Knowing how to start a CV is crucial when creating a document that stands out in today’s competitive job market.
The first few lines are your chance to capture an employer’s attention and make a lasting impression. Whether you're writing a CV for the first time or updating an existing one, starting off strong can set the tone for the rest of your professional story.
In this guide, we'll walk you through the key elements to include in the opening of your curriculum vitae to help you get noticed.
Why does starting your CV strong matter?
The first lines of your CV writing are crucial because they set the tone for the rest of the document and determine whether a hiring manager will continue reading.
Employers often receive hundreds of applications for a single role, and they typically spend only a few seconds reviewing each curriculum vitae.
A strong introduction immediately captures their attention, making them more likely to explore your qualifications in detail.
It shows that you’re a good fit for the position and motivates the reader to learn more about your experience.
Knowing how to start a personal statement CV, you can create a positive first impression that increases your chances of securing an interview.
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How to start a CV?
Here are the essential components to include at the beginning when writing a CV for maximum impact.
Personal information
At the top, clearly display your name and contact details.
Add:
This section should feature your full name, phone number, and email address. Mentioning your city and country is optional but recommended, especially for local roles.
Avoid:
Refrain from listing irrelevant details such as age, marital status, or full home address unless specifically requested. Keeping this area of your curriculum vitae clean and professional ensures recruiters can easily get in touch.
Opening statement
Follow with a concise professional summary or objective. This brief introduction should outline your key strengths, expertise, and career goals.
A summary works best for individuals with experience, as it highlights accomplishments and core skills. For example:
“Results-driven marketing professional with five years of expertise in digital advertising and campaign management. Proven success in boosting brand visibility and enhancing customer engagement through data-driven strategies. Seeking to apply my skills to support your company's growth and innovation.”
For those with limited work history or recent graduates, creating a CV with an objective is more suitable. This focuses on aspirations and how they align with the role, such as:
“Detail-oriented Business Administration graduate eager to apply strong analytical and problem-solving skills in a dynamic corporate environment. Seeking an entry-level role in project management to contribute to organizational success while expanding my expertise.”
Skills and core competencies
After your summary, include a concise list of relevant abilities. Using bullet points makes this section easy to skim. For example:
- Digital marketing strategy and analytics
- Project management and collaboration
- CRM platforms and tools
- Data interpretation and reporting
Tailoring this part to match the job description is essential.
Many companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) that scan for specific keywords. That's why aligning your competencies with the role improves your chances of passing the initial screening.
Examples of how to start a CV effectively
Below are samples of how to write a CV opening for different roles and career levels.
1. Marketing Specialist (Experienced Professional)
Jane Reynolds
Toronto, ON | 647-555-2034 | jane.reynolds@email.comCreative and results-oriented marketing specialist with seven years of experience in digital campaigns and brand management. Proven success in driving customer engagement through data-driven strategies and innovative content creation. Seeking to apply my expertise to support your company’s growth and market presence.
Skills:
- Digital marketing strategy and analytics
- Social media management (Meta, LinkedIn, X)
- Email marketing and automation (Mailchimp, HubSpot)
- SEO optimization and content creation
2. Project Manager (Career Change)
David Thornton
Chicago, IL | 312-555-7890 | david.thornton@email.comDetail-focused professional with a background in operations and a passion for leading cross-functional teams. Skilled in streamlining processes, coordinating complex projects, and delivering results on time and within budget. Eager to transition into a project management role where I can leverage my organizational and leadership abilities to drive business success.
Skills:
- Project coordination and task prioritization
- Process improvement and workflow optimization
- Budget management and resource allocation
- Collaboration tools (Trello, Asana, Jira)
3. Software Developer (Entry-Level)
Emily Carter
Austin, TX | 512-555-6048 | emily.carter@email.com | linkedin.com/in/emily-carterMotivated and tech-savvy computer science graduate with hands-on experience in developing web applications using JavaScript, Python, and React. Passionate about creating efficient, user-friendly software solutions and eager to contribute technical expertise to your innovative development team.
Skills:
- Frontend development (React, JavaScript, HTML, CSS)
- Backend programming (Python, Node.js, SQL)
- Version control systems (Git, GitHub)
- Debugging and performance optimization
4. Teacher (Experienced Professional)
Sarah Bennett
London, UK | +44 20 5554 9182 | sarah.bennett@email.comDedicated and compassionate educator with over a decade of experience fostering student growth and academic success. Skilled in creating engaging lesson plans, supporting diverse learning styles, and building strong relationships with students and parents. Seeking to contribute my passion for teaching to your collaborative and dynamic environment.
Skills:
- Curriculum development and lesson planning
- Classroom management and student engagement
- Differentiated instruction for diverse learners
- Parent-teacher communication and collaboration
5. Administrative Assistant (Career Reentry After a Break)
Laura Mitchell
Seattle, WA | 206-555-3179 | laura.mitchell@email.comHighly organized and proactive administrative professional with previous experience supporting executives and managing daily office operations. Skilled in scheduling, document preparation, and client communication. Eager to reenter the workforce and apply my strong organizational abilities to support your company’s efficiency and productivity.
Skills:
- Calendar management and meeting coordination
- Document preparation and data entry (Microsoft Office, Google Workspace)
- Customer service and client relations
- Travel arrangements and expense reporting
6. Graphic Designer (Freelancer Transitioning to Full-Time)
Alex Foster
New York, NY | 917-555-8473 | alex.foster@email.com | alexfosterdesigns.comInnovative and detail-oriented graphic designer with five years of freelance experience creating visually compelling designs for diverse clients. Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite and skilled in balancing creativity with client needs. Excited to bring my artistic expertise and collaborative mindset to a full-time design role at your company.
Skills:
- Graphic design and branding (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
- UX/UI design (Figma, Sketch)
- Typography and color theory
- Client communication and project collaboration
7. Customer Service Representative (Entry-Level, No Experience)
Ryan Harris
Boston, MA | 617-555-2764 | ryan.harris@email.comEnthusiastic and customer-focused individual with strong communication skills and a passion for delivering exceptional service. Eager to leverage my interpersonal abilities and commitment to customer satisfaction in a customer service role at your company, ensuring positive experiences for every client.
Skills:
- Verbal and written communication
- Conflict resolution and problem-solving
- Multitasking and time management
- Customer relationship management (CRM) software
8. Sales Representative (Experienced Professional)
Michael Parker
Los Angeles, CA | 213-555-9824 | michael.parker@email.comDriven and goal-oriented sales representative with eight years of experience in B2B and B2C sales. Proven success in building long-term client relationships, exceeding sales targets, and driving revenue growth. Eager to contribute my negotiation skills and customer-focused approach to support your company’s sales objectives.
Skills:
- Client relationship management and retention
- Lead generation and prospecting
- Sales pipeline management (Salesforce, HubSpot)
- Negotiation and closing deals
9. Human Resources Specialist (Career Change)
Olivia Martinez
Denver, CO | 720-555-6739 | olivia.martinez@email.comDetail-oriented professional with a background in customer service and a passion for supporting employee development and workplace culture. Skilled in communication, conflict resolution, and HR administration. Eager to transition into human resources, leveraging my interpersonal skills and organizational abilities to contribute to your HR team’s success.
Skills:
- Employee onboarding and training coordination
- Conflict resolution and employee relations
- HR software (Workday, BambooHR)
- Benefits administration and compliance
10. Data Analyst (Entry-Level)
Daniel Nguyen
San Francisco, CA | 415-555-4268 | daniel.nguyen@email.com | linkedin.com/in/daniel-nguyenAnalytical and results-driven data analyst with a recent degree in data science and hands-on experience in data visualization and statistical analysis. Passionate about uncovering insights from complex data sets and eager to contribute my problem-solving skills and technical expertise to your company’s data-driven initiatives.
Skills:
- Data analysis and interpretation (Python, R, SQL)
- Data visualization (Tableau, Power BI)
- Statistical modeling and machine learning
- Database management and querying
11. Social Media Manager (Experienced Professional)
Samantha Green
Miami, FL | 305-555-8746 | samantha.green@email.comStrategic and creative social media manager with six years of experience building brand awareness and engaging online communities. Skilled in developing data-driven content strategies and managing multi-platform campaigns. Eager to apply my expertise to elevate your company's digital presence and drive customer engagement.
Skills:
- Social media strategy and analytics (Meta, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok)
- Content creation and copywriting
- Community management and customer engagement
- Social media tools (Hootsuite, Buffer, Sprout Social)
12. Business Analyst (Career Change)
Mark Johnson
Dallas, TX | 214-555-7932 | mark.johnson@email.comDetail-oriented professional with a background in finance and a passion for data-driven decision-making. Skilled in analyzing business processes, identifying areas for improvement, and providing actionable insights. Eager to transition into a business analyst role, leveraging my analytical skills to support your company’s operational efficiency and growth.
Skills:
- Business process analysis and optimization
- Data analysis and reporting (Excel, Tableau, Power BI)
- Stakeholder communication and collaboration
- Project management and workflow automation
13. Content Writer (Freelancer Transitioning to Full-Time)
Emma Collins
Boston, MA | 617-555-2658 | emma.collins@email.com | emmacollinswriting.comVersatile and deadline-driven content writer with four years of freelance experience creating engaging articles, blog posts, and marketing copy. Skilled in adapting writing style to various industries and audiences. Excited to bring my storytelling abilities and passion for clear communication to a full-time writing role at your company.
Skills:
- SEO content writing and keyword optimization
- Blog and article writing (WordPress, Medium)
- Copywriting for marketing and advertising
- Research and fact-checking for accuracy
14. Nurse (Entry-Level)
Rachel Adams
Phoenix, AZ | 602-555-8163 | rachel.adams@email.comCompassionate and dedicated registered nurse with clinical experience in patient care, health assessments, and medication administration. Skilled in providing personalized care, collaborating with healthcare teams, and ensuring patient safety. Eager to contribute my clinical skills and commitment to patient well-being to your healthcare facility.
Skills:
- Patient care and health assessments
- Medication administration and dosage calculation
- Medical documentation (EHR systems: Epic, Cerner)
- Communication and collaboration with healthcare teams
15. Civil Engineer (Experienced Professional)
James Carter
Seattle, WA | 206-555-3094 | james.carter@email.comResults-driven civil engineer with eight years of experience in infrastructure design, construction management, and regulatory compliance. Proven success in delivering projects on time and within budget while ensuring structural integrity and safety. Eager to apply my technical expertise and problem-solving skills to support your company’s engineering projects.
Skills:
- Infrastructure design and construction management
- Structural analysis and safety compliance
- AutoCAD, Revit, and Civil 3D proficiency
- Budgeting, cost estimation, and project scheduling
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Conclusion
Starting a CV with a clear, well-crafted introduction is the first step toward catching the attention of hiring managers.
By including relevant information, such as a compelling personal statement, and focusing on the skills that align with the job, you can make your curriculum vitae stand out from the competition.
Take the time to perfect your CV’s opening section, and you'll be on the right track to landing your next great opportunity.