CV & Covering Letter Booklet - How to Write a Personal Profile

Sep 13, 2026

Careers and Employability Centre booklet guiding job seekers on building an effective CV and covering letter. Explains what a CV is, why it is updated, and how to write a personal (career) profile that fits directly under contact details. Provides exercises for listing skills, selecting top qualities, and using positive action words plus action phrases. Includes prompts for current situation, skills, work experience and opportunities, then outlines CV sections such as education, work experience, additional skills, achievements and references.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResumes

FormatPDF

Pages16

Reading Time6 min

AccessFree to download

What is a CV?

How to write a Personal Profile for your CV

Action words

Action phrases

Creating your CV

CAREERS AND EMPLOYABILITY CENTRE CV & Covering Letter Booklet What is a CV? A CV (Curriculum Vitae) is a written record of your education, qualifications and employment. To apply for an advertised job you will often be asked to send a CVand covering letter. The CV is therefore not just a record of your career or education to date, but also a chance to sell yourself. How to write a Personal Profile for your CV Your CV is one of the most important documents you will have when it comes to looking for work. It will require updating regularly with work experience and qualifications that you gain as your working career develops. A Personal Profile (or ‘Career Profile’) is an introductory paragraph at the beginning of your CV containing a short summary of your background and career plans. Your personal profile should be located atthe top of your CV just below your name and contact details. It is one of the first things an employer will read, and they may decide to offer an interview or not on that alone. If you make it too long they may not read it all, but make it too short or impersonal and you won’t stand out from the crowd. Your personal profile is your opportunity to sell yourself! [southdevon.ac.uk](southdevon.ac.uk) In the box below write down at least 10 skills or qualities you think an employer is looking for in an employee. Top tips: Reliable, committed, efficient. Use positive language. Using the words you’ve listed above, now circle the 5 skills or qualities you feel describe you best. [southdevon.ac.uk](southdevon.ac.uk) Action words These are some general examples of positive “action/achieving” words to use when applying for jobs: achieved created improved proficient administered designed initiated qualified analysed developed lead resourceful built directed managed capable competent specialised efficient monitored communicated established organised successful consistent expanded participated supervised controlled experience positive trained co-ordinated guided processed versatile implemented produced willing adaptable Action phrases • Analysed problems and developed solutions • Excellent interpersonal and people management skills • Able to analyse and interpret data • Able to exercise good judgement and sound reasoning • Good interpersonal skills • Able to concentrate and pay attention to detail • Can work well on own initiative • Agood communicator • Experienced, self-motivated and energetic • Ability to organise and motivate staff • Agood planner • Careful and methodical approach • Able to work accurately under pressure • A good organiser with an eye for detail • A good team worker • Patient, tolerant and able to communicate • A good listener with a common sense approach • Persuasive but tactful • A flexible approach to changing situations • A manager of change • Determination and drive to see projects to successful completion • An active decision maker • An effective time manager • Highly numerate and computer literate • Adaptable to team or individual roles • Produces to deadlines • Extensive visual memory [southdevon.ac.uk](southdevon.ac.uk) What is your current situation? Top tip: I am a student at South Devon College studying a Level 2 Diploma in Bricklaying... What are your skills and qualities? Use the 5 you have circled previously! Top tip: I possess excellent communication skills and enjoy contributing in a group. I am punctual and reliable, and pride myself on my methodical approach to work. [southdevon.ac.uk](southdevon.ac.uk) Do you have any work experience or have you taken on any additional responsibilities? What have you learnt from them? Top tip: I have undertaken numerous positions of responsibility, including being in charge of showing younger children and their parents around school on our open day. This required me to be understanding and approachable... [southdevon.ac.uk](southdev

FAQs

What is a CV and what role does it play in job applications?

A CV is a written record of education, qualifications, and employment. When applying for advertised roles, it is often submitted alongside a covering letter, and it helps you present yourself and your career to date.

Where should the personal profile be placed in a CV and why?

The personal profile should be at the top of the CV just below your name and contact details. Employers often read it first, and it can influence whether they offer an interview.

How should you choose skills for your personal profile?

Write down at least 10 skills or qualities an employer is likely to look for, then circle the 5 that best describe you. Use positive language and align your selected items to the job you want.

Sep 13, 2026

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