The 3 Questions Every CV Profile Must Answer
Strong CV profiles answer three questions: why this field, what you bring, and what sets you apart. Use this framework to write a compelling summary.
## The Framework That Works
A strong CV profile answers three questions. Miss one, and the reader moves on.
1. **Why this field?** — What drew you here?
2. **What do you bring?** — What relevant skills and results do you offer?
3. **What sets you apart?** — Why you, not the other 50 applicants?
This isn't theory. It's borrowed from how university admissions now structure personal statements. UCAS replaced the open essay with three targeted questions. The logic applies to CVs too.
## Question 1: Why This Field?
Recruiters want to know you chose this path deliberately. Passion is fine. Evidence is better.
**Weak:** "I am passionate about marketing."
**Strong:** "I moved into marketing after seeing how a single campaign repositioned our product and doubled inbound leads."
The strong version shows a moment of realisation. It implies intent, not accident.
## Question 2: What Do You Bring?
This is your track record in miniature. Focus on outcomes, not duties.
**Weak:** "I have 10 years of experience in operations management."
**Strong:** "10 years optimising supply chains. Reduced lead times by 35% across three distribution centres."
Numbers anchor credibility. Specifics beat generalities.
## Question 3: What Sets You Apart?
This is the hardest question. Most candidates skip it. That's your opportunity.
Think about what you offer that others don't:
- A rare combination of skills (technical + commercial)
- A specific sector expertise (fintech, life sciences, FMCG)
- A track record in a niche scenario (turnarounds, integrations, scale-ups)
**Example:**
```copy
Transformation CFO | 15 years building finance functions in PE-backed scale-ups | Specialist in Series B to exit transitions
```
That profile answers all three questions in one line.
## Putting It Together
Your CV profile should flow like a conversation:
1. Here's my world (the field)
2. Here's what I've done (the proof)
3. Here's why I'm different (the edge)
Allocate space based on your situation. Career changers need more on Question 1. Experienced specialists can emphasise Question 3.
## Pre-Flight Checklist
Before you finalise your profile:
- [ ] It explains why you work in this field (not just what you do).
- [ ] It includes at least one measurable result.
- [ ] It states what makes you different from similar candidates.
- [ ] It's under 50 words (four lines max).
- [ ] It avoids buzzwords like "passionate" or "dynamic."
---
*For more on crafting executive profiles, explore our [Writing & Content](/writing-and-content) insights.*