How to Write a Professional Summary for Your CV

A professional summary is a short paragraph at the top of your CV that gives recruiters a quick snapshot of who you are and what you offer. Done well, it encourages them to read on. Here is how to write one that works for Gulf and international applications.

What to Include

In three to five lines, cover: your years of relevant experience, your main skills or specialisation, and the type of role or industry you are targeting. You can add one brief achievement or strength (e.g. "experienced in managing cross-functional teams" or "track record of improving process efficiency"). Keep it factual and aligned with the rest of your CV.

Tailor It to the Job

Adjust your summary for each application. Use words and phrases from the job description where they fit naturally. If the role emphasises leadership, mention leadership experience. If it asks for a specific sector (e.g. construction, healthcare), reference that. A tailored summary shows you have read the vacancy and are a relevant candidate.

What to Avoid

Do not use vague or generic lines like "hard-working team player seeking a challenging role." Avoid first person ("I am...") if you prefer a more formal tone; many CVs use third person or implied subject ("Experienced project manager with..."). Do not exaggerate or include claims you cannot support in your experience section.

Length and Placement

Keep your summary to three to five sentences, or about 50–80 words. Place it directly under your contact details so it is the first thing recruiters read after your name. Use a clear, professional tone and proofread carefully.