10 Resume Profile Examples (And How to Write Yours)

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Imagine you've got everything covered in your resume : You listed your past experiences, included keywords from the job description, and pared it down to design elements an applicant tracking system (ATS) can parse. Now it’s an accurate representation of your professional qualifications—but you still can’t shake the feeling that who you are as a person is getting a bit lost. That’s where a resume profile comes in.

Adding this section to your resume is a good way to show more of your personality while still being professional. Curious? Read on to find out exactly what a resume profile is, and how to write yours—including examples.

What is a resume profile?

A resume profile is a few concise sentences or bullet points that can be placed at the top of your resume (below the header). It “describes who you are as a professional,” says Muse career coach Yolanda Owens , founder of CareerSensei and who also worked as a college corporate recruiter for more than 20 years.

Once you perfect your resume, check out open jobs on The Muse to maximize your chances »

Career professionals don’t all agree on the exact contents of a resume profile, or even on whether it’s different from a resume summary . So you have a bit of flexibility in how you think about yours and what you include in it.

For example, you might think of a resume profile as a way to “tell the reader who you are, what you do, and what you’re looking for,” so that you can grab their attention and “quickly showcase your accomplishments,” says Muse career coach and former recruiter Jennifer Smith , founder of Flourish Careers .

Or you might approach your resume profile like Owens does, as the equivalent to “a dating profile that describes how you see yourself at work, and the type of work environment that makes you feel productive and purposeful.”

What’s the difference between a resume summary and a profile?

While some career coaches may use the terms resume summary and resume profile interchangeably, others treat them differently.

The first is a quick synopsis of the relevant experiences and skills you bring to a role. The latter can do the same, but it can also focus on your traits and achievements, your story as a professional, and your desires for your next role.

At this point, you might be wondering: If a resume profile includes what you’re looking for in your next role , how is it different from a resume objective ? Some people say that resume objectives are outdated at best and a waste of space at worst. If that’s true, why is a resume profile acceptable?

The difference lies in “the additional context that’s included in the profile,” says Smith. A traditional objective merely states what you’re looking for and maybe a vague reason why. But “the profile goes deeper into who you are and what you do” in addition to what you’re looking for next, connecting your past and present to your future.

Is a resume profile necessary? Who should use it?

Resume profiles can be advantageous for all job seekers, Smith says, especially for those “who are changing either their role or industry.” If you’re a career changer , a strong, explicit resume profile will give you space to tell the reader right up front that, no, you didn’t apply to this job by mistake—this is the next step in your career and here’s why.

Resume profiles are also particularly useful for entry-level job seekers who may need to tie their education and other experiences together more explicitly. If a candidate is writing an entry-level resume , Owens suggests that they “use the profile section to explain what they’re looking for in terms of challenges and learning, and the skills they possess that could potentially add value.”

What to include in a resume profile

Think about what you’d want the person reading your resume to know first. Is it something about your qualifications or your biggest accomplishment? Is it how well you work with others or what your personality adds to a team? This is what should go into your resume profile. You have a few sentences (or bullets) to work with, so don’t restrict yourself to highlighting just one thing.

Here are a few types of information that you can include in a resume profile, according to our coaches:

  • Relevant skills and experiences
  • Relevant achievements and accomplishments
  • Years of experience
  • Strengths as a professional (both soft and hard skills )
  • Signature traits related to the job
  • Personal traits that contribute to your work
  • Qualities you’re looking for in your next role, team, or company
  • Willingness to relocate (if you’re applying to a job not near the location listed on your resume)

What are recruiters looking for in a resume profile?

Don’t underestimate the power of a good first impression to get someone to keep reading the rest of your resume with interest. “The resume profile has an ability to quickly convince a recruiter that the person is a strong, qualified candidate,” says recruiter and Muse career coach Steven Davis , founder and CEO of Renaissance Solutions .

But recruiting isn’t just about making sure candidates have the right skills, Owens says. Recruiters also need to get a feel for whether the team and work environment will be a good match for the candidate long term.

Candidates’ skills and experiences should be well represented throughout their resumes, so as a recruiter, Owens most often “looked at the profile as a way to get a sense of their work persona and gauge environment fit for the role.”

How to write a profile for a resume : 5 steps

Once you know what recruiters and hiring managers are looking for in your resume profile and what you’d like to portray, you can follow these tips as you write your own:

1. Keep it concise

Your resume profile should be no more than four sentences or bullet points, and should not have more than 500 characters. Remember recruiters read dozens of resumes daily, so you don't want yours to be unnecessarily long and tiring.

2. Find the format the suits you best

Decide if you want to use either bullet points or paragraph form. Your resume profile can be written as bullet points, but keep in mind that bullet points often take up more space than a paragraph. “To preserve real estate on the resume and attempt to keep it to one to two pages , I always recommend using paragraph format,” Owens says.

3. Consider the position you're applying for

Tailor your profile to the job, but not so much that it’s not true to who you are. If your resume profile is closer to a summary that highlights your key qualifications and accomplishments as they relate to a given job, you should be tailoring it very carefully for each application and incorporating keywords from the job description.

Read more: What it Really Means to "Tailor Your Resume"

However, if your resume profile is more of a personal (but still professionally appropriate) description of yourself, Owens recommends against tailoring it to match each job: “What you don’t want to do is try to tell employers what you think they want to hear,” she says, if it doesn’t reflect who you are. “That’s how you end up in positions where you’re ultimately unhappy.”

4. Quantify your experiences and accomplishments

Whenever possible, quantify your experiences and accomplishments by adding numbers, percentages, and other metrics to your resume profile. Keep in mind that recruiters nowadays not only want to know what you did, but also what you achieved and the exact results of your work.

5. Show some personality

While the rest of your resume won’t let much of your personality shine through, your profile gives you an opportunity for creativity. If you’re applying to a casual company, you can add a splash of personality, but if you’re applying to a more formal organization, it’s best to keep things more buttoned up.

Resume profile: Examples

Want to know what all this advice looks like in action? Check out these 10 resume profile examples for different types of job seekers and professions.

Career changer

Quality-control team lead with 10+ years experience who specializes in making thorough business decisions and leading others through day-to-day operations to achieve excellence. Decided to transition to the outdoor recreation industry during the COVID-19 pandemic after realizing that people, especially children, spend too much time indoors behind computer screens. Excited to bring experience in quality assurance and operations to a management position at an outdoor recreation facility to help people of all ages get outside and enjoy themselves safely.

Recent college graduate or entry-level candidate

Recent magna cum laude animal sciences graduate with a focus on small animal care excited to bring passion and knowledge to a position with an animal shelter or animal-focused nonprofit and learn more about programs that protect animals from euthanasia. As president of the University of Georgia chapter of the Association of Shelter Veterinarians, planned, organized, advertised, and managed a fundraiser that brought in over $20,000 in donations to a local shelter while also placing 43 cats and dogs with adoptive families. Proud dog mom of two former shelter pets, Dakota and Miley (pictures available upon request).

Account Executive (Sales)

Account executive who has been making deals since my first lemonade stand at age four for a total of $20+ million in sales. I love the rush of being on a sales team working toward goals—both in exceeding my own targets and in cheering on my teammates and celebrating their wins. In my current role, I’ve discovered that the most satisfying feeling of all was teaching a few of our SDRs to close deals. Seeing how proud they were of themselves as they got better motivated me to seek out a sales training role at a highly collaborative company.

Find account executives jobs on The Muse

A detail-oriented accountant with experience preparing tax and financial reports for charities to be posted publicly online. Evaluated budget (including payroll) for inefficiencies and suggested cost-cutting and time-saving measures that ultimately allowed the nonprofit to put an additional 5% of yearly donations directly into charitable programs. Excited to bring accounting skills to a nonprofit in the public health sector after spending over five years volunteering for public health charities such as the Red Cross and Project N95.

Find accountant jobs on The Muse

Customer Service Representative

An empathetic customer service representative who loves getting to talk to new people every day and help them solve problems. Crafted service approach of finding out what customers’ goals are and what their level of expertise in the product was rather than automatically giving boilerplate advice, leading to a 92% customer satisfaction rating. Avid video game player and designer looking to bring this passion to a customer service role for a gaming company.

Find customer service representative jobs on The Muse

Human Resources Manager

Human resources generalist who oversaw the transition of a 100+ employee company to remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic. Adept at dealing with the issues facing fully remote or hybrid workforces, including in hiring, professional development, and conflict resolution. Conceived of and instituted DEI programs for employees working from home. Looking for a position with a company that has a fully distributed or hybrid workforce and is committed to increasing diversity in its hiring pool.

Find human resources manager jobs on The Muse

Marketing Manager

Email marketer with 6+ years of experience gathering data-driven insights to make decisions about marketing campaigns. Conceived, proposed, and executed a campaign for a new headphone line across all marketing channels including email, social, content marketing, and print ads, with a total reach of 30 million impressions leading to over $1 million in sales. A team player who has taken the time to learn what each teammate in 10-person marketing department does and even filled in for them when needed. Excited to find a position in a collaborative work environment that oversees marketing campaigns across multiple channels.

Find marketing manager jobs on The Muse

Office Administrator

  • Friendly, organized, and proactive administrative assistant with four years of experience looking to move into an office administrator role
  • Saved office over $3,000 per quarter in supplies by creating new inventory tracking document on Google Sheets, showing other employees how to check supply levels and request orders, and comparing the supply sheet to inventory every two weeks to stop duplicate supply orders
  • Spent four months filling in for office manager during maternity leave

Find office administrator jobs on The Muse

Project Manager

Looking for a project manager who can save at-risk initiatives and projects and make sure they come in on time and under budget and are fully functional at launch? I’ve held positions in customer care, engineering, product, and communications, so I know how to work with employees in all departments and see a project from multiple angles, ensuring each piece is on track and communicating with stakeholders along the way. I work best in environments where innovation is encouraged and no one expects to wear just one hat.

Find project manager jobs on The Muse

Web Developer

  • Back-end web developer with experience using Java, Python, and SQL to develop features for online databases
  • Go-to debugger on team of seven engineers
  • Developed a site (link) that uses television shows you’ve watched to suggest new shows based on the ratings and recommendations of users with similar watch histories, bringing in an average of 10,000 visitors monthly

Find web developer jobs on The Muse

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How to Write a Resume Personal Statement

Rolf Bax

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 conversational 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.

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Dive Into Expert Guides to Enhance your Resume

Personal Details You Should Include on Your Resume

RC Team

Personal details are often seen as the boring, plain or simple part of a resume. However,  you need to get them right in order to receive the call or email for the interview.  There’s no use in perfecting your resume by impressing recruiters with your hefty work history or  detailing your skills  as if the recruiter can’t see, locate or understand your contact details, you’re out.

So,  how do you list your personal details on a resume  and what type of personal information should you avoid when writing a resume? Read on to learn more about the  personal details section on a resume.

Personal Information to Include on Your Resume

Listing your contact details is a simple matter  of deciding how you are most reachable and listing the appropriate information without disclosing too many personal details. The personal data on your resume should be straightforward and not involve complex information. The following list explains  which elements of your personal information candidates should include  and how to go about it:

  • Full name: This should be the header or title of your resume, so there is no need to rewrite your name in the contact information section.
  • Phone number: If you have more than one, choose the one on which you are most contactable.
  • Email address: Make sure it’s professional and not [email protected]
  • Address (optional): This is included less and less on resumes. Although, if the job description specifies that someone local is needed, you may wish to list your address to indicate that you tick the box.

Professional online platforms and websites are also wise to include  as nowadays it’s common to apply for a job via LinkedIn or other online platforms. Consider the following extras:

  • LinkedIn URL
  • Professional website
  • Blog (journalists, copywriters, etc.)
  • Online portfolio (designers, artists, etc.)

How to Format Personal Information on Your Resume

Resume format is one of the most important aspects  of designing and writing a resume. Why? Because your  personal details and resume info needs to stand out, look good, and be clear.  If the hiring manager can’t work their way around your resume easily, it’s already off to a rocky start.

Here are some  important formatting facts to taking into account when writing your personal details on a resume:

  • Use the same font, font size, and formatting as the rest of your resume.
  • Keep each piece of contact information on separate lines.
  • Always list your email address in lowercase letters as many recruiters copy and paste your email.
  • Double-check spelling of important contact details such as your cell phone number.
  • Don’t list your details at the very bottom of your resume. Try listing them in a column to the side, under your name, or near the top half of your resume.

If you need more formatting tips such as a  list of acceptable fonts for resume use , check out the rest of our website and  blog for resume-writing tips .

What to Avoid Including in Your Personal Data

There are certain things that should not be disclosed when sending a resume.  This can be for many reasons, such as prevention against discrimination. Double-check that you haven’t included the following personal information in your resume before sending it:

  • Marital status
  • Nationality
  • Sexual orientation
  • Applicant photo

The aforementioned information is not considered necessary when applying for a job. Including any of this kind of information can actually dissuade hiring managers from accepting your application due to discriminatory reasons.

All resumes should be judged fairly on the important information at hand , such as work experience relevant to the job, skills, and education or training. However, if you plan on applying for a job outside of the States,  look up the standard job application procedures for other countries , as  some resumes include other information such as a photo or birthdate .

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Your About Me Resume Section: 10 Examples to Make a Strong Impression

Kayte Grady

3 key takeaways

  • What an About Me resume section is
  • Best practices for writing your About Me section
  • How to write an About Me summary with Teal's free Resume Builder

How do you convey everything you've accomplished and have to offer in a way that draws attention and leaves potential employers wanting more information?

With an About Me resume section.

A well-written section at the top of your resume that summarizes your most impressive achievements (sometimes called a professional summary, personal statement, short professional bio, resume objective, or an about me) is your opportunity to make a solid first impression.

So, where do you start? And how do you make sure your About Me section captures your unique value proposition in a way that separates you from other applicants?

Struggling to write a good About Me? Try Teal's Resume Builder with AI generation .

What is an About Me resume section? 

Your About Me resume section, or short professional bio , is a paragraph (typically just a few sentences long) near the top of your resume that introduces recruiters or hiring managers to who you are as a professional. 

As a concise summary of your professional journey, this section offers a high-level overview of your entire resume and includes skills, experience, and achievements—driving potential employers to dig in deeper because they have a glimpse of who you are and the incredible things you're capable of.

Why do you need an About Me resume section?

Your About Me resume section grabs the attention of hiring managers and recruiters. And it's necessary because it … 

Differentiates you from other applicants

In today's crowded job market, you have just a few opportunities to stand out from other job seekers before you land an interview. Crafting a short paragraph about yourself at the top of your resume allows you to highlight the most impressive achievements, impact, key skills, and milestones of your career—making you a unique and valuable candidate.

Offers a concise summary of your professional experience

How many years of experience do you have? Where have you had the most influence? How does what you know how to do translate into what potential employers are looking for?

A concise and well-crafted About Me summary on a resume allows recruiters and hiring managers to quickly pull your top qualifications and understand your experience—making it easier for them to assess your fit for the role. 

Don't know what skills to highlight? You can quickly and easily pull this information from your exhaustive Career History within the Teal platform and craft a strong summary with the help of AI technology and ChatGPT.

resume sample personal information

Considers that a hiring manager has limited time

With modern hiring processes and tools like job boards, LinkedIn Easy Apply, and website submissions, recruiters and hiring managers are often inundated with hundreds of applications. Unfortunately, they don't always have much time to dedicate to reviewing every detail of each resume—at least in the beginning.

A highlight reel of your professional experience allows them to swiftly identify you as a qualified candidate whose skills align with the job requirements and move you to the next stage of the hiring process. 

Offers additional context

Maybe you're just starting out and creating a resume with no work experience . Or perhaps you have extensive experience in one field, but you're changing careers entirely. Whatever the case may be, a summary of your transferable skills and any other relevant experience is crucial for offering context and elaborating on how what you can do will help you succeed in a new role.

Want to write your About Me resume section now? Try Teal's Resume Summary Generator to get started!

How to write an About Me for a resume with Teal

If you're looking for a fast way to craft your About Me section, Teal can help.

Our resume generator includes two fantastic options for creating your About Me. You can draft your summary or just click the "Generate with AI" button. 

Pro Tip: After selecting the summary that showcases you as the best candidate, save it. Then, finish any remaining sections, choose from the best resume templates , and customize what you want (color, margins, font, etc.) That's it! 

5 things to include in your About Me section 

Now that you know what an About Me section is and why you need one, let's explore what to put in the About Me section of a resume to highlight your best professional accomplishments and make you a standout candidate.

1. Professional title

Your professional title, also known as your resume title , offers a glimpse into your areas of expertise and your level of responsibility. Whether you're an "HR Manager," "Graphic Designer," or "Project Manager," clearly mention your job title to give a snapshot of your core competencies .

2. Years of experience

A straightforward "years of experience" is often a job requirement. How long you've been in a role or job position can be essential in establishing your level of expertise while offering hiring managers a sense of career growth and demonstrating your familiarity with the industry or field. (And whether you're a C-suite leader or an entry-level candidate, specifying your years of previous experience helps set the right expectations from the first interaction.)

3. Relevant skills

By showcasing relevant skills on your resume that align with the job requirements, you capture attention and effectively convey your ability to do the job you're applying for.

Your specific skills are a powerful indicator of whether or not you're right for the position. They also set you apart from other candidates and increase your chances of being considered for an interview. So, what hard and soft skills might your future employer be looking for?

Soft skill examples

  • Project management skills
  • Time management skills
  • Cross-functional collaboration
  • Customer engagement
  • Team leadership
  • Detail oriented

Hard skill examples

  • Digital marketing
  • Google Analytics
  • AI model deployment
  • Competitive analysis market research
  • SEO copywriting

Pro Tip: Showcase your skills in a standalone section. With the free Resume Builder you can build a customized Skills section with as many tools, soft skills, and technical skills as needed. Create skill categories to organize specific skill sets in ways that are most relevant to the position you're applying for.

Teal resume builder skills section example

4. Your most impressive, quantifiable metrics

Numbers are powerful.

Include one or two quantifiable metrics in your About Me summary that showcase your achievements and contributions whenever possible.

For example, instead of saying that you increased sales, mention that you boosted sales by 25% within six months. These metrics provide concrete evidence of your abilities and make your resume accomplishment examples more impressive.

If you aren't sure how to craft metrics-based statements, try the Assistant within our Resume Builder . Choose from the drop-down options and use them as a guide to craft impactful statements that grab attention.

resume sample personal information

5. Outstanding awards and achievements

Your About Me is ideal for showcasing achievements and awards on a resume . These distinctions are powerful indicators of exceptional performance.

Whether you've received prestigious honors, peer recognition awards, industry certifications, or commendations, including them further validates your expertise—demonstrating your commitment to your job and providing tangible evidence of your ability to deliver outstanding results.

If you have more than one, a dedicated Awards section with all of your relevant awards and scholarships is also an excellent way to showcase these achievements.

resume sample personal information

4 things to avoid in your About Me section

While there are a few elements you should always include in a professional summary or an About Me section, there are also some pitfalls to avoid. So, what are a few things to steer clear of?

1. Detailed personal information

While your About Me section is a personal statement around who you are as a professional , avoid giving too much personal detail that may distract from the primary objective.

Remember, this isn't your autobiography. (Although your entire story might be great, this just isn't the place for it!) Avoid including personal details like marital status, hobbies, or political affiliations. Stick to relevant professional information that showcases your qualifications.

2. All of your future career goals

Do your best to focus on current or past experiences, skills, and accomplishments rather than your future career goals. Save details like an overall career objective for interview discussions, where you can align them with questions specific to the role and company you're applying to.

3. Repeating everything from your resume

A short summary of your professional background and qualifications shouldn't duplicate all the information in your resume.

The top of your resume has limited space. Instead, choose the most impactful and relevant details to grab the attention of a hiring manager or recruiter. Remember, the goal is to entice them to read the rest of your resume, not reiterate its contents.

4. That you want the job

Stating you want the job or to work for the company may seem obvious. Of course, you're excited and want the role; you applied! But bringing it to the attention of a hiring manager or recruiter adds no real value to your About Me or professional summary.

Instead, express your enthusiasm about the position during the interview process by illustrating your thorough research and understanding of the company, culture, and role.

@teal_hq Where do you stand on the professional summary debate? Some recruiters find those brief career highlights helpful—and others say skip it and save the space on your resume. While professional summaries aren’t a make-or-break, they can be an opportunity to speak about your career in aggregate. Here’s how to use ChatGPT to write a professional summary for your resume in under 60 seconds. Just be sure to edit and adjust as needed before submitting. #chatgpt #chatgpt3 #resume #resumetips #careertok #jobsearch ♬ Say So (Instrumental Version) [Originally Performed by Doja Cat] - Elliot Van Coup

Best practices for writing an About Me section

Ready to optimize your About Me resume section? Let's explore some resume tips and best practices for crafting a compelling summary that grabs attention and showcases you in the best light—quickly.

Keep it brief 

When creating an About Me resume section that's easily scannable, brevity is crucial. 

Keep your paragraph concise and to the point. In just a few sentences, focus on the most relevant information recruiters and hiring managers need to know. Aim for around three to five sentences that effectively capture your years of experience and notable achievements while highlighting key qualifications that align with the job description of the role you're applying for.

Write in the first-person voice 

Rather than writing in the second person (using "you" and "your" language) or third person (an objective narrator), the first-person voice adds a personal touch. It allows you to connect with the hiring manager on a more one-to-one level—creating a sense of authenticity and transparency.

Include keywords from the job description

Want to express that you genuinely understand the role you're applying for? Include keywords for resume from the job description. Language from the description often resonates more with potential employers because they're the ones who wrote the job ad in the first place.

So how can you do that?

Take the time to carefully read the job description and identify the skills and qualifications the employer is looking for. For example, do they need someone who has five years of experience? Do they mention research skills? How about strong interpersonal skills? Are they looking for experience in social media marketing?

Once you've found the right skills, incorporate a few of those as keywords or phrases into your About Me section. (But as a note, don't just cram them into one section in your resume. You can incorporate keywords within resume bullet points and in your skills section.) 

If you're not sure where to start, Teal has you covered.

Compare your resume to a specific job description

Use Teal's Resume Matching to compare your current resume to the specific details of the job that you want to apply for. You'll get a Match Score that breaks down which hard skills, soft skills, and keywords are important for you to incorporate into your resume.

Then, you can use these insights to help you tailor your About Me section to the role.

A screenshot of resume matching for your About Me resume section

Additionally, you can also use Teal's free Job Application Tracker to highlight which skills and language are emphasized in each of the job positions you save. This can help enhance your process as you start preparing your resume for different positions.

Use strong action verbs 

Using strong resume action verbs throughout your document adds strength and a feeling of movement to any section in your resume.

Begin resume sentences with verbs that convey you're proactive and results-driven. For example, instead of saying, "I was responsible for managing a team," try, "Led and motivated a team of 10 professionals, resulting in a 20% increase in productivity."

10 Resume About Me section examples

If you feel like crafting an engaging and effective About Me section for your resume is overwhelming, below are a few examples of how to start a resume to get you on the right track!

Resume examples for no work experience

High school student.

As an ambitious and motivated high school senior, I'm eager to kickstart my marketing career as the Gourmet Goddess Social Media Intern. I demonstrate exceptional creativity, communication, and organizational skills that I've developed through active participation in team sports and student government. In 2023 I was awarded "Outstanding Academic Achievement" for maintaining a consistent 4.0 GPA, showcasing a commitment to academic excellence and extracurricular pursuits. I'm also passionate about leveraging social media platforms to promote events and connect with diverse audiences.

College student

As a highly motivated college student with a strong passion for computer science, I have a background in combining technical knowledge with exceptional interpersonal skills. I'm adept at troubleshooting hardware and software issues to deliver optimal solutions. I'm also actively involved in Greek life as the Social Chair for my fraternity, organizing successful events and fostering a sense of community. I demonstrate dedication to making a positive impact through my volunteer work at the Humane Society, contributing time and skills to support local animals. In addition, I'm majoring in Computer Science, with coursework emphasizing programming languages, algorithms, and data structures.

Entry-level About Me resume examples

Junior data analyst.

As a highly driven Data Analyst with a track record of improving data quality and accessibility, I've developed and implemented a data cleaning and preprocessing framework that improved data analytics quality for Metadata by 30%. In addition, I spearheaded the design and implementation of a data lake infrastructure resulting in a 40% reduction in data storage costs and a 25% increase in data accessibility. I also built and maintained a data security program that ensured compliance with industry regulations and protected sensitive information for 1000+ clients.

Entry-Level Content Writer

As an organized and passionate entry-level Content Writer with excellent communication skills and a proven ability to manage software development projects, I'm seeking to use my Agile experience to help drive successful content delivery at Teal HQ while continuing to build upon an already strong understanding of software product writing and successful business relationships.

Mid-level About Me resume examples

Account executive.

As a highly accomplished Account Executive with 6 years of experience driving revenue growth, increasing customer satisfaction, and developing successful sales strategies, I have a proven track record in negotiating contracts, managing key accounts, and implementing CRM systems. My work has resulted in $1.2 million in revenue in one year and a 40% increase in client satisfaction. I'm skilled in analyzing customer data, transparent and honest communication, identifying trends, and preventing customer churn.

Digital Marketing Manager

With 4 years of experience in digital marketing, I have a proven record of leading successful campaigns and implementing effective marketing strategies. I've led the end-to-end execution of paid advertising campaigns, resulting in a 20% increase in new sign-ups and a 15% increase in sign-up conversion rates. I've also led the implementation of a new marketing automation system, resulting in a 15% reduction in marketing costs and a 20% increase in ROI at Finsta. I'm experienced in collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver on-time and on-budget projects and marketing initiatives.

Senior-level About Me resume examples

Senior it manager.

As a highly skilled Senior IT Manager with 7 years of experience, I successfully lead teams in strategizing, deploying, and maintaining complex IT initiatives. At Asana, I spearheaded the successful implementation of a new network architecture that increased system performance by 36%, cutting energy consumption costs by 22%. I also managed finances for the IT Department, yielding 10% savings on the overall expenditure, and introduced an online collaboration platform that improved employee productivity by 10x.

Senior AWS DevOps Engineer

As a highly skilled AWS DevOps Engineer with 8 years of experience designing and implementing automated solutions for managing and deploying applications on AWS, I have a proven track record in reducing deployment time by up to 75%. As a Senior AWS DevOps Engineer, I increased system reliability by 40% and improved team productivity by 3x. I have exceptional skills in technical leadership, strategic planning, and fostering a collaborative work environment, with a strong commitment to delivering innovative solutions and driving business growth.

Career-change resume examples

Transitioning out of education.

As a highly motivated Special Education Teacher and Administrator with over 15 years of experience developing, implementing, and managing programs and services for students with diverse learning needs, I'm seeking to transition into a career as a Customer Success Manager in EdTech. I bring skills in collaboration, data analysis, and legal compliance. I'm experienced in cross-functional collaboration and have strong knowledge of effective administrative strategies. In 2023, I was the sole recipient of the Principal's Leadership and Coaching Excellence Award. I'm also well known for coaching and feedback that drives positive results and builds relationships.

Transitioning out of human resources

As an experienced HR Manager with over 5 years in the industry, I have a proven track record of implementing and ensuring adherence to policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements. I'm seeking a transition into a role as a Compliance Manager, leveraging my comprehensive understanding of compliance frameworks and demonstrating my ability to promote a culture of compliance within organizations. I have exceptional interpersonal skills and a proven ability to collaborate with teams across organizations to achieve business goals. In 2022, Nectar recognized me for implementing streamlined HR processes resulting in a 20% reduction in employee churn. I was also awarded the "Human Resources Excellence Award" for outstanding commitment to ethical practices.

Want to view more job-specific resume examples with an impactful professional summary? Check out our comprehensive selection of resume examples across a variety of jobs by seniority level, industry, specialty, and more.

Create an About Me resume section today

The top of your resume is your chance to make a great first impression and introduce yourself to the team . It's your opportunity to grab attention and showcase all of the incredible professional qualities and skills you bring to the table.

Teal is a seamless way to create a summary that aligns with the rest of your resume. With Teal's expert guidance and AI integration, you can confidently create a standout resume that resonates with hiring managers.

Start using the Teal Resume Builder today and craft a captivating About Me section that captures your unique value and sets you apart from the competition—paving the way for career success.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can i write in about me in resume.

In the About Me of your resume, summarize your professional background, highlight key skills, and mention your most significant accomplishments. This concise paragraph should provide a snapshot of who you are as a professional and why you are a strong candidate for the position.

If you're having trouble writing your About Me, try Teal's Resume Summary Generator .

What is an example of an About Me section on a resume?

An example of an "About Me" section on a resume might be: "Dedicated Marketing Manager with over 5 years of experience in digital marketing and campaign management. Proven track record of increasing organic traffic by 30% through innovative SEO strategies. Adept at team leadership and cross-functional collaboration."

What is an About Me resume statement?

An About Me resume statement is a brief paragraph at the top of your resume that introduces you to potential employers. It provides a high-level overview of your professional background, key skills, and significant accomplishments, aiming to quickly capture the attention of hiring managers and differentiate you from other candidates.

How long should the About Me section be on a resume?

The About Me section should be concise and impactful, typically ranging from 50 to 150 words. It's important to keep it brief while highlighting your most relevant experiences and qualities that align with the job you're applying for.

Should my About Me section on a resume be written in first or third person?

It's generally recommended to write your About Me section in the first person but without using pronouns. For example, instead of saying, "I am a digital marketing specialist," you could start with "Digital marketing specialist with 5+ years of experience." This approach keeps the section professional and focused on your qualifications.

resume sample personal information

Kayte Grady

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CVs & Résumés

  • May 4, 2022

Personal Information: What You Should Include in Your Résumé

Are you unsure of what personal information should be on your résumé? Our guide's got you covered!

Nikki Vivian

Nikki Vivian

Careers Coach and Writer

Reviewed by Melina Theodorou

CV/Resume Personal Information

You’ve written your résumé and it’s time to add some personal details, but you might be wondering what exactly to include. What is necessary and what is too much information? This is a common dilemma but, as with the rest of your résumé, less is more in most circumstances.

Below, we’ll guide you through what needs to be included, and what is best left off your résumé.

Why you shouldn’t include personal information in your résumé.

Aside from your name and contact information, it isn’t necessary to include personal details on your résumé, in most cases. In fact, including too many personal details may have a negative effect on your job application. Here’s why:

It’s an outdated practice

Adding personal details to a résumé used to be a common practice, but along with adding references, it isn’t necessary anymore. All recruiters need, in most instances, is your name and contact information. Save the space for information that is going to help to sell you as a candidate such us you work experience and skills.

It opens you up to discrimination and bias

Including personal information such as your age, nationality, gender or marital status make it possible for recruiters to discriminate against you .

To ensure that you will be judged solely on your merit, it’s best to stick to adding just your name and contact information. This allows you to demonstrate what you can bring to a role based on your skills and experience .

Even if hiring managers don’t intentionally discriminate against candidates, they may still have unconscious bias and prejudice, which could ultimately affect the success of your application. Adding personal details builds a picture of yourself that the reader of your résumé may or may not identify with. People are hard-wired to look for similarities and differences between themselves and others, and whilst this could work in your favor, it equally may not.

It goes against anti-discrimination laws

In some countries it is against the law for employers to make hiring decisions based on your personal information.

Furthermore, in certain organizations, your personal details including your name and photo are removed from a document before they are reviewed by a hiring manger. This is to ensure that the hiring process remains unbiased.

When it’s okay to include personal information in your résumé

Whilst in general it’s best avoided, there are instances where including personal details is necessary.

You are applying to jobs in certain countries

In some countries, the rules and guidelines around personal information are different. For example, if you are applying for a job in Germany , it is a standard practice to include date and place of birth and your nationality. In France, you will also need to include marital status and a professional photo of yourself.

Meanwhile, when it comes to countries in the Middle East, you may be required to provide a lot more personal information including marital status, gender, date and place of birth, number of children, if any, as well as a photo.

It’s important that you check and follow the data and résume requirements in each country you are applying in to ensure you are following general guidelines.

You have an acting or modelling résumé

If you are applying for a role where your physical appearance is a factor, such as acting or modelling, certain personal details will be important. The recruiter will likely want to see a photo of you, but also know your age, gender, height, weight, eye color and so on.

In these situations, leaving these off will be to your detriment. Make sure you have an excellent headshot or include an additional portfolio of your work. Other personal details such as height and weight may also be required.

You have a website or portfolio

Employers will do a background search on you, so if you have a LinkedIn profile , portfolio or website  that add value to your résumé, you should add the link along with your contact details to make it easier for them to find what you want them to see.

Anything that backs up your credentials is great to include in you a résumé. This could be a portfolio of your design work, a personal blog, or a YouTube channel.

You are applying to emergency/armed services

If you are applying for a role in the emergency services, such as fireman or policeman, or to the armed services, certain personal details relating to your physical abilities may be required. This could include your height and weight, any medical conditions or disabilities , as well as age and gender.

Your hobbies and professional experience overlap

Including your hobbies and interests in your résumé is common but isn’t always advised. This depends on your experience level and whether your hobbies actually add value to your résumé.

If something you’ve done in your personal life is relevant to the role you’re applying for, it’s okay to include it on your résumé. For example, if you are applying for a job in a charity that supports parents and you are a parent yourself, you may want to mention this in your résumé.

Types of personal information you can include in your résumé

Personal information on your résumé is best avoided in most situations but depending on where you’re applying to for a role, it may be necessary. Here’s what you may need to include:

  • Marital status
  • Family status
  • Disabilities or medical conditions
  • Date of birth
  • Place of birth
  • Address/location
  • Height and weight
  • Personal portfolio or website
  • Hobbies and interests

What personal information you should always include in your résumé

Contact details are always necessary. If you are successful at application stage, a recruiter will want to get in touch to invite you to interview. Therefore, it is essential that they know how to contact you. You should include the following:

  • Phone number
  • Email address
  • Full address (optional)
  • LinkedIn profile (optional)

Where to include personal information in your résumé

Your contact details should be placed at the top of your résumé along with your name. Add your name at the top of the résumé in large, bold text, with your contact details clearly listed below in a smaller font. You can also include them as a header so that they are visible at the top of each page.

You can alter this if it suits the design of your résumé , but make sure to keep them at the top of the document.

Key takeaways

When it comes to contact details, include only the essentials. Anything else can open you up to discrimination and is taking up valuable space that can be used to showcase your skills and achievements.

As a rule of thumb, include only your location or address, phone number and email address. You can include your LinkedIn profile link or link to a website or portfolio if it is relevant.

In certain circumstances, you will be expected to include relevant personal information, but it is important that you obtain guidelines on what to include, rather than including irrelevant, unnecessary information in your résumé.

What personal information have you included in your résumé? Let us know in the comments section below!

This article is an updated version of an earlier article originally published on 27 December 2017.

Job Applications

Résumé Sections

Résumé Writing

StandOut CV

What personal details to put in your cv

Andrew Fennell photo

Fed up with staring at your blank CV, wondering what personal details to put in?

We get it – it’s like trying to adorn your room with the perfect throw cushion – not a deal-breaker. But it is still important.

In this article, we’ll show you what personal details to include or omit from your CV, plus examples, to boost the chance of hiring managers getting in touch with you.

CV templates 

What is personal information on a CV?

Personal information on your CV is a list of details about yourself that help recruiters learn who you are, and how to contact you, and can also include links to external sources of information, such as social profiles and portfolios.

CV personal details example

Essential personal information to include in your CV

If you want to introduce yourself properly to a hiring manager, the details you include at the very top of your CV are critical.

The essential details that you must always include are:

  • Name – Your full name
  • Professional title – Your job title (e.g. “Junior Doctor” or “Marketing Director”)
  • Location – The general area you reside in (e.g. London, Edinburgh etc.)
  • Email address – [email protected]
  • Telephone number – 01234567890

Your full name is there so that recruiters know who they can call you by.

Add your name so that recruiters know who you are, but use your real, full name.

But feel free to skip middle names to save precious space.

To make your name catch the eye, opt for a font that distinctly sets it apart from the body text.

CV builder

Build your CV now 

Professional title

Your professional title in a CV is your job or career title. Essentially, it summarises your role and experience.

For instance, if you create the text for TV, radio, print, and online ads, your professional title would be  Advertising Copywriter .

This gives hiring managers a summary of your primary area of expertise and the sort of roles you’re qualified to do.

Being at the top of your CV, it really helps you to quickly get the attention of recruiters.

For example, the following professional titles can help improve your CV:

  • Digital Marketer – Someone who uses digital marketing channels to reach customers, promote services or products, or build brand awareness.
  • Software engineer –  Showcases your technical prowess, problem-solving abilities, and passion for cutting-edge technology.  
  • Radio presenter – Demonstrates that you present on a radio station, and have on-air charisma, exceptional communication skills, and the capacity to engage audiences.
  • Business student – keenness to learn about management, finance, and marketing.

When writing your professional title on a CV, place it next to or underneath your full name, such as:

  • Deborah James | Advertising Copywriter
  • Bill Jacks | Software Engineer

Use clear font so that hiring managers can read it. Make it concise so it gives a summary of your primary role and can be read quickly.

The location on your CV is the city or general area where you’re currently based (or where you want to work if you’re applying for a job in a different location.)

Your location details help hiring managers figure out where you’re based so they know the proximity to their company and whether or not you can commute to their office.

Getting your location right is very important because if a hiring manager doesn’t think you live too far away from them, they won’t consider your application

Here are some examples of how to write locations on your CV :

  • Edinburgh  
  • London and Kent
  • Leighton Buzzard (Willing to relocate)

To include your location in a CV, place it near your full at the top.

A quick tip:  You don’t need to include your full address, such as street name and house number, because it is too much information for this stage of the recruitment process and it will take up a lot of valuable space – it’s just about providing them with a general sense of your location.

Contact number

The contact number on your CV is the phone number that lets potential hiring managers or recruiters get hold of you about the job you’re applying for.

For instance, if your phone number is 07777777777, you’d usually write it like this:  Phone:   07777777777 , or use a telephone symbol.

Here are some examples of how to present phone numbers on your CV:

  • Phone number: 10575598623
  • Telephone: 01234 567 890
  • ☎: 07777777777

When it comes to writing your contact number, place it below your name and location. Use the same format as the rest of your CV, but it’s a good idea to make it a little larger, bolder or in a different font to make it stand out.

When writing your contact number on a CV, make it clear, make it easy. It’s how employers can easily reach out to you to arrange interviews, discuss job offers or ask questions relating to your application.

Triple-check that the number is correct, or you will not be getting any calls from recruiters.

Email address

CV personal details - email address

Your email address is a critical piece of contact info on your CV so that would-be employers can reach you regarding your job application. It’s where all those job offers and interview requests land.

Your CV is a professional document, so your email address should look professional to reflect this and create a good impression.

Your full name, or a close variation of it, will work best.

Here are some examples of good email addresses to include on your CV:

But beware of the bad ones! Avoid email addresses that may make hiring managers raise an eyebrow, like  [email protected]  or  [email protected].  While these might be fun with friends, they don’t look professional on your CV!

Formatting-wise, place your email address directly under your contact number. Be sure to use the same font style as the rest of your CV. However, you can make it slightly bigger or bolder to give it more emphasis.

Optional personal CV details

Think of the optional personal CV details as extra choices – they’re not mandatory.

There are certain personal details to get in your CV, but only for specific countries, jobs, locations, and industries.

That said, they don’t necessarily make a CV better.

Let’s say you’re applying for a job where driving is an essential element. You could mention your driver’s license, as it shows your dependability and mobility for roles that entail travel or client meetings.

Profile photo

Photo on CV

Including a photograph on your CV can have benefits and drawbacks. But it can significantly impact your CV’s overall impression.

Using a photograph in your CV is optional – they are not always needed, but some regions and industries like to see them.

While social media profiles may benefit from a headshot, CVs are mostly about your experience and abilities, not your smile.

In numerous regions, like the UK, hiring managers don’t often request photos because of anti-discrimination laws.

But in certain countries, such as Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and parts of Africa, it’s common to include a profile photo on a CV, particularly in industries where how you look and present yourself matters a lot.

In creative fields like modelling, acting, and fashion, a photo isn’t just accepted but often desired. It enables you to put forward your one-off look, style, and appropriateness for positions where appearance is fundamental.

If you choose to include a photo on your CV, here’s how you’d do it:

  • Keep it professional –  Pick a professional-quality headshot where you’re dressed suitably for your industry.
  • Keep it friendly – Maintain a confident, friendly smile and use eye contact.
  • Top corner –  Position your photo in the top left or right-hand corner, ensuring it’s small and discreet.
  • Layout consistency – Make sure your picture complements your CV’s design in style and colour.
  • Avoid selfies –  Ditch selfies or group shots – plump for top-quality solo photos.
  • Revise regularly – If your appearance changes, update your headshot for accuracy.

Driving licence info

Certain jobs are about hitting the road and having your driving licence info can make a huge difference as it shows you can legally drive.

Think sales representatives, delivery drivers , or couriers.

And if you’ve got a professional license, like a forklift, motorcycle or Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) credentials, be sure to flaunt it – it could unlock doors to exclusive job opportunities.

To include it, reserve a neat place at the top of your CV underneath your telephone number where you note the licence and its status. It could literally make the difference between getting the job or not in some cases.

LinkedIn profile

CV personal details - LinkedIn

Your LinkedIn profile is a hyperlink that leads hiring managers to your  LinkedIn  profile, a professional networking platform.

It allows recruiters and employers to take a peek at your career history, see how many connections you have, and even check out recommendations from other professionals.

Dropping that link to your LinkedIn profile offers quite a few plusses.

You’re not only revealing your abilities and endorsements. You’re also rolling out the red carpet for recommendations from your co-workers.

Because let’s face it. It’s all about upping your professional image, right?

Adding a quick URL to your LinkedIn profile can be a real gem for industries like marketing, sales, consulting, tech, and finance.

Why? In these industries, developing robust professional relationships and extending your network is paramount in terms of balancing your career and boosting your credibility.

A quick tip:  Keep your LinkedIn profile up to date and ensure you have plenty of recommendations to show off. After all, you want to make the right impression!

Personal portfolio or website

If you have a personal website, online portfolio or blog that showcases your work, this can be great for showing employers you have the right skills for the job.

It can be especially powerful if you’re in a creative field such as graphic design , photography or writing – or any profession where visual or tangible examples of your work can boost your job application.

Add a short link near your contact details, so that it is easily accessible.

Language skills

If you speak any foreign languages , it’s certainly worth mentioning them.

Including these skills at the top of your CV can be super handy for hiring managers who need specific language abilities, adding a colourful feather to your professional cap.

Personal details not to be included on a CV

When you’re adding personal details to your CV, keep in mind that some details, such as your marital status, present salary, and religious faith, are not usually going to impact a hiring decision – so it’s best to  keep them out.

Here’s what personal details I would recommend keeping out of your CV…

Previous or present salary

Disclosing your current salary can occasionally lead to a mismatch in expectations.

It may harm your chances of getting a higher salary when it comes to salary negotiation.

Let’s say you initially revealed a lower figure, only to discover that the offer on the table was significantly greater.

So, leave the salary talk off your CV – it’s a conversation best had at a later stage.

Marital status

Marital status is your existing official relationship status in terms of marriage. For example, it usually includes categories such as  Married, Single, Divorced, Widowed,  and  Separated.

Your CV isn’t a dating profile. So, there’s no need to include your marital status here.

Hiring managers only want to know about skills that go beyond your relationship status. Your qualifications are what count here.

Religious faith

Unless you’re applying to be the church’s official organist, don’t include it. It’s like saying what hair colour you want your waiter to be in a restaurant – not relevant.

Most hiring managers don’t care about this stuff, and divulging it may even open doors to unwanted prejudice.

So, keep your religious beliefs close to your heart and your CV free from religious info.

Date of birth

Skip the birthday candles on your CV – recent anti-discrimination rules mean hiring managers should concentrate on your talents, not how old you are.

The bonuses of omitting it? Less possibility of age bias, more space for the good stuff, plus lower identity theft risk.

Disability or health issues

There’s no need to spill the beans about your physical or mental health on your CV.

If your ailment entails some additional support, for example, if you’re a wheelchair user, you could mention it in your cover letter or through a chat with the recruiter or hiring manager.

Many moons ago, people used to include their health status in jobs like physical fitness trainers or swimming teachers, but this isn’t the case anymore.

But there’s no real reason to indicate your gender in yo ur CV , as it won’t have a bearing on your job skills. It’s also a waste of CV space and distracts from the important stuff (like your skillset).

And honestly? Your name usually gives your gender away anyway.

National insurance number

Your National Insurance Number (NI number) is your unique identifier if you’re based in the UK for tax and social security purposes.

This number is like your secret treasure map – you don’t want anyone to come across it.

To stop identity theft, the UK government suggests keeping it somewhere safe and not sharing it unless you absolutely must.

So refrain from splashing it on your CV for everyone to see. Once it’s out there, it’s tricky to regulate who gets their hands on it.

Nationality or ethnic group

There’s no need to include your nationality or ethnic group on your CV unless you’re a foreign national and want to tell the hiring manager about your work eligibility in the country.

Just something simple like  “Spanish, eligible to work in the UK”  should do the trick.

A quick tip:  If you’re applying for a government role where citizenship matters, like civil service or secret agent positions, it’s okay to mention your nationality here.

How to write personal details on a CV

Writing CV personal details

If you want to add personal details to your CV, this is how you’d do it.

  • Position at the top – You want your personal details to sit right at the top of your CV so its easy for recruiters to see how to contact you.
  • Keep it compact – You have limited space on your CV, so keep this basic info tucked up into a top corner
  • Use icons – Create a professional appearance and use space wisely by using icons to denote these details (Like a phone icon for your phone number)
  • Hyperlink to external sources – If needed, add optional links such as your online portfolio or LinkedIn profile.

3 personal details examples on a CV

Here are three examples of how your personal details should be laid out on a CV.

The first example is for someone with basic details, like an office worker, the second is for a creative person who may need a few more, and the last is for someone who operates vehicles who may require even more.

Essential personal details

If you’re a student studying at school, college or university, you want to make it super simple for hiring managers to reach you.

Inserting your name, professional title, location, phone number, and email isn’t just a mere formality – it lets prospective employers initiate contact with you. It also allows them to confirm your background, and start the conversation.

Essential CV personal details

Marketing manager’s personal details

A Marketing Manager is like a creative champion of a company, driving the marketing approach. They plan brilliant campaigns and ensure the brand’s voice gets heard loudly and clearly.

As well as including the essentials like your name, contact info, and where you live so that hiring managers can get in touch easily, remember to mention your LinkedIn and personal websites here, too.

You could even include your driver’s license and language skills to show you’re all set for various tasks.

Marketing manager CV personal details

Creative professional personal details

Creative professionals infuse life into concepts via design, art or other imaginative approaches.

For instance, a graphic designer crafts visual elements for all media types, from elaborate illustrations to eye-catching posters, iconic logos, and web graphics.

So, as a creative professional, it’s important to include your LinkedIn and personal website, as these serve as virtual portfolios, showing more about your artistic work.

In your personal details, consider adding a profile photo – this shows hiring managers you look professional, which is paramount for numerous jobs.

Creative professional CV personal details

Where to put personal details on a CV

You need to place personal details at the top of your CV at the beginning. That way, recruiters can’t miss them and you’ll be on their radar from the start.

Placing these personal titbits at the top of your CV makes it super simple for hiring managers to spot and drop you a message if they’re keen on having a chat.

How to format personal details

In terms of formatting your personal details on your CV, here’s how you’d do it:

  • Highlight your name – Make your name the star of the show. Use a larger font or put it in bold to ensure it grabs instant attention.
  • Right-align or centre-align –  So that your personal details turn heads, right-align or align them centrally at the top. Doing so gives your CV a smart appearance so the reader can easily navigate it.
  • Bold for visibility –  Use bold text for all personal details to help them stand out amid the rest of your CV’s text.
  • Size counts –  Choose an  18 to 20-point  font size for personal details like your full name, telephone number, location, email address, and optional LinkedIn or online portfolio URL.

The takeaway

While adding personal details on your CV may sound like a trivial detail, they’re your first opportunity to introduce yourself to a potential employer.

Start with strong essential personal details:  name, contact details,  and  location . Then tailor with optional extras (if needed), like a  LinkedIn URL  or  profile photo,  to the job’s specific requirements.

Skip them, and you could leave hiring managers with an unfinished picture of your credentials and suitability for the job.

ON THIS PAGE

100+ Resume Personal Summary Examples & Samples

The personal summary is important for a resume because it is a compelling snapshot that entices the reader to explore the rest of your resume. In this article, we will give you 100+ resume personal examples & samples that you can refer to.

Create my CV

100+ Resume Personal Summary Examples & Samples

Introduction

A personal summary or resume summary is a brief section at the beginning of your resume that highlights your most relevant qualifications, skills, and experiences for the job you're applying for. It's a concise way to grab the employer's attention and give them a quick overview of what you have to offer.

resume sample personal information

Remember, the personal summary should be a compelling snapshot that entices the reader to explore the rest of your resume.

I. Resume Personal Summary Examples

Here are 100 examples of personal summaries for different jobs.

Marketing Manager

Experienced Marketing Manager with 8+ years of driving successful campaigns across various industries. Skilled in market research, brand strategy, digital marketing, and team leadership. Proven ability to analyze consumer data, identify trends, and develop targeted promotions to boost sales and brand awareness. Adept at managing budgets, negotiating contracts, and collaborating cross-functionally.

Elementary School Teacher

Dedicated Elementary School Teacher passionate about creating an engaging learning environment. Expertise in curriculum development, classroom management, and differentiated instruction. Skilled in incorporating technology and hands-on activities to cater to diverse learning styles. Committed to fostering a nurturing and inclusive classroom where students feel supported and motivated to reach their full potential.

Graphic Designer

Versatile Graphic Designer with 5 years of experience in creating visually compelling designs for print and digital media. Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite, including Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. Skilled in branding, layout design, typography, and color theory. Adept at translating client requirements into captivating visuals that effectively communicate messages and enhance brand identity.

Sales Executive

Results-driven Sales Executive with a decade of experience in the IT industry. Proven track record in exceeding sales targets, developing strategic account plans, and building long-lasting client relationships. Skilled in consultative selling, negotiation, and delivering persuasive presentations. Adept at identifying customer needs and providing tailored solutions to drive revenue growth.

Software Engineer

Experienced Software Engineer with 6+ years of expertise in full-stack web development. Proficient in JavaScript, React, Node.js, Python, and SQL. Skilled in agile methodologies, test-driven development, and designing scalable and maintainable applications. Adept at collaborating with cross-functional teams, mentoring junior developers, and delivering high-quality solutions on time.

Passionate Chef with 8 years of experience in fine dining establishments. Skilled in menu planning, food preparation, presentation, and kitchen management. Expertise in various culinary techniques, flavor combinations, and dietary restrictions. Committed to using fresh, locally sourced ingredients and delivering exceptional dining experiences to patrons.

Human Resources Professional

Skilled Human Resources Professional with 5+ years of experience in talent acquisition, employee relations, and compliance. Proficient in recruitment strategies, onboarding processes, and performance management. Adept at maintaining accurate personnel records, administering benefits programs, and ensuring adherence to employment laws and regulations.

Registered Nurse

Dedicated Registered Nurse with 7 years of experience in critical care settings. Skilled in patient assessment, medication administration, and emergency response. Expertise in providing compassionate care, educating patients and families, and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams. Committed to upholding the highest standards of patient safety and quality care.

Experienced Accountant with 6+ years of expertise in financial reporting, auditing, and tax compliance. Proficient in Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), financial analysis, and accounting software. Skilled in preparing accurate financial statements, managing budgets, and identifying cost-saving opportunities. Adept at maintaining strict confidentiality and adhering to ethical standards.

Administrative Assistant

Versatile Administrative Assistant with 4 years of experience in fast-paced corporate environments. Skilled in managing calendars, coordinating meetings, and organizing travel arrangements. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and various office equipment. Adept at multitasking, prioritizing tasks, and providing exceptional customer service to internal and external stakeholders.

Project Manager

Seasoned Project Manager with 8+ years of experience leading cross-functional teams in delivering complex initiatives on time and within budget. Skilled in risk management, resource allocation, and stakeholder communication. Proficient in Agile methodologies, project management tools, and change management strategies. Adept at fostering collaboration, resolving conflicts, and ensuring project objectives are met.

Creative Copywriter with 6 years of experience crafting compelling content for various platforms, including websites, social media, email campaigns, and print advertisements. Skilled in adapting tone and style to resonate with target audiences. Expertise in SEO-optimized content, storytelling techniques, and persuasive writing. Adept at conducting market research and staying up-to-date with industry trends.

Mechanical Engineer

Experienced Mechanical Engineer with 7+ years of expertise in product design, prototyping, and manufacturing processes. Proficient in CAD software (AutoCAD, SolidWorks), finite element analysis, and quality assurance testing. Skilled in project management, vendor coordination, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. Adept at troubleshooting complex technical issues and proposing innovative solutions.

Social Worker

Dedicated Social Worker with 5 years of experience in providing support services to underprivileged communities. Skilled in case management, crisis intervention, and advocating for client rights. Expertise in conducting assessments, developing treatment plans, and facilitating group therapy sessions. Adept at building trust, maintaining confidentiality, and collaborating with community organizations.

Customer Service Representative

Versatile Customer Service Representative with 4 years of experience in handling inbound and outbound inquiries across multiple channels (phone, email, chat). Skilled in active listening, problem-solving, and conflict resolution. Proficient in CRM software and knowledgeable about product offerings. Adept at maintaining a positive attitude, even in high-pressure situations, and providing exceptional customer experiences.

Experienced Paralegal with 6+ years of expertise in legal research, document preparation, and case management. Proficient in legal terminology, litigation procedures, and legal software. Skilled in maintaining organized case files, communicating with clients, and ensuring adherence to deadlines. Adept at multitasking, attention to detail, and upholding confidentiality.

Fitness Instructor

Passionate Fitness Instructor with 5 years of experience leading group exercise classes and personal training sessions. Skilled in creating safe and effective workout routines tailored to individual fitness levels and goals. Expertise in various exercise modalities, proper form and technique, and injury prevention. Adept at motivating clients, fostering a supportive environment, and promoting overall wellness.

Makeup Artist

Creative Makeup Artist with 7 years of experience in bridal, editorial, and special events makeup. Skilled in color theory, contouring techniques, and makeup application for diverse skin tones. Proficient in airbrush makeup and special effects makeup. Adept at listening to client needs, keeping up with industry trends, and creating flawless and long-lasting looks.

Electrician

Skilled Electrician with 8+ years of experience in residential and commercial electrical installations and repairs. Proficient in reading blueprints, troubleshooting electrical issues, and ensuring compliance with electrical codes and safety regulations. Skilled in wiring, panel installations, and maintaining equipment. Adept at working independently and as part of a team, and providing exceptional customer service.

Retail Manager

Experienced Retail Manager with 6 years of expertise in leading and motivating sales teams, managing inventory, and driving store profitability. Skilled in visual merchandising, customer service, and implementing marketing strategies. Proficient in data analysis, budgeting, and loss prevention techniques. Adept at fostering a positive team culture, resolving conflicts, and ensuring operational efficiency.

Preschool Teacher

Dedicated Preschool Teacher with 5+ years of experience nurturing and educating young children. Skilled in creating developmentally appropriate lesson plans, incorporating play-based learning, and fostering social-emotional growth. Expertise in classroom management, positive reinforcement techniques, and collaborating with parents. Adept at cultivating a safe and inclusive environment where children can explore, learn, and thrive.

Construction Worker

Skilled Construction Worker with 7 years of experience in residential and commercial building projects. Proficient in reading blueprints, operating heavy machinery, and following safety protocols. Skilled in framing, concrete work, drywall installation, and finishing tasks. Adept at working independently or as part of a team, adapting to changing site conditions, and maintaining a clean and organized worksite.

Video Editor

Versatile Video Editor with 6+ years of experience in post-production for various industries, including film, television, and digital media. Skilled in editing software such as Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, and DaVinci Resolve. Expertise in color grading, motion graphics, and audio mixing. Adept at collaborating with directors, producers, and creative teams to bring creative visions to life.

Executive Assistant

Experienced Executive Assistant with 8 years of supporting high-level executives in fast-paced corporate environments. Skilled in managing complex schedules, organizing travel arrangements, and preparing presentations. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, email management, and maintaining confidentiality. Adept at multitasking, anticipating needs, and providing exceptional administrative support to ensure seamless operations.

Passionate Barista with 4 years of experience in creating high-quality coffee beverages and providing exceptional customer service. Skilled in operating commercial espresso machines, practicing latte art, and recommending drink pairings. Proficient in cash handling, inventory management, and maintaining a clean and organized workspace. Adept at building relationships with regular customers and creating a welcoming atmosphere.

Maintenance Technician

Skilled Maintenance Technician with 6+ years of experience in performing preventive maintenance, repairs, and troubleshooting for various systems and equipment. Proficient in plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and carpentry work. Skilled in reading technical manuals, adhering to safety protocols, and maintaining detailed records. Adept at prioritizing tasks, working independently or as part of a team, and providing excellent customer service.

Data Analyst

Experienced Data Analyst with 7 years of expertise in collecting, organizing, and interpreting complex data sets. Proficient in SQL, Python, and statistical analysis tools such as R and SPSS. Skilled in data visualization, identifying trends and patterns, and providing actionable insights to drive business decisions. Adept at collaborating with cross-functional teams and communicating findings to stakeholders.

Fashion Designer

Creative Fashion Designer with 5 years of experience in conceptualizing and producing original clothing lines. Skilled in sketching designs, pattern making, and garment construction. Proficient in trend research, fabric selection, and color theory. Adept at managing production timelines, collaborating with manufacturers, and adapting to evolving fashion trends.

Personal Trainer

Dedicated Personal Trainer with 6+ years of experience in developing customized fitness programs for diverse clients. Skilled in functional training, strength conditioning, and corrective exercise techniques. Proficient in conducting fitness assessments, tracking progress, and providing nutritional guidance. Adept at motivating clients, fostering a supportive environment, and promoting overall wellness.

Security Guard

Experienced Security Guard with 8 years of expertise in ensuring the safety and protection of people, property, and assets. Skilled in patrolling premises, monitoring surveillance systems, and responding to emergencies. Proficient in conflict resolution, report writing, and adhering to security protocols. Adept at remaining vigilant, observing suspicious activities, and maintaining a professional demeanor.

Skilled Carpenter with 7+ years of experience in residential and commercial construction projects. Proficient in reading blueprints, interpreting specifications, and operating power tools safely. Skilled in framing, trim work, cabinetry installation, and finishing carpentry tasks. Adept at collaborating with other tradespeople, working efficiently under tight deadlines, and delivering high-quality craftsmanship.

School Counselor

Dedicated School Counselor with 6 years of experience supporting students' academic, social, and emotional development. Skilled in individual and group counseling, crisis intervention, and conflict resolution. Proficient in developing and implementing school-wide programs and workshops. Adept at building trusting relationships, maintaining confidentiality, and collaborating with teachers, parents, and community resources.

Tax Accountant

Experienced Tax Accountant with 8 years of expertise in preparing individual and corporate tax returns, ensuring compliance with tax laws and regulations. Proficient in tax planning strategies, research, and analysis. Skilled in identifying potential deductions and credits to minimize tax liabilities. Adept at maintaining accurate records, meeting deadlines, and providing exceptional client service.

Pastry Chef

Passionate Pastry Chef with 5 years of experience in creating delectable desserts and baked goods for restaurants and catering events. Skilled in advanced baking techniques, ingredient selection, and plating/presentation. Proficient in managing kitchen operations, inventory control, and adhering to health and safety regulations. Adept at collaborating with culinary teams, developing new recipes, and delivering consistently high-quality products.

Automotive Technician

Skilled Automotive Technician with 7+ years of experience in diagnosing, repairing, and maintaining various vehicle makes and models. Proficient in using diagnostic tools, reading technical manuals, and performing preventive maintenance. Skilled in engine repair, brake systems, electrical systems, and emissions testing. Adept at providing excellent customer service, explaining technical issues clearly, and adhering to safety protocols.

Nonprofit Fundraiser

Dedicated Nonprofit Fundraiser with 6 years of experience in developing and implementing successful fundraising campaigns. Skilled in donor cultivation, event planning, and grant writing. Proficient in donor database management, budgeting, and financial reporting. Adept at building relationships with stakeholders, leveraging social media for outreach, and effectively communicating the organization's mission and impact.

Clinical Research Associate

Experienced Clinical Research Associate with 8+ years of expertise in coordinating and monitoring clinical trials for pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. Proficient in study protocols, regulatory compliance, and data management. Skilled in site initiation, patient recruitment, and conducting site visits. Adept at maintaining accurate documentation, communicating with principal investigators, and ensuring the safety and well-being of study participants.

Content Writer

Versatile Content Writer with 5 years of experience creating engaging and SEO-optimized content for websites, blogs, and social media platforms. Skilled in researching topics, adapting writing styles, and tailoring content to target audiences. Proficient in content management systems, editing tools, and multimedia integration. Adept at meeting deadlines, collaborating with creative teams, and consistently delivering high-quality written materials.

Skilled Electrician with 7+ years of experience in residential and commercial electrical installations, maintenance, and repairs. Proficient in reading electrical diagrams, interpreting building codes, and following safety protocols. Skilled in wiring, panel installations, troubleshooting electrical issues, and performing preventive maintenance. Adept at working independently or as part of a team, providing exceptional customer service, and adhering to project timelines.

Events Coordinator

Experienced Events Coordinator with 6 years of expertise in planning and executing successful corporate, social, and nonprofit events. Skilled in venue selection, vendor management, and logistics coordination. Proficient in budgeting, marketing, and event promotion. Adept at multitasking, problem-solving, and delivering memorable experiences while adhering to clients' specifications and budgets.

Speech-Language Pathologist

Dedicated Speech-Language Pathologist with 5+ years of experience working with individuals across the lifespan who have communication and swallowing disorders. Skilled in conducting comprehensive evaluations, developing individualized treatment plans, and providing evidence-based interventions. Proficient in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices and techniques. Adept at collaborating with families, caregivers, and multidisciplinary teams to improve patients' quality of life.

Database Administrator

Experienced Database Administrator with 7 years of expertise in designing, implementing, and maintaining complex database systems. Proficient in SQL, database security, backup and recovery procedures, and performance tuning. Skilled in data modeling, query optimization, and ensuring data integrity. Adept at collaborating with development teams, providing technical support, and adhering to best practices for data management.

Floral Designer

Passionate Floral Designer with 6+ years of experience creating beautiful and unique floral arrangements for weddings, events, and daily sales. Skilled in color theory, design principles, and understanding the symbolism of different flowers. Proficient in maintaining fresh flower inventory, managing budgets, and providing exceptional customer service. Adept at interpreting clients' visions, staying up-to-date with trends, and delivering exceptional floral designs.

Skilled Plumber with 8 years of experience in residential and commercial plumbing installations, repairs, and maintenance. Proficient in reading blueprints, interpreting plumbing codes, and following safety protocols. Skilled in pipe fitting, water heater installation, drain cleaning, and troubleshooting plumbing issues. Adept at working efficiently, providing accurate estimates, and delivering high-quality workmanship to customer satisfaction.

Human Resources Generalist

Experienced Human Resources Generalist with 7+ years of expertise in various HR functions, including recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, and compliance. Proficient in maintaining personnel records, administering benefits programs, and ensuring adherence to labor laws and regulations. Skilled in conflict resolution, conducting training sessions, and implementing HR policies and procedures. Adept at fostering a positive work environment and providing support to employees and management.

Social Media Manager

Dedicated Social Media Manager with 5 years of experience developing and executing successful social media strategies for businesses and brands. Skilled in content creation, community management, and social media advertising. Proficient in analytics tools, monitoring trends, and adapting to platform updates. Adept at leveraging social media to increase brand awareness, engage with audiences, and drive website traffic and conversions.

Experienced Sous Chef with 6+ years of expertise in managing kitchen operations, overseeing food preparation, and ensuring adherence to health and safety regulations. Skilled in menu planning, inventory management, and cost control. Proficient in training and supervising culinary staff, maintaining high standards of quality and consistency. Adept at collaborating with executive chefs, adapting to changing demands, and leading teams in fast-paced environments.

Versatile Graphic Designer with 7 years of experience creating visually compelling designs for print, digital, and multimedia platforms. Skilled in branding, layout design, typography, and color theory. Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite, including Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. Adept at interpreting client requirements, adhering to brand guidelines, and consistently delivering high-quality designs that effectively communicate messages.

Music Teacher

Dedicated Music Teacher with 8+ years of experience teaching instrumental and vocal music to students of various ages and skill levels. Skilled in lesson planning, classroom management, and incorporating diverse teaching methodologies. Proficient in music theory, sight-reading, and performance techniques. Adept at fostering a love for music, providing constructive feedback, and preparing students for recitals and competitions.

Logistics Coordinator

Experienced Logistics Coordinator with 6 years of expertise in managing the transportation, storage, and distribution of goods and materials. Skilled in route planning, coordinating shipments, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Proficient in supply chain management software, tracking systems, and communication with carriers and vendors. Adept at problem-solving, optimizing processes, and ensuring timely and cost-effective deliveries.

Heavy Equipment Operator

Skilled Heavy Equipment Operator with 7+ years of experience operating various machinery, including excavators, bulldozers, and cranes. Proficient in reading construction plans, performing pre-operational inspections, and adhering to safety protocols. Skilled in grading, trenching, and material handling tasks. Adept at maintaining equipment, troubleshooting mechanical issues, and working efficiently in challenging job site conditions.

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

Dedicated Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) with 5 years of experience providing compassionate care to patients in hospitals and long-term care facilities. Skilled in assisting with activities of daily living, monitoring vital signs, and documenting patient information accurately. Proficient in following care plans, maintaining patient safety, and adhering to healthcare regulations. Adept at building positive relationships with patients and collaborating with nursing staff.

Marketing Coordinator

Experienced Marketing Coordinator with 6+ years of expertise in supporting and executing marketing campaigns across various channels. Skilled in content creation, social media management, and email marketing. Proficient in project management, data analysis, and tracking campaign performance. Adept at collaborating with cross-functional teams, adhering to brand guidelines, and ensuring consistent messaging.

Landscape Designer

Passionate Landscape Designer with 8 years of experience creating functional and aesthetically pleasing outdoor spaces. Skilled in site analysis, plant selection, hardscape design, and sustainable landscaping practices. Proficient in AutoCAD, rendering software, and project management. Adept at interpreting client needs, adhering to local regulations, and delivering creative solutions within budgets.

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

Skilled Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) with 7+ years of experience providing pre-hospital emergency care and transportation services. Proficient in assessing patient conditions, administering first aid, and operating advanced life support equipment. Skilled in effective communication, remaining calm under pressure, and adhering to medical protocols. Adept at collaborating with other emergency responders and ensuring patient safety during transport.

Business Analyst

Experienced Business Analyst with 6 years of expertise in analyzing business processes, identifying inefficiencies, and proposing solutions for improvement. Skilled in data gathering, process mapping, and requirements documentation. Proficient in project management methodologies, stakeholder management, and facilitating workshops. Adept at communicating complex information, providing training, and supporting system implementations.

Art Teacher

Dedicated Art Teacher with 5+ years of experience fostering creativity and nurturing artistic talents in students of various ages. Skilled in developing engaging lesson plans, incorporating diverse media and techniques, and adapting instruction to different learning styles. Proficient in art history, aesthetics, and art criticism. Adept at creating an inclusive and supportive classroom environment that encourages self-expression and appreciation for the arts.

Skilled Welder with 8 years of experience in various welding processes, including MIG, TIG, and stick welding. Proficient in reading blueprints, interpreting welding symbols, and following safety protocols. Skilled in fabrication, repair work, and performing quality inspections. Adept at working with different metals, operating specialized equipment, and maintaining a clean and organized work area.

Front Desk Receptionist

Experienced Front Desk Receptionist with 7+ years of expertise in providing exceptional customer service in professional office environments. Skilled in greeting visitors, managing phone systems, scheduling appointments, and maintaining accurate records. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and office equipment. Adept at multitasking, problem-solving, and maintaining a professional demeanor in high-traffic areas.

Personal Chef

Passionate Personal Chef with 6 years of experience preparing customized meals for clients with diverse dietary needs and preferences. Skilled in menu planning, grocery shopping, food preparation, and plating techniques. Proficient in kitchen organization, inventory management, and adhering to food safety regulations. Adept at interpreting clients' preferences, experimenting with new recipes, and delivering high-quality culinary experiences.

IT Support Technician

Skilled IT Support Technician with 5+ years of experience providing technical assistance and troubleshooting hardware, software, and network issues. Proficient in installing and configuring operating systems, applications, and peripherals. Skilled in diagnosing and resolving various technical problems, documenting incidents, and providing training. Adept at handling technical queries, communicating complex information clearly, and delivering excellent customer service.

Physical Therapist Assistant

Dedicated Physical Therapist Assistant with 6 years of experience assisting licensed physical therapists in developing and implementing treatment plans. Skilled in therapeutic exercises, modalities, and patient education. Proficient in documenting patient progress, adhering to safety protocols, and maintaining treatment areas. Adept at building rapport with patients, providing encouragement, and fostering a positive rehabilitation environment.

Payroll Specialist

Experienced Payroll Specialist with 7+ years of expertise in processing payroll for organizations of varying sizes. Skilled in calculating wages, deductions, and tax withholdings. Proficient in payroll software, maintaining accurate records, and ensuring compliance with labor laws and regulations. Adept at meeting deadlines, resolving payroll discrepancies, and providing exceptional customer service to employees.

Yoga Instructor

Passionate Yoga Instructor with 8 years of experience teaching various yoga styles and guiding students through safe and effective practices. Skilled in proper alignment cues, breathing techniques, and modifications for different ability levels. Proficient in creating engaging sequences, incorporating mindfulness practices, and cultivating a welcoming studio environment. Adept at motivating and inspiring students to deepen their practice.

Skilled Carpenter with 6+ years of experience in residential and commercial construction projects. Proficient in reading blueprints, interpreting specifications, and operating power tools safely. Skilled in framing, trim work, cabinetry installation, and finishing carpentry tasks. Adept at collaborating with other tradespeople, working efficiently under tight deadlines, and delivering high-quality craftsmanship.

Mobile App Developer

Experienced Mobile App Developer with 7 years of expertise in designing and developing user-friendly applications for iOS and Android platforms. Proficient in programming languages such as Swift, Kotlin, and Java. Skilled in UI/UX design, API integration, and implementing security measures. Adept at collaborating with cross-functional teams, adhering to development lifecycles, and delivering high-performance applications.

Flight Attendant

Dedicated Flight Attendant with 5+ years of experience providing exceptional customer service and ensuring passenger safety on domestic and international flights. Skilled in emergency procedures, cabin service, and crowd management. Proficient in multiple languages and adept at handling stressful situations calmly. Committed to maintaining a positive attitude and creating a comfortable travel experience for all passengers.

Skilled Automotive Technician with 8 years of experience in diagnosing, repairing, and maintaining various vehicle makes and models. Proficient in using diagnostic tools, reading technical manuals, and performing preventive maintenance. Skilled in engine repair, brake systems, electrical systems, and emissions testing. Adept at providing excellent customer service, explaining technical issues clearly, and adhering to safety protocols.

Multimedia Artist

Creative Multimedia Artist with 6+ years of experience in producing engaging visual and audio content for various platforms. Skilled in video editing, motion graphics, 3D animation, and sound design. Proficient in industry-standard software such as Adobe Creative Cloud and Autodesk Maya. Adept at collaborating with creative teams, interpreting client visions, and delivering high-quality multimedia projects on time.

Digital Marketer

Experienced Digital Marketer with 7 years of expertise in developing and executing successful online marketing strategies. Skilled in search engine optimization (SEO), pay-per-click (PPC) advertising, social media marketing, and email campaigns. Proficient in analytics tools, A/B testing, and measuring campaign performance. Adept at identifying target audiences, optimizing conversion rates, and driving online engagement and sales.

Special Education Teacher

Dedicated Special Education Teacher with 6+ years of experience working with students who have diverse learning needs and disabilities. Skilled in developing individualized education plans (IEPs), implementing accommodations and modifications, and utilizing assistive technologies. Proficient in behavior management strategies, progress monitoring, and collaborating with parents and support specialists. Adept at fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment that promotes academic, social, and emotional growth.

Skilled Electrician with 8 years of experience in residential and commercial electrical installations, repairs, and maintenance. Proficient in reading blueprints, interpreting electrical codes, and following safety protocols. Skilled in wiring, panel installations, troubleshooting electrical issues, and performing preventive maintenance. Adept at working efficiently, providing accurate estimates, and delivering high-quality workmanship to customer satisfaction.

Hotel Front Desk Agent

Experienced Hotel Front Desk Agent with 7+ years of expertise in providing exceptional guest service and managing all aspects of the check-in and check-out processes. Skilled in handling reservations, resolving guest inquiries, and addressing complaints promptly. Proficient in property management systems, upselling techniques, and maintaining a professional demeanor. Adept at multitasking in a fast-paced environment and ensuring a positive guest experience.

Passionate Floral Designer with 5 years of experience creating beautiful and unique floral arrangements for weddings, events, and daily sales. Skilled in color theory, design principles, and understanding the symbolism of different flowers. Proficient in maintaining fresh flower inventory, managing budgets, and providing exceptional customer service. Adept at interpreting clients' visions, staying up-to-date with trends, and delivering exceptional floral designs.

HVAC Technician

Skilled HVAC Technician with 6+ years of experience in installation, maintenance, and repair of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. Proficient in troubleshooting mechanical issues, reading blueprints, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. Skilled in preventive maintenance, customer service, and providing detailed explanations to clients. Adept at working efficiently and maintaining a clean work environment.

Non-Profit Program Coordinator

Dedicated Non-Profit Program Coordinator with 7 years of experience managing community outreach initiatives and delivering impactful programs. Skilled in event planning, volunteer coordination, and grant proposal writing. Proficient in project management, budgeting, and reporting. Adept at building relationships with stakeholders, promoting the organization's mission, and ensuring program objectives are met within established timelines and resources.

Tax Preparer

Experienced Tax Preparer with 8+ years of expertise in preparing individual and business tax returns, ensuring compliance with tax laws and regulations. Proficient in tax planning strategies, research, and analysis. Skilled in identifying potential deductions and credits to minimize tax liabilities. Adept at maintaining accurate records, meeting deadlines, and providing exceptional client service.

Versatile Administrative Assistant with 6 years of experience in supporting executives and managing office operations. Skilled in calendar management, travel arrangements, and preparing reports and presentations. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, database management, and office equipment. Adept at multitasking, prioritizing tasks, and maintaining strict confidentiality.

Truck Driver

Skilled Truck Driver with 7+ years of experience operating various commercial vehicles, including semi-trucks, tankers, and flatbeds. Proficient in adhering to safety regulations, securing loads, and maintaining accurate logs. Skilled in defensive driving techniques, route planning, and basic vehicle maintenance. Adept at handling challenging road conditions and delivering loads on time while ensuring the safety of cargo and other motorists.

Cosmetologist

Passionate Cosmetologist with 6 years of experience providing a wide range of hair, nail, and skincare services. Skilled in cutting, coloring, styling, makeup application, and waxing. Proficient in the latest techniques and products, as well as sanitation and safety protocols. Adept at building rapport with clients, providing consultations, and ensuring a relaxing and enjoyable salon experience.

Civil Engineer

Experienced Civil Engineer with 8+ years of expertise in designing, planning, and overseeing construction projects involving infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and utilities. Proficient in AutoCAD, structural analysis software, and project management methodologies. Skilled in performing site evaluations, calculating material requirements, and ensuring compliance with building codes and regulations. Adept at collaborating with architects, contractors, and government agencies to deliver high-quality, sustainable solutions.

Medical Laboratory Technician

Dedicated Medical Laboratory Technician with 6 years of experience performing various laboratory tests and analyses. Skilled in specimen collection, processing, and handling hazardous materials safely. Proficient in operating and maintaining laboratory equipment, calibrating instruments, and ensuring quality control measures. Adept at following standard operating procedures, maintaining accurate records, and collaborating with medical professionals to provide precise and timely results.

Skilled Jeweler with 7+ years of experience in crafting and repairing fine jewelry. Proficient in metalsmithing techniques, gemstone setting, and working with precious metals and stones. Skilled in custom design, restoration, and appraisals. Adept at providing exceptional customer service, interpreting client requests, and adhering to industry standards and safety protocols.

Sales Manager

Experienced Sales Manager with 8 years of expertise in leading and motivating high-performing sales teams. Skilled in developing and implementing effective sales strategies, forecasting, and managing sales pipelines. Proficient in customer relationship management, contract negotiation, and delivering persuasive presentations. Adept at analyzing market trends, identifying growth opportunities, and driving revenue growth while fostering a positive, results-driven sales culture.

Childhood Educator

Dedicated Early Childhood Educator with 5+ years of experience nurturing and facilitating the development of young children in daycare and preschool settings. Skilled in creating age-appropriate curricula, incorporating play-based learning, and fostering social-emotional growth. Proficient in classroom management, positive reinforcement techniques, and building relationships with families. Adept at creating a safe, inclusive, and stimulating learning environment that promotes curiosity and creativity.

Veterinary Technician

Experienced Veterinary Technician with 7 years of expertise in providing compassionate care and support to animals in clinical settings. Skilled in animal handling, administering medications, collecting samples, and assisting with surgeries and treatments. Proficient in maintaining medical records, performing laboratory tests, and following safety protocols. Adept at communicating effectively with pet owners, offering education, and ensuring the well-being of animal patients.

Skilled Locksmith with 6+ years of experience in installing, repairing, and rekeying various types of locks and security systems. Proficient in key duplication, master keying, and safe opening techniques. Skilled in troubleshooting and resolving complex lock issues. Adept at providing exceptional customer service, offering consultations, and ensuring the security of residential, commercial, and automotive properties.

Passionate Fitness Instructor with 8 years of experience leading group exercise classes and personal training sessions. Skilled in creating safe and effective workout routines tailored to individual fitness levels and goals. Expertise in various exercise modalities, proper form and technique, and injury prevention. Adept at motivating clients, fostering a supportive environment, and promoting overall wellness.

Financial Advisor

Dedicated Financial Advisor with 7+ years of experience providing personalized financial planning and investment management services. Skilled in portfolio analysis, risk assessment, and developing long-term strategies aligned with clients' goals. Proficient in retirement planning, tax planning, and estate planning. Adept at building trusting relationships, maintaining ethical standards, and delivering comprehensive financial solutions.

Executive Chef

Experienced Executive Chef with 9 years of expertise in leading and managing commercial kitchen operations. Skilled in menu development, recipe creation, and ensuring consistent food quality and presentation. Proficient in food cost control, inventory management, and kitchen staff training. Adept at adapting to changing demands, maintaining a safe and hygienic work environment, and delivering exceptional culinary experiences.

Build Resume with Perfect Summary with TalenCat CV Maker

TalenCat CV Maker is an AI-powered resume editor that provides a wide variety of built-in resume modules to maximize the customization of your resume. With TalenCat CV Maker, you can build your resume with various content modules:

  • Basic Information
  • Self-Summary
  • Education Information
  • Work Experience
  • Project Experience
  • Volunteer Experience

Also, you can add a custom section to customize more unique content. In each section, you can even utilize generative AI to help you improve the efficiency and quality of content.

talencat cv maker content modules

If you want to write an effective personal summary for your resume, TalenCat CV Maker is definitely the best option for you.

In summary, crafting an compelling personal summary is crucial for grabbing the attention of hiring managers and making a strong first impression with your resume. The examples provided illustrate how to effectively highlight your most relevant qualifications, skills, and experiences in a concise and compelling way across various industries and roles.

When writing your personal summary, focus on distinguishing yourself as the ideal candidate by emphasizing your unique value proposition and alignment with the specific job requirements. Remember to tailor your summary for each application, quantify your achievements where possible, and utilize strong action verbs to add impact.

With TalenCat CV Maker's AI-powered resume builder, you can leverage built-in modules and generative AI assistance to streamline the process of creating an attention-grabbing personal summary that positions you as the top choice for the role. Invest time in crafting a powerful personal statement to make your resume stand out and increase your chances of securing an interview opportunity.

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What personal details to put on a CV (2024 Guide + Examples)

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A common question we are often asked is,

“What personal details should I put on my CV?”

The short answer is that the personal details section of a good CV should only contain the following four pieces of personal information of the applicant; name, home address, telephone number and e-mail address.

It is optional to include a link to your LinkedIn profile or personal website.

Other personal details, such as date of birth, gender, marital status, nationality and national insurance number, should be left out of your CV. These things are outdated, irrelevant to your ability to do the job and will harm your job application.

Use the guide below to get up-to-date information on what personal details to include or omit from your CV to improve your chances of securing job interviews.

Let’s get started!

The personal details section of a CV

Telephone number.

  • E-mail address

LinkedIn profile and/or personal website

Date of birth, place of birth, nationality, marital status, details of children, current or last salary, reason for leaving current job, willingness to relocate, religious beliefs, driving licence details, health status, national insurance number, a word about equal opportunities questionnaires.

The personal details section is located right at the top of your CV and it is the first thing that recruiters will see when they review your CV.

The following is an example of a personal details section of a CV:

Personal details section on a CV

Providing contact information

Putting your contact details at the top of the first page of your CV will make it easier for employers to identify and contact you.

An employer or recruiter will not try to get hold of you on several occasions, so you must provide clear contact details and regularly check your messages, emails and postal mail after submitting job applications.

The good news is the personal details section of your CV is not too difficult to compile because it is just about the factual details of your life.

What personal details to include on your CV

The number of personal information that should be on a CV can be counted on the fingers of one hand, they are; name, address, telephone number and email address.

The first essential personal information that your CV must contain is your name.

It is recommended to display it in slightly larger type than the rest of the contact details, in boldface and centred on the page.

Guidelines for writing your name on your CV:

  • There is no need to put ‘curriculum vitae’ or ‘CV’ at the top of the first page because it is obvious what the document is. Instead, make your name the main heading of your CV .
  • There is no need to add an honorific title such as Mr, Mrs, Miss or Ms in front of your name.
  • Middle names are unnecessary; only include your first and last name. For example, ‘William Smith’, not ‘William Anderson Harold Smith’!
  • To avoid confusion, decide on the name you want to be referred to and stick to this throughout. For example, should people call you David or Dave?
  • If you have more than one name (for instance married women who also use their maiden name), make sure you use the name that you would want to be called if you were employed for the job.
  • It is recommended to put your name in the footer of every page of your CV. Recruiters are human too and can mislay or mix up piles of applications. Named pages will ensure your application can be easily reunited if necessary.
  • Give your CV a meaningful file name. Some applicants save their CVs as CV.docx or MyCV.pdf, making it harder for employers to find and identify the owner of the document. Instead, use the format YourName_CV, for example; JohnSmith_CV.docx or JoSanders_CV.pdf.

The second essential information that you must include on your CV is your current address. Employers may want to send you your employment contract through the post or keep your address on file as standard HR practice.

Including your address on your CV could also have several benefits.

Your home address can be a positive trust indicator that you are local, established and/or settled in a particular location rather than being always on the go or not having a permanent address.

Your address could also give your job application a boost when applying for local jobs because employers usually give preference to local applicants over those that commute long distances to work.

Guidelines:

  • Make your address short and concise. It should only consist of your house number, street name, city and full postcode.
  • There is no need to write the county (e.g. South Yorkshire) or country (e.g. United Kingdom) name if you’re applying for jobs in the same country.

It is recommended to use your mobile phone as your preferred point of contact. With a mobile phone number, employers can contact you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

  • During your job hunt, ensure you keep your phone charged, have credit to make calls and check for voicemails regularly. Employers are unlikely to ring you back if they can’t get hold of you or if you don’t reply to their voicemail messages.
  • Double check the number is correct. It would be awkward if the employer dials the number and a person picks up who has never heard of you!
  • Try to stick to just one number if you can – it’s far simpler and quicker for the person trying to contact you if there is only one option.
  • If you are going to use your home number, make sure your answering machine or voicemail works properly or that a family member knows how to take a message. Getting home to find you’ve been invited to interview but no one can tell you when, or with whom, would be very frustrating!
  • You don’t need to include the international dialling code (e.g. +44) for your country unless you are applying for jobs in other countries.
  • If you’re currently working, do not give your work telephone number unless your manager is aware that you are looking for a job and is supportive. It’s unprofessional, too risky and can cause conflict between you and the employer. Most people do not usually want their present employer to know that they have been applying for other jobs.

Email address

Your email address is the last piece of essential contact information that you must include on your CV. In today’s digital world, employers will 90% of the time contact you via email instead of the post.

Your job interview invitation or employment contract may also be sent to you electronically so double check the email address has been written correctly, even a single letter or number out of place will prevent incoming mail from reaching you.

  • Make sure your email address is professional. Many recruiters still report seeing inappropriate email addresses on CVs, such as [email protected] , [email protected] or [email protected] . Keep your name the central focus of the address, even if you do include some numbers and make it as simple as possible. [email protected] is infinitely better than [email protected] ; it is instantly clear who it belongs it and is less likely to be entered incorrectly.
  • Use your personal e-mail address rather than your work e-mail address. Corinne Mills, a well-known career professional and HR executive, writes in You’re hired, how to write a brilliant CV (pg.9) : “Try using a personal email address for your job-searching activities rather than your current work email (if you have one). Many companies now have an internet and email policy that warns employees that their facilities are for company business only and they will take action over appropriate use. It’s not a great idea to risk disciplinary proceedings when you are looking for your next job.”

Optional personal details to include

You can add a link to your LinkedIn profile or personal website/portfolio if they contain additional information that could strengthen your job application.

  • LinkedIn profile: It allows employers to gain a better insight into your career history, number of professional connections and any recommendations or references you have received from other professionals.
  • Personal website: You may have a professional portfolio that you wish to share with the employer, for example, if you are a graphics designer, consultant or architect.

Tip: Keep your LinkedIn profile and personal website up to date with your latest information.

What personal details NOT to include on your CV

There are certain personal information that you used to be commonly put on CVs but new anti-discrimination laws have made these details irrelevant today.

Don’t write your date of birth on your CV . Recent anti-discrimination laws mean that employers must consider your suitability for the job based on your skills and experience, not on your age.

Benefits of omitting your date of birth from your CV

  • It will reduce the likelihood of age discrimination
  • It will free up valuable space on your CV that can be utilised for more important information
  • It will decrease the risk of identity fraud

Exception: If you’re applying for something in which age is an important consideration, such as a course that is only available to a certain age group or an apprenticeship with a cut-off upper age, then it makes sense to include your date of birth on your CV.

Where you were born is irrelevant.

As long as it was somewhere on planet earth, you’re good to go.

Don’t write your nationality on your CV unless you’re a foreign national and wish to inform the employer about your work eligibility in the country.

A short statement such as “Polish, eligible to work in the UK”, will suffice.

It may also be useful to write your nationality on your CV if you’re applying for certain governmental jobs for which eligibility is partly based on one’s citizenship of that country. This is usually the case for national security and civil service jobs.

Including a photograph on your CV tells a prospective employer: “I want to be judged on my appearance rather than on my relevant work experience and qualifications.”

Photographs may be essential on social media platforms but they have no place on a CV.

Employers asking for photographs is extremely unusual in the UK, mainly due to powerful anti-discrimination laws. Unless you have explicitly been asked to provide your photograph or are applying for jobs where looks matter, for example being an actor, model, presenter or performer, don’t put your photograph on your CV.

Note: Different countries have different rules.

A standard CV in the UK, USA and most of Europe should not include the gender of the applicant.

Four reasons not to put your gender on your CV :

  • Your gender is irrelevant to your ability to do the job
  • It takes up valuable space on your CV
  • It diverts the employer’s attention from other important information, e.g. your skills, qualifications and work experience
  • It doesn’t provide much information as employers can usually derive from your name whether you’re a male or female.

Marital status is another outdated piece of information that you shouldn’t put on your CV.

The employer does not need to know whether you’re single, married, divorced, remarried or engaged. As long as you are a strong candidate for the role, that’s all they care about.

Many CVs still include the ages, sexes and even the names of the applicant’s children. Leave these out. The number and names of your children are irrelevant to your ability to do the job and are a prime source of prejudice. You may be a strong candidate, regardless of whether you have no children or are a chief of your own large tribe.

Roughly speaking, employers expect you to be earning within plus or minus 10% of the salary they are offering. It may put them off if this is not the case.

One jobseeker in a well-paid job found that disclosing his current salary on his CV acted as a deterrent to employers. They either felt he was unlikely to stay on a lower salary or that he was overqualified for the role.

Similarly, if you’re last salary is significantly lower than what the employer is offering, you may not be taken seriously for the role.

For this reason, never disclose your current or last salary on your CV.

There is no need to state your reasons for leaving a job on your CV, particularly if there was a conflict with the previous employer.

People leave jobs for a variety of reasons, including lack of progression opportunities, needing to earn more money, conflict with the employer, moving to a new city, boredom, making a career change, being made redundant or for health reasons.

Most of these motives are unflattering to the candidate so it is best not to say disclose this information on your CV. If employers are truly interested in knowing this information, they inquire about it at the job interview.

If you are applying for a job which is far from where you live, it may be useful to add some context to explain how you will get to work every day.

If you are willing to relocate, add a short statement to this effect next to or under your address at the top of your CV. Indicate which areas of the world you would be prepared to work in; for example, ‘Prepared to relocate within the UK.’

You may not want to be too specific here, for example, by restricting your relocation to a specific town or city.

Only refer to your religion if you’re applying for jobs in which your religious beliefs matter. For most jobs, this information is completely irrelevant and it can lead to discrimination against you.

The status of your driving licence usually only matters if driving is an essential part of the job. For most applicants, this won’t be the case so they should not put their driving license information on your CV. There is, however, an exception to this rule which applies to young people or those that are just starting their careers:

If you have few qualifications or little work experience, you may put driving as a life skill in your CV’s skills section to show the employer that you have the ability to learn and drive a vehicle. Simply write, ‘Full, clean driving licence.’ Employers may be impressed by a clean license.

If the licence is not clean, however, you should indicate that you have a full driving licence only. Never state your driving licence number, speeding convictions or penalty points on your CV!

You are under no obligation to mention any disability or health problems when applying for jobs. If you need additional support or assistance due to your disability (e.g. you are a wheelchair user), you could inform the employer of this on the application form, your cover letter or by calling them directly – never put this information on your CV.

It used to be the case that applicants who applied for jobs in which physical fitness was an important consideration, for example, swimming instructor or physical fitness trainer, they would add a ‘health’ tag along with the statement, “Fit and healthy.”

This is no longer required and employers will be able to assess your general health status from other information on your CV, such as your work experience or hobbies.

The official National Insurance guidelines of the UK government state,

“To prevent identity fraud, keep your National Insurance number safe. Do not share it with anyone who does not need it.”

This means that you should not make your National Insurance number on your CV and make it accessible to everyone because you cannot control who will access your CV once you have posted it online or sent it via email to employers.

You may be asked to provide personal details such as gender, ethnicity and race on a separate form called an equal opportunities questionnaire.

It’s OK to provide this information because employers collect them to track their Equal Opportunities performance, not to influence recruitment.

The information you provide is strictly confidential and won’t impact the outcome of your application.

Your CV is your personal sales brochure tailored to impress the employer and invite you to an interview. It should not be cluttered with irrelevant personal details such as your date of birth, gender, marital status and nationality. Instead, only include your key personal information such as your name, address, telephone number and email address.

Good luck with your job hunt!

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How to Make a Resume in 2024 | Beginner's Guide

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For most job-seekers, a good resume is what stands between a dream job and Choice D. Get your resume right, and you’ll be getting replies from every other company you apply to.

If your resume game is weak, though, you’ll end up sitting around for weeks, maybe even months, before you even get a single response.

So you’re probably wondering how you can write a resume that gets you an interview straight up.

Well, you’ve come to the right place!

In this guide, we’re going to teach you everything you need to know about how to make a resume, including:

  • The 8 Essential Steps to Writing a Resume
  • 11+ Exclusive Resume Tips to Up Your Resume Game
  • 27+ Real-Life Resume Examples for Different Professions

….and more!

So, let’s dive right in.

How to Make a Resume (The Right Way!)

Before we go into detail about how you should make a resume, here’s a summary of the most important steps and tips to keep in mind:

how to write a resume

  • Choose a resume format carefully. In 99% of cases, we recommend the reverse-chronological format .
  • Add the right contact details. Leave your headshot out and make sure to include your job title , a professional email address, and any relevant links. (E.g.: your LinkedIn profile , online portfolio, personal website, etc.).
  • Write an impactful resume summary. Unless you’re an entry-level professional, always go for a resume summary. If you do it right, it’s your chance to get the hiring manager to go through the rest of your resume in detail.
  • Pay attention to your work experience section. Take your work experience section from OK-ish to exceptional by tailoring it to the job ad, making your achievements quantifiable, and using action verbs and power words.
  • Add the right skills for the job. Keep this section relevant by only including the hard and soft skills that are required for the position.
  • Keep your education short and to the point. Your most recent and highest degree is more than enough for a strong education section. You only need to add more details here if you’re a recent graduate with barely any work experience.
  • Leverage optional resume sections. Optional sections like languages, hobbies, certifications, independent projects, and others can set you apart from other candidates with similar skills and experience.
  • Include a cover letter. That’s right, cover letters matter in 2024, and the best way to supplement your resume is by adding an equally well-crafted cover letter to your job application. To make the most of it, check out our detailed guide on how to write a cover letter .

To get the most out of our tips, you can head over to the resume builder and start building your resume on the go as you read this guide.

New to resume-making? Give our ‘7 Resume Tips’ video a watch before diving into the article!

#1. Pick the Right Resume Format

Before you start filling in the contents of your resume, you have to make sure it’s going to look good. 

After all, the first thing hiring managers notice is what your resume looks like, and then they start reading it. So, this is your best chance to make a great first impression.

Start by choosing the right resume format.

There are three types of resume formats out there:

  • Reverse-chronological. This is by far the most popular resume format worldwide and, as such, it’s the best format for most job-seekers.
  • Functional. This resume format focuses more on skills than work experience. It’s a good choice if you’re just getting started with your career and have little to no experience in the field.
  • Combination. The combination resume format is a great choice for experienced job-seekers with a very diverse skill set. It’s useful if you’re applying for a role that requires expertise in several different fields and you want to show all that in your resume.

So, which one should you go for?

In 99% of cases, you want to stick to the reverse-chronological resume format . It’s the most popular format and what hiring managers expect to see. So, in the rest of this guide, we’re going to focus on teaching you how to make a reverse-chronological resume.

reverse chronological resume

Fix Your Resume’s Layout

With formatting out of the way, let’s talk about your resume’s layout , which determines the overall look of your resume. 

Does it look organized or cluttered? Is it too short or too long? Is it boring and easy to ignore, or is it reader-friendly and attention-grabbing?

Here are some of the best practices you should apply:

  • Stick to one page. You should only go for a two-page resume if you have decades of experience and you’re sure the extra space will add significant value. Hiring managers in big companies get hundreds of applications per job opening. They’re not going to spend their valuable time reading your life story!
  • Add clear section headings. Pick a heading and use it for all the section headers so the hiring manager can easily navigate through your resume.
  • Adjust the margins. Without the right amount of white space, your resume will end up looking overcrowded with information. Set your margins to one inch on all sides so your text fits just right on the page.
  • Choose a professional font. We’d recommend sticking to a font that’s professional but not overused. For example, Ubuntu, Roboto, or Overpass. Avoid Times New Roman, and never use Comic Sans.
  • Set the correct font size. As a rule of thumb, go for 11-12 pt for normal text and 14-16 pt for section titles.
  • Use a PDF file. Always save your resume as a PDF file, unless the employer specifically requests otherwise. Word files are popular, but there’s a good chance they’ll mess up your resume’s formatting.

Another thing you need to consider in terms of your resume’s layout is whether you’re going for a traditional-looking resume template or something a bit more modern :

traditional vs modern resume

If you’re pursuing a career in a more traditional industry, like law , banking , or finance , you might want to stick to the first.

But if you’re applying to a tech company where imagination and innovation are valued, you can pick a more creative resume template .

Want to Save Time? Use a (Free) Resume Template

Anyone who’s ever tried creating a resume from scratch knows how boring the formatting can be.

Before you can even start filling in the contents, you need to tweak the margins, adjust font sizes, and make sure everything fits into one page while still looking good.

What if you could skip past all that and still create a compelling resume?

Try one of our free resume templates . They’re pre-formatted, so all you have to do is fill in the contents.

They’re also created in collaboration with recruiters from around the globe, ensuring that the templates are visually appealing and ATS-friendly!

See for yourself how one of our templates compares to a resume created in a standard text editor:

novoresume vs text editor

#2. Add Your Contact Information

Now that we’ve got all the formatting out of the way, let’s get into what your resume is all about— the information you put on it .

The first thing you want to do when filling out the contents of your resume is to add your contact information .

This section is pretty straightforward but crucial. Your contact details belong at the top of your resume in a designated resume header , so the hiring manager can easily find them.

Even if everything else about your resume is perfect, that all flops if you misspell your email address or have a typo in your phone number. If the hiring manager can’t contact you, it’s a missed opportunity.

So, double-check, and even triple-check your contact information section and make sure everything is factually correct and up-to-date.

Must-Have Information

  • Full name. Your first and last name should stand out at the top of your resume.
  • Email address. Stick to an address that’s professional and easy to spell, like a combination of your first and last name. (E.g.: [email protected])
  • Phone number. Add a reliable number where the hiring manager can easily reach you.
  • Location. Add your city and state/country. If you plan to relocate for the job or want a remote position, specify it on your resume.

Optional Information

  • Job title. Add your professional title underneath. Write it down word for word, whether it’s “Digital Marketing Specialist” or “Junior Data Scientist.” Just don’t make up job titles like “Marketing Wizzard” or “Data Manipulator.” They’re not quirky; they’re just unprofessional. 
  • LinkedIn profile . We recommend that you include a link to your updated LinkedIn profile since over 77% of hiring managers use the platform when evaluating a candidate. 
  • Relevant links. Include links to personal websites or any social media profiles that are relevant to your field. For example, a developer could include a Github profile, while a graphic designer could link their Behance or Driblle account, and so on.
  • Date of birth. Unless this is specifically required in the job ad, the hiring manager doesn’t need to know how old you are. It’s not important for their decision-making, and at worst, it might lead to age-based discrimination.
  • Unprofessional email address. Your quirky, old high school email address doesn’t belong on your resume. Instead of [email protected] , go for a [email protected] type of address.
  • Headshot. (USA, UK or Ireland) Depending on the country where you’re applying, it might even be illegal to include a picture of yourself on your resume . While it’s the norm to include a picture in most of Europe and Asia, always check the regulations for each specific country or industry you’re applying to.

All clear? Good! Now, let’s look at what a great example of a resume's contact information section looks like:

professional resume contact section

#3. Write a Resume Headline (Summary or Objective)

It's no secret that recruiters spend an average of less than seven seconds on a resume .

When you receive hundreds, if not thousands, of applications daily, it's physically impossible to spend too much time on each.

So, what the hiring managers do to go through resumes more effectively is to skim through each resume and read it in depth only if it piques their interest.

This is where the resume headline comes in.

Placed right next to (or underneath) your contact information, this brief paragraph is the first thing the hiring manager is going to read on your resume.

Now, depending on how far along in your career you are, your resume headline can be either a resume summary or a resume objective.

resume summary professional

So, how do you choose between a resume summary and a resume objective? Here’s all you need to know:

Resume Summary

A resume summary, as the name suggests, is a two to three-sentence summary of your career so far. If done right, it shows that you’re a qualified candidate at a glance and gets the hiring manager to give you a chance.

Here’s what your resume summary should include:

  • Your job title and years of experience.
  • A couple of your greatest professional achievements or core responsibilities.
  • Your most relevant skills for the job.

Here’s an example of a well-written resume summary: 

Experienced Java Developer with 5 years of experience in building scalable and efficient applications. Contributed to a major project that enhanced application performance by 25%. Strong background in Spring Framework and microservices. Aiming to apply robust coding skills to develop innovative software solutions at XYZ Tech Solutions.

Unless you’re a recent graduate or amid a career change, we recommend you stick to a resume summary. Otherwise, a resume objective might be a better option for you.

Resume Objective

A resume objective is supposed to express your professional goals and aspirations, academic background, and any relevant skills you may have for the job.

It communicates your motivation for getting into a new field, so it’s the go-to headline for recent graduates and those going through a career change. As with a resume summary, a resume objective should be brief—around two to four sentences long.

So, here’s what it would look like if you’re a student:

Hard-working recent graduate with a B.A. in Graphic Design from New York State University seeking new opportunities. 3+ years of practical experience working with Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, creating illustrations and UX/UI design projects. Looking to grow as a designer and perfect my art at XYZ Design Studio.

Or, on the other hand, if you’re going through a career change, it might look more like this:

IT project manager with 5+ years of experience in software development. Managed a team of developers to create products for several industries, such as FinTech and HR tech. Looking to leverage my experience in managing outsourced products as a Product Owner at Company XYZ.

#4. Prioritize Your Work Experience

The most important part of your resume is your work experience.

This is where you get to sell yourself and show off your previous accomplishments and responsibilities.

If you manage to master this section, you’ll know most of what’s there to know about how to make a resume.

There are plenty of good practices for writing your work experience . But before we dive into all the nits and grits, let's start with the basics.

The standard format for each work experience entry is as follows:

  • Job title/position. Your job title goes on top of each work experience entry. When the hiring manager looks at your resume, you want them to know, at a glance, that you have relevant work experience for the job.
  • Company name/location/description. Mention the name of the employer and the general location, such as the city and state/country where you worked. In some cases, you may also want to briefly describe the company, like when the organization isn’t particularly well-known.
  • Dates employed. Add the approximate timeframe of your employment at each company. You don’t need to give exact dates since the standard format for this is mm/yyyy.
  • Achievements and responsibilities. This is the core of each work experience entry. Depending on your field, you want to list either your achievements or responsibilities. List them in bullet points instead of paragraphs, so they’ll be easier to read.

Here’s a real-life example:

how to list work experience on a resume

Your work experience entries should always be listed in reverse chronological order , starting with your most recent job and working your way back into the past.

Now that you know how to list your experience, we’re going to show you how to write about it in a way that makes you stand out from the competition, starting with: 

Are you a student with no work experience? We’ve got you covered. Check out our guide to writing a resume with no experience here.

Focus on Achievements Whenever Possible

One of the most common resume mistakes is only listing responsibilities in your work experience section.

Here’s the thing—in most cases, the hiring manager knows exactly what your job responsibilities are.

For example, if you’re a sales manager, your responsibilities would be:

  • Reach out to potential clients over the phone or email.
  • Maintain relationships with existing company clients and upsell relevant products.
  • Tracking and reporting on leads in CRM.

Coincidentally, this is also the same list of responsibilities for every sales manager out there. So, 90% of all other resumes probably mention the same thing.

To stand out from the competition, you want to focus on writing achievements in your resume instead. These can be how you helped your previous company grow, reach quarterly quotas, and so on.

Let’s compare how responsibilities hold up next to achievements for the same job:

  • Exceeded sales team KPIs by 30%+ for 3 months straight.
  • Generated over $24,000 in sales in 1 month.
  • Generated leads through cold-calling
  • Managed existing company clients

Keep in mind, though, that in some fields, there just aren’t that many achievements you can mention. Let’s say you’re a warehouse worker .

Your day-to-day responsibilities probably include:

  • Loading, unloading, and setting up equipment daily.
  • Packaging finished products and getting them ready for shipping.
  • Assisting in opening and closing the warehouse.

In fields like this, it’s pretty hard to distinguish yourself through achievements, so it’s okay to stick to responsibilities instead. You can still make them shine by following the rest of our advice about listing your work experience.

Keep in mind, though, that in some fields, there aren’t that many achievements you can mention. Let’s say you work in a warehouse. Your day-to-day responsibilities probably involve:

  • Loading, unloading and setting up equipment on a daily basis.
  • Package finished product and get it ready for shipping.
  • Assist in opening and closing the warehouse.

In such fields, it’s pretty hard to distinguish yourself, so it’s totally OK to stick to responsibilities instead.

Tailor Your Resume to the Job

Tailoring is what sets an amazing resume apart from an okay one.

Hiring managers don’t need to know about every single job you’ve ever worked at or every single skill that you have.

They only want to know about your jobs, experiences, or skills that are relevant to the role you’re applying for.

For example, if you’re applying for a job doing Google Ads, you don’t need to talk about your SEO internship from eight years ago.

By focusing your resume on whatever is important for the specific role, you’re a lot more likely to stand out and catch the hiring manager’s attention.

Let’s take a look at an example of a job ad:

how to tailor your resume to the job ad

As you can see, we’ve highlighted the most important requirements.

To tailor your resume accordingly, you just need to mention how you meet each of these requirements in your resume.

You can highlight your relevant achievements and qualifications in different parts of your resume, such as:

  • In your resume summary, where you should recap your years of experience.
  • Throughout your work experience section, where you should list achievements and responsibilities that reflect your social media marketing experience.
  • In your education section, where you can let the hiring manager know you have the degree that they’re looking for.

Include the Right Amount of Work Experience

If you’ve got over a decade’s worth of work experience, you’re probably wondering whether all of it belongs on your resume. In most cases, you’d end up writing a novel if you listed everything you’ve ever done, and that’s not how long a resume should be .

If you’re new to the job market, on the other hand, you probably don’t have any experience, and you’re wondering what you could even add to this section.

So, here’s how much information your resume should include, depending on your level of experience:

  • No experience. If you’re looking for your first job , you won’t have any work experience to fill this section with. So, you can either keep it empty and focus on all the other sections or fill it up with any experience gained in student organizations, extracurricular activities, volunteering, and other projects.
  • Entry-level. List all your work experience so far. While some of it won’t be relevant, it can still show the hiring manager that you do have some actual work experience.
  • Mid-level. Only mention relevant work experience to the position you’re applying for. There’s no need to waste space on jobs that aren’t related to what you’re after.
  • Senior-level. List up to 15 years of relevant work experience, tops. If your most recent experience is as a marketing executive , the hiring manager doesn’t care how you started your career as a junior marketing specialist 23 years ago.

Consider Applicant Tracking System (ATS) Software

Did you know that over 70% of resumes don’t even make it to the hiring manager ?

Most companies these days use ATS to evaluate hundreds of resumes instantaneously and automatically filter out the ones that don’t meet their criteria.

For example, if a resume doesn’t mention a specific skill or isn’t formatted correctly, the ATS will automatically reject it.

ats system statistic

Fortunately, there are some easy ways to make an ATS-friendly resume .

Here are a couple of tips to help you get past those pesky robots:

  • Stick to one page. Sometimes employers set a limit on how long a resume should be. This means that if your resume is longer than one page, it might get automatically disqualified.
  • Incorporate keywords. Tailoring your resume to the job helps a ton with beating the ATS. Just carefully read the job description to find hints for what the ATS will be looking for. Then, whenever you find keywords related to your responsibilities and achievements, make sure to include them in your work experience section.
  • Use an active voice. Passive voice is too vague and unclear, so make sure to use active voice as much as possible when describing your previous jobs. (E.g.: “Managed a team of ten people,” instead of “ A team of ten people was managed by me.” )
  • Leverage powerful action words. Instead of starting each of your sentences with “was responsible for," make your work experience impactful by using words that can grab attention. Saying that you “spearheaded” or “facilitated” something sounds a lot more impressive than “helped.”

Want to make sure your resume formatting passes the ATS test? Choose one of our tried and tested ATS-friendly resume templates , and you’ll be good to go! 

#5. List Your Education

The next section on your resume is dedicated to your academic qualifications. Let’s start with the basics!

Here’s how you should format the education section on your resume :

  • Program Name. Your major and degree type should be listed. (E.g.: “B.A. in Business Administration” )
  • University Name. Add the name of the institution. (E.g.: “New York State University” )
  • Dates Attended. Use a mm/yyyy format for the dates you attended. (E.g.: “08/2008 - 06/2012” )
  • Location. If your university is less well-known, you can also add the location. (E.g.: “Stockholm, Sweden” )
  • GPA. Use the appropriate grading system for the country you’re applying to work in. (E.g.: In the USA, it would be “3.9 GPA” )
  • Honors. Add any honors and distinctions you’ve been given. (E.g.: Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, Summa Cum Laude )
  • Achievements. You can mention interesting papers you’ve written, projects you’ve done, or relevant coursework you’ve excelled in.
  • Minor. “Minor in Psychology”

Pretty simple, right? Now let’s see what an education section looks like in practice:

education on resume

This example includes all the necessary information, plus an eye-catching award and relevant classes this candidate has taken.

Resume Education Tips

Now that you know how to list your education on your resume, let’s take this section to the next level.

Just follow these expert tips:

  • If you’re making a resume as a student and don’t have any work experience yet, you can list your education section at the beginning of the page instead of work experience.
  • You can add your expected graduation date if you’re still pursuing your degree.
  • If you already have relevant work experience, just keep this section short and sweet. Recent graduates can expand on their education more and add optional information like projects, classes, academic achievements, etc.
  • Always list your degrees in reverse chronological order, starting with your highest degree on top. Your highest and most recent degree is usually enough, so if you have a Master’s degree that’s relevant to the job, there’s no need to mention your earlier degrees.
  • Don’t add your high school degree to your resume if you already have a university degree. It doesn’t have as much weight, and you can use the space for something else.
  • Only mention your GPA if you had an impressive academic career. Anything below a 3.5 GPA doesn’t need to be on your resume.

Are you in the process of applying for college? Check out our guide to writing a college application resume to wow that admissions officer!

#6. Emphasize Your Know-How in the Skills Section

After your work experience, your skills are the first thing the hiring manager is going to look for. In fact, together, work experience and skills make up 90% of the hiring decision .

So, this is the place where you want to mention all the know-how that makes you the perfect candidate for the job.

There are two types of skills you can include when writing your resume:

  • Hard Skills. These are measurable abilities. What you can list here can be anything from coding in Python to knowing how to cook Thai cuisine.
  • Soft Skills. Also known as personal skills, these are a mix of communication skills , personal traits, career attributes, and more. They can include leadership, critical thinking, and time management , just to name a few.

Your resume should always cover both hard skills and soft skills . Here’s an example in action:

How to List Skills in Your Resume

Now, let’s discuss how you should list your most important skills on your resume.

There are a few essential steps you need to follow:

Always List Hard and Soft Skills Separately

Your resume should be easy and neat to navigate. The hiring manager shouldn’t have to waste time looking for a specific skill because you didn’t separate it into the appropriate subsection.

So, just create separate categories for your hard and soft skills.

Depending on your field, you could customize the name of your “hard skills” subsection to something like “technical skills," “marketing skills," or something else related to your field.

Let’s look at an example of what skills look like on a project manager’s resume :

Methodologies & Tools

  • Agile Methodology
  • SCRUM Framework
  • Waterfall Project Management
  • Microsoft Project
  • Critical Path Method (CPM)
  • Earned Value Management (EVM)
  • Risk Management

Soft Skills

  • Team Management
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Negotiation

Tailor Your Skills to the Job

You might have some awesome skills, but the hiring manager only needs to know about the ones that are relevant to the job.

For example, if you’re applying for a job as an accountant, your gourmet chef skills shouldn’t be on your resume.

Look at the job ad and list at least two to three essential skills you have that are required for the role. Remember—there’s no need to list every skill you have here; just keep it relevant.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree or higher in Graphic Design or a related field.
  • Tech-savvy, with some background in CMS systems such as WordPress.
  • Thrives in a stressful environment and juggles multiple tasks and deadlines.
  • Strong organizational and time management skills.
  • Excellent communication skills.
  • Self-reliant, with the ability to manage their own work.
  • A can-do attitude and an outside-the-box thinker.
  • Proficient in Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, Keynote, and Pages.
  • Basic understanding of Office software such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

So, the must-have hard skills here are Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, Keynote, and Pages. Other good computer skills to have are WordPress or similar CMS systems.

While you can also mention Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, it’s pretty much assumed that you know how to use them since they’re required for most office jobs.

List Hard Skills with Experience Levels

For each hard skill you list on your resume, you should also mention your proficiency level. This tells employers what they can expect from you and how much training you might need.

  • Beginner. You have some experience with the skill, whether it’s from some entry-level practice or classroom education.
  • Intermediate. You’ve used the skill in a work environment with good understanding.
  • Advanced. You’re the go-to person for this skill in your office. You can coach other employees, and you understand the skill at a high level.
  • Expert. You’ve applied this skill to more than a handful of different projects and organizations. You’re the go-to person for advice about the skill, not just in your office but even amongst some of the best professionals in your field.

Just make sure to never lie about your actual skill level. Even if you get the job, once you need those skills you exaggerated, it will be pretty awkward for both you and your employer.

Include Transferable Skills

These are the types of skills that are useful for almost any job out there.

Transferable skills can be both soft skills (e.g.: teamwork, creativity, problem-solving skills, and others) and hard skills (MS Office Suite, HTML, writing, etc.)

Whatever job you’re applying to, chances are you have transferable skills from your experience that can come in handy one way or another. So, feel free to include them, even if they’re not specifically required for the position.

Not sure which skills to mention on your resume for your specific field? Check out our list of 101+ essential skills for inspiration!

#7. Leverage Optional Resume Sections

The sections we’ve covered so far are must-haves for any resume. They’re the bread-and-butter for any job application, and if you get them right, you’ll land any job you apply to.

But if you have some leftover space, there are a few optional sections you can choose from to give your resume a boost!

other important resume sections

Are you bi-lingual? Or even better  – multi-lingual? You should always mention that on your resume!

Even if the position doesn’t require you to know a specific language, it can still come in handy at some point. At the end of the day, it’s always better to know more languages than less.

To list languages in your resume , just write them down and assign them the appropriate level:

  • Intermediate

You can also use the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL) or the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) proficiency scales.

As a given, you should never lie about your language skills. You never know—your interviewer might turn out to be fluent in the language or even be a native speaker!

Hobbies and Interests

If you want to spice up your resume, hobbies and interests could be just what you need.

While this section isn’t a game-changer, it can help the hiring manager see who you are as an individual.

For example, if you listed “teamwork” as one of your skills, hobbies like team sports can back up your claim.

And who knows? Maybe you and your interviewer have some hobbies or interests in common!

Volunteering Experience

If you’re the type of person who devotes their free time to helping others while expecting nothing in return, chances are that you’re the type of employee who’s in it for more than just the money. 

Seeing volunteer experience on your resume tells hiring managers that you’re a loyal employee who’s after something meaningful.

Several studies show that listing your volunteer experience can boost your chances of getting hired, especially if you have little to no work experience.

Certifications

Hiring managers love candidates who invest in themselves, and that’s exactly what they see when you list certifications on your resume .

If you value continuous learning and strive to expand your skill set, that’s always a plus.

Certifications can also show employers how much expertise you have.

For example, if you’re a Microsoft Cloud Engineer and you specialize in Microsoft Technologies, you should definitely include all essential certifications on your resume, such as the Azure Solutions Architect Expert one.

Awards and Recognitions

There’s no harm in showing off a little on your resume. After all, you want to be a candidate that shines above the rest.

So, if you’ve received any awards or recognitions that make you stand out in your field, make sure to add them.

For example, if you’ve been recognized for your contributions to data science or received a hard-to-come-by scholarship , mention it in your resume. Just keep your entries here relevant to the field you’re applying to.

Publications

Whether you’re a freelance writer or a distinguished academic, publications are always impressive.

If you have any published works (online or in an academic journal), you can add them to your resume. Just make sure to include a link so the hiring manager knows where to check your work!

Are you looking for a career in academia? Check out our guide to writing the perfect academic CV to get started!

Working on side projects can show off your passion for your field. Whether they’re university class projects or part-time entrepreneurial endeavors, they’re relevant.

For example, if you worked on a mock software product as part of a university competition, it shows you went through every step of product creation, from ideation to creating a marketing strategy.

This project also shows off your organizational skills , and if you mention it in your resume, you stand a better chance of landing the job you had your sights set on.

But projects can also be personal, not academic. For example, you might manage an Etsy store where you sell hand-made arts and crafts to customers online. This is a great opportunity to highlight your creativity, management, and customer service skills .

Overall, hiring managers love employees who do cool work in their free time, so projects are always a great section to add to your resume.

Looking to kickstart your career? Check out our guide on how to get an internship for useful tips and real-life examples!

Extracurricular Activities

Every college freshman knows that extracurricular experience can make a difference in their application.

Especially if you don’t have a lot of experience outside of school, extracurricular activities are a great way to show potential employers your skills and give them insight into you as a person. Different clubs and after-school projects can help you gain real-life skills and considerably increase your chances of landing your first job after college.

For example, joining a student government organization can hone your leadership skills and teach you how to work as part of a team.

For example, if you’re part of a student government or public speaking club, these activities can help you hone your leadership and presentation skills.

11+ Expert Resume Tips

You’ve got the gist of how to make a resume. Now, it’s time to make it really stand out from the crowd!

Follow these exclusive resume tips to take your resume game to the next level:

  • Match the professional title underneath your name to the job title of the position you’re applying for. Hiring managers often hire for several roles at once, so giving them this cue about what role you’re after helps things go smoother.
  • Mention any promotions from your previous jobs. Use the work experience entries for them to focus on the achievements that helped you earn them.
  • Describe your achievements using Laszlo Bock’s formula : accomplished X as measured by Y by doing Z . This way, your work experience can go the extra mile and show the hiring manager what you can bring to the table.
  • Always list your achievements and responsibilities in concise bullet points. This makes your resume more reader-friendly, and it’s more likely that the hiring manager will see your impressive achievements at a glance.
  • Don’t use personal pronouns like “I” or “me,” and don’t refer to yourself by name. Stick to a slightly altered third person, like “managed data integrity at XYZ Inc.” instead of “he managed data integrity at XYZ Inc.”
  • Name your resume sections correctly, or it might get rejected by the ATS. Swapping out quirky names like “career history” or “expertise” for “work experience” and "skills" makes it easier for the hiring manager to find what they’re looking for, too.
  • Prioritize important keywords instead of adding all of them. Make sure the relevant skills, qualifications, and experiences you add all make sense in context, too. Your goal is to get past the ATS and impress the hiring manager.
  • Focus on transferable skills if you don’t have a lot of relevant work experience. Any extracurricular activities or personal projects can help you stand out here.
  • Add a strategic pop of color to headings, bullet points, or key elements you want to highlight. It can help your resume stand out, but don’t overdo it—you want the information to be more impressive than the color palette.
  • Don’t include the line “references available upon request.” Hiring managers already know they can request a list of references from you, so there’s no need to waste valuable space on it.
  • Make sure your resume is optimized for mobile viewing. Most hiring managers use their mobile phones as often as desktop computers, so save your resume to a PDF file and make sure your formatting stays intact across any device.
  • Rename the resume file you plan to send so it includes your name and the name of the position you’re applying for. It’s a small detail that can turn into a crucial mistake if you forget it.
  • Read your resume out loud when you’re done. This is a great way to catch awkward phrases or spelling mistakes you might have missed otherwise.
  • Use a tool like DocSend to track your resume. You’ll get a notification any time someone opens your resume, and you can see how long they spend reading it.

FREE Resume Checklist

Are you already done with your resume? Let’s see how it holds up!

Go through our checklist for perfecting your resume and see where you stand!

professional resume writing checklist

If you missed some points, just go through your resume one more time and perfect it.

And if you ☑’d everything—congrats! You’ve learned all there is to know about writing a resume, and you’re good to go with your job search.

Need to write a CV instead of a resume? Check out our step-by-step guide on how to write a CV with dozens of examples!

9 Resume Templates for Different Industries

Looking to create an effective resume without dealing with the formatting hassle? Just choose one of the templates below.

#1. Traditional Resume Template

Traditional Resume Template

Good for traditional industries like finance, banking, law, and manufacturing.

#2. Modern Resume Template

Modern Resume Template

Good for both contemporary and forward-looking industries, including entrepreneurship, medical technology, and engineering.

#3. Creative Resume Template

Creative Resume Template

Good for creative industries, including entertainment, design, and architecture. 

#4. Minimalistic Resume Template

Minimalistic Resume Template

Good for experienced professionals in basically any industry who want to let their achievements do the talking. 

#5. IT Resume Template

IT Resume Template

Good for any IT-related profession like software development, cyber security, and DevOps engineering.

#6. Tech Resume Template

Tech Resume Template

Good for the tech industry and everything it encompasses.

#7. College Resume Template

College Resume Template

Good for college students and recent graduates alike.

#8. General Resume Template

General Resume Template

Good for multiple industries, including HR, education, and customer service.

#9. Executive Resume Template

Executive Resume Template

Good for senior professionals across different industries, including hospitality, marketing, and logistics.

17+ Resumes for Different Jobs

Knowing how to write a resume is one thing, but making a resume that stands out is something entirely different. Without inspiration, even top career experts might stumble on a roadblock or two.

Check out the following effective resume examples for specific jobs to get a better sense of what a good resume looks like:

#1. Nurse Practitioner Resume Example

Nurse Practitioner Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a nurse resume here.

#2. Data Scientist Resume Example

Data Scientist Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a data scientist resume here.

#3. Business Analyst Resume Example

Business Analyst Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a business analyst resume here.

#4. Digital Marketing Resume Example

Digital Marketing Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a digital marketing resume here.

#5. Software Engineer Resume Example

Software Engineer Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a software engineer resume here.

#6. Construction Project Manager Resume Example

Construction Project Manager Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a construction project manager resume here.

#7. Customer Service Resume Example

Customer Service Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a customer service resume here.

#8. High School Resume Example

High School Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a high school resume here.

#9. Student Resume Example

Student Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a student resume here.

#10. Server Resume Example

Server Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a server resume here.

#11. Actor Resume Example

Actor Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing an actor resume here.

#12. Web Developer Resume Example

Web Developer Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a web developer resume here.

#13. Engineering Resume Example

Engineering Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing an engineering resume here.

#14. Computer Science Resume Example

Computer Science Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a computer science resume here.

#15. Architect Resume Example 

Architect Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a data analyst resume here.

#17. Remote Job Resume Example

Remote Job Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a remote job resume here.

#18. Sales Associate Resume Example

Sales Associate Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a sales associate resume here.

#19. Receptionist Resume Example

Receptionist Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a receptionist resume here.

Want to see more examples? Check out our compilation of 80+ resume examples for different fields .

  • Administrative Assistant Resume
  • Bartender Resume
  • DevOps Engineer Resume
  • Executive Assistant Resume
  • Flight Attendant Resume
  • Graphic Designer Resume
  • Paralegal Resume
  • Pharmacist Resume
  • Recruiter Resume
  • Supervisor Resume

Next Steps After Your Resume

Now that we’ve covered everything you need to know about how to make a resume, it’s time to talk about the rest of your job application.

After all, your resume is only the first step in your job search. To land the job you deserve, you also need to write a captivating cover letter and ace that upcoming interview. Here’s how:

#1. How to Write a Convincing Cover Letter

The companion piece to every resume is the cover letter.

Most job-seekers flinch when they hear that they have to write a cover letter. What do you even mention in a cover letter, anyway? If you were good at writing cover letters, you’d be applying for a job as a writer !

In reality, though, writing a cover letter is very simple once you know its purpose.

Think of your cover letter as a direct message to the hiring manager. It’s your chance to briefly explain why you’re such an awesome fit for the position. And with a few cover letter tips to point you in the right direction, you’ll write the perfect cover letter for your job application.

Just follow this structure:

cover letter structure for resume

  • Add the contact details. Include the same contact information as on your resume, plus additional contact details for the hiring manager, including their name, job title, the company’s name, and location.
  • Introduce yourself. Start your cover letter by mentioning who you are, what your work experience is, and why you’re interested in the position. Mention a standout achievement or two, relevant skills, and what you’d like to do for the company you’re applying for.
  • Explain why you’d excel at the job. Find the requirements in the job ad that you meet, and elaborate on how you fulfill the most important ones. Research the company so you know what you like about it, and mention it in your cover letter. Make sure to convey your enthusiasm for the job and confidence that you’ll be a great fit for their team.
  • Wrap it up politely. Conclude your cover letter by recapping your key selling points and thanking the hiring manager for their time. Then add a call to action, such as “Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at the provided phone number so that we can discuss my application in greater detail.” Then, add a closing line and follow it with your full name.

Sounds easy, right? Here’s a real-life example to drive the point home:

cover letter example for resume

Do you need more help perfecting your cover letter? Learn what the most common cover letter mistakes are and check out cover letter examples for all professions here.

#2. How to Ace Your Next Interview

Once you’ve perfected both your resume and cover letter, there’s only one thing left.

It’s time for the final step—the dreaded job interview.

Whether you’re an extrovert or an introvert, you probably hate the interviewing process. No matter how experienced you are, it can be nerve-wracking. Sitting there while someone’s prodding into your past experiences and judging you isn’t fun.

But did you know that most interviewers ask the same questions?

That’s right—all you have to do is learn how to answer some of the most common interview questions, and you’ll be an interview away from landing your dream job!

Just check out our complete guide to the 35+ Job Interview Questions and Answers and learn how to ace your next interview.

FAQs on How to Make a Resume

Do you still have some questions about making a resume? Check out the answers to the most frequently asked questions below!

#1. What does a good resume look like in 2024?

For your resume to look good in 2024, make sure it’s organized and clean and isn’t longer than one page.

Be sure to include information that adds value to your application—leave out the focus on your relevant work experience and skills that you can back up, and list as many achievements as possible. 

If you’re using a resume template, choose one based on your industry. Conservative industries like law, banking, and business require more traditional resume templates. But if you’re going for an industry like design, architecture, or marketing, you can go for a creative resume template . 

Remote work is also big in 2024, so if that’s what you’re after, tailor your resume to match the job you want.

#2. How do you make a resume in Word?

The best way to create a resume in Word is to use a pre-designed Microsoft Word template. To access them, you should: 

  • Open MS Word
  • Click “file” from the menu bar 
  • Select “new”
  • Type “resume templates” in the search bar 

That said, Word resume templates are generic, hard to personalize, and overall not very stylish.

Want a resume that looks good and is extremely easy to make? Check out resume templates to get started!

#3. How do I write a resume for my first job?

If you’re writing your first-ever resume for an entry-level position, the hiring manager won’t expect you to have any work experience.

However, you can make up for your lack of experience with your skills and academic achievements.

For example, you can take advantage of extracurricular activities, internships, volunteering experiences, and other non-professional experiences. You can use them to highlight the skills you’ve gained and what you’ve achieved so far.

So, your first job resume should have a resume objective, emphasize your education, and replace your work experience with any internships, volunteering, independent projects, or other experiences.

#4. How to make a resume on Google Docs?

You can make a resume on Google Docs by choosing one of their templates and filling it in on the go.

All you have to do is go to your Google Drive’s template gallery, choose your preferred template, fill in your information, and your Google Docs resume is ready to go! 

That said, Google Docs templates aren’t the most user-friendly choice. You don’t have much flexibility with the layout and formatting isn’t that easy. For example, you tweak a section to the slightest, and the whole resume becomes a mess.

If you want an easier option, check out our resume builder !

#5. What kind of resume do employers prefer?

Typically, employers prefer one-page-long resumes that follow the reverse chronological format. 

Hiring managers receive hundreds of resumes every day, so they don't have the time to read three-page resumes. Try one of our one-page resume templates so you don’t go over the recommended resume length.

Meanwhile, the reverse-chronological format is the most popular because it draws attention to your most recent jobs and professional achievements, which is the #1 most important thing hiring managers look at when evaluating a resume.

#6. How many jobs should you put on your resume? 

You should only include relevant job positions on your resume.

This means that your work experience section should be tailored to the job you are applying for. If you’ve worked five different jobs and they can all add value to your current application, then you should include all five. 

If, on the other hand, you’re applying for, say, a customer service position and some of your past jobs don’t have anything to do with customer service, you should skip them.

#7. Should I put my address on my resume? 

You can put your location (city, state, or country) on your resume, but you don’t need to put your entire physical address.

Putting a physical address on a resume was the norm back when companies would contact you via mail. In today’s world, everyone communicates via email, which is why adding a correct and professional email address to your contact information section is far more important than putting your physical address. 

So, just include your location or-–if you’re a remote worker—specify you prefer to work remotely by writing “working remotely from [location].”

#8. What information should I leave out of my resume?

As a general rule, you shouldn’t include your birthday or your headshot on your resume. This norm varies from country to country but it applies to the USA, Canada, and UK.

If you have plenty of achievements to list under your work experience, then you can leave your basic work responsibilities out of your resume. 

In your education section, you should only include your highest and most recent degree. So, if you hold a Ph.D., you can list that and your Master’s degree and leave your Bachelor’s degree and high school diploma out.

Finally, leave out any skills that aren’t relevant to the job you’re applying for.

#9. Is a resume a CV?

Depending on where you are, a CV (Curriculum Vitae) and a resume might be completely different things.

In most of the world, though, including Europe and Asia, they are used interchangeably for the same document. Both CVs and resumes are one to two pages long, and list skills and experiences relevant to the position you’re applying for.

Sometimes more detailed resumes that go over one page are referred to as CVs. These are typically only used by senior professionals, executives, CEOs, etc.

In the USA, however, a CV is a completely different document. Typically, CVs are detailed and comprehensive documents that highlight your entire academic and professional history. They’re often used for academic, scientific, or research positions, which is why this type of CV can also be referred to as an academic CV.

You can create your CV using one of our CV templates !

#10. Should I write my own resume?

Yes, you should always write your own resume.

Your resume is your opportunity to show the hiring manager your communication, writing, and presentation skills . Employers also evaluate you based on how effectively you can convey information about yourself, and there’s no one that can represent you better than yourself.

Writing your own resume lets you introduce yourself authentically. You have the best understanding of your skills and experiences, and you can personalize them to make your resume stand out.

And, as a bonus, the experience of writing your resume yourself can be reflective and insightful, so it might help you understand your professional journey and career goals better.

#11. Can a resume be two pages?

Generally, we strongly recommend that your resume stick to one page.

Hiring managers go through hundreds of resumes every day, and keeping your resume to one page increases the odds that they’ll see your qualifications faster.

In some cases, like when you have a lot of relevant experience, your resume can go over two pages. But this exception is reserved for senior professionals with over a decade of relevant experience and tons of skills and achievements that simply can’t fit on one page.

#12. Is a simple resume okay?

Absolutely, a simple resume is often more than okay—it's preferable.

Before your resume even gets to the hiring manager, a complicated layout could get it rejected by the applicant tracking system (ATS). A simple resume template can help get your application straight to the hiring manager.

A clean layout can also make sure that your resume is easily readable and looks professional. This can focus the hiring manager's attention on your work experience and skills without excessive clutter or flashy colors to distract them.

Key Takeaways

And that’s a wrap!

If you’ve followed all of our advice until now, congrats! You’re probably an expert on how to make a resume.

To recap, let’s go through some of the most important lessons we’ve learned so far...

  • Use the right resume builder to make the process as smooth as possible. You don’t want to mess around with formatting for hours before even starting to work on your resume!
  • Focus on your achievements over responsibilities. This can help you stand out from all the other applicants, especially if you back your claims up with data.
  • Include all the must-have sections, like the resume summary, work experience, education, and skills. Then leverage optional sections if you have leftover space.
  • Tailor your resume for the job you’re applying for. Everything listed on your resume should be relevant to the specific job you’re applying for, and you should write a new resume for every new job application.
  • Take the time to perfect your cover letter. It’s just as important as your resume, so make sure you pay as much attention to it!

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Personal Details In Resume: Do’s And Dont’s

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  • Updated on  
  • Oct 30, 2023

Personal Details in Resume: Do's and Dont's

Personal Details In Resume : A CV, also known as a Resume is the most important document for anyone looking for a potential job. It comprises all the necessary details of your education, skills and work experience. Not only does a good resume land you a job with your potential employer it also gets you an interview opportunity. The first opportunity to describe yourself comes in the section of the personal details in the resume. If you get the basics wrong here, you can spoil the chances of getting an interview call. We will discuss personal details in the resume from head to toe in this blog. 

Resume for Freshers

Also Read: Declaration in Resume for Freshers

Personal Details in Resume: What to Add

One of the major questions which arise while adding personal details to a resume is what all things are to be added. Here is a piece of detailed information on all the essential details in a resume:

  • Your Name – Keep in mind to write your name in bold so that it stands out. To make your resume easy to stand out, the most important thing is to mention your name properly.
  • You must mention your address right after you write your name. Your address counts as an essential feature of personal details in the resume. 
  • Mentioning your address serves as a trust factor in your resume.
  • It may also benefit you and raise your chances of getting the job if you live near your office.

Also Read: Difference Between CV, Statement of Purpose, and Profile

  • Telephone Number – Another important detail in your personal details in your resume is your telephone number. When applying for a job which is placed internationally, remember to add the country code before your phone number.
  • Your professional email address
  • Your personal email address
  • It will be ideal if you create an email id which has your first and last name in it
  • [email protected]

Also Read: Resume Format for Freshers

Personal Details in Resume: What Not to Add

Here is a list of things you should remember to not add in personal details in a resume. 

  • Date of Birth
  • Nationality
  • Current Salary
  • Marital Status
  • Children (if any)
  • Health Status
  • Driving License Details

The reasons you should not add these personal details to your resume is because:

  • Prevents discrimination – Discrimination can be based on the following: gender, religion, and nationality. Under the anti-discrimination laws, it is illegal for prospective employers to discriminate against prospective employees on the above-mentioned details. The selection process should be entirely on your skills and knowledge. 
  • Outdated – The revised norms of writing a resume, outline that you should not mention unnecessary personal details of yourself in your resume or CV. it was in olden times that details such as marital status, applicant’s photograph, etc were supposed to be attached to a resume. 

Also Read: Top Technical Skills to Enhance Your Resume

  • Not of Interest to Employers – Your prospective employers are mainly interested in knowing and understanding your skill sets, abilities, experience and qualifications. Adding extra and unwanted information makes your resume long and boring. 
  • LinkedIn Account Details
  • Portfolio Web Address

Note: Many employers specifically mention candidates to create a one-page resume. Thus, it becomes all the more important to mention personal details in a concise way. 

Check out: Resume vs Cover Letter: What is the Difference?

Explore More:

Make use of the professional summary to describe your value to the employer as a professional. Update your skills regularly and remove ones that are irrelevant. Always focus on achievements from your previous experience instead of copy/pasting job descriptions.

Personal information such as your social security number, marital status, nationality, sexual orientation, or spiritual beliefs should not be included on a resume. In fact, employers are not permitted to request these sensitive facts.

Personal details that provide more information about your qualifications for the desired position may be included. Including information about relevant interests or volunteer activities can demonstrate to the hiring manager that you are a good fit for the job or the organisation.

For more tips on professional growth, follow the career counselling page of Leverage Edu now!!

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  • Resume and Cover Letter
  • 27 Great Resume Summary...

27 Great Resume Summary Examples to Get Hired

20 min read · Updated on August 28, 2024

Ken Chase

Your resume summary is the first impression you make on potential employers, so it's crucial to get it right

When it comes to job applications, your resume is often the first point of contact with prospective employers. It's essential to make a good impression right from the start, and that's where your resume summary comes in. 

What is a resume summary? 

How can you create one that will help your resume stand out from the competition?

In this article, we'll explain the resume summary and why it's so vital for job search success. We'll also teach you how to write a great resume summary that will grab any employer's attention and provide 27 fantastic resume summary examples that you can customize to fit your job search needs.

What is a resume summary?

To understand a resume summary, it's important to understand the challenge that good summaries are designed to overcome. Employers who are looking for new hires often need to compare many dozens or even hundreds of resumes to find the best candidates for the job. Few hiring personnel have the time needed to thoroughly examine every single resume that they receive.

Instead, employers typically spend no more than five or six seconds scanning any given resume. If a resume manages to capture their interest in those few seconds, they'll take the time to read it in greater detail. 

However, if your resume doesn't grab their attention, it's likely to be rejected without any further examination. So, the challenge is to find a way to quickly earn the reader's interest and inspire them to read the rest of the document.

That's where a professional summary for a resume comes into play. As you'll see from our resume summary examples, a good summary is the resume equivalent of a salesperson's elevator pitch. 

This brief statement should highlight your experience and job title, one or two key skills, and a couple of your most prominent achievements. When your summary is crafted well, it will provide the employer with a quick overview of your potential value as a new hire.

Once you've written your summary, you should place it right after your contact information and resume headline so that it's the first thing employers see. If you've done your job properly, that summary will be compelling enough to make the reader want to learn more about the type of value you can bring to the job.

How should you start a resume summary?

Since your summary is designed to capture the reader's attention, it's vital to start this paragraph off in a compelling way.  While the statement should be brief, it should also clearly communicate your unique value proposition. Here are some examples of strong opening statements:

Innovative Marketing Manager with over five years of experience in developing and executing successful campaigns for Fortune 500 companies

Results-driven Sales Executive with a proven track record of exceeding revenue targets and building strong client relationships

Skilled Customer Service Representative with expertise in problem-solving, conflict resolution, and communication

Tips for writing a resume summary

To make sure that you create the most powerful resume summary possible, follow our top tips:

Be specific

When writing a resume summary, it's essential to be specific and quantify your achievements wherever possible. Instead of saying, "Experienced marketing professional," try saying, "Experienced marketing professional with expertise in managing successful social media campaigns, resulting in increases of up to 30% in website traffic."

This provides concrete evidence of your skills and demonstrates your value to potential employers.

Reflect on your career

When it comes to writing a strong resume summary, you should engage in some self-reflection. Before putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard), take some time to think about your key skills, experiences, and achievements. This will help you identify the most important information to include in your summary. Review your past roles, responsibilities, and accomplishments, and think about how they relate to the job you're applying for. Ask yourself:

What have I achieved in my career?

What skills have I developed?

What makes me stand out from other applicants?

Identify your key skills

One of the most important things to include in your resume summary is your key skills. These are the abilities that set you apart from other candidates and demonstrate your value to potential employers. Begin by making a list of your top skills, then prioritize them based on relevance to the job you're applying for.

Highlight your relevant experiences

Next, think about relevant experiences that you can include in your summary. This includes any previous jobs or internships, volunteer work, or extracurricular activities that have given you valuable experience. Consider what you've learned and achieved in each role and how that relates to the job you're applying for.

You should focus on what is most relevant to your target job. Here are some examples:

Proven ability to increase sales revenue by 20% year-over-year

Expertise in project management and team leadership

Proficient in Adobe Creative Cloud and Microsoft 365

Confident working with a diverse range of clients and stakeholders

Keep it concise

Remember, your resume summary should be concise and to the point. Stick to the most important information and avoid filler words or irrelevant details. A good rule of thumb is to keep your summary to 3-5 sentences.

Use action verbs

When describing your experiences and achievements, use strong action verbs and adverbs to convey a sense of accomplishment and momentum. For example, instead of saying, "Responsible for managing social media accounts," say, "Successfully manage 4 social media accounts, including Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn, and Instagram."

Quantify your achievements

Wherever possible, use numbers and statistics to quantify your achievements. This provides concrete evidence of your skills and demonstrates your value to potential employers. For example, instead of saying, "Helped to increase sales," say, "Helped to increase sales by 20% in the first year."

Tailor it to the job

Make sure your resume's professional summary is tailored to the job you're seeking. This means highlighting the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the role. Look at the job description identify the key requirements, and then make sure your summary addresses these points.

Professional resume summary examples

Since there's nothing quite like seeing an example of a great summary, we've compiled twenty-seven great resume summary examples that you can use as inspirational templates for your own perfect resume . Below, you'll find summary examples for a variety of different job roles, including:

Customer Service Representative

Sales Representative

Marketing Manager

Project Manager

Software Developer

Human Resources Manager

Graphic Designer

Registered Nurse

Financial Analyst

Administrative Assistant

Data Entry Clerk  

Business Analyst

Operations Manager  

Mental Health Counselor

High School Teacher

Event Manager

Product Designer

Content Marketer

SEO Specialist

Bank Teller

Software Support Specialist

Data Scientist

Dental Assistant

1.    Customer Service Representative resume summary example

"Highly motivated Customer Service Representative with 5 years of experience in delivering service excellence. Skilled in conflict resolution and problem-solving, resulting in a 95% customer satisfaction rate. Proven ability to multitask in fast-paced environments while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail."

Why it works : This summary highlights the candidate's experience and skills while also showcasing their relevant achievements in ensuring customer satisfaction. It mentions how much experience they have and highlights a measurable success.

2.    Sales Representative resume summary example

"Dynamic Sales Representative with a track record of exceeding sales quotas by 20%+. Proficient in consultative sales techniques and relationship building. Exceptional communication and negotiation skills with the ability to close deals."

Why it works : This summary provides a quantifiable achievement to show the candidate's success in their previous sales roles while also highlighting their key skills in relationship building and communication.

3.    Marketing Manager resume summary example

"Strategic Marketing Manager with 7+ years of experience in developing and executing successful marketing campaigns across multiple channels. Skilled in market research and analysis, campaign optimization, and team leadership. Proven track record of driving revenue growth and increasing brand awareness."

Why it works : This summary emphasizes the candidate's experience and leadership skills while also showcasing their ability to drive results through successful marketing campaigns. The candidate has also demonstrated their ability to grow revenues and raise brand awareness.

4.    Project Manager resume summary example

"Accomplished Project Manager, with confidence in leading cross-functional teams and managing project timelines, budgets, and resources. Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to build relationships with stakeholders. Proven track record of delivering projects on time and within budget."

Why it works : This summary highlights the candidate's extensive project management experience and emphasizes their ability to successfully deliver projects while working with multiple stakeholders.

5.   Software Developer resume summary example

"Innovative Software Developer with 5+ years of experience in designing, developing, and implementing complex software applications. Skilled in programming languages including Java, Python, and C++. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in Agile environments to deliver high-quality code on time."

Why it works : This job seeker has taken the time to highlight some of the technical skills they possess while emphasizing their ability to work in Agile environments. They also call attention to the fact that they can manage and complete a software development project from design to implementation.

6.    Human Resources Manager resume summary example

"Experienced Human Resources Manager specializing in talent acquisition, employee relations, and performance management. Skilled in developing and implementing HR policies and procedures that align with business objectives and values. Proven track record of building and managing high-performing teams."

Why it works : This summary highlights the candidate's experience in various HR functions and emphasizes their ability to build and manage teams. It also shows that they can perform managerial functions like developing policies and procedures.

7.    Graphic Designer resume summary example

"Creative Graphic Designer with particular expertise in developing and executing visually stunning designs for print and digital media. Proficient in Adobe Creative Cloud, with a focus on typography and layout. Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously."

Why it works : This summary works well because it showcases their technical skills and experience while also emphasizing creativity and an ability to work collaboratively.

8.    Registered Nurse resume summary example

"Compassionate Registered Nurse with over 10 years' experience in providing high-quality patient care. Skilled at patient assessment, medication administration, and treatment plan development. Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build rapport with patients and their families."

Why it works : This summary emphasizes the candidate's clinical and patient care experience and highlights their key nursing and interpersonal skills.

9.   Financial Analyst resume summary example

“Detail-oriented Financial Analyst with a strong background in financial modeling, data analysis, and forecasting. Combines advanced Excel skills with the ability to create and manage financial reports. Able to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.”

Why it works : This summary showcases the applicant's specific skills and experience in financial analysis and highlights their proficiency in Excel, a crucial tool for the role.

10.   Administrative Assistant resume summary example

“Skilled Administrative Assistant with 8 years of experience in administrative support and office administration. Resilient, detail-oriented, and able to work under extreme pressure in a team environment. Excellent interpersonal, client management, and interdepartmental liaison skills. Committed to successful management of multiple simultaneous projects, strict adherence to deadline requirements, and accurate maintenance of schedules, meeting obligations, and records.”

Why it works : An Administrative Assistant wears many hats and experiences many challenges. This resume summary covers a lot of ground to demonstrate that the candidate understands those obstacles and knows how to overcome them.

11.   Data Entry Clerk resume summary example

“Task-driven and results-oriented professional with more than 10 years of experience in data entry, project coordination, and customer service. Uses interpersonal skills including effective communication to build rapport and positive relations with customers, gather vital information, and ensure rapid and accurate entry of data into designated software programs.”

Why it works : This resume summary is effective because it gets right to the heart of the job: dealing with customers and entering data into databases. The candidate also emphasizes their results-focused mindset, project skills, and key soft skills.

12.   Business Analyst resume summary example

“Results-driven Business Analyst with a proven record in expanding profitability by 55% in the retail industry.  Confident carrying out data-focused analysis that provides key insights and recommendations for growth strategies. Strong interpersonal and team building skills, innovative approach to problem-solving , and resolute commitment to efficiency and productivity.”

Why it works : Business analysis is all about using data and research to deliver key insights that result in improved operations and greater business success. This summary hits all the right notes as it focuses on key skills, a solutions-oriented mindset, and notable achievements that reflect real value for employers.

13.   Operations Manager resume summary example

“Results-oriented Operations Manager with more than 10 years of supervisory experience in high-level operational environments. Adept at coordinating both large and small teams, outside consultants, and mid-level management personnel. Successfully introduced Lean manufacturing principles that reduced costs by 32% via waste elimination and process revitalization.”

Why it works : This candidate's summary emphasizes key skills that the employer wants to see in any managerial candidate's resume while also showcasing their knowledge of best operational practices and a commitment to cost reduction.

14.   Mental Health Counselor resume summary example

“Compassionate Mental Health Counselor with more than a decade of experience addressing mental health issues and behavioral concerns. Proven success in both individual and group counseling environments, assisting clients in gaining insight and understanding of their unique conditions. Specialized focus on working with young adults and families, with an emphasis on addressing substance abuse root causes and other social factors involved in mental health.”

Why it works : This resume summary is notable for citing important skills like empathy and compassion. It also focuses attention on the candidate's experience in dealing with common mental health concerns and hints at their preferred approach to assisting patients.

15.    High School Teacher resume summary example

“Dynamic high school teacher with 12 years of experience developing approved curricula for more than 500 students in grades 9-12. Proven track record of helping students to achieve a 98% passing rate in both Western Civilization and World History instruction. Actively engaged in every aspect of education, at the district, local, and parent-teacher level.”

Why it works : This candidate's resume summary highlights their vast experience while illustrating their success in ensuring that their students learn what they need to know to pass the class. They also demonstrate their commitment to the educational process by highlighting their involvement in every area of education.

16.    Accountant resume summary example

“Diligent and detail-oriented CPA with seven years of experience in accounting, process improvement, and problem-solving. Skilled at identifying inefficiencies and using reporting to offer insights that can guide employers to better practices and greater profitability. At XYZ Corp., identified labor usage inefficiency that motivated management to introduce new scheduling that eliminated $300,000 in labor waste.”

Why it works : In addition to highlighting a wide range of valuable skills, this candidate also focused on a quantifiable achievement that illustrates real value. This type of summary would certainly capture a hiring manager's attention and make them want to read more!

17.    Event Manager resume summary example

“Resilient and creative Event Manager with 6 years of corporate experience. Detail-oriented perfectionist with experience in project management, team leadership, and customer relations. Successfully organized and executed more than 40 major business conferences, hosting thousands of guests. Major clients have included three Fortune 500 firms with multi-million-dollar event budgets.

Why it works : As Event Managers go, this one has certainly made the rounds. That summary of achievements highlights their ability to manage even large-scale events, dealing with every aspect of the project. How could a serious hiring manager not want to learn more about this candidate?

18.    IT Manager resume summary example

“Dedicated IT Manager with significant experience in an innovative and growing tech firm. Skilled leader with experience in systems analysis, database architecture, problem-solving, and troubleshooting. Superior client satisfaction rate of more than 99%. Created and implemented an IT troubleshooting process that reduced internal client service time by 30%.”

Why it works : This IT professional focuses attention on their key leadership skills , while also mentioning the hard skills that any hiring manager is likely to be looking for. There's also a nice nod to their history of satisfying clients, as well as a notable and measurable achievement.

19.   Product Designer resume summary example

“Innovative Design Engineer with 5 years of experience in the development of products and packages. Skilled in market research, brand development and alignment, and design elements. Led team of seventeen Designers in the creation of industrial products that yielded $20 million in sales in the first month after launch.”

Why it works : This resume summary uses some important keywords, action verbs, and descriptive language to describe the candidate's key skills and experiences. It also cites an impressive product design achievement, along with real numbers that showcase value.

20.    Content Marketer resume summary example

“Creative marketing professional with 7 years' experience as a Content Marketer. Skilled writer who understands how written communication empowers business growth and expansion. Expertise in development of compelling content that drives activities across multiple media channels. Adaptable , detail-oriented, and focused on a brand-building approach to content strategy that drives real results. Developed a cross-platform content strategy that boosted sales conversion rates by 37%.

Why it works : This Content Marketer focuses on their key skills and keen insights into how content impacts business profitability. They even included a measurable result that demonstrates their focus on adding value to their employer's bottom line.

21.   SEO Specialist resume summary example

“Results-focused SEO expert with 6 years of experience in keyword mastery, the promotion of sustainable content, and growing organic website search engine rankings. Proven track record of SEO success, using content development and link outreach to expand website traffic activity from 10,000 daily visitors to more than 2,000,000 per year.”

Why it works : Many hiring managers may not fully understand SEO, but they will understand the need to get more eyes on their digital content. This candidate speaks to that need by focusing on website rankings, content, and overall web traffic - while including a quantifiable achievement that demonstrates their ability to make things happen.

22.   Copywriter resume summary example

“Website Copywriter with 5 years of experience in developing content that creates real conversions. Cross-channel expertise, including website content, advertising, newsletters, press releases, email, and podcast/video scripts. Proven track record of increasing social traffic by 36% and driving a 22% boost in landing page conversions.”

Why it works : This candidate's summary is focused not only on the type of things they write but how those content pieces directly contribute to the company's online presence and sales conversion rate. This illustrates the writer's understanding of how their work aligns with their employer's business needs and goals.

23.  Bank Teller resume summary example

“Empathetic and personable Bank Teller with more than 4 years of experience in client interactions at First Bank. Detail-oriented customer management approach, focused on superior customer experiences and client retention. Strict adherence to bank policy, including safety deposit guidelines, customer account security, and due diligence. Efficiently and effectively processed more than 200 client account interactions each day.”

Why it works : For a Bank Teller, much of the role's value lies in the employee's ability to serve as the face of the branch. This summary is effective because it showcases the Teller's knowledge of bank procedures while also highlighting their commitment to creating an excellent customer experience.

24.  Software Support Specialist resume summary example

“Problem-solving Software Support Specialist with 8 years of experience in customer-facing user assistance. Provided key problem-resolution services for hundreds of customers, with a focus on maximizing their satisfaction with the company to increase loyalty and retention. Experienced in both customer and B2B interactions, with a specialized talent for explaining technical problems in language that is easily understood by the average layperson.”

Why it works : This resume summary focuses not only on the candidate's specialized skills in solving computer issues but also highlights their ability to simplify their explanations to customers.

25.   Data Scientist resume summary example

“Committed Data Scientist focused on analytical insights that can drive company growth and development. More than eight years of experience providing data-driven analysis to Fortune 500 executives based on comprehensive statistical models and detailed historical data patterns. Successfully provided insights and recommendations used to increase company profits by 32% over a two-year period.”

Why it works : Data science may not seem like the most exciting field, but hiring managers are always on the hunt for candidates who understand why data matters. This candidate's focus on providing insights that can translate into real value for the employer is something that is likely to earn a hiring manager's interest.

26.  Dental Assistant resume summary example

“Dental Assistant with 5 years of experience with patient preparation, processing, and administrative support. Keen attention to detail and a commitment to dental health and aesthetics. Skilled in dental impressions, hands-on assistance during procedures, x-rays, and record maintenance. Fully committed to developing rapport with patients that creates a welcoming environment and a joyful experience.”

Why it works : This candidate's resume summary not only highlights key Dental Assistant requirements, but also conveys their personal approach to teamwork and patient care.

27.  Architect resume summary example

“Creative Architect experienced in high-end architectural design and development oversight. Ten years of proven success in creating sustainable designs that earn rave reviews and commendations from clients. Skilled in adapting to new challenges and working under pressure to achieve every client's vision. Consistently produces designs and project plans that come in on time and under budget, at 10%-30% less cost than industry competitors.”

Why it works : In this summary, the candidate highlights key skills that employers will want to see, while also emphasizing quantifiable results that demonstrate competitive value for the employer. They also showcase their ability to not only design architectural structures but to do so with a conscious awareness of critical factors like budgetary concerns, deadlines, sustainability and market competition.

Bonus: how to write a resume summary if you have no experience

Of course, it's also important to know how to write a resume summary if you have no experience. Here's a quick resume summary example that you can adapt if you are just entering the job market:

“Recent Marketing graduate, seeking an entry-level position to kickstart a career in the field. Demonstrated strong leadership and teamwork skills gained through involvement in various extracurricular activities, including volunteering at local events and leading group projects. Proficient in Microsoft 365 and Adobe Creative Cloud. Passionate about using marketing strategies to create engaging content and drive brand awareness.”

Why it works: This summary works because it highlights the candidate's relevant hard and soft skills and qualifications, even though they don't have direct career experience. The use of action words such as "demonstrated" and "proficient" shows the candidate's confidence in their abilities, which can be attractive to potential employers, showcasing the candidate's potential for success in an entry-level marketing role.

Key takeaways

A well-written resume summary can make a significant impact on a job application. A good summary should highlight relevant skills and experiences, use clear and concise language, and avoid unnecessary information. Feel free to customize any of the resume summary examples we've provided to help ensure that your resume captures the attention of potential employers.

We know it can be difficult to condense a whole career full of skills and achievements into a paragraph of only a few sentences. If you're unsure about the document you've crafted, why not send it for a free resume review by our team of expert resume writers? 

This article was originally written by Ken Chase. It has been updated by Marsha Hebert and Ken Chase.

Recommended reading:

Ask Amanda: How Are a Resume Objective and a Resume Summary Different?

How to Write a Standout Career Summary

Business Acumen: What It Is and How You Can Showcase It On Your Resume

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Do Hiring Managers Actually Read Cover Letters?

How to Create a Resume With No Education

Why You Lose When You Lie on Your Resume: Learning From Mina Chang

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Personal Details on a CV

Personal Details on a CV

Home » Resume Help » Personal Details on a CV

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A job seeker’s CV is their most important tool in the job search. It gives an employer a good idea of who the candidate is, what they have done, and what they can do for them. But with so many different things to include on a good CV and so many conflicting opinions on how to best maximize its effectiveness, it can be tough for a job seeker to figure out exactly what should go into their CV.

If you’re in the process of updating your CV, it’s important to know what personal details to include. Your CV template is an accurate representation of who you are and what you have to offer, so it’s important that all your information is up-to-date and true.

Personal information example:

Personal Details on a CV

Read on to find out which personal details you should include or exclude from your CV.

Personal details to include in your CV:

There are many different ways you can present yourself on a CV, and it’s up to you to decide how closely you want to emulate a professional persona. However, if your goal is to land an interview for a particular job, it’s probably best that you emulate the way professionals present themselves in their jobs.

The personal details section contains the following key information about you:

Your name is one of the most important parts of your CV because it’s the first thing a potential employer sees. It’s important that this is exactly correct, so double-check your details if you have any doubts.

It’s also important to ensure that you include your full name, rather than an abbreviated version. Many job seekers abbreviate their first names in order to save space, but there’s no need to do this – your full name should be on there anyway.

The address section is where you can include the most information about yourself. It’s also one of the most important parts of your CV.

Including the right address on a CV can be critical for finding work, but it’s easier said than done. If you’re not sure what address to include, consider asking family and friends for advice first, and then make any necessary changes afterward.

3. Telephone number

It’s important to include your telephone number on your CV, but you need to be very cautious about what phone number you use. If possible, try to use a work or mobile number rather than a home phone.

A work or mobile number indicates that you’re willing to work and are confident in your ability to do the job, whereas a home phone number may be seen as weak or insecure.

4. Email address

It’s important to include an email address on your CV, but be careful about what you use. If possible, try to find a work email address rather than a personal one.

A work email will indicate that you’re trying to secure employment, whereas a personal one may make you seem like a job hunter rather than a job seeker.

5. LinkedIn

In addition to a full CV, the personal details section should also include a link to your LinkedIn profile or another professional social media account.

LinkedIn is a great way to showcase your professional qualifications and is easily searchable, so it’s best that you include it if you have one.

Personal details not to include in your CV:

There are a few things you should leave off of your CV for different reasons. 1. History It’s important that your CV is up-to-date and shows that you’re current and professional, so it’s best to keep any shocking or negative history out of your CV. Even if the information isn’t entirely accurate, it could reflect badly on you anyway.

The following is a list of personal details that you should better not include on your CV unless if required:

  • Nationality
  • Date of birth
  • Place of birth
  • Marital status
  • Current salary
  • Driving license details
  • Health status

Why you should not Include the above list in your personal details:

  • Employers consider nationality, date of birth, gender and marital status as an important element in a candidate’s profile. However, your nationality is not really important while applying for jobs in other country, date of birth and gender can be easily modified by changing photo or simply leaving it blank. Marital status is also irrelevant in many countries including US.
  • Place of Birth: Do not include your place of birth unless it is included on the resume header. Feel free to leave it blank.
  • Photograph: It is preferred not to include any photograph on your resume, but if you are applying for a glamour industries or fashion show related jobs, then by all means you can upload the photograph in your resume header.
  • Current salary: Feel free to leave it blank.
  • Religion: Most of the job seekers have different religions and leave their religion blank in their resume however this is not a good practice as employers may consider religion as an important factor while hiring you. You can always say that you are Hindu or Muslim or Congressite in your interview.
  • Driving license details: If you are applying for jobs related to your driving license then by all means mention it in your resume. Otherwise, avoid putting unnecessary details.
  • Health Status: This is another unimportant detail which is better left blank.
  • Country: Do not include country of residence unless you are applying a specific country specific jobs like USA jobs or UK jobs or Australia jobs etc as employers may consider this as an important factor while hiring you.

Sample CV with Personal Details:

resume sample personal information

Download CV Template

Tips to Write a Personal Details on a CV:

  • If you have a long name, shorten it and keep the abbreviated version on your CV.
  • Include as much information about your personal details as you can in a few words.
  • To highlight one line in your resume, place a “*” at the beginning of the line.
  • Use bullets whenever possible for highlighting your abilities and skills on your resume with more impact!
  • Using reverse bullet points is also recommended in some cases like for an extended period of stay abroad etc.
  • Personal details like contact information should be placed in the right hand corner of the resume.
  • Address your name properly before sending your CV.
  • Make sure to mention a postal or email address that is easy to remember and use the same one while applying for jobs online in order to make it short and crisp.
  • You should include your e-mail address in your CV, however don’t use it unnecessarily as it can be misdirected easily and become misused.
  • If you have a mobile number, insert it on the cover memo of your CV.

Frequently Asked Questions

The best way to format your CV depends on your qualifications and the job you are applying for. For example, if you have a lot of work experience, you will want to format your CV differently than if you are a recent graduate with limited work experience.

The personal details you include on your CV will depend on the country you are applying in. In the United States, you would typically include your name, address, phone number, and email address. In the United Kingdom, you would also include your nationality and date of birth.

If you have a gap in your employment history, you should explain the reason for the gap in your CV. For example, if you took time off to raise a family, you would want to include that information.

Your skills and qualifications should be listed in a way that is relevant to the job you are applying for. For example, if you are applying for a job as a web developer, you would want to list your skills and qualifications in a way that highlights your experience with web development.

There are a few things you can do to make your CV stand out. First, make sure your CV is clear and concise. Second, highlight your relevant skills and qualifications. Third, use a professional and consistent format. Finally, avoid common mistakes.

There are a few things you should avoid when writing your CV. First, avoid using unprofessional language. Second, do not include irrelevant information. Third, do not lie or exaggerate your qualifications or experience. Finally, avoid using a generic CV template.

Some common mistakes people make when writing their CV include using unprofessional language, including irrelevant information, lying or exaggerating their qualifications or experience, and using a generic CV template.

Your CV should be as long as it needs to be to highlight your relevant skills and qualifications. In general, a CV should be no more than two pages.

Key Takeaways:

  • Use sample blank cv template to start.
  • A CV that is well-formatted, interesting, and doesn’t include irrelevant personal details is more likely to be read and passed on.
  • A job seeker needs a way to get employers interested in them, so including your personal details into a CV can be very useful – but only if they’re relevant to the job you’re applying for.
  • It’s better not to include anything too sensitive on a CV, because it’s better that you leave yourself an out if there are any problems with how you present yourself on paper.
  • If you are applying for jobs in a specific country, it’s better to include your nationality and date of birth to make you seem more professional.
  • A CV format should be accepted internationally. If it is not accepted internationally, your chances of getting shortlisted may become zero to none.

Recommended Reading:

  • How to start a cover letter
  • Best CV format for freshers
  • CV personal qualities and skills
  • How to write achievements on a CV
  • Hobbies and Interests to put on a CV
  • Blank cv template

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Published by Sarah Samson

Sarah Samson is a professional career advisor and resume expert. She specializes in helping recent college graduates and mid-career professionals improve their resumes and format them for the modern job market. In addition, she has also been a contributor to several online publications.

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Here are many sample resumes written by our career coaches to help you get started with yours. Read more than one sample and do your own research on resume trends for your industry.

Undergraduate Resume Samples

  • Undergraduate Accounting Resume
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  • Undergraduate Non-Profit Resume
  • Undergraduate Pre-Health Resume
  • Undergraduate Pre-Law Resume
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  • Undergraduate Theatre Resume
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Graduate Resume Samples

  • Graduate Counseling Resume
  • Graduate Film & TV Resume
  • Graduate Higher Education Resume
  • Graduate Mechanical Engineering Resume
  • Graduate School Psychology Resume
  • Graduate Teaching (K-12) Resume
  • MBA Executive Masters Resume

IMAGES

  1. Personal Summary

    resume sample personal information

  2. Personal Summary

    resume sample personal information

  3. How to Write a US Resume [Format & Free Sample]

    resume sample personal information

  4. Personal Details on a CV with Samples I Writing Tips

    resume sample personal information

  5. Personal Details Resumes

    resume sample personal information

  6. Personal Information in Resume: What to Include in 2024

    resume sample personal information

VIDEO

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  4. How to write the best personal statement *Simple Three Step Guide*

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COMMENTS

  1. Including Personal Details on Your Resume: Examples and Tips

    Tips for including personal details on a resume. Here are three ways you can use personal details effectively on your resume: 1. Customize personal details for each job. If you're applying to multiple jobs, you can adjust some of the personal details in your resume to show your qualifications for each position.

  2. 17 resume personal statement examples 2024

    Resume templates 17 resume 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 resume summary examples instead.

  3. 10 Resume Profile Examples (And How to Write Yours)

    Keep it concise. Your resume profile should be no more than four sentences or bullet points, and should not have more than 500 characters. Remember recruiters read dozens of resumes daily, so you don't want yours to be unnecessarily long and tiring. 2. Find the format the suits you best.

  4. Personal Information in Resume: What to Include in 2024

    Here's how to write personal information in a resume, step by step: Use your full name and occupation, job title, or professional qualification. Include your personal mobile phone number and an appropriate personal email account. Add personal and professional social media and portfolio links if appropriate.

  5. How to Write a Resume Personal Statement (6 Tips + Examples)

    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.

  6. Resume Personal Statement: How to Write & 7+ Good Examples

    Committed to creating user-friendly software and passionate about continual learning and growth. 7. Restaurant server. In a customer-facing role, such as a server, your personal statement is a good place to let hiring managers know what kind of customer experience you'll provide.

  7. Personal Details You Should Include on Your Resume

    The following list explains which elements of your personal information candidates should include and how to go about it: Full name: This should be the header or title of your resume, so there is no need to rewrite your name in the contact information section. Phone number: If you have more than one, choose the one on which you are most ...

  8. How to Write an Effective Resume Profile (With 15 Examples)

    For example, if you're applying for a project management position, you might highlight your expertise in project planning software, budget management, and team leadership. 4. Mention relevant achievements. Including notable achievements in your resume profile demonstrates the value you can bring to a potential employer.

  9. How to Write a CV Personal Statement + Examples

    Here's how to write a personal statement step-by-step: 1. Say Who You Are in the First Sentence. The first sentence of your personal profile must show that you're a serious candidate for the job. So, skip your zodiac sign or your favorite football team, even if they're a big part of who you are.

  10. Mastering Personal Details in a Resume: What to Include and Exclude

    Besides the essential resume personal information, there are also five optional personal details that you can include in a resume to make your resume a stronger one. 5 Optional Personal Details to be Included in a Resume: LinkedIn URL A LinkedIn profile in the personal information section in the resume can help elaborate your experience. It ...

  11. Your About Me Resume Section: 10 Examples to Make a Strong Impression

    1. Professional title. Your professional title, also known as your resume title, offers a glimpse into your areas of expertise and your level of responsibility. Whether you're an "HR Manager," "Graphic Designer," or "Project Manager," clearly mention your job title to give a snapshot of your core competencies. 2.

  12. How to Include Personal Details on Your Resume (With Tips)

    Here are steps you can follow to display your personal information on your resume effectively: 1. Write your name. Your name allows the hiring manager to identify whose resume they're reviewing. It typically appears at the top of your resume in the largest font compared to the rest of the text.

  13. Personal Information: What You Should Include in Your Résumé

    Where to include personal information in your résumé. Your contact details should be placed at the top of your résumé along with your name. Add your name at the top of the résumé in large, bold text, with your contact details clearly listed below in a smaller font. You can also include them as a header so that they are visible at the top ...

  14. What to Put for Additional Information on a Resume +Examples

    Additional Information On a Resume Sample—Publications Section. Publications. Lowe, Tiffany R. "Marketing 3.1." Marketing Theory 89 (2021): 15-69. ... When you apply for non-experience or junior roles, employers look into your personal attributes and qualities rather than qualifications. Professional experience is a cherry on top, but a cream ...

  15. What personal details to include in your CV + 6 examples

    For instance, if your phone number is 07777777777, you'd usually write it like this: Phone: 07777777777, or use a telephone symbol. Here are some examples of how to present phone numbers on your CV: Phone number: 10575598623. Telephone: 01234 567 890. ☎: 07777777777.

  16. 100+ Resume Personal Summary Examples & Samples

    The personal summary is important for a resume because it is a compelling snapshot that entices the reader to explore the rest of your resume. In this article, we will give you 100+ resume personal examples & samples that you can refer to. Create my CV. 💡. With TalenCat CV Maker 's AI-powered resume builder, you can leverage built-in modules ...

  17. What personal details to put on a CV (2024 Guide + Examples)

    The short answer is that the personal details section of a good CV should only contain the following four pieces of personal information of the applicant; name, home address, telephone number and e-mail address. It is optional to include a link to your LinkedIn profile or personal website. Other personal details, such as date of birth, gender ...

  18. How to Make a Resume in 2024

    Set the correct font size. As a rule of thumb, go for 11-12 pt for normal text and 14-16 pt for section titles. Use a PDF file. Always save your resume as a PDF file, unless the employer specifically requests otherwise. Word files are popular, but there's a good chance they'll mess up your resume's formatting.

  19. Include These Personal Details In A Resume (Learn How And Why)

    Where you place your personal details in your resume is as crucial as how you present them. Normally, your resume would have your name in big and bold letters at the top of the page. Right below that, you can have your personal details in a smaller font. In certain resume formats, you can also have a separate block with the relevant information ...

  20. 5 Most Important Parts of a Resume (with Examples)

    4. Education. The education section is also a necessary part of your resume. This component outlines your educational background and any academic achievements or awards you have received. Include the name of the college you attended, the degrees you completed and honors or achievements you earned.

  21. Personal Details In Resume: Do's And Dont's

    Here is a piece of detailed information on all the essential details in a resume: Your Name - Keep in mind to write your name in bold so that it stands out. To make your resume easy to stand out, the most important thing is to mention your name properly. Address -. You must mention your address right after you write your name.

  22. 27 Great Resume Summary Examples to Get Hired

    Why it works: This summary emphasizes the candidate's clinical and patient care experience and highlights their key nursing and interpersonal skills. 9. Financial Analyst resume summary example. "Detail-oriented Financial Analyst with a strong background in financial modeling, data analysis, and forecasting.

  23. Personal Details on a CV with Samples I Writing Tips

    Sample CV with Personal Details: Download CV Template. Tips to Write a Personal Details on a CV: If you have a long name, shorten it and keep the abbreviated version on your CV. Include as much information about your personal details as you can in a few words. To highlight one line in your resume, place a "*" at the beginning of the line.

  24. Sample Resumes

    Here are many sample resumes written by our career coaches to help you get started with yours. Read more than one sample and do your own research on resume trends for your industry. Undergraduate Resume Samples. Undergraduate Accounting Resume; Undergraduate Acting Resume;