In the course of every job hunt, potential employees often wonder how to spice up their resumes in order get the attention of potential employers. Many go as far as to hire a professional resume writer; sometimes spending hundreds of dollars with no guarantee the effort will ensure a job offer. There is much better solution, and it is completely free: Include a personal profile in your resume.

What is it?
A personal profile that is included on a resume can be considered an introduction, an ad, or a preview of what else is included on the resume. The profile should always be at the top of the resume, directly under the applicant’s name and contact information. It will briefly explain who you are and how you can be a valuable asset to the company. It can have a brief rundown of your qualifications for the position. The profile is not a series of sentences, but rather a series strategically placed words and phrases. For example, instead of, “I have obtained a master’s degree in English literature from Purdue University,” it should read, “master’s degree: English literature.”

Tips
The personal profile section of the resume is the first (and sometimes the only) section the employer will read. It is important to win him over immediately. The profile should include any relevant experience to the position being applied for. If you have worked for three years in a customer service job, but are applying for a corporate position, do not mention the customer service job in the profile.

You should include your level of education. However, if you graduated with a degree in art history, but are applying for a job in a business environment, it is best to simply state your degree. For example, it could read “college graduate” or “master’s degree from Purdue University.”

Be sure to include any additional, relevant training you have received. For example, if you are applying for a job as a counselor and have received training as an arbiter or mediator, it would be prudent include a statement such as, “trained in various mediation/conflict resolution techniques.”

Examples
Writing a personal profile can be a daunting task even when you know exactly what information to include. The following are well-proven examples of great personal profiles:

Master’s degree in English Literature, searching for employment in the high school education field, six years experience in teaching literature, grammar, and creative writing, served as assistant department chair at Indianapolis High School, trained in English as a Second Language education, conflict resolution and education of mentally disabled students.

Bachelor’s degree in film studies, master’s degree in journalism, looking for journalistic employment covering the nuances of the entertainment industry, specializing in film direction and cinematography, three years experience as assistant set director for local television series, two years experience as entertainment columnist at Indianapolis Star newspaper, extensive experience with a variety of interviewing techniques.