Professional Summary

Most job seekers include a professional summary at the top of their CV. This is because recruiters often scan CVs looking for key information before they read the whole document. Your professional summary should give an overview of your skills, experience and achievements. It should be tailored to each role you apply for, highlighting the most relevant points from your CV.

Recruiters are usually looking for three things when they read a professional summary:

1. If you have the right skills and experience for the job.
2. What kind of person you are
3. If you’re likely to be successful in the role.

Try to keep your professional summary short and to the point. Three to five sentences is usually enough.

If you’re struggling to write a professional summary, take a look at some CV examples for inspiration. Just make sure you don’t copy someone else’s – your CV should be unique to you. A well written professional summary can make the difference between a CV that gets noticed and one that ends up in the ‘no’ pile. So take the time to get it right. It could be the key to landing your dream job.

• DO use action verbs (e.g. ‘developed’, ‘achieved’)
• DO include relevant keywords from the job description
• DO focus on your most recent and relevant experience
• DO tailor it to each role you apply for
• DO keep it short (three to five sentences)
• DO check for spelling and grammar mistakes before you send your CV off.

• DON'T use cliches or overused phrases.
• DON'T use first person pronouns (I, me, my, etc.)
• DON'T make it too long - aim for around three sentences.
• DON'T include personal information that is not relevant to the job you're applying for.
• DON'T use jargon or technical language that the reader may not understand.

Q: How long should my professional summary be?

A: A CV professional summary should ideally be around 75-100 words long.

Q: What font size should I use for my CV professional summary?

A: You should use a font size that is easily readable, such as 11-12pt.

Q: Can I include personal interests in my CV professional summary?

A: It is generally best to avoid including personal interests in your CV professional summary. Instead, focus on highlighting your relevant skills and experience.

Q: Should I use first or third person when writing my CV professional summary?

A: While you can technically use either first or third person when writing your CV professional summary, it is generally best to use third person.

Q: What tense should I use when writing my CV professional summary?

A: You should use present tense when writing your CV professional summary.

Q: What tone should I use when writing my CV professional summary?

A: The tone of your CV professional summary should be positive and upbeat. Remember, this is your chance to sell yourself to potential employers!