Job Openings Kenya
Back to Blog
How-To

Cv Tips

Job Openings Kenya TeamJune 24, 2026

How to write a Professional Summary that gets attention

CV Tip (explained): 

Your Professional Summary is the short paragraph at the top of your CV.

Think of it as your 30-second introduction to the recruiter.

A strong summary makes the recruiter want to keep reading. A weak one gets skipped.

❌ Common mistake

Many people write:

Hardworking individual seeking a challenging position where I can grow my skills and contribute to the organization.

The problem?

This could describe almost anyone. It doesn't tell the recruiter what you offer.

✅ What a good summary contains

A strong summary answers three questions:

Who are you?

What skills do you bring?

What value can you provide?

Example (Customer Service)

Customer-focused professional with experience handling customer inquiries, resolving complaints, and maintaining high service standards. Strong communication and problem-solving skills with a track record of building positive client relationships.

Example (Administrative Assistant)

Detail-oriented administrative professional skilled in record management, scheduling, data entry, and Microsoft Office. Known for accuracy, organization, and the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently.

✅ If you have little or no experience

Focus on:

Education

Transferable skills

Certifications

Motivation

Example:

Motivated graduate with strong communication, organizational, and computer skills. Demonstrated ability to work effectively in teams, learn quickly, and manage responsibilities through academic projects and volunteer activities.

The formula

You can use this template:

[Professional identity] with [key skills/experience]. Skilled in [relevant abilities] and known for [strength or achievement]. Seeking to contribute [value you can provide].

Example:

IT Support Technician with experience troubleshooting hardware and software issues. Skilled in network support, customer assistance, and system maintenance. Known for fast problem resolution and strong attention to detail.

The key lesson

A recruiter should understand your value within one paragraph.

Your summary is not about what you want.

It's about what you bring to the employer.

Quick challenge

Read your current summary and ask:

"Would this summary still make sense if I replaced my name with someone else's?"

If yes, it's probably too generic.

A great summary sounds like you, not everyone.

Login to Read Full Article

Join Job Openings Kenya to access full articles and exclusive opportunities.

Login / Sign Up
J

Job Openings Kenya Team

Job Openings Kenya Contributor

Need a CV? from KES 50