Perfecting the "About Me" in your resumé

Creating a compelling resumé goes beyond listing your past jobs and education. It involves painting a detailed picture of your personality and highlighting your unique traits. This showcases how you fit into the company's culture. A key element in this process is your resumé's "About Me" section.

The 'About Me' section has limited space. Using it to describe yourself effectively can be challenging. That is where this guide comes in handy. We can help you create a standout "About Me," ensuring your application leaves a lasting impression on potential employers.

• Why your "About Me" section matters
• What to include in your "About Me" section
• Dos and don'ts of crafting your "About Me" section
• Resumé "About Me" examples you can adapt for your resumé
• Actionable tips for personalizing your "About Me" section
• Conclusion
• FAQs

Why your "About Me" section matters 

Here are some reasons why it is important to have a well-written "About Me" section:

Differentiate yourself from the crowd

In today's competitive job market, it is crucial to differentiate yourself from the crowd. The "About Me" section is your chance to do that.

It allows you to highlight the qualities, previous experience, and achievements that set you apart from other candidates. Perhaps you have exceptional problem-solving or leadership skills. Or maybe you have relevant experience in a particular field. This section is your opportunity to show potential employers why they should hire you over others competing for the job position.

Grab the hiring manager's attention within seconds

The hiring manager receives a large number of resumés. They may not have the time to review each one thoroughly. That is why it is essential to make sure your resumé stands out. The "About Me" section can be a great place to start.

A well-written description of yourself can quickly catch the hiring manager's eye. It leaves them wanting to learn more about you. This can increase your chances of getting an interview.

What to include in your "About Me" section 

A compelling "About Me" section gives the reader a quick response to the question, "Why are you the best candidate for the job?"

It typically includes the following elements:

A strong opening sentence highlighting your core strengths

The opening sentence in your resumé's "About Me" section is crucial for setting the tone of the document. Make the opening sentence compelling. Identify your core strengths that are relevant to the job title. Craft a concise sentence that summarizes these strengths.

For example, do not use a generic opening statement like "I have worked in project management." Instead, craft a more impactful sentence. It could look like this:

"As a seasoned project manager, I have over a decade of experience leading cross-functional teams. I have driven many successful projects in fast-paced environments." This approach gives the hiring manager a good sense of your core strengths.

Relevant skills and achievements

Your "About Me" section can also highlight your most relevant skills and achievements. This shows hiring managers that you understand the job requirements. It shows them that you have the necessary hard skills and soft skills to succeed.

For instance, if you are applying for a sales position, you could highlight the specific skills you possess. You could say:

"With exceptional communication skills and a knack for closing deals, I led my previous team to exceed their sales targets by 15% in the last quarter."

Quantifiable results to demonstrate impact

Including quantifiable results in your "About Me" section can demonstrate the positive impact of your work. Using numbers can provide concrete evidence of your accomplishments.

So, don't opt for "managed a successful marketing campaign." You could instead say, "Spearheaded a marketing campaign. This boosted our product sales by 35% within 6 months."

Professional goals and how they align with the company's mission

You can include your professional title and career goals and highlight how they align with the company's mission. This can show your interest in the job and in contributing to the company's broader objectives.

For example, if the company aims to enhance educational equity, you might say, "My goal is to leverage data analysis to uncover insights that drive strategic educational initiatives and bridge the achievement gap."

Dos and don'ts of crafting your "About Me" section 

When describing yourself in your resumé, consider the following points to make it more appealing to hiring managers:

Do

Here are some strategies to enhance the impact and appeal of your "About Me" section:

• Use strong action verbs. You can replace phrases like "responsible for" with strong verbs. Some examples include "spearheaded," "led," "developed," or "implemented." These are all action verbs that showcase initiative and impact.
• Focus on achievements, not duties. Instead of simply stating that you managed projects, quantify your results. Describe what you achieved using numbers, percentages, or specific resumé examples.
• Tailor language to the industry: Use industry-specific jargon and keywords that potential employers might look for. Adding these terms to your "About Me" section can show your knowledge and understanding of the industry.
• Highlight transferable skills: If you are changing careers, focus on skills that apply to the new role. Show how your professional experience equips you for success in the new position.
• Proofread meticulously. Ensure the writing is error-free. Ask a friend or family member to review your work for clarity and conciseness. You could also use online grammar-checking tools such as Grammarly, QuillBot, and ProWritingAid. These tools help in identifying and correcting any grammatical errors.

Don't

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when writing the "About Me" section:

• Use clichés: phrases like "team player," "highly motivated," or "results-oriented" are often overused. Replace these with specific descriptions of your skills and experiences. For instance, you could say, "Collaborated with a team of five to complete a project under tight deadlines."
• Add personal information. Keep your resumé professional. Avoid including personal details such as hobbies, religious beliefs, or political views. Instead, focus on your professional achievements, skills, and experiences relevant to the previous role and current job opportunity.
• Include generic statements: Steer clear of using generic statements like "I am a quick learner" or "I work well under pressure." Instead, you can show these qualities with specific examples. For example, you could say, "I quickly mastered a new software tool that increased productivity by 20%."
• Lie or exaggerate: It is important to be honest and truthful about your skills and experience. Honesty can help you build trust and credibility and pave the way for long-term success.

Resumé "About Me" examples you can adapt for your resumé 

Below are a few examples of effective "About Me" paragraphs for different career stages and industries.

College student

An advertising management student at De La Salle University with a strong interest in marketing and sales. Proven leadership skills by serving as project coordinator for several student organization events. Seeking an internship opportunity to apply my creativity and problem-solving skills to a dynamic marketing team.

Recent graduate

A recent graduate from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines with a bachelor's degree in marketing. Completed a successful internship where I developed skills and implemented strategies that increased online traffic to our social media platforms by 30%. Seeking a role where I can apply my creativity and digital marketing skills to drive brand awareness and sales.

Mid-career

Experienced project manager with over 10 years of experience in the construction industry. Successfully managed projects valued at over 5 million pesos, consistently completing projects on time and within budget. Now seeking to leverage my project management skills in the IT industry, with a focus on software development projects.

Executive

Dynamic C-level leader with over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry. a proven track record of driving growth, with a focus on operational efficiency and team leadership. Led a team of over 100 employees to increase company revenue by 50% over five years. Seeking a challenging leadership role in a growth-oriented company.

Industry-specific examples

Marketing

Creative and results-driven marketing professional with over five years of experience in SEO, content marketing, and social media management. Proven track record of increasing online traffic by 40% through effective marketing strategies. Seeking a challenging role to leverage my digital marketing skills to drive brand awareness and lead generation.

Information Technology

Detail-oriented IT professional with over seven years of experience in software development and project management. Proficient in multiple programming languages, including Java, Python, and C++. Proven ability to manage large software development projects and lead a team of developers. Seeking a challenging role to leverage my technical skills and leadership abilities.

Sales

Dynamic and goal-oriented sales professional with a proven track record of exceeding targets and driving revenue growth. Experienced in building strong client relationships and negotiating deals to secure key accounts. Consistently ranked as a top performer in driving sales and meeting customer needs. Seeking a challenging role to leverage my sales expertise and passion for driving business success.

Actionable tips for personalizing your "About Me" section 

Here are some resumé tips to help you personalize your "About Me" resumé section effectively:

Research the company and tailor your message accordingly

Before you start writing, use your research skills to learn more about the company you are applying to. Understand its mission, values, and culture. Look at the skills and experiences your prospective employers value.

Then, tailor your "About Me" resumé section to reflect these insights. Show how your personal traits, experiences, and skills align with the company.

Write in the first-person voice

Writing in the first person makes your resumé more personal and relatable. It allows you to speak directly to the reader and establish a connection. Start sentences with action verbs instead of pronouns like "I" or "my.".

For example, instead of saying, "I have excellent communication skills," you could say, "Communicates complex ideas effectively.".

Use keywords strategically but naturally

Employers use the applicant tracking system (ATS) to screen resumés for job-related keywords. Hence, include these keywords in your "About Me" section. Avoid keyword stuffing and use them naturally and contextually. This makes your resumé ATS-friendly and engaging for recruiters.

For instance, if the job description mentions project management, you could say, “Managed a team of 10 to complete a six-month project successfully."

Highlight your passion and personality authentically

Your "About Me" section is not just about your skills and experiences. It is also about who you are as a person.

Use this section to highlight your passion, values, and personality. Be authentic and genuine. Show what drives you, what you care about, and what makes you unique. This can help you stand out from other job seekers and resonate with potential employers.

Conclusion 

As a job seeker in a competitive market, your resumé's "About Me" section holds unique power. It is a significant part of your professional journey. It allows you to express your individuality, promote your skills, and align your abilities with the employer's requirements.

So, use the resources in this guide to craft an effective personal statement. Check out some of our best resumé templates here as well to see more tips and tricks. Your dream job may depend on it.

FAQs 

1. What should I write in the "About Me" section of a resumé?
   The 'about me' section should be a brief and compelling introduction about yourself. Highlight your professional background and key skills. Show how they align with the job you are applying for. You can also express your career goals and how you can contribute to the prospective company. Keep it concise and relevant to the role.
2. How important is the "About Me" section in a resumé?
   The "About Me" section is quite significant. It provides a quick overview of your professional qualifications for potential employers. It is one of the first things an employer reads, so it is your chance to make a strong first impression. If you write it effectively, it can help you stand out from other applicants.
3. What are good examples of the "About Me" section in a resumé?
   A good example of an "About Me" section includes your professional title (such as customer service officer, designer, engineer, teacher, and so on), your experience in years, any unique skills or achievements, and your career goals (if they align with the job you are applying for). It might look like this:
   Creative graphic designer with 5+ years of experience, specializing in digital illustration and animation. Proficient in creating engaging visuals for gaming platforms. Eager to take the next step in my career, preferably overseeing creative and design processes in a globally recognized gaming company.
4. What should I exclude in the "About Me" section of a resumé? 
   When crafting the "About Me" section of a resumé, it might be beneficial to exclude the following:
   -Religious or political affiliations
   -Hobbies or other interests not related to the job
   -Irrelevant details.
   Always prioritize the skills and experiences that align with the job description. Address what the employer is seeking and highlight only those abilities and qualifications that are relevant to the job. 
5. What do I write in the "Summary of Me" section of a resumé?
   When crafting a "Summary of Me" in a resumé (also known as your "About Me" section), consider including the following information:
   -Your current role or profession
   -The span of your professional experience
   -Skills that are most pertinent to your field
   -Your qualifications
   -Any awards or recognitions you have received
   -Significant outcomes or results you have accomplished.
   Consider this section as a condensed professional biography, providing a snapshot of your most relevant work experiences, skills, and accomplishments.