how to introduce yourself resume

46 Examples of a Resume Opening Statement (Perfect Introduction)

By Status.net Editorial Team on February 8, 2024 — 8 minutes to read

A resume opening statement, also known as a summary or objective, serves as your first impression to potential employers. This brief and concise introduction highlights your relevant skills, experiences, and career goals. It’s important because it can catch an employer’s attention and convince them to read the rest of your resume.

Sets the tone : It establishes a professional image and indicates the level of your expertise.
Tailors your resume : You can tailor this statement to align with the job description, showcasing how your skills are a perfect match for the position.
Showcases your value : By summarizing your most impressive accomplishments, you can quickly show how you will add value to the company.

Elements of a Strong Opening Statement

When you’re crafting the opening statement for your resume, think of it as your professional handshake. This means you need to capture attention while succinctly showcasing your top qualifications. Here are key elements to include:

Tailor it to the job. Match your statement to the job description. Highlight how your skills and experience align with the requirements of the position.
Use actionable language. Start sentences with verbs that convey your ability to take initiative, such as “managed,” “developed,” or “increased.”
Quantify achievements. Where possible, use numbers to demonstrate your accomplishments. For example, “Increased sales by 20% within a year through strategic marketing initiatives.”
Include relevant experience. Mention your most pertinent past roles. If you’re a recent graduate, focus on education, internships, and important projects.
Add your career goals. Briefly outline how you intend to contribute to the company and grow professionally.
Keep it concise. Your opening statement should be a compelling snapshot, not a deep dive. Aim for no more than a few sentences or bullet points.

Sales Manager: “Seasoned Sales Manager with over 10 years of experience in fostering robust client relationships and driving profitable business growth. Achieved an average of 15% yearly sales increase by leading and mentoring a dynamic team.”

Graphic Designer: “Creative Graphic Designer with a passion for developing original designs that resonate with audiences. Expert in Adobe Creative Suite with a track record of delivering high-impact visuals for diverse campaigns.”

Crafting a Personalized Introduction

When writing a resume opening statement, you should focus on creating a unique introduction that captures your professional identity. It’s important to tailor this section specifically to the job you’re applying for, highlighting skills and experiences that align with what the potential employer is seeking.

Start with a strong opening sentence that grabs attention. You might introduce yourself with a significant achievement or detail that’s relevant to the role. Example: “As a digital marketing specialist with a proven track record in growing online audiences, I’ve successfully increased social media engagement by over 60% for multiple brands.”
Connect your background to the job description. Use the keywords from the job listing to emphasize how your experience matches the requirements. Example: “With a commitment to continuous improvement and lean management, I bring over 5 years of experience in streamlining operational processes for manufacturing sectors.”
Mention any unique qualifications or certifications that set you apart from other candidates. Example: “Certified project management professional (PMP) skilled in leading cross-functional teams to deliver complex projects on time and under budget.”
Reflect your enthusiasm for the role. Employers appreciate candidates who are excited about the possibility of joining their team. Example: “Eager to contribute my expertise in innovative UX design and user research to enhance the client experience at a forward-thinking tech company like yours.”

Tailoring the Statement to the Job Description

When you’re writing a resume opening statement, it’s important to align it with the job you’re applying for. Start by carefully reading the job description. Identify the key skills and experiences the employer is looking for. Your opening statement should reflect that you possess these qualifications.

Make a list of the skills and competencies the job requires. For example, if the job calls for “excellent customer service skills” or “proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite,” make sure these are mentioned in your statement if you have these skills. Here’s how you might begin your statement for such a scenario:

For customer service roles: “Dedicated customer service professional with 5 years of experience…”
For a design position: “Creative graphic designer skilled in Adobe Creative Suite, with a strong…”

You can use keywords from the job description. This not only shows you’re a good match but also helps your resume get past applicant tracking systems which are programmed to look for these keywords.

Use quantifiable achievements when possible. Instead of writing “experienced salesperson,” you might say, “Sales professional with a track record of exceeding targets by 20%.”

Examples of Resume Opening Statements

Experienced marketing manager with a proven track record in developing successful campaigns and leading high-performing teams.
Customer service expert committed to providing exceptional care and developing long-term client relationships.
Detail-oriented graphic designer with 5+ years in the freelance industry, known for creativity and a quick turnaround time.
Certified project manager who has successfully delivered over 30 large-scale technology projects on time and within budget.
Professional content writer with a knack for crafting engaging content that boosts SEO and drives user engagement.
Recent graduate with a Master’s in Environmental Science ready to apply rigorous research and analytical skills in a dynamic setting.
Enthusiastic sales associate recognized repeatedly for top performance and commitment to team goals.
Dynamic HR coordinator with a passion for improving employee relations and a deep understanding of recruitment processes.
Organized administrative assistant, experienced in scheduling, office management, and providing excellent administrative support to executives.
Skilled electrician with a focus on maintaining high safety standards and delivering quality service on residential and commercial projects.
Ambitious business analyst, eager to use extensive background in data analysis and financial modeling to drive business insights.
Compassionate social worker with a strong background in counseling and case management for diverse populations.
Seasoned retail manager, adept at merchandising, staff training, and increasing sales through strategic store operations.
Bilingual translator fluent in English and Spanish, dedicated to maintaining the essence of the original text in each translation.
Professional chef with a love for farm-to-table cooking and experience managing fast-paced restaurant kitchens.
Reliable logistics coordinator with a deep understanding of supply chain processes and a commitment to efficiency and cost-reduction.
Goal-oriented fitness coach with a track record of designing personalized programs that help clients achieve their fitness goals.
Versatile performer with experience in theater, film, and voice acting, ready to bring characters to life with enthusiasm and dedication.
Data scientist with a passion for uncovering insights through big data analytics and advanced statistical methods.
Talented web designer with a flair for creating intuitive, user-friendly websites that drive user engagement.
Civil engineer with expertise in green building techniques and a dedication to sustainable urban development.
Industrial designer with a knack for developing innovative product designs that meet consumer needs and manufacturing requirements.
Doctoral candidate in Computer Science, eager to apply research on machine learning algorithms in a practical, industry setting.
Skilled carpenter with a strong work ethic and extensive experience in residential and commercial construction.
Professional photographer with expertise in portrait and landscape photography and a passion for capturing unforgettable moments.
Certified public accountant with rigorous attention to detail and a strong background in financial analysis and tax preparation.
Recent Bachelor of Science in Nursing graduate, eager to provide high-quality patient care in a challenging healthcare environment.
Expertise in aerospace engineering with a strong foundation in fluid dynamics and propulsion systems.
Dedicated teacher with a focus on inclusive education and fostering a love for learning in every student.
Results-driven marketing specialist with a solid understanding of digital marketing trends and analytics tools.
Construction project manager skilled in leading cross-functional teams and delivering projects under tight deadlines.
Laboratory technician with a meticulous approach to conducting experiments and analyzing scientific data.
Seasoned journalist with a history of reporting on international events and an ability to uncover the truth in complex stories.
Sophisticated fashion designer with a unique aesthetic and experience showcasing collections at major fashion weeks.
Financial planner dedicated to helping individuals meet their long-term financial goals, with a flair for investment strategies.
IT specialist with proficiency in network security and experience in protecting corporate data against cyber threats.
Skilled mediator known for resolving conflicts and facilitating productive conversations in corporate environments.
Professional fundraiser with a talent for crafting compelling campaigns that inspire community involvement and donations.
Environmental consultant committed to helping businesses reduce their environmental impact through sustainable practices.
Hospitality manager with a warm demeanor and a proven ability to increase guest satisfaction and hotel profitability.
Multilingual interpreter with expertise in facilitating communication for international delegations and business meetings.
Expert in supply chain management with a drive for optimizing operations and improving delivery timeframes.
Agile coach with a passion for empowering teams to adopt agile principles and improve their workflow and productivity.
Risk management professional with extensive knowledge in financial regulations and experience in mitigating business risks.
Dynamic event planner with a reputation for organizing memorable corporate events and managing intricate details seamlessly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can i craft an engaging opening statement for my resume if i lack professional experience.

Focus on your soft skills and any relevant academic or volunteer experience. For example, “Eager and disciplined recent graduate with a passion for data analysis and a keen eye for detail.”

What are the elements of a strong objective statement for an entry-level resume?

A strong objective statement should highlight your career goals, relevant skills, and how you can contribute to the company. For instance, “Recent graduate seeking an entry-level accountant position to apply my strong numerical proficiency and analytical skills.”

As a student, what should I focus on in my resume’s opening statement?

Emphasize your academic achievements, any related coursework, and the skills you’ve honed as a student. Example: “Honors student with exceptional leadership skills seeking an internship to explore a career in the non-profit sector.”

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How to Introduce Yourself Professionally [3+ Sample Answers]

By Kervin Peterson in Job Interviews

If you’re like most people, you probably aren’t too excited about the idea of having to introduce yourself.

Still, whether you’re in a job interview, meeting your new colleagues for the first time, or mingling at a networking event, you simply can’t avoid introducing yourself.

Talking about yourself in front of new people can get quite awkward, however. So, just to get it over with, you might go with something like Hi, my name is Annie, and I am a Marketing Director.

But let’s be honest—stating the bare minimum isn’t enough to guarantee a good first impression. In fact, people might forget who you are as soon as you finish the sentence.

Luckily, we’re here to show you how to introduce yourself professionally AND leave a lasting first impression on everyone you meet!

Key Takeaways

The best way to introduce yourself professionally is to say your name, profession, and keep your professional introduction relevant and appropriate for the situation.

A sample of how to introduce yourself professionally looks like this: Hi! I’m [your name], and I’m a [your profession]. My job is to [your main responsibilities]. I help [specify to whom] by [say what you do] .

To introduce yourself to a recruiter via email the right way, you should write an informative subject line, choose an appropriate greeting, and make a request.

To effectively introduce yourself to a new team, you want to tailor your introduction to the company’s culture or ask the team leader to introduce you.

The Best Way to Introduce Yourself Professionally [+Sample]

Did you know that it takes eight subsequent positive encounters to change someone’s negative opinion of you after a bad first impression? That’s right! And that’s one of the reasons why you want to introduce yourself effectively from the get-go.

So, the best way to introduce yourself professionally is by providing the following information:

Who you are. This part is easy—the only thing you need to do is say your name.

What you do and what value you bring. Most people just mention their job title and company, but the key to making a memorable impression is to take your professional introduction one step further. So, instead of simply stating the basics, actually explain what you do and how you contribute to your company, industry, etc.

Your professional introduction should look something like this:

Correct Example

Hi, I’m Lisa Jordan, and I’m a Retail Manager at ABC Retail Company. I monitor a team of 10+ employees and train them to provide top-quality service to customers. Besides this, I also supervise assistant managers and ensure that all monthly, and annual sales goals are met on time. In my free time, I also run a blog on visual merchandising tips that has 1,000+ monthly readers.

5+ Best Tips on How To Introduce Yourself Professionally

Want to take your professional introduction to the next level?

Here are the most useful tips on how to introduce yourself to leave a long-lasting positive impression:

Tips on How To Introduce Yourself

Prepare what you want to say. Consider preparing your professional introduction in advance because improvising is risky and can lead to rambling. Practicing what you want to say can help if you tend to get nervous, as well as prevent you from saying something wrong.

Make your introduction relevant. Relevance is key when you introduce yourself, either in writing or speech. You may be a car lover, but unless you’re an automotive writer or a car salesman, this information will sound quite random.

Mind the cultural context . Make sure not to offend anyone while introducing yourself to a new audience. Researching the company to grasp its culture before an interview or meeting is a must.

Be confident . Every employer wants to hire a candidate that is confident in their ability to succeed in a specific role. Giving a confident self-introduction will demonstrate that mentality.

Dress well . If you’re going to a job interview, the interviewer will judge you by the way you are dressed before you even say a word. By choosing an appropriate interview outfit , you’ll come across as professional and willing to adapt to the company’s dress code if necessary.

Use positive body language . Your delivery is no less important than the content of your professional introduction. Smiling, nodding, making eye contact, shaking hands, and standing upright entice the other person to listen to what you have to say.

3 Things You Should Avoid When Introducing Yourself

Now that you know how to introduce yourself professionally in the right way, let’s see what actions you should avoid to not spoil your introduction.

If you want to make a good impression, you shouldn’t:

Use the same introduction in different situations. The way you introduce yourself to a new colleague shouldn’t be the same as how you introduce yourself to your manager. Create a unique introduction for each meeting based on the setting, level of formality, and people you’ll be meeting.

Complain and be negative . The last thing you want is to be remembered as pessimistic and grumpy. Show your optimistic side by smiling and maintaining a positive attitude.

Try to be funny . Not everyone has the same sense of humor. What you find funny could be outright offensive to someone else. Until you get to know someone better, it's wiser to avoid cracking jokes.

How to Introduce Yourself Professionally—Sample

Can’t think of how to introduce yourself professionally? We’ve got you covered!

Here’s a sample you can use—all you need to do is fill in the blanks with relevant information:

Sample Format

Hi! I’m [your name], and I’m a [your profession]. My job is to [your main responsibilities]. I help [specify to whom] by [say what you do].

And here’s a real-life example of a professional introduction:

Real-Life Example

My name is Kylie, and I’m a copywriter. My job is to help online businesses create unique personal brand stories and attract new clients by writing attention-grabing landing page copy, product descriptions, taglines, and the like. I’ve written copy for ad campaigns worth $2—$5 million.

How to Introduce Yourself In An Email to a Recruiter

Before going on a job interview or speaking to a new business contact, you may need to introduce yourself by email. Here’s how to make sure your email gets the attention it deserves:

#1. Write an Informative Subject Line

The recruiter’s decision to open and read your email will depend on the subject line, which is the first thing they will see . Therefore, make sure it is informative, brief, and professional.

For example, if you’re applying for a job, use a subject line such as Project Manager Application .

#2. Choose an Appropriate Greeting

Start your email with a greeting tailored to the recruiter . Use “Dear Mr./Ms.” and the recruiter's last name if you’re looking to land a job in an industry that requires formality (e.g., finance or law).

If you are making an introduction to a recruiter in a more casual industry, such as marketing or technology, you may start out by saying “Hello” and using their first name.

Instead of writing the typical “Dear Sir/Madam,” take a minute to look up the recruiter and the company on Google to see what type of greeting would be appropriate. This will show that you’re serious about the job and will help you stand out from the competition.

#3. Explain Why You’re Writing

Recruiters are very busy people, so don’t waste their time by making them guess your motivation for writing the email. Quickly let the recruiter know why you are emailing them and how you came by their email address .

You could say, for instance, that you wanted to know more about a specific job opening and that a mutual contact gave you their email address.

#4. Make a Request

The final part of your email should include a request or call to action for the recruiter. Make sure it’s brief and specific, and phrase it politely .

For example: In the hopes that you’ll consider me for this position, I have attached my resume.

#5. Say "Thank You"

Whether you’re applying for a job at a large corporation or a startup, one thing is for certain—no one wants to hire rude and arrogant people.

So, your chances of receiving a response may increase if you end your introduction email by thanking the recruiter. Besides, a little politeness never hurts!

Now that you know how to introduce yourself in an email, here’s a sample you can use:

Subject: [Main topic]

Dear Mr./Ms. [recruiter’s name],

My name is [add your first and last name]. I found your contact information in/on/at [provide a source] and I am reaching out to you today because [provide a reason].

I hope to [make a request/include a call to action].

Thank you for your consideration and time.

Best regards,

[Your name] [Contact information]

How to Introduce Yourself to a New Team

Your first day at a new job will often include a team office meeting (or a virtual meeting, if you’re a remote worker) where you’ll be expected to introduce yourself to your new colleagues.

If you’re not sure how to do it right, check out the following tips:

#1. Prepare and Practice

Introducing yourself to anyone, including your new colleagues, isn’t something you want to leave to chance. Even if you’re normally great at improvising, you might get nervous and struggle to collect your thoughts.

For this reason, the first thing you should do is prepare and practice your professional introduction . If you can’t get a friend or a family member to listen to you, practice in front of a mirror to see if your body language is on point. This will help you feel more confident, especially if you aren’t comfortable with public speaking.

#2. Tailor Your Introduction to the Company’s Culture

Right after you join a new team, you want to try and fit in with the company’s culture. This way, you can easily integrate into the workplace and begin building good relationships with your teammates from day 1.

So, if your company has a traditional culture , make sure your introduction stays formal:

“Hi, I’m John. I am the new financial analyst.”

If the environment is relaxed , you can be casual and add other details about yourself (e.g., your hobbies and interests):

“Hi, I’m Kate. I’m the new content manager. I worked at ABC before joining you. When I’m off work, I enjoy hiking.

Moreover, as remote work becomes more common , many companies are using apps such as Slack to create virtual workplaces.

In such cases, you can introduce yourself to your team by writing a brief message like “Hi everyone, my name is Alec, and I just joined your company as a Video Editor.”

#3. Take Advantage of the Job Orientation Program

During the employee orientation process, you should introduce yourself to as many individuals as you can .

The person giving you a tour of the company will also introduce you to coworkers. This means that, in this situation, you won’t have to approach your new colleagues directly. What you’ll need to do is simply say Hi, pleasure to meet you .

#4. Ask the Team Leader for an Introduction

If your company doesn’t have a job orientation program and no one offers to introduce you to your new team, ask your team leader to do it .

“I’ve already met and spoken to a few team members. However, I think I should meet more of the people I will be working with. Do you have time to introduce me to the rest of the team?”

How to Introduce Yourself at a Job Interview [+ Example]

Introducing yourself during a job interview is a bit different. The main purpose of answering the “ tell me about yourself ” question is to pitch yourself to the employer .

If you want to impress the hiring manager from the get-go, you should pay close attention to the following:

Job Interview Self Introduction Tips

Don’t talk to them as if they were your friends. It’s absolutely alright to speak about your pets, for example, when you’re chatting with your buddies. However, while talking to a hiring manager, be professional and don’t go off-topic.

Briefly mention some of your biggest achievements . The employer will want to know how your unique skills and competencies can help them prosper. Tell them about one of the professional accomplishments you’re proud of and explain how it contributed to achieving your previous company’s goals.

Think about what the recruiter wants to hear. The hiring manager wants to hear the most important information about your career while you’re introducing yourself. Don’t waste your time explaining the part-time barista job you had when you were 17 if you’re applying for an account manager position. Instead, focus on your relevant skills , work experience , achievements, and how you can contribute to the company.

Keeping these tips in mind, here’s what a good self-introduction at your job interview could look like:

“Hi, it’s nice to finally meet you in person. I’m Amy, and I’ve been working as a professional social media manager for the past six years after completing my master’s in communications from Boston University.

Previously, I managed a social media team of 7 specialists, including graphic designers and copywriters. I also optimized social media marketing strategies for 4 high-profile retail clients, which increased their conversion rates by 23% on average. I'm applying for the position of social media manager with your team to put my industry experience and leadership skills to use.”

Closing Thoughts

And there you have it!

By now, you should know how to introduce yourself the right way in virtually any situation, including via email and during a job interview.

Ultimately, the main takeaway is that the key to a successful professional introduction is to always keep it relevant to the occasion.