How to End a Resume: Tips for a Strong, Memorable Closing

The purpose of a strong resume ending

The end of your resume and the end of each section are the last impressions the hiring manager has when they put your application down. In other words, it’s the last thing they see before they shortlist you and send an interview invitation.

Resume conclusions remind employers of key skills and achievements, reinforcing your critical qualifications. Recruiters have a lot on their plate, and it helps to relay information multiple times to help them collect their thoughts. Ending strong leaves a memorable impression, which not only lifts you up but also helps you stand out from candidates who failed to describe themselves.

Many resume strategies focus on “hooking” the hiring manager with action language and meaningful metrics at the beginning. Now that you have their attention make it worthwhile for them to read the whole thing.

Effective ways to end your resume

Let’s take a look at the three main ways to end a resume. While your most vital information should be at the top, it’s a good idea to end your application with strong action language and metrics.

End with a branding statement

Branding statements recap your strengths, qualifications, and what makes you unique. They’re similar to summaries, but they’re usually one powerful sentence rather than two to four sentences.

A branding statement must highlight your core competencies and value in one strong sentence. It needs to be quick and catchy to grab the recruiter’s attention. Here’s an example:

Showcase additional skills or certifications

End your resume with additional skills, certifications, licenses, or a list of hobbies and interests. Unlike punchy achievements and metrics, this information isn’t eye-catching – but that’s the point. You already have their attention, so spend some time relaying why you’re a good choice and helping them get to know you.

Study the job description to discover which information is most important. IT roles may need technical certifications, while international roles may require language proficiency. It’s also a good idea to research company websites to find crucial values and beneficial hobbies.

Consider including a “key achievements” section

Add a separate header specifically for key career achievements. This is an excellent spot for accomplishments that didn’t fit in earlier sections – perhaps you ran out of bullet point space in your Work Experience section, or maybe you simply have an impactful project that wasn’t relevant elsewhere.

This should be a list-type section, using bullet points to organize the achievements. A flexible resume template allows you to add whichever unique elements you need, opening you up to endless customization.

Resume closing elements based on different career levels

The best way to close a resume depends on your career level. Entry-level workers should focus on their educational achievements, while senior professionals should highlight outstanding accomplishments.

Here are our suggestions based on your professional level.

Entry-level applicants: Focus on skills and education

While recent graduates should begin their resume with the Education section, entry-level applicants can end with it. Entry-level workers may have a bit of job experience to lead with, but it’s a great idea to end their resumes with relevant coursework and impressive academic projects.

You can also include achievements that showcase complementary soft skills like teamwork, leadership, and adaptability. Try including your membership in a sorority or fraternity to convey collaboration and organizational skills.

Mid-career professionals: Add a personal branding statement

We discussed branding statements earlier, so let’s go a bit deeper. These are a strong choice for mid-range professionals, helping you reinforce expertise, core competencies, and career highlights. Here’s an example:

Branding statements aren’t just for describing past achievements. Try subtly tying your career aspirations and growth potential into them. Here’s a quick sample:

Senior professionals: Highlight key accomplishments

Remember the “key achievements” section from earlier? This is perfect for highly experienced professionals who simply can’t fit every accomplishment in their Work Experience section.

Create a separate header for powerful career achievements that highlight leadership, growth, and positive organizational outcomes. Here are a few examples:

Check out our resume examples for realistic samples from every career level, from students to seasoned career veterans.

Should you include references at the end of a resume?

Many people used to end a resume with a list of references, but that practice is no longer common – in fact, it may be seen as unprofessional or unnatural.

Hiring managers don’t have time to read and contact references on resumes. Most also say they would prefer candidates use that space to discuss their qualifications more deeply.

Some experts say it isn’t respectful toward your colleagues and connections. These people trust you, and sending their contact information to dozens of people could be risky or tiresome.

It may still be appropriate to add “References available upon request” if the job description mentions it. However, for the most part, we recommend you create a separate list of references and only send it to employers when they specifically request it.

Final touches for a polished resume ending

Let’s take a look at a few final strategies for a high-quality end to a strong resume. These tips and tricks are the icing on the cake that help you stand out from the crowd.

Here are our top tips for adding a finishing touch:

• Proofread: Reread your concluding section, as it’s easy to overlook when you’re paying so much attention to the beginning. Review for spelling and grammar issues, and double-check that your information is unique – you don’t want to use the same achievement in your Work Experience section and your “key achievements” section.
• Check for consistency: Read the ending and ensure the tone and formatting match the rest of the resume. You want it to be smooth and seamless.
• Use a subtle call to action: Encourage the hiring manager to learn more about you by providing a link to your LinkedIn profile, portfolio, or personal website.
• Optimize for ATS: Include additional keywords from the job description in your resume ending to make a better ATS resume.
• Don’t sacrifice clean formatting: If your resume is already tight on space, don’t stuff a conclusion in just for the sake of it. Prioritize clean formatting and white space and simply leave the conclusion off.

How to end a resume: Samples of strong resume endings

If you want to learn how to end a resume, examples are a great way to get started. Let’s finish this guide with a few realistic samples of effective resume endings tailored to different career levels and industries.

Here are a few examples to inspire you:

Entry-level web developer

Mid-career project manager

Senior-level executive

Creative freelancer

“While your most vital information should be at the top, it’s a good idea to end your application with strong action language and metrics.”

End your resume strongly and leave a positive impression

It’s impressive when a hiring manager reads a resume from start to finish – give them something impactful to read by ending it with a powerful recap of your abilities. Reinforce your top skills, describe a few extra achievements, and entice the employer to give you a call.

Give one of our strategies a try, and make it easier on yourself by using CVwizard’s resume maker. Easily tailor your application to your industry and experience with our drag-and-drop interface and endlessly customizable headers. You’ll have a professional resume in minutes.