CV personal summary examples: how to grab a UK employers’ attention from the start.

Summary/Overview

Your personal summary is a key feature on your CV. This section introduces your skills, qualities and expertise, and usually appears at the very top of the page. In short, it’s a golden opportunity to prove you’re a suitable candidate in just a few sentences.

Despite its importance, a personal summary can be daunting to write. But with the right structure and content, it can capture the attention of potential employer. This guide will cover what a personal summary is, what details to include, and CV personal summary examples.

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What is a summary on a CV?

A personal summary is a short, direct paragraph that usually appears at the top of your CV. Its purpose is to outline your qualities, attributes, background and work experience to employers. This will give them some context before they dive into your CV.

You’ll need to use your personal summary effectively to convince employers that you’re an ideal candidate for the role. It should strike a balance between clarity, brevity and relevance to your desired role and/or sector.

Great CV summary examples are attention-grabbing, concise and error-free. You may also see a CV summary described as a personal profile, CV statement or personal statement. Don’t worry – they’re all the same.

Editable CV personal summary examples.

How to write a summary for a CV.

If your mind goes blank when writing a personal summary, you’re not alone. Everyone’s approach is different, but there are some common elements to include. And if you’re still struggling, it may be worth writing it last once you’ve covered everything else on your CV.

Ensure your CV summary matches the job.

It’s important to tailor your personal summary to each role you apply for. Some companies use software to scan your CV for specific keywords that match the job requirements. Look at the job description for skills and years of experience needed and include words from the advertisement in your personal statement.

Use short, snappy sentences.

Employers are less likely to engage with a personal summary that’s half a page long. They’ll be scanning your CV for key terms instead. Keep your personal summary to one paragraph of three to six sentences and avoid complex words and phrases. Simple sentence structures can convey a message far more effectively and get your point across much quicker.

Make sure every word counts.

Personal summaries should be brief, but that doesn’t mean you can’t write with flair. Engaging and persuasive language can really sell your skills. Avoid including generic phrases that other candidates might use. Instead, incorporate specific information that only you can shout about, such as increasing sales by a particular percentage or receiving an award.

Watch out for typos and factual errors.

It’s best to read over your CV for errors and mistakes. Carefully review your personal summary and make sure it’s easy to read. You may wish to read it out loud to see if the sentences sound correct. It can also be helpful to ask a friend or family member to proofread your summary – two pairs of eyes are better than one!

What to put in a CV summary.

Your CV is a collection of professional milestones and qualifications, filled with facts, numbers and dates. But your personal summary allows you to show some personality. This section is more flexible, so you can get creative from the very first word.

1. Describe who you are.

Start your personal summary with a concise description of where you are in your career. If you’re currently unemployed, speak about your previous job and any practical experience under your belt. If you’re a recent graduate, include details about your degree that’s relevant to the role you’re applying for. Keep it brief and impactful.

2. Highlight your skills and abilities.

This is your chance to flaunt your top skills and capabilities. Lean on the job description details and consider your strengths related to the position. Using this information, mention why you think you’d be a good fit for the role. You may also include any relevant work experience and the knowledge you gained from it for some extra points.

3. Flag useful work experience or achievements.

If you meet any specific educational or experience requirements for the role, include them in your personal summary. The aim is to highlight why you’re suitable for the job, so getting that information in from the beginning can make your CV shine. If possible, you can also mention processes and products you’ve worked on that could be useful for the position.

4. Say what you’d like to achieve.

End your personal summary with details of why and how you’d commit to the company. You may wish to mention your career goals that you hope to develop in your role or gain more knowledge of the sector. This is especially helpful if you’re writing a CV with no experience. Showing passion, eagerness and willingness to learn can earn you extra points.

Free personal summary examples for a CV.

Not sure where to start? Try these personal summary CV examples.

You may have a general idea of how to write your personal summary, but sometimes you need a bit more inspiration. Here are some CV personal summary examples of different professions and experience levels to get you started.

Healthcare role.

“Compassionate and detail-oriented nurse with five years of experience in patient care. Excellent interpersonal skills with proven success in cooperating with medical teams to establish well-resourced and healthy work environments. Professionally trained and experienced in providing emotional support to patients and their families. Recognised for maintaining a safe and clean environment, resulting in a 25% decrease in hospital-acquired infections.”

Accountancy role.

“Ambitious and meticulous accounting graduate seeking on-the-job training to earn Certified Public Accounting (CPA). Commended by professors for precision and efficiency in all tasks, scoring in the top 1% of examination results for my year. Knowledge of entry-level accounting duties, including general ledger accounts, balancing sheets, updating accounts payable and preparing reports. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to solve problems timely and professionally.”

Retail role.

“Dedicated and organised retail professional with six years of experience in assisting customers and driving sales for multiple retail store locations. Well-versed in coaching, staff training and developing performance-driven teams. Personable and adaptable problem solver with excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Committed to boosting the company’s reputation by meeting sales goals, encouraging client retention and promoting brand awareness.”

Education role.

“Resourceful and dedicated secondary school teacher with over three years of experience in aiding students’ academic and professional success. Excellent knowledge of subject content combined with strong teaching skills and a thorough understanding of connecting real-world applications to core content. Skilled in teaching and assisting students from various backgrounds with proven success in developing engaging and creative lesson plans to achieve student satisfaction.”

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Useful things to know.

What is the best opening sentence for a CV personal summary?

The best way to open your CV personal summary is to describe who you are and the current stage of your career path. Keep the details brief and make sure the first sentence packs a punch. For example: “Recent graduate with a 2:1 in Business and Management studies from X University.”

What is a good last sentence for a CV personal statement?

The last sentence of your CV personal summary should outline how you’d commit to the company. Consider the job description’s requirements and base your summary around it for a stellar finish. For example: “I am seeking to develop the skills learned through my university studies and begin my career in the exciting world of publishing.”

How can you sound passionate in a CV personal summary?

Persuasive and engaging language combined with emotive keywords can convey passion in your CV personal summary. Keywords like ‘ambitious’, ‘passionate’, ‘dedicated’ and ‘motivated’ can show enthusiasm and your willingness to contribute to a productive and positive environment. Explore more CV summary examples with our free CV templates.

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