Introduction

Your resume summary is the first thing recruiters and ATS systems read. Most summaries are too vague, too long, or filled with buzzwords that mean nothing.

An ATS-optimized summary does two things. It passes automated screening systems. It convinces human recruiters to keep reading.

You can use all the prompts on this page for free. A small reading window applies, but you still get full access to the content. Lucy+ simply unlocks unlimited reading time and more than 30,000 pro prompts.

This guide gives you 25 prompts to write resume summaries that beat ATS systems and impress recruiters.

Why Most Resume Summaries Fail

Most resume summaries sound like this: "Results-driven professional with proven track record of success seeking to leverage skills in a dynamic environment."

This tells recruiters nothing. It could describe anyone in any field. ATS systems skip over generic language.

The best summaries are specific. They name your role, industry, years of experience, and top achievements. They use keywords from the job description.

What Makes an ATS-Friendly Resume Summary

An ATS-friendly summary includes job-relevant keywords naturally. It uses standard formatting. It avoids graphics, tables, or unusual fonts that confuse ATS systems.

Human recruiters want to see your value in 3-4 sentences. They scan for relevant experience and measurable achievements.

Your summary should answer: What do you do? How long have you done it? What results have you delivered?

How to Use These Prompts Correctly

Before you use any prompt, gather this information:

• The exact job title you are applying for

• Keywords from the job description

• Your years of experience

• Your top 2-3 achievements with numbers

• Your key technical or professional skills

Every prompt below includes instructions that help AI write clear, ATS-friendly summaries.

Top 25 Prompts for ATS-Optimized Resume Summaries

Prompt 1: Basic ATS-Friendly Summary

Here is my context: [job title, years of experience, industry, top 2 achievements with numbers].
Here are keywords from the job description: [list 5-8 key terms]

When to use this: When you need a straightforward ATS-friendly summary.

Prompt 2: Achievement-Heavy Summary

Here are my top 3 achievements: [list with specific numbers and outcomes].
Here is my role: [job title and industry]

When to use this: When you have strong measurable results.

Prompt 3: Technical Skills Summary

Here are my technical skills: [list relevant technologies, tools, languages].
Here is my experience: [years and types of projects].
Here are keywords from the job post: [list key terms]

When to use this: When applying to technical roles.

Prompt 4: Leadership Role Summary

Here is my leadership background: [title, team size, years managing].
Here are my leadership achievements: [results delivered through team].
Here are keywords from the job description: [list terms]

When to use this: When applying to management positions.

Prompt 5: Career Changer Summary

Here is my previous field: [old career and years].
Here is my new direction: [target role and industry].
Here are transferable skills: [skills that apply to both].
Here are keywords from the job post: [list terms]

When to use this: When switching careers or industries.

Prompt 6: Entry-Level Summary

Here is my education: [degree and major].
Here is my relevant experience: [internships, projects, coursework].
Here are skills I have: [technical or professional skills].
Here are keywords from the job description: [list terms]

When to use this: When you are new to the workforce.

Prompt 7: Senior Professional Summary

Here is my experience: [years in field and progression].
Here are my senior-level achievements: [strategic results].
Here are keywords from the job description: [list terms]

When to use this: When applying to senior or executive roles.

Prompt 8: Industry-Specific Summary

Here is my industry: [specific sector].
Here is my experience: [years and specialization].
Here are industry keywords: [technical terms from job post]

When to use this: When applying within a specialized industry.

Prompt 9: Sales Professional Summary

Here are my sales achievements: [quota attainment, revenue, deals closed].
Here is what I sell: [product type or industry].
Here are keywords from the job post: [list terms]

When to use this: When applying to sales roles.

Prompt 10: Marketing Professional Summary

Here is my marketing specialty: [SEO, content, social, paid ads, etc.].
Here are my results: [traffic, conversions, engagement numbers].
Here are keywords from the job description: [list terms]

When to use this: When applying to marketing positions.

Prompt 11: Customer Service Summary

Here is my customer service experience: [years and channels].
Here are my metrics: [satisfaction scores, response times, resolution rates].
Here are keywords from the job post: [list terms]

When to use this: When applying to customer support roles.

Prompt 12: Project Manager Summary

Here is my PM experience: [years, methodologies, project types].
Here are my results: [on-time delivery, budget management, team size].
Here are keywords from the job description: [list terms]

When to use this: When applying to project management roles.

Prompt 13: Data Analyst Summary

Here are my data skills: [tools, languages, analysis types].
Here are my achievements: [insights delivered, decisions influenced].
Here are keywords from the job post: [list terms]

When to use this: When applying to data analysis roles.

Prompt 14: Creative Professional Summary

Here is my creative work: [design, writing, video, etc.].
Here is my experience: [years and notable clients or projects].
Here are keywords from the job description: [list terms]

When to use this: When applying to creative roles.

Prompt 15: HR Professional Summary

Here is my HR focus: [recruiting, culture, benefits, training, etc.].
Here is my experience: [years and company sizes].
Here are keywords from the job post: [list terms]

When to use this: When applying to human resources roles.

Prompt 16: Financial Professional Summary

Here is my finance specialty: [accounting, analysis, planning, etc.].
Here is my experience: [years and certifications if any].
Here are keywords from the job description: [list terms]

When to use this: When applying to finance or accounting roles.

Prompt 17: Healthcare Professional Summary

Here is my healthcare role: [nurse, doctor, therapist, administrator, etc.].
Here is my experience: [years and specialization].
Here are keywords from the job post: [list terms]

When to use this: When applying to healthcare positions.

Prompt 18: Education Professional Summary

Here is my teaching background: [subjects, grades, years].
Here are my achievements: [student outcomes, program development].
Here are keywords from the job description: [list terms]

When to use this: When applying to teaching or education roles.

Prompt 19: Operations Professional Summary

Here is my operations experience: [areas of focus, years].
Here are my results: [efficiency gains, cost savings, process improvements].
Here are keywords from the job post: [list terms]

When to use this: When applying to operations roles.

Prompt 20: Remote Work Specialist Summary

Here is my remote work experience: [years, tools, results].
Here is my field: [your professional area].
Here are keywords from the job description: [list terms]

When to use this: When applying to remote positions.

Prompt 21: Multilingual Professional Summary

Here are languages I speak: [list languages and proficiency levels].
Here is my field: [your professional area].
Here is how language skills add value: [client communication, market access, etc.].
Here are keywords from the job post: [list terms]

When to use this: When language skills are a key asset.

Prompt 22: Certified Professional Summary

Here are my certifications: [list relevant credentials].
Here is my experience: [years and specialization].
Here are keywords from the job description: [list terms]

When to use this: When certifications matter for the role.

Prompt 23: Consultant Summary

Here is my consulting focus: [area of expertise].
Here are my clients: [types of organizations].
Here are my results: [transformations delivered].
Here are keywords from the job post: [list terms]

When to use this: When applying to consulting roles.

Prompt 24: Startup Experience Summary

Here is my startup background: [roles, stages, outcomes].
Here is what I built or delivered: [products, processes, growth].
Here are keywords from the job description: [list terms]

When to use this: When applying to startup companies.

Prompt 25: Hybrid Role Summary

Here are my diverse skills: [list 2-3 different skill areas].
Here is how they combine: [explain the unique value].
Here are keywords from the job post: [list terms]

When to use this: When you combine multiple specialties.

Common Resume Summary Mistakes to Avoid

Using an objective statement instead. Summaries are better than objectives.

Being too vague. Specific details beat generic claims.

Writing too much. Keep it under 4 sentences or 80 words.

Using first person pronouns. Write in third person or implied first person.

Adding fluff words. Skip "passionate," "dedicated," "hardworking."

Forgetting keywords. ATS systems scan for job-relevant terms.

Including irrelevant information. Everything should relate to the target role.

Making grammar or spelling errors. Proofread carefully.

Using graphics or tables. ATS systems cannot read these.

Copying job description verbatim. Paraphrase naturally.

How to Make These Prompts Work Even Better

Pull keywords from the actual job post. Do not guess at relevant terms.

Include specific numbers. Quantify achievements whenever possible.

Match your summary to each job. Customize for every application.

Use standard formatting. Stick to simple text with no special characters.

Test different versions. Try variations to see what works best.

Read it out loud. Make sure it flows naturally.

Get feedback. Ask someone in your field to review it.

Update regularly. Keep your summary current with new achievements.

What ATS Systems Look For

ATS systems scan for keywords that match the job description. They look for job titles, skills, certifications, and industry terms.

They prefer standard formatting. Unusual fonts, graphics, or complex layouts confuse the system.

The best summaries include keywords naturally within clear, readable sentences. They avoid keyword stuffing but ensure key terms appear.

What Human Recruiters Look For

Recruiters want to see your value immediately. They scan for years of experience, relevant skills, and measurable achievements.

They look for summaries that are specific to the role, not generic templates. They appreciate clear, concise writing.

The best summaries make recruiters want to read the rest of your resume.

How to Edit AI Output for Better Results

AI gives you a strong starting point. But you need to refine it.

Check keyword density. Make sure key terms appear but not excessively.

Verify all facts. Ensure numbers and details are accurate.

Simplify language. Remove any unnecessary words.

Match your voice. Make it sound professional but authentic.

Test readability. Make sure it is easy to scan quickly.

Remove cliches. Delete any overused phrases.

Add specific details. Include company names, project types, or tools if relevant.

Final Tips for ATS-Optimized Summaries

Place it at the top. Right after your contact information.

Use standard section headings. Call it "Professional Summary" or "Summary."

Keep formatting simple. Use standard fonts like Arial or Calibri.

Avoid headers and footers. ATS systems often skip these.

Save as a .docx or PDF. Check which format the employer prefers.

Include your LinkedIn URL. In your contact section, not the summary.

Use bullet points sparingly. In summaries, sentences often work better.

Test with ATS checkers. Use free online tools to scan your resume.

Update for each application. Tailor keywords to each job.

Proofread carefully. One error can cost you the interview.

FAQ

1. Can I use these prompts for free?

Yes. You can use every prompt on this page for free. The reading window applies, but the content is fully accessible.

2. Do these prompts work with ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini?

Yes. These prompts work with all major AI tools.

3. How long should my resume summary be?

Keep it 3-4 sentences or 60-80 words maximum.

4. Should I write in first or third person?

Use implied first person without pronouns. Write "Marketing manager with 5 years" not "I am a marketing manager."

5. Should I edit the AI's output?

Always. Customize it with your specific details and verify accuracy.

6. How many keywords should I include?

Include 5-8 key terms naturally. Do not force keywords where they do not fit.

7. What is the difference between free prompts and Lucy+ prompts?

Lucy+ unlocks unlimited reading time and access to more than 30,000 professional prompts. The free library already includes powerful, usable prompts.

8. Can I use the same summary for every job?

No. Customize your summary for each application using keywords from that specific job post.

9. Should I include soft skills in my summary?

Only if they are specifically mentioned in the job description. Focus on technical skills and achievements.

10. What if I have no measurable achievements?

Focus on skills, responsibilities, and scope of work. Add numbers where possible like team size or project volume.

If you want to explore more, Lucy+ gives access to more than 30,000 professional prompts for 10 USD per month. No pressure. Most of the powerful prompts are already free in the library.