Should you include an “About Me” section in your resume?

Here’s a common dilemma—a resume is all about you, so it might seem natural to include an “About Me” section. But most hiring managers don’t want to hear your life story—they’re focused on your qualifications. In fact, many see the “About Me” section as unnecessary fluff.

So, does it ever make sense to include one? In this article, we’ll clear up when an “About Me” section is useful (if at all) and how to craft it in a way that doesn’t waste precious resume space or turn off potential employers.

Let’s dive in.

What is the “about me” section in a resume?

The “About Me” section is a brief, personal introduction typically found at the top of your resume where your profile usually goes. It highlights who you are, your key strengths, and core values, offering insight into both your professional background and personality.

While more common on LinkedIn profiles and personal websites, this section can add a human touch to your resume and help you make a stronger connection with hiring managers—especially for creative roles, people-centric industries, career changers, or first-time job seekers looking to stand out.

However…

“about me” vs. resume summary

The "About Me" section and resume summary have a lot in common:

• Both give a quick snapshot of who you are, summarizing your experience and key strengths in just a few sentences.
• They serve as an introduction, helping hiring managers understand what you bring to the table and whether you might be a good fit.
• Each section highlights your most relevant skills.
• Тhey’re similar in length, usually around three to five sentences.

The main difference is that the summary is more focused on your professional experience and how it matches the job requirements, while an "About Me" section adds a personal touch.

Not your personal history but a glimpse into who you are.

It can include your values, passions, and motivations, offering a more well-rounded view of who you are beyond your career.

Do you need an “about me” section on your resume?

Many resume companies may refer to the “About Me” section as another type of resume profile, but what they’re often describing is actually a professional summary.

“About Me” is different from the get-go—this self-centered section title can put off recruiters right away, as it shifts the focus from what you offer to what you want to share about yourself.

This is why it’s more commonly used by less-experienced job seekers or those looking to stand out by spotlighting their individuality.

Here’s who can benefit from an “About Me” section on their resume:

Freelancers or entrepreneurs

If you’re running your own business or offering freelance services, an “About Me” section can be a great way to showcase your personal brand, your values, and how you approach your work. It helps give potential clients a sense of who you are beyond the services you offer.

Creative professionals

For designers, writers, artists, or marketers, adding a personal touch can be a good move. This section lets you highlight your creative process, your personality, and what sets you apart in a field where individuality is often an asset.

Entry-level candidates

If you’re new to the job market, especially as a recent grad, an “About Me” section can help fill the gap if your work experience is a little thin. It’s a chance to show off your enthusiasm, goals, and any relevant soft skills, giving employers more insight into who you are and what you can bring to the table.

Career changers

Switching fields? An “About Me” section might help explain your career transition. It’s a good place to offer some context, sharing why you’re making the change and how your previous experience makes you a unique candidate in the new field.

How to write the “about me” section of your resume

So, you've decided that an "About Me" section could work for you, and now you're wondering how to write it. Above all, remember this—make sure everything is tailored to the specific job you’re applying for.

What to put in the “About Me” section

Here are the basic components of a good “About Me” profile:

• A professional title
  Start by stating your current role or the one you’re aiming for, like “Marketing Specialist” or “Software Developer.” This sets the tone and lets employers know right away who you are professionally.
• Years of experience
  Briefly mention how long you've been working in your field, if it's relevant. For example, “with 5+ years of experience in project management.” This shows your level of expertise.
• Key skills
  Highlight the most important skills you bring, especially the ones mentioned in the job description. Tailor these to show why you're an ideal candidate for the specific position.
• Notable awards or achievements
  If you’ve earned any industry awards or accomplished something significant in your career, this is the place to mention it. It adds credibility and sets you apart from other candidates.
• Career goals
  Share what you're aiming for in your next role. Keep it professional and relevant to the job you're applying for.

Below’s a simple formula you can follow to craft an effective “About Me” section for your resume. Think of it as a flexible template that you can tweak to match your specific situation.

And a full example:

This is both professional and to the point, while still offering a personal touch through statements like “I grew my business,” which helps convey the baker’s individual journey and passion.

The language you use plays a key role in making sure your message feels authentic, yet professional. Here's how to get it right.

Good words to describe yourself on a resume

While the section is called "About Me," it’s important to strike a balance between sharing your unique story and keeping the tone professional. The key is to be confident without sounding self-centered. In fact, your choice of words can infuse your resume with personality, which you can showcase further during the interview.

Let’s break down how to best describe yourself on your resume:

Powerful adjectives

Choose adjectives that are strong but not over-the-top. Words like "driven," "dedicated," or "innovative" can describe your work ethic or approach without sounding boastful. Avoid using vague or overly self-promotional terms like "genius" or "superstar."

Action verbs

Using action verbs to describe your achievements keeps the focus on what you’ve done. Words like "achieved," "led," "improved," or "built" show initiative and responsibility without coming across as self-aggrandizing.

Use of "I"

While writing in the first person is acceptable in your "About Me" section, it’s best to avoid overusing "I." Instead of saying, "I am a motivated leader," opt for a sentence like, "Motivated leader with 5+ years of experience." This makes the tone more professional while still keeping it personal.

Keywords

Incorporate industry-specific keywords that align with the job you're applying for. Tailor your "About Me" with terms that match the language of the job posting. This not only makes you more relevant but also helps your resume pass through ATS more effectively.

How long should the “about me” section be?

The best practice for an "About Me" section is to keep it between three to five sentences. It should be concise but meaningful, given that hiring managers and investors often have limited time.

Although it's called "About Me," the focus should ultimately be on the value you bring. Highlight your skills and accomplishments, but make sure to tie them back to the impact you’ve had or could have in the role, ensuring every sentence serves a purpose.

Take a look at some useful examples of the most common use cases for an “About Me” resume profile.

“about me” on a resume [six examples]

College students are the group that most often resort to “About Me” statements as a way to introduce themselves on resumes, especially when they have limited work experience to highlight.

College student “About Me” section

Fresh graduate “About Me”

Graduates can use this section to share their motivations, values, or enthusiasm for the field they’re entering.

“Аbout Me” for career changers

This section helps connect the dots between the project manager’s past experience and future goals, making them a more compelling candidate in the new field.

Freelancer “About Me” section

An "About Me" section is perfect for freelancers who want to showcase their personal brand and diverse experience, making them more memorable to potential clients. Check out how this UX designer does it.

“About Me” for artists

Artists can easily opt for an "About Me" section on their resume because it offers a space to spotlight their unique creative perspective and personal journey, helping them connect with potential employers on a more personal level.

“About Me” for writers

Personal connection with clients is super important for writers. In this case, an "About Me" section is particularly useful as it allows them to showcase their unique writing style and highlight their versatility across different services.

Mistakes to avoid when writing your “about me”

Another thing candidates should avoid putting on their resume is an “About Me” section. After all, there’s a more tailored and recruiter-friendly option, like a summary or objective, that would work better. But if you do decide to include an "About Me," just be sure to avoid these common mistakes to make it as effective as possible.

• Being too vague
  Avoid general statements like "I’m hardworking and motivated." Instead, provide specific skills, achievements, or qualities that set you apart.
• Focusing too much on personal details
  While a personal touch is fine here, avoid including irrelevant personal information. Keep the focus on your professional skills, goals, and value to the employer.
• Using clichés
  Phrases like "team player" or "go-getter" are common and lack impact. Instead, use specific examples or accomplishments to illustrate these qualities.
• Being too long-winded
  An "About Me" section should be concise—three to five sentences at most. Long-winded descriptions may lose the reader’s interest, so keep it short and impactful.
• Sounding overconfident
  While it’s important to showcase your strengths, avoid coming across as overly arrogant. Stay humble when describing your achievements.
• Repeating yourself
  Rather than repeating bullet points from your experience or skills sections, this section should provide context and explain your career goals, not rehash what’s already listed.

Conclusion

To wrap things up, while an "About Me" section can give your resume a personal touch, it’s not always the best fit—sometimes a strong summary or objective does the job better. If you do choose to include one, just make sure it’s focused, concise, and relevant to the role you're after. The key is to highlight your unique value while keeping things professional and to the point.