services at Big Four and regional firms. Expertise in financial statement audits, SOX compliance, and risk assessment for clients in manufacturing, retail, and technology sectors. Led audit teams of up to 12 professionals and developed client relationships generating over $1.2 million in annual revenue. Proficient in advanced Excel, ACL, and SAP.”

Creative and Marketing Roles

“Creative director with a decade of experience leading brand campaigns for consumer packaged goods and lifestyle brands. Portfolio includes award-winning work for Procter & Gamble, Target, and emerging direct-to-consumer brands, with campaigns featured in Adweek and Communication Arts. At 0portfolio.com, professionals showcase their creative portfolios to stand out in competitive fields. Expertise spans visual identity development, integrated marketing campaigns, and creative team leadership for agencies and in-house departments.”

Education

“High school science teacher with nine years of classroom experience and a passion for making STEM subjects accessible to diverse learners. Developed and implemented project-based learning curriculum that increased student engagement scores by 40% and AP Biology pass rates by 25%. National Board Certified with additional endorsements in environmental science and chemistry. Active participant in professional learning communities focused on equity and inclusion in science education.”

Human Resources

“HR business partner with seven years of experience supporting technology and professional services organizations through rapid growth phases. Expertise in talent acquisition, performance management, and employee relations, with a track record of reducing turnover by 35% through targeted engagement initiatives. SHRM-SCP certified with additional training in organizational development and change management. Skilled at building trust with employees and leaders while aligning HR strategy with business objectives.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Your About Me Section

Even well-qualified candidates can undermine their applications with About Me sections that miss the mark. Understanding these common pitfalls helps you avoid them in your own writing.

Using Generic Buzzwords Without Substance

Phrases like “team player,” “hard worker,” “detail-oriented,” and “excellent communication skills” appear on countless resumes and tell employers nothing specific about you. These buzzwords have become so overused that they’ve lost all meaning. Instead of claiming to be a “results-driven professional,” show it by including actual results you’ve achieved. Replace vague claims with concrete examples and specific achievements.

Writing in First Person Perspective

While the About Me section is inherently personal, conventional resume format typically avoids first-person pronouns. Rather than writing “I have 10 years of experience in project management,” write “Project management professional with 10 years of experience.” This approach sounds more professional and saves valuable space for substantive content.

Including Irrelevant Personal Information

Your About Me section should focus on professional qualifications, not personal hobbies, family status, or physical characteristics. Information about your pets, sports teams, or weekend activities rarely belongs in this section unless directly relevant to the position. Save personal touches for networking conversations or the brief personal interests line some resumes include at the bottom.

Making It Too Long

Hiring managers don’t have time to read lengthy paragraphs at the top of every resume. If your About Me section exceeds five sentences or 150 words, you’re likely including unnecessary information. Every word should earn its place by directly contributing to your candidacy. Edit ruthlessly to maintain impact and readability.

Failing to Customize for Each Application

Using the same generic About Me section for every application wastes one of your best opportunities to show fit for specific positions. Each About Me section should be tailored to address the key requirements mentioned in the job posting. This doesn’t mean completely rewriting it each time, but adjusting emphasis and keywords to match what employers are seeking.

Being Too Modest or Too Boastful

Finding the right tone requires balance. Underselling yourself with overly humble language makes you seem unconfident or unqualified. Conversely, excessive self-promotion can come across as arrogant or unrealistic. Aim for confident professionalism—state your qualifications clearly and let achievements speak for themselves without excessive superlatives.

Including Salary Expectations or Demands

Your About Me section is not the place to mention desired compensation, benefits requirements, or working conditions. These topics belong in later stages of the hiring process. Including them in your resume introduction creates a negative impression and may cause immediate rejection regardless of your qualifications.

Neglecting to Proofread

Errors in your About Me section are particularly damaging because they appear in the most prominent position on your resume. Spelling mistakes, grammatical errors, and typos in this high-visibility location suggest carelessness that employers extrapolate to your professional work. Triple-check this section and have others review it before submitting any application.

Tips for Making Your About Me Section Stand Out

Beyond avoiding mistakes, these advanced strategies help elevate your About Me section from adequate to exceptional, giving you a competitive edge in your job search.

Lead with Your Strongest Qualifier

Open with the credential, achievement, or experience most likely to impress your target employer. If you have a prestigious certification, impressive achievement, or recognizable employer in your background, position it prominently. Hiring managers often skim resume introductions, so front-loading your most compelling information ensures it gets noticed.

Mirror the Language of Job Postings

Pay attention to the specific terminology used in job descriptions and incorporate it naturally into your About Me section. If the posting emphasizes “stakeholder management” rather than “relationship building,” use their preferred term. This linguistic alignment demonstrates that you understand the role and helps your resume pass through applicant tracking systems that scan for keywords.

Include Metrics and Quantifiable Achievements

Numbers grab attention and provide concrete evidence of your capabilities. Whenever possible, translate your experience into measurable impact: revenue generated, costs saved, efficiency improved, teams managed, or projects completed. Even estimates or ranges are more persuasive than vague claims about your contributions.

Show Personality Appropriately

While maintaining professionalism, let some of your authentic voice come through. This might mean describing your work style, professional values, or approach to challenges. A hint of personality makes your resume more memorable and helps employers assess cultural fit. The key is calibrating the level of informality to your industry and target company.

Create Visual Hierarchy

If your resume format allows, consider using a bulleted list for your About Me section rather than a solid paragraph. Bullets make information easier to scan and ensure key points don’t get lost in dense text. Alternatively, bold key terms within a paragraph format to guide the reader’s eye to essential information.

Test Different Versions

Create multiple versions of your About Me section emphasizing different aspects of your background. Track which version generates better response rates for similar positions. This data-driven approach helps you refine your messaging over time and tailor your approach for different types of opportunities.

Update Regularly

Your About Me section should evolve as your career progresses. After significant achievements, new certifications, or career pivots, revisit and revise this section to reflect your current professional profile. An outdated About Me section wastes an opportunity to showcase your most recent and relevant qualifications.

Read It from the Employer’s Perspective

After drafting your About Me section, read it as if you were the hiring manager. Does it quickly answer the question “Why should I interview this person?” Does it address the key requirements for the position? Does it differentiate this candidate from others with similar backgrounds? This perspective shift often reveals opportunities for improvement.

Conclusion

Your About Me section represents a unique opportunity to shape how employers perceive your candidacy from the very first moment they engage with your resume. By thoughtfully crafting this introduction, you create a compelling narrative that contextualizes your experience and highlights your unique value proposition. The effort you invest in perfecting this section pays dividends throughout your job search.

Remember that the most effective About Me sections balance professionalism with personality, substance with brevity, and confidence with authenticity. They speak directly to employer needs while showcasing what makes you distinctively qualified for the position. Take time to customize this section for each application, incorporating relevant keywords and emphasizing the qualifications most important to each specific opportunity.

As you craft your About Me section, focus on answering the fundamental question every hiring manager has: “What can this person do for our organization?” Lead with your strongest qualifications, support them with specific achievements, and close with a forward-looking statement that connects your background to future contributions. This approach transforms your About Me section from a generic introduction into a powerful tool for advancing your career.

Your resume’s opening paragraph is your chance to make a memorable first impression on potential employers. With the strategies, examples, and best practices outlined in this guide, you’re now equipped to create an About Me section that captures attention, demonstrates value, and opens doors to the opportunities you’re seeking. Take the time to get it right—those few sentences at the top of your resume could be the key to landing your next great position.