Crafting an effective 'About Me' section for your resumé

Crafting an effective resumé for the Singaporean job market is more than summarising your job history and educational background. It is about showing who you are, your distinct qualities, and illustrating your potential contribution to the organisational culture.

A key part of this is the "About Me" section. It's where you introduce yourself personally and professionally.

Writing this section might seem tough, but don't worry. Fortunately, this guide is designed to assist you. We will provide the tools and insights needed to construct a memorable "About Me" section, so employers will remember you for all the right reasons.

• Why your "About Me" section matters
• What to include in your "About Me" section
• Dos and don'ts of crafting your "About Me" section
• Resumé "About Me" examples you can adapt for your resumé
• Actionable tips for personalising your "About Me" section
• Bottom line
• FAQs

Why your "About Me" section matters 

Here are some reasons why it's essential to craft a compelling "About Me" section:

Differentiate yourself from the crowd

In today's job market, it is essential to stand out. The "About Me" section on your resumé helps you do that. It lets you showcase your unique skills, experiences, and achievements that align with Singapore employers' expectations.

You might be great at solving problems and leading teams or know a lot about a specific area. Use this section to tell potential bosses why they should pick you over others.

Grab the hiring manager's attention within seconds

When hiring managers have many resumés to look at, they might not read each one closely. That is why your resumé needs to catch their eye fast. The "About Me" section is a good place to start.

Make it interesting and quick to read so it grabs their attention. This could help you get an interview.

What to include in your "About Me" section 

A strong"About Me" section gives the reader a quick response to the question, "Why are you the best fit for the job?"

It typically includes the following elements.

Strong opening sentence highlighting your core strengths

The opening sentence in your resumé's "About Me" sets the document's tone. To make it compelling, identify your core strengths relevant to the job title and craft a concise sentence summarising these strengths.

For example, avoid using a generic opening statement like "I have worked in project management." Instead, create a more impactful sentence like:

"As a seasoned project manager, I have over a decade of experience leading cross-functional teams and driving successful projects in fast-paced environments." This approach highlights your core strengths and value proposition.

Relevant skills and achievements

Your "About Me" section can also highlight relevant skills and achievements. This shows hiring managers that you understand the job requirements and have the technical and soft skills to succeed.

For instance, if you're applying for a sales position, you could mention,

"With exceptional communication skills and a knack for closing deals, I led my previous team to exceed their sales targets by 15% in the last quarter."

Quantifiable results to demonstrate impact

In your "About Me" section, it is effective to include measurable achievements that illustrate your impact. Providing specific numbers can offer tangible proof of your success.

For instance, instead of stating, "Led a team project," you could specify,

"Led a team that increased operational efficiency by 20% over one year."

Professional goals and how they align with the company's mission

You can include your professional title and career goals and highlight how they align with the company's mission. This can show your interest in the job and in contributing to the company's broader objectives.

Adding your professional title and aspirations and explaining how they match the company's mission can demonstrate your commitment to the role and the organisation's goals.

For example, suppose the company is focused on environmental sustainability. In that case, you might write,

"I aim to apply my expertise in sustainable design to help the company reduce its carbon footprint by 30% over the next 5 years."

Dos and don'ts of crafting your "About Me" section 

When describing yourself in your resumé, consider the following points to make it more effective and appealing to hiring managers.

Do

Here are some strategies to enhance the impact and appeal of your "About Me" section:

• Use strong action verbs: You can replace phrases like "responsible for" with solid verbs such as "spearheaded", "led", "developed", or "implemented." These verbs can showcase initiative and impact.
• Focus on achievements, not duties: Quantify your results instead of simply stating that you managed projects. Describe what you achieved using numbers, percentages, or specific resumé examples.
• Tailor language to the industry: Use industry-specific jargon and keywords that potential employers might look for. Adding these terms to your "About Me" section can show your knowledge and understanding of the industry.
• Highlight transferable skills: If you are changing careers, focus on skills that apply to the new role. Show how your professional experience equips you for success in the new position.
• Proofread meticulously: Ensure the writing is error-free. Ask a friend or family member to review your work for clarity and conciseness. You could also use online grammar-checking tools such as Grammarly, QuillBot, and ProWritingAid. These tools help in identifying and correcting any grammatical errors.

Don't

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when writing the "About Me" section:

• Use clichés: Replace overused phrases like "team player", "highly motivated", or "results-oriented" with specific descriptions of your skills and experiences. For instance, you could say, "Collaborated with a team of five to complete a project under tight deadlines."
• Add personal information: Keep your resumé professional by not including personal details such as hobbies, religious beliefs, or political views. Instead, focus on your professional achievements, skills, and experiences relevant to the job.
• Include generic statements: Instead of using generic statements like "I am a quick learner" or "I work well under pressure", you can show these qualities with specific examples. For example, you could say, "I quickly mastered a new software tool that increased productivity by 20%."
• Lie or exaggerate: Being honest and truthful about your skills and experience is essential. Honesty can help you build trust and credibility and pave the way for long-term success.

Resumé "About Me" examples you can adapt for your resumé 

Below are some "About Me" resumé examples for different career stages and industries.

College student

I am currently business administration student at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) with a strong interest in marketing and sales. Proven leadership skills through serving as president of the university's Entrepreneurship Club. Seeking an internship opportunity to apply my creativity and problem-solving skills in a dynamic marketing team.

Recent graduate

Recent graduate from Singapore Polytechnic with a bachelor's degree in marketing. Completed a successful internship with Sing Tel, where I developed skills and implemented social media strategies that increased online traffic by 30%. Seeking a role where I can apply my creativity and digital marketing skills to drive brand awareness and sales.

Mid-career

Experienced project manager with over 10 years of experience, having led major infrastructural projects in Singapore. Successfully managed projects valued at over 1 million, consistently completing projects on time and within budget. Now seeking to leverage my project management skills in the IT industry, focusing on software development projects.

Executive

Dynamic executive with over 20 years steering financial strategies at top Singaporean banks. Proven track record of driving growth, focusing on operational efficiency and team leadership. Led a team of over 100 employees to increase company revenue by 50% over five years. Seeking a challenging leadership role in a growth-oriented company.

Industry-specific examples

Marketing

Creative and results-driven marketing professional with over five years of experience in SEO, content marketing, and social media management. Proven track record of increasing online traffic by 40% through effective marketing strategies. Seeking a challenging role to leverage my digital marketing skills to drive brand awareness and lead generation.

Information Technology

Detail-oriented IT professional with over seven years of experience in software development and project management. Proficient in multiple programming languages, including Java, Python, and C++. Proven ability to manage large software development projects and lead a team of developers. Seeking a challenging role to leverage my technical skills and leadership abilities.

Actionable tips for personalising your "About Me" section 

Here are some resumé tips to help you personalise your "About Me" resumé section effectively:

Research the company and tailor your message accordingly

Before you begin writing your resumé, thoroughly research the organisation you are applying to. Gain a deep understanding of its mission, core values, and the cultural environment. Determine what skills and experiences the company prioritises.

Use this knowledge to craft your "About Me" section so that it resonates with the company's needs. Highlight how your skills, experiences, and values align with the organisation's expectations.

Write in the first-person voice

Writing in the first person can make your resumé more personal and relatable. It allows you to speak directly to the reader and establish a connection. Start sentences with action verbs instead of pronouns like "I" or "my".

For example, avoid saying, "I have excellent communication skills." You could instead say "Communicates complex ideas effectively."

Use keywords strategically but naturally

Employers use the applicant tracking system (ATS) to screen resumés for job-related keywords. You can include these keywords in your "About Me" section. Avoid keyword stuffing and use them naturally and contextually.

This makes your resumé ATS-friendly and engaging for recruiters. For instance, the job description might mention project management. Then you could say, "Managed a team of 10 to complete a 6-month project successfully."

Highlight your passion and personality authentically

Your "About Me" section is not just about your skills and experiences. It's also about who you are as a person.

Use this section to highlight your passion, values, and personality. Be authentic and genuine. Show what drives you, what you care about, and what makes you unique. This can help you stand out from other job seekers and resonate with potential employers.

Bottom line 

In a competitive job landscape, your resumé's "About Me" section holds unique power. It serves as a key highlight of your professional narrative. This section offers you the space to showcase your qualities, market your capabilities, and demonstrate how your skills meet the employer's needs.

Utilise the insights from this guide to craft a compelling introduction to your resumé. Also, explore our top resumé templates for additional strategies and guidance. The next big step in your career could hinge on how well you present yourself here.

FAQs 

Review these FAQs for further insights:

1. What should I write in the "About Me" section in a resumé?
   You can write a brief and compelling introduction about yourself. Highlight your professional background and key skills. Show how they align with the job you're applying for. You can also express your career goals and how you can contribute to the prospective company. Remember, keeping it concise and relevant to the role is important.
2. How important is the "About Me" section in a resumé?
   The "About Me" section is quite significant. It provides a quick overview of your qualifications to potential employers. It's one of the first things an employer reads, so it's your chance to make a strong first impression. If you write it effectively, it can help you stand out from other applicants.
3. What are good examples of the "About Me" section in a resumé?
   A good example of an "About Me" section includes your professional title (such as customer service officer, designer, engineer, teacher, and so on), your experience in years, any unique skills or achievements, and your career goals (if it aligns with the job you're applying for). It might look like this:
   ⁠
   Creative Graphic Designer with 5+ years of experience, specialising in digital illustration and animation. Proficient in creating engaging visuals for gaming platforms. Eager to take the next step in my career, preferably overseeing creative and design processes in a globally recognised gaming company.
4. What should be excluded from the "About Me" section of a resumé?
   ⁠When crafting the "About Me" section of a resumé, it might be beneficial to exclude the following:
   
   ⁠- ⁠Religious or political affiliations
   ⁠- Hobbies or interests not related to the job
   - ⁠Irrelevant details.
   ⁠
   ⁠Always prioritise the skills and experiences that align with the job description. Address what the employer seeks and highlight only those abilities and qualifications relevant to the job.
5. What do I write in the "Summary of Me" in a resumé?
   ⁠When crafting a "Summary of Me" in a resumé (also known as your "About Me" section), consider including the following information:
   
   ⁠- ⁠Your current role or profession
   - ⁠The span of your professional experience
   - ⁠Skills that are most pertinent to your field
   - ⁠Your qualifications
   - ⁠Any awards or recognitions you've received
   ⁠- Significant outcomes or results you've accomplished.
   ⁠
   ⁠Consider this section a condensed professional biography, providing a snapshot of your most relevant work experiences, skills, and accomplishments.