Does a resume need a summary statement on top or not? (job, education)

[Mighty_Pelican]

I'm rewriting my resume after a year of graduate school, and I'm contemplating taking a minimalist approach. Just my:

Contact information
Work experience section with bulleted accomplishments
Education section with my role in projects for external consumers outside the university

That's it.

I won't be using a skills section to list skills, an objective statement, a summary/profile, nor list organizational affiliations. I can expound on any of these topics in the cover letter if need be.

Could I go wrong with this approach? I keep going back and forth on whether I need a summary statement. This is for the data science field.

[fishbrains]

I never look at summary or objectives. Skills I do review, but very skeptically.

I am a big cover letter advocate and read each one. It is the perfect means to pitch a particular skill, reason for relocating, etc.

[Ace_TX]

figured objectives were a waste of time

most people will just right in some canned bs there anyways

[charlygal]

You'll be fine. That's all I had on my old resume. List any organizations/certification only if commonly requested or would may you standout among those in your field.

[alanaj7]

I think you should include a summary/profile. It just reads better. Yes, you can do a great job with the cover letter but that additional part of the resume allows you to include personal attributes like enthusiastic, committed, etc. Some keywords will stand out to an employer. If the right person reads your resume and sees the keywords that strikes a chord, then you've got an interview.