How to end a resume: Tips for a strong, memorable closing objective

So which element of a resume should be listed at the end? That depends on your experience level and field. Some top options include impactful summaries, calls to action that encourage the business to contact you, or key achievements that set you apart. Here’s how to end a resume for maximum impact. 

The purpose of a strong resume ending

The final section of a resume is your chance to leave a lasting impression on hiring managers. According to most estimates, many recruiters only spend about six to seven seconds skimming a resume.1 If you want hiring teams to slow down and give your file a closer look, you need to know how to end resumes with a bang. 

A well-crafted ending highlights your professional strengths and subtly encourages the hiring manager to book an interview. Nailing the final paragraph of your resume and cover letter is what it’s going to take to land your dream job. 

Effective ways to end your resume

So how do you end a resume? Here are a few viable options:

End with a professional summary or branding statement

A professional summary or branding statement at the end of your resume can reinforce your strengths. A good summary also reiterates your value proposition (what you bring to the table). 

This approach is particularly useful if you are an experienced professional who has some proven competencies to highlight. The value prop needs to be concise. Limit yourself to one sentence, such as:

Example: Results-driven marketing specialist with a proven track record in brand growth and audience engagement. 

You’ll also need to be careful not to reuse the same phrasing on your cover letter and resume. Unique, strong summaries speak to your professionalism. Redundant content makes your documents appear sloppy. 

Not sure how to differentiate the summary on your resume and cover letter? Check out some resume and cover letter examples for inspiration. 

Showcase additional skills or certifications

If you want to add some depth to your qualifications, adding an extra skills or certifications section can be a great idea. Focus on certifications relevant to the position and industry. You should also include any proficiency in a second language and specialized training that would make you a more versatile team member. 

Consider including a “key achievements” section

Have you racked up some big wins in your career? If so, consider ending your resume with a key achievements section. Here are some tips to make your key achievements stand out:

• Use bullet points sparingly to make the list easy to read
• Share quantifiable results to demonstrate your accomplishments
• Limit your list to between three and four major achievements

For example, one of your key achievements bullet points may read as follows:

Alternative resume closing elements for different career levels

Here’s what to put at the end of a resume based on your experience level:

Entry-level applicants: Focus on skills and education

If you are a recent graduate or entry-level applicant, you’ll need to highlight your education and skills at the end of your resume. Some topics you can mention include soft skills and relevant coursework. Highlight transferable skills such as:

• Communication
• Teamwork
• Problem-solving
• Time management

These are all skills that you gained or sharpened while in college. They also transfer well to most professional roles. 

Mid-career professionals: Add a personal branding statement

Consider adding a personal branding statement if you have accumulated a few years of professional experience. This statement should summarize your expertise and career aspirations. A branding statement may appear as follows:

Example:

Tie the statement to your career goals. If possible, add hard data to back up your claims. 

Senior professionals: Highlight key accomplishments

Executives and senior leaders need to close their resumes with hard-hitting career highlights. If you fall into this category, you should choose accomplishments that showcase your leadership skills and strategic vision. Here’s an example.

Example:

Adding hard data is vital when applying for senior leadership roles. The company needs to know what you’ve achieved and how those accomplishments benefited your previous employer. 

Should you include references at the end of a resume? 

No, you should not include references unless the employer specifically asks for them. Companies that require references often request them via a separate document or within the job application portal. Adding them to your resume without being asked can clutter up the document and distract from your achievements. 

You can add the phrase “References available upon request.” However, doing so is not necessary. Instead, you should have a well-organized and up-to-date reference document prepared any time you apply for a new job. That way, you can send over the references quickly if the employer requests them. 

Final touches for a polished resume ending

Once you’ve chosen how to end a resume, it’s time to polish up your closing paragraph. Here are some tips to make your conclusion even more engaging:

• Check for typos and grammatical errors
• Make sure that the format, font, and tone match the rest of the document
• Include a LinkedIn profile link or portfolio to encourage further engagement 

As you work to polish up the closing statements of your resume, make sure you also learn how to end a cover letter. If both documents end on a high note, you can bump up your odds of getting an interview. 

Don’t forget to use a complementary job letter template. Templates are great tools for creating better job application documents, though it’s important that you use matching templates for consistency and aesthetics.  

How to optimize your resume for ATS software

Many employers use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to pre-screen resumes and cover letters. You need to make sure your resume is optimized for ATS software. Otherwise, the hiring team will never even review your file. Here are a few ways to prepare for ATS analysis:

• Use keywords and phrases from the job description
• Highlight relevant skills and experience in a structured format
• Maintain a clear and readable layout to ensure the system correctly parses information 

If you aren’t sure where to begin, try a resume template. These templates are pre-formatted to appeal to ATS systems and help you get your documents in front of the hiring team. 

Examples of strong resume endings 

Here are some resume sample endings to inspire your resume writing process: 

Entry-level resume ending (additional skills): 

Mid-career resume ending (branding statement): 

Senior-level resume ending (highlight achievements):

Creative industry resume ending (showcase a portfolio): 

The key is to tailor your resume ending based on your experience level and industry. There aren’t any one-size-fits-all solutions. Focus on what you bring to the table and align that with what the employer is looking for in a candidate. 

A well-crafted ending highlights your professional strengths and subtly encourages the hiring manager to book an interview.

What to put at the end of a resume to maximize your odds of an interview 

Now that you know how to end a resume, it’s time to revise your job application documents so you can stand out in the hiring process. Whether you choose to create a branding statement, list additional skills, or highlight your key achievements, closing your resume on a high note can set you apart. 

Need some help learning how to end a resume? Consider using some of our resume-ending strategies outlined above or use CVwizard’s resume maker. This handy tool can create an optimized resume from start to finish. Try it out and build a better resume. 

Sources:

(1) LinkedIn Report: How Long Do Hiring Managers Look at a Resume?