How to Write a CV Personal Profile
by Karien de Villiers
- CV
- · December 09 2024
- · 7 min read
Table of contents
Whether you are a student, a graduate, or a seasoned professional, a personal profile is essential for your CV when targeting the UK job market. It is a pivotal section that is often misunderstood but carries significant weight in the eyes of employers. Companies seek individuals who demonstrate competence and dedication throughout the application process.
In this article, we cover:
What is a personal profile or summary on a CV.
How to write a personal profile in 4 steps.
The top 3 benefits of a personal profile.
7 common mistakes to avoid in a personal profile.
30+ examples of personal profiles in various industries and fields.
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Before we start, it's worth noting that the personal profile section may be referred to by various names. Despite these differences, they all serve the same purpose:
Summary
Profile summary
Personal statement
CV profile summary
Skills summary
Qualifications summary
About me.
Follow this guide to help you create the best CV introduction that resonates with employers, propelling you closer to achieving your career goals.
What is a personal profile?
A personal profile is a paragraph at the top of your CV that serves as an introductory statement about yourself and your career objectives. Its purpose is to provide a concise overview of your professional background, educational attainment, aspirations, and core competencies, all tailored to align with your desired job and industry.
Applying for your first job? No worries, we’re here to help! Discover our best tips and tricks for writing a CV for a first job!
How to write a personal profile for your CV
There are two essential elements of a professional CV introduction. First, incorporate a compelling power statement that grabs attention. Second, emphasise soft skills rather than hard skills. Ensuring the inclusion of both these elements is pivotal. As we delve deeper into these aspects, we provide you with personal profile examples and guidance on how to write the personal profile section of your CV more effectively.
1. Start with a compelling power statement
Begin your personal profile with a strong opening sentence highlighting your current job title, years of experience, and primary career objectives. This statement should grab the attention of employers and set you apart from other applicants.
2. Align with the job description
Refer to the job description of the position you're applying for and incorporate relevant keywords and phrases. For example, if the job requires someone with over 10 years of experience or a qualified marketing professional, include those details in your personal profile to demonstrate your suitability for the role.
3. Focus on showcasing soft skills
The next part should emphasise your personal attributes and soft skills relevant to your career goals. Highlight qualities that make you an ideal candidate for the position. Remember, it's not necessary to list hard skills here, as there is a dedicated section for that elsewhere in your CV.
4. Seek inspiration from CV writing guidelines
To craft a compelling personal profile, refer to resources on how to write a good CV and what skills to include. These guidelines can provide further inspiration and help you identify the essential skills and qualities sought after by employers in your field.
Benefits of a personal profile
1. Demonstrates your research and suitability
You showcase your understanding of the role and organisation by crafting a well-crafted personal profile. It conveys to recruiters or hiring managers that you have taken the time to align yourself with the job requirements, highlighting why you are the ideal candidate for the position.
2. Concisely summarise your experience and goals
The personal profile allows you to condense your professional experience and career goals into a concise, reader-friendly format. It enables you to present the most relevant information, avoiding overwhelming details that may not align with your career objectives.
3. Provides insight into your identity and motivation
Your personal profile offers a glimpse into your personality, motivations, and aspirations. It provides the reader with valuable insight, potentially leading to engaging interview discussions. You lay the groundwork for fruitful conversations during the interview process by mentioning key points in your personal profile.
Pro Tip
A strong job application requires consistency, ensuring your CV and cover letter align well. Keep your personal profile on your CV concise, while elaborating on key points in your cover letter.
Common mistakes to avoid when writing a personal profile
1. Writing a generic summary
Avoid creating a generic summary that could apply to any candidate. The term "personal" implies specificity, so tailor your summary to reflect your unique qualities and attributes. If it's your first time writing a personal profile, take a look at our student CV example article for more inspiration.
2. Neglecting spelling and grammar
Spelling and grammar mistakes can be detrimental to your CV, particularly in the opening paragraph. Thoroughly proofread your text, read it aloud, use spelling check tools, or ask a friend to review your document.
3. Using incomplete sentences or relying solely on bullet points
While bullet points may work in certain instances, it's generally recommended to use complete sentences and write a short paragraph for your summary.
4. Using excessive keywords without providing substance
Avoid filling your personal profile with numerous keywords without conveying meaningful information. Keep it concise and ensure clarity in your statements.
5. Solely focusing on job requirements
While it's important to address job requirements, your personal profile should go beyond simply listing them. Use this opportunity to stand out by highlighting your unique qualities and attributes.
6. Writing in the third person
Instead of using third-person phrasing, opt for first-person language and omit personal pronouns (e.g., use "Manage" instead of "Manages").
7. Overloading with irrelevant details
Remember that a personal profile is a summary, so focus on the most pertinent aspects of your experience and skills. If you have limited experience, research the job requirements and highlight relevant personal attributes and transferable skills gained from education or other experiences like volunteering.
30+ examples of CV personal profiles
To alleviate the daunting task of writing a personal profile, we have curated practical CV profile examples for your reference, catering to both short and long profiles. While the general guideline suggests having a minimum of four lines and a maximum of six, it is crucial to tailor your profile to your specific job targets.
Engineering
Mechanical Engineer CV personal profile
Qualified Mechanical Engineer with 5+ years of experience executing product designs from concept to production, including specification, design, prototyping, cost analysis, validation, and testing. Passionate about developing sustainable solutions by utilising cutting-edge technology to solve advanced business problems through data-driven and customer-focused techniques.
Civil Engineer CV personal profile
Seasoned senior civil engineer with extensive background in managing and overseeing large-scale infrastructure projects. Proven track record of delivering projects on time and within budget while maintaining the highest quality standards. Adept at leading cross-functional teams and harnessing innovative solutions to address complex engineering issues, demonstrating leadership in the field.
CV writing guide: Civil engineer CV.
Electrical engineer CV personal profile
Experienced electrical maintenance engineer with 8 years of experience and specialising in industrial and commercial systems. Skilled in troubleshooting, repair and preventive maintenance of complex electrical systems. Holder of the Certified Maintenance & Reliability Professional (CMRP) certification. Strong track record of reducing downtime and improving system reliability. Full UK driving licence.
CV writing guide: Electrical engineer CV.
Healthcare
Healthcare CV personal profile
Compassionate and dedicated healthcare professional with a strong background in patient care. Experienced in providing high-quality medical assistance and support to diverse populations. Skilled in conducting thorough assessments, developing personalised care plans, and implementing effective treatment protocols. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, fostering trusting relationships with patients, families, and interdisciplinary healthcare teams.
CV writing guide: Healthcare CV
Nurse CV personal profile
Registered nurse with professional experience in providing physical and psychological support to patients. Excellent interpersonal skills with proven success in collaborating with medical teams to establish compassionate, well-resourced, and healthy work environments. Professionally trained and experienced in assisting patients with acute to chronic conditions by creating, implementing, and evaluating comprehensive nursing care plans.
CV writing guide: Nurse CV
Support Worker CV personal profile
Established Support Worker with over 10 years of experience in crisis intervention, hospital treatments, and supporting children with learning and developmental disabilities. Adept at building relationships with clients and their families with a natural ability to be approachable and empathetic.
CV writing guide: Support worker CV
Pharmacist CV personal profile
Detail-orientated Pharmaceutical Sales Representative with 3+ years of experience in building relationships with healthcare providers, increasing revenue growth, and driving brand awareness. Strong knowledge of the pharmaceutical industry and product portfolios. Proven track record of delivering sales targets while upholding ethical standards in the delivery of patient care.
CV writing guide: Pharmacist CV.
Physiotherapist CV personal profile
Aspiring Physiotherapist with a degree in Physical Therapy, specialising in neurology and passionate for patient-centred care. Skilled in musculoskeletal assessment, exercise prescription, and evidence-based interventions gained through rigorous coursework and hands-on internships. Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to empathetically connect with patients.
CV writing guide: Physiotherapist CV
For additional CV examples and guides in the healthcare space, see below:
Information technology
Data Scientist CV personal profile
Aspiring entry-level scientist adept in data-driven decision-making, predictive modelling, and implementing ML algorithms. One year of experience in cloud computing, Big Data technologies, and deep learning frameworks like Keras. Demonstrates a track record of solving complex business challenges and driving innovation through data-centric strategies.
CV writing guide: Data Scientist CV
Developer CV personal profile
Dedicated Full-stack Developer passionate about crafting seamless user experiences. Proficient in front-end and back-end technologies with 10+ years of experience bridging the gap between user interface design and server-side functionality. Strong foundation in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript with expertise in server frameworks like Node.js.
CV writing guide: Developer CV
For more tech examples, refer to the following CV guides:
Marketing
Content Marketing CV personal profile
Results-driven content marketer with a passion for storytelling and a track record of driving engagement and conversions. Skilled in developing and implementing content strategies that resonate with target audiences. Excellent written and verbal communication abilities with a keen eye for detail, and a knack for crafting compelling narratives. Proficient in SEO optimisation, social media management, and analytics tools to maximise content reach and effectiveness.
Marketing CV personal profile
Agile and results-driven marketing director with 11+ years of management experience in providing innovative and creative marketing solutions to diverse clients globally. Proficient in leading effective advertising campaigns. Expert in various marketing facets, including CRM, PR, event, e-mail, and brand management.
CV writing guide: Marketing CV.
Content Writer CV personal profile
Versatile and imaginative writer with a passion for crafting engaging and impactful content. Experienced in creating compelling narratives across various genres and platforms. Proficient in conducting extensive research to ensure accuracy and depth in writing. Excellent command of language and meticulous attention to detail, resulting in polished and error-free work. Strong storytelling abilities, with the capacity to captivate and resonate with diverse audiences.
CV writing guide: Writer CV.
Working in marketing? Check out some of the additional guides:
General business and administration
Administrative Assistant CV personal profile
Administrative professional with four years of progressive experience supporting senior-level executives and board members in project coordination, calendar management, and event planning. Proven success in performing duties with utmost discretion, confidentiality, and professionalism while remaining responsive to changing business needs and delegating tasks to safeguard smooth operation.
CV writing guide: Admin CV.
HR Business Partner CV personal profile
Goal-driven and strategic Human Resources (HR) professional with nine years of progressive experience in managing HR functions and driving new initiatives within a fast-paced, dynamic environment. Influential leader well-versed in coordinating various HR tasks, overseeing full employment lifecycle processes, and maintaining/developing long-term partnerships with key stakeholders to drive strategic change. Expert communicator, adept in providing strategic HR advice, solving complex employment issues, and training executives/employees in various HR, recruitment, and employee-related topics.
CV writing guide: HR CV.
Receptionist CV personal profile
Diligent and personable Receptionist with a proven track record of efficiently managing front desk operations. Exceptional organisational and communication skills contribute to a welcoming environment for clients and visitors. Known for maintaining a high level of professionalism, consistently prioritising efficiency and courtesy to ensure a positive first impression and seamless daily operations at the front desks.
Refer to the following CV writing guides for more inspiration:
Tourism and hospitality
Hospitality CV personal profile
Customer-focused and service-oriented hospitality professional with a passion for creating memorable guest experiences. Proven track record in delivering exceptional service in high-end establishments. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, fostering positive relationships with guests, colleagues, and management. Expertise in anticipating guest needs and providing personalised solutions to exceed their expectations. Exceptional attention to detail, ensuring seamless operations and maintaining a welcoming atmosphere.
CV writing guide: Hospitality CV.
Chef CV personal profile
Detail-oriented Chef de Partie with 5 years of experience in the culinary industry. Skilled in food preparation, cooking techniques, and kitchen safety. Proven success in working collaboratively with Chefs to deliver exceptional dishes that surpass customer expectations. Adept at managing inventory, maintaining hygiene standards, and implementing food safety protocols to ensure optimal kitchen performance.
CV writing guide: Chef CV.
Kitchen Porter CV personal profile
Dedicated and detail-oriented kitchen porter with a solid commitment to maintaining impeccable hygiene standards, ensuring seamless kitchen operations, and supporting the culinary team. Proficient in dishwashing, cleaning, and waste management. Skilled at thriving in fast-paced environments, consistently delivering cleanliness and order while complying with safety standards.
CV writing guide: Kitchen porter CV.
Cleaner CV personal profile
Detail-orientated Office Cleaner with a strong work ethic with over 5 years of experience. Dedicated to maintaining high standards. Experienced in handling cleaning tasks, including dusting, vacuuming, mopping, sanitising, and waste disposal. Proven ability to follow instructions, work independently, and prioritise tasks.
CV writing guide: Cleaner CV.
Creative and media
Graphic Designer CV personal profile
Established graphic design professional with 15+ years experience in senior managerial positions within fast-paced, commercial environments. Dynamic leader with proven track record of motivating and managing team members to meet deadlines while guaranteeing quality, consistency, and brand alignment. Expert knowledge in blending creativity and technology to design and develop print/web-based solutions for clients from start-ups to Fortune 500 companies.
CV writing guide: Graphic designer CV.
Artist CV personal profile
Creative and imaginative illustrator with 5 years experience. Using a keen eye for colour, balance, and layout to produce clean, crisp, and visually captivating designs. Effective communication skills and adept at transforming concepts into stunning graphics. A great problem-solver, adaptable to handle changes without frustration. Self-motivated, intensely focused and driven by deadlines.
CV writing guide: Artist CV.
Video Editor CV personal profile
Video Editor with 5+ years of experience, showcasing a steadfast passion for visual storytelling. Proficient in full post-production process, from raw footage to final cut, enabling the crafting of compelling narratives across diverse platforms. Known for meticulous attention to detail and unwavering commitment to excellence, consistently surpassing expectations in creating visually captivating and emotionally resonant video content.
CV writing guide: Video editor CV
Sales and retail
Sales Manager CV personal profile
Customer-focused sales professional with 15+ years of experience exceeding sales targets, spearheading new sales processes, and driving sustainable revenue growth in fast-paced environments. Influential leader, adept in delegating, training, and coaching cross-functional and performance-driven teams. Demonstrated track record in cultivating valuable business partnerships with proven success in implementing effective customer retention strategies.
CV writing guide: Sales CV.
Customer Service CV personal profile
Motivated and detail-oriented customer service professional with 10 years of experience leading small and large teams in fast-paced environments. Track record of success in coaching, motivating, and guiding team members to achieve business and personal goals. Equipped to optimise internal processes by transforming insights into strategic business actions with strong problem-solving, communication, and interpersonal skills.
CV writing guide: Customer service CV.
Retail Store Manager CV personal profile
Ambitious and hard-working retail professional with proven success and experience enhancing store turnover and productivity. Well-versed in staff training, coaching, and developing performance-driven teams. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with proven ability to drive continuous process improvement.
CV writing guide: Retail CV.
Accounting and finance
Accountant CV personal profile
Recently qualified accounting graduate seeking on-the-job training to earn Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Knowledge of entry-level accounting duties, including but not limited to balancing sheets and general ledger accounts, preparing reports, and updating accounts payable. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to solve problems timely and professionally.
CV writing guide: Accountant CV.
For similar examples, check out the below finance guides:
Education
Teacher CV personal profile
Dedicated and resourceful educator with professional experience applying hybrid learning theories and research-based pedagogy to drive student achievement in online and classroom learning environments. Skilled in teaching students from diverse backgrounds with proven success in developing creative, engaging, and robust lesson plans to achieve student satisfaction.
CV writing guide: Teacher CV.
Student personal profile examples
Third-year Business Psychology student specialising in Human Resources (HR), ready to leverage strong administration skills to develop a career in HR. Excellent time management, communication, and people skills with proven ability to build and strengthen connections between different departments. Knowledgeable in employment law and essential HR practices with solid understanding of recruitment, compliance, and business operations.
CV writing guide: Student CV.
Sports
Football CV personal profile
Dynamic and driven football player with two years of experience, showcasing exceptional agility, strategic thinking, and goal-scoring prowess. Team-oriented and adaptable to various positions, contributing effectively to match dynamics. Eager to leverage skills, discipline, and commitment to excel in competitive leagues.
CV writing guide: Football CV.
Transportation and logistics
Warehouse Operative CV personal profile
Highly motivated Warehouse Operative with 5+ years of experience ensuring timely and efficient customer delivery. Track record of ensuring smooth operation of a warehouse by managing inventory, organising stock, and maintaining the cleanliness and safety of the warehouse. Adept at receiving, storing, and distributing goods and materials with proven success in performing regular stock checks and maintaining accurate records of inventory levels.
CV writing guide: Warehouse CV.
Driver CV personal profile
Experienced and reliable HGV driver with 8 years of experience and in-depth knowledge of UK road networks, regulations, and navigation skills. Proven track record of safe and efficient transportation of goods. Strong expertise in handling various cargo types and maintaining vehicle integrity. Committed to meeting tight schedules and prioritising safety.
CV writing guide: Driver CV.
Government
Civil Service CV personal profile
Motivated and detail-oriented graduate with 3 years experience and a solid educational foundation. Proven experience in collaborative team environments underscores the ability to work effectively alongside colleagues. Adept at maintaining strict confidentiality. Demonstrates adaptability in seamlessly transitioning to various office roles as needed. Strong organisational skills enable efficient task prioritisation.
CV writing guide: Civil service CV.
Tips on how to write a personal profile if you have no experience
When writing a summary for a CV with no experience, focus on your skills, strengths, and enthusiasm. Additionally, keep the following in mind:
Highlight relevant qualities such as your ability to learn quickly, work well in teams, or solve problems creatively.
Emphasise any volunteer work, internships, or academic projects that demonstrate your commitment and drive.
Tailor your profile to the specific role or industry by showcasing transferable skills and expressing a strong willingness to contribute and grow.
This approach shows potential employers or clients that you have the right mindset and are eager to make an impact.
Example summary for a CV with no experience
Energetic and enthusiastic individual with a deep passion for sports and a strong commitment to achieving excellence. Equipped with excellent teamwork, leadership, and communication skills developed through active participation in various sports activities. Adept at adapting quickly and maintaining a positive attitude under pressure.
For more tips, refer to how to write a CV with no experience.
Key takeaways
Crafting a good CV introduction is crucial as it allows you to present yourself in a focused and impactful manner. Unlike a cover letter, a personal profile is more specific and directly aligned with your career objectives. It serves as an opportunity to highlight your strengths and achievements, leaving a positive impression on the reader.
Seek inspiration from the examples provided above to guide your own writing process.
Leave the personal profile section for the end, ensuring it reflects a coherent and accurate representation of yourself. Reading it aloud or asking for a friend's feedback can provide valuable insights.
Be specific in your statements and provide concrete examples to support your claims during interviews.
Reflect on your career goals and ensure they are conveyed in your personal profile. Additionally, highlight relevant soft skills that align with your objectives.
Verify that the soft skills you mention are not only true but also relevant to the job you are applying for.
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FAQ
How long should a personal profile be?
To maximise the effectiveness of your personal profile on a CV, it's essential to tailor it to the specific job you're applying for. Instead of listing everything, focus on creating a concise and targeted profile. Aim for a block of text that ranges from four to six lines, ensuring that it captures the key highlights of your qualifications. Maintaining a typical font size, limiting your word count to a maximum of 120 words is advisable, ideally slightly lower.
Do I need to include a personal statement on my CV?
Including a personal statement on your CV is optional, but it can be a valuable addition that helps to provide a concise summary of your skills, experience, and career goals.
Where should I include the personal profile on my CV?
The personal profile, a personal statement or a CV summary should be placed near the beginning of your CV, typically after your contact information and before the work experience section. By positioning it in this prominent location, you ensure that it immediately captures the attention of recruiters or hiring managers. For more inspiration to help you write a personal profile, check out our modern CV example article.
How can I get my profile noticed by recruiters?
When crafting your personal profile, keep these essential tips in mind to maximise its impact:
Tailor it to the specific job.
Use impactful language.
Showcase your unique selling points.
Quantify your achievements.
Incorporate keywords.
Demonstrate soft skills.
Provide specific examples.
Keep it concise.
Show enthusiasm and passion.
Proofread and edit.
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Written by
Karien has established herself as a leading figure in the career services industry, crafting over 800 professional documents and assisting job seekers globally with reviews such as "I'd hire me". Renowned for her expertise, she continues to empower individuals, specialising in creating resources to aid job seekers in securing employment and staying ahead in the ever-evolving job market. Start here today!
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