How to Write a CV Profile That Gets Noticed

Job hunting is tougher than it has been in years. The Office for National Statistics estimates there were 702,000 UK vacancies in June to August 2026, the fewest outside the pandemic since 2014, while unemployment stands at 4.9%, up on a year ago.

Graduate roles are even more crowded: the Institute of Student Employers recorded an average of 140 applications per vacancy in 2024/25, the highest in three decades. Fewer openings and more applicants mean every CV has to fight for a place on the shortlist.

For the recruiter on the other end who's worked through several hundreds of applications, your CV profile, sometimes called a CV personal statement, is the first thing they read, and is often what makes you stand out.

To create a strong first impression, your CV profile needs to tell a recruiter quickly who you are, what you can do, why your experience is relevant and why you should be considered for the role.

This guide shares a four-step method for writing a winning CV profile that gets you noticed. With worked examples, a simple formula and a final checklist. The method works whether you're applying for your first office job, moving into a PA or EA role, or taking the next step in your career.

What a CV profile actually needs to do

Think of your profile as the answer to one question: why should someone keep reading? In a few lines, show your level, your strongest relevant skills, and the role you want next.

For most recruiters shortlisting from a long list of applications, the profiles that get a proper read are specific and easy to scan. Perfect CVS 5 Second CV Test? explains how much of that judgement happens at first glance.

How to write your CV profile in 4 steps

Step 1: Study the job description and pull out keywords

Before you write anything, read the job description closely and note what comes up more than once:

• the skills and responsibilities it stresses

• the software and systems it names

• any qualifications it asks for

• the words it uses to describe the ideal candidate

These tell you which parts of your experience belong in your profile. Use the employer's terms where they genuinely describe you, but don't copy the advert word for word.

Remember your CV profile has two readers to win over: the ATS and a recruiter, so the right keywords get you past the filter, while clear, specific evidence makes that recruiter take a closer look. A profile that does both marks you out as a strong candidate. For a deeper look at keywords, read Perfect CVS' The Importance of Keywords for CV Writing.

Step 2: Lead with your title, experience, and what you can offer

Start with a plain description of who you are professionally. For instance you can describe yourself as an Executive Assistant with eight years' experience supporting C-suite leaders. Or, an administrator with three years in a law firm.

Then add two or three strengths that match the role. If the advert asks for complex diary management, stakeholder communication and international travel coordination, and you've done both, bring them forward.

Most importantly, connect your experience to what the employer needs rather than simply describing you as 'hard-working' or 'organised'.

Step 3: Add proof: numbers, results, named tools

Back up your strengths with concrete proof. A figure, result, or named system says more than a broad claim. Instead of saying you improve processes, say you introduced a filing system that cut document retrieval time by 30%.

For a PA or EA role, that might mean supporting three directors, managing travel across six time zones, or running a team's daily calendars in Microsoft 365. However, only include details you could expand on at interview.

Step 4: Close with what you want next

Finish by making your direction clear. If you're moving from administration into a PA role, say so. If you are an experienced EA looking for senior executive support, make that clear too

A clear direction tells a recruiter where you fit and stops your profile reading like a list of unrelated strengths. Keep it confident but factual.

An example for anyone applying for a PA, EA, or admin role

Personal profile examples are most useful when you can see how the detail changes with experience. A junior candidate leans on transferable experience and demonstrated skills; a senior candidate gives more weight to scope, responsibility, and results.

Junior example can go like this:

"Administrator with two years' experience supporting a busy property team. Confident managing diaries, meetings, and client communication, including weekly scheduling for 25 staff. Now looking to build on this in a PA or team assistant role."

For a senior candidate it could be:

"Executive Assistant with ten years' experience supporting CEOs and leadership teams in financial services. Trusted with complex diary management, board papers, and confidential correspondence, and introduced a meeting-preparation process adopted across the executive office. Now seeking a Chief of Staff or senior EA position."

CV profile mistakes that get you rejected

The profiles I pass over fastest usually make one of these four mistakes:

● Generic, copy-pasted profiles: If the same profile could sit on five different CVs, it needs more about you and the role you want.

● Too long or too vague: Cut the filler and keep only the evidence a recruiter needs to shortlist you.

● Duplicating your job history: Summarise your value here and leave the list of responsibilities to your employment section.

● Ignoring ATS keywords: If the advert asks for minute-taking or a particular CRM system and you have that experience, name it.

For pitfalls beyond the profile, see Perfect CVS' Mistakes That Make Your CV Look Unprofessional.

Write CV profiles that win interviews

Before you apply, read your profile as if you have never seen your CV before. Can you tell what you do, how experienced you are, what you are good at and what role you want next within a few seconds?

Then check every claim against the rest of your CV: dates, job titles, figures, systems and achievements should be accurate and consistent. If it answers those questions without unnecessary words, you have done its job. The aim is not to say everything but to give the recruiter a reason to keep reading and consider hiring you.

Author Bio

Olivia Coughtrie is co-founder of Oriel Partners, a specialist perm and temp recruitment agency serving businesses in London. She is well known for her direct and honest approach, and has many exclusive partnerships with her global clients that are looking to hire a PA or EA. Oriel Partners' clients range from global multinationals to small independent firms, all requiring the same personal service and swift high-calibre support.