English: B Maths: B Business: A
Main duties performed:
In my spare time, I enjoy reading and going to the cinema, and I love spending time with family and friends over the weekend. I have a major interest in computing, and I regularly go to the gym to keep myself active and healthy.
How to save your CV as a PDF document:
Personal information.
The personal information section of your CV contains some essential personal details that employers use to contact you about your job application.
Make sure the details are accurate and up-to-date.
Read more: What personal details to include (and not include) on a CV .
The personal profile on your CV is like your introduction to potential employers.
It’s a brief paragraph where you share who you are as a professional, what skills and experiences make you a great fit for the job and your career goals.
This section is crucial because it’s the first thing employers read, so it’s your chance to make a strong first impression.
Read more: Personal qualities to add to a CV .
Administrative assistant personal profile example:
Experienced Administrative Assistant with a proven track record of efficiently managing office operations and supporting executive teams. Proficient in coordinating schedules, organising meetings and enhancing office productivity. Implemented streamlined filing systems, resulting in a 20% increase in data accessibility and accuracy. Seeking to bring my expertise to a dynamic administrative role.
The accomplishments section in your CV is like your highlight reel. It’s where you show off the awesome things you’ve done in your previous jobs or academic life.
You should include things like awards you’ve won, promotions you’ve earned, specific projects you’ve excelled in or any other accomplishments that make you stand out.
This section helps you prove that you’re not just doing the job but excelling at it, making you a great catch for potential employers. So, make sure to brag a little about your successes here!
When crafting the employment section of your CV, your primary goal is to effectively present your work history. Begin with your most recent job and work your way backwards in chronological order.
Each job entry should feature your job title, the company name and your employment dates. Utilise bullet points to succinctly outline your main duties and accomplishments, emphasising your unique contributions and the value you brought to each role.
Employers consider this the most important part of your CV so make sure it’s perfect!
Main duties and responsibilities performed:
Administrative assistant duties to add to your CV
In this section of your CV, you should list your formal education and qualifications such as degrees, A-levels, diplomas and GCSEs.
For each qualification, you need to include the university or institution’s name, the dates you attended, the type of qualification obtained (e.g., Bachelor of Science, A-levels, etc.), and any relevant honours or special achievements, such as academic awards or distinctions.
Note: If you have substantial work experience or high-level qualifications, you don’t need to include details of school-level qualifications.
2:1. |
Subjects studied:
Business Studies: A, Mathematics: B, English Literature: B. |
In this section, you should include your professional qualifications, training and any vocational certifications.
Format it similarly to your education section, listing the qualifications, training courses and institutions.
The skills section of your CV is where you list the abilities, qualities and competencies that make you a strong candidate for the job, showcasing what you can bring to the table.
Examples of the skills you could add here include time management, strong communication, data entry accuracy, and organisation abilities. If you are skilled in using specialised software or tools relevant to administrative roles (e.g., Microsoft Outlook for scheduling or Trello for task management), explicitly mention them.
All of these skills are essential for the role of an admin assistant.
Useful admin assistant skills to add to your CV
The hobbies and interests section of your CV provides a glimpse into your personality and shows that you’re a well-rounded individual who can align with the values or culture of the company you’re applying to.
Include hobbies like volunteering, team sports or creative pursuits, which highlight qualities such as teamwork, dedication and creativity, making you a more appealing candidate.
The best hobbies to include are those that are relevant to the job.
The references section of your CV typically contains contact information for individuals who can vouch for your professional qualifications and character, such as former teachers, employers or colleagues.
The references section of your CV is optional and you can choose to include it or not.
If you decide to include it, you should provide the names, titles and contact information of individuals who have agreed to serve as references and can speak positively about you to employers.
If you choose not to include your references on your CV, you can simply write “References available upon request.” This allows you to provide references when requested by the employer during the later stages of the application process while keeping your CV more concise and focused on your qualifications and experience.
This is the end of our guide on how to write a compelling Administrative Assistant CV, complete with examples and expert tips.
We hope this comprehensive resource has provided you with the tools you need to create the perfect CV for your administrative career that will land you your dream job.
Good luck with your job hunt!
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The Smarter, Faster Way to Write Your CV
How to format a office administrator cv, start with a strong professional profile, highlight relevant skills and competencies, detail relevant experience and achievements, emphasize education and professional development, personal statements for office administrators, office administrator personal statement examples, what makes a strong personal statement.
Compare Your CV to a Job Description
How long should office administrators make a cv, what's the best format for an office administrator cv, how does a office administrator cv differ from a resume, related cvs for office administrator.
Office Manager CV
Administrative Assistant CV
Front Office Administrator CV
Senior Office Administrator CV
Office Clerk CV
Office Secretary CV
CV examples
Lilly is an experienced Senior Administrator who has opted for the Oxford template for her CV. Its simple style showcases her relevant skills and career accomplishments in a clear and short form.
"Highly-skilled Senior Administrator with excellent communication and operational skills. With over 5 years of experience in managing complex office operations and serving as a main point of contact for key stakeholders."
Table of contents
Becoming an administrator could be for you if you want a new challenge or to develop job-specific skills. Essential qualities like organisation, problem-solving, and attention to detail are key. For this job, you handle customer questions, work with others, and use computer programs or project management tools.
This article is designed to guide you through each step of creating a good CV that highlights your organisation skills and office experience. We offer insights on essential sections and practical tips to impress recruiters. Ready to take the next step in your career? Let us help you get started!
With CVMaker , you can choose a CV template that best represents your professional profile.
Administrator cv example.
Download this CV example - Administrator CV.
In this CV sample, Lilly showcases herself as a Senior Administrator with extensive experience in a fast-paced, international environment. Her personal profile suggests a level of expertise in administrative functions and highlights her ability to manage complex operations, lead teams, optimise processes, and excel in communication. This professional CV template effectively summarises her key strengths and achievements relevant to her job targets and career goals.
See our matching admin cover letter example to streamline your application.
It's essential to tailor your application to be job-specific. Highlight your relevant skills, experience, achievements and certifications. Use a clear and organised format with separate sections for personal details, personal profile, work history, education, skills, and certifications. Below are the must-have sections to add to your CV:
Personal details
Personal profile
Work experience
Whether you are an administrative assistant, business administrator or secretary , you duties could include providing support and coordinating across various departments. You maintain records, manage projects and schedules, coordinate meetings, and provide exceptional customer service.
With the rise of remote admin jobs, you now have the flexibility to perform your admin tasks from anywhere, leveraging digital tools and communication platforms to efficiently manage administrative duties while enjoying the benefits of working remotely. Learn more about the remote and hybrid work models.
For more information on how to tailor your CV, see our related blog article on master vs job-specific CV .
Should you use references on your CV? Typically, this is optional. Instead, save sharing your references for the interview if the employer requests it.
When writing a personal profile, it's crucial to capture the employer's attention and provide a comprehensive overview of your skills, experience, and career goals relevant to your admin role.
A personal profile should provide an engaging introduction to your skills and qualifications for a role that interests the recruiter to explore your CV further. See our personal profile on a CV article for more ideas on how to write a compelling personal statement for your CV.
Highly organised and detail-orientated Administrative Assistant with four years of experience supporting diverse teams and stakeholders. Proven ability to prioritise tasks, manage calendars, and coordinate meetings, ensuring efficient office operations. Excellent communication skills with a strong customer service focus, adept at building positive relationships with clients, colleagues, and stakeholders.
Results-driven Office Administrator with five years of experience managing administrative tasks and optimising office efficiency. Skilled in coordinating schedules, streamlining processes, and ensuring smooth operations in fast-paced environments. Proven ability to prioritise tasks and meet deadlines, with exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
Refer to our office manager CV example for more inspiration.
Dynamic and results-oriented Business Administrator with seven years of experience driving operational efficiency and supporting business growth. Skilled in overseeing administrative functions, managing budgets, and supervising business operations. Proficient in leveraging technology and business software to streamline operations and enhance productivity.
We recommend including soft skills in your personal profile and making a separate section for technical skills. If you have limited to no work experience, highlighting transferable skills can be beneficial.
An office administrator should have excellent organisational, communication, and multitasking skills. In addition, you must comfortably work in a multi-disciplinary team, be proficient in data management and enjoy problem-solving. Look at our receptionist CV example for more ideas on what skills to add to your CV.
A business administrator should have strong communication and leadership skills while supporting other team members and overseeing operations. In addition, you must be well-versed in budgeting, financial planning and possess a high analytic ability to assess data and suggest solutions.
Examples of soft skills:
Organisation
Multitasking
Attention to detail
Time management
Problem-solving
Communication
Adaptability
Customer service.
Examples of hard skills:
Database management
Document management
Data entry and analysis
Financial record-keeping
Project coordination
Schedule management
Office equipment operation
Software proficiency
Supplier relations
Records management.
Read our article on what skills to put on a CV for more ideas.
Work experience is crucial in establishing a lasting impact on potential employers, regardless of the industry or profession. Showcase your work experience in previous admin positions, highlighting your familiarity with the day-to-day operations of an organisation, your ability to handle tasks efficiently, and your understanding of the systems and processes commonly used in the field.
In this section, we suggest highlighting tangible achievements and responsibilities. This could include paid work, internships, or volunteer roles that demonstrate your organisational skills, time management, communication, problem-solving, and attention to detail. By providing concrete examples of how you have successfully managed projects, coordinated meetings, handled data entry, or assisted with office management, you demonstrate your capability to contribute effectively to an administrative team.
Additional tips to consider when writing this section:
Start with your most recent job and work backwards
Provide measurable outcomes to demonstrate your achievements
Use keywords which relate to your job targets
Highlight measurable outcomes and achievements
Emphasise transferable skills from previous roles
Finally, focus on what you did rather than just listing responsibilities to keep it concise and impactful.
Office Administrator work experience example:
Office Administrator| Lehner Ltd , Birmingham, 2021 – present
Demonstrate strong leadership, handle diverse tasks, and maintain a productive office environment. Monitor team performance daily and regularly generate comprehensive reports for senior management. Collaborate with internal stakeholders to resolve issues efficiently and actively participate in strategy sessions to drive progress and align with the company's vision.
Received commendation for exceptional organisational skills and attention to detail.
Implemented streamlined administrative processes, resulting in improved workflow and cost savings.
Awarded Employee of the Year for positive feedback from colleagues and superiors for outstanding customer service and professionalism.
Senior Administrator work experience example:
Senior Administrator | Roob-Miller , Birmingham, 2020 - present
Lead and motivate a team of 15 customer service representatives and provide exemplary short-term insurance assistance to business clients. Monitor team performance and prepare comprehensive reports daily, weekly, and monthly for senior management. Collaborate closely with internal stakeholders, and seek solutions to resolve issues.
Spearheaded team training initiatives which boosted team morale and resulted in a 70% improvement in customer satisfaction scores.
Implemented innovative technologies and software solutions that automated administrative tasks and improved efficiency.
Developed strong relationships with key stakeholders, including vendors and suppliers, leading to cost savings for the company.
For a comprehensive guide on writing about your work experience and highlighting achievements, refer to our how to write work experience and how to list achievements articles.
Remember to tailor the details and achievements to your experience, focusing on the most relevant duties and accomplishments for the role you are applying for.
When writing a CV without work experience, we advise focusing on your education, skills, and additional experience sections. In addition, highlight any transferable skills or projects that apply to a job in administration. A skills-based CV format may be helpful for graduates or if you are newly qualified.
Administrator no work experience example:
Administrative Trainee | Venn Group, Manchester, 2021 - present
Support and assist the administrative team in various daily operations, gaining hands-on experience in office management and coordination. Work closely with senior administrators to streamline processes and enhance overall office efficiency. Execute administrative tasks such as document preparation, data entry, and scheduling.
Participated in a cross-functional training programme, acquiring essential skills in time management, organisation, and communication, contributing to a 20% increase in team productivity.
Utilised advanced software tools to automate routine administrative tasks, reducing manual workload by 30% and allowing the team to focus on strategic initiatives.
Contributed to cost-saving initiatives by researching and proposing alternative suppliers for office supplies, resulting in a 15% reduction in procurement costs.
Education requirements for an administrator in the UK can vary depending on the position and employer. Most employers typically request secondary-tier education, such as GCSEs, as a minimum requirement. Although, having a relevant qualification like a business administration degree can enhance your prospects.
When listing education on a CV, it's important to include basic information such as the school's name, location, dates attended, and degree or certificate earned.
Below are some examples of the types of education for starting a career in this field:
GCSEs: Good grades in English and Math GCSEs are often required for entry-level admin jobs.
A-Levels: Having A Level qualifications, or their equivalent, may be preferred or required by certain employers. Subjects like Business Studies, Economics, or ICT can have relevance for administrative positions.
BTEC or NVQ: Vocational qualifications such as BTEC or NVQ in Business Administration or related fields can offer specialised skills and knowledge relevant to administrative positions.
Foundation Degree or Bachelor's Degree: A degree in Business Administration can help you advance your career and lead to higher-level administration roles, but it's only sometimes required for entry-level jobs.
It's important to note that while education is valuable, practical office experience, transferable skills, and the ability to use relevant computer software and tools are also highly regarded by employers in this field. To learn more, read our how to write the education section for a CV blog article.
You should list the title of the course or certificate, the institution you received it from, and the year in which you obtained it. Only include courses and certificates relevant to the role you are applying for. A brief description of what was learned during the course or certificate can demonstrate your knowledge, skills and qualifications for your CV.
Enrolling in a course and earning a certificate in the UK, either online or in class, can help you achieve your career goals as an administrator. For some job seekers, a higher education degree is usually the minimum requirement for those interested in business administration or other senior managerial positions.
Here are examples of courses and certificates for an administrator CV:
Advanced Diploma in Business Administration
Diploma for IT Users (ITQ)
Administration Assistant Diplomas
Business Administration Level 3
Diploma in Office Administration
Certificate in Bookkeeping
Diploma in Office Management and Reception
Diploma in Professional Receptionist
Diploma in Systems and Payroll Management.
Creating an effective CV is crucial in today's competitive job market, so by using this guide, you can effectively showcase your skills, experiences and accomplishments. Creating a CV is even better with a cover letter , which can boost your chances of securing a job interview. Keep your CV concise, well-organised, and easy to read to maximise your chances of success.
Next steps?
We understand that searching for your ideal role can be challenging in a competitive market. Our CV Writing Service is made to help you save time and offer you support with your job application. Our experts have reviewed and designed HR-approved templates so recruiters can scan and easily find your application among thousands of candidates. We can also help you choose a professional admin CV template and have more CV examples for inspiration.
What does an administrator do .
Working in this area, you are responsible for diverse organisational management tasks, including planning and budgeting to overseeing business operations. They coordinate activities, communicate with stakeholders, and ensure compliance with policies and regulations. Learn more about different admin roles in the UK.
When creating an administrator CV, your chosen format is as important as the information you include. Make sure you use reverse chronological order. Your CV should be easy to read and provide a well-structured overview of your professional experience, qualifications, and skills.
An organised CV with all your skills and experience can improve your chances of getting noticed by employers and landing a job interview. Your admin CV should highlight any experiences and qualifications that are relevant. Include a clear and concise summary of your key skills, abilities and experience in your personal profile, as this helps you stand out from other applicants.
In the UK, CV length can range from one to two pages. We suggest focusing on essential details and avoiding repeating information. Instead, highlight recent and relevant work experience, individual strengths, and accomplishments related to your job targets.
Refer to our blog article on how long should a CV be for more inspiration.
We offer a variety of CV templates that are appropriate for different industries and job roles. In addition, our professional templates are always customised to suit your style and career goals.
The type of education required varies depending on the job. Generally, employers look for applicants with secondary-tier education for administration and office assistants. A bachelor's degree may be required for senior and business administration roles. Some positions require additional certificates or specialised skills. Some work experience in an office environment and strong computer skills are essential. Refer to our HR CV example for further inspiration on how to add education.
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Fact: recruiters spend only 6 seconds reviewing each CV. So poorly organized CVs inevitably get discarded.
Having an effective CV layout is the first step to attracting their attention. And the second step is topping that CV with a compelling personal statement (also known as a personal profile, personal summary, or executive summary).
A personal statement for a CV is a short and compelling paragraph that summarizes why you’re the most qualified person for the offered role. It tells the reader who you are and what valuable qualifications you will be bringing to their company.
NB : Opening statement, personal profile, personal summary, or executive summary are the other common names for a personal statement.
Many believe that the work experience section is the most important element of a CV. Yet, it is your personal statement that can end up making or breaking the success of your job application.
Because it provides the reader with a quick answer to one question they have on their mind: Are you qualified for the job or not?
Remember: You’ll be directly competing with numerous other applicants with similar skills and work experiences. A compelling CV statement sets you apart by giving the reader a condensed snapshot of who you are as a person.
The short answer is YES! A personal statement entices the reader to read your entire CV by giving them a preview of your most valuable skills. It also helps you differentiate from other candidates by explaining your background, motivation, and personal character traits concisely.
In essence, a personal statement helps you express why you are the right choice for the job in one condensed paragraph.
A personal statement goes into the header area of your CV. Include it right under your name and contact details as a separate, highlighted area. A good personal statement is about 3-4 sentences long and occupies not more than 1/4th of the page.
Alternatively, you can design a two-column CV and allocate the upper sidebar area for your personal statement. As a recent survey found, 77% of recruiters prefer two-column CVs to single-column ones.
Sample personal statement placement on a CV template
A compelling personal statement summarizes your professional and educational background; highlights the main skills and accomplishments. It can also express your career objectives and/or interest in the particular industry or subject if you’re a current student or recent graduate.
To give you an idea of how to write your statement, let’s look at some examples.
Remember: You need to write a unique personal statement for your CV. Simply copying and using these examples may not be the best move because the sample CV statements won’t reflect your unique experiences and personality.
Employers want to see experts. Therefore, your personal statement must speak directly to your most marketable skills.
You should never come off sounding desperate or diminish your worth (even if you have been recently laid off ). Use a confident tone with first-person implied and strong verbs to describe your core competencies and other benefits you can bring to the workplace.
Highly motivated, fully trained engineer with 15 years of experience in the telecoms industry. Worked with XYZ Telecoms Ltd, Cool Mobile Carrier, and Acme Telco as a field engineer and project team leader. Successfully managed large commercial telecom infrastructure installations. Currently unemployed due to the relocation of the company. Open to new opportunities in NOC.
Adaptable and resourceful facilities manager with experience in supporting enterprise-sized organizations in real estate, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing industries. Strong organizational skillset: Six Sigma, standardized method of procedure (MOP) policies implementation. Was responsible for facilities operations on 2.4 million square feet in a 20-building chemical manufacturing campus, serviced by a 20+ people team of building engineers, electricians, HVAC technicians, and cleaners.
Below are two samples for a senior and a junior accountant.
Chartered Accountant
ACCA-certified accountant for mid-market and enterprise-sized companies. Conducted due diligence and tax audits for FTSE 500 companies. Commenced for a 100% accuracy track record in financial reporting, as well as fast turnaround on complex analytical reviews. Provide on-demand advisory on trust setup, company incorporation, and tax deferrals.
Account Assistant
Detail-oriented, certified accounting assistant with experience in payroll administration. Familiar with Gusto, Xero, and Intuit software. Effectively process payroll, benefits, taxes, and social contributions for over 1500 employees per month. Possess a strong foundation in employee classification, tax reporting, and financial management.
Whether you’re applying for an internship or looking for a part-time job , a compelling personal is a must-have for a student CV.
Since your work experience history may be a bit “thin”, you need to persuade the employer via other means — your transferable skills, academic interests, and personal traits. A personal CV allows you to spotlight all of these.
Remember that you are bringing your energy, dedication, enthusiasm, and willingness to learn to the table. As you will not have any employment history, you need to make sure to get your personality and your soft skills over in your statement.
Junior copywriter, enrolled in a BA Writing Program at the University of Manchester (graduation date: fall 2025). Alumni of the 2022 Copywriting Bootcamp program from Matters Agency. Well-versed in target audience analysis, brand positioning, and editorial campaign planning. Writing clips for eCommerce and SaaS brands are available in my portfolio.
Second-year mechanical engineering student at the University of Leeds, seeking to apply theoretical knowledge in safety system design. Proficient in AutoCAD and completed a series of blueprints for fire and water safety systems as part of my coursework. Fast learner, self-starter, and team player, I’m excited to contribute my technical expertise to a dynamic engineering team.
Junior front-end developer (React, Angular JS), seeking a part-time programming position in the Great London area. Current availability is 10-15 hours per week, preferably with hybrid work arrangements. Solid understanding of design systems and UX/UI best practices. Past work experience in finance and eCommerce sectors.
Joining the workforce straight after high school makes sense if you want to take a gap year or pursue trade education later on. The wrinkle, however, is that most employers may be wary of your age and lack of experience.
The goal of a personal statement is to dispel those doubts by showing that you’re a serious, mature, and hard-working candidate, eager to learn and hone your craft.
Genuine coffee lover and frequent guest at Maddie’s Cafe, I would love to join the barista team. As a former head of the prom planning committee, I understand the importance of good teamwork, efficient planning, and following instructions. My main objectives are to learn more about beverage prep and deliver exceptional experiences to customers.
Your personal statement should focus on your main educational attainments and experiences. If you are applying before you have had your degree results, it is fine to give a projected grade. You can also mention any specific modules you have studied that are relevant to the job on offer and how much you enjoyed working on them.
Remember: Your goal is to explain why you’re interested in this role and what you could bring to the table.
Business administration graduate with a 1:1 honors degree from XYZ University. Interested in an entry-level merchandising position within your Commercial Sales Department to expand my knowledge in retail merchandising, procurement, and inventory management. Looking to apply my analytical and data modeling skills for merchandising strategy optimization.
Energetic and enthusiastic high school graduate (June 2023) with top A-levels grades in English, Maths, and French. Seeking an entry-level role in sales, where I can make use of and develop my language skills. My long-term career goal is to further my language qualifications and position myself as a European sales manager living and working overseas for a global company.
Lack of experience in a particular role or industry should never discourage you from applying. Although you may not tick all the criteria boxes, you still have transferable skills and unique work experiences to showcase.
Moreover, ongoing talent shortages are prompting employees to reconsider their hiring criteria, plus invest more in new hire training and upskilling. Four in five companies now struggle to fill in open vacancies, which is the highest number in the past 17 years.
So take your chances and apply even if you don’t have sufficient work experience.
Former front-desk hotel employee, looking for an opportunity to leverage strong service orientation and organizational skills in new roles (Customer Success or Customer Support). Familiarity with appointment booking software, digital chat apps, and CRM software. With my strong commitment to personal growth and my adaptable nature, I believe I could be a valuable asset to customer-centric teams.
Self-starter with a BA degree in Communication and experience in corporate event management seeking a transition to music festival management. Experienced in organizing off-site events for 100+ people (including location scouting and travel coordination). I thrive in fast-paced environments and am eager to build a strong network of new partners.
Discover even more personal statements from our collection of CV examples .
Career change is a big decision, but it can lead to a more fulfilling professional life. Besides, you’re not completely starting anew. Many of the hard and soft skills are quite universal. There is any number of different jobs that need the same set of skills that you have developed, so always try to lead with these and use real-life examples of your experience.
Working for the past 10 years as a regional sales manager has allowed me to develop keen skills in building strong working relationships and lucrative networks. Communication skills I developed during my time at my current employer enabled me to win vital contract wins that increased sales revenue by 20% over three years. I am now ready to take on a new challenge and want to work in the charity sector so that I can use my skills to give something back for the direct benefit of others.
An effective personal statement summarizes your skills and experience in a relevant way i.e., it indicates how you can be of help to the employer.
In short, a compelling CV personal statement:
And here’s how to write a personal statement that makes a mark.
As you go through the role description, pay attention to the words, used by the employer, to describe the candidate’s requirements, duties, and personality. Keep those in the back of your head.
These are the keywords you’d want to use all around your CV — in the personal statement, work experience, education, and skills areas.
Try to remember the times in your previous work roles when you accomplished notable objectives, went above and beyond expectations , or otherwise did better than your peers.
Note down everything that springs to mind including your years of experience in a similar role, challenges you took on and the positive results achieved, new projects you kick-started – anything that has close relevance to this new position.
Write down a sample personal statement. Don’t worry about the length – just put as many details as you’d like on paper. Once you’re done, revisit the job description. See how your personal statement compares to the description. Does it paint a picture of someone who would fit the role?
A good CV personal statement shouldn’t be longer than 3-4 sentences. Take a critical look at your draft version and condense it to the bare essentials: 2-3 main skills, a major accomplishment, and a note on your motivation and/or personal traits.
Other things that don’t belong in your personal statement are:
Want to stand out even more? Add a persuasive opening statement that highlights your strengths as a candidate.
A compelling personal statement can be the key between your CV making the ‘yes’ pile or the reject bin. Take some time to get your statement right and always write a new one for each job you apply for by mirroring the employer’s language.
Finally, to give your CV a polishing touch, try out one of our fancy, but free CV templates , coming in multiple styles: professional, modern, simple, and creative!
Elena runs content operations at Freesumes since 2017. She works closely with copywriters, designers, and invited career experts to ensure that all content meets our highest editorial standards. Up to date, she wrote over 200 career-related pieces around resume writing, career advice... more
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Looking to secure a rewarding role as an admin assistant?
You’re going to need a well-written CV which showcases your varied administrative skillset.
Office support roles regularly receive hundreds of applications, so it’s vital to ensure that your CV stands out to recruiters.
I’ve put together this detailed CV writing guide, along with an example admin assistant CV, to help you land the best admin jobs out there.
Guide contents
CV templates
The CV example above demonstrates how to put your experience across in a way which looks professional, is easy for recruiters to navigate and showcases numerous administrative skills.
Next, I’ll walk you through how to format and structure your own CV.
Even if your CV is packed with impressive content, a sloppy format and lack of structure could completely shatter your chances.
Recruiters are busy people, and with hundreds of applications to read through, they don’t have any time to waste on hard-to-read CVs.
So, keep their needs in mind at all times, ensuring that your CV is easy to navigate and gentle on the eye.
Check out my simple yet effective CV structure and formatting tips below.
Build your CV now
The tried-and-test CV structure below will help you put forward all your essential information, in an organised manner:
Now we’ll look through what to include in each CV section in more detail.
Your contact details should sit at the very top of the first page of your CV.
Stick to the basics, as recruiters simply need a way to contact you for an interview. For example:
There’s no need to share your age, date of birth, marital status or full address – it’ll only waste space.
Next, you need to write a punchy and compelling CV profile – or personal statement if you’re a junior candidate.
This is an introductory paragraph which gives you a chance to sell yourself to recruiters and provides an overview of your relevant skills and experience.
It’s the first thing recruiters will read, so if it fails to impress them, they may well move straight onto the next application!
Tips to consider when creating your profile:
Where you have worked – Whether you’ve worked in small offices or large corporate organisations, it’s important to sum up your work experience to date. Ideally, you’ll have some administration experience to your name, but if not, focus on drawing out transferable admin skills from part-time jobs, studies, placements or volunteer roles.
Qualifications – Mention your highest relevant qualifications. Maths, English, IT and business qualifications can all be highly beneficial to administrative roles. If you’ve completed any vocational administrative or IT certifications/courses, make sure to include them, too.
Essential admin skills – Highlight your relevant skills, especially those listed in the job description. This might include written communication skills, diary management, customer service or data entry, amongst others.
System/software knowledge – Generally, admin assistants are expected to be proficient in basic software packages and systems such as Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint, so it’s important to showcase your IT capabilities.
Recruiters generally look at the top section of your CV first, so it’s important to hit them with impactful content from the second they set eyes on your CV.
So, to add impact, follow your CV profile with a snappy core skills section which highlights your key admin skills.
Split them over 2 or 3 columns and use bullet points – this way, recruiters can easily see your potential, even if they’re stuck for time.
Remember to target this section (as well as the rest of your CV) to the role you’re applying for.
Cross-reference your skills with the ones listed in the job requirements, then, position your matched skills right at the top of the list.
Next, it’s time to give recruiters a more in-depth look at your work experience.
Start with your most recent position and work backwards.
You should focus the detail on your most relevant experience – ideally, admin or office support roles.
If you haven’t got any relevant experience, you should still give a round-up of your career history.
However, try to focus on transferable skills gained from your previous roles, placements, volunteer positions or personal projects which could be relevant to admin roles, such as customer service, IT or communication skills.
Your work experience section can get bulky, so it’s important to structure it in a way which allows for easy reading.
The simple 3-step structure below allows recruiters to gain a thorough understanding of your experience and impact, even if they’re just quickly scanning through.
Start with a brief overview of the role and workplace, describing the purpose of your role and who you reported to.
“Part of the business support team for a local publishing business, providing administrative support to a team of 10 and reporting to the administrator.”
Key responsibilities
Then, detail your day-to-day duties and responsibilities, making sure to mention the skills and software you used. Format this section with bullet points to allow recruiters to scan through with ease.
Key achievements
Lastly, finish off with 1-3 key achievements made within the role, to prove the value you could bring to a future employer.
It might be a time your efforts helped to solve a problem, reduced wait time or boosted customer/client satisfaction.
Now it’s time to share your qualifications and certifications.
Begin with your highest or most relevant qualifications, whether that’s a degree, A-Levels or BTEC, making sure to detail dates of study and grades.
Be sure to add any vocational qualifications, such as a Microsoft Office Certification or First Aid , too.
Quick tip – Unless you’re a school leaver, there’s no need to list every qualification in detail. You can lump them together, for example, “10 GCSE’s A*-D” , instead of listing each and every subject and grade.
It’s completely up to you whether you include a hobbies and interests section in your CV – they’re not usually considered a big factor in the hiring decision.
However, if you have interesting hobbies which relate to the skills needs in admin roles, you can consider including them.
For example, any hobbies which display good organisation, communication, time management, attention to detail or IT skills, could boost your application slightly.
However, generic hobbies like “going out with friends” aren’t worth including.
Each and every role will require different skills, so make sure to cross-reference with the job description. However, the following skills are generally required for office support positions:
Business/office support – General office support skills , such as dealing with customer enquiries, photocopying and printing, organising and filing paperwork, booking meetings, keeping diaries, recording minutes etc.
Customer Service – Ensuring customers and clients have the best possible experience during your interaction with them and working to fulfil their needs to the highest standard.
Communications – Handling incoming queries from customers and staff in a timely and professional manner, holding a friendly and professional positive attitude whilst interacting with customers, guests and employees.
Data entry and management – Processing large amounts of data and updating/maintaining this information on computer systems.
Microsoft Office – The ability to use a variety of software packages, namely the Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint.
If you follow this guide from start to finish, you should be left with a flawless admin assistant CV.
With a well-thought-out structure , savvy formatting tricks and plenty of impressive content, you’ll be well on your way to winning an interview.
Remember that your CV should be tailored towards the role you’re applying for, so pack it with skills which closely match the job description.
Good luck with your job search!
Creating an effective CV takes time and close attention to detail. You've already included your jobs and experience , and now you want to allow the recruiter or hiring manager to understand the strategic value you can add.
This is when you need to utilize a personal statement at the top of your CV.
A personal statement is a few brief and direct sentences at the top of your CV. The personal statement is also referred to as a career summary or personal mission statement.
This is used to grab the attention of the recruiter or hiring manager and summarizes essential experiences or training that you can bring to this position.
A recruiter or hiring manager is tasked with sorting through an enormous amount of resumes every single day. A personal statement is a way to separate yourself from the other applicants.
This statement summarizes your experience and highlights your unique talents . The CV personal statement is meant to demonstrate why you are the perfect fit for the job.
Even med students need a medical school personal statement , as it is what differentiates them from all the other students applying. Plus, it allows them to share their personal stories and objectives.
Always begin by reading the job description carefully and thoroughly.
Your personal statement should be tailored to each job description, so it explicitly states the value you’ll bring to the position you are applying. A generic personal statement cannot do that.
Once you have a solid handle on the job description, you can begin writing. It’s important to keep your personal statement brief, about 50-200 words will do.
Don’t forget that you have your whole cover letter to show some personality and include engaging content.
The personal statement should be a quick summary that highlights why you are the best person for the job.
You’ll need to decide whether you are writing your personal statement in first- or third-person. This should follow how you've written the rest of your CV.
For example, if you've already written, “I grew and developed a team of 50 salespeople,” in your CV then you will want to keep your personal statement in first-person to match the prevailing style.
No matter what you choose, make sure that you keep it consistent throughout. Do not switch between first- and third-person as that will get confusing to the hiring manager.
Writing a personal statement for your CV in first-person does not mean you need to start every sentence with “I.”
There are ways to craft your personal statement to sound snappy, concise and personal, and here are a few examples to help inspire your personal statement.
It doesn’t matter what chose as your desired career or how much experienc e you have, use these examples to drive the creation of your own personal statement.
You can take snippets from each or write something completely different. Always remember that your personal statement is a reflection of yourself and should align with your own personal goals and experience.
If these examples don’t fit your exact career, feel free to take some pointers and write yours from scratch.
“As a recent graduate from university, with an honors degree in communications, I held several internships within leading organizations, including Bertelsmann. These internships enabled me to gain experience in the field and learn how to serve up valuable contributions in a fast-paced, professional environment.”
Explanation: This example should be customized to include the university you’ve graduated from and any relevant internships. A compelling personal statement always highlights relevant skills and experiences.
In this case, a recent graduate does not have extensive experience in the workforce, so soft skills like experiencing success in a fast-paced work environment and becoming a trusted team member become even more critical.
“A highly motivated and experienced office administrator, I am currently looking to resume my professional career after an extended hiatus to raise my family. Proficient in all Microsoft Office programs, I can lead meetings and work with clients to keep your office running smoothly and efficiently. After spending several years volunteering as an administrative worker for a local charity, I am committed to resuming my professional career on a full-time basis.”
Explanation: After time off from a career, it can be hard to break back into the market. This personal statement outlines the reason for the break, the relevant qualifications and what the applicant has been doing in between jobs.
Any volunteer experience becomes highly relevant when there is no concrete professional experience to draw upon, to demonstrate the use of those skills.
“With over 15 years as a sales manager, I have extensive experience building high-functioning sales teams that consistently achieve budget numbers. In fact, my ability to grow talent led to a 20% increase in annual renewals across the board. Now, after 15 years, I am seeking new challenges to flex my marketing muscles in a fast-paced environment.”
Explanation: When changing careers , it's essential to highlight skills that are transferable between industries.
In this case, leadership and team-building experience can apply to any industry. Homing in on concrete numbers and percentages increases credibility when applying for a position.
The applicant ends with the reason behind the desired career change. This part is not necessary but may be appealing to some hiring managers who are wondering what the impetus for the career change.
“As a friendly, professional and highly trained educator, I am passionate about teaching and have an innate ability to understand student’s needs. Creating a safe and productive environment for optimal learning is my top priority. I’ve worked as a teacher for nearly 10 years in a variety of subjects and my experience and skill set make me the perfect fit for your team.”
Explanation: With more experience comes more skills and a better idea of strengths and weaknesses. Showcasing your passion for the industry is a great way to begin a personal statement, as it shows the hiring manager your dedication to the craft.
A personal statement can be written in many different ways, but it is ultimately up to you to determine what skills you want to highlight for your chosen position.
You can follow these examples or take learnings from each to contribute towards your personal statement.
If you understand the job you are applying for and know the unique skill set that you bring to the table, you will have a stellar personal statement for your CV that will get you across the table from the hiring manager in no time.
Suggested Reading:
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Whether you’re using the Common Application, the Coalition Application, or a school-specific application portal, it can be scary to come up with an essay topic that encompasses the complexity and vastness of who you are as a person. So to help you move past the intimidating aspects and focus more on the fun and meaning, in this post, we’ll describe what differentiates the personal statement from other college essays and what function it serves in your college application.
Residency programs receive thousands of applications from qualified candidates, and your personal statement provides the chance for you to show a program why they should choose you.
For Kamran M. Mirza, MD, PhD, Professor of Pathology Education at Godfrey D. Stobbe, the residency personal statement is the first piece of the application that he reads. So, it’s important to make it count.
Use your voice to show them why you’re the perfect match for their program. It could be the thing that tips the scales in your favor.
Remember, it’s called the residency “match” for a reason. Programs aren’t just looking for the best candidates; they’re looking for the best match for their team and culture. Your personal statement is your opportunity to showcase why you belong there.
Key Takeaways:
A personal statement paints a picture of you. While your ERAS application introduces your accomplishments, it doesn’t fully capture the essence of you . There’s a whole history behind why you’re on this journey to becoming a doctor, and your personal statement is where you get to tell that story. Show the program why this path matters to you.
A personal statement highlights your unique qualifications and experiences. It’s your opportunity to talk about your professional aspirations and showcase the experiences that make you stand out—whether it’s research, clinical skills, leadership, or even your ability to communicate effectively. Explain how these experiences have shaped you and how they’ll influence the way you practice in your chosen specialty.
A personal statement shows your commitment. Demonstrate how you’ve gone above and beyond the basic requirements. Make it personal. Share what you believe in, what you love about the specialty, what fascinates you, and what you find most rewarding. This is where you show the program what you will bring to the table to make an impact in the lives of the patients you will serve.
A personal statement sells you. Residency programs are going to be reading hundreds of these, so it’s crucial that yours makes an impact. Think of your motivation as the trunk of a tree, with specific incidents or work experiences branching out from there. Remember—be genuine. Don’t feel like you have to oversell yourself. Just be true to who you are, and let your passion and experiences speak for themselves. That’s what’s going to resonate the most.
The personal statement is your chance to help residency programs really understand who you are, what draws you to your desired specialty, and what sets you apart from other candidates. To make sure your personal statement is top-notch, here’s what you should include:
During the 2025 Match Summit event, Dr. Kamran Mirza presented several personal statements to help guide medical students through the process.
As a program director who has read many residency personal statements as part of the ERAS application process, Dr. Mirza shares some of the best residency personal statement examples.
I love dinosaurs.
When I was a kid, all I wanted to do was learn everything I could about them – how they lived, what they ate, and what they looked like. My love of dinosaurs led me to apply to college as a paleontology major. Like any eager student, I wanted a head start in college so I decided to take a human anatomy class. My goal was to learn the names of bones. One day in class, the teacher showed us a video of total hip replacement and that was it. My entire life’s dream shifted. From that day on, I knew I wanted to be a surgeon.
My mother immigrated from the Philippines to Minnesota as a mail-order bride. Amidst the improved living conditions and snowy winters, she was physically abused by my father and repeatedly threatened for her life. Between episodes of abuse, she gave birth to me, her firstborn child. In the thick of her celebration and under postpartum care, her OBGYN connected her with the resources necessary to exit her dangerous situation. This was the first of many instances that would provide me insight into the immense privilege that OBGYNs have of caring for extremely vulnerable patients, such as my mother. And so, my mother left for California with her newborn infant, and if not for her OBGYN, she – and I – might not have survived.
The key to a perfect choux pastry, or any pastry for that matter, and the singular quality I’m convinced separates good surgeons from great ones are one in the same.
Mise en place is a French culinary adage meaning, “everything in its place.” In short, one’s ability to prepare is the major determinant of quality.
The best preparation, however, is informed by experience. I can tell you every ingredient, tool, and step to follow to make choux, but I can’t tell you how many eggs you’ll need. Recognizing the perfect texture comes only through practice and repetition. In these iterations one learns what could go wrong, what’s likely to go wrong, and whether those are the same.
During my senior year of undergrad, I was diagnosed with depression and got the help I needed to become the best student I could be. Through this experience, I learned the importance of advocacy for myself and others. Once I sought help for my mental health, my entire academic career changed. I use this skill now to advocate for my patients.
For more examples, be sure to watch Dr. Mirza’s entire presentation below.
Your residency personal statement is a great way to address any gaps in your education, unexplained grades, or any other potential red flags in your application that may stand in your way of showcasing your strengths for a potential program.
There is no need to focus too much on any red flags you are able to address within your ERAS application. However, if there is something that you need to provide further explanation for, the best way to do so is to use your personal statement to turn it around to show how this challenge in your life shaped you in a positive way, and the lessons you learned.
As you begin mapping out your residency personal statement, there are some common drawbacks that can prevent your statement from standing out.
As a rule of thumb, here are some things you should avoid:
How long should your residency personal statement be.
The standard recommendation is to keep your residency personal statement to one page, which is around 600-750 words in length.
Start with an outline to help you begin to narrow down your theme, followed by examples you want to include. Remember to follow our guide on what to avoid, and don’t forget to revise, revise, revise !
Your personal statement is how you are going to sell yourself to your desired program. If you are able to address your red flags in your application, there is no need to bring them up in your essay, especially if it might invoke any doubt. However, if you are able to address it in a way that demonstrates how you overcame your situation and learned lessons from your struggles, this is a great opportunity to show the program how you were able to turn it around into a positive experience.
While we touch on a few samples in this blog, Dr. Kamran Mirza, a program director who presented on the topic of writing an effective personal statement, shares several more in his presentation. Watch the full clip from TrueLearn’s 2025 Match Summit event here !
We know there is a lot of information here, and we hope these insights have given you a solid foundation to start shaping your own personal statement. The most important thing to remember about the residency personal statement is there are no shortcuts in this match application process. Doing things the right way and going the extra mile will set you apart from the hundreds of other applicants.
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Here are some key details to include in an administrative assistant's statement: 1. Relevant work experience. List any previous work experience relevant to the administrative assistant position you are applying for. This could include experience working in a similar role, handling office tasks, or using appropriate software or technologies.
CV templates 17 CV personal statement examples. To start this guide, I have included 10 examples of good personal statements, to give you an idea of how a personal statement should look, and what should be included.. Note: personal statements are generally used by junior candidates - if you are experienced, check out our CV profile examples instead.
Your profile (sometimes called a personal statement by junior candidates) should be an introductory paragraph of about 5-10 lines. ... This is an example of a good admin CV profile. You can see more CV profile examples here. As an administrator, these are the types of content that should be going into your profile: ...
Here are some examples of personal and professional statements: 1. Personal statement for a postgraduate programme. Joan David Personal statement for master's programme in Public Policy and Administration London School of Policy 'I held my first textbook when I was a 23-year-old undergraduate.
Here's a personal statement from an administrative assistant's CV that shows you how to write your own: 2. Customer service CV personal statement. This personal statement for a customer service CV underscores the applicant's years of experience with strategic bolding and showcases their customer service skills: 3.
Here are 12 personal statement examples for school or career to help you create your own: 1. Personal statement example for graduate school. A personal statement for graduate school differs greatly from one to further your professional career. It's usually an essay, rather than a brief paragraph.
Here's how to write a CV personal statement and pitch yourself to a hiring professional: #1. Introduce Yourself. The very first sentence of your personal statement should indicate that you're a serious candidate for the position. Describe yourself and your work experience using strong adjectives and action verbs.
10 Summary Examples for Administrative Assistant Resume. 1. Dedicated and detail-oriented Administrative Assistant with 5+ years of experience managing office operations. Streamlined administrative processes, resulting in a 20% increase in efficiency. Proven ability to handle multiple tasks and prioritize effectively.
Here's an example of a personal statement that shows employers the candidate is highly experienced and skilled at administrative work: Put your best administrative skills in your personal statement. 3. Include keywords from the job description. Putting keywords from the administrative job advert throughout your CV is important because:
Here's an example of how to format your contact information: David Jones. +44 (0)1234 567890. [email protected]. 3. Write a personal statement. Your personal statement (or summary) is a good way to get the recruiter's attention.
How to write a personal statement like our administrator CV example. Also known as an admin profile / summary, your personal statement is where you can show off what makes you the best candidate for the administrator role and should be focused mostly on any relevant skills or traits you have, such as your love of being organised and your ...
What makes this CV good and effective? The personal profile is a well-crafted, brief statement that highlights the candidate's key skills and passion for administrative work. It sets a positive tone and provides a snapshot of the candidate's suitability for the role. It's not too long or too short, just the right length for it to be interesting and impactful.
When you choose to make your CV visible to recruiters, they can reach out to you with top job opportunities. Take some of the pressure off your shoulders and let employers find you for a change. Our administrator CV example is designed to show you how to highlight your strengths and experience in a way potential employers can't ignore.
Customize each CV to align with the specifics of the job description. Create, write, update, and manage unlimited CVs in one place. Explore our CV guide for Office Administrators - full CV example and downloadable template, including personal statements, experiences, CV formatting guidance, and more.
Here's how to write a personal statement step-by-step: 1. Say Who You Are in the First Sentence. The first sentence of your personal profile must show that you're a serious candidate for the job. So, skip your zodiac sign or your favorite football team, even if they're a big part of who you are.
Administrator CV example. Download this CV example - Administrator CV. In this CV sample, Lilly showcases herself as a Senior Administrator with extensive experience in a fast-paced, international environment. Her personal profile suggests a level of expertise in administrative functions and highlights her ability to manage complex operations ...
A CV personal statement, also known as a CV profile, is like a movie trailer. It showcases all the attention-grabbing bits to make the recruiter want to know more and actually read your whole CV. ... The first admin CV objective example showcases the candidate's skills and enthusiasm. It also mentions what he's willing to do for the specific ...
Here's how to write a CV for an administrator that is up to the task: . 1. Craft a perfect personal statement for your admin CV. Every administrator CV should be adorned with a great CV introduction.The CV personal statement (also called a CV profile) is about as much information as you could give during an elevator ride.You probably won't get hired just for the 15-second pitch.
An administrative assistant CV sample and guide with right and wrong examples. Learn to write a great admin assistant CV in the UK. ... Administrative Assistant CV Personal Statement Example. RIGHT; English graduate with proven communication, travel planning, and email management skills. ... Use results-based statements to talk about your work ...
A good personal statement is about 3-4 sentences long and occupies not more than 1/4th of the page. Alternatively, you can design a two-column CV and allocate the upper sidebar area for your personal statement. As a recent survey found, 77% of recruiters prefer two-column CVs to single-column ones.
CV Contact Details. Your contact details should sit at the very top of the first page of your CV. Stick to the basics, as recruiters simply need a way to contact you for an interview. For example: Phone number. Email address. Location - Your vague town or city is enough, for example, 'Coventry' or 'Brighton'.
CV Personal Statement Examples #1: Personal Statement Example for Recent Graduate CV #2: Personal Statement Example for Returning to the Workforce CV #3: Personal Statement Example for a Career Change CV #4: Personal Statement Example for a Experienced Professional CV Conclusion. Creating an effective CV takes time and close attention to detail.
Whether you're using the Common Application, the Coalition Application, or a school-specific application portal, it can be scary to come up with an essay topic that encompasses the complexity and vastness of who you are as a person.
Effective Residency Personal Statement Examples . During the 2025 Match Summit event, Dr. Kamran Mirza presented several personal statements to help guide medical students through the process. As a program director who has read many residency personal statements as part of the ERAS application process, Dr. Mirza shares some of the best ...