If someone asked you to sum up your entire resume in a few sentences, could you do it? Crafting a concise resume branding statement can feel like a challenge, but it’s a powerful way to showcase your value.
In this article, we’ll break down how to write a personal brand statement—with actual examples of branding statements for a resume to help you make a memorable impact.
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What is a branding statement on a resume?
“A branding statement is a brief sentence that highlights your most valuable qualities and what sets you apart professionally,” says Rob Stevenson, founder of BackupLABS, who has reviewed thousands of resumes as a hiring manager. “This is what a recruiter reads first, so it has to instantly convey why you’re the right fit for the role.”
This statement should summarize your main skills, experiences, and achievements in a way that sets you apart from other candidates.
Branding statement vs. other resume sections
A resume branding statement might get mixed up with other sections of a resume that also communicate your value to employers in a succinct and impactful way. However, they’re not the same. Here’s how they compare:
- Objective: This section, which some consider dated, focuses on what you want, such as a specific job or industry, while a branding statement emphasizes the unique value that you offer to the company.
- Headline: A headline is a brief, job title-like descriptor, such as Marketing Specialist or Software Developer. A branding statement expands on that, offering a snapshot of your professional value.
- Profile: Typically longer, a profile provides an overview of your career achievements. A branding statement is much shorter, serving as a quick summary of your most marketable qualities.
- Summary: Like a profile, a summary covers broader aspects of your career. In contrast, a branding statement is laser-focused on your key strengths and what makes you stand out.
Branding statement on a resume: Why you should include one
Including a branding statement on your resume gives you the opportunity to make a strong first impression. It immediately positions you as a candidate who knows their strengths and what they bring to the table.
A good branding statement can:
- Grab attention: In a competitive job market, hiring managers often skim resumes. A concise branding statement can make you stand out right away, prompting recruiters to take notice and motivating them to explore your resume further to understand the value you bring.
- Clarify your unique value: It succinctly communicates what sets you apart from other candidates, highlighting why you’re the best fit for the role.
- Set the tone: It frames the rest of your resume, guiding the reader’s understanding of your experience and strengths.
- Showcase your confidence: Including a branding statement demonstrates that you know your worth and have a clear understanding of the value you bring to the table. It presents you as a self-assured candidate, ready to contribute from day one.
- Differentiate you from the crowd: With many resumes looking similar, a branding statement is your opportunity to stand out. It’s a unique snapshot of your professional identity that makes hiring managers remember you, even among a sea of candidates.
- Align with company needs: A tailored branding statement can reflect the specific needs of the role or organization you're applying to. By highlighting relevant strengths, it shows that you've done your research and are a perfect match for the company's goals.
What is a good brand statement for a resume? 7 tips to craft one
Ready to learn exactly how to write a branding statement for a resume? Follow these six expert tips for creating a standout branding statement that showcases your value and sets you apart from the crowd.
1. Place it strategically
Place your branding statement at the very top of your resume, just beneath your contact information. This is prime real estate, as it’s one of the first things a hiring manager will see, increasing the likelihood that they’ll continue reading through the rest of your resume.
2. Be concise
“The length should be about two to three sentences,” says Vit Koval, a talent acquisition specialist and co-founder at Globy. This brevity ensures hiring managers can quickly grasp your professional identity without sifting through unnecessary information.
3. Focus on your value
Stevenson recommends highlighting your strengths and skills with specific, powerful words. “A branding statement should convey your unique qualities and what sets you apart from other candidates,” he says.
For example, you might describe yourself as an innovative thinker with a talent for developing creative solutions. You could also highlight being proficient in data analysis and strategic planning, while emphasizing your collaborative nature as a team member who thrives in diverse environments.
4. Use active language
Words like “achieve,” “drive,” or “innovate” can give your statement more impact, instead of using phrases like “was responsible for” or “was involved in.” Active language emphasizes your contributions and results, making your branding statement more compelling to employers. For example, instead of saying, “Was responsible for project milestones,” you could say, “Achieved project milestones ahead of schedule, improving team efficiency by 25%.”
This might help: 185+ Action Verbs to Make Your Resume Stand Out in 2024
5. Tailor it to the job
To make your branding statement stand out, customize it for each role you're applying to. Use keywords from the job description, which highlights how your skills align with the company’s specific needs.
For example, if you’re applying for a Marketing Manager position and the job description mentions terms like “data-driven strategies,” “campaign management,” and “brand awareness,” you can incorporate these keywords directly into your branding statement.
Also, research the company’s culture and values to understand their priorities. By aligning your branding statement with the company’s mission and the job’s specific requirements, you effectively demonstrate why you’re the perfect fit for the role. The goal is to reflect the qualifications and attributes the employer is seeking, Stevenson says.
6. Avoid jargon
Keep it simple and accessible, focusing on clear, powerful language. Avoid using jargon or overly technical terms that might confuse the reader, since clarity is key to making your statement reach a wider audience.
For example, instead of saying, “Leveraged synergistic paradigms to optimize operational efficiencies,” use clear language like, “Improved team collaboration to enhance productivity.”
What not to do in your resume branding statement
Make sure your resume branding statement is doing you justice by steering clear of common mistakes.
- Being vague: Avoid generic statements like “hardworking professional” or “dedicated worker.” Koval refers to them as “trivial phrases that do not add much weight or help the recruiter understand your value.”
- Focusing only on what you want: A branding statement should emphasize what you offer, not what you're seeking. Focus on how you can bring value to the company, rather than your personal goals.
- Making it too long: This section should be brief—two to three sentences at most. Don’t turn it into a mini-cover letter.
- Ignoring results: Not including measurable achievements or outcomes can weaken your statement. Whenever possible, mention a specific result to show how you’ve added value.
Your resume branding statement is your chance to stand out, so make it concise, results-driven, and tailored to the employer's needs. By avoiding these common pitfalls, you’ll create a compelling statement that clearly showcases your value and strengths.
10 resume branding statement examples
No matter your field—whether it's marketing, IT, or sales—a strong branding statement captures the essence of what you bring to the table. To spark your creativity, here are 10 standout examples from various industries and roles to inspire your own statement:
Example #1: Resume branding statement for a marketing manager
Dynamic marketing professional with a proven track record of increasing brand engagement by 40% through innovative digital campaigns and data-driven strategies.
Example #2: Resume branding statement for a project manager
Results-oriented project manager with 8+ years of experience leading cross-functional teams to deliver complex projects on time and within budget, driving operational efficiency.
Example #3: Resume branding statement for a software engineer
Passionate software engineer with expertise in developing scalable, user-centric applications that enhance productivity and optimize performance for fast-growing startups.
Example #4: Resume branding statement for a sales executive
Top-performing sales leader with a record of exceeding quarterly sales targets by 20%, leveraging strategic partnerships and relationship-building skills to drive revenue growth.
Example #5: Resume branding statement for a human resources specialist
HR professional with a talent for fostering a positive work environment, streamlining recruitment processes, and reducing employee turnover by 15% through employee engagement programs.
Example #6: Resume branding statement for a graphic designer
Creative graphic designer with a passion for developing visually compelling brand identities, driving a 25% increase in client satisfaction through innovative design solutions.
Example #7: Resume branding statement for a data analyst
Detail-oriented data analyst with expertise in transforming raw data into actionable insights, enabling businesses to make informed, data-driven decisions and achieve a 10% increase in efficiency.
Example #8: Resume branding statement for a customer service manager
Customer-focused leader with 7+ years of experience in building high-performing teams and improving customer satisfaction scores by 30% through process improvements and team development.
Example #9: Resume branding statement for a financial analyst
Results-driven financial analyst with a proven ability to develop strategic financial models that have increased profit margins by 12% through accurate forecasting and risk management.
Example #10: Resume branding statement for an operations manager
Efficient operations manager with a track record of optimizing processes to reduce costs by 15% while increasing productivity, ensuring seamless operations across multiple departments.
Resume branding statement template
Examples are great—but templates can be even better if you're looking for a solid starting point. So, here are two templates to help you craft a compelling resume branding statement that highlights your years of experience, key accomplishments, and unique strengths:
Template #1:
I am a [profession or role] with [number] years of experience in [industry or area of expertise]. I specialize in [specific skill or strength] and have successfully [mention key accomplishment, e.g., increased revenue, led teams, improved processes] by [specific result, e.g., 20% over 6 months].
Template #2:
As a [profession or role] with [number] years of experience, I have a proven track record of [specific achievement or skill]. My expertise in [relevant area] has helped [company or team] achieve [specific result or outcome], positioning me as a valuable asset in [industry or field].