Upgrade Your Social Media Manager Resume: How to Craft a Powerful Professional Summary

If you’re a remote jobseeker looking for the next step in your career, a standout resume is crucial. For social media managers, this is even more important. Your resume needs to reflect your skills, experience, and creativity. The professional summary at the top is your first chance to impress. It’s where you can showcase your unique value. In this article, we’ll guide you on how to craft a powerful professional summary for your social media manager resume.

The professional summary is the first thing employers read. It sets the tone for the rest of your resume. A well-crafted summary can make a lasting impression. It should highlight your top achievements and skills. This will grab the attention of hiring managers. Ready to upgrade your social media manager resume? Let’s get started!

Resume Objective vs. Professional Summary: What’s the Difference?

Gone are the days of the old resume objective. The job market has evolved, and so have resume best practices. Instead of a generic statement of what you hope to achieve, experts now recommend using a professional summary on your social media manager resume. This modern approach focuses on what you can offer to potential employers. But what’s the difference? Let’s break it down and see why the professional summary has become the preferred choice for jobseekers.

Similarities

Placement: Both are placed at the top of your resume.
Purpose: Both aim to grab the employer’s attention right away.
Length: Typically, both are brief, spanning a few sentences.

Differences

Switching from an objective to a professional summary can transform your social media manager resume. By focusing on what you bring to the table, you create a stronger connection with the hiring manager. A professional summary is more than just a few sentences at the top of your resume; it’s your elevator pitch. This approach not only highlights your qualifications but also sets you apart from other candidates. It makes it clear why you are the best fit for the job.

4 Steps to Write a Professional Summary for Your Social Media Manager Resume

Rewriting your resume objective into a professional summary for your social media manager resume can seem challenging, but it doesn’t have to be! Follow these steps to create a compelling summary that showcases your strengths and grabs the attention of hiring managers.

1. Closely study several advertisements for your sought-after position. Then, identify the minimum requirements and the job duties or qualifications that most closely match your background. The most effective summary consists of three to four short sentences.
2. Begin your summary with an overview of your background, important skills, and qualifications. Target this sentence to illustrate that you meet or exceed the minimum requirements of the positions you are applying for. This sentence will usually include your current or desired job title and a brief job description.  
3. Following that, include one or two brief highlights of your skill set. Focus on the ones that you identified in the job listing and include numbers if appropriate. Also, optimize for ATS (applicant tracking system) applications by using similar terminology.
4. Round out the summary with an overview of your communication and/or management style. Again, refer to the job ads for clues. This information takes on additional importance for remote roles because potential employers will be looking for reasons to feel confident about your ability to work remotely. Highlight your ability to contribute independently, work in virtual teams, or lead remote employees.

Transforming an Outdated Resume Objective into a Professional Summary

Making these changes can have a significant impact on your job search. Here are three examples showing how you can transform your outdated objective into a compelling professional summary for a social media manager.

Example 1

Outdated Objective:

“Seeking a position as a social media manager where I can utilize my skills to grow the company’s social media presence.”

Step-by-Step Transformation:

1. Identify Your Role and Experience:
   • “Experienced social media manager with three years of expertise in enhancing brand presence.”
2. Highlight Key Achievements:
   • “Successfully increased follower count by 40% through targeted campaigns and engaging content.”
3. Showcase Relevant Skills:
   • “Skilled in using Hootsuite, Canva, and Google Analytics for comprehensive social media management.”
4. Emphasize Your Unique Value:
   • “Known for developing creative strategies that resonate with diverse audiences and drive engagement.”

Professional Summary:

Example 2

Outdated Objective

“To obtain a social media manager role where I can apply my knowledge of social media platforms to help the company achieve its marketing goals.”

Step-by-Step Transformation:

1. Identify Your Role and Experience:
   • “Dynamic social media manager with over four years of experience in digital marketing.”
2. Highlight Key Achievements:
   • “Increased social media-driven web traffic by 35% through innovative content strategies.”
3. Showcase Relevant Skills:
   • “Proficient in using Tailwind, Buffer, and Adobe Creative Suite to create and optimize social media campaigns.”
4. Emphasize Your Unique Value:
   • “Expert in leveraging data analytics to refine strategies and boost online engagement.”

Professional Summary:

Example 3

Outdated Objective

“Looking for a social media manager position to utilize my creative skills and help the company grow its online presence.”

Step-by-Step Transformation

1. Identify Your Role and Experience:
   • “Creative social media manager with five years of experience in content creation and brand promotion.”
2. Highlight Key Achievements:
   • “Doubled Instagram followers within a year through strategic content planning and interactive posts.”
3. Showcase Relevant Skills:
   • “Experienced with using Later, Sprout Social, and Canva to craft visually appealing and engaging posts.”
4. Emphasize Your Unique Value:
   • “Specializes in building strong online communities and fostering brand loyalty through consistent engagement.”

Professional Summary:

By following this 4-step process, you can effectively transform your outdated resume objective into a powerful professional summary. This change will help you better showcase your qualifications and make a stronger impression on potential employers.

7 Tips to Optimize Your Social Media Manager Resume Professional Summary

Here are some additional tips to optimize your summary and ensure it captures the attention of hiring managers.

1. Be Specific and Concise

Your professional summary should be brief but impactful. Aim for three to four sentences that highlight your most relevant experience and achievements. Avoid vague statements and focus on specifics that showcase your value.

2. Use Keywords

Incorporate keywords from the job description to make your resume more searchable. Common keywords for a social media manager include “social media strategy,” “content creation,” “analytics,” and “engagement.” This will help your resume pass through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and reach the hiring manager.

3. Highlight Quantifiable Achievements

Include metrics to demonstrate your impact. For example, instead of saying “improved social media presence,” say “increased follower engagement by 50% within six months.” Numbers provide clear evidence of your success and make your achievements more compelling.

4. Tailor It to the Job

Customize your professional summary for each job application. Highlight the skills and experiences most relevant to the specific role you are applying for. This shows that you’ve taken the time to understand the job requirements and align your qualifications accordingly.

5. Showcase Your Unique Value

What sets you apart from other candidates? Whether it’s a unique skill, a notable accomplishment, or a specific approach you use, make sure to highlight what makes you special. This could be your ability to create viral content or your expertise in a particular social media platform.

6. Keep It Professional

While it’s important to convey your personality, maintain a professional tone. Avoid using slang or overly casual language. Your professional summary should reflect your expertise and professionalism.

7. Review and Edit

Proofread your summary to ensure it is free of errors. A polished, error-free summary reflects attention to detail and professionalism. Consider asking a trusted colleague or friend to review it as well.

Example of an Optimized Professional Summary

By following these tips, you can optimize your professional summary to effectively highlight your strengths and make a strong impression on potential employers. A well-written summary is your opportunity to stand out and showcase why you are the best fit for the social media manager role.

What to Do If You Don’t Have Much Relevant Experience

Creating a professional summary for a social media manager position can be a little intimidating if you don’t have a lot of experience. You don’t have concrete examples of your work, and you may not have any skills that directly translate to the job. But if you’re a recent graduate or making a career transition, here are a few tips:

1. Use the entry-level title in your summary
2. Highlight your education or coursework
3. Instead of summing up your past experience, focus on how you can contribute and make an impact
4. Draw examples from volunteer work or school projects

An Example of How to Put These Tips Into Practice

If you’re unsure of how to implement these tips, here is an example to get your creativity flowing:

Make Your Social Media Manager Resume Stand Out

Crafting a powerful professional summary is essential for your social media manager resume. This short yet impactful section sets the tone for the rest of your resume and can be the deciding factor in getting you noticed by hiring managers. By transitioning from an outdated objective to a compelling professional summary, you can effectively showcase your skills, achievements, and unique value. Follow these tips, and your resume will not only stand out but also make a lasting impression on potential employers. With a strong professional summary, your social media manager resume will open doors to exciting new opportunities in the digital marketing world.

Get Expert Help with Your Social Media Manager Resume

Ready to take your social media manager resume to the next level? Crafting a standout professional summary can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. Connect with our certified resume writers for personalized assistance. They can help you create a compelling resume that highlights your unique strengths and achievements, giving you the edge you need in the competitive job market. Elevate your job search and land the remote social media manager position you’ve been dreaming of. Contact us now to get started!

Do you have any tips on how to write a social media manager resume professional summary? Connect with Virtual Vocations on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube to share your thoughts and tips. We’d love to hear from you!

Original content from December 2020 article written by Skye Rodgers.