Sometimes the most significant challenge with a task is getting started. This statement is certainly true when it comes to writing a personal statement for a CV. However, we can assure you that by reading this guide, checking out our examples, and following the steps we detail, you will have a top-notch personal statement that strikes a chord with recruiters and employers.
Let’s get started by uncovering what a personal statement is.
What is a personal statement?
A personal statement is a short summary or snapshot of who you are and highlights the attributes that make you the ideal candidate. It is similar to the one you would use when applying for university placement, only shorter and slightly less detailed.
Why a personal statement is important
The most critical part of your CV is your personal statement. It promotes your position-relevant experience and skills and sells you to your potential employer. It proves to recruiters that are ideally suited to the vacancy.
Getting your personal statement right can be the difference between getting a job interview or seeing your CV put to the bottom of the pile, or worse still, in the bin.
What length should a personal statement be?
The personal statement for your CV should not be too long; else the recruiter may be put off reading it. A lengthy statement might mean you have fallen into the trap of repeating yourself, or you have failed to be concise. Remember, nothing on your CV should be inefficient or wasted space.
Approximately 150 words or four lines on your CV is the sweet spot.
What do I include?
When you pen this part of your CV, you should make three statements:
- Who you are
- What you offer
- Your career aspirations
You might find it helpful not to dive straight in and write the statements long-form. Instead, jot down a few bullet points for each. To hit precisely the right notes, read the description of the job you are applying for and create a mirror that reflects the traits you have that the employer is seeking.
If an employer is looking for candidates with complaint resolution skills, you might write ‘experience using an empathetic approach to resolving client complaints.’
How to get started and how long it will take
Start with introducing who you are in a statement such as ‘I am a qualified and motivated [data analyst] with [5] years of experience, looking for a [senior data analyst] position where I can leverage my skills and advance my career.’
There is no set amount of time you should spend writing a personal statement for your CV. We all have different skills, and some people can run off a personal statement in a few minutes, while others write them in several sessions.
The most critical things to remember are keeping the tense consistent, matching your abilities to those the recruiter is looking for, and writing or tweaking the statement for each job application instead of producing something generic.
Personal statement example
I am a recent marketing and communications graduate with a first-class degree from Teesside University, seeking a Graduate Marketing position to leverage my research and creative skills and advance these with practical application in a busy work environment.
My career aspirations are to be responsible for marketing activities and projects that drive commercial success for my company.
You are now ready to write your personal statement, explore our CV templates, and read our career advice. There are a bunch of websites that have ready-made professional resume templates, so you may explore all those options and select what best fits your need.
CV template examples
- Accounting CV template
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