Summary Statements

In 3-5 lines, summarize your title/professional identity, your core functional expertise or industry knowledge, your key strengths/skills or leadership style, and what you are known for (your UVP/unique edge). Optionally include your work ethos or career objective: “Looking to bring X to Y kind of role/team.”

Example:

Growth-focused product leader with 8+ years in consumer tech. Skilled in roadmap development, user insights, and cross-functional team leadership. Known for simplifying complexity and accelerating execution. Looking to drive innovation at a mission-driven company.

Here's a breakdown:

Short answer: In most cases, yes. 

Referencing the specific role or functional area you're targeting in your brand statement helps tailor your message, align your value with employer needs, and improve your visibility in both human and automated resume reviews (like ATS).

Here’s when and why it matters:

1. When you’re tailoring your résumé for a specific job 

1. • Including the job title or a close variation signals that you're focused and aligned with the role at hand. It instantly helps hiring managers and applicant tracking systems (ATS) match your résumé to the job description.

   • Example: Aspiring Brand Manager with a strong foundation in consumer insights and go-to-market strategy, seeking to drive innovation and equity growth for top-tier CPG brands.

2. When you’re switching industries or careers

   • Referencing the new direction helps bridge the gap between your past experience and your future goals. It gives context to your transition and helps recruiters see where you're headed.

   • Example: Operations leader pivoting into product management, combining supply chain expertise with an agile mindset to drive cross-functional tech product delivery.

When You May NOT Need to Include a Specific Title

1. General networking or portfolio résumés where you’re showcasing a broader range of skills and want to keep your options open.

2. Executive-level résumés, where brand statements often highlight leadership philosophy, strategic impact, or vision over specific roles.

   • Example: Growth-focused executive driving market share, digital innovation, and team transformation across Fortune 500 companies.

Best Practice

If you're applying for a specific role or want your career direction to be immediately clear, include the job title or functional area in your brand statement. Even if it's not the exact title from the job posting, referencing the intent of the role (e.g., “Product Manager,” “Strategic Marketer,” “Financial Analyst”) positions you as purposeful and aligned.

Your summary statement is your first impression — a headline that sits at the top of your resume, LinkedIn profile, or personal website. But it’s more than just a highlight reel. It’s your chance to frame your story, show your value, and connect with the people you want to reach — whether that's a hiring manager, recruiter, collaborator, or potential client.

The most effective summaries do two things well:

1. They speak directly to the audience. A recruiter in tech is looking for different signals than a creative director or a nonprofit leader.

2. They reflect your voice and personality. Your summary should sound like you — not like it was pulled from a corporate template.

Below, you’ll find examples of summary statements written for different roles, industries, and tones — from bold and creative to polished and executive. Use them for inspiration, but remember: the best summary is the one that feels true to your experience and makes your audience lean in, curious to learn more.