A large number of job applications and a relatively low number of job openings seem to be the storyline for the job market in 2025. This is hitting hard, particularly for recent graduates looking for entry-level positions.
With this level of competition, what can applicants do to make themselves stand out?
One way is to make sure their resume starts with a killer resume summary. Since this is often the first thing a hiring manager sees when reviewing a resume, it’s crucial that the summary is strong and contains the right kind of information.
But those new to the job market and job-seeking journey may not realize what it takes to make an excellent entry-level resume summary.
Luckily, there are a few things these candidates can do to ensure a practical resume summary that helps them stand out. Here, we’ll review several tips and strategies that can be employed when creating this important part of your resume.
We’ll take a look at what your summary should, and should not, include, and how AI tools like a resume summary generator can help make the difference.
The Importance of an Entry-Level Resume Summary
If you lack the experience that is typically highlighted in a resume summary, just how important is that summary to an entry-level document?
Believe it or not, maybe more so!
An entry-level resume might lack the extensive work history appearing on a more seasoned resume. Therefore, entry-level candidates must rely more heavily on the resume summary to highlight their skills and achievements.
So, what should you include in your entry-level resume summary?
Is Your Resume Summary All It Can Be?
You might be thinking, “But I don’t have experience to show in my resume summary.” Or “I don’t even have a job title or extensive skills that many employers are likely looking for!”
But no experience is no problem! You can still impress a hiring manager with the right information that’s organized and well-presented.
For an entry-level resume summary, you can include:
- Internship experience
- Volunteer work
- Career goals
- Leadership roles
- Memberships in professional organizations
- Relevant personal or academic projects
- Academic achievements
- Extracurricular activities
Entry-Level Resume Summary Don’ts
There are some things to avoid when you’re creating your summary for your entry-level resume.
Do not:
- List basic skills, like Microsoft Office. You want to indicate skills that make you stand out.
- Include a long list of skills; choose 3-5, mainly selected from qualifications identified in the job posting.
- Use first-person pronouns.
- Make generalized statements about accomplishments or experience. Quantify any of this information whenever possible.
- Name irrelevant college courses or hobbies.
Entry-Level Resume Summary Examples
You might not bring 10+ years of experience or quantifiable results such as increasing sales for a Fortune 500 company by 45% in the first quarter of 2025. However, your resume summary can still open eyes.
Here are some compelling entry-level resume summary examples so you can see how it’s done:
Recent graduate with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design seeking to leverage my abilities in the design of captivating print and digital media in a fast-paced setting. Proficient in Adobe Creative Cloud, Paint Shop Pro, and Canva. Strong attention to detail and above-average time management, teamwork, and creative skills. Led team in the creation of digital marketing materials for a school project that led to a 35% increase in new clients for a hypothetical company.
Entry-level accounting student graduating in December 2025 with a passion for reviewing and presenting information to help companies make sound financial decisions. Expert in Oracle NetSuite and QuickBooks. As an accountant intern for Deloitte, prepared 12+ financial statement reports, achieving a 98% accuracy rate with actual client data. Student member of the American Accounting Association since 2023.
Ambitious and organized marketing graduate with one year of internship experience in marketing research and strong project management, data analysis, and collaborative skills. During internship at Aetna, reviewed and prepared data to build marketing models, resulting in a 9% increase in ROI for a large client and a savings of $5K on a marketing campaign for another key client. Experienced in data conversions and data visualizations.
Let a Resume Summary Generator Work For You
When it comes to a powerful resume summary, AI is here to help!
The resume summary generator is super user-friendly and produces a customizable summary for you in just a few clicks.
Select your profession, then click on Get Suggestions. You’ll get a few recommendations in just seconds. There’s also a list of AI-generated skills you can select from to add to your summary. You can then incorporate other details when you edit.
In no time, you’ll have an ATS-friendly entry-level resume summary that you can tailor to any industry!
Summing Up
With a well-written entry-level resume summary, you put yourself in a position to show potential employers your passion, willingness to learn, and career goals, along with some key skills and accomplishments.
What you lack in experience, you make up for with enthusiasm! When you tailor this critical piece of your resume to the job description, you’re showing hiring managers that you’re dedicated, eager, and pay attention to detail.
Using a tool like an AI-powered resume summary generator is a great way to save time and easily optimize your summary for the best results. With the correct details and wording, you can quickly bring your entry-level summary to the next level!