The Art of Resume Writing: Should You Include a Personal Introduction Section?

Common Misconceptions: Cover Letters vs. Resumes

Your cover letter and your resume serve two distinct purposes. Your cover letter is the perfect platform to showcase your personality, work ethic, and enthusiasm for the role. Conversely, your resume is a succinct document that highlights your qualifications in a straightforward manner. Often, job seekers confuse the two, and it’s important to understand the differences.

Should You Include a ‘Personal Introduction’ Section?

The query of whether to include a 'Personal Introduction' section in your resume arises from a desire to add a personal twist. Many candidates wonder if it would be appropriate to include a brief overview of themselves that delves into their values and personal goals. However, the answer to this question is nuanced and requires careful consideration.

Yes: Including a Brief Personal Summary

While it is generally advised to maintain a focused and professional tone in your resume, there is a limited space where a brief personal summary can be beneficial. A personal summary should be concise, typically 2-3 sentences, and should highlight your most relevant and impressive qualifications for the job. It serves to quickly grab the attention of the hiring manager and clearly communicate your value proposition.

Focus on your unique selling points, such as your years of experience, areas of expertise, notable achievements, or your overarching career goals. Use clear and compelling language to differentiate yourself from other candidates. Tailor this content specifically to each job application, rather than using a generic template.

No: Avoiding Personal Statements

On the flip side, many hiring managers and career counselors advise against including sections such as a 'Personal Goals' or 'Career Goals.' These sections can detract from the professional focus of your resume, as hiring managers are primarily interested in your skills and experience.

When I review resumes, I am specifically looking for a candidate’s skills and experience. I don’t need to know statements like, 'looking for a dynamic position that will allow me to utilize my talents while also growing my career.' Such content can clutter the resume and make it harder for the hiring manager to find the relevant information quickly. Therefore, it’s best to keep your resume clean and focused.

My Perspective on Personalizing Your Resume

The desire to inject some personality into your resume is understandable. It reflects your unique identity and can make you stand out in a crowded pool of candidates. However, the role of the resume is to clearly demonstrate that you have the necessary skills and qualifications to succeed in the job you are applying for. It is not the appropriate place for a detailed biography or personal goals statement.

While some resumes have managed to convey a sense of the individual beyond their qualifications and accomplishments, these are the exceptions rather than the rule. Employers do not evaluate personal qualities based on written content alone. They are looking for relevant work experience, skills, and achievements that align with the job requirements.

If you can inject some personality through the way you write or the tone of your resume, that can be beneficial. Include points of pride in your accomplishments, but keep it focused on your work and your role. Once the resume has served its purpose of getting you the interview, you can use the interview as a platform to further demonstrate your personal qualities and values.

Conclusion

Your resume serves a specific purpose: to demonstrate that you have the skills, qualifications, and relevant experience to succeed in the job you want. Utilize your limited space effectively by focusing on the information that matters most to the hiring manager. Once you have made a strong impression in the interview, you can further express your personal qualities and values.

Remember, the art of resume writing is about striking a balance between professionalism and authenticity. Show what you can bring to the role without detracting from the core message of your qualifications and accomplishments.