personal statement examples for curriculum vitae

CV personal statement examples

If you want to secure job interview, you need a strong personal statement at the top of your CV.

Your CV personal statement is a short paragraph which sits at the very top of your CV – and it’s aim is to summarise the benefits of hiring you and encourage employers to read your CV in full.

In this guide I have included 17 CV personal statement examples from a range of professions and experience levels, plus a detailed guide of how to write your own personal statement that will get you noticed by employers

CV templates 

17 CV personal statement examples

To start this guide, I have included 10 examples of good personal statements, to give you an idea of how a personal statement should look , and what should be included.

Note: personal statements are generally used by junior candidates – if you are experienced, check out our CV profile examples instead.

Graduate CV personal statement (no experience)

Although this  graduate has no paid work experience, they compensate for it by showcasing all of the skills and knowledge the have gained during their studies, and demonstrating how they apply their knowledge in academic and personal projects.

When you have little or no experience, it’s important to draw out transferable workplace skills from your studies and extracurricular work, to showcase them to employers.

Graduate CV personal statement (part time freelance experience)

This candidate has graduated with a degree in biochemistry but actually wants to start a career in digital marketing after providing some digital freelance services to fund their studies.

In this case, they haven’t made much mention of their studies because they aren’t relevant to the digital marketing agencies they are applying to. Instead they have focused their personal statement around their freelance work and passion for the digital field – although they still mention the fact they are degree educated to prove their academic success.

School leaver CV personal statement (no experience)

This candidate is 16 years old and has no work experience whatsoever, but they compensate for this by detailing their academic achievements that relate to the roles they are applying for (maths and literacy are important requirements in finance and accountancy roles).

They also add some info on their extracurricular activities and school work-placements, to strengthen this student CV further.

    Top tips for writing a CV personal statement

• Thoroughly research the jobs and companies you are planning to apply for to identify the type of candidate they are looking for – try to reflect that in your personal statement
• Don’t be afraid to brag a little – include some of your most impressive achievements from education, work or personal life
• Focus on describing the benefits an employer will get from hiring you. Will you help them to get more customers? Improve their workplace? Save them time and money?
• If you have no work experience, demonstrate transferable workplace skills from your education, projects, or even hobbies

School leaver CV personal statement (part time experience)

Although this person has only just left school, they have also undertaken some part-time work in a call centre alongside their studies.

To make the most of this experience, they have combined their academic achievements with their workplace exposure in this personal statement.

By highlighting their GCSE results, summer programme involvement, work experience and expressing their ambitions to progress within sales, this candidate really makes an appealing case for hiring them.

College leaver CV personal statement (no experience)

This candidate has left college with good grades, but does not yet have any work experience.

To compensate for the lack of workplace exposure, they have made their A level results prominent and highlighted skills and experience which would benefit the employers they are targeting.

Any recruiter reading this profile can quickly understand that this candidate has great academic achievements, a passion for IT and finance and the ability to transfer their skills into an office environment.

College student CV personal statement (freelance experience)

As this student has picked up a small amount of freelance writing work during their studies, they have made sure to brag about it in their personal statement.

They give details on their relevant A level studies to show the skills they are learning, and boost this further by highlighting the fact that they have been applying these skills in a real-life work setting by providing freelance services.

They also include key action verbs that recruiters will be looking for , such as creative writing, working to deadlines, and producing copy.

Academic CV personal statement

Aside from junior candidates, the only other people who might use a personal statement, are academic professionals; as their CV’s tend to be more longer and detailed than other professions.

This candidate provides a high level overview of their field of study, length of experience, and the roles they have held within universities.

School leaver CV personal statement with and sports experience

Although this person has no work experience, they are still able to show employers the value of hiring them by selling their other achievements and explaining how they could benefit an organisation.

They expand on their sports club involvement to demonstrate their teamwork, leadership skills, communication and motivation, which are all important traits in the workplace, and will be looked upon favourably by recruiters and hiring managers.

They also draw upon their future plans to study business studies and take a part time job, to further prove their ambition and dedication.

History graduate CV personal statement

This history graduate proves their aptitude for both academic achievement and workplace aptitude by showcasing valuable skills from their degree and voluntary work.

They do this by breaking down the key requirements for each and showing how their skills could be beneficial for future employers, such as listening, communication, and crisis management.

They also describe how their ability to balance studies alongside voluntary work has not only boosted their knowledge and skills, but also given excellent time management and organisational skills – which are vital assets to any employer.

Law graduate CV personal statement

This legal graduate makes the most from their work university work placements by using it to bulk out the contents of their CV personal statement.

They include their degree to show they have the necessary qualifications for legal roles, which is crucial, but more importantly, they showcase how they applied their legal skills within a real-life work setting.

They give a brief overview of the types of legal professionals they have been working alongside and the type of work they have been carrying out – this is all it takes to get the attention of recruiters and show employers they have what it takes to fulfil roles in the legal sector.

Medical student CV personal statement

This medical student proves their fit for the role by showcasing the key skills they have gained from their studies and their work experience placements.

In just these few sentences, they are able to highlight the vast amount of experience they have across different disciplines in the industry, something which is particularly important in the medical sector.

As they have not graduated yet and are still studying, they have provided proof of their most recent grades. This can give the recruiter some indication as to the type of grade they could be graduating with in the near future.

Masters student CV personal statement

This masters student has started by specifying their area of study, in this case, accounting, and given details about the specific areas of finance they are most interested in. This can hint towards their career goals and passions.

They have then carefully listed some of the key areas of accounting and finance that they are proficient in. For example, business finance, advanced corporate finance and statistics.

They have also outlined some of the transferable skills needed for accounting roles that employers will be looking out for, such as communication, attention to detail and analytical skills.

Finance student CV personal statement

As this finance student has recently undertaken some relevant work experience, they’ve made sure to shout about this in their personal profile.

But more than this, they have included a list of some of the important finance skills they gained as a result of this work experience – for example, financial reporting, processing invoices and month-end reconciliations.

Plus, through power words and phrases such as ‘prevent loss’ and ‘ improve upon accuracy and efficiency’, they have also showcased how they can apply these skills in a workplace setting to benefit the potential employer.

Internship  CV personal statement

This digital marketing professional has started their personal profile by outlining their most relevant qualifications and work experience, most notably their freelance role as a content manager.

They have also provided examples of some of the key marketing skills that potential employers might be looking for, including very detailed examples of the platforms and tools they are proficient in – for example, LinkedIn, Twitter and Pinterest.

They have then closed their statement by giving a detailed description of the type of role or opportunity they are looking for. In this case, an in-house position in a marketing company.

Graduate career changer personal statement

Switching careers as a graduate can be tough. Especially when it comes to writing a personal statement that will attract employers in your new chosen field.

This candidate is looking to move from history teaching into journalism, so they have created a statement which briefly mentions their current workplace, but mainly focuses on highlighting transferable skills which are relevant to journalism. They achieve this by discussing the writing skills they use in their current role, and mentioning their hobby of writing – including some publications they have been featured in for extra brownie points.

Business management graduate personal statement

This business management proves their ability to work within a junior business management position by swiftly highlighting their impressive degree (to ensure it is not missed) and summarising some of the real-life experience they have gained in management during their university placements and volunteering. They do not let their lack of paid work experience, stop them demonstrating their valuable skills.

PhD graduate

PhD graduate roles attract a lot of competition, so it’s important that your CV contains a personal statement that will quickly impress and attract recruiters.

This candidate provides a short-but-comprehensive overview of their academic achievements, whilst demonstrating their exceptional level of knowledge in research, languages and publication writing.

By highlighting a number of skills and abilities that are in high-demand in the academic workplace, this CV is very likely to get noticed and land interviews.

How to write a personal statement for your CV

Now that you’ve seen what a personal statement should look like and the type of content it should contain, follow this detailed guide to one for your own CV – and start racking those interviews up.

Guide contents

What is a CV personal statement?

Cv personal statement or cv profile, personal statement format, what to include in a cv personal statement.

• Personal statement mistakes

How to write persuasively

A personal statement is a short paragraph at the top of your CV which gives employers an overview of your education, skills and experience

It’s purpose is to capture the attention of busy recruiters and hiring managers when your CV is first opened – encouraging them to read the rest of it.

You achieve this by writing a tailored summary of yourself that explains your suitability for the roles you are applying for at a very high level, and matches your target job descriptions .

One question candidates often ask me is , “what is the difference between a personal statement and a CV profile?”

To be honest, they are almost the same – they are both introductory paragraphs that sit at the top of your CV… but there are 2 main differences

A personal statement tends to be used more by junior candidates (graduates, school leavers etc.) and is relatively long and detailed.

A CV profile tends to be favoured by more experienced candidates , and is shorter in length than a personal statement.

Note: If you are an experienced candidate, you may want to switch over to my CV profile writing guide , or example CV profiles page.

To ensure you grab recruiters’ attention with your personal statement, lay it out in the following way.

Positioning

You need to ensure that your personal statement sits at the very top of your CV, and all of it should be totally visible to readers, without the need to scroll down the page.

Do this by reducing the top page margin and minimising the space taken up by your contact details.

This will ensure that your whole personal statement can be seen, as soon as your CV is opened.

We have a Word CV template which can help you to get this right.

Size/length

Your personal statement needs to contain enough detail to provide an introduction to your skills and knowledge, but not so much detail that it bores readers.

To strike the right balance, anything between 8-15 lines of text is perfect – and sentences should be sharp and to-the-point.

As with the whole of your CV or resume , your personal statement should be written in a simple clean font at around size 10-12 to ensure that it can be read easily by all recruiters and employers.

Keep the text colour simple , ensuring that it contrasts the background (black on white is best) and break it into 2 or even 3 paragraphs for a pleasant reading experience.

It should also be written in a punchy persuasive tone, to help you sell yourself and increase your chances of landing interviews , I cover how to do this in detail further down the guide.

Quick tip: A poorly written CV will fail to impress recruiters and employers. Use our quick-and-easy CV Builder to create a winning CV in minutes with professional CV templates and pre-written content for every industry.

Once you have the style and format of your personal statement perfected, you need to fill it with compelling content that tells recruiters that your CV is worth reading.

Here’s what needs to go into your personal statement…

Before you start writing your personal statement, it’s crucial that you research your target roles to find out exactly what your new potential employers are looking for in a candidate.

Run a search for your target jobs on one of the major job websites , look through plenty of adverts and make a list of the candidate requirements that frequently appear.

This research will show you exactly what to include in your personal statement in order to impress the recruiters who will be reading it.

Education and qualifications are an important aspect of your personal statement, especially if you are a junior candidate.

You should highlight your highest and most relevant qualifications, whether that is a degree, A levels or GCSEs. You could potentially go into some more detail around modules, papers etc. if they are relevant to the roles you are applying for.

It’s important that you discuss the experience you have gained in your personal statement, to give readers an idea of the work you are comfortable undertaking.

This can of course be direct employed work experience, but it doesn’t have to be.

You can also include:

• School/college Uni work placements
• Voluntary work
• Personal projects
• Hobbies/interests

As with all aspects of your CV , the content should be tailored to match the requirements of your target roles.

Whilst discussing your experience, you should touch upon skills used, industries worked in, types of companies worked for, and people you have worked with.

Where possible, try to show the impact your actions have made. E.g . A customer service agent helps to make sales for their employer.

Any industry-specific knowledge you have that will be useful to your new potential employers should be made prominent within your personal statement.

For example

• Knowledge of financial regulations will be important for accountancy roles
• Knowledge of IT operating systems will be important for IT roles
• Knowledge of the national curriculum will be important for teachers

You should also include some information about the types of roles you are applying for, and why you are doing so. Try to show your interest and passion for the field you are hoping to enter, because employers want to hire people who have genuine motivation and drive in their work.

This is especially true if you don’t have much work experience, as you need something else to compensate for it.

CV personal statement mistakes

The things that you omit from your personal statement can be just as important as the things you include.

Try to keep the following out of your personal statement..

Irrelevant info

Any information that doesn’t fall into the requirements of your target roles can be cut out of your personal statement. For example, if you were a professional athlete 6 years ago, that’s great – but it won’t be relevant if you’re applying to advertising internships, so leave it out.

Generic clichés

If you are describing yourself as a “ dynamic team player with high levels of motivation and enthusiasm” you aren’t doing yourself any favours.

These cliché terms are vastly overused and don’t provide readers with any factual details about you – so keep them to a minimum.

Stick to solid facts like education, skills , experience, achievements and knowledge.

If you really want to ensure that your personal statement makes a big impact, you need to write in a persuasive manner.

So, how do you so this?

Well, you need to brag a little – but not too much

It’s about selling yourself and appearing confident, without overstepping the mark and appearing arrogant.

For example, instead of writing.

“Marketing graduate with an interest in entering the digital field”

Be creative and excite the reader by livening the sentence up like this,

“Marketing graduate with highest exam results in class and a passion for embarking on a long and successful career within digital”

The second sentence is a much more interesting, makes the candidate appear more confident, throws in some achievements, and shows off a wider range of writing skills.

Quick tip: A poorly written CV will fail to impress recruiters and employers. Use our quick-and-easy CV Builder to create a winning CV in minutes with professional templates and pre-written content for every industry.

Your own personal statement will be totally unique to yourself, but by using the above guidelines you will be able to create one which shows recruiters everything they need.

Remember to keep the length between 10-20 lines and only include the most relevant information for your target roles.

You can also check our school leaver CV example , our best CV templates , or our library of example CVs from all industries.

Good luck with the job hunt!

How to Write a CV Personal Statement [+4 Real-life Examples]

Creating an effective CV takes time and close attention to detail. You've already included your jobs and experience , and now you want to allow the recruiter or hiring manager to understand the strategic value you can add.

This is when you need to utilize a personal statement at the top of your CV.

How to Write a CV Personal Statement [+4 Real-life Examples] 

What is a Personal Statement? 

A personal statement is a few brief and direct sentences at the top of your CV. The personal statement is also referred to as a career summary or personal mission statement.

This is used to grab the attention of the recruiter or hiring manager and summarizes essential experiences or training that you can bring to this position.

Why do I Need a Personal Statement?

A recruiter or hiring manager is tasked with sorting through an enormous amount of resumes every single day. A personal statement is a way to separate yourself from the other applicants.

This statement summarizes your experience and highlights your unique talents . The CV personal statement is meant to demonstrate why you are the perfect fit for the job. 

Even med students need a medical school personal statement , as it is what differentiates them from all the other students applying. Plus, it allows them to share their personal stories and objectives.

Where do I Start? 

Always begin by reading the job description carefully and thoroughly.

Your personal statement should be tailored to each job description, so it explicitly states the value you’ll bring to the position you are applying. A generic personal statement cannot do that. 

Once you have a solid handle on the job description, you can begin writing. It’s important to keep your personal statement brief, about 50-200 words will do.

Don’t forget that you have your whole cover letter to show some personality and include engaging content.

The personal statement should be a quick summary that highlights why you are the best person for the job. 

You’ll need to decide whether you are writing your personal statement in first- or third-person. This should follow how you've written the rest of your CV.

For example, if you've already written, “I grew and developed a team of 50 salespeople,” in your CV then you will want to keep your personal statement in first-person to match the prevailing style.

No matter what you choose, make sure that you keep it consistent throughout. Do not switch between first- and third-person as that will get confusing to the hiring manager.

Writing a personal statement for your CV in first-person does not mean you need to start every sentence with “I.”

There are ways to craft your personal statement to sound snappy, concise and personal, and here are a few examples to help inspire your personal statement. 

CV Personal Statement Examples

It doesn’t matter what chose as your desired career or how much experienc e you have, use these examples to drive the creation of your own personal statement.

You can take snippets from each or write something completely different. Always remember that your personal statement is a reflection of yourself and should align with your own personal goals and experience.

If these examples don’t fit your exact career, feel free to take some pointers and write yours from scratch. 

#1: Personal Statement Example for Recent Graduate CV

“As a recent graduate from university, with an honors degree in communications, I held several internships within leading organizations, including Bertelsmann. These internships enabled me to gain experience in the field and learn how to serve up valuable contributions in a fast-paced, professional environment.”

Explanation: This example should be customized to include the university you’ve graduated from and any relevant internships. A compelling personal statement always highlights relevant skills and experiences.

In this case, a recent graduate does not have extensive experience in the workforce, so soft skills like experiencing success in a fast-paced work environment and becoming a trusted team member become even more critical.

#2: Personal Statement Example for Returning to the Workforce CV

“A highly motivated and experienced office administrator, I am currently looking to resume my professional career after an extended hiatus to raise my family. Proficient in all Microsoft Office programs, I can lead meetings and work with clients to keep your office running smoothly and efficiently. After spending several years volunteering as an administrative worker for a local charity, I am committed to resuming my professional career on a full-time basis.”

Explanation: After time off from a career, it can be hard to break back into the market. This personal statement outlines the reason for the break, the relevant qualifications and what the applicant has been doing in between jobs.

Any volunteer experience becomes highly relevant when there is no concrete professional experience to draw upon, to demonstrate the use of those skills. 

#3: Personal Statement Example for a Career Change CV

“With over 15 years as a sales manager, I have extensive experience building high-functioning sales teams that consistently achieve budget numbers. In fact, my ability to grow talent led to a 20% increase in annual renewals across the board. Now, after 15 years, I am seeking new challenges to flex my marketing muscles in a fast-paced environment.” 

Explanation: When changing careers , it's essential to highlight skills that are transferable between industries.

In this case, leadership and team-building experience can apply to any industry. Homing in on concrete numbers and percentages increases credibility when applying for a position.

The applicant ends with the reason behind the desired career change. This part is not necessary but may be appealing to some hiring managers who are wondering what the impetus for the career change.

#4: Personal Statement Example for a Experienced Professional CV

“As a friendly, professional and highly trained educator, I am passionate about teaching and have an innate ability to understand student’s needs. Creating a safe and productive environment for optimal learning is my top priority. I’ve worked as a teacher for nearly 10 years in a variety of subjects and my experience and skill set make me the perfect fit for your team.”

Explanation: With more experience comes more skills and a better idea of strengths and weaknesses. Showcasing your passion for the industry is a great way to begin a personal statement, as it shows the hiring manager your dedication to the craft. 

A personal statement can be written in many different ways, but it is ultimately up to you to determine what skills you want to highlight for your chosen position.

You can follow these examples or take learnings from each to contribute towards your personal statement. 

If you understand the job you are applying for and know the unique skill set that you bring to the table, you will have a stellar personal statement for your CV that will get you across the table from the hiring manager in no time.  

Suggested Reading:

• How to Write a CV (Curriculum Vitae) in 2024 [31+ Examples]
• 43+ Resume Tips and Tricks to Land Your Next Job
• 150+ Must-Have Skills for Any Resume  [With Tips + Tricks]
• How to Answer “Tell Me About Yourself”

To provide a safer experience, the best content and great communication, we use cookies. Learn how we use them for non-authenticated users.

• Resume Templates Simple Professional Modern Creative View all
• Resume Examples Nurse Student Internship Teacher Accountant View all
• Resume Builder
• Cover Letter Templates Simple Professional Modern Creative View all
• Cover Letter Examples Nursing Administrative Assistant Internship Graduate Teacher View all
• Cover Letter Builder
• Resume Help

How to Write a Resume Personal Statement

What is a resume personal statement?

A resume personal statement expresses who you are, where you’ve been, and sometimes where you plan to go next right at the top of your resume.

Everyone has different circumstances, so the personal statement helps to orient a potential future boss in terms of what they are about to read in the resume. Think about what you would like to share that matters to you. This space is particularly useful if you are changing industries, coming back in to the employment market or looking for a promotion. Your shop window starts here. The personal statement may be the only thing than an employer reads.

The resume personal statement hooks in a reader, influencing them to read more. So, how do you write a resume personal statement that is both natural and grabs an employer’s attention? Offer them a brief insight into who you are and why you would be a fantastic hire. So what do you write in a personal statement for a job?

This guide will cover:

• The basic formatting of a personal statement: How to tailor your personal statement to give you a competitive advantage
• Personal statement examples you should (and shouldn’t) use
• Practical steps for getting started on your resume personal statement

The personal statement format

The personal statement is a short paragraph that sits right below your contact information at the top of a resume. It sums up your experience, goals and skills with confidence. Think of your resume’s personal statement like an extended tagline for your career. A resume personal statement should include:

• Between 50 and 200 words in 3 - 4 sentences
• Your title or function, for example “Junior developer” or “Passionate hospitality manager”
• An opening hook
• Soft skills and hard skills
• Impressive facts and stats
• Your short and/or long-term goals
• Job-specific slant for the position you’re applying to

This may seem like a lot to cram into 200 words but perfecting your elevator pitch shows that you have a firm grasp of why your experience, goals, and skills make you the perfect fit for the job. Go all out to make this as fitting for each role as possible. Too often candidates come up with what they see as the perfect introduction to them and forget about how a hiring manager for each specific role might read it. Be flexible with the personal statement. It might not present the very best version of you - it should present the best version of you for this particular role.

This brief introduction is only a short piece of text, it is not disruptive and in many cases even serves as a welcome addition to what is otherwise a dry and impersonal document. It should be clear to you by now how we feel about the personal statement: Include it, especially because it allows you that bit of creativity that may make all the difference. Adopt a coversational tone and consider using the first person for these few lines. Third person (past tense) is standard for resumes, but if you want to go personal, this is where to do it.

How do I start my personal statement? How do you not start a personal statement? Even with a personal statement of 3-4 lines, sometimes the first sentence is the hardest. Even the first few words can have a disproportionate effect on how your personal statement is viewed. Your starting "hook" should make your fit with the role clear and specific. Use an example that is as unique to you as possible - you have to make your future employer sit up and pay attention. The first word of your personal statement should never be "I" - a great resume explores the potential of a common partnership and should not be a uni-directional monologue.

Align your resume’s personal statement with the job description

The hiring manager delicately chose every word in their job description. Gather clues from its tone, which skills they highlight, and any hints that point toward their dream employee. One of the top resume tips from HR managers is to include relevant keywords specific to the job posting itself as well as the actual wording of the job title .

What would this job description look like in 3 - 4 sentences? What keywords, skills, and tone would the job description have?

While still sticking to the facts about who you are and your experiences, your resume personal statement should highlight as many similarities with the job description as possible. When the hiring manager reads the first few sentences in your resume, they feel like you are exactly the person they were describing when they wrote the job description.

Position of the personal statement

Recruiters still prefer to see a candidate's personal details at the top (or running along a column on either side) of the resumes that cross their desk. This allows them to quickly search through the resumes that Applicant Tracking Systems have sorted into their virtual “yes” pile. You do not want your (relatively modern) personal statement to get in the way of this tradition. 

The best place to put your statement is after your personal details (if they are at the top) and before your employment history section. Remember that the length of your resume is important. If you have already been very selective and cannot possibly leave out any more information and if adding your personal statement means your resume spills over onto a third page, you may consider not including your statement for the position in question. This ensures you comply with the unwritten rule that a resume should not be longer than two pages.

What is a good personal statement length? 200 words is the maximum suggested length, but if you go with one powerful sentence that you want the hiring manager to remember for the rest of the interview process, then why not? Less is more, but you have to be confident in your application to go with this option.

Plan to write your resume personal statement last

Instead of getting stuck at the beginning trying to write the perfect statement, skip this section and jump right into your employment history first. Once you’ve added your relevant work experiences, take a look at your keywords, phrases and skills from your past positions.

Your complete work history and the job description for the job you want are the foundations for your personal statement. By writing your resume personal statement last, it should be easier to get started once you have the right inspiration.

It might be the case that you leave a certain number of lines for the personal statement on your resume and write an individual statement for each role. You will often have a public version of your resume that is accessible on job boards (etc), so there should still be an "ideal" personal statement version.

How do I write a resume from scratch? While it is good advice to write the resume personal statement after your have written the resume itself (giving your brain a chance to ponder your true highlights), starting writing a resume is a mammoth task in itself. There are many useful pieces of advice when sitting down to write a resume, but for me, the key is to think about the reflecting the combination of what you are good at, what you enjoy and how those things will contribute to the direction of your career. For sure, be honest about your experience, but there has to be a creative flavour of ensuring that your past adequately reflects where you want to go.

Check out resume personal statement examples

Before you dive into writing, get a sense for different rhythms and layouts by checking these resume personal statement examples. How do you write a good personal statement?

Let's start with the basics. Since every person is unique, all personal statements should be unique too. You should, therefore, resist the urge to (largely) copy someone else's existing statement. This is the only spot on your resume to let your voice be heard, so try to write something that would prompt a friend to exclaim, “That sounds like something you’d say!” while, of course, keeping it professional.

Example. Innovative Executive Assistant with 10+ years of experience with global financial firm assisting a team of three C-Level directors. Expertly coordinate travel, manage large-scale expense reports, and streamline communication and calendars across departments..Seeking an Executive Assistant role with the Resume.io team to expand my office management career and thrive in an environment that requires independent problem-solving skills and focus under short deadlines.

The example above does the following things:

• States their title in the first sentence
• Includes specifics such as team size and duties
• Succinctly sums up major responsibilities and skills
• Highlights hard skills—experience arranging travel and expense reports—as well as soft skills—grace under pressure, attention to detail and communication.
• Specifically tailors the final statement with the company and/or job description

Here are a few more resume personal statement examples:

Experienced Digital Marketing Manager with five years of expertise in heading up a global firm. Increased inbound leads by 500% and raised online sales from 100,000 annually to over 2 million in a three-year period. Looking to grow career by applying skills to the Resume.io marketing team.

Straight to the point and accomplishment focused, without the use of “I”. Now let’s look at a less effective example:

I have worked as a Digital Marketing Manager for five years. During this time I have been an important and hard-working member of the team and showed my ability to work under pressure to deliver on company targets. I am looking to bring my skills to a new role in digital marketing.

Generic and ignores accomplishments. Also, too many uses of “I” in a passive voice.

Next is an example of a personal statement that focuses more on career objectives . A career objective can be used as a way to get across your skills and experience, without the personal bit. It’s a good option if you’re an entry-level candidate or college graduate without a lot of experience in the industry you’re applying for. The idea is, because you don’t have the relevant experience to talk about, you pull skills and experience from other areas of your resume so you can show you have what it takes.

Keep your career objective brief — 2-3 sentences max — following the same rules as the personal statement.

Content writer with three years' experience in a large e-commerce company. Delivered content that grew brand social presence to over 700,000 across three channels and improved email open rates by 48%. Looking to further career by joining the Resume.io as an SEO Executive.

See how it uses transferable skills? Combining these with numbers makes them all the more impressive.

And a less effective resume personal statement example:

I am a content writer looking to secure a role as an SEO Executive. While I have no experience in this field and am a dedicated individual and a keen learner. My enjoyment of how search engines work will help me excel in your company.

There’s not enough here to capture attention and it doesn’t sell transferable skills. Whichever type of opening statement you go for, if you have numbers to show, make them count.

Writing your personal profile resume

Always write the first draft of a personal profile resume without editing. Don’t worry about length or word choice in the first pass. Brag about yourself, be proud of your accomplishments , and add in all of your most impressive stats.

Some of the best writing happens without editing too soon, so don’t worry about sounding over the top or egotistical, that’s what editing your personal profile resume is for. If the goal is to get 3 - 4 perfect sentences, it’s likely your first draft will be closer to 6 - 8, maybe even longer. Then consider which parts are closest to helping you get the job and cull the rest. It might seem brutal, but brevity is critical at the top of your personal profile.

Polish your personal statement and experiment

Once you’ve narrowed your focus, use the following questions to help you review your work and edit your statement:

Is my first sentence clear and concise? The opening line should state your position and use strong, enthusiastic language to hook in the reader. It often includes years of experience as well.

Is it direct opposed to passive? A strong sense of self comes through in a personal statement. Instead of sentences that begin with “I believe I am…” or “I enjoy…” be bold. Get right to the point and take ownership of your skills.

Does it include objective information? For this one, try to get inside the hiring manager’s mind. If you were filling this role, what boxes would you need to check off? The second and third sentence often include specific skills, facts or figures to support this need.

Does it read naturally? Even with all these specifics, the statement should still be easy to understand and have a natural rhythm when read aloud. Cut out any jargon that acts as filler or that changes your tone. Formality may vary from company to company, but personal statements should always reflect the type of employee or person you are.

What are three tips for writing a personal statement?

• Make sure that your personality comes across in the writing.
• Quantify any accomplishments and include financials where possible.
• If you are at a moment of career change, don't fail to mention your goals.

Common mistakes in personal statements

When writing your personal statement, beware of platitudes. These are clichéd expressions that have become meaningless from overuse. They induce recruiters to roll their eyes and move on to the next candidate. Think of such terms as “an administrative jack-of-all-trades” or “a cog in the wheel’ and being ready for a “new challenge.”  Definitely avoid this list of human resources’ most hated resume phrases. 

Try to be original in your choice of words and ask a friend or family member to take a critical look at your personal statement when you are done. By the way, you should always have someone proofread your entire resume when you think you are ready to send it.

Some people call their personal statements " resume objectives ." This is something else entirely. A resume objective is required when a candidate needs to project their hopes for their next role that differe from their previous experience a little. This objective can then be used to outline the motivations behind a career change and is also common with early-career professionals. 

Does a personal statement need a title? Some resume templates might call the opening statement a summary and others may exclude a description entirely. Either option is fine as employers are conditioned to expect a few lines at the to of a resume to serve as a headline for your job application.

What do employers expect from your resume opening statement?

Sometimes it is useful to consider job seeking activity from the point of view of the end hiring managers. External recruiters are important people to impress, but it is the employers that will be making the ultimate hiring decision. They will be reading lots of resumes, so what would they want to read in your resume opening statement?

• They will want the resume opening statement to be written for them. When you are on the hunt for a new member of your professional family, an intensely personal connection is vital from the first lines.
• They will expect a quantifiable context to your resume opening statement. Impressive words come easily when you really need a job, but backing them up with numbers to demonstrate their scale is less simple.
• They will expect to be impressed. If you cannot impress a specific employer for a specific role with the first lines of your resume, then the role is almost certainly not for you. Nothing to shout about? Move on.

Key takeaways

Think of your CV personal statement as the first 2 minutes of an interview—whether on the phone or in person. The HR manager asks you to “tell me a little about yourself,” and you have a quick minute to set the tone for the rest of the conversation. Similarly, the CV personal statement should include:

• A natural, yet professional CV tone that reflects your personality
• The top reasons your experience makes you a unique fit for this position
• Why this role aligns with your career plans
• Facts and data on your CV that back up your earlier points

Crafting a personal statement for each role will cause some serious thought. What is your essential fit for the role that will make a hiring manager sit up and think "wow, I need to have them on my team?" What would you want to read if you were in their shoes. You will definitely have lots to say, but keep it simple and powerful.

One more good CV statement example:

Expert SEO copywriter with a decade of B2C and B2B experience across three industries. Versatile in writing social, website and long-form copy to convey each brand’s unique tone and message. I cultivated 15 new clients in two years and grew readership by over 200%. I am now seeking to expand my editing and content creation expertise in a Marketing Manager position.

Once you’ve mastered writing your CV personal statement, this clear sense of who you are and what you want will prepare you to pitch yourself during interviews.

• Skip to user menu

CV Personal Statement Examples and Tips

Your personal statement is the first thing a recruiter or hiring manager will read when flicking through what will usually be a huge pile of CVs. With so much competition, you need a personal statement that grabs their attention for all the right reasons. But how do you write one? Here’s our guide along with a couple of personal statement examples for inspiration.

What is a personal statement?

A personal statement is a concise paragraph that sits at the top of your CV just below your name and contact details and tells the reader why you would be a fantastic asset for their company. It should include a summary of your most relevant skills and experience and give the recruiter an insight into your ambitions and character.

Your personal statement should explain:

• Who you are
• Your suitability for the role and the value you can add
• Your career goals

Conveying all that information in just a few sentences is certainly not easy, but with research suggesting that recruiters spend an average of just six seconds reviewing each CV before deciding whether the applicant is a good fit, you must get it right.

How to write a winning personal statement for your CV

No one has your specific skills and experience, so your personal statement must be unique. However, there are some universal tips you can follow.

• Length, formatting and tone of voice

Probably the biggest challenge you’ll face when writing a personal statement for your CV is keeping it between 50 and 150 words, or around four or five lines of text. It should be clean and concise, formatted consistently and written in the same font and point size as the rest of your CV.

Personal statements can be written in the first (“I am a marine biologist”) or third-person (“Marine biologist looking for”), but whatever voice you choose, keep it consistent throughout your CV.

Recruiters read so much hyperbole and waffle that being honest and understated will help you stand out. This is not The Apprentice, so buzzwords, empty promises and meaningless metaphors should be avoided at all costs.

• Back up your claims

Cliches like ‘hard worker’ or ‘experienced’ are just empty words that recruiters see hundreds of times a day. Instead, establish your credentials with relevant vocational qualifications or professional memberships you have and quantify the level of experience you have. For example, “I am a RICS qualified surveyor with eight years’ experience working for a property development company”.

• Include statistics from your career

Including specific data or statistics in your personal statement will immediately make it stand out from the hundreds of others recruiters read every day. Metrics of success are far more memorable than simply listing your achievements. For example, “I introduced a new lead qualification tool that increased sales by 15 percent”.

• Remove pronouns in the third person

The personal statement on your CV is the one place where it’s okay to talk about yourself in the third person. However, using pronouns, for example, “he is a conscientious worker with 12 years of experience...” is a step too far. Instead, drop the pronouns, so that would become “A conscientious worker with 12 years of experience…”

Personal statement examples

Here are a few examples of personal statements to keep you on the right track and hopefully provide a little inspiration.

Written in the first person by a graduate looking for their first professional role.

I am a recent graduate with a first-class degree in economics, specialising in econometrics and international trade. I have commercial experience in the finance sector courtesy of an internship with a UK corporation, where I developed the technical data engineering skills you are looking for. I have a proven ability to meet deadlines and produce consistently high-quality work, as evidenced by my degree, and would relish the chance to develop my skills within your organisation.

Written in the third person by an experienced purchasing manager looking to climb the ladder.

Purchasing manager with 12 years of experience who wants to progress to a more senior role within the aviation industry. Has developed strong and lasting relationships during previous managerial positions in the sector and wants to put this strong network to good use to add value to your business.

Time to get hired

Writing a winning personal statement that you’re happy with and that summarises your skills and experience effectively in just a few lines will take time. However, using these tips and examples as a guide and editing your personal statement for every role is an important piece of the puzzle.

To hear Guardian Jobs reader Elia’s story and how her Personal Career Management programme helped land her ideal job watch the video .

Personal Career Management can offer you a  free review to assess your needs and to see which programme is right for you.

To book call Personal Career Management on 01753 888 995 or fill in the contact form .

Personal Career Management are Career Management Partners for the Guardian and are a specialist career coaching and outplacement company.

Share this article

Related articles

How to write a military to civilian CV

How to write an online application form

Tips to address caring for family on your CV

Latest articles, how to write a great cv: a guardian jobs guide, how to write a professional cover letter for your next job application, how to prepare for your next interview: a guardian jobs guide.

• CV Examples
• CV Templates
• Cover Letter
• Job Interview

Best CV Personal Profile Examples

What is a CV personal profile?

A personal profile, also known as a CV summary, is the opening statement of your CV. It is a short introduction which outlines your personal characteristics, telling the prospective employer what kind of a person you are, the attributes and qualities that you possess and the work experience that you have.

How to write a CV profile statement from scratch

When writing your personal profile, ensure it is:

• Short (no more than 6 lines);
• Relevant to the job you are applying for, and;
• Contains some real-world examples .

Be bold, be confident and talk about yourself in a positive way.

Your personal profile is not the place to be humble; it is your chance to be noticed and tell the potential employer exactly who you ‘really’ are and what you can do for them.

Warning: Do not go ‘over the top’ and give the impression that you are either very arrogant or simply too good to be true! Keep it balanced and realistic, bearing in mind the needs of the employer.

Click here if you want to see a bad example of a personal profile.

What information to include on a personal profile

The purpose of your personal profile is to concisely present your skills, qualities, work experience, and your career goals and ambitions. Consequently, you can mention anything from the following categories when constructing your personal profile:

Personal Qualities

• Self-motivated
• Having an eye for detail
• Management skills
• Communication skills
• Problem-solving skills
• Design skills
• 5 years experience in …
• Excellent track record of …
• Extensive background in …
• Previous work experience in …

An ideal statement should have at least one example for each of these three categories.

How long should my profile statement be?

There are no set rules about the length of a personal profile, however, it is highly recommended to keep it ideally within the 50/80-words boundary (no longer than six lines). The reason for this is because employers, in the first instance, tend to scan CVs rather than extensively read it. Keeping it short and to the point increases the chances that they will actually read it.

Furthermore, as the total length of a CV is only 2 A4 pages long, having a short statement frees us valuable space for other key sections of your CV such as the work experience, education and skills sections .

Winning personal profile CV examples from all job sectors

Business management cv profile.

• The candidate mentions their key personal skills and qualities that are relevant and important when managing a business.
• The candidate mentions their relevant work experience in the field, indicating that they are able to work within multiple job sectors.

IT CV profile

• The candidate correctly highlights their areas of expertise, such as designing websites, networking and managing databases. It is clear from these examples that the individual has a broad understanding of IT and would be able to work on a wide range of IT projects.
• The candidate reassures the prospective employer that although they are working in a very technical field, they have the ability to work with a wide range of people. Interpersonal and communication skills are key to any job.

Student CV profile

• The above personal statement is clear and informative, making it clear that the applicant is a student, currently completing their university degree, and are looking to work part-time in the industry.
• It is always a good idea, as the candidate has done in this example, to clearly mention your availability for work and also the reasons for why you are seeking work. “Making money” is not a good enough reason for an employer to give you a job. The candidate has mentioned that they wish to put into practice what they have learned and make a positive contribution to the employer.

HR CV profile

• The candidate highlights that they have previous work experience in Human Resources (HR), making them familiar with the payroll systems and employment law. Additionally, they indicate some personal qualities (such as interpersonal skills and being sensitive to people’s privacies) which would be highly beneficial for the role that they are applying for.

Manager CV profile

• The candidate not only states that they have three years’ of experience in management but they also mention the positive contribution that they made to that organisation. In this case, it was a significant improvement in the performance of the team that they were managing.

Sales/retail CV profile

• Just by looking at the profile statement of this individual, we can conclude that this person has thorough experience of sales and is able to handle the various aspects of the selling process. Additionally, their promotion indicates that they are a high achiever.

Teaching CV profile

• In just a few lines, the candidate demonstrates a great deal of compassion, empathy and care for young people and their futures. This level of care and concern, along with an enduring passion for teaching, are the key ingredients of being successful in any teaching careers.
• The candidate indicating that they are able to work with young children from all backgrounds and walks of life. This is important, especially when living in today’s multicultural and diverse societies.

Engineering CV profile

• The candidate correctly highlights their previous work experience and areas of expertise. This makes them look like a very competent and accomplished chemical engineer, increasing the chances of being invited for an interview.

Designer CV profile

• This is an effective statement because the candidate highlights their valuable 1st class degree in Graphic Design and previous work experience in the design industry. Additionally, the candidate makes mention of their personal qualities, such as having the ability to think outside the box, to further indicate their suitability for the job.

Hospitality CV profile

• The above is an excellent example of how profile statement should be constructed; it contains references to their previous work experience in the same industry, personal qualities that are relevant to the job (e.g. having a passion for food and socialising with people) and their job achievements (e.g. winning an award). Any employer reading this statement will have to think twice before they put it in the rejection pile!

Admin CV profile

• The candidate mentions their previous work experience project management and providing administrative support to businesses.
• This admin personal statement clearly demonstrates that the individual is aware of all the challenges that administrators face; working in a busy working environment, handling multiple projects simultaneously, prioritising tasks and achieving the highest standard of work.

Customer service CV profile

• The candidate indicates that they are able to resolve customer enquiries and complaints face-to-face, over the phone or via email. This ability enables them to work in a variety of different job settings, i.e. a call centre, on the shop floor or at a desk.
• Their statement contains a tangible example of accomplishment (i.e. successfully resolving 150 customer enquiries or complaints).

Media CV profile

• The candidate has included many examples of their previous work experience and competencies in the field. Any employer interested in hiring an experienced camera operator will most certainly be impressed and continue reading the remainder of their CV.

Healthcare CV profile

• The candidate highlights that they are able to work with a variety of different people, something which is essential as physiotherapists will be working with people from all backgrounds and ages.
• The statement includes personal qualities that are important to have as a physiotherapist, such as being caring and friendly. Although some careers advisors do not recommend generic words such as ‘caring’ and ‘friendly’, it is nevertheless recommended to include them if they truly reflect your personality and if the rest of the personal statement contains specific information which is not generic in nature.

Writer CV profile

• This profile is short and punchy, increasing the chances that it will be read in full by the prospective employers
• The candidate highlights their career achievements by stating that their works have been accepted and published by leading newspapers and magazines – a testimony to the high quality of their work.

Science CV profile

• This statement is short and to the point; highlighting all the important information such as the candidates work experience, expertise and some personal qualities and characteristics.

Do I need to include a personal statement on my CV? No, it is entirely optional to include a personal profile on your CV. However, it is generally recommended to include one, particularly as it serves as a little “About me” section at the top of your CV. Every written document has an introduction, why shouldn’t a CV?

Can I use the first person tense in my statement? Yes, the first and third person tenses are both fine to use – but not both. Decide on the one tense and stick to it.

Where should I include the profile statement on my CV There is no fixed place in which you should put your personal profile. Some candidates place it at the bottom of their CVs. Ideally, you should position it at the top of your CV.

What is the most important thing to include on a personal profile? Real-world examples and tangible performance indicators, for example; increased sales by x percent, managed x number of people, won such-and-such awards, improved productivity by x percent, etc. These types of information are highly valuable, as opposed to saying that you are the “best salesperson in the country” and not backing it up with any evidence!

Need help with other sections of your CV?

While you’re still here – don’t forget to check out our amazing How to write a CV guide for more practical tips on writing your perfect CV or this useful resource.

Working on your CV? Awesome!

• Sales Assistant CV Example [A Step-by-Step 2024 Guide + Tips]
• BEST Examples of Hobbies and Interests to put on a CV (2024 Guide)
• A Winning CV: Interior Designer CV Example + Guide [2024]
• 7 CV myths exposed

Over 15,000 amazing people have connected with us - and you're amazing too!

Copyright © 2024 CV Plaza All Rights Reserved

Privacy Overview

 How to Write a Personal Statement with Examples

Quick Navigation:

What is a personal statement?

How to write a personal statement, what to include in a personal statement, personal statement examples, tips for writing a personal statement.

A personal statement highlights your industry credentials, previous noteworthy accomplishments, what you can bring to the company and how your interest in the role can achieve a company’s goals. What you write in a personal statement also conveys a great deal about yourself, including your talents, goals, outlook and work ethic. This article shares steps and examples that you can follow when writing your own personal statement.

A personal statement is a description that combines your notable abilities and career objectives in a brief paragraph to help hiring managers determine whether your qualifications are suitable for a position. It also summarizes substantial information that shows how much you understand the job. When writing a personal statement, it’s vital to make a connection between you and your desired job. 

Here are some steps to follow when writing a personal statement:

1. Firstly, research the company

Read the company’s profiles, achievements, vision and goals. Analyze and understand the position for which you’re applying, and find ways to connect it to the company’s overall goals. 

2. Then, make a list of your achievements

Create a list of your education and academic qualifications, training, accomplishments, skills and experience relevant to the job. Pick the most noteworthy achievements out of this list to add to your personal statement.

3. Next, demonstrate your qualifications

Using your knowledge about the company, write a brief paragraph about why you are the best person for the job. Be sure to add the most important details about you and your professional life, which includes highlighting how employing you can help the company fulfill its goals.

4. Finally, keep your personal statement short and readable

While there is no definite word count, a good personal statement should usually be about a paragraph long. What’s essential is that you can summarize all of the crucial points within a few detailed sentences. Keeping your statement easily readable can ensure that you maintain an employer’s attention.

If you’re applying to a job or updating your resume, one of the first things to do is to write a compelling personal statement highlighting essential details about yourself and your professional achievements. 

Here are the following parts you can use to help you write a personal statement:

Personal history

A good personal statement shares details that will give the hiring manager an idea of who you are both as a person and as an employee. For example, if you’re looking for an entry-level position, you can note that you’ve graduated with honors. As another example, listing your experience as a team leader can make it easier to demonstrate your qualifications for a management position. Make sure the personal history you include aligns with the position and the company’s goals.

Skills and work contributions

Your personal statement should emphasize the skill sets and talents that you can contribute to the company. Your expertise is not limited to technical aspects. It could also be communication, leadership, time management and similar skills. Communicate how these substantial assets of yours can contribute to the company’s objectives.

An example could be explaining how your expertise in programming software helped your former company secure a long-term contract. Describe how the company can benefit from your skill and experience.

Purpose and career goals

Your purpose conveys how your chosen career path aligns with the position you’re applying for. Although you can write about how the job will help your professional interests, it’s more important to identify how the company can benefit from hiring you.

For example, it could be as simple as your eagerness to seek a position as an operations supervisor, which means you must highlight how your leadership skills can help you manage teams so they can reach a sales quota. Start by explaining how your education, skills and experience have prepared you for the leadership role and, subsequently, how it can benefit the company.

Although it is a personal statement, it is best to find a balance between your individual and professional details. Keep in mind that you also only need to include details that are relevant to the position. If you’re trying to become a graphic artist, for example, focus primarily on your artistic achievements, awards, experience and goals in your statement.

Here are some examples of personal statements for different goals and career paths:

Engineering personal statement

‘Accomplished mechanical engineer with a master’s degree in modeling and simulation and more than 10 years of supervisory experience in an international manufacturing company. My technical and problem-solving skills helped develop test procedures that increased machine sales by 65% in a single financial year.’

Photographer personal statement

‘Veteran photographer with over five years of experience serving as a trainer for both photographers and editors in a regional publishing house. Supervised photo shoots for magazine features and covers that earned national recognition and awards. Searching for a leadership position in a national publication.’

Sales director personal statement

‘Target-oriented sales director within the tourism sector with over 20 years of experience in sustainable travel management. Proven success in both environmental tours and managing farm-to-table restaurants and accommodation. Increased previous company’s sales by 60% by implementing a two-year marketing plan.’

Here are some tips you can use when writing your personal statement:

• Use a template.  Have a general personal statement you can use as a template and then customize it depending on the job description.
• Use specific keywords and quantifiable metrics.  This can help your resume or cover letter make it through any application tracking software.
• Talk to your colleagues. The people you work with can give you deeper insight into your work output and character.
• Focus on the content first and the length later. You don’t need to worry much about the length of your statement when making a draft. You can always edit and shorten it.
• Use action words.  Descriptive words make it easier for employers to envision the achievements you’ve accomplished in your professional life.
• Make a strong first impression. A personal statement is often the first impression you make on a hiring manager. Because of this, it’s important to select only keywords, skills and experiences that are significant to your desired position.

• Log in
• Site search

Writing a personal statement for your CV

CV personal statements are like the sales pitch of your CV, but not everyone thinks they're useful. Discover if they're really necessary, how to write a CV personal profile and templates for inspiration

What is a CV personal statement?

A CV personal statement is a concise paragraph or summary, which details what you can bring to a job or company. It's also known as an opening statement, personal profile, personal summary or executive summary.

Sitting at the top of your CV, it's your opportunity to sell yourself to employers and to highlight the relevant skills and experience you possess.

While effectively and succinctly convincing recruiters that you're a good fit for the role, a personal statement gives you the chance to show off your strengths and share your career goals.

'The focus of your CV statement should be to target your offer to employers - why should they hire you and how are you different to other graduates? Therefore, making your personal statement as unique as possible is crucial to ensure you stand out from the crowd,' explains Alex Proctor, careers consultant at the University of Bradford.

Do I need a personal summary on my CV?

Traditionally, almost all CV types include a personal statement but there is some debate about whether you actually need to include one.

Some recruiters and careers advisers believe that personal profiles are one of the most important parts of a CV, as they provide an easily accessible overview of a candidate's ability, while others feel that personal statements are a waste of valuable space and time.

The latter belief is often the case with graduate CVs, as some employers feel that those just stepping onto the career ladder don't necessarily have enough knowledge or experience to warrant a personal statement. Because of this, a graduate's personal profile runs the risk of being bland and generic and stating things that should be a given, such as, 'I'm hardworking and organised,' which is why some recruiters believe that they are best suited to more senior CVs.

So while your CV doesn't need a personal statement, employers spend only seconds looking at application documents. With this in mind, a CV personal statement gives you an invaluable opportunity to make your application stand out as quickly as possible.

Alex believes 'that a CV personal statement is a good idea, because employers often have so many CVs to read through and the personal statement, if clear and concise, can elevate your chances of getting through to the next stage of the recruitment process.'

If you'd like to include a personal statement on your CV it might be best, as a graduate, to focus on your educational background and the career path you'd like to embrace. If you have relevant experiences use these to make your personal statement unique. 'If you haven’t got much work experience, focus on what experience you can extract from your degree,' advises Alex. 'If you have taken part in various projects demonstrate what your role was. Alternatively, if you have written a dissertation, showcase your topic and what skills you have developed from this experience. Employers will value your individuality even if you haven't had masses of practical work experience.'

If you're struggling to give it context and get it right, make an appointment with your university's careers or employability service and ask an adviser to help you hone your writing. 

What should I include in my CV personal profile?

In terms of length, a CV personal profile should be no longer than 150 words. 'It should be short, impactful and aligned effectively with the CV content,' explains David Ainscough, careers consultant team lead and deputy director at the University of Cambridge.

'A personal CV profile should include details of your educational background, evidence of work experience, as well as your career aspirations. You ideally need to ensure you are telling the reader what you can offer skill-wise and don't be afraid to also share any accomplishments,' adds Alex.  

If you're struggling with what to write, break your personal statement down into three parts. Focus on:

• who you are
• what you can offer
• your career aims.

Start by introducing yourself. For example, 'A recent graduate with a 2:1 in English literature from the Hillview University' or a 'Highly-skilled physiotherapist with five years’ experience…'

Next, detail what you can offer the company. Ask yourself why you're suited to the role and cover any relevant skills or experience. If you lack practical work experience instead draw attention to your academic achievements, such as contributing to university publications, which developed written communication, attention to detail and teamworking skills. Or how you applied skills learned on your physical therapy degree during your time as a physio assistant for university sport teams.

Conclude your personal statement by highlighting your career goals. For example, 'I am looking to start my career in the exciting world of publishing and to develop the skills learned through my university studies and internships.'

It's up to you how you present this information; there is no hard and fast rule. However, personal statements are generally displayed as a single paragraph, without a title or subheading. You'll need to keep it consistent with the rest of your CV formatting, meaning that the font size and type will need to be the same throughout your document.

Also, consider the voice and tense you'd like to use. Personal statements can be written in either the first or third person, but you'll need to maintain this voice throughout - don't switch between the two.

Take a look at  how to write a CV .

How can I make it stand out to employers?

• 'Remember that first impressions count so make sure you're giving the recruiter a comfortable reading experience. Layout and clarity are crucial,' says David.
• Tailor your CV personal statement (and CV in general) to each application.
• Be honest. Untruths are easy to uncover and lying on your CV is a criminal offence.
• Provide evidence of skills and experience but remember to keep it brief. For example, 'experienced event manager, who led a team to organise a charity ball for 150 people, raising £5,000 - a 20% increase on previous years.'
• Use the job description to help form your CV personal profile.
• Stick to the word limit.
• Check for spelling and grammar mistakes. The personal summary sits at the top of your CV so any errors will be immediately apparent.
• 'Keep it fresh. It needs to be reviewed in each application you make so consider something new to say each time,' adds David.
• Read it aloud once you've finished writing to make sure it flows.
• Copy and paste from your  cover letter or from online CV personal statement examples. Your personal summary needs to be unique and personal to you.
• Include unnecessary personal information such as your age, marital status etc.
• Use clichés, slang or jargon.
• Use bland, empty statements like 'I work well independently and as part of a team'. This tells employers absolutely nothing about what you’re capable of.
• Overuse buzzwords.
• Include quotes from previous employers.
• Ramble. Recruiters don't have time to read through waffle, so get to the point.

Think about the connotations of the words you use - 'currently studying' implies things might change, 'trying' implies failure, 'might' or 'maybe' sounds like you're not sure. The words you use have power so choose them carefully. You want to sound confident, positive and enthusiastic.

Find out more about the  top 7 CV mistakes .

CV personal statement examples

To help you get started take a look at the following CV personal profile examples.

As a recent graduate from the University of Townville, with a 2:1 honours degree in marketing, I have undertaken internships at industry-leading agencies such as Beyond Imagination and Noah Freemans. These placements have allowed me to develop sector knowledge and gain hands on experience, as well as expand transferable skills such as commercial awareness, communication and negotiation and analytical skills. My career aim is to gain a role which allows me to further my expertise and take on increased responsibility at a market-leading digital marketing agency.

I am a highly motivated 2:1 forensic science graduate from Groveshire University, looking to secure a graduate position that enables me to use and develop my analytical, attention to detail and communication skills. I have gained relevant experience in both scientific and hospital laboratories, which allowed me to build on my problem solving, concentration and team working skills. My career goal is to assume a role that enables me to analyse and interpret forensic data and to eventually move into crime scene investigation.

Remember; avoid copying and pasting ready-made examples. Instead use them as a guide to craft your own, tailored CV personal statement. Take a look at our  example CVs .

Find out more

• Learn more about  applying for jobs .
• Get more advice on CVs and cover letters .

How would you rate this page?

On a scale where 1 is dislike and 5 is like

• Dislike 1 unhappy-very
• Like 5 happy-very

Thank you for rating the page

• Resume Templates
• Resume Examples
• Free Resume Builder
• How to Write a Resume
• Resume Format
• Resume Packs
• Cover Letter Templates
• Cover Letter Examples
• Free Cover Letter Generator
• How To Write a Cover Letter
• CV Templates
• CV Examples
• Free CV Maker
• Resume Help
• Cover Letter Help
• Job Interview
• Career Advice

CV Personal Statement:  Examples and Actionable Tips

Fact: recruiters spend only 6 seconds reviewing each CV. So poorly organized CVs inevitably get discarded. 

Having an effective CV layout is the first step to attracting their attention. And the second step is topping that CV with a compelling personal statement (also known as a personal profile, personal summary, or executive summary).

What is a Personal Statement in a CV? 

A personal statement for a CV is a short and compelling paragraph that summarizes why you’re the most qualified person for the offered role. It tells the reader who you are and what valuable qualifications you will be bringing to their company.

NB : Opening statement, personal profile, personal summary, or executive summary are the other common names for a personal statement. 

Many believe that the work experience section is the most important element of a CV. Yet, it is your personal statement that can end up making or breaking the success of your job application. 

Because it provides the reader with a quick answer to one question they have on their mind: Are you qualified for the job or not? 

Remember: You’ll be directly competing with numerous other applicants with similar skills and work experiences. A compelling CV statement sets you apart by giving the reader a condensed snapshot of who you are as a person. 

Do I Need To Include a Personal Statement On My CV?

The short answer is YES! A personal statement entices the reader to read your entire CV by giving them a preview of your most valuable skills. It also helps you differentiate from other candidates by explaining your background, motivation, and personal character traits concisely. 

In essence, a personal statement helps you express why you are the right choice for the job in one condensed paragraph.

Where Should a Personal Statement Go in a CV?

A personal statement goes into the header area of your CV. Include it right under your name and contact details as a separate, highlighted area. A good personal statement is about 3-4 sentences long and occupies not more than 1/4th of the page. 

Alternatively, you can design a two-column CV and allocate the upper sidebar area for your personal statement. As a recent survey found, 77% of recruiters prefer two-column CVs to single-column ones.

Sample personal statement placement on a CV template

What Do You Write in a CV Personal Statement?

A compelling personal statement summarizes your professional and educational background; highlights the main skills and accomplishments. It can also express your career objectives and/or interest in the particular industry or subject if you’re a current student or recent graduate.  

Personal Statement Examples for CV 

To give you an idea of how to write your statement, let’s look at some examples.

Remember: You need to write a unique personal statement for your CV. Simply copying and using these examples may not be the best move because the sample CV statements won’t reflect your unique experiences and personality. 

Good CV Personal Statement Examples

Employers want to see experts. Therefore, your personal statement must speak directly to your most marketable skills. 

You should never come off sounding desperate or diminish your worth (even if you have been recently laid off ). Use a confident tone with first-person implied and strong verbs to describe your core competencies and other benefits you can bring to the workplace. 

General Jobseeker Personal Statement Example

Highly motivated, fully trained engineer with 15 years of experience in the telecoms industry. Worked with XYZ Telecoms Ltd, Cool Mobile Carrier, and Acme Telco as a field engineer and project team leader. Successfully managed large commercial telecom infrastructure installations. Currently unemployed due to the relocation of the company. Open to new opportunities in NOC. 

Personal Statement CV Example For an Administration Position 

Adaptable and resourceful facilities manager with experience in supporting enterprise-sized organizations in real estate, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing industries. Strong organizational skillset: Six Sigma, standardized method of procedure (MOP) policies implementation. Was responsible for facilities operations on 2.4 million square feet in a 20-building chemical manufacturing campus, serviced by a 20+ people team of building engineers, electricians, HVAC technicians, and cleaners.

Accountant Personal Statement CV Examples

Below are two samples for a senior and a junior accountant. 

Chartered Accountant 

ACCA-certified accountant for mid-market and enterprise-sized companies. Conducted due diligence and tax audits for FTSE 500 companies. Commenced for a 100% accuracy track record in financial reporting, as well as fast turnaround on complex analytical reviews. Provide on-demand advisory on trust setup, company incorporation, and tax deferrals. 

Account Assistant 

Detail-oriented, certified accounting assistant with experience in payroll administration. Familiar with Gusto, Xero, and Intuit software. Effectively process payroll, benefits, taxes, and social contributions for over 1500 employees per month. Possess a strong foundation in employee classification,  tax reporting, and financial management. 

CV Personal Statement Examples for Students

Whether you’re applying for an internship or looking for a part-time job , a compelling personal is a must-have for a student CV. 

Since your work experience history may be a bit “thin”, you need to persuade the employer via other means — your transferable skills, academic interests, and personal traits. A personal CV allows you to spotlight all of these. 

Remember that you are bringing your energy, dedication, enthusiasm, and willingness to learn to the table. As you will not have any employment history, you need to make sure to get your personality and your soft skills over in your statement.

CV Statement for a Student Looking for a Full-Time Summer Job 

Junior copywriter, enrolled in a BA Writing Program at the University of Manchester (graduation date: fall 2025). Alumni of the 2022 Copywriting Bootcamp program from Matters Agency. Well-versed in target audience analysis, brand positioning, and editorial campaign planning. Writing clips for eCommerce and SaaS brands are available in my portfolio.  

CV Statement for an Internship 

Second-year mechanical engineering student at the University of Leeds, seeking to apply theoretical knowledge in safety system design. Proficient in AutoCAD and completed a series of blueprints for fire and water safety systems as part of my coursework. Fast learner, self-starter, and team player, I’m excited to contribute my technical expertise to a dynamic engineering team.

CV Statement for a Student Looking for a Part-Time Job 

Junior front-end developer (React, Angular JS), seeking a part-time programming position in the Great London area. Current availability is 10-15 hours per week, preferably with hybrid work arrangements. Solid understanding of design systems and UX/UI best practices. Past work experience in finance and eCommerce sectors. 

CV Personal Statement Examples for 16-Year-Olds

Joining the workforce straight after high school makes sense if you want to take a gap year or pursue trade education later on. The wrinkle, however, is that most employers may be wary of your age and lack of experience.

The goal of a personal statement is to dispel those doubts by showing that you’re a serious, mature, and hard-working candidate, eager to learn and hone your craft. 

Personal Statement for a Barista Position 

Genuine coffee lover and frequent guest at Maddie’s Cafe, I would love to join the barista team. As a former head of the prom planning committee, I understand the importance of good teamwork, efficient planning, and following instructions. My main objectives are to learn more about beverage prep and deliver exceptional experiences to customers. 

CV Personal Statement Examples For A Graduate

Your personal statement should focus on your main educational attainments and experiences. If you are applying before you have had your degree results, it is fine to give a projected grade. You can also mention any specific modules you have studied that are relevant to the job on offer and how much you enjoyed working on them.

Remember: Your goal is to explain why you’re interested in this role and what you could bring to the table. 

Graduate Personal Statement Example

Business administration graduate with a 1:1 honors degree from XYZ University. Interested in an entry-level merchandising position within your Commercial Sales Department to expand my knowledge in retail merchandising, procurement, and inventory management. Looking to apply my analytical and data modeling skills for merchandising strategy optimization. 

Personal Statement for High School Graduate 

Energetic and enthusiastic high school graduate (June 2023) with top A-levels grades in English, Maths, and French. Seeking an entry-level role in sales, where I can make use of and develop my language skills. My long-term career goal is to further my language qualifications and position myself as a European sales manager living and working overseas for a global company.

Personal Statement Examples for CV With No Experience

Lack of experience in a particular role or industry should never discourage you from applying. Although you may not tick all the criteria boxes, you still have transferable skills and unique work experiences to showcase.

Moreover, ongoing talent shortages are prompting employees to reconsider their hiring criteria, plus invest more in new hire training and upskilling. Four in five companies now struggle to fill in open vacancies, which is the highest number in the past 17 years. 

So take your chances and apply even if you don’t have sufficient work experience. 

Personal Statement Example with No Relevant Work Experience 

Former front-desk hotel employee, looking for an opportunity to leverage strong service orientation and organizational skills in new roles (Customer Success or Customer Support). Familiarity with appointment booking software, digital chat apps, and CRM software. With my strong commitment to personal growth and my adaptable nature, I believe I could be a valuable asset to customer-centric teams.  

Personal Statement Example with No Industry Experience 

Self-starter with a BA degree in Communication and experience in corporate event management seeking a transition to music festival management. Experienced in organizing off-site events for 100+ people (including location scouting and travel coordination). I thrive in fast-paced environments and am eager to build a strong network of new partners. 

Discover even more personal statements from our collection of CV examples . 

CV Personal Statement For A Career Change

Career change is a big decision, but it can lead to a more fulfilling professional life. Besides, you’re not completely starting anew. Many of the hard and soft skills are quite universal. There is any number of different jobs that need the same set of skills that you have developed, so always try to lead with these and use real-life examples of your experience.

Career Change Personal Statement Example:

Working for the past 10 years as a regional sales manager has allowed me to develop keen skills in building strong working relationships and lucrative networks. Communication skills I developed during my time at my current employer enabled me to win vital contract wins that increased sales revenue by 20% over three years. I am now ready to take on a new challenge and want to work in the charity sector so that I can use my skills to give something back for the direct benefit of others.

How To Write A Strong Personal Statement for a CV 

An effective personal statement summarizes your skills and experience in a relevant way i.e., it indicates how you can be of help to the employer. 

In short, a compelling CV personal statement: 

• Lists your most marketable skills and qualifications 
• Highlights your industry knowledge and work experiences 
• Mirrors some of the key phrases, used in the job description 

And here’s how to write a personal statement that makes a mark.

1. Review the Job Description Once Again 

As you go through the role description, pay attention to the words, used by the employer, to describe the candidate’s requirements, duties, and personality. Keep those in the back of your head. 

These are the keywords you’d want to use all around your CV — in the personal statement, work experience, education, and skills areas. 

2. Do a Mental Tally of Your Skills 

Try to remember the times in your previous work roles when you accomplished notable objectives, went above and beyond expectations , or otherwise did better than your peers.  

Note down everything that springs to mind including your years of experience in a similar role, challenges you took on and the positive results achieved, new projects you kick-started – anything that has close relevance to this new position.

3. Make a Draft Personal Statement 

Write down a sample personal statement. Don’t worry about the length – just put as many details as you’d like on paper. Once you’re done, revisit the job description. See how your personal statement compares to the description. Does it paint a picture of someone who would fit the role? 

4. Edit for Clarity and Briefity 

A good CV personal statement shouldn’t be longer than 3-4 sentences. Take a critical look at your draft version and condense it to the bare essentials: 2-3 main skills, a major accomplishment, and a note on your motivation and/or personal traits. 

Other things that don’t belong in your personal statement are:

• Explanation of employment gaps or present unemployment status 
• Information about hobbies or personal interest 
• Any mention of references or recommendations 
• Irrelevant skills or work experiences 

Want to stand out even more? Add a persuasive opening statement that highlights your strengths as a candidate. 

A compelling personal statement can be the key between your CV making the ‘yes’ pile or the reject bin. Take some time to get your statement right and always write a new one for each job you apply for by mirroring the employer’s language. 

Finally, to give your CV a polishing touch, try out one of our fancy, but free CV templates , coming in multiple styles: professional, modern, simple, and creative!

Elena runs content operations at Freesumes since 2017. She works closely with copywriters, designers, and invited career experts to ensure that all content meets our highest editorial standards. Up to date, she wrote over 200 career-related pieces around resume writing, career advice... more

you might also like

6 Best Colors For Your Resume (According to Pro Designers)

How to Put an Internship on a Resume: FAQs Answered

How to Put Research on a Resume: Tips and Examples

Resume Skills For Retail: Big List of Examples

90+ Childcare Skills For Your Resume (+ Daycare Worker Resume Example!)

Leave a response cancel reply.

Have a language expert improve your writing

Run a free plagiarism check in 10 minutes, generate accurate citations for free.

• Knowledge Base
• Applying to graduate school
• How to Write Your Personal Statement | Strategies & Examples

How to Write Your Personal Statement | Strategies & Examples

Published on February 12, 2019 by Shona McCombes . Revised on July 3, 2023.

A personal statement is a short essay of around 500–1,000 words, in which you tell a compelling story about who you are, what drives you, and why you’re applying.

To write a successful personal statement for a graduate school application , don’t just summarize your experience; instead, craft a focused narrative in your own voice. Aim to demonstrate three things:

• Your personality: what are your interests, values, and motivations?
• Your talents: what can you bring to the program?
• Your goals: what do you hope the program will do for you?

This article guides you through some winning strategies to build a strong, well-structured personal statement for a master’s or PhD application. You can download the full examples below.

Urban Planning Psychology History

Table of contents

Getting started with your personal statement, the introduction: start with an attention-grabbing opening, the main body: craft your narrative, the conclusion: look ahead, revising, editing, and proofreading your personal statement, frequently asked questions, other interesting articles.

Before you start writing, the first step is to understand exactly what’s expected of you. If the application gives you a question or prompt for your personal statement, the most important thing is to respond to it directly.

For example, you might be asked to focus on the development of your personal identity; challenges you have faced in your life; or your career motivations. This will shape your focus and emphasis—but you still need to find your own unique approach to answering it.

There’s no universal template for a personal statement; it’s your chance to be creative and let your own voice shine through. But there are strategies you can use to build a compelling, well-structured story.

The first paragraph of your personal statement should set the tone and lead smoothly into the story you want to tell.

Strategy 1: Open with a concrete scene

An effective way to catch the reader’s attention is to set up a scene that illustrates something about your character and interests. If you’re stuck, try thinking about:

• A personal experience that changed your perspective
• A story from your family’s history
• A memorable teacher or learning experience
• An unusual or unexpected encounter

To write an effective scene, try to go beyond straightforward description; start with an intriguing sentence that pulls the reader in, and give concrete details to create a convincing atmosphere.

Strategy 2: Open with your motivations

To emphasize your enthusiasm and commitment, you can start by explaining your interest in the subject you want to study or the career path you want to follow.

Just stating that it interests you isn’t enough: first, you need to figure out why you’re interested in this field:

• Is it a longstanding passion or a recent discovery?
• Does it come naturally or have you had to work hard at it?
• How does it fit into the rest of your life?
• What do you think it contributes to society?

Tips for the introduction

• Don’t start on a cliche: avoid phrases like “Ever since I was a child…” or “For as long as I can remember…”
• Do save the introduction for last. If you’re struggling to come up with a strong opening, leave it aside, and note down any interesting ideas that occur to you as you write the rest of the personal statement.

Once you’ve set up the main themes of your personal statement, you’ll delve into more detail about your experiences and motivations.

To structure the body of your personal statement, there are various strategies you can use.

Strategy 1: Describe your development over time

One of the simplest strategies is to give a chronological overview of key experiences that have led you to apply for graduate school.

• What first sparked your interest in the field?
• Which classes, assignments, classmates, internships, or other activities helped you develop your knowledge and skills?
• Where do you want to go next? How does this program fit into your future plans?

Don’t try to include absolutely everything you’ve done—pick out highlights that are relevant to your application. Aim to craft a compelling narrative that shows how you’ve changed and actively developed yourself.

My interest in psychology was first sparked early in my high school career. Though somewhat scientifically inclined, I found that what interested me most was not the equations we learned about in physics and chemistry, but the motivations and perceptions of my fellow students, and the subtle social dynamics that I observed inside and outside the classroom. I wanted to learn how our identities, beliefs, and behaviours are shaped through our interactions with others, so I decided to major in Social Psychology. My undergraduate studies deepened my understanding of, and fascination with, the interplay between an individual mind and its social context.During my studies, I acquired a solid foundation of knowledge about concepts like social influence and group dynamics, but I also took classes on various topics not strictly related to my major. I was particularly interested in how other fields intersect with psychology—the classes I took on media studies, biology, and literature all enhanced my understanding of psychological concepts by providing different lenses through which to look at the issues involved.

Strategy 2: Own your challenges and obstacles

If your path to graduate school hasn’t been easy or straightforward, you can turn this into a strength, and structure your personal statement as a story of overcoming obstacles.

• Is your social, cultural or economic background underrepresented in the field? Show how your experiences will contribute a unique perspective.
• Do you have gaps in your resume or lower-than-ideal grades? Explain the challenges you faced and how you dealt with them.

Don’t focus too heavily on negatives, but use them to highlight your positive qualities. Resilience, resourcefulness and perseverance make you a promising graduate school candidate.

Growing up working class, urban decay becomes depressingly familiar. The sight of a row of abandoned houses does not surprise me, but it continues to bother me. Since high school, I have been determined to pursue a career in urban planning. While people of my background experience the consequences of urban planning decisions first-hand, we are underrepresented in the field itself. Ironically, given my motivation, my economic background has made my studies challenging. I was fortunate enough to be awarded a scholarship for my undergraduate studies, but after graduation I took jobs in unrelated fields to help support my parents. In the three years since, I have not lost my ambition. Now I am keen to resume my studies, and I believe I can bring an invaluable perspective to the table: that of the people most impacted by the decisions of urban planners.

Strategy 3: Demonstrate your knowledge of the field

Especially if you’re applying for a PhD or another research-focused program, it’s a good idea to show your familiarity with the subject and the department. Your personal statement can focus on the area you want to specialize in and reflect on why it matters to you.

• Reflect on the topics or themes that you’ve focused on in your studies. What draws you to them?
• Discuss any academic achievements, influential teachers, or other highlights of your education.
• Talk about the questions you’d like to explore in your research and why you think they’re important.

The personal statement isn’t a research proposal , so don’t go overboard on detail—but it’s a great opportunity to show your enthusiasm for the field and your capacity for original thinking.

In applying for this research program, my intention is to build on the multidisciplinary approach I have taken in my studies so far, combining knowledge from disparate fields of study to better understand psychological concepts and issues. The Media Psychology program stands out to me as the perfect environment for this kind of research, given its researchers’ openness to collaboration across diverse fields. I am impressed by the department’s innovative interdisciplinary projects that focus on the shifting landscape of media and technology, and I hope that my own work can follow a similarly trailblazing approach. More specifically, I want to develop my understanding of the intersection of psychology and media studies, and explore how media psychology theories and methods might be applied to neurodivergent minds. I am interested not only in media psychology but also in psychological disorders, and how the two interact. This is something I touched on during my undergraduate studies and that I’m excited to delve into further.

Strategy 4: Discuss your professional ambitions

Especially if you’re applying for a more professionally-oriented program (such as an MBA), it’s a good idea to focus on concrete goals and how the program will help you achieve them.

• If your career is just getting started, show how your character is suited to the field, and explain how graduate school will help you develop your talents.
• If you have already worked in the profession, show what you’ve achieved so far, and explain how the program will allow you to take the next step.
• If you are planning a career change, explain what has driven this decision and how your existing experience will help you succeed.

Don’t just state the position you want to achieve. You should demonstrate that you’ve put plenty of thought into your career plans and show why you’re well-suited to this profession.

One thing that fascinated me about the field during my undergraduate studies was the sheer number of different elements whose interactions constitute a person’s experience of an urban environment. Any number of factors could transform the scene I described at the beginning: What if there were no bus route? Better community outreach in the neighborhood? Worse law enforcement? More or fewer jobs available in the area? Some of these factors are out of the hands of an urban planner, but without taking them all into consideration, the planner has an incomplete picture of their task. Through further study I hope to develop my understanding of how these disparate elements combine and interact to create the urban environment. I am interested in the social, psychological and political effects our surroundings have on our lives. My studies will allow me to work on projects directly affecting the kinds of working-class urban communities I know well. I believe I can bring my own experiences, as well as my education, to bear upon the problem of improving infrastructure and quality of life in these communities.

Tips for the main body

• Don’t rehash your resume by trying to summarize everything you’ve done so far; the personal statement isn’t about listing your academic or professional experience, but about reflecting, evaluating, and relating it to broader themes.
• Do make your statements into stories: Instead of saying you’re hard-working and self-motivated, write about your internship where you took the initiative to start a new project. Instead of saying you’ve always loved reading, reflect on a novel or poem that changed your perspective.

Your conclusion should bring the focus back to the program and what you hope to get out of it, whether that’s developing practical skills, exploring intellectual questions, or both.

Emphasize the fit with your specific interests, showing why this program would be the best way to achieve your aims.

Strategy 1: What do you want to know?

If you’re applying for a more academic or research-focused program, end on a note of curiosity: what do you hope to learn, and why do you think this is the best place to learn it?

If there are specific classes or faculty members that you’re excited to learn from, this is the place to express your enthusiasm.

Strategy 2: What do you want to do?

If you’re applying for a program that focuses more on professional training, your conclusion can look to your career aspirations: what role do you want to play in society, and why is this program the best choice to help you get there?

Tips for the conclusion

• Don’t summarize what you’ve already said. You have limited space in a personal statement, so use it wisely!
• Do think bigger than yourself: try to express how your individual aspirations relate to your local community, your academic field, or society more broadly. It’s not just about what you’ll get out of graduate school, but about what you’ll be able to give back.

You’ll be expected to do a lot of writing in graduate school, so make a good first impression: leave yourself plenty of time to revise and polish the text.

Your style doesn’t have to be as formal as other kinds of academic writing, but it should be clear, direct and coherent. Make sure that each paragraph flows smoothly from the last, using topic sentences and transitions to create clear connections between each part.

Don’t be afraid to rewrite and restructure as much as necessary. Since you have a lot of freedom in the structure of a personal statement, you can experiment and move information around to see what works best.

Finally, it’s essential to carefully proofread your personal statement and fix any language errors. Before you submit your application, consider investing in professional personal statement editing . For $150, you have the peace of mind that your personal statement is grammatically correct, strong in term of your arguments, and free of awkward mistakes.

A statement of purpose is usually more formal, focusing on your academic or professional goals. It shouldn’t include anything that isn’t directly relevant to the application.

A personal statement can often be more creative. It might tell a story that isn’t directly related to the application, but that shows something about your personality, values, and motivations.

However, both types of document have the same overall goal: to demonstrate your potential as a graduate student and s how why you’re a great match for the program.

The typical length of a personal statement for graduate school applications is between 500 and 1,000 words.

Different programs have different requirements, so always check if there’s a minimum or maximum length and stick to the guidelines. If there is no recommended word count, aim for no more than 1-2 pages.

If you’re applying to multiple graduate school programs, you should tailor your personal statement to each application.

Some applications provide a prompt or question. In this case, you might have to write a new personal statement from scratch: the most important task is to respond to what you have been asked.

If there’s no prompt or guidelines, you can re-use the same idea for your personal statement – but change the details wherever relevant, making sure to emphasize why you’re applying to this specific program.

If the application also includes other essays, such as a statement of purpose , you might have to revise your personal statement to avoid repeating the same information.

If you want to know more about college essays , academic writing , and AI tools , make sure to check out some of our other language articles with explanations, examples, and quizzes.

College essays

• College essay examples
• College essay format
• College essay style
• College essay length
• Diversity essays
• Scholarship essays

Academic writing

• Writing process
• Avoiding repetition
• Literature review
• Conceptual framework
• Dissertation outline
• Thesis acknowledgements
• Burned or burnt
• Canceled or cancelled
• Dreamt or dreamed
• Gray or grey
• Theater vs theatre

Cite this Scribbr article

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.

McCombes, S. (2023, July 03). How to Write Your Personal Statement | Strategies & Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved June 7, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/graduate-school/personal-statement/

Is this article helpful?

Shona McCombes

Other students also liked, how to write a graduate school resume | template & example, how (and who) to ask for a letter of recommendation, master's vs phd | a complete guide to the differences, get unlimited documents corrected.

✔ Free APA citation check included ✔ Unlimited document corrections ✔ Specialized in correcting academic texts

128+ Resume Summary Examples & How-to Guide for 2024

In This Guide:

What is a resume summary, resume summary samples that you can use right now, resume summary vs objective vs resume profile: which one to choose, how to write a professional resume summary, enhance your resume summary with keywords, when to use a resume summary, generate your resume summary with enhancv’s resume builder, resume summary examples by industry, key takeaways.

A resume summary is a concise, powerful statement positioned at the top of your resume. It’s meant to capture the attention of hiring managers. It’s perfectly suited for professionals who want to emphasize their key qualifications, experiences, and accomplishments, effectively conveying their potential impact on the target role.

A well-crafted resume summary is more than just a brief introduction. It's a powerful tool to make your application stand out . Crafting an effective summary for your resume positions you as the ideal candidate and seamlessly connects your past achievements with your future potential.

In this guide, we're diving into the essentials of crafting a summary for a resume that will keep recruiters reading. You’ll learn:

• The difference between a career summary, an objective statement, and a resume profile.
• How to craft your own professional summary in resume using proven techniques.
• Tailor your resume summary specifically to the job you're targeting.
• Enhance your summary with quantifiable achievements for added impact.
• Draw inspiration from our collection of 100+ powerful summary examples, spanning the most sought-after positions.

A resume summary is a concise career statement that sits prominently beneath the resume header . It’s one of the first elements recruiters see during their initial scan of your resume.

A well-composed profile summary is between three to five short sentences in length and showcases your most relevant skills and experiences.

Here's why your resume needs a summary:

• It allows hiring managers to quickly grasp your top skills and the unique contributions you're prepared to make to their team.
• A good summary allows you to distinguish yourself from the pack and spotlight your personal brand.
• It's the perfect space to write about your career aspirations and demonstrate your eagerness to grow within your targeted role.

Is your resume good enough?

Drop your resume here or choose a file . PDF & DOCX only. Max 2MB file size.

Before we start with the in-depth guide, if you’re in a hurry you can use one of the resume summary samples below. Just replace the placeholders with the information relevant to you.

General resume summary sample

Dynamic and results-oriented [Job Title] with [Number] years of experience in [Industry or Field]. Proven expertise in [Key Skill 1], [Key Skill 2], and [Key Skill 3], demonstrated through successful projects such as [Notable Accomplishment or Project]. Adept at [Relevant Task or Responsibility], with a track record of [Achievement or Outcome]. Committed to [Professional Value or Goal], ready to bring exceptional [Specific Skill or Attribute] to [Company or Team Name].

A personal resume summary that you can use on any resume. Showcases skills, years of experience, and some notable accomplishments. Make sure to keep the length appropriate to your resume.

Resume summary for entry level positions

Enthusiastic and detail-oriented [Recent Graduate or Job Title] with a strong foundation in [Field or Major]. Proficient in [Key Skill 1], [Key Skill 2], and [Key Skill 3], developed through [Relevant Experience or Coursework]. Demonstrated ability to [Relevant Task or Responsibility] through [Internship, Project, or Volunteer Work]. Eager to bring a fresh perspective and a commitment to [Professional Value or Goal] to the [Company or Team Name].

A resume summary template that is suitable for applicants searching for an entry-level job. Recent graduates can also benefit from it.

Resume summary that showcases work experience

Accomplished [Job Title] with [Number] years of experience in [Industry or Field]. Extensive background in [Relevant Area 1], [Relevant Area 2], and [Relevant Area 3], with a proven track record of [Specific Achievement or Responsibility]. Successfully led [Type of Projects or Teams], resulting in [Measurable Outcome or Impact]. Adept at [Relevant Skill or Task], and recognized for [Notable Recognition or Award]. Dedicated to [Professional Value or Goal], aiming to contribute [Specific Skill or Attribute] to [Company or Team Name].

For when you want to focus the hiring manager on your work experience, this resume summary sample is perfect for experienced individuals who’re looking for a career change.

Resume summary focused on relevant qualifications

Highly qualified [Job Title] with expertise in [Key Skill 1], [Key Skill 2], and [Key Skill 3]. Certified in [Relevant Certification], proficient in [Relevant Tools or Software]. Demonstrated ability to [Achievement or Responsibility] through [Specific Accomplishment]. Known for [Notable Strength or Recognition], committed to [Professional Value or Goal] at [Company or Team Name].

Perfect resume summary for when you want to focus the hiring manager on your relevant qualifications.

Resume summary showcasing in-demand skills

Results-driven [Your Profession] with [X] years of experience specializing in [Industry/Sector]. Recognized for exceptional skills in [Key Skill #1], [Key Skill #2], and [Key Skill #3], I consistently deliver [Quantifiable Achievements/Outcomes]. Proven ability to [Brief Description of Key Contributions], I excel in dynamic, high-pressure environments and am dedicated to [Company’s/Industry’s Goal or Value]. Seeking to leverage my expertise in [Specific Area/Skill] to contribute to [Target Company or Role].

This resume summary is ideal for highlighting specific skills that are in high demand within your industry or role.

Resume summary with quantifiable achievements

Highly accomplished and results-driven [Your Job Title] with over [X] years of experience in [Industry or Field]. Proven track record of success in driving [specific goal or objective] through innovative strategies and exceptional leadership. Adept at managing multiple projects simultaneously, with a keen eye for detail and a commitment to excellence. Recognized for exceptional ability to [specific skill or attribute] and a passion for [related field or expertise].

Great for showcasing specific achievements that are quantifiable, this resume summary provides a clear evidence of your impact.

Resume summary showing your potential value

Results-driven and highly motivated [Your Profession/Job Title] with [#] years of experience in [Industry/Specialization]. Demonstrated expertise in [Key Skill 1], [Key Skill 2], and [Key Skill 3], with a proven track record of [Brief Achievement or Success]. Adept at [Relevant Action or Process], I excel in [Specific Task or Responsibility] to drive [Type of Result or Outcome]. Known for [Unique Strength or Characteristic], I am committed to delivering exceptional [Type of Work or Service] that enhances [Type of Impact or Value].

Ideal for highlighting the potential value you bring to a role, use this resume summary template to emphasize your commitment and unique strengths.

While both resume elements serve as a brief introduction to your professional profile, they cater to different stages of a career and have distinct focuses.

Length and purpose

• Resume summary:  Typically consists of three to five sentences and provides a concise overview of your professional achievements and significant experience. It's designed to capture the employer's attention by showcasing how your background aligns with the job requirements.
• Objective statement:  Generally shorter, with 1 to 3 sentences, a resume objective  outlines your career goals and motivation for applying to the position. It is best suited for first-time job seekers, career changers, and people with employment gaps.
• Resume Profile:  Typically a resume profile is a bit more comprehensive than a summary. A resume profile highlights your professional experience, key skills, and career achievements in a few sentences to a short paragraph. It often includes industry-specific language and keywords, providing a detailed picture of your career and suitability for the position.

When to use each

• For experienced job seekers:  Candidates with a solid work history and specific skill sets that match the job description should opt for a resume summary or a resume profile.
• For emerging professionals:  If you're transitioning to a new field or have limited work experience, an objective statement can help clarify your career direction and demonstrate your enthusiasm and potential to grow within the company.

Let’s have a look at two examples of a resume summary, an objective, and a resume profile for the same position—environmental lawyer.

Lawyer resume objective

Even though the candidate has no experience, the objective clearly shows their comprehensive knowledge and direct alignment with the firm’s values and goals.

Lawyer resume summary

Unlike the objective, which focuses on aspirations and potential skills, this resume summary highlights concrete achievements  and a track record of success in environmental law. This approach reassures potential employers of the lawyer’s ability to handle complex cases and contribute to the firm's goals based on past performance.

The summary goes beyond stating a general interest in environmental law. It showcases specialization in key areas such as climate change laws and renewable energy projects, and highlights leadership skills. Hiring managers will immediately notice the candidate’s readiness to take on significant responsibilities.

Write the resume summary section last. It will be much easier to do so after you've detailed all your work experience  and professional achievements in your resume.

Choose the accomplishments from your work experience that stand out and highlight them in the summary section. From there, do the following three steps:

• Tailor your summary to the job posting . Use keywords from the job description , (Enhancv’s resume builder can tailor your summary just by pasting the job ad you’re applying for.)
• Consider your most relevant experience . Put experience that’s highly relevant to the job you’re applying for in the summary.
• Use an active voice.  Start sentences with active verbs to increase impact.
• Write 3-5 sentences about your proudest accomplishments . This will essentially form your summary structure. To craft a standout summary, you'll need to provide quantifiable achievements unless you want recruiters to say "So what?" and place you in the rejection pile.

"Here's the key point: always tailor your resume summary to the job posting. This helps you bypass ATS and catch the recruiter's attention, ideally by sharing quantifiable metrics or data. The most important thing is to tell them what they want to hear, which is usually in the top part of the job posting. Focus on how you can contribute to the business, rather than just highlighting your own achievements. Many job applicants miss this, but it's crucial for making a strong impression."

Silvia Angeloro, Executive Coach at Enhancv

Resume summary formula

[Power adjective] [job title] [level of experience] [area of expertise]. [Key skills/ contributions/ achievements/ qualifications] supported by quantifiable results. [How you want to help the prospective employer and how you plan to do it].

Feel free to adjust the following formula to suit your needs and use your unique voice to personalize the summary. After all, you might be competing with hundreds of candidates, but only a few will truly stand out.

Resume summary writing tips

Here are some dos and don’ts for crafting a resume summary:

• Start with an adjective that describes you as a professional . Words like dynamic , innovative , resourceful , or dedicated  can set the tone for your summary and immediately communicate your work ethic and attitude.
• Use strong action verbs   to maximize your accomplishments and make your achievements stand out. Verbs, like led , managed , developed , increased , or transformed , showcase your contributions effectively.
• Include figures and data to prove your statements . Quantifying your achievements with percentages and numbers makes your accomplishments concrete and understandable at a glance. For example, " Increased sales by 30% within the first quarter"  provides clear evidence of your impact.
• Avoid personal pronouns . Summaries should be concise and direct, and the best practice is to omit personal pronouns such as "I"  or "me."  This style is often recommended to maintain a professional tone and to use space on the resume more efficiently. Using the implied first-person approach, where the pronoun is left out but the verbs suggest the first-person perspective is standard practice.
• Avoid overused buzzwords . While it’s important to use keywords relevant to the job you’re applying for, steer clear of cliches  and buzzwords like hardworking , team player , or go-getter . Instead, focus on specific skills and achievements that demonstrate these qualities.
• Don’t lie in your resume summary .  Fabricating experiences , skills, or accomplishments can backfire spectacularly, damaging your professional reputation. It's better to focus on your genuine strengths and experiences, framing them in the most positive light possible.

Making your resume stand out to both human eyes and applicant tracking systems is crucial. One key strategy is the use of targeted keywords , particularly in your resume summary.

Keywords are specific terms or phrases related to the job you're applying for, including skills, qualifications, software, and industry terminology. They play a significant role in optimizing your resume for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and capturing the attention of hiring managers.

Most organizations use ATS to screen resumes, filtering candidates based on relevance to the job requirements. These systems scan your resume for specific keywords that match those found in the job description. Without these keywords, your resume might not pass the initial screening, regardless of your qualifications. Including the right keywords in your resume summary ensures that your application advances to the next stage, increasing your chances of securing an interview.

How to identify and incorporate relevant keywords

• Analyze the job description : Start by carefully reading the job posting that interests you. Look for frequently mentioned skills, competencies, and qualifications. These are your primary keywords.
• Use industry-specific terminology : Be aware of the language commonly used in your field. Including industry-specific terms shows your familiarity with the sector. However, be careful not to oversaturate your content with jargon—it still has to be easily understood by non-technical people.
• Incorporate keywords naturally : While it's important to include keywords, they should fit seamlessly into your summary. It should read naturally, engaging the reader with your professional narrative rather than appearing as a list of keywords.
• Customize for each application : Tailor your resume summary for each job application. Different employers might prioritize different skills or qualifications, even for similar roles.

How to tailor a resume summary to a job description: example

Review this actual job description for a retail pharmacist position in Hartford, CT. We've highlighted some of the key terms that could be incorporated into the resume summary.

Now, examine the pharmacist’s resume summary. Note that they’ve included their degree and licensure—crucial credentials for any pharmacy professional in the United States.

The summary integrates a substantial number of keywords from the job description, aligning well with the employer's needs and highlighting the candidate’s relevant skills and achievements.

While additional keywords from the job description can be (and must be!) woven throughout the resume, the primary goal is to capture the recruiter’s attention within the very first seconds of reviewing the resume .

Deciding whether or not to use a personal summary is fairly straightforward.

• You have more than 3 years of work experience. You’ve honed specific skills that qualify you for the job you’re applying for.
• You’re applying for a job within the same industry and field you’re currently working in. There’s a clear career trajectory.
• Your goal is to capture the recruiters attention (bonus points if you use keywords from the job description ).
• You posses in-demand skills, certifications, and licenses that you want to emphasize on,

Below we explore what can take a summary statement from good to great.

Key elements of an effective resume summary

An effective resume summary is brief and relevant. Ideally, you should adapt each summary to the job you’re applying for. Try to capture relevant qualifications for the position. A summary statement should show recruiters how you can help the company succeed.

If you’re an experienced applicant, focus the summary around your relevant skills and accomplishments. If you don’t have sufficient experience, your summary statement can also revolve around your education and certifications.

Finally, don’t forget to include keywords from the job ad to improve ATS optimization.

You've gathered your research, pinpointing experiences and keywords you want to highlight in your resume summary. Now, the challenge is piecing it all together, especially if you're pressed for time and struggling with the perfect phrasing.

Fortunately, Enhancv's resume building app  offers a swift solution. Our technology simplifies the resume creation process, allowing you to select a template, customize your layout, and explore a collection of thousands of bullet point suggestions tailored to various professions.

This extends to crafting your summary too. Should you find yourself at a loss for words, our AI assistant is ready to provide content recommendations for that section as well.

How it works

• Open the Enhancv app and upload your resume
• From the panel on the left select AI Assistant
• In the chat that opens choose the prompts that will serve your purposes
• Improve you resume within a couple of minutes

Crafting your summary quickly is entirely achievable. For those seeking a more tailored approach, our career coaching services  offer premium assistance to bring your resume to the next level.

Next, let's dive into some resume summary examples that are proven to catch employers' attention.

Crafting a standout resume summary is crucial in capturing the attention of hiring managers, especially when each industry has its unique set of expectations and keywords. In this section, we've curated a collection of resume summaries tailored to a wide array of fields. Whether you're in tech, healthcare, finance, or any other sector, you'll find targeted examples here to inspire and guide you in refining your own resume.

Accounting and finance resume summary examples

A demanding sector requires a summary of equal professionalism. In the meantime, we invite you to explore our Accounting and Finance Resume Guides  for further insights.

Accounting resume summary

Highly skilled accountant with over 10 years of experience in financial accounting, report consolidation, and internal controls, excelling in coaching and training finance teams. Expert in creating Operating Plans from financial analytics, resulting in a 15% increase in forecasting accuracy and budgeting efficiency within the first year. Specializes in translating financial data into actionable strategies, significantly enhancing financial performance.

Read our full guide on how to write an accountant resume .

Accounting analyst resume summary

Detail-oriented and proactive professional with over 5 years of experience, known for exceptional organizational and motivational skills. Utilizes keen analytical abilities and time management prowess to devise and execute effective strategies, enhancing operational efficiency by 50%. Demonstrates a strong capacity for driving growth, evidenced by successfully spearheading the launch of three new business lines, resulting in a 20% revenue increase within the first year.

Read our full guide on how to write an accountant analyst resume .

Financial analyst resume summary

Driven CFA with 7+ years of experience in financial analysis and market research, expert in leveraging advanced analytical tools to increase efficiency and accuracy in forecasting market trends. Specializing in developing comprehensive financial models that inform strategic decision-making, leading to a 15% increase in investment returns for previous employers. Eager to apply expertise in data-driven strategy and financial planning to contribute to the continued success of Apex Innovations.

Read our full guide on how to write a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) resume .

Auditor resume summary

Diligent auditor with over eight years of experience, excels in ensuring compliance with GAAP and conducting risk-based audits, significantly enhancing internal controls and reducing financial discrepancies by 30% within diverse organizations. Holds a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) certification, showcasing expertise in risk management, control, and governance processes. Keen to leverage skills in forensic auditing and compliance management to drive operational excellence at Global Finance Solutions.

Read our full guide on how to write a director of finance resume .

Business and management resume summary examples

You can find our extensive Business and Management resumes and examples  on our website. Meanwhile, check out a few of the most popular positions that people want to write summaries for.

Business analyst resume summary

Resourceful business analyst with five years of experience in Analytics, Operations, and Technology, excels in data mining, significantly improving operational efficiencies by 25%. Demonstrated business acumen, enhancing decision-making and problem-solving processes, leading to a 20% increase in productivity. Strong leadership and team-building capabilities, coupled with excellent communication and presentation skills. Aiming to drive forward initiatives at Future Tech Innovations.

Read our full guide on how to write a business analyst resume .

Business development resume summary

Dynamic business development manager with over ten years of experience, excels in identifying and leveraging new market opportunities, resulting in a 40% increase in market share. Holds a Professional Certified Marketer (PCM) designation, evidencing mastery in marketing principles and strategy development. Specializes in nurturing client relationships and strategic partnerships, leading to a sustained 30% annual revenue growth. Aims to drive innovative growth strategies at Visionary Solutions Inc.

Read our full guide on how to write a business developer resume .

Business intelligence resume summary

Innovative business intelligence solutions architect with 6+ years of experience, specializes in designing and implementing scalable BI solutions that improve decision-making processes and enhance operational efficiency, evidenced by a 50% reduction in data processing times. Certified Azure Data Scientist Associate, showcasing deep expertise in data modeling, analytics, and cloud computing. Aims to leverage advanced analytical skills and a strategic approach to data-driven decision making to support the growth and innovation at NextGen Data Insights.

Read our full guide on how to write a business intelligence professional resume .

Strategy consultant resume summary

People-oriented strategy consultant with over seven years of experience, excels in developing and executing actionable strategies that drive market expansion and revenue growth, evidenced by a track record of boosting client revenues by up to 35%. Holds a Certified Management Consultant (CMC) designation, underlining proficiency in change management, financial analysis, and competitive analysis. Aims to apply forward-thinking strategic planning and business transformation skills to foster innovation and efficiency at Visionary Enterprises.

Read our full guide on how to write a strategy consultant resume .

Management consultant resume summary

Accomplished management consultant with over nine years of experience, specializing in driving operational improvements and implementing best practices that result in enhanced efficiency and a 20% cost reduction for clients. Certified Project Management Professional, demonstrating expertise in project planning, risk management, and stakeholder communication. Eager to utilize strategic analysis and process re-engineering skills to contribute to the success of Innovative Solutions Inc., fostering a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Read our full guide on how to write a management consultant resume .

Creative and cultural fields resume summary examples

With the growing demand for new skills in the creative sector, fresh opportunities are constantly emerging. Crafting a compelling resume summary is key to setting the tone for a winning resume for the arts and entertainment  industry.

Artist resume summary

Innovative artist with over 10 years of experience specializing in digital illustration, mixed media, and conceptual art. Leveraging proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite to create visually compelling digital artwork, evidenced by winning the National Digital Art Award in 2021. Eager to bring creative vision and a fresh perspective to the design team at Imaginary Studios.

Read our full guide on how to write an artist resume .

Writer resume summary

Award-winning scriptwriter with 5+ years of experience in crafting engaging narratives, character development, and dialogue writing. Mastered the art of storytelling through a Professional Screenwriting Certificate, leading to scripts that have been shortlisted for the International Screenwriters' Festival for 3 consecutive years. Looking forward to contributing innovative storytelling techniques and a passion for cinematic excellence to the creative team at DreamFrame Productions.

Read our full guide on how to write a writer resume .

Actor resume summary

Versatile theater actor with over 5 years of experience in live performance, character immersion, and improvisational acting. Honed skills in CSVPA, leading to leading roles in award-winning productions at the National Theater Festival. Aims to bring unparalleled dedication and a knack for captivating audiences to the ensemble at Bright Futures Theater Company.

Read our full guide on how to write an actor resume .

Model resume summary

Passionate model with 5 years of experience in print, runway, and commercial modeling, demonstrating exceptional poise, physical flexibility, and fashion awareness. Completed a Professional Modeling Certificate program in 2018, leading to features in over 20 top fashion magazines and campaigns for more than 10 renowned global brands. Looking to bring a distinctive look and a commitment to excellence to the diverse modeling team at Visionary Fashion House.

Read our full guide on how to write a model resume .

Videographer resume summary

Talented videographer with over 7 years of experience in video editing, cinematography, and storytelling. Earned a Professional Videography Certificate, leading to the production of over 50 commercial videos that increased client engagement by up to 40%. Looking forward to applying innovative filming techniques and a creative vision to the multimedia team at NextGen Media Creations.

Read our full guide on how to write a videographer resume .

Data science resume summary examples

You can explore our collection of 30 data science resume examples . Remember, recruiters prioritize seeing specific hard skills mentioned right at the beginning of your science and engineering resume.

Data scientist resume summary

Innovative data scientist with over 5 years of experience, specializing in machine learning, statistical analysis, and data visualization. Mastered Python and R to deliver insights from complex datasets, leading to a 20% increase in business efficiencies across previous roles. Certified in Data Science by IBM, eager to leverage expertise to drive forward the data-driven strategies at FutureTech Innovations.

Read our full guide on how to write a data scientist resume .

Data engineer resume summary

Resourceful data engineer with 7 years of experience, excelling in cloud computing, big data architectures, and ETL processes. Developed and optimized data pipelines that reduced data processing times by 30% for previous employers, utilizing Apache Spark and Hadoop extensively. Certified as an AWS Solutions Architect, aiming to apply robust data solutions to enhance decision-making processes at TechInnovate Solutions.

Read our full guide on how to write a data engineer resume .

Data analyst resume summary

Diligent data analyst with over 3 years of experience, skilled in SQL, Python, and data visualization tools like Tableau. Transformed raw data into actionable insights that increased revenue by 15% annually for past projects. Holding a Professional Certificate in Data Analysis from Google, ready to implement strategic data analysis and visualization techniques at Innovative Data Solutions.

Read our full guide on how to write a data analyst resume .

Big data resume summary

Versatile big data engineer with over 8 years of experience, adept in managing large-scale data processing systems with Hadoop, Spark, and Kafka. Engineered solutions that improved data ingestion and processing speeds by over 40%, ensuring data integrity and accessibility. Certified with Cloudera's CCA Spark and Hadoop Developer certification, determined to leverage big data technologies to drive analytical excellence at NextGen Data Corp.

Read our full guide on how to write a big data engineer resume .

Data mining resume summary

Experienced data mining analyst, specializing in predictive modeling, data mining techniques, and complex data analysis using Python and R. Enhanced decision-making processes by identifying key patterns and trends, leading to a 25% increase in marketing efficiency for previous organizations. Certified Data Scientist with a focus on data mining from SAS, eager to apply predictive analytics to uncover valuable insights at Advanced Analytics Ventures.

Read our full guide on how to write a data mining expert resume .

Design resume summary examples

Explore our range of design and video resume examples  tailored to showcase your creativity and technical proficiency.

UX designer resume summary

Energetic UX designer with over 4 years of experience, skilled in creating intuitive, user-friendly designs and interfaces across mobile and web platforms using Sketch, Figma, and Adobe XD. Led redesign projects that increased user engagement by 30% and customer satisfaction by 25%. Certified as a Nielsen Norman Group UX Master, ready to employ cutting-edge design principles to enhance user experiences at Digital Innovations Studio.

Read our full guide on how to write a UX designer resume .

Video editor resume summary

Reliable video editor with, proficient in Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects, and Final Cut Pro, delivering compelling visual narratives and high-impact multimedia content. Streamlined post-production workflows to improve project turnaround times by 40%, while maintaining high creative standards. Certified in Adobe Video Editing, aiming to bring innovative storytelling and technical expertise to the creative team at Visionary Media Productions.

Read our full guide on how to write a video editor resume .

Designer resume summary

Innovative graphic designer with 4 years of experience, excelling in branding, digital illustration, and layout design using Adobe Creative Suite. Elevated brand identities for over 20 clients, enhancing their market presence and engagement through visually compelling design solutions. Certified Graphic Design Professional by Adobe, ready to bring a blend of creative vision and industry-recognized expertise to the design team at Creative Dynamics Inc.

Read our full guide on how to write a designer resume .

Interior designer resume summary

Passionate interior designer, specializing in space planning and sustainable design, proficient in AutoCAD and SketchUp. Transformed over 100 residential and commercial spaces into aesthetically pleasing and functional areas, achieving a 95% client satisfaction rate. Certified Interior Designer by the National Council for Interior Design Qualification, eager to bring innovative design solutions and a keen eye for detail to the team at Elite Design Innovations.

Animator resume summary

Productive animator with 7 years of experience, adept in 3D animation, motion graphics, and character design, utilizing Maya, Blender, and After Effects. Developed and executed over 50 animation projects, enhancing storytelling and viewer engagement for various digital platforms, with a notable increase in audience retention by 35%. Ready to bring dynamic visual storytelling and innovative animation solutions to the creative team at DreamFrame Studios.

Read our full guide on how to write an animator resume .

Engineering resume summary examples

What’s your passion—construction, civil, plant and manufacturing, or general engineering? Everything you need to know about your engineering resume  is available on our website.

Architect resume summary

Progressive architect with 10 years of experience, specializing in sustainable design, advanced 3D modeling, and project management. I excel in creating visually compelling and environmentally friendly structures, resulting in multiple awards for sustainable design. Certified with the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and eager to contribute cutting-edge architectural solutions to FutureBuild Designs.

Read our full guide on how to write an architect resume .

Engineer resume summary

Reliable electrical engineer, excelling in circuit design, automation systems, and power distribution. Mastered the development and implementation of innovative electrical systems, increasing efficiency and safety in previous projects by 40%. Certified in Professional Engineering (PE) and looking forward to driving technological innovations at ElectroInnovate Inc.

Read our full guide on how to write an engineer resume .

Chemical engineer resume summary

Self-motivated chemical engineer with 5 years of experience in process optimization, safety management, and chemical research. Pioneered the development of cost-effective and environmentally friendly chemical processes, achieving a 30% reduction in waste production across several projects. Certified Six Sigma Green Belt, ready to lead innovative projects and drive efficiency at ChemTech Solutions.

Read our full guide on how to write a chemical engineer resume .

Civil engineer resume summary

Accomplished civil engineer with over 10 years of experience in infrastructure project management, adept at leading cross-functional teams to deliver projects 15% under budget and ahead of schedule. Expert in utilizing technology for efficient project planning and execution, significantly reducing costs by 30% while improving quality. Eager to apply expertise in sustainable design and innovation at GreenBuild Innovations, aiming to enhance project sustainability by at least 25%.

Mechanical engineer resume summary

Innovative mechanical engineer specializing in product design, development, and optimization, skilled in CAD software and finite element analysis. Reduced product development times by 40% through streamlined processes and enhanced team collaboration. Holding a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification, ready to drive efficiency and productivity improvements at FutureTech Solutions, targeting at least a 30% increase in production speed.

Read our full guide on how to write a mechanical engineer resume .

Government resume summary examples

Highlight your commitment to public service  with a strong resume summary that communicates clearly your goals and dedication.

Military resume summary

Dedicated military police officer with 12 years of experience in law enforcement, security operations, and crisis management within high-stress environments. Expertise in leading teams to improve base security measures, resulting in a 50% reduction in security breaches, and skilled in conducting thorough investigations with a high rate of case closures. Certified in Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training (ALERRT), aiming to leverage security and tactical skills at SecureTech Innovations, focusing on enhancing corporate security protocols and reducing incident response times by over 30%.

Read our full guide on how to write a military professional resume .

Grant writer resume summary

Diligent grant writer with extensive experience in developing compelling proposals, securing funding for non-profit organizations and maintaining strong relationships with donors and stakeholders. Specializes in identifying funding opportunities and aligning projects with potential funders' priorities, successfully securing over $5 million in grants. Certified Grant Professional, eager to bring expertise in strategic fundraising and grant management to Visionary Impact Group, aiming to increase funding sources by 40% and support the launch of innovative community programs.

Read our full guide on how to write a grant writer resume .

Government resume summary

Strategic Local Government professional with 7 years of experience in urban planning, community engagement, and policy development, adept at crafting policies that have revitalized downtown areas, increasing foot traffic by 40%. Spearheaded cross-sector partnerships that leveraged $20 million in federal grants for community development projects. Certified Public Manager (CPM), keen to apply innovative urban strategies at City Renewal Authority, targeting the transformation of underutilized districts to boost economic activity by 50%.

Read our full guide on how to write a government professional resume .

Federal resume summary

Resolute Federal Correctional Officer with over 5 years of experience in maintaining high levels of security and order within federal penitentiaries, skilled in conflict resolution, emergency response, and inmate rehabilitation. Developed and implemented innovative security protocols that reduced incidents by 30%, demonstrating strong leadership and problem-solving abilities. Aiming to implement reforms that reduce recidivism rates by at least 20%.

Read our full guide on how to write a federal professional resume .

Human resources resume summary examples

The best way for a recruiter to impress a recruiter is to craft an outstanding resume. Start by exploring our Human resources guides .  

HR professional resume summary

Seasoned HR professional with over 10 years of comprehensive experience in talent acquisition, employee engagement strategies, and performance management systems. Spearheaded diversity and inclusion initiatives, resulting in a 40% increase in workplace diversity at a leading tech firm. Certified PHR eager to leverage expertise in fostering a dynamic and inclusive culture at Future Innovations Inc.

Read our full guide on how to write an HR professional resume .

Recruiter resume summary

Dynamic recruiter with over 5 years of proven expertise in sourcing top talent, streamlining recruitment processes, and implementing effective candidate assessment methodologies. Excelled in building robust talent pipelines, reducing time-to-hire by 30% at a fast-growing software startup. Holding a Certified Personnel Consultant (CPC) credential, ready to drive talent acquisition excellence at Global Innovate Tech.

Read our full guide on how to write a recruiter resume .

HR coordinator resume summary

PHR-certified coordinator with over 3 years of experience in employee relations, benefits administration, and HRIS systems. Optimized HR operational workflows, achieving a 20% increase in process efficiency at a renowned healthcare provider. Keen on enhancing employee satisfaction and operational excellence at NextGen Enterprises.

Read our full guide on how to write an HR coordinator resume .

Contract analyst resume summary

Detail-oriented contract analyst with over 7 years of experience in contract negotiation, risk management, and compliance monitoring. Developed and implemented a comprehensive contract management system, reducing operational risks by 25% for a leading financial services firm. Certified Commercial Contracts Manager (CCCM), eager to apply strategic contract analysis and risk mitigation skills at Visionary Solutions Inc.

Read our full guide on how to write a contract analyst resume .

Information technology resume summary examples

When writing your IT summary , make sure you include job-relevant skills or certifications. It adds credibility to your resume and is important to pass the ATS assessment.

Front-end developer resume summary

Innovative front-end developer with over 4 years of experience in creating responsive website designs, optimizing user experience, and implementing modern JavaScript frameworks. Enhanced website performance for a leading e-commerce platform by 35% through the adoption of React and Flutter. Certified React Developer, aiming to leverage front-end development expertise to drive user engagement and conversion rates at Creative Web Innovations.

Read our full guide on how to write a front-end developer resume .

Python developer resume summary

Resourceful Python developer with over 6 years of experience in developing scalable web applications, automating workflows, and integrating data systems. Led a team to build a machine learning model that increased prediction accuracy by 40% for a fintech startup. Certified PCPP, looking to utilize advanced programming skills and data analytics expertise at Innovative Solutions Tech.

Read our full guide on how to write a Python developer resume .

Full stack developer resume summary

Versatile Full Stack developer with over 8 years of experience in building end-to-end solutions, mastering both front-end and back-end technologies, and implementing agile methodologies. Engineered a cloud-based SaaS platform that scaled to serve over 1 million users, demonstrating proficiency in JavaScript, Python, and DevOps practices. Certified Solutions Architect - Associate, ready to bring a holistic approach to software development and innovation at TechForward Inc.

Read our full guide on how to write a full stack developer resume .

System administrator resume summary

Dedicated system administrator with over 5 years of experience in managing enterprise-grade networks, ensuring system security, and optimizing server performance. Successfully implemented a comprehensive backup and disaster recovery plan, reducing system downtime by 50% for a large healthcare organization. Certified CISSP, aiming to leverage deep technical expertise and a proactive approach to maintain robust IT infrastructure at FutureTech Innovations.

Read our full guide on how to write a system administrator resume .

IT project manager resume summary

PMP-certified IT project manager with over 5 years of experience in leading complex technology projects, optimizing cross-functional team performance, and implementing best practices in project management. Delivered a portfolio of projects valued at over $20M on time and within budget, achieving a 95% stakeholder satisfaction rate for a multinational corporation. Eager to drive technology innovation and project excellence at NextGen Tech Solutions.

Read our full guide on how to write an IT project manager resume .

Law enforcement & emergency service resume summary examples

A professional-looking resume needs a crisp summary statement. Demonstrate your commitment to community service  in the most succinct way possible.

Incident manager resume summary

Dedicated incident manager with over 8 years of experience specializing in crisis resolution, effective communication, and IT service management. I excel at quickly identifying critical issues, leading cross-functional teams towards prompt and efficient resolution, and reducing system downtime by 30% annually. Certified in ITIL Foundation, aiming to bring expertise in incident lifecycle management to the innovative environment of FutureTech Solutions.

Read our full guide on how to write an incident manager resume .

Police officer resume summary

Resolute police officer with over 10 years of experience specializing in community policing, criminal investigations, and emergency response. Excels at de-escalating tense situations, solving complex cases with a 40% higher success rate than the department average, and fostering trust within the community. Certified in Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training (ALERRT), aiming to bring a blend of tactical expertise and community-focused policing to the security team at SecureHorizons Corporation.

Read our full guide on how to write a police officer resume .

Law officer resume summary

Astute law enforcement officer with over 15 years of dedicated service specializing in investigative procedures, forensic analysis, and community engagement. Champion at employing advanced investigative techniques to increase case resolution rates by 50%, coupled with a commitment to enhancing community relations through proactive engagement initiatives. Certified in Crime Scene Investigation (CSI), eager to leverage extensive investigative skills and law enforcement experience to contribute to the security and compliance division at Global Safety Innovations.

Read our full guide on how to write a law officer resume .

Security guard resume summary

Security Management certified professional with over 5 years of experience specializing in surveillance, risk assessment, and access control. Identified and mitigated security risks, reducing incidents by 45% through strategic surveillance and rapid response tactics. Aiming to utilize keen observational and crisis management skills to ensure a safe and secure environment at SecureTech Innovations Inc.

Read our full guide on how to write a security guard resume .

Case manager resume summary

Compassionate case manager with over 7 years of experience specializing in client advocacy, resource coordination, and personalized care plans. Proven track record in building strong, trust-based relationships with clients, achieving a 95% satisfaction rate through tailored support and advocacy. Certified in Case Management, eager to apply expertise in holistic client support and resource optimization to contribute to the client success team at Wellness Pathways Inc.

Read our full guide on how to write a case manager resume .

Legal resume summary examples

Your legal resume  needs a summary statement to concisely convey your specific legal interests, expertise areas, or career goals, particularly when targeting niche fields within the law. Remember to always align closely with the hiring firm's specialties or values.

Legal assistant resume summary

Dedicated legal assistant with over 5 years of experience in supporting attorneys by performing comprehensive legal research, drafting legal documents, and managing case files with utmost confidentiality. Effective communicator with meticulous organization and an ability to multitask under tight deadlines, ensuring high levels of accuracy and efficiency. Holds a Certified Legal Assistant (CLA) credential and is eager to contribute these skills and experiences to the innovative team at Prestige Legal Solutions.

Read our full guide on how to write a legal assistant resume .

Attorney resume summary

Accomplished attorney with over 10 years of experience in litigation, client advocacy, and legal consultation within both civil and criminal law sectors. Specializes in crafting compelling legal strategies, negotiating settlements, and presenting persuasive arguments in court, backed by a track record of favorable verdicts and settlements. Holder of a Juris Doctor degree and a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, ready to leverage expertise for the dynamic team at Justice Innovators Legal Firm.

Read our full guide on how to write an attorney resume .

Paralegal resume summary

Resourceful paralegal with over 7 years of experience in providing comprehensive support to attorneys, managing complex case preparation, and facilitating client communications. Skilled in legal research, document drafting, and case management software, with a keen eye for detail and exceptional organizational abilities. Certified in Legal Project Management, ready to apply these proficiencies to enhance the legal operations at Global Legal Partners.

Read our full guide on how to write a paralegal resume .

Astute lawyer with over 8 years of experience specializing in corporate law, intellectual property, and contract negotiations. Masters complex legal analysis, effective strategy development, and robust client representation, ensuring comprehensive legal protection and guidance. Holds a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Corporate Law and seeks to drive legal excellence at FutureTech Legal Advisors.

Read our full guide on how to write a lawyer resume .

Maintenance and repair resume summary examples

Those of you in maintenance and repair roles  should highlight specific skills in troubleshooting, preventive maintenance, or specialized repair techniques. The resume summary will show recruiters your dedication to operational efficiency and reliability in a practical, hands-on environment.

Maintenance manager resume summary

Dedicated maintenance manager with over 10 years of experience specializing in preventive maintenance, facility upkeep, and team leadership. Excels in developing cost-effective maintenance solutions, reducing downtime by 40%, and enhancing equipment reliability through strategic planning and implementation. Certified in Lean Six Sigma, aiming to leverage expertise in process improvement and operational efficiency to drive excellence at FutureTech Solutions.

Read our full guide on how to write a maintenance manager resume .

Electrician resume summary

Resourceful electrician with over 7 years of experience in electrical systems installation, project management, and safety compliance. Coordinated large-scale projects, ensuring a 30% improvement in project completion time, and maintaining a zero-incident safety record through rigorous adherence to industry best practices. Holder of a Master Electrician Certification, eager to apply a blend of technical proficiency and leadership excellence at Innovative Energy Solutions.

Read our full guide on how to write an electrician resume .

Housekeeper resume summary

Meticulous housekeeper with over 5 years of experience in high-standard cleanliness, time management, and eco-friendly cleaning practices. Elevates guest experiences by maintaining a 99% satisfaction rating through exceptional attention to detail and personalized service. Holds a Professional Cleaning Certification, eager to bring expertise and a passion for spotless environments to the team at Luxury Living Spaces.

Read our full guide on how to write a housekeeper resume .

Facility manager resume summary

Strategic facility manager with over 5 years of experience in operations management, sustainability practices, and emergency planning. Leads by example in optimizing facility operations, achieving a 25% reduction in energy costs through the implementation of green initiatives, and enhancing safety protocols to ensure a 100% compliance rate with OSHA standards. Aiming to bring a proactive and innovative approach to facilities management at Global Innovations Inc.

Read our full guide on how to write a facility manager resume .

Housekeeping manager resume summary

Efficient housekeeping manager with over 8 years of experience in staff supervision, quality control, and inventory management. Spearheaded initiatives to elevate cleanliness standards, achieving a 95% guest satisfaction rating, and reducing supply costs by 20% through strategic vendor negotiations. Certified in Hospitality Management, ready to leverage a strong commitment to excellence and detail-oriented approach at Prestige Worldwide Resorts.

Read our full guide on how to write a housekeeping manager resume .

Manufacturing and warehousing resume summary examples

Supply chain, packaging, control – we got it all covered in our manufacturing and warehousing resume guides.

Manual tester resume summary

Diligent manual tester with over 5 years of experience in identifying bugs, performing regression testing, and ensuring software usability. Excelled in creating comprehensive test plans, executing test cases with precision, and enhancing documentation efficiency, leading to a 30% decrease in critical errors for high-stake projects. Holds an ISTQB Foundation Level Certification and is eager to leverage expertise in advancing software quality at TechInnovate Solutions.

Read our full guide on how to write a manual tester resume .

Procurement manager resume summary

Strategic procurement manager with over 10 years of experience in supply chain optimization, vendor management, and cost reduction strategies. Mastered negotiation techniques that resulted in a 20% decrease in material costs while maintaining quality and service standards, and implemented innovative procurement software that increased process efficiency by 40%. Certified in Supply Chain Management (CSCP) and looking to drive procurement excellence and sustainability at Global Green Enterprises.

Read our full guide on how to write a procurement manager resume .

Supply chain manager resume summary

Innovative supply chain manager with over 8 years of experience in logistics coordination, inventory management, and strategic planning. Spearheaded a supply chain optimization project that resulted in a 25% improvement in delivery times and a 15% reduction in costs, by integrating advanced forecasting tools and establishing strong supplier partnerships. Holds a CSCP designation and is poised to enhance operational efficiencies at FutureTech Logistics.

Read our full guide on how to write a supply chain manager resume .

Manufacturing engineer resume summary

Resourceful manufacturing engineer with over 7 years of experience in process improvement, quality control, and automation integration. Developed and implemented manufacturing processes that increased production efficiency by 20% and reduced waste by 15%, utilizing Lean manufacturing principles and Six Sigma methodologies. Certified in Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, eager to apply innovative engineering solutions to enhance production quality and efficiency at Advanced Manufacturing Corp.

Read our full guide on how to write a manufacturing engineer resume .

Warehouse manager resume summary

Efficient warehouse manager with over 12 years of experience in inventory management, logistics coordination, and team leadership. Streamlined warehouse operations to achieve a 30% increase in productivity and a 20% reduction in operational costs through the implementation of robust inventory management systems and effective staff training programs. Certified in Supply Chain Management (CSCP), ready to drive operational excellence and strategic growth at NextGen Distribution Centers.

Read our full guide on how to write a warehouse manager resume .

Marketing resume summary examples

If you’re a marketer looking to build an outstanding resume , spotlight your creativity, strategic insight, and specific marketing skills in your resume summary. Here are some examples.

Digital marketing resume summary

Data-oriented digital marketing specialist with over 8 years of experience, excelling in SEO optimization, content marketing, and social media engagement, demonstrated by a 40% increase in online visibility for multiple brands. Mastered Google Analytics and AdWords, leading to a 25% growth in ROI for advertising campaigns. Eager to apply expertise in driving robust digital marketing strategies at Dream Innovations Inc.

Read our full guide on how to write a digital marketer resume .

Social media manager resume summary

Dynamic social media manager with 3 years of experience, specializing in audience engagement, brand building, and content creation, evidenced by a 50% increase in follower count across platforms within one year. Certified in Digital Marketing from the Digital Marketing Institute, skillfully integrated influencer partnerships to boost brand visibility by 30%. Looking forward to enhancing social media presence and community interaction at Creative Tech Solutions.

Read our full guide on how to write a social media manager resume .

Marketing professional resume summary

Strategic marketing professional with over 10 years of experience, excelling in market analysis, campaign management, and lead generation, leading to a 35% increase in market share for previous employers. Certified in Professional Marketing by the Chartered Institute of Marketing, adept at utilizing data analytics to refine strategy and increase customer acquisition costs by 20%. Keen to drive innovative marketing strategies and growth at Future Horizons Inc.

Read our full guide on how to write a marketing professional resume .

Email marketing professional resume summary

Results-driven email marketing specialist with 4 years of experience, skilled in segmentation, personalized content creation, and A/B testing, resulting in a 45% increase in open rates and a 30% boost in click-through rates for past campaigns. Holding a Certificate in Email Marketing from the Digital Marketing Institute, effectively doubled the lead conversion rates for a major e-commerce platform. Eager to leverage proven email marketing strategies to drive revenue growth and customer engagement at Innovative Solutions Corp.

Read our full guide on how to write an email marketing professional resume .

SEO professional resume summary

Astute SEO specialist with over 7 years of deep expertise in search engine optimization, content strategy creation, and backlink acquisition, which contributed to a 70% increase in web traffic and a 50% improvement in conversion rates for past projects. Accredited with Advanced SEO Certification from the American Marketing Association, played a pivotal role in tripling organic search visibility for multinational corporations. Now seeking to leverage a proven track record of elevating online presence to drive competitive advantage at Forward-Thinking Tech Innovations.

Read our full guide on how to write an SEO professional resume .

Nursing, healthcare and well-being resume summary examples

For practitioners in nursing, healthcare, and well-being , crafting an effective summary statement is your opportunity to underscore your compassionate approach to patient care and dedication to improving health outcomes. Here are some examples.

Doctor resume summary

Patient-focused medical doctor with over 10 years of experience, specializing in internal medicine, patient care, and diagnostic proficiency, demonstrated by a consistent patient satisfaction rate exceeding 95%. Board Certified in Internal Medicine, instrumental in developing community health programs that increased patient access to care by 40%. Eager to bring medical expertise and dedication to patient wellness to the healthcare team at Health Innovations Medical Center.

Read our full guide on how to write a doctor resume .

Nurse resume summary

Dedicated nurse with over 5 years of experience in acute care, patient education, and emergency response, successfully managing care for up to 20 patients per shift with high marks for patient satisfaction and recovery outcomes. Certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), significantly contributed to a 30% improvement in the efficiency of emergency care protocols. Seeking to apply a strong background in patient-centered care and clinical expertise at Modern Health Solutions Hospital.

Read our full guide on how to write a nurse resume .

Psychologist resume summary

Insightful psychologist with over 8 years of experience in cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychological assessment, and group therapy, achieving a 40% improvement in patient mental health outcomes. Certified in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) by the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies, played a key role in developing a mental wellness program that reduced patient relapse rates by 25%. Aim to bring expertise in innovative therapeutic techniques and patient-centered care to the team at WholeMind Wellness Center.

Read our full guide on how to write a psychologist resume .

Healthcare resume summary

Skilled healthcare practitioner with over 12 years of experience in patient care management, diagnostic procedures, and healthcare technology integration, leading to a 50% improvement in patient treatment outcomes. Certified Health Informatics Specialist, enhancing patient record accuracy and accessibility, which contributed to a 20% faster diagnosis process. Aim to leverage expertise in advanced patient care and health informatics to drive innovation and efficiency at NextGen Health Solutions.

Read our full guide on how to write a healthcare professional resume .

Medical surgical nurse resume summary

Expert surgical nurse with over 7 years of experience specializing in pre-operative and post-operative care, patient education, and surgical assistance, resulting in a 95% patient recovery rate and exemplary patient satisfaction scores. Certified in Perioperative Nursing (CNOR), significantly improved the efficiency of surgical procedures by 30% through optimized patient preparation and recovery protocols. Eager to bring a proven track record of excellence in surgical nursing and patient care to the surgical team at Advanced Surgical Innovations Hospital.

Read our full guide on how to write a medical surgical nurse resume .

Office and administration resume summary examples

For those pursuing office and administration roles , the resume summary is your chance to highlight your commitment to supporting business operations and your keen attention to detail.

Administrative assistant resume summary

Dedicated administrative assistant with over 5 years of experience excelling in time management, interpersonal communication, and document preparation. Mastered Microsoft Office Suite and adept at streamlining office operations, resulting in a 20% increase in efficiency at previous positions. Certified in Project Management (PMP), eager to apply these skills and experiences to contribute to the continued success of InnovateTech Solutions.

Read our full guide on how to write an administrative assistant resume .

Front desk receptionist resume summary

Efficient front desk receptionist with over 3 years of experience specializing in customer service, appointment scheduling, and administrative support. Excelled in managing multi-line phone systems and maintaining a welcoming environment, achieving a 95% satisfaction rate in customer service feedback surveys. Certified in Customer Service Management, ready to bring a positive and organized front office experience to the team at Dreamland Resorts.

Read our full guide on how to write a front desk receptionist resume .

Administrative manager resume summary

Strategic administrative manager with over 10 years of experience specializing in operational efficiency, team leadership, and budget management. Streamlined internal processes to reduce operational costs by 15%, while enhancing team productivity through effective management and training programs. Certified in Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, eager to leverage expertise in process improvement to drive success and innovation at FutureTech Enterprises.

Read our full guide on how to write an administrative manager resume .

Office manager resume summary

Resourceful office manager with over 8 years of experience in enhancing office operations, human resources management, and financial planning. Implemented comprehensive scheduling and resource allocation systems that increased operational efficiency by 25%. Certified as a Professional Office Manager (POM), ready to utilize organizational skills and a proactive approach to foster a dynamic work environment at Creative Solutions Inc.

Read our full guide on how to write an office manager resume .

Front office manager resume summary

Dynamic front office manager with 7 years of experience in customer service excellence, staff training, and operational management in the hospitality sector. Boosted customer satisfaction ratings by 30% through innovative service strategies and staff empowerment initiatives. Holding a certification in Hospitality Management, eager to drive outstanding guest experiences and operational success at Prestige Worldwide Resorts.

Read our full guide on how to write a front office manager resume .

Project management resume summary examples

Explore over 20 project management resume examples and guides tailored to your specific role.

Product manager resume summary

Innovative product manager with over 6 years of experience in product lifecycle management, market analysis, and cross-functional team leadership. Led the development and launch of 5 market-leading products, achieving a 40% increase in customer engagement and a 25% growth in revenue. Certified Scrum Master (CSM), looking forward to driving product innovation and agile project management excellence at TechFuture Solutions.

Read our full guide on how to write a product manager resume .

Scrum master resume summary

Dynamic scrum master specialist with over 4 years of experience facilitating agile project management, enhancing team productivity, and promoting continuous improvement. Successfully increased team velocity by 30% and improved on-time delivery to 95% through effective sprint planning and backlog management. Certified Scrum Master (CSM) with a passion for fostering a collaborative work environment, ready to drive agile transformation at NextGen Innovations.

Read our full guide on how to write a Scrum manager resume .

Project manager resume summary

Results-driven project manager with over 8 years of experience in project planning, risk management, and stakeholder communication. Successfully completed over 20 high-profile projects within budget and ahead of deadlines, enhancing customer satisfaction by 40%. Certified Project Management Professional (PMP), aiming to leverage project management excellence to deliver strategic initiatives at Global Innovations Inc.

Read our full guide on how to write a project manager resume .

Program manager resume summary

Strategic program manager with over 10 years of experience in program development, team leadership, and performance optimization. Led the successful rollout of multiple cross-functional initiatives, resulting in a 50% improvement in program efficiency and stakeholder satisfaction. Certified in Program Management Professional (PgMP), eager to apply strategic planning and leadership skills to drive mission-critical programs at Visionary Tech Solutions.

Read our full guide on how to write a program manager resume .

Real estate resume summary examples

Realtors should include a resume summary  that presents their sales expertise, market knowledge, and commitment to providing exceptional client service, setting the stage for how they can benefit a potential employer or agency. Our examples can serve as a solid base, just tailor them to your specific needs.

Realtor resume summary

Dedicated realtor with over 10 years of experience specializing in residential property sales and negotiations. Excels at leveraging deep knowledge of market trends and exceptional communication skills to exceed sales targets consistently, achieving top performer status in a competitive market. Certified Residential Specialist, eager to apply expertise and a track record of success at Prestige Global Realty.

Read our full guide on how to write a realtor manager resume .

Real estate agent resume summary

Accomplished real estate agent with 8 years of experience in facilitating seamless transactions and providing market insights. Master in building client relationships, conducting comparative market analysis, and negotiating deals that benefit all parties involved, evidenced by a 30% increase in client portfolio year-over-year. Certified in Property Management (CPM), ready to bring a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record of success to Luxury Estates International.

Read our full guide on how to write a real estate agent resume .

Property manager resume summary

Resourceful property manager with over 5 years of experience in managing residential and commercial properties. Skilled in tenant relations, property maintenance coordination, and financial management, resulting in a 95% occupancy rate and a 20% reduction in operating costs. Possessing a Certified Property Manager (CPM) credential, aiming to enhance asset value and tenant satisfaction at HighRise Innovations LLC.

Read our full guide on how to write a property manager resume .

Real estate developer resume summary

Visionary real estate developer with 12 years of experience transforming underutilized lands into profitable properties. Expertise in project management, financial planning, and environmental sustainability, resulting in the successful completion of over 30 mixed-use developments. Certified in Sustainable Development, keen to leverage innovative design and strategic partnerships to drive growth at Urban Future Developments.

Read our full guide on how to write a real estate developer resume .

Sales and retail resume summary examples

With your sales resume  you offer recruiters a quick glimpse of your sales prowess, customer relationship skills, and enthusiasm for driving results.

Sales resume summary

Result-driven sales executive with over 7 years of experience excelling in high-pressure environments and sustaining revenue growth. Mastered the art of negotiation, customer relationship management, and strategic planning, leading to a 150% increase in annual sales for previous employers. Certified in Advanced Sales Strategies, eager to leverage expertise to drive market expansion and sales excellence at Future Innovations Inc.

Read our full guide on how to write a sales professional resume .

Customer service resume summary

Empathetic customer service representative with over 5 years of experience in providing exceptional customer support and resolving complex issues. Specialized in communication, problem-solving, and time management, successfully increased customer satisfaction ratings by over 90% within the first year in previous organization. Certified Customer Service Professional (CCSP), ready to apply talents in enhancing customer experience at NextGen Customer Solutions.

Read our full guide on how to write a customer service professional resume .

Sales representative resume summary

Results-driven sales representative with 8 years of experience specializing in B2B and B2C sales environments. Skilled in lead generation, customer engagement, and closing deals, resulting in a 120% achievement of sales targets consistently over the past 3 years. Holder of a Professional Selling Skills Certification, aiming to drive sales success and exceed targets at Innovative Tech Solutions.

Read our full guide on how to write a sales representative resume .

Account manager resume objective

Strategic account manager with over 7 years of experience in fostering robust client relationships and driving revenue growth. Proficient in contract negotiation, client retention strategies, and cross-functional team leadership, achieving a 98% client retention rate across the portfolio. Certified in Key Account Management, keen to utilize strategic insights and relationship-building expertise to contribute to the success of Innovative Solutions Corp.

Read our full guide on how to write an account manager resume .

Sales engineer objective

Technically-savvy sales engineer with 6 years of experience, blending engineering expertise with sales acumen to drive business solutions. Excels in technical presentations, client education, and complex solution sales, contributing to a 200% increase in product adoption rate. Certified Technical Sales Professional, eager to bring innovative sales strategies and engineering solutions to TechForward Innovations.

Read our full guide on how to write a sales engineer resume .

Salon and spa resume summary examples

Give your resume some real pampering with our pro tips on resume building for salon and spa professionals . Or start by exploring our suggestions for summary statements below.

Makeup artist resume summary

Passionate makeup artist with over 5 years of experience in creating diverse and captivating visual stories through makeup artistry, skilled in enhancing natural beauty, and adept at fashioning bold, creative looks for various occasions. Excels in color theory, facial symmetry understanding, and maintaining up-to-date knowledge of makeup products and techniques, resulting in high client satisfaction and repeat business. Certified by the Professional Beauty Association, eager to bring talent and vision to the innovative team at Luxe Aesthetic Studios.

Read our full guide on how to write a makeup artist resume .

Cosmetologist resume summary

Passionate cosmetologist with 8 years of experience, specializing in hair styling, skincare, and makeup application, delivering personalized beauty solutions to clients. Mastered the art of balayage, facial treatments, and bridal makeup, ensuring each client leaves feeling confident and rejuvenated, demonstrated by a consistent 95% client satisfaction rate. Holding a Certificate of Cosmetology from the National Beauty Institute, excited to bring a blend of creativity, skill, and dedication to the vibrant team at Bella Beauty Innovations.

Read our full guide on how to write a cosmetologist resume .

Hair stylist resume summary

Innovative hair stylist with 5 years of experience, excelling in precision cutting, custom coloring, and styling techniques that cater to clients' individual preferences and lifestyles. Thrives in delivering exceptional customer experiences, demonstrated through a track record of increasing client retention by 40%. Certified in Advanced Hair Design by the Prestige Academy of Beauty, eager to contribute cutting-edge styling trends and passion for hair artistry to the creative team at Avant-Garde Salon.

Read our full guide on how to write a hair stylist resume .

Esthetician resume summary

Experienced aesthetician with extensive experience in providing advanced skincare solutions, expert in chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and laser hair removal, achieving remarkable improvements in skin health and appearance. Specializes in tailoring skincare routines for diverse skin types, leading to a 90% improvement in client skin conditions within the first three months of treatment. Certified by the Aesthetics International Association, ready to deliver exceptional service and cutting-edge treatments to clients at Serene Glow Skincare Sanctuary.

Read our full guide on how to write an esthetician resume .

Science and research resume summary examples

Here are some objective examples of science-related roles  to choose from if you’re looking to write your resume summary.

Scientist resume summary

Progressive scientist with over 10 years of experience in bioinformatics, genetic engineering, and data analysis. Accelerated research and development processes, culminating in the publication of 20+ peer-reviewed articles in prestigious scientific journals. Holds a Certified Laboratory Scientist (CLS) credential, eager to leverage expertise in biotechnological innovations at GenTech Solutions.

Read our full guide on how to write a scientist resume .

Chemist resume summary

Dedicated chemist with over 8 years of experience specializing in organic synthesis, analytical chemistry, and process optimization. I excel in conducting comprehensive chemical analyses, leading to the development of 3 patented chemical processes. Aiming to apply innovative chemical solutions to environmental challenges at EcoChem Innovations.

Read our full guide on how to write a chemist resume .

Researcher resume summary

Professional researcher with over 12 years of experience in qualitative and quantitative analysis, statistical modeling, and academic publishing. Master in synthesizing data from diverse sources to uncover actionable insights, evidenced by authorship of 30+ articles in top-tier journals. Ready to drive forward-thinking research projects at Future Insights Lab.

Read our full guide on how to write a researcher resume .

Lab technician resume summary

Detail-oriented lab technician with 5 years of experience in specimen processing, quality control, and laboratory equipment maintenance. Excels in implementing rigorous testing protocols that enhance accuracy and efficiency, resulting in a 15% decrease in processing times. Certified as a Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT), keen to contribute to innovative diagnostic research at HealthTech Diagnostics.

Read our full guide on how to write a lab technician resume .

Lab assistant objective

Efficient lab assistant with 3 years of experience in sample preparation, data collection, and laboratory safety protocols. Supporting complex research projects by maintaining highly organized lab environments, contributing to a 20% increase in project completion rate. Certified Laboratory Assistant (CLA), eager to apply meticulous attention to detail and teamwork skills at Innovatech Research Facilities.

Read our full guide on how to write a lab assistant resume .

Software engineering resume summary examples

Wondering how to translate your technical knowledge and experience  into an easy to understand resume summary? Dive into our suggestions and remember to tailor them to the job position you’re targeting.

DevOps engineer resume summary

Innovative DevOps Engineer with over 5 years of experience in streamlining deployment processes, enhancing system reliability, and automating infrastructure management. Excels in implementing CI/CD pipelines, reducing deployment times by 50%, and leveraging monitoring tools to decrease system downtime by 30%. Certified in AWS Solutions Architect, eager to apply expertise to drive efficiency and innovation at CloudTech Innovations.

Read our full guide on how to write a DevOps engineer resume .

Software engineer resume summary

Dynamic software engineer with 4 years of experience specializing in developing scalable web applications, optimizing algorithm efficiency, and implementing robust security protocols. Python and JavaScript specialist, achieving a 40% increase in application performance and a 25% reduction in load times. Certified Scrum Master, looking forward to leveraging agile methodologies to foster innovation and efficiency at NextGen Software Solutions.

Read our full guide on how to write a software engineer resume .

Software architect resume summary

Visionary software architect with experience in designing scalable software architectures, optimizing data processing workflows, and leading cross-functional development teams. Specializes in microservices and cloud computing, achieving a 60% improvement in system scalability and a 40% reduction in operational costs. Certified in TOGAF, eager to apply architectural best practices and strategic planning to drive technological innovation at FutureTech Enterprises.

Read our full guide on how to write a software architect resume .

Angular developer resume summary

Resourceful angular developer with over 6 years of experience specializing in building dynamic, responsive web applications, optimizing front-end performance, and integrating user-centric designs. Expert in TypeScript, RxJS, and state management, resulting in a 35% increase in user engagement and a 50% improvement in page load times. Certified in Angular Development, ready to leverage cutting-edge web technologies to contribute to innovative projects at WebFuture Solutions.

Read our full guide on how to write a angular developer resume .

Android developer resume summary

Skilled Android developer with over 7 years of experience in crafting intuitive mobile applications, enhancing user interface designs and implementing efficient data storage solutions. Expert in Kotlin, Java, and Android SDK, achieving a 40% increase in application performance and a 30% enhancement in user satisfaction rates. Certified Google Associate Android Developer, eager to utilize deep technical expertise and creative problem-solving skills at MobileInnovate Technologies.

Read our full guide on how to write an Android developer resume .

Sports and recreation resume summary examples

The summary on your sports resume  should serve as a brief, impactful statement that highlights your athletic background, goals, and what you aim to achieve in your career. Here's what a well-crafted sports resume summary might look like:

Yoga instructor resume summary

Passionate yoga instructor with over 5 years of dedicated experience, specializing in Vinyasa, Hatha, and restorative yoga practices. Cultivated a transformative and supportive environment, leading to a 40% increase in class attendance among participants. Certified by the Yoga Alliance, eager to bring expertise in mindfulness and physical well-being to the team at Harmony Wellness Center.

Read our full guide on how to write a yoga instructor resume .

Sports resume summary

Dynamic sports center manager with over 10 years of comprehensive experience in facility management, team leadership, and event coordination. Excelling in strategic planning and operational efficiency, achieving a 25% growth in membership and a 30% increase in event revenue within the last year. Hold a Certified Sports Facility Manager credential and aim to drive success and community engagement at Champion Athletic Complex.

Read our full guide on how to write a sports resume .

Personal trainer resume summary

Dedicated personal trainer with over 8 years of experience specializing in personalized fitness programs, nutritional guidance, and motivational coaching. Developed and implemented workouts that resulted in an average of 50% improvement in clients' fitness levels within the first six months. Certified through the National Academy of Sports Medicine and ready to inspire and elevate the well-being of members at Elite Fitness Studio.

Read our full guide on how to write a personal trainer resume .

Event coordinator resume summary

Innovative sports event coordinator with over 7 years of experience in planning, marketing, and executing high-profile sports events. Spearheaded campaigns that increased event attendance by up to 40% year-over-year, alongside streamlining operations to cut event costs by 20%. Holding a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designation, eager to bring a track record of success and a flair for memorable event creation to Global Sports Management Inc.

Read our full guide on how to write an event coordinator resume .

Teaching and education resume summary examples

A teaching and education resume  summary should highlight your relevant qualifications, teaching philosophy, and career goals within the education sector. You should also emphasize your commitment to student development and your expertise in specific subjects or educational methodologies.

Teacher resume summary

Passionate preschool teacher with over 5 years of experience in nurturing young minds and fostering a love of learning through play-based and structured educational activities. Excelling in creating inclusive, engaging, and safe learning environments that accommodate diverse learning styles, resulting in a 30% improvement in classroom engagement. Certified in Early Childhood Education and eager to bring expertise in developmental milestones and creative curriculum design to Little Futures Academy.

Read our full guide on how to write a teacher resume .

Professor resume summary

Progressive literature professor with over 10 years of experience in cultivating critical thinking and analytical skills through the exploration of classic and contemporary texts. Practitioner of interdisciplinary teaching methods that integrate technology and digital resources, enhancing student participation by 40%. Holder of a Ph.D. in English Literature, and looking forward to contributing a rich understanding of literary trends and pedagogical strategies to the vibrant academic community at Global Humanities University.

Read our full guide on how to write a professor resume .

Coaching resume summary

Dynamic school coach with over 8 years of experience in developing student-athletes' physical abilities and sportsmanship. Excels in designing comprehensive training programs that improve team performance by 60% and foster leadership skills among participants. Certified in Sports Psychology, eager to implement innovative coaching strategies and mental toughness training at Champions Academy to enhance both individual and team success.

Read our full guide on how to write a coaching resume .

Paraprofessional resume summary

Compassionate paraprofessional with over 6 years of experience in supporting diverse classroom environments and enhancing student educational achievements. Adept at individualized instruction, behavioral management strategies, and fostering inclusive classroom settings, contributing to a 20% increase in student engagement and participation. Holds a Certification in Special Education Assistance, looking forward to bringing expertise in adaptive learning techniques and collaborative educational planning to the team at Bright Future Educational Center.

Read our full guide on how to write a paraprofessional resume .

Math teacher resume summary

Innovative math teacher with over 12 years of experience in making complex concepts accessible and engaging for students of all skill levels. Specializes in applying technology in the classroom to enhance learning, resulting in a 35% increase in student test scores. Eager to drive excellence in mathematical understanding and problem-solving skills at Tomorrow's Leaders Academy.

Read our full guide on how to write a math teacher resume .

Travel and transportation resume summary examples

Explore our range of  travel and transportation resume  summaries below.

Truck driver resume summary

Dedicated truck driver with over 10 years of experience in long-haul transportation, specializing in efficient route planning and timely delivery of goods. Skilled at maintaining vehicle condition, ensuring safety compliance on all trips, and reducing fuel costs through strategic driving techniques. Hold a valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with a clean driving record, eager to bring expertise to the logistics team at Summit Freight Solutions.

Read our full guide on how to write a truck driver resume .

Driver resume summary

Reliable driver with over 5 years of experience in urban and suburban transportation, known for exceptional navigation skills and a commitment to punctuality. Excelling at customer service, ensuring passenger satisfaction and safety, while efficiently managing time to increase daily ride completions. Certified in Defensive Driving, ready to contribute to the dynamic team at Citywide Rideshare Services.

Read our full guide on how to write a driver resume .

Pilot resume summary

ATP-certified pilot with over 15 years of experience in commercial aviation, adept at navigating complex flight routes and managing in-flight operations with precision. Specializing in aircraft safety procedures, crew coordination, and maintaining composure under pressure to ensure passenger and crew safety. Aiming to elevate flight standards at Global Airways Innovations.

Read our full guide on how to write a pilot resume .

Flight attendant resume summary

Dedicated flight attendant with over 5 years of experience in providing exceptional in-flight service, managing safety and emergency procedures and ensuring passenger comfort. Excelling at communication and conflict resolution, demonstrated through a track record of handling difficult situations with poise and diplomacy. Holds an FAA Certification in Cabin Crew Training, eager to bring talent to the team at SkyHigh Airlines.

Read our full guide on how to write a flight attendant resume .

Transport manager resume summary

Strategic transport manager with 8 years of experience in optimizing supply chain logistics, improving operational efficiency, and reducing transportation costs. Master in fleet management and route planning, evidenced by a 20% increase in delivery efficiency across national routes. Certified in Supply Chain Management (CSCM), ready to drive success and sustainability at Global Routes Logistics.

Read our full guide on how to write a transport manager resume .

Quality assurance resume summary examples

What should your QA resume  summary include? Highlight your dedication to maintaining the highest standards of product and service quality, your analytical skills, and attention to detail.

Quality control resume summary

Diligent quality control specialist with over 10 years of comprehensive experience in ensuring product excellence and compliance within the manufacturing sector. Utilizing advanced analytical skills to identify discrepancies and implement corrective measures, resulting in a 30% improvement in product quality and consistency. Holds a CQI credential, eager to apply expertise in enhancing operational standards at Innovative Solutions Inc.

Read our full guide on how to write a quality control specialist resume .

Test engineer resume summary

Dynamic test engineer with 8 years of expertise in developing and implementing comprehensive testing protocols for software development and hardware integration. Specializing in automated testing tools, enhancing test efficiency by 40%, and reducing bug resolution time by 25%. Certified in ISTQB Test Engineering, ready to leverage testing acumen to drive quality assurance initiatives at TechForward Innovations.

Read our full guide on how to write a test engineer resume .

Quality manager resume summary

Strategic quality manager with 7 years of proven track record in leading quality assurance teams and processes in the pharmaceutical industry. Master in deploying Lean Six Sigma methodologies to streamline operations, achieving a 50% reduction in process variances and a 20% increase in operational efficiency. Holder of a Six Sigma Black Belt certification, aiming to elevate quality standards and patient safety at HealthPioneers Inc.

Read our full guide on how to write a quality manager resume .

QA engineer resume summary

Detail-oriented QA engineer with 5 years of experience specializing in software testing, quality assurance, and process improvement in the tech industry. Developed automated testing scripts that reduce testing time by over 40%, and applying Agile methodologies to enhance team productivity and project delivery timelines. Certified CSTE, ready to bring a commitment to quality and efficiency to the next-generation software projects at FutureTech Solutions.

Read our full guide on how to write a QA engineer resume .

QA analyst resume summary

Analytical QA analyst with over 7 years of experience in quality assurance, specializing in manual and automated testing strategies for web and mobile applications. Expertise in test plan development, execution, and defect tracking leads to a 30% improvement in bug detection rates and a 15% increase in release efficiency. Certified Quality Analyst (CQA), keen on employing meticulous testing methodologies to enhance product quality at Digital Innovations Ltd.

Read our full guide on how to write a QA analyst resume .

We hope this guide showed you how game-changing a well-crafted resume summary can be for standing out in the job application process. Here are the main insights:

• Position your summary at the top of you resume and offer a concise statement of a your qualifications and achievements.
• Tailor the summary to the specific job you’re applying for, highlighting relevant skills and accomplishments with quantifiable results.
• Include keywords from the job description to ensure your resume passes applicant tracking systems and captures hiring managers' attention.
• Use our practical tips for writing a compelling resume summary, including starting with a powerful adjective, including strong action verbs, and avoiding overused buzzwords and personal pronouns.
• For a quickly-crafted resume, get support from Enhancv's resume building app which can simplify the resume creation process.

• Resume Guides

A Real Example of a Resume with No Work Experience Showing Impact

Terrified to leave a comfortable job here’s how to get over your fear, curating github links on your resume: projects, seniority, and how to guide, resume sections: everything you need to know, joey's dating resume trending on buzzfeed, how to answer the “what makes you unique” interview question (with tips and examples).

• Create Resume
• Terms of Service
• Privacy Policy
• Cookie Preferences
• Resume Examples
• Resume Templates
• AI Resume Builder
• Resume Summary Generator
• Resume Formats
• Resume Checker
• Resume Skills
• How to Write a Resume
• Modern Resume Templates
• Simple Resume Templates
• Cover Letter Builder
• Cover Letter Examples
• Cover Letter Templates
• Cover Letter Formats
• How to Write a Cover Letter
• Cover Letter Guides
• Job Interview Guides
• Job Interview Questions
• Career Resources
• Meet our customers
• Career resources
• English (UK)
• French (FR)
• German (DE)
• Spanish (ES)
• Swedish (SE)

© 2024 . All rights reserved.

Made with love by people who care.

Sample List of Accomplishments for Resume (35+ Examples)

By Biron Clark

Published: March 1, 2024

Biron Clark

Writer & Career Coach

Listing accomplishments on your resume can get you more job interviews and get you hired faster.

Yet many job seekers don’t know the right way to list accomplishments and professional achievements on a resume.

Coming up, we’ll look at:

• 35+ resume accomplishment examples
• How to brainstorm your own list of achievements to write about
• Where on your resume to include this information

35+ Professional Achievement and Accomplishment Examples

Below are 35 examples of good accomplishment statements for your resume. Coming up after this, I’ll share more on how to brainstorm a list of your own achievements.

Accomplishment Examples for Students and New Grads:

• Led class project to research and present financial forecasts for global markets
• Dean’s List 2019
• Delivered presentation on diffusion and osmosis as a part of Biology 301 course, earning a 100% grade in the class
• Active member of university debate club
• Varsity soccer, 2018-2019

As you can see, you can mix a variety of academic awards, club and sport participation, presentations and projects, and your grades! These are all fair game when writing resume achievements as a student.

When you don’t have any full-time work experience yet, your academic work is your experience, so it’s important to show details beyond the name of your university and the degree you earned! Share more detail and you’ll stand out from other students and entry-level candidates.

Sample Accomplishments for Administrative Assistants:

• Administrative assistant to 12-person digital marketing team responsible for driving $1.9 million in annual revenue and an average of 180 new business leads per month
• Administrative assistant to a team of 10 Account Managers, overseeing $109 million in client accounts and growing 19% in 2020
• Promoted from Administrative Assistant to Senior Administrative Assistant due to consistent above-average performance and recognized as a “rising star” in 2020, an award given to just 2% of new employees
• Spearheaded a record-keeping process reorganization that led to a 20% time savings across the administrative team in Q4 2020
• Scheduled and coordinated meetings and travel arrangements for 11 managers and supervisors with 100% accuracy
• Trained two administrative assistants during a period of company expansion to ensure attention to detail and accuracy of work
• Implemented new document filing and organizational procedure resulting in a $9,200 annual savings in contracted labor costs

Note that you can vary how you begin each resume bullet. While many of your bullets should begin with verbs like, “Spearheaded,” you can also start others with a job title, like “Administrative Assistant.” You can see this in the first two examples in the list of bullets above.

Having some variety in language makes your resume more interesting to the reader, and using your job title in a few bullets is an effective way of adding some great keywords to your resume to get past any automated application systems the employer is using.

Accomplishments for Customer Service:

• Achieved a customer satisfaction rating of 98.2% in 2020, 3rd best among customer support team of 100+ employees
• Addressed an average of 200 inbound customer requests per week while also educating the customer about up-sells and additional ways our company could help them, which led to an additional $188,000 in revenue in 2019
• Decreased average customer wait time for service requests by 3% company-wide by creating email response templates for the department
• Managed training and onboarding of new customer service associates, in partnership with Department Head, for all 12 new customer support associates hired in 2020
• Managed 50+ daily inbound enterprise customer requests via phone and email in support of enterprise division’s 244% year-over-year growth in 2020

As you can see from the examples above, you can mix in achievements that highlight your day-to-day work, but also any projects you led, process improvement actions you implemented to save the department time or money, etc.

You can also mention any leadership skills used, such as training new team members, participating in the interview process when hiring new staff, etc.

These work achievements all show potential employers that you were trusted by your previous company and can bring valuable skills to your next position!

Accomplishments/Achievements for Sales & Marketing:

• Increased division revenue by 4% by achieving 212% of personal sales quota in 2020
• Developed cross-selling promotional campaign to bundle 3 top-selling products, increasing department revenue by 12% in 2020
• Orchestrated new social media marketing campaign resulting in a 309% increase in online leads generated in Q1 2020
• Achieved third-highest sales total in 2019 among a team of 50+ sales associates
• Increased sales by 9% through the successful rollout of a new subscription service spearheaded by myself and 3 team members

Sales jobs tend to be some of the easiest in terms of coming up with professional accomplishments on a resume, so I won’t put too many here.

Just remember, always look at the job description and demonstrate skills that are relevant to the jobs you’re applying to now.

And always think about how your duties and responsibilities can be quantified.

Accomplishment Examples for Human Resources:

• Trained and onboarded 22 new team members in Q4 2020, ensuring an understanding of company policies, goals, and mission
• Managed 12 contract recruiters and successfully hired 19 new team members in 2020 to help the company grow 22% year-over-year
• Implemented new onboarding process resulting in 20% less manager time required to onboard new employees through the use of software learning tools
• Promoted from Human Resources Associate to Human Resources Supervisor position in 2020
• Facilitated successful move to new office in 2019, coordinating more than 200 employees across 6 different departments to limit downtime and maximize productivity during office transition

Accomplishments for Software Developers:

• Managed the development of new subscription video platform, which earned the company $3.1 million in the first year after launch
• Performed code optimization on online customer dashboard, eliminating 2,000+ lines of code and reducing server resource usage by 19%
• Managed and led 9-person development team building the company’s new mobile apps (iOS and Android), successfully launching both projects in 2020, with an average app store review of 4.6 stars
• Spearheaded quality assurance project for company’s new Android app, diagnosing and eliminating 104 bugs/errors in the first 3 months after launch, resulting in a 22% increase in average user rating in the following 3 months
• Interviewed 22 potential new software engineering candidates for our company, ensuring adequate knowledge of software development and computer science, as well as cultural fit

Work Accomplishments for Managers/Directors:

• Oversaw 12-person marketing team responsible for 22% of the total revenue in the business, while growing the team 108% in 2020
• Managed 22 staff, overseeing 25+ projects per quarter with total project budgets exceeding $2.5 million
• Developed new recruiting & hiring plan, helping the department fill average job openings 29% faster compared to prior year
• Managed 29 staff (11 direct reports; 18 indirect) across 2 office locations and 2 business divisions, including hiring, performance reviews, and day-to-day guidance and oversight
• Saved business $29,000 in 2019 by implementing new customer service process that reduced refund requests by 9%

Next Steps: What Are Good Accomplishments for Your Resume?

The best accomplishments to put on your resume are work accomplishments, especially those that are relevant to the jobs you’re pursuing now.

Always check the job description when deciding which achievements are best to mention. This will help you stand out from other candidates.

Your work accomplishment examples should demonstrate to a hiring manager that your past work prepared you to step into their job and succeed now.

That’s the main goal of listing achievements on a resume.

Always review the duties and responsibilities from the job description and then think about which of your achievements relate to that type of job. That’s what you should emphasize on your resume.

Also, hiring managers will view your accomplishments and work experience as more relevant/significant if you performed them somewhat recently. So your resume should include more achievements that occurred in your two or three most recent positions.

For example, for your most recent role, you may want to include eight to ten bullet points. For the next role, maybe only six or seven. After that, for older positions, you may want to include even fewer.

Types of Accomplishments to Include on a Resume:

Numbers paint a clearer picture and grab the reader’s attention on your resume, so include numbers and data when possible. Consider including the following:

• Dollar amounts
• Percent increases or decreases
• Number of people (for example, the number of people you supported as an administrative assistant, the number of people you managed or trained as a supervisor, the number of customer requests you handled per day if you’re in customer service)
• Time periods (for example, saying you helped the company acquire 25 new customers in three months or that you completed a specific project in six weeks and ahead of the deadline)

Of course, you can also include non-numerical achievements, such as:

• Industry awards
• Academic achievements (if you’re a recent graduate or student)

You may need to ask colleagues and coworkers for ideas or do some research to quantify everything, but the more you can assign specific numbers and results to specific job tasks on your resume, the better.

This article has examples of good power words and verbs for a resume to help you start brainstorming. It also explains why you never want to start bullets with, “Responsible for…”

List Team and Company Accomplishments Along With Individual Results

You can also name group and company achievements to give context to the impact of your work. For example, if you’re an administrative assistant supporting a certain team, you can talk about how much revenue that team brought in.

Even if you only played a small role, you were a part of that effort!

The bottom line is, don’t feel like you can only include individual resume accomplishments. If you were part of a group, list what your group achieved, too!

Why Do Employers Care About Past Achievements?

Now that we’ve looked at some resume accomplishment examples above, let’s talk about why it’s so important to show specific accomplishments in your resume.

The reason resume accomplishments are so powerful is that they provide proof of your past successes and abilities, and also paint a detailed picture for the employer in terms of what you could do for them.

Sharing a few examples of past successes is the best way to prove that you’ll have strong future performance as well.

For example, if an employer sees that you helped your last company grow a key metric or succeed and grow, they’ll be thinking, “Wow, imagine what this person could do for us now!”

It’s always more convincing and memorable to provide specific proof of what you’ve achieved rather than only listing duties and responsibilities on a resume.

Here’s an example of what a great professional accomplishment on a resume can do for your job search…

Imagine you’re writing your resume and trying to describe your contribution to developing a new product.

If you’re like most people, you might write a bullet point like this:

• Assisted in the development of new product suite launched in 2020

Now imagine you list this work accomplishment on your resume like this instead:

• Key member of development team for company’s new product suite in 2020, earning $12 million in the first 10 months after launch

In the second example above, instead of just talking about your basic duties, you’re showing the exact impact your work had on a company’s success. That’s going to set you apart and make recruiters and hiring managers more excited to talk to you.

Final Step: Write Your Own Work Accomplishments

To start writing your own accomplishment list for your job search, it may be helpful to look at past job descriptions of the roles you’ve held. Or, use your memory and begin to write down your typical work in a day, week, and month.

What were your main job duties?

Where did you spend the bulk of your time? What were you responsible for? Most importantly, what did you help the company achieve or improve?

That last part is the most important for impressing a hiring manager and winning interviews.

A list of resume bullets starting with, “Responsible for” is generic and NOT going to win over a hiring manager.

So always think about how your work tasks and duties actually helped the company, and then quantify them as much as possible!

Resume Format: Where to Place Accomplishments on Your Resume

The best place to list accomplishments on your resume is under your work experience, particularly in your bullets. Your resume bullets are the ideal place to list work accomplishments because bullets stand out visually and grab the reader’s attention. They are almost always one of the first places that recruiters and hiring managers look at on a resume.

You can also write a couple of key accomplishments in your resume summary paragraph at the top of the document. But then list even more in your bullets under your employment history.

Those are the two most important places to put this information on your resume.

Should You Include a Separate “Key Achievements” Resume Section?

If you read everything above, you now know that the best place to list key achievements on your resume is in your chronological work experience and your professional summary.

But if you want to provide some additional info, then you can consider adding a dedicated “Key Achievements” section.

This can help you include some additional keywords on your resume and variations of keywords. And if you’ve racked up many professional awards and impressive results across a long career, it allows you to show everything in one place at-a-glance.

However, I recommend keeping the list short (eight to ten bullets or fewer).

As a recruiter , I prefer to see context for where/when you used each skill, which I see in your resume work history. So that’s where most of your time/effort should go in terms of writing your resume.

Anything you include in a “Key Achievements” section should also be listed under your work experience.

For more help structuring your resume and deciding which sections to include and where, read this article about everything to put on a resume.

Bonus Tip: Use LinkedIn to See Real-World Examples of Work Accomplishments

Different positions and industries will have vastly different accomplishments.

So one more way you can write a stand-out list of achievements and separate yourself from most candidates is to look at top talent in your industry on LinkedIn.

Most people list key accomplishments beneath their various jobs on LinkedIn.

So you can gather far more examples there, and see some of the best achievements of your industry peers.

This may remind you of your own work achievements, and will surely give you more examples to take inspiration from.

Or, if you’re an entry-level job seeker, look at other recent graduates and see how people are listing their academic awards and other relevant accomplishments.

If many other people are listing their academic achievements in a certain way and have good jobs now, it’s a sign they’re attracting potential employers.

You’re more likely to get an interview for a position if you list results and accomplishments on your resume, especially if those results are relevant to the employer’s needs.

Don’t think of your resume as just a list of what you were responsible for in past roles. Instead, share achievements and results, and quantify them whenever possible.

There are a variety of achievements you can list, from managing a project, training a new team member, helping to sell more products, creating a new process, or receiving an award.

Find as many accomplishments as you can for your resume, and you’ll stand out from other job seekers.

If you take this approach with your resume, you’ll get more job interviews.

About the Author

Read more articles by Biron Clark

More Resume Tips & Guides

Crafting the perfect resume for teens (template & expert advice), career change interview tips, resume tips and more, how much does a resume writer cost (average price and ranges), walk me through your resume: answer examples, applying for jobs out of state this resume tip can help, how long should a resume be, how to put direct and indirect reports (and other data) on your resume, what makes a good resume 9 ways to know, 11 common resume mistakes to avoid, career change resume: examples and tips from experts.