How to Start a Resume (With Examples)
Why the Start of Your Resume Matters
The beginning of your resume is one of the most important parts of the document.
Hiring managers often review resumes quickly. The top section helps them decide whether your background is relevant enough to read further.
A strong resume opening can quickly answer questions such as:
Who are you professionally?
What role are you applying for?
What experience do you bring?
What are your strongest skills?
What value can you offer the employer?
Why should they keep reading?
A weak opening can make even a qualified candidate seem unclear or unfocused. A strong opening can help your resume feel organized, relevant and professional from the first line.
What Should Go at the Top of a Resume?
The top of your resume usually includes:
Your name
Phone number
Professional email address
City and state or general location
LinkedIn profile or portfolio link, if relevant
Resume summary, objective or professional profile
Key skills section, if appropriate
You do not need to include personal details such as your full address, marital status, age, photo or unrelated social media accounts unless they are required in your country or industry.
For most modern resumes, the top section should be clean, easy to scan and focused on professional information.
Step 1: Start With Your Name
Your name should appear at the top of your resume. It should be easy to find and slightly larger than the rest of the text.
You do not need to use decorative fonts or complicated formatting. A simple, professional layout is usually best.
Example:
Jordan Lee
Or:
Avery Thompson
Your name should be the first thing the employer notices.
Step 2: Add Your Contact Information
After your name, add your contact information.
Common contact details include:
Phone number
Professional email address
City and state
LinkedIn profile
Portfolio website
Personal website, if relevant
GitHub profile, for technical roles
Design portfolio, for creative roles
Make sure your email address is professional. A simple format using your name is best.
Good example:
Weak example:
You should also check that your phone number is correct and that your voicemail greeting sounds professional.
Step 3: Choose the Right Resume Opening
After your contact information, choose the opening section that best fits your situation.
The most common options are:
Resume summary
Resume objective
Professional profile
Summary of qualifications
Skills summary
Each one serves a slightly different purpose.
A resume summary is best for candidates with relevant experience.
A resume objective is useful for students, entry-level candidates or career changers.
A professional profile works well for experienced professionals who want a slightly broader introduction.
A summary of qualifications works well when you want to highlight several key achievements or skills quickly.
The best choice depends on your background and the job you want.
Step 4: Write a Resume Summary
A resume summary is a short introduction that highlights your most relevant experience, skills and achievements.
It is usually two to four sentences long.
A resume summary is a good choice if you have work experience that relates to the job.
A strong resume summary should include:
Your professional title or background
Years of experience, if relevant
Key skills
Major achievements
Industry or role focus
Value you can bring to the employer
Example:
“Marketing specialist with four years of experience planning content campaigns, managing social media calendars and analyzing performance reports. Skilled in SEO content, email marketing and audience research. Known for turning customer insights into clear messaging that supports campaign growth.”
This summary works because it is specific, relevant and focused on value.
Step 5: Write a Resume Objective
A resume objective explains your career goal and how it connects to the role.
It is usually best for candidates who have limited experience, are changing careers or are applying for internships or entry-level positions.
A strong resume objective should focus on what you can contribute, not only what you want.
Weak example:
“Looking for a job where I can learn and grow.”
Strong example:
“Recent business graduate with internship experience in market research, data entry and presentation preparation. Seeking an entry-level business analyst role where I can apply strong Excel, research and communication skills to support data-driven decisions.”
The strong version is better because it mentions education, experience, skills and the target role.
Resume Summary vs. Resume Objective
A resume summary focuses on what you have already done.
A resume objective focuses on what you want to do next.
Here is the difference:
Resume summary: best for experienced candidates
Resume objective: best for entry-level candidates, students or career changers
Professional profile: best for experienced candidates with broad skills
Summary of qualifications: best for quickly highlighting several strengths
For example:
Resume summary:
“Sales representative with five years of experience managing client relationships, building pipelines and exceeding monthly sales targets.”
Resume objective:
“Motivated business student seeking a sales internship where I can apply communication, research and customer service skills.”
Both can be effective when used correctly.
Step 6: Add a Key Skills Section
A key skills section can help employers quickly see your most relevant abilities.
This section is especially useful if the job description includes specific skills, tools or qualifications.
Examples of skills to include:
Project management
Customer service
Data analysis
Salesforce
Excel
SEO
Budgeting
Copywriting
Leadership
CRM systems
Public speaking
Inventory management
Social media marketing
SQL
Adobe Creative Suite
Choose skills that match the job. Do not list every skill you have.
A skills section near the top can be especially helpful for technical roles, career changers and candidates applying through online systems.
Step 7: Tailor the Opening to the Job
A strong resume opening should match the job description.
Before writing, review the job posting and identify the most important qualifications.
Look for:
Repeated keywords
Required skills
Preferred experience
Industry terms
Tools or software
Main responsibilities
Then adjust your opening section to match the role.
For example, if the job emphasizes customer retention, your summary should mention customer relationships, issue resolution or satisfaction.
If the job emphasizes data reporting, your summary should mention analysis, dashboards, Excel, SQL or reporting tools.
A tailored opening feels more relevant than a generic one.
Step 8: Lead With Your Strongest Information
The beginning of your resume should highlight your strongest qualification first.
If you have strong experience, lead with experience.
If you are a recent graduate, lead with education, internships or projects.
If you are changing careers, lead with transferable skills.
If you have an impressive certification, mention it early.
If you have measurable achievements, include them in your summary.
For example:
“Project manager with eight years of experience leading cross-functional teams and delivering software projects on time and within budget.”
This immediately tells the employer what type of candidate they are reviewing.
Resume Opening Format Example
Here is a simple resume opening format:
[Full Name]
[Phone Number] | [Email Address] | [City, State] | [LinkedIn or Portfolio]
[Resume Summary or Objective]
[Key Skills]
Example:
Jordan Lee
555-123-4567 | jordan.lee@email.com | Austin, TX | linkedin.com/in/jordanlee
Customer service representative with four years of experience supporting ecommerce customers through phone, email and live chat. Skilled in CRM documentation, refund processing and conflict resolution. Known for staying calm during high-volume periods and helping customers reach clear solutions.
Key Skills: Customer Support, CRM Systems, Conflict Resolution, Order Management, Live Chat, Email Support
Examples of Strong Resume Openings
1. Entry-Level Resume Opening Example
Taylor Morgan
taylor.morgan@email.com | Chicago, IL | 555-123-4567
Recent communications graduate with internship experience in social media planning, content writing and event promotion. Skilled in research, editing and audience engagement. Seeking an entry-level marketing role where I can support campaign execution and grow as part of a creative team.
Key Skills: Content Writing, Social Media, Research, Editing, Event Support, Communication
2. Experienced Professional Resume Opening Example
Avery Chen
avery.chen@email.com | San Diego, CA | 555-123-4567
Operations manager with nine years of experience improving workflows, managing vendor relationships and leading cross-functional teams. Skilled in process improvement, team scheduling and performance reporting. Known for creating systems that reduce delays and improve daily efficiency.
Key Skills: Operations Management, Process Improvement, Vendor Coordination, Team Leadership, Reporting
3. Career Change Resume Opening Example
Morgan Patel
morgan.patel@email.com | Denver, CO | 555-123-4567
Former teacher transitioning into corporate training, with six years of experience developing lesson plans, presenting complex information and supporting learner success. Skilled in curriculum design, public speaking and instructional communication. Ready to apply education experience to employee training and development programs.
Key Skills: Training, Curriculum Development, Presentation Skills, Coaching, Communication, Learning Design
4. Student Resume Opening Example
Jamie Rivera
jamie.rivera@email.com | Boston, MA | 555-123-4567
Business student with experience in campus leadership, volunteer coordination and academic research projects. Strong organization, teamwork and presentation skills. Interested in an internship where I can support business operations, project coordination and client communication.
Key Skills: Research, Organization, Teamwork, Presentation, Microsoft Excel, Event Planning
5. Remote Job Resume Opening Example
Casey Brooks
casey.brooks@email.com | Portland, OR | 555-123-4567
Self-motivated administrative assistant with five years of experience managing calendars, preparing documents and coordinating communication in remote and hybrid work environments. Skilled in digital collaboration tools, scheduling and inbox management. Known for staying organized, responsive and reliable across distributed teams.
Key Skills: Remote Collaboration, Scheduling, Calendar Management, Documentation, Email Communication
6. Customer Service Resume Opening Example
Jordan Hayes
jordan.hayes@email.com | Phoenix, AZ | 555-123-4567
Customer service specialist with four years of experience resolving customer issues through phone, email and live chat. Skilled in CRM systems, order tracking and conflict resolution. Recognized for maintaining a calm, helpful tone during high-volume support periods.
Key Skills: Customer Service, CRM Documentation, Live Chat, Order Support, Conflict Resolution
7. Sales Resume Opening Example
Riley Carter
riley.carter@email.com | Atlanta, GA | 555-123-4567
Sales representative with six years of experience building client relationships, managing pipelines and presenting product solutions to business customers. Skilled in consultative selling, CRM tracking and lead follow-up. Strong record of turning customer needs into clear sales opportunities.
Key Skills: Sales, Lead Generation, CRM, Client Communication, Product Demos, Pipeline Management
8. Marketing Resume Opening Example
Alex Morgan
alex.morgan@email.com | New York, NY | 555-123-4567
Marketing coordinator with three years of experience supporting content campaigns, email marketing and social media scheduling. Skilled in campaign reporting, SEO content planning and audience research. Focused on creating clear messages that support brand awareness and customer engagement.
Key Skills: Content Marketing, Email Marketing, SEO, Social Media, Reporting, Audience Research
9. Data Analyst Resume Opening Example
Sam Wilson
sam.wilson@email.com | Seattle, WA | 555-123-4567
Data analyst with experience cleaning datasets, building dashboards and translating business questions into clear insights. Skilled in SQL, Excel, data visualization and performance reporting. Strong ability to explain data findings to nontechnical stakeholders.
Key Skills: SQL, Excel, Data Visualization, Dashboard Reporting, Data Cleaning, Business Analysis
10. Project Manager Resume Opening Example
Priya Shah
priya.shah@email.com | Dallas, TX | 555-123-4567
Project manager with seven years of experience coordinating timelines, budgets and cross-functional teams. Skilled in stakeholder communication, risk tracking and process improvement. Known for keeping complex projects organized and helping teams meet deadlines.
Key Skills: Project Management, Stakeholder Communication, Risk Management, Budget Tracking, Process Improvement
Resume Opening Templates
Resume Summary Template
[Professional title] with [number] years of experience in [field or function]. Skilled in [skill 1], [skill 2] and [skill 3]. Known for [achievement, strength or value you bring].
Example:
“Graphic designer with five years of experience creating brand assets, social media visuals and marketing materials. Skilled in layout design, visual storytelling and Adobe Creative Suite. Known for turning brand guidelines into clear, engaging visuals.”
Resume Objective Template
[Student, graduate or professional background] seeking [target role] where I can apply [skill 1], [skill 2] and [skill 3] to support [company need or business goal].
Example:
“Recent finance graduate seeking an entry-level analyst role where I can apply Excel, research and financial modeling skills to support business reporting and decision-making.”
Career Change Resume Opening Template
[Previous role or background] transitioning into [target field], with experience in [transferable skill 1], [transferable skill 2] and [transferable skill 3]. Prepared to apply [relevant strength] to [target role or industry].
Example:
“Retail manager transitioning into human resources, with experience in team training, scheduling, conflict resolution and employee support. Prepared to apply people management and communication skills to an HR coordinator role.”
Summary of Qualifications Template
Summary of Qualifications
[Number] years of experience in [field]
Skilled in [skill 1], [skill 2] and [skill 3]
Experience with [tool, process or responsibility]
Known for [achievement or work style]
Example:
Summary of Qualifications
Five years of experience in administrative support
Skilled in scheduling, document preparation and vendor coordination
Experience using Microsoft Office, Google Workspace and project tracking tools
Known for organization, accuracy and reliable follow-through
What To Start With if You Have No Experience
If you have little or no work experience, start your resume with education, skills, projects, volunteer work or relevant coursework.
You can still create a strong opening by focusing on what you can offer.
Example:
“Motivated high school graduate with strong communication, organization and teamwork skills developed through volunteer work and school projects. Reliable, quick to learn and interested in an entry-level customer service role.”
You can include:
School projects
Volunteer experience
Leadership roles
Clubs or activities
Relevant coursework
Technical skills
Certifications
Part-time work
Internships
Transferable skills
The goal is to show potential, responsibility and readiness to learn.
What To Start With if You Are Changing Careers
If you are changing careers, your resume opening should explain the connection between your past experience and your new direction.
Do not hide your career change. Instead, frame it clearly.
Example:
“Experienced retail supervisor transitioning into operations coordination, with seven years of experience managing schedules, inventory, team communication and customer service. Skilled in organization, problem-solving and process improvement.”
This opening helps the employer understand why your background is still relevant.
Focus on transferable skills such as:
Communication
Leadership
Organization
Customer service
Problem-solving
Data analysis
Training
Project coordination
Sales
Operations
What To Start With if You Are an Experienced Professional
If you have several years of relevant experience, start with a resume summary that highlights your role, industry, skills and achievements.
Example:
“Senior accountant with 10 years of experience in financial reporting, reconciliations and month-end close processes. Skilled in budgeting, audit preparation and process improvement. Known for improving reporting accuracy and supporting reliable financial operations.”
Experienced professionals should avoid starting with a vague objective. Employers are usually more interested in what you have already accomplished and what value you can bring.
What To Start With if You Are Applying for a Promotion
If you are applying for an internal promotion, start with your current role, company knowledge and leadership potential.
Example:
“Operations specialist with five years of experience supporting internal workflow, team coordination and process documentation. Strong understanding of company systems and department goals. Prepared to take on greater leadership responsibility and support broader team performance.”
This opening shows both experience and readiness for the next step.
What To Start With if You Are Applying for a Remote Job
For remote jobs, your resume opening should show independence, communication and digital collaboration skills.
Example:
“Remote customer support specialist with four years of experience managing email, chat and ticket-based support across distributed teams. Skilled in written communication, CRM documentation and independent task management. Known for staying responsive and organized in fast-paced remote environments.”
Remote employers often value reliability, written communication and self-management, so include those early if they apply.
Should You Start With Education or Experience?
The answer depends on your background.
Start with experience if you have relevant work history.
Start with education if you are a student, recent graduate or applying for an academic program.
Start with skills if you are changing careers or applying for a technical role where specific tools matter.
Start with certifications if the job requires a specific credential.
For most experienced job seekers, work experience should appear before education. For students and recent graduates, education can appear earlier.
The top section should always highlight what makes you most qualified for the specific role.
Resume Opening Examples: Strong vs. Weak
Weak Example
“Hardworking individual looking for a job where I can use my skills and grow.”
This is weak because it is too generic. It does not explain the candidate’s experience, skills or target role.
Strong Example
“Administrative assistant with three years of experience managing calendars, preparing reports and supporting office communication. Skilled in scheduling, document organization and vendor coordination.”
This is stronger because it tells the employer exactly what the candidate can do.
Weak Example
“I want to work for a company that gives me a chance to learn.”
This focuses too much on what the candidate wants.
Strong Example
“Recent business graduate with internship experience in research, data entry and presentation preparation. Skilled in Excel, written communication and project organization.”
This focuses on what the candidate can offer.
Weak Example
“Friendly worker with many talents.”
This is too vague and does not sound professional.
Strong Example
“Retail associate with four years of experience in customer service, inventory support and point-of-sale operations. Skilled in product recommendations, conflict resolution and store organization.”
This is specific and relevant.
Common Mistakes When Starting a Resume
One common mistake is starting with an outdated objective that only says what you want. Employers care more about what you can contribute.
Another mistake is including too much personal information. Your resume opening should focus on professional details.
A third mistake is using a generic summary that could apply to anyone. Words like “hardworking,” “motivated” and “team player” are not enough without specific evidence.
Another mistake is making the top section too crowded. If the first part of your resume is hard to read, hiring managers may move on quickly.
Finally, some job seekers forget to tailor the opening. A resume for a marketing role should not start the same way as a resume for an operations role.
Tips for Starting a Resume Strongly
Keep the top section clean and easy to read.
Use a professional email address.
Choose a resume summary if you have relevant experience.
Choose a resume objective if you are entry-level or changing careers.
Mention the skills and experience most relevant to the job.
Include measurable achievements when possible.
Use keywords from the job description naturally.
Avoid clichés and vague statements.
Proofread your contact information carefully.
Make sure the rest of your resume supports your opening.
A strong resume opening should feel like a clear preview of the rest of your resume.
How To Match Your Resume Opening to the Job Description
To match your resume opening to the job description, start by identifying the employer’s main needs.
For example, if the job posting emphasizes “client communication,” “project tracking” and “deadline management,” your opening might say:
“Project coordinator with five years of experience supporting client communication, tracking deliverables and managing project deadlines. Skilled in status reporting, stakeholder updates and workflow organization.”
This opening uses the employer’s priorities without copying the job description word for word.
Tailoring does not mean exaggerating. Only include skills and experience you actually have.
How Long Should the Resume Opening Be?
Your resume opening should be short.
Your contact section should only include necessary details. Your summary or objective should usually be two to four sentences. Your skills section should include a focused list of relevant skills, not every ability you have.
A long opening can take space away from your work experience, education and achievements.
A concise opening is easier to scan and often more effective.
Should You Include a Headline?
A resume headline is a short phrase that appears near the top of your resume and summarizes your professional identity.
Examples:
Customer Service Specialist
Entry-Level Data Analyst
Project Manager | Operations and Process Improvement
B2B Marketing Coordinator
Registered Nurse | Patient Care and Care Coordination
A headline can be useful because it quickly tells the employer what type of candidate you are.
If you use a headline, place it near your name or above your summary.
Should You Include Links at the Top?
You can include links at the top of your resume if they are relevant.
Useful links may include:
LinkedIn profile
Portfolio website
GitHub profile
Writing samples
Design portfolio
Personal website
Professional online profile
Only include links that support your application. Make sure each link works and leads to professional content.
Do not include personal social media accounts unless they are relevant to the role.
Should You Include a Photo?
In many U.S. resumes, a photo is not standard and is usually not necessary.
Some countries and industries may have different expectations, so follow the norms of your target market.
If you are applying in a region where photos are not expected, focus on your experience, skills and qualifications instead.
How Dokie Can Help With Resume and Career Presentations
Starting a resume is only one part of presenting your professional story. Job seekers may also need portfolio decks, interview presentations, project summaries, case study slides or career achievement presentations. Dokie can help turn resume highlights, work samples and interview notes into polished slides quickly. Instead of spending hours formatting a deck manually, you can use Dokie to organize your experience, present your strengths and create professional career materials for interviews, networking or job search preparation.
Conclusion
Starting a resume well can make the rest of your application stronger.
The top of your resume should quickly show who you are, how employers can contact you and why you may be a strong fit for the role.
Begin with your name and contact information. Then choose the right opening section, such as a resume summary, objective, professional profile or summary of qualifications. Add relevant skills if they help the employer understand your fit quickly.
The best resume openings are specific, concise and tailored to the job. They avoid vague language and focus on the experience, skills and achievements that matter most.
A strong opening does not need to be complicated. It simply needs to make the hiring manager want to keep reading.
FAQs
What should I put first on a resume?
Start with your name and contact information. Then include a resume summary, objective or professional profile.
How do you start a resume introduction?
Start with your professional title or background, then mention your most relevant experience, skills and value.
Should I start a resume with a summary or objective?
Use a summary if you have relevant experience. Use an objective if you are entry-level, a student or changing careers.
What is a good resume opening?
A good resume opening is clear, specific and tailored to the job. It quickly shows your experience, skills and fit for the role.
How long should a resume summary be?
A resume summary should usually be two to four sentences.
What should I include in my resume header?
Include your name, phone number, professional email address, location and relevant professional links.
Should I include my full address on a resume?
In most cases, you only need to include your city and state or general location. A full street address is usually not necessary.
What is a resume headline?
A resume headline is a short phrase that summarizes your professional identity, such as “Project Manager” or “Entry-Level Data Analyst.”
Can I start a resume with skills?
Yes, especially if you are applying for a technical role, changing careers or want to highlight specific tools and abilities.
What should I put on a resume if I have no experience?
Include education, projects, volunteer work, internships, coursework, certifications and transferable skills.
How do I start a resume for a career change?
Start with a summary that explains your transferable skills and connects your previous experience to the new role.
Should I include LinkedIn at the top of my resume?
Yes, if your LinkedIn profile is updated and relevant to the job.
Should I include a photo on my resume?
For most U.S. resumes, a photo is not necessary. Follow the expectations of the country and industry where you are applying.
What mistakes should I avoid at the start of a resume?
Avoid vague summaries, unprofessional email addresses, too much personal information, outdated objectives and crowded formatting.
How can I make my resume opening stand out?
Tailor it to the job, use specific skills, include measurable achievements when possible and keep the writing concise.