Your CV summary is the first thing a recruiter will read when they open your CV, so it needs to make a statement. The goal is to capture the attention of the hiring manager so they feel compelled to read on and learn more about you.
So, how do you generate some buzz and encourage the hiring manager to invest more time in reading your job application? By marketing yourself as the best person for the job.
In this guide, we’ll explore how to master the art of writing a top-level CV summary, common mistakes to avoid, and answers to FAQs on CV summaries. We’ve also included over 49 real-world CV summary examples from diverse industries to give you a little inspiration.
Ready to get started? Jump straight to our CV summary examples.
What is a CV summary?
A CV summary is a short paragraph—a few sentences at most—at the beginning of your CV that succinctly describes your professional skills, experience, and achievements. It’s a snapshot of you that should answer the question, “ Why should we hire you?”
Sometimes referred to as a CV profile or personal summary for a CV, this small section holds a lot of power. Time-pressed employers often scan CVs to quickly shortlist candidates who look like a good fit for the role. Your CV summary is one of the first things they will see, so a convincing synopsis of your key strengths and experience could earn you a full CV review.
What’s the difference between a CV summary, profile, and objective?
- A CV summary offers a brief overview of your experience and highlights why you’re well-qualified for the role.
- A CV profile is simply another term for this, focusing on what makes you the ideal candidate.
- A CV objective is an older, less commonly used section that outlines your career goal. For example, a CV objective might state, "To secure a role in marketing and communications." However, as a CV summary or profile already conveys the type of role you're aiming for, a separate objective statement is usually unnecessary.
Key components of a good CV summary
As previously discussed, a great CV summary should capture the attention of the hiring manager. Think of this as your professional first impression.
In order to get things started on the right foot, you’ll need to know the elements that make up a good CV professional summary. Here are the key areas to focus on:
- Relevant and impressive work experience. Provide a compelling narrative of your career to date that aligns with the requirements of the advertised role.
- Showcase achievements. Show your impact by providing a standout accomplishment or two that are meaningful and measurable.
- Key skills and qualifications. Mention the key skills and qualifications that make you stand out and are most relevant to the job.
- Experience level. Job adverts will often include the years of experience required for the post, for example five years of experience in project management.
- Education. Highlight any educational accomplishments, whether relevant degrees, specialist certifications, or other training.
- Extra skills that set you apart. Share any additional skills or qualities that make you unique, even if they’re not listed in the job description.
For example, if you’re writing a CV summary for a sales assistant position, you might highlight your 4+ years in retail, ability to apply comprehensive product knowledge to deliver expert customer advice, consistent record of exceeding sales targets, and knowledge of CRM systems and POS tools.
If you need some expert advice and top tips on writing your CV and selecting the right CV format, check out our top-rated articles on how to write a CV and best CV formats.
How to write an effective CV summary
While every CV summary will be unique based on your experience and the role you are targeting, there are some common elements that appear in the most effective summaries. Plus, there are some strategies you can use to make the writing process easier.
AI CV summary generator
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CV summary creation steps
If you prefer to write your own CV professional summary, there are some basic steps you can follow to craft a persuasive paragraph.
Step 1#: Tailor to the job description
Since the purpose of your CV summary is to demonstrate how you’re the perfect fit for the role in question, you should tailor your CV to each job opportunity. When the hiring manager reads your CV summary, you want them to envisage you in the role.
The job description is an amazing resource for tailoring your CV summary. For example, a job advert for a nursery assistant might request 2+ years of experience in a pre-school setting and knowledge of the EYFS framework. Your summary could therefore open with, “Enthusiastic nursery assistant, combining 2+ years of experience in a pre-school setting with solid knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage framework.”
Step 2#: Use action verbs
Action verbs are a great tool that can help make your CV summary more dynamic. Verbs such as “inspired,” “engaged,” “revitalised,” and “collaborated” are powerful and persuasive when used to describe your skills and experience. The overall result is a more impressive professional profile.
Examples of industry-specific action verbs include:
| Programmed | Coded | Designed | Proofread | Transcribed |
| Recorded | Frameworked | Outlined | Defended | Published |
| Uploaded | Performed | Volunteered | Reviewed | Danced |
These can also be included in a sentence like this:
“Successfully designed original artwork for 15+ advertising campaigns.”
Step 3#: Follow a clear structure
One of the most important elements of writing a great CV summary is making sure that the hiring manager can quickly and easily digest its content. Your summary only needs to be two to three sentences long.
Try this trusted formula:
- Start by highlighting your job title/role and years of experience. Select one adjective (enthusiastic, versatile, dedicated), include your job title (marketing manager, financial analyst), and specify your years of experience (3+ years).
- Highlight a goal tailored to the role (e.g., “Success driving innovation in product development at Jaguar Land Rover”).
- Mention one or two key skills (project management, leadership, verbal communication).
- Showcase one to two of your top achievements (e.g., “Proven success increasing sales by 25% YoY in current role”).
If you have any key certifications or licences relevant to the job opening, then you can also mention these in your opening sentence. For example, “Driven PMP certified project manager...”
Professional CV summary examples
Sometimes you just need a little inspiration when writing your CV summary. Below are some solid CV summary examples that cover a wide range of professions.
General CV summaries
1#. Graduate CV summary
If you’re a recent graduate, you’ll be keen to create a convincing CV and make positive first steps as you enter the job market. This starts with a great CV summary:
Graduate civil engineer with extensive knowledge of structural components, technical competence, and an in-depth understanding of engineering theory. Passionate about civil engineering, particularly environmental, rail, and road, with a strong desire to join an organisation that offers challenges and opportunities to progress.
2#. No experience CV summary
Don’t let a lack of experience deter you from applying for your dream job. Here’s how to present your passion for your chosen career path and transferable skills:
Motivated high school graduate with a strong academic record and a passion for retail. Gained valuable teamwork, communication, and organisational skills through school projects, extracurricular activities, and part-time work. Ready to bring enthusiasm and a commitment to excellent customer service to the team at Zara.
3#. Hard worker CV summary
Employers are always looking for new hires that give their work 110 percent and go the extra mile. Here’s how to shine a spotlight on your hardworking nature via your CV summary:
Hardworking professional known for consistently meeting deadlines, improving team efficiency, and maintaining high safety standards. Played a key role in delivery of the Bristol Garden District development ahead of schedule, reducing costs by 10%. Eager to bring a strong work ethic and love for new challenges to ABC Construction.
4#. Multiple jobs CV summary
Every job opportunity is unique, and your CV summary should follow this mantra too. Tailoring your profile to each specific role will allow potential employers to see you as a valuable and well-suited employee for their company. On the other hand, a one-size-fits-all approach could look generic and out of place for the job opening.
However, on some rare occasions, you might need a broader summary to reflect your work experience in adjacent roles or industries:
Versatile PMP certified project manager with 10+ years of experience across finance, healthcare, and technology sectors. Proven track record in leading cross-functional teams to deliver projects 15% under budget and ahead of schedule. Brings a wealth of industry knowledge and leadership expertise to a challenging role in operations management.
Healthcare CV summaries
5#. Nurse CV summary
Registered Nurse with valid NMC Registration. Experienced in private hospital and hospice settings to patients with varying needs. Compassionate and self-motivated with a proven track record of delivering outstanding one-to-one care.
6#. Doctor CV summary
Passionate and award winning Medical Doctor with a proven track record of providing patients with the highest level of care possible. Committed to growing and learning within the ever advancing medical industry, while remaining focused on healthcare excellence.
7#. Dentist CV summary
Well-respected dentist, adept at diagnosing and treating causes of tooth and gum pain, including performing root canals, repairing cavities, and implanting crowns. Remain current on evidence-based practices to ensure high-quality care. Excellent interpersonal skills with experience treating adults and paediatric patients.
8#. Pharmacist CV summary
Experienced and dedicated Pharmacist with experience and success in pharmaceutical services. Bringing forth a strong background in clinical pharmacology and medication management. Extensive knowledge of pharmacy operations, pharmacy management, and medications. Proven track record of proper customer advisement and an empathetic attitude.
Technology & IT CV summaries
9#. Computer science CV summary
Computer scientist with five years of experience in tech sector. Two years spent managing research teams and managing network strategy with key stakeholders. Ability to understand complex data storage issues. Highly skilled at improving or designing new LAN, SAN and VoIP networks.
10#. Programmer CV summary
Technically proficient programmer with experience in programming applications, firmware and operating systems. Exceptional attention to detail, able to write hundreds of lines of clean, reusable code and code libraries. Well-honed communication skills; build relationships with colleagues, managers and other cross-functional stakeholders. Exceptional work ethic with commitment to delivering results aligned with requirements.
11#. Cybersecurity analyst CV summary
Dynamic cybersecurity expert with a proven track record of success managing and maintaining optimal protection across complex data and technologies. Highly accomplished technical leader with extensive experience in creating, rolling out, and maintaining complex security infrastructure.
12#. Software developer CV summary
Innovative Software Developer with strong insights into user needs and a proven talent for creating engaging new applications across a wide range of needs. Demonstrated capacity for developing scalable, efficient software products from initial conception through testing and deployment.
Finance & accounting CV summaries
13#. Accountant CV summary
Certified Public Accountant with five years of experience in account reconciliations, streamlining accounts, and financial planning. Highly motivated professional with a proven track record of delivering accurate reports and high-quality service. Possess a comprehensive understanding of all aspects of accounting and financial planning. A dedicated leader with the ability to lead effective teams in attaining profit improvement.
14#. Banking CV summary
Accomplished banker with 8 years of experience in retail and corporate banking at Lloyds Banking Group and Barclays. Skilled in building client relationships, risk assessment, and financial analysis. Proven track record of achieving sales targets and driving revenue growth. Recognised for strong leadership and mentoring skills. Holds a BSc in Finance from the University of Edinburgh. Committed to delivering exceptional customer service and contributing to the success of the organisation.
15#. Finance CV summary
Dynamic financial leader dedicated to empowering top-tier business value. Proven capacity for analysing and evaluating business operations to generate performance and opportunity insights. Extensive history of effective investment strategy and guidance, enabling businesses to achieve ambitious value targets. Strong talent for partnering with clients and stakeholders on a global scale, ensuring exceptional outcomes across all business and financial needs.
16#. Investment banker CV summary
Experienced and driven Financial Adviser with three years of experience partnering with clients and organisations to deliver financial insights and recommendations. Proven expertise in preparing financial models, executing data analytics, and conducting market research.
Academic CV summaries
17#. Student CV summary
Enthusiastic and motivated university student with a strong interest in pursuing a career in customer service. A quick learner with a commitment to meaningful customer interactions. Eager to apply my commitment to customer satisfaction and effective communication in an academic environment.
18#. Internship CV summary
Reliable business studies graduate with extensive knowledge of HR topics including employee retention and resolution. Looking to secure an internship with J&D Retailers that will help in the development of current HR skills, as well as learning new skills to help support your business.
19#. Graduate CV summary
Graduate Civil Engineer with extensive knowledge of structural components, technical competence, and an in depth understanding of engineering theory. Passionate about civil engineer, particularly environmental, rail and road, and a desire to join an organisation that offers challenges and opportunities to progress.
Marketing & sales CV summaries
20#. Marketing manager CV summary
Experienced Marketing Manager with a proven track record of successfully working cross-functionally, alongside product design, engineering, marketing, creative, and sales teams. Highly skilled in creating and implementing go-to-market strategies for product launches and monitoring competitor activity and customer needs.
21#. Digital marketing specialist CV summary
Accomplished digital marketing leader with record of success overseeing fast-paced digital marketing operations. Well-versed in techniques for applying MarTech and e-commerce technologies for integrating digital marketing with traditional commerce. Respected team leader, with experience building, guiding and coaching multidisciplinary business and marketing teams.
22#. Marketing CV summary
Social media manager with seven years of experience, primarily within the fashion industry. Passionate about high-end fashion, particularly menswear. Possesses a talent for creating unique content to attract and grow the customer base. A team player always eager to help and support colleagues with the ability to work well on their own initiative.
23#. SEO CV summary
Dynamic, goal-driven marketing leader with robust SEO optimisation capabilities. Exceptional technical capabilities in utilising diverse SEO tools to boost site rankings. Strong capabilities in SEO team leadership, training and coaching.
Education & training CV summaries
24#. Teacher CV summary
Qualified Science Teacher with experience teaching at a variety of schools and academies. Experienced in creating comprehensive curricula for KS3 and KS4. Passionate about engaging children of all abilities in the sciences and leading inter-departmental collaborations aimed at supporting students’ academic, emotional, and social development.
25#. Teaching assistant CV summary
Visionary educational leader with a proven track record in strategic curriculum development and innovative teaching methodologies. Expert in fostering academic excellence and engagement through advanced pedagogical techniques and cross-departmental collaboration. Renowned for spearheading curriculum alignment with industry trends and mentoring faculty to drive instructional improvement and student success.
26#. Academic CV summary
Experienced Academic Tutor with 10 years of experience teaching students within a university setting. Expert in creating learning plans and helping students to reach their full potential. Passion and drive for developing students, and helping them achieve their education goals.
Engineering & architecture CV summaries
27#. Mechanical engineer CV summary
Pioneering Mechanical Engineer with significant expertise in design and engineering of next-generation electro-mechanical systems. Skilled in all phases of product development process.
28#. Civil engineer CV summary
Widely experienced Civil Engineer with over seven years of experience in design, planning, and project management of major infrastructure projects. Proven ability to lead teams and oversee all aspects of project delivery from conception through to timely completion.
29#. Electrical engineer CV summary
Accomplished electrical engineer with nine years of experience in power systems engineering and project management. Expertise in electrical design, testing, and commissioning for large-scale infrastructure and commercial projects.
30#. Software engineer CV summary
Highly-strategic Software Engineer adept in designing, developing, and delivering exceptional products to clients around the globe. Skilled in enhancing software with new functionality while also maintaining existing code. Committed to working collaboratively across multi-skilled teams to problem solve and deliver real solutions.
Legal & compliance CV summaries
31#. Lawyer CV summary
Client focussed Antitrust Lawyer with 6+ years of experience advising clients and successfully managing all legal aspects of mergers, joint ventures, and acquisitions. My merger control experience spans a vast array of industries, including the oil and gas, casino, entertainment, education, and publishing industries, among others.
32#. Paralegal CV summary
Highly detail-oriented and efficient Paralegal with proven capacity for excelling in a challenging litigation / corporate paralegal role with a successful law firm. Deadline-driven in conducting legal research for cases of all sizes and generating / revising documentation to support a wide range of case proceedings. Type 85 WPM with complete accuracy.
33#. Legal CV summary
Legal secretary with five years’ experience supporting solicitor teams to help multinationals. Experienced in competition law, securities law, and government investigations.
Human resources & recruiting CV summaries
34#. HR manager CV summary
Dynamic HR manager with extensive experience in personnel management and employee advocacy. Adept in working with senior leadership to design and implement HR strategies.
35#. Recruiter CV summary
Accomplished recruiter with a proven track record of sourcing and securing top talent for a wide range of business needs. Extensive history of successfully elevating business productivity by matching best-fit talent to diverse roles and organisations. Demonstrated capacity for driving team and company evolution, influencing work cultures through strategic talent acquisition and development.
36#. Recruitment consultant CV summary
Experienced staffing professional dedicated to connecting businesses with exceptional talent to fill a wide range of open roles. Demonstrated capacity for efficiently evaluating candidates for skillset and culture fit, empowering businesses to cultivate robust, driven teams in line with unique needs.
Customer service & support CV summaries
37#. Customer service representative CV summary
Enthusiastic customer service professional with 11+ years of experience in a retail setting. Outgoing, friendly personality, with the ability to make customers feel valued. Passionate about delivering exceptional service to customers and helping improve the company brand.
38#. Call center agent CV summary
Enthusiastic customer service agent with over four years’ experience in customer support by the phone, email, and through problem-solving scenarios. Known for friendly and patient communication style.
Administrative & office support CV summaries
39#. Administrative assistant CV summary
Detail-oriented professional with expertise in providing outstanding administrative support to executives, managers and team members. Highly organised, adept at co-ordinating daily workflows, prioritising tasks and meeting deadlines. Excellent interpersonal skills, able to communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
40#. Office manager CV summary
Dedicated Office Manager with a proven history of ensuring streamlined operations. Strong organizational talents, able to co-ordinate day-to-day employment and business processes, including payroll, communications, reporting, and supply maintenance. Keen talent for fostering efficient, effective work environments.
41#. Administrator CV summary
Energetic and highly focused Office Administrator with a strong attention to detail and excellent multitasking skills. Adept in overseeing all office processes in a busy environment to ensure the highest level of productivity and success.
42#. Office administrator CV summary
Highly organised and efficient office administrator with over 6 years of experience in managing day-to-day operations, providing exceptional administrative support, and ensuring smooth functioning of office procedures. Adept at multi-tasking, problem-solving, and maintaining a professional demeanour in fast-paced environments. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and various office management software. Committed to fostering positive relationships with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders to drive organisational success.
Transportation & logistics CV summaries
43#. Driver CV summary
Reliable and experienced HGV Class 1 driver with over 4 years operating articulated lorries. Holds full UK licence with clean driving record. Performs complete inspections and maintenance of vehicle and load.
44#. Delivery driver CV summary
Delivery driver with seven years of experience providing exceptional delivery services to local London businesses. Clean driving record and proven track record of excellent customer service and efficient deliveries. Accredited advanced driver by Institute of Advanced Motorists.
45#. Train driver CV summary
Highly skilled and safety-conscious train driver with 15 years of experience operating various types of trains, including freight trains, across the UK rail network. Committed to providing excellent customer service, ensuring passenger comfort, and maintaining strict adherence to safety regulations and schedules.
Security & protection CV summaries
46#. Security guard CV summary
Skilled security guard with over 8 years of experience in providing top-notch security services. Experienced across various settings, including retail stores, corporate buildings, and event venues.
47#. Police officer CV summary
Highly experienced and dedicated police officer with a proven track record of serving and protecting communities across the UK. Skilled in criminal investigations, community policing, and crisis management. Adept at building strong relationships with colleagues, partnering agencies, and the public. Committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and service. Seeking a challenging role that utilizes my expertise and leadership abilities to make a positive impact on society.
48#. Firefighter CV summary
Highly skilled and dedicated firefighter with 6 years of experience seeking a position within a fire and rescue service to protect lives, property, and the environment while promoting community safety.
49#. British Army CV summary
Detail-oriented, focussed and highly adaptable professional well-outfitted for a career with the British Army. Exceptionally capable of adhering to rigid schedules and adjusting to shifting priorities.
Common mistakes to avoid in a CV summary
There are plenty of common mistakes made in a CV summary. They may seem minor at the time, but can impact your chances of success. A major bugbear of many recruiters is bad grammar or spelling errors. Simply proofreading and using Grammarly could make the difference between being accepted or rejected.
Here are some other common mistakes to avoid in your CV summary:
- Exaggerating the truth. While it’s important to have confidence in who you are and what you have to offer, you don’t want to oversell yourself in your CV summary. Stating that you’re an expert in MS Excel, for example, might not be a great idea if you aren’t confident you’ll be able to complete the advanced tasks required in your new job.
- Poor formatting. This is one of the first things employers will notice on your CV. Make sure the layout ( cv margins, columns, etc.) of your summary, as well as the rest of your document, is perfectly formatted.
- Repeating information. Reiterating information from elsewhere in your CV can make your summary less focused, redundant, and unoriginal. Keep it fresh and showcase your value.
- Personal pronouns. Recruiters will understand that you are referring to yourself in your CV summary without the need for “I,” “me,” etc. Omitting these personal pronouns will ensure your summary sounds more professional.
- Not including a summary. Even if you have no work experience, you should include a CV summary. Otherwise, you will be underselling yourself.
- Include keywords from the job description to increase the likelihood of passing applicant tracking systems.
- Use bold action verbs and powerful statements to make your CV summary pop.
- Highlight soft skills to set yourself apart from other job applicants.
- Include irrelevant or old information (e.g., 10–15 years ago) as this can make you look unsuitable.
- Use overused phrases and cliches, such as “self starter” or “team player.”
- Create a long CV summary. Keep it to two to three sentences that engage the reader.
CV summary FAQs
How long should a CV summary be?
A CV summary should be a short and concise paragraph of two to three sentences that details your most impressive and relevant qualifications, skills, and experience for the role. Essentially, your summary is a brief response to the question, “Why should we hire you?”
What are good action verbs for a CV summary?
Powerful actions verbs can transform a CV summary from bland and boring to strong and impactful. Try to make word choices that are relevant to your industry and achievements. Some popular CV summary action verbs include: shaped, transformed, improved, leveraged, optimised, delivered, informed, initiated, accomplished, led, achieved, or innovated.
How should I use keywords in my CV summary?
Review the job description for keywords and terms that are repeated or emphasised as important, then sprinkle some of these in your CV summary.
Don’t try to cram too many keywords into your summary (also known as keyword stuffing) as this is unlikely to reflect your true abilities and will negatively impact readability.
How can I showcase achievements in my CV summary?
Including achievements in your CV summary is a great way to capture the interest of recruiters. Space is limited in this section, however, so choose one or two standout achievements that are relevant to the job opening.
