An example of a profile on a CV is a short paragraph at the top of the page, usually three to five lines, that tells an employer who you are, what you offer and what you want next. This guide shows you how to write one step by step, gives ready-to-adapt examples for different situations, and lists the common mistakes that make a CV profile forgettable.
Key takeaways
- Keep your CV profile to about 50 to 100 words, or three to five lines.
- Include your job title or field, your level of experience, two or three relevant skills and a clear goal.
- Tailor it to every job advert by echoing its key requirements honestly.
- Avoid clichés and vague claims, and back up strengths with something specific.
What a CV profile is and why it matters
A CV profile, sometimes called a personal statement or professional summary, sits directly under your name and contact details. Recruiters often scan a CV quickly, so this short block is where they decide whether to keep reading. It is not a life story. It is a sharp pitch that answers three questions: who are you, what can you do, and what are you looking for?
In the UK, a profile is standard on most CVs. It should not be confused with a long cover letter, which is a separate document that can go into more detail about why you want this specific job.
What a good CV profile includes
- Your job title or field and your level of experience.
- Two or three key skills that match the job advert.
- One achievement or strength you can back up.
- The type of role you are aiming for.
Write in an implied first person, without using the word “I”, for example “Organised administrator with five years of experience…”. Use plain, confident wording and avoid buzzwords that could describe anyone.
How to write your own CV profile in six steps
- Read the job advert. Highlight the skills, tools and qualities the employer mentions most.
- List your matches. Note experience, qualifications and strengths that fit those requirements.
- Pick one proof point. Choose a result you can explain, such as handling a busy caseload or improving a process.
- Draft in four parts. Who you are, what you offer, your proof, and your goal.
- Trim. Cut filler words and anything that does not help this application.
- Check and tailor. Read it aloud, fix typos, and adjust the wording for each role you apply for.
Example of a profile on a CV: ready-to-adapt samples
Use these as starting points. Replace details with your own true experience and never exaggerate.
Experienced professional
Customer service team leader with eight years of experience in retail and contact centre roles. Skilled at coaching staff, resolving complaints and improving service processes. Known for calm communication and reliable delivery. Seeking a customer operations manager position where I can build a supportive, high-performing team.
Recent graduate
Business studies graduate with work placement experience in marketing and a strong interest in digital content. Confident with social media scheduling tools, spreadsheets and simple reporting. Organised and quick to learn. Looking for a junior marketing role where I can develop practical skills and contribute fresh ideas.
Career changer
Former hospitality supervisor moving into project coordination. Experienced in managing rotas, budgets and suppliers under pressure, with recent training in project management basics. Clear communicator who keeps people and deadlines on track. Seeking an entry-level project coordinator role.
First job or school leaver
Reliable and enthusiastic college leaver with volunteering experience at a local community centre. Good with people, punctual and happy to learn on the job. Looking for an apprenticeship or entry-level role in administration.
Do and don’t checklist
| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
| Keep it between 50 and 100 words | Write a long paragraph or life story |
| Match the language of the job advert honestly | Copy the advert word for word |
| Mention a real strength or achievement | Use empty phrases like “hard-working team player” with no proof |
| State the role you are aiming for | Leave the goal vague |
| Proofread carefully | Send the same profile to every employer |
Common mistakes to avoid
Being generic
Phrases such as “motivated individual seeking a challenging role” tell the reader nothing. Replace them with specifics: what you do, in what setting, with what result.
Making it about what you want only
Employers care about what you can offer. Your goal should be short and connected to the value you can bring.
Ignoring formatting
Keep the profile left-aligned, in the same font as the rest of the CV, and avoid walls of text. Applicant tracking systems read plain text better than fancy layouts.
If you want impartial advice on CV layout and job searching, the National Careers Service offers free guidance in England. Its CV tips are a helpful second opinion once you have a draft.
Keeping your profile fresh
Review your profile every time you apply. Keep a master version with all your strengths, then trim it for each role. After interviews, notice which points the employer picked up on and strengthen those. If you describe skills like attention to detail or technical ability, make sure the rest of the CV shows evidence. Good habits matter in all kinds of writing: our guide to what is a normal pupil size shows how a clear, plain-English answer-first structure works for any reader, and the same approach suits your profile.
Frequently asked questions
How long should a CV profile be?
Aim for three to five lines, or roughly 50 to 100 words. Short enough to read in seconds, long enough to show your value.
Should I write my CV profile in the first or third person?
Most people use an implied first person without the word “I”, for example “Experienced electrician with…”. Avoid writing about yourself by name in the third person.
Do I need a profile if I have little experience?
Yes. A profile helps you highlight education, volunteering, projects and transferable skills, and it shows your goal clearly.
Should I change my profile for every application?
Ideally yes. A few small changes, such as the job title and the two or three skills mentioned, can make it much more relevant.
What is the difference between a CV profile and a cover letter?
The profile is a brief summary at the top of the CV. A cover letter is a separate document that explains in more detail why you are applying and why you fit the role.
Conclusion
A strong CV profile is short, specific and written for the job in front of you. Use the examples above as a framework, add your own genuine strengths, and tailor it each time. A few minutes spent on this opening paragraph can make a real difference to whether the rest of your CV gets read.
Key takeaways about example of a profile on a cv
Here is a short summary of example of a profile on a cv so you can find the main points quickly.
- An example of a profile on a CV is a short paragraph at the top of the page, usually three to five lines, that tells an employer who you are, what you offer and what you want next.
- A CV profile, sometimes called a personal statement or professional summary, sits directly under your name and contact details.
- In the UK, a profile is standard on most CVs.
- Write in an implied first person, without using the word "I", for example "Organised administrator with five years of experience…".
Questions about example of a profile on a cv are common, so it helps to compare more than one trustworthy source.
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