Professional CV Summary (with 20+ Example Statements)

You need a summary for your CV.

Why?

Because most hiring managers skim CVs in 6 seconds.

Your CV must hook them, reel them in, and make them want to read the rest.

A good CV professional summary does that.

But—

There’s a proven plan to follow.

This guide will show you:

• How to write a summary on a CV.
• 22 CV summary examples (plus links to more for every profession).
• What to put in a summary for a CV to get more interviews.
• When to write a summary of qualifications instead.

What does a perfect CV summary look like? See below—

Save hours of work and get a CV like this. Pick a template, fill it in. Quick and easy. Choose from 18 CV templates and download your CV in minutes.

Create your CV now

What users say about ResumeLab:

I had an interview yesterday and the first thing they said on the phone was: “Wow! I love your CV.”
Patrick

I love the variety of templates. Good job guys, keep up the good work!
Dylan 

My previous CV was really weak and I used to spend hours adjusting it in Word. Now, I can introduce any changes within minutes. Absolutely wonderful!
George

Create your CV now

What is a professional CV summary?

The professional summary for a CV is a  brief statement highlighting your work experience, achievements and skills. It should be placed in the top section of your CV. The purpose of a professional CV summary is to entice the hiring manager to read the rest of the CV. 

How to write a professional summary for a CV

1. Pick one adjective (enthusiastic, dependable, hard-working).
2. Choose a key certification or licence or if you’ve got one (PMP, CPA).
3. Include your job title (sales manager, accountant).
4. Add years of experience (4+, 5+).
5. Highlight a goal specific for that position (deliver graphic design excellence at Google).
6. Mention one or two skills (budgeting, collaboration, outstanding computer skills).
7. Show off 2–3 best achievements (slashed rework 30%).

Use those ingredients, and your professional summary for CVs will shine.

These executive summary CV examples show how:

CV Summary Example

What if You Have to Write a Summary of Qualifications Instead

What’s the difference between a CV summary and a qualifications summary?

Bullet points.

A summary for a CV and a statement of qualifications are almost identical. But—

The statement of qualifications puts 3–5 accomplishments in bullet points.

See this example:

Expert Hint: Your CV summary achievements should fit the job. Study up on the job requirements, then think: When did you ace those things?

2. What to Put in a CV Summary

You’ve seen some great CV summary examples.

But—

Examples don’t show how.

So, how do you write a summary for a CV?

1. Create the bulk of your CV first.

2. Pick the best 2–3 achievements for your CV summary statement.

3. Use them to write a summary on a CV that fits the job.

Look at the CV below.

We took the achievements in red and used them to create a summary on a CV. See it circled in green?

See how that works?

Even better if the most important job requirements are Java programming and debugging.

Expert Hint: Write your CV summary last. Go through your CV and cherry-pick the best achievements you’d really like to underline.

The ResumeLab builder is more than looks. Get specific content to boost your chances of getting the job. Add a header, job descriptions, bullet points, and skills. Easy. Improve your CV in our CV builder now.

CREATE YOUR RESUME NOW

Nail it all with a splash of colour, choose a clean font and layout, highlight your skills in just a few clicks. You’re the perfect candidate and we’ll prove it. Pick a CV template and use the ResumeLab builder now.

3. How to Pick Achievement to Put in a CV Summary

What should you put in a CV summary statement?

You need achievements but—

Which ones?

Put yourself in the hiring manager's shoes.

Which of your accomplishments will most impress her?

Here are 22 examples of achievements to put in your summary.

CV Summary Examples of Achievements

• Problems you’ve solved
• Metrics you’ve improved
• Money you saved the company
• Hours/days/weeks saved
• Targets reached
• Honours
• Awards
• Publications
• Media mentions
• Commendations
• Numbers of people managed
• Numbers of people trained
• Brightest moments
• Things you’re proud of
• Certifications
• Licences

CV Summary Examples Entry- Level Achievements

• School
• Volunteer work
• Unrelated jobs
• Freelance work
• Hobbies and interests
• Personal projects
• Awards and honours

Got lots of achievements for a great summary on a CV? Stick to your most impressive 3–5 that fit the job. Any more is clutter.

Expert Hint: Still stuck for achievements to put in your summary? Maybe you don’t know enough about the hiring manager. Research the company and its goals to learn more.

CV Summary Examples

Here are 18 solid CV summary examples and summary of qualifications examples.

You’ve seen how to write a CV summary.

But—

How do you write a summary for CVs for your career?

See summary examples for 10 top professions below.

CV Summary Example for an Entry-Level positions

Source: Entry-Level CV Sample and 25+ Expert Tips

CV Summary Example for Executives

CV Summary Example for Customer Service Reps

Source: Customer Service CV Examples—Sample and 25+ Writing Tips

Expert Hint: You need numbers in a great CV summary. Why? Percents, dollars, hours, and numbers of employees make your summary larger than life.

CV Summary Example for Project Managers

More: Project Manager CV Sample—25+ Examples and Writing Tips

CV Summary Example for Sales Representatives

Source: Sales Representative CV Sample—Examples and 25+ Writing Tips

CV Summary Example for IT Managers

CV Summary Example for Marketing Managers

See more: Marketing CV Sample—Examples and 25+ Writing Tips

CV Summary Example for Software Engineers

Source: Software Engineer CV Template—25+ Examples and Writing Tips

CV Summary Example for Graphic Designers

See more: Graphic Design CV Example—Samples and 25+ Writing Tips

CV Summary Example for Administrative Assistants

Source: Administrative Assistant CV—25+ Examples and Writing Tips

CV Summary Example for Nurses

See more: Nursing CV—Nurse CV Examples and 25+ Writing Tips

CV Summary Example for Teens

Source: CV Examples for Teens—Guide + Sample and 25 Writing Tips

Expert Hint: “How important are cover letters?” They’re quite important. We conducted a study which revealed that 83% of recruiters take cover letter into consideration when deciding who to hire.

Double your impact with a matching CV and cover letter combo. Use our cover letter builder and make your application documents pop out.

CREATE YOUR COVER LETTER NOW

Want to try a different look? There’s 18 more. A single click will give your document a total makeover. Pick a cover letter template here.

Key Points

Here’s a recap of how to write a CV summary:

• Write the rest of your CV first, then pick the best bits and compile them into a summary.
• Include your job title, years of experience, and how you’ll help the company.
• List one or two skills that fit the job offer in your summary for CVs.
• Add a few job-matching achievements.
• Use the CV summary for every career in this article to get started.

Got a question about how to format a CV summary? Wondering how to pick achievements for your summary statement? Leave a comment. We are happy to reply.