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How to Write an Opening Statement for Your Resume + 10 Examples
What a resume opening statement is, when you should include one, and real examples to help you write your own. A guide written by recruiters and hiring managers.
2 years ago • 10 min read
Recruiters are busy, and they might receive hundreds of applications for one position in a single day. Studies have shown that employers spend an average of 7.4 seconds reviewing a resume before tossing it in the “yes” or “no” pile, and with such a slim margin, it’s important to have a resume that grips the reader from the start. One great way to draw in a recruiter is through an opening statement on your resume.
What is a resume opening statement?
An opening statement is a short paragraph at the beginning of the resume that gives the employer a snapshot of what you can bring to the table, and why you are the best choice for hire. It’s essentially your elevator pitch — the first impression you make in an interview when the recruiter says, “So, tell us about yourself.” Broadly speaking, there are 3 types of resume opening statements:
Resume summary
- Resume objective
- Resume offering statement
Types of opening statements
Here's a breakdown of the different types of resume opening statements, including the pros and cons of each one:
A resume summary statement is a quick overview of your background where you can highlight key skills and experience. This is the most common type of resume opening statement — essentially, it's a type of brand statement, like an abridged cover letter. Here's an example:
Experienced web developer with a background in X, Y, Z programs, winning awards in CSS Design (2019) and Apple Design Awards (2020), and most recently reduced bus for XYZ by 25% .
Pro: Allows you to quickly highlight key skills and experience relevant to the job you're applying for.
Con: Doesn't add anything of value if your resume is otherwise self-explanatory, so make sure your opening statement adds something that's not otherwise
How to write your resume opening statement
Here's an example of an opening statement with specific things you should try to include.
Other types of opening statements (what not to do)
There are two other types of statements that were popular a few decades ago — an objective and an offering statement. We've just included them here for completeness and to show you the formats you should not be using.
- Resume objective : This style of opening statement is generally used to show recruiters your enthusiasm for the role. An example might sound like this: Example: Searching for dynamic marketing position in a fast-paced , modern company where I can utilize my organizational, creative, and project management skills to drive growth in digital markets. Objective-style opening statements typically include statements such as: “Looking for a position where I can grow and gain experience in XYZ” or “Looking for a job where I can use my skills to help a company meet targets and increase revenue.” Objective opening statements are outdated and unnecessary, so don't include this on your resume.
- Resume offering statement : A resume offering is kind of like a sales pitch, focusing on the value you can bring to an employer. Unlike a standard resume summary, an offering statement focuses on what you will do, not on what you have done. It might look something like this: Example: I will increase engagement on your company's social media channels by developing a strong brand voice and reaching out to key influencers within the [industry] sphere.
How to write a resume opening statement
- Title your opening statement (optional).
- Lead with the job title. If you're applying for Marketing Director roles, that's how you should describe yourself.
- Describe the scope of your experience.
- Mention 2-3 key skills or accomplishments that match the job description.
- Include metrics to quantify your achievements.
- Include any specific highlights from your resume that show why you’d be a great fit for the position.
- Run your resume through a free resume checker to see how well your summary scores.
An opening statement template
Here's a template you can use for your resume opening statement:
[Executive] with experience leading [industry] businesses [describe size of businesses]. [Describe impactful element of role, with specific numbers]. Proven experience [mention 2-3 skills that are relevant to the job]. [Optional: Describe relevant educational certification/accomplishment, or one significant accomplishment in the format of Action Verb + Accomplishment + Metric].
Resume opening statement examples
Here are some more examples of resume opening statements to get you started:
Example 1: Experienced / Senior-Level Job Seeker
Human Resources Manager with 15 years’ experience in human capital management, talent acquisition, and workforce administration, handling diverse employment processes for small to large companies. Saved over 50% of overall recruiting costs by structuring and implementing standardized policies in hiring and recruitment, compensation structures, benefits, and incentives. Proficient in delivering services in line with EEO, IRS, and labor laws.
Example 2: Mid-Level Job seeker
Data Entry Specialist with five years’ experience utilizing manual and digital skills to enter texts and numerical data from source documents into databases, spreadsheets, and word processing programs. Implemented regular quality control checks to analyze data and make corrections in real time-, enhanced data entry accuracy by 77%. Achieved $6,500 cost-savings in company expenditures by identifying consolidation opportunities during company bookkeeping.
Example 3: Senior-Level Job seeker
Marketing Executive with ten years' experience working at Fortune 500 companies. Results include: • Designed, executed , and optimized digital marketing campaign on Google's AdWords for $20B CPG company, yielding 20% ROI improvements • Optimized budget allocation of marketing spend of $10MM for technology startup
An effective resume opening statement needs to highlight your key skills, quantifiable achievements and any other experience/accomplishment that shows recruiters why you’re the best person for the job. A good way to find out if your resume does just that is to upload it to the tool below — it’ll give you a detailed analysis of your opening statement and suggestions for improvements.
When is an opening statement appropriate?
You might be asking yourself, “Does my resume need an opening statement?” and the answer is: Maybe. If you have 6 years of receptionist experience and you’re applying for another run-of-the-mill receptionist role, then your resume will speak for itself, and an opening statement runs the risk of taking up unnecessary space.
However, if you have 6 years of receptionist experience and you’re applying for a hotel manager position, then an opening statement is a great opportunity to sell yourself on this change of direction.
So, who should definitely include an opening statement on their resume? Let’s take a look.
You're changing careers
Like our receptionist-turned-manager above, changing jobs is one of the key moments when having an opening statement would be advantageous. This is the moment to explain how your past experiences—albeit in a different field—have actually given you the necessary skills to succeed in this new position.
Here's an example of a career changer resume summary:
Ex-Head Receptionist for XYZ Firm transitioning into Hotel Manager position. Previous experience in managing a team, organizing and overseeing large company events including planning menus and contacting caterers, handling finances and administrative records, and ensuring health and safety standards remain up-to-date.
Here's how an opening statement might look on your resume - it uses another example:
More information: Resume summary advice for career-changers
The employer is looking for a specific skill
Sometimes a job will require a very technical or unique skill which you possess, but which might not come out otherwise in your resume. This can include something like speaking a foreign language , or having a certain type of driving license, or being proficient in a certain type of machinery or computer program. Here's an example:
Native Turkish speaker with experience working in Marketing for an international company. Available to travel and work remotely. Valid Turkish and USA passport.
By including this skill in the opening statement of your resume, you are ensuring that the recruiter will see it immediately, and know that you are the perfect fit for the position. If there are certain keywords that the job description requires that you haven't included anywhere else in your resume, feel free to include them in your opening statement.
If you’re not sure which keywords and technical skills are relevant to the job you’re applying for, use the skills search tool below to find the right ones.
More information: How to ensure your resume gets past automated resume screeners
You have many, many years of experience
If your resume spans 20 years and seems to go on forever, then this is your opportunity to distill everything into a bite-sized paragraph, to keep the recruiter from missing something important. You want to bring forward your best accomplishments and key experiences, especially in relation to the job description. Don’t assume that something buried in your job description from three years ago is going to jump out at the reader—make it front and center like this:
Stagehand with 15+ years experience, especially familiar with setting up pyro-technics while complying with industry-specific health and safety guidelines. Accomplishments include: - Set up X that led to Y result … - Earned expedited promotion in less than 2 years
And here's how an opening statement for someone with a lot of experience might look on a resume:
To highlight recent accomplishments in a relevant field
An opening statement is a great moment to draw the recruiter’s attention to how something you personally accomplished has already benefited a previous employer or client. This can include Awards and Certifications, statistics on workflow improvement, recognition inside the workforce, or other impressive accomplishments . Here's an example:
Engaging customer service representative, recently named Top Agent at XYZ for three consecutive months. Led in-house employee training on Customer Engagement leading to a 60% decrease in negative customer reviews.
This is another example of a resume opening statement.
When don't you need an opening statement?
Your career trajectory is self-explanatory.
Most job seekers don't need to include an opening statement on their resume. If your work experience and educational background is in line with the kind of jobs you're now applying for, or if you're already in a similar role, your work history and accomplishments likely speak for themselves.
You're a student or recent graduate
As a student or recent grad, you're unlikely to have enough experience on your resume to warrant summarizing. Instead, make sure your education is listed front and center, along with industry-specific internships or other jobs showing your talents and abilities.
Additional tips for your resume's opening statement
1. use the same words as in the job description.
If you feel a little lost wondering what skills, qualities, or experiences to put in your opening statement, here’s some good news: the recruiter has done this work for you. If the job description says they’re looking for someone with an XYZ certification or experience with specific hard skills, then don’t hesitate to put those words into your opening statement verbatim.
Online systems filtering resumes will often be scanning for wording which matches the job description, and this will keep your resume from slipping through the cracks. Find out what keywords to include on your resume with the Job Description Keyword Finder .
2. Eliminate buzzwords and vague terminology
Yes, we all know that you are “passionate about e-commerce,” but save that for your cover letter . Mention instead the statistics on how greatly you’ve improved sales for your clients, or draw attention to the way you’ve integrated a client’s social media platforms to their web-shops, to drive in traffic. We know you’re enthusiastic and hard-working, but this isn’t the place for it, and employers will generally skim over these empty and lackluster descriptions.
This is also called quantifying your resume , and if there's one article you should read before you send off your resume, it's that one.
3. Be concise.
Don’t list 10 relevant awards you won going back to a university competition in 2001 — pick one or two which are the most impressive. Make a list of all your relevant experiences and skills and then whittle it down to the very best, and let those shine.
4. Title your resume's opening statement (optional)
In general, if your opening statement is located at the top of your resume, then you don’t necessarily need to spell out what it is we’re looking at—it’s pretty clear. However, you definitely can add a title if you like, something like:
- Profile, Professional Profile, Professional Statement
- Introduction, Summary, About
- Personal Statement, Personal Profile
5. Check your spelling
It goes without saying, but check and check again for any spelling or grammatical errors. Proofread it, proofread it again, get your mom, dad, or grandma to proofread it, read it aloud to your cat, and then run it through a spellchecker or online grammar resource if you’re still worried. This is your first impression to a potential employer, and you want to show them that you’re competent!
6. Get your resume's opening statement checked
Once you’ve added an opening statement to your resume, it’s time to see how well you’ve done. Head over to our free resume scanner , which evaluates your resume against key criteria, and see in real time how likely your resume is to catch an employer’s attention.
Resume opening statements: A crash course in jargon
If you've been looking for advice on how to write a resume opening statement — or summary — chances are you've run into a lot of unfamiliar phrases. Here's a brief explainer:
A resume profile or resume summary statement are different names for a resume summary and are often used interchangeably.
An executive resume summary or career highlights section are usually targeted toward people with an extensive career history or who are applying for high-level positions. These might include slightly more detail about your work experience, for example, standout accomplishments from early in your career that might otherwise not belong on a resume.
A resume objective or career objective is an alternative to a resume summary. Objectives are generally considered outdated compared to resume summaries but can be useful in very limited circumstances (often for people very early in their careers or without any relevant experience).
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Best Opening Statement Examples for Resumes
When you are applying for a job, your resume is one of the most important tools that you have in your arsenal.
It is your opportunity to make a good first impression on potential employers and to show them what you have to offer. One of the most important parts of your resume is the opening statement. This is your chance to hook potential employers and make them want to read more about you.
So, let’s take an in-depth look at the Best Opening Statement Examples for Resumes, as well as tips for writing your own!
What Is An Opening Statement?
An opening statement is the first thing that potential employers will read on your resume. It should be a short, concise paragraph that gives an overview of who you are and what you have to offer.
The opening statement should be tailored to each individual job that you apply for so that it is relevant to the employer’s needs. It is important to make a good first impression with your opening statement so that employers will want to read more about you.
Why Is An Opening Statement Important?
When you apply for a job, you might be one of hundreds of applications that the employer receives. They might only have time to read the opening statements of each resume, so it is important to make yours stand out! It is your chance to sell yourself to potential employers and show them why you are the best candidate for the job.
The Essence Of A Good Opening Statement
When writing your opening statement, ideally, you will include:
- Who you are.
- What you do/have done in the past.
- Your skills and experience.
- Why you are writing. (i.e., what position you are applying for)
- How your skills and experience can benefit the company.
A well-written opening statement will grab the attention of the reader and encourage them to read on. It should be clear, concise, and free of any grammar or punctuation errors.
When writing your opening statement, keep the following tips in mind:
- Use strong verbs to describe your accomplishments.
- Be specific about what you did and how it benefited your employer.
- Use numbers to quantify your accomplishments.
- Keep it short (two to three sentences is ideal).
- Use active voice.
20 Best Opening Statement Examples for Resumes
Innovative and initiative-taking marketing professional with extensive experience in all facets of the marketing mix. Track record of success in developing and executing integrated marketing programs that drive revenue growth and brand awareness. Proven ability to think outside the box to find creative solutions to problems. Strong project management skills with the ability to lead cross-functional teams to deliver results.
A strategic and analytical thinker with experience in the financial industry. Skilled in finding creative solutions to problems, developing relationships with clients, and managing projects. Looking to leverage my skills in the position of an Accountant with Bot Inc., where I can maintain and report business transactions for multiple university-related entities.
With a degree in Business Administration and three years of experience in customer service, I am confident that I can be an excellent addition to your team. My customer service skills are outstanding, and I have a proven history of resolving conflict and diffusing difficult situations.
A Master’s graduate with a degree in Environmental Science. Looking to begin their career in the environmental field and their skills to help protect our planet. Experienced in conducting research, drafting reports, and presenting findings to various audiences.
A recent graduate of XYZ University with a degree in Communications. An excellent written and verbal communicator with experience in customer service and the ability to think on my feet. Looking for an entry-level position in the communications field where I can use my skills to help your company succeed.
Outgoing and personable professional with experience in the retail industry. Skilled in developing relationships with customers and providing excellent customer service. Looking for a position in sales where I can use my skills to help your company reach its goals.
Professional with experience in the human resources field. Skilled in developing relationships with employees, managing projects, and administering benefits programs. Exploring new opportunities in this field.
Meticulous and organized office professional with more than 15 years of experience working in a fast-paced office environment. Skilled in managing multiple tasks simultaneously, maintaining schedules, and coordinating travel arrangements. Strong oral and written communication skills with the ability to interact effectively with all levels of management. Seeking an Administrative Assistant position where I can utilize my skills to support the needs of a busy office.
Efficient warehouse worker with five years of experience picking orders, packing boxes, and shipping products. Demonstrated ability to work independently or as part of a team to complete tasks quickly and accurately. Looking for a position at XYZ Logistics where I can use my experience and efficiency to contribute to the company’s success.
Enthusiastic sales professional with more than five years of experience in the retail industry. Skilled in building relationships with customers, providing exceptional customer service, and achieving sales goals. Seeking a position in outside sales where I can leverage my skills to contribute to the company’s success.
Skilled writer with more than ten years of experience crafting compelling copy for both digital and print media. Strong track record of producing high-quality content that engages readers and drives conversions. Pursuing a position as a Copywriter where I can create effective marketing materials that help businesses achieve their objectives.
Highly-motivated individual with experience working in challenging environments. Proven ability to stay calm under pressure and manage difficult customer service inquiries. Seeking new opportunities to expand my skills and contribute to the success of your business.
Experienced bookkeeper with more than five years of experience managing accounts payable and receivable, preparing financial statements, and reconciling bank statements. Skilled in QuickBooks and Microsoft Office Suite. Bringing five years of experience in the role of bookkeeper and looking for a position where I can utilize my skills to support the needs of a busy office.
Accomplished software engineer with more than five years of experience designing, developing, and testing software applications. Skilled in Java, C++, and Python. Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced environment and meet deadlines.
Manager with more than ten years of experience leading teams and overseeing daily operations in a retail setting. Skilled in training and developing employees, managing schedules, and resolving conflict. Proven ability to increase sales and improve customer satisfaction. Also coming with previous experience as an assistant manager along with numerous passed courses in management.
Dedicated professional with more than ten years of experience providing high-quality administrative support to senior executives. Skilled in managing calendars, scheduling appointments, and coordinating travel arrangements. Strong oral and written communication skills with the ability to interact effectively with all levels of management. Interested in a position as an Executive Administrative Assistant where I can utilize my skills to support the needs of a busy executive.
Friendly customer service professional with more than five years of experience providing exceptional customer service in fast-paced retail and call center environments. Skilled in diffusing difficult customer situations, upselling products and services, and achieving sales goals.
Seasoned human resources professional with more than ten years of experience managing employee relations, recruiting, and training. Proven ability to resolve conflict, coach employees, and administer progressive discipline. Skilled in Microsoft Office Suite and applicant tracking systems.
Initiative-taker with a can-do attitude and more than three years of office administration experience. Skilled in managing projects, overseeing customer inquiries, and providing administrative support to senior managers. Strong written and oral communication skills with the ability to interact effectively with all levels of management. Pursuing a position as an Office Manager where I can utilize my skills to support the needs of a busy office.
Motivated individual with experience working in challenging environments. Proven ability to handle difficult customer service inquiries and stay calm under pressure. Skilled in diffusing difficult customer situations, upselling products and services, and achieving sales goals. Bringing five years of customer service experience and looking for a position where I can utilize my skills to support the needs of a busy office.
Tips For Building A Resume
Whether you are starting from scratch or updating an existing resume , these tips will help you create a document that effectively highlights your skills and experience.
- Start with a strong opening statement that briefly describes your professional background and outlines your key skills and qualifications.
- Use reverse chronological order to list your work history, beginning with your most recent job.
- Include relevant details about your duties and accomplishments in each position.
- Use action words to describe your skills and experience (e.g., managed, created, oversaw, developed).
- Highlight any awards or recognition you have received throughout your career.
- Be sure to proofread your resume before sending it off to potential employers. Typos or grammatical errors can give them a negative impression of you as a candidate.
Outstanding Advice On Resume Writing!
Do we have some great online books for you to take a look at! Check out Lose the Resume, Land the Job , and the Ladders Resume Guide: Best Practices & Advice from the Leaders in $100K+ Careers , along with The Resume, Cover Letter, Portfolio Handbook: The Comprehensive Guide for College Students and Job Seekers to start you off.
I also recommend the DIY Résumé and Cover Letter Kit: Everything You Need to Create Your Own Professional-Quality Résume , as well as The Resume and Cover Letter Phrase Book: What to Write to Get the Job That’s Right , and the One-Page Resumes That Get Results!: An Uncomplicated and Quick Guide , to help you stand out from the crowd.
Lastly, are these informative guides on How to Write the Perfect Resume: Stand Out, Land Interviews, and Get the Job You Want , and Your Guide To A Stand Out Modern Resume: Make Your Resume The One That Stops the 6-Second Scroll , or how to Modernize Your Resume: Get Noticed…Get Hired , and Resume: Writing 2023 The Ultimate Guide to Writing a Resume that Lands YOU the Job! all available online in 2023.
Final Thoughts
A well-written resume can be the key to landing your dream job. By following the tips above, you can create a document that effectively showcases your skills and experience. So, use these resume opening statement examples and find your dream job.
Good luck in your future job hunting!
Top Entry-Level Resume Objective Examples
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About Carmen Smith
Carmen grew up in San Diago but now lives in Boston. She loves traveling, experiencing other cultures, and basically exploring the world, be country at a time. Her other passion is helping people find the perfect career. We spend 33% of our working lives at work, so it's ridiculous that many people do jobs that they do not enjoy. Carmen wants to change this and thinks that anyone who isn't happy in their employment should keep looking until they find something that they really enjoy. She firmly believes that "Everyone's perfect job is out there; it's just a case of continually looking until you find it." Carmen lives with her husband Johnny, a keen birder who also loves to travel. He finds birds while Carmen makes plans for where they will be eating next...
20 Best Opening Statement Examples for Resumes
When writing a resume of CV for any job position, the quality of your opening statement is very important to getting it read.
To get a better chance of getting invited to an interview and eventually getting the job, it is important to have the recruiter/employer read your resume or CV.
When your resume/CV is read, the recruiter/employer gets to learn about your competence and what you are bringing to succeed on the job.
The opening statement of your resume/CV can do the magic of getting the recruiter/employer to read it.
You therefore need to learn how to write a captivating opening statement for your resume or CV, which is what this post will help you with.
How to Make a Great Resume Opening Statement for any Position
The best way to write a great opening statement for your resume or CV is to first learn about the position you are seeking to know the duties and responsibilities of the job.
You should also learn of the requirements candidates need to meet to be qualified for hiring for the position.
These include the skills, education, experience, etc. that the recruiter/employer wants candidates to have to be hired and succeed on the job.
You can find the above information about the job by studying the description and requirements of the position that the recruiter/employer publishes.
You can then apply this information in making a captivating opening statement for your resume/CV.
Your opening statement should show that you have profound understanding of the job that you are seeking and will be effective in carrying out its duties and responsibilities.
Your opening statement should also show that you possess the major qualities, skills, experience, etc. needed to succeed on the job, which were also highlighted by the recruiter/employer in the job requirements that they published.
Now, let’s look at some good examples of opening statements for resumes to help you make one for your resume/CV:
- Industrious and ambitious accounting professional looking to leverage excellent communication and customer service skills in the position of an Accountant with Bot Inc. to maintain and report business transactions for multiple university-related entities, including preparation of monthly journal entries, sales taxes, and audit schedules required for annual financial statements.
- Talented graphic designer with 5 years of professional experience in graphic design. Looking to leverage solid knowledge of production methods such as vinyl graphic application and the ability to work on multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
- Outgoing Aerospace Engineer with more than 20 years of experience in DoD and Air Force Space programs, as well as military operations. Possess excellent critical analytical and problem-solving skills that help assist with solving complex engineering and military operational problems. Looking to leverage the ability to provide Space systems engineering support on DoD and NASA, power and energy systems, and components throughout the system engineering life cycle at Millennium Engineering Integration.
- Experienced biochemical process engineer with hands-on experience in operating fermenting machines in a lab and demonstrated understanding of important parameters for designing scale-up and scale-down experiments, seeking the position of a Biochemical Process Engineer at Danimer Scientific. Coming with knowledge of analytical methods for measuring primary and secondary metabolites.
- Professional communicator with 5 years of experience operating an industrial tractor, mower, and bush hog; as well as having basic computer skills and ability to adhere to contract requirements, safety, health regulations, and company policies. Interested in the position of Tractor Operator at Aleut Management Services, to operate a tractor and maintain grounds, tree removal, storm clean-up, snow removal on roads and sidewalks.
- Service-oriented individual with excellent time management, organizational, and prioritizing skills, interested in an Electrician position at Louisiana-Pacific Corporation. Bringing 10 years of electrical experience, expert knowledge of electrical functions, and the ability to perform complex troubleshooting and take appropriate action.
- Passionate individual looking to assist with troubleshooting and repairs of buildings and installed systems, seeking the position of a Building Maintenance Technician to inspect buildings, grounds, and equipment for unsafe or malfunctioning conditions, preventative maintenance, and more. Coming with 5 years of experience in building maintenance and commercial property setting.
- Technician with outstanding ability to communicate technical issues to customers in an easy-to-understand approach, seeking a Biomedical Technician Apprentice position at GE Healthcare where experience diagnosing and repairing mechanical, electromechanical, and electronic equipment will be applied. Also coming with previous experience interpreting schematic diagrams, and a Bachelor’s degree.
- Energetic Pharmacy Technician with six months of experience in a retail environment, seeking a Pharmacy Technician position at Walgreens, to leverage five years of work experience and great computer skills in offering services to customers.
- Supervisor with demonstrated interpersonal, organizational, and project management skills. Interested in a Production Supervisor position at Barko Hydraulics LLC, to utilize 5 years of supervisory experience in heavy equipment manufacturing.
- A manually inclined individual with 6 years of experience handling and maintaining technical equipment as well as working knowledge of physical IT infrastructure components, seeking a Datacenter Technician position with Microsoft to carry out cable installations, hardware installations, testing, and troubleshooting using standard datacenter processes. Coming with exceptional flexibility to work non-business hours or shifts that may include weekends and/or holidays.
- Seasoned Finishing Area Supervisor with 7 years of experience in production, manufacturing, supervisory, and management, seeking a Finishing Area Supervisor position with Louisiana-Pacific Corporation. Bringing profound knowledge of manufacturing processes, continuous improvement processes, and understanding of safety and environmental requirements.
- Highly numerate individual with knowledge of security regulations policies, procedures, methods, and objectives of security programs, seeking the position of Access Control Specialist in Chenega Corporation. Bringing exceptional skill in operating personal computer and standard office equipment.
- Problem solver with strong verbal and written communication skills and a BS degree, seeking the position of Supply Chain Planning Manager at Cravola. Offering deep knowledge of material/capacity planning and supervisory skills in developing the annual production plan and global capacity plan, as well as periodic updates.
- A+ certified effective communicator and problem solver with strong ability to understand and interpret engineering drawings and knowledge of electromechanical components. Seeking a Production Planner position in NSI-MI Technologies where profound project management, organizational, and communication skills will be applied. Also coming with exceptional ability to change direction and handle multiple responsibilities and tasks on a regular basis.
- Seasoned Grocery Clerk with 12 years of experience in the grocery business. Offering basic math skills, good verbal communication skills, good interpersonal skills, and ability to work with others, work in a fast-paced environment, and work Saturdays and evenings.
- Team player with strong math skills and three years of cashier and sales experience. Seeking a Cashier position in BJ’s Wholesale Club, Inc. to offer appropriate BJ’s membership products. Also bringing strong ability to provide a high level of customer service to members and scan all club merchandise through a point-of-sale system.
- Highly motivated individual with 5 years of professional working experience and a Bachelor’s degree, looking for the position of Credit Analyst. Bringing the competence to perform customer financial analysis to recommend and establish credit lines.
- Seeking an Epidemiologist position in the State of South Carolina to utilize 5 years of experience assisting program reporting of health indicators and key performance indicators. Coming with a Master’s degree in Public Health in Epidemiology, knowledge of methods of epidemiological design to develop great data products, and the ability to present information in written and oral form.
- Detail-oriented certified physical therapist with excellent written and verbal communication skills with colleagues, patients, and family members. Seeking a Physical Therapist position with SANTISOPT, INC. to leverage compassionate and caring qualities in taking care of patients.
By having a convincing opening statement in your resume or CV, you will surely create the opportunity for it to be read and also win an interview appointment with the recruiter/employer.
This post provides valuable ideas and examples to help you write an effective opening statement for your resume.
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CV Introduction [+Opening Paragraph Examples]
Everyone knows that a good beginning grabs attention. Grab the recruiter hook, line, and sinker with a fantastic CV introduction.
When you don’t know how to start a CV, most people will tell you to start at the beginning.
That’s no help at all.
In fact, it is better to write your CV introduction last. When your entire document is ready it will be much easier to pick out the things you want to show off.
In this guide you will learn how to write the perfect CV intro paragraph that will have recruiters reading on to the very end. Ready?
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Check other tips that will help you overcome writer’s block:
- What to Include in a CV
- What Should a CV Look Like
- Best CV Templates
- How to Write a CV
- How Long Should a CV Be?
- CV Structure
Choosing a CV Introduction
If the first thing that comes out of your mouth when you meet someone is “what up?” then it’s safe to say that a lot of people are just going to turn the other way. The same goes for your CV.
But before choosing what you want to say, you need to think about how you’re going to say it. What’s the message you want to get across, what are your strongest selling points?
Those are the things that you’ll want to include in your CV profile.
The good news is that it doesn’t really matter what industry you’re in. From marketing to medicine, the guidelines around creating an introduction for your CV are the same.
Depending on your experience and skills, you have two versions of a CV profile to choose from:
CV Objective
The CV objective is the go to CV introduction if you’re just starting your career or have little experience. It also works well for career changers.
The CV objective focuses on your skills and knowledge to show that you have the potential to be a successful employee.
Here’s an example of a great CV objective for someone with no work experience and applying for an internship :
CV Introduction Example
Diligent and driven university English student looking to leverage excellent writing and communication skills in journalism. Wrote 3 award-winning articles in university newsletter and wrote one guest blog post that generated 100K in traffic in one month. Eager to further develop researching and interviewing skills at internship at the Today Gazette.
This example puts the focus on the skills and drive that the candidate has to prove that they’re an investment worth the employer’s time.
But what if you’re changing your career focus after several years on the job? This example will show you how an objective can start your career change CV :
Sample CV Introduction
Accomplished marketing professional with 4 years of corporate experience in social media management and advertising campaigns. Looking to leverage industry skills and abilities of raising awareness and sales through low or no budget marketing options for local NGO.
Although this candidate is completely switching sectors, the focus is on the skills and experience that the NGO can really take benefit from.
A CV summary is the CV introduction of choice for anyone who has several years of experience or those continuing on in their career.
The CV summary highlights your experience and acquired skills to demonstrate that you’re the perfect candidate for the job.
Here’s a CV introduction example of a compelling CV summary:
Intro for a CV
Outgoing project manager with more than 5 years of experience in working on high-level projects with mid-sized teams. Excellent relationship building and management skills which help deliver projects minimum £10K below costs and 10% faster than projected. Looking to leverage project management skills and know-how as a senior project manager at Blueproject.
This example underlines the key skills and quantifiable achievements of the candidate from the start and hooks the hiring manager into reading on.
So how can you write an intro just as good as the CV introduction examples above? We’ll show you.
Summary of Qualifications
A summary of qualifications is a bulleted list of achievements, skills, and relevant experience which proves you’re a perfect fit for the job. You can think of it as a career summary presented in an easy-to-skim bullet point paragraph form.
Let’s take the above-mentioned CV summary and change it into a qualifications summary.
Sample Introductions for a CV
- Outgoing project manager with more than 5 years of experience in working on high-level projects with mid-sized teams.
- Excellent relationship building and management skills.
- Delivered projects minimum £10K below costs and 10% faster than projected.
- Looking to leverage project management skills and know-how as a senior project manager at Blueproject.
Easy, right? Simply choose the best 4-5 highlights from your CV and reword them into short bullet points.
CV Headline
Having problems fitting the contents of your CV onto a one- or two-pages template? Choose a CV headline. A CV headline, also called a CV title, is a brief phrase at the top of your CV that shows your professional identity and highlights your strengths. It goes under your contact information.
See the examples below:
Introduction for a CV: Example
- Efficient marketing manager with 7+ years of experience who won the Clio Award
- Diligent cybersecurity specialist with OSCP certification and 5+ years of experience
- Project manager delivering projects 10% faster than projected
- Bilingual CPR- and BLS-certified CNA with excellent team management skills
When making a resume in our builder, drag & drop bullet points, skills, and auto-fill the boring stuff. Spell check? Check . Start building a professional resume template here for free .
When you’re done, Zety’s resume builder will score your resume and tell you exactly how to make it better.
Start With The Rest of Your CV
Just because your CV opening statement is at the beginning of your CV doesn’t mean that you can write and forget about it in the rest of your text. In fact, a good rule of thumb is to leave off writing your CV introduction until the end.
Because your CV introduction needs to relate to the rest of your CV sections to get the most bang for your buck.
Writing your other CV sections like your work experience , skills , education , and additional sections can help you flesh out your accomplishments and key skills. Then, you can go back to your CV introduction and highlight those in your summary or objective.
Writing a CV Introduction
Knowing whether to write a summary or an objective is just half the battle. Now you need to figure out what you’re going to write.
Here are some tips that’ll make your CV introduction more compelling:
- Keep it concise. You really don’t need more than 3-4 powerful sentences.
- Tailor your CV intro paragraph to the position you’re applying for. Use the job ad as a cheat sheet to focus on the attributes they’re looking for. Drop the name of the company for extra brownie points.
- Use action words to add some power to your statements and CV keywords for a more ATS-friendly CV template.
- Show your worth. Add a note at the end on how you’d like to add value to the company and show the employer that this isn’t just another job for you.
Always remember to proofread when you’re finished. There’s nothing worse than a few typos destroying the impression you worked so hard to build.
Read more: How to Write a CV Profile
Plus, a great cover letter that matches your resume will give you an advantage over other candidates. You can write it in our cover letter builder here. Here's what it may look like:
See more cover letter templates and start writing.
Key Takeaway
When writing your CV introduction keep the following things in mind:
- Choose a CV summary or CV objective.
- Focus on your strengths and tailor your CV intro to the job ad.
- Keep it concise, use action words, and make a statement about your worth.
Thanks for reading! Do you have any questions about writing a great CV introduction? Let us know down in the comments below and we’ll get back to you!
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Best CV Personal Profile Examples
What is a CV personal profile?
A personal profile, also known as a CV summary, is the opening statement of your CV. It is a short introduction which outlines your personal characteristics, telling the prospective employer what kind of a person you are, the attributes and qualities that you possess and the work experience that you have.
How to write a CV profile statement from scratch
When writing your personal profile, ensure it is:
- Short (no more than 6 lines);
- Relevant to the job you are applying for, and;
- Contains some real-world examples .
Be bold, be confident and talk about yourself in a positive way.
Your personal profile is not the place to be humble; it is your chance to be noticed and tell the potential employer exactly who you ‘really’ are and what you can do for them.
Warning: Do not go ‘over the top’ and give the impression that you are either very arrogant or simply too good to be true! Keep it balanced and realistic, bearing in mind the needs of the employer.
Click here if you want to see a bad example of a personal profile.
What information to include on a personal profile
The purpose of your personal profile is to concisely present your skills, qualities, work experience, and your career goals and ambitions. Consequently, you can mention anything from the following categories when constructing your personal profile:
Personal Qualities
- Self-motivated
- Having an eye for detail
- Management skills
- Communication skills
- Problem-solving skills
- Design skills
- 5 years experience in …
- Excellent track record of …
- Extensive background in …
- Previous work experience in …
An ideal statement should have at least one example for each of these three categories.
How long should my profile statement be?
There are no set rules about the length of a personal profile, however, it is highly recommended to keep it ideally within the 50/80-words boundary (no longer than six lines). The reason for this is because employers, in the first instance, tend to scan CVs rather than extensively read it. Keeping it short and to the point increases the chances that they will actually read it.
Furthermore, as the total length of a CV is only 2 A4 pages long, having a short statement frees us valuable space for other key sections of your CV such as the work experience, education and skills sections .
Winning personal profile CV examples from all job sectors
Business management cv profile.
- The candidate mentions their key personal skills and qualities that are relevant and important when managing a business.
- The candidate mentions their relevant work experience in the field, indicating that they are able to work within multiple job sectors.
IT CV profile
- The candidate correctly highlights their areas of expertise, such as designing websites, networking and managing databases. It is clear from these examples that the individual has a broad understanding of IT and would be able to work on a wide range of IT projects.
- The candidate reassures the prospective employer that although they are working in a very technical field, they have the ability to work with a wide range of people. Interpersonal and communication skills are key to any job.
Student CV profile
- The above personal statement is clear and informative, making it clear that the applicant is a student, currently completing their university degree, and are looking to work part-time in the industry.
- It is always a good idea, as the candidate has done in this example, to clearly mention your availability for work and also the reasons for why you are seeking work. “Making money” is not a good enough reason for an employer to give you a job. The candidate has mentioned that they wish to put into practice what they have learned and make a positive contribution to the employer.
HR CV profile
- The candidate highlights that they have previous work experience in Human Resources (HR), making them familiar with the payroll systems and employment law. Additionally, they indicate some personal qualities (such as interpersonal skills and being sensitive to people’s privacies) which would be highly beneficial for the role that they are applying for.
Manager CV profile
- The candidate not only states that they have three years’ of experience in management but they also mention the positive contribution that they made to that organisation. In this case, it was a significant improvement in the performance of the team that they were managing.
Sales/retail CV profile
- Just by looking at the profile statement of this individual, we can conclude that this person has thorough experience of sales and is able to handle the various aspects of the selling process. Additionally, their promotion indicates that they are a high achiever.
Teaching CV profile
- In just a few lines, the candidate demonstrates a great deal of compassion, empathy and care for young people and their futures. This level of care and concern, along with an enduring passion for teaching, are the key ingredients of being successful in any teaching careers.
- The candidate indicating that they are able to work with young children from all backgrounds and walks of life. This is important, especially when living in today’s multicultural and diverse societies.
Engineering CV profile
- The candidate correctly highlights their previous work experience and areas of expertise. This makes them look like a very competent and accomplished chemical engineer, increasing the chances of being invited for an interview.
Designer CV profile
- This is an effective statement because the candidate highlights their valuable 1st class degree in Graphic Design and previous work experience in the design industry. Additionally, the candidate makes mention of their personal qualities, such as having the ability to think outside the box, to further indicate their suitability for the job.
Hospitality CV profile
- The above is an excellent example of how profile statement should be constructed; it contains references to their previous work experience in the same industry, personal qualities that are relevant to the job (e.g. having a passion for food and socialising with people) and their job achievements (e.g. winning an award). Any employer reading this statement will have to think twice before they put it in the rejection pile!
Admin CV profile
- The candidate mentions their previous work experience project management and providing administrative support to businesses.
- This admin personal statement clearly demonstrates that the individual is aware of all the challenges that administrators face; working in a busy working environment, handling multiple projects simultaneously, prioritising tasks and achieving the highest standard of work.
Customer service CV profile
- The candidate indicates that they are able to resolve customer enquiries and complaints face-to-face, over the phone or via email. This ability enables them to work in a variety of different job settings, i.e. a call centre, on the shop floor or at a desk.
- Their statement contains a tangible example of accomplishment (i.e. successfully resolving 150 customer enquiries or complaints).
Media CV profile
- The candidate has included many examples of their previous work experience and competencies in the field. Any employer interested in hiring an experienced camera operator will most certainly be impressed and continue reading the remainder of their CV.
Healthcare CV profile
- The candidate highlights that they are able to work with a variety of different people, something which is essential as physiotherapists will be working with people from all backgrounds and ages.
- The statement includes personal qualities that are important to have as a physiotherapist, such as being caring and friendly. Although some careers advisors do not recommend generic words such as ‘caring’ and ‘friendly’, it is nevertheless recommended to include them if they truly reflect your personality and if the rest of the personal statement contains specific information which is not generic in nature.
Writer CV profile
- This profile is short and punchy, increasing the chances that it will be read in full by the prospective employers
- The candidate highlights their career achievements by stating that their works have been accepted and published by leading newspapers and magazines – a testimony to the high quality of their work.
Science CV profile
- This statement is short and to the point; highlighting all the important information such as the candidates work experience, expertise and some personal qualities and characteristics.
Do I need to include a personal statement on my CV? No, it is entirely optional to include a personal profile on your CV. However, it is generally recommended to include one, particularly as it serves as a little “About me” section at the top of your CV. Every written document has an introduction, why shouldn’t a CV?
Can I use the first person tense in my statement? Yes, the first and third person tenses are both fine to use – but not both. Decide on the one tense and stick to it.
Where should I include the profile statement on my CV There is no fixed place in which you should put your personal profile. Some candidates place it at the bottom of their CVs. Ideally, you should position it at the top of your CV.
What is the most important thing to include on a personal profile? Real-world examples and tangible performance indicators, for example; increased sales by x percent, managed x number of people, won such-and-such awards, improved productivity by x percent, etc. These types of information are highly valuable, as opposed to saying that you are the “best salesperson in the country” and not backing it up with any evidence!
Need help with other sections of your CV?
While you’re still here – don’t forget to check out our amazing How to write a CV guide for more practical tips on writing your perfect CV or this useful resource.
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How to write a personal statement for your CV
A personal statement on your CV is a great way to give your job application extra impact. Here are some examples to help you get started.
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A critical aspect of creating an effective CV is writing a personal statement, sometimes called a profile or career summary, that enables the recruiter to quickly identify the strategic value you can add to their organisation. Your CV should be a self-marketing document aimed at persuading the recruiter to interview you – and your personal statement is a critical part of making this happen.
Many candidates struggle with writing the statement but it doesn’t have to be a difficult as you may think. A well written statement can be between 50 and 200 words, although it is important not to ramble. Remember you always have your cover letter for interesting and engaging information.
It’s important to read the job specification carefully and ensure not only that your skills and experience match but you reflect this in your statement. I am often asked whether a statement should be written in the first or third person and, while there are no definitive rules about this, my preference is always to write in the first person because the CV is all about you and your skillset. This doesn’t mean that you have to add “I” at the beginning of each sentence, however. The reader knows it’s about you so avoid this type of repetition and keep them engaged in your value and transferable skills.
For example an opening statement without the opening “I” could read:
As a highly-motivated and results orientated manager within the luxury hotel sector, I have a proven track record of providing exemplary levels of service to a broad range of guests, including VIPs and high-profile individuals.
This example reads naturally and flows for the reader, whereas if an “I” was inserted at the start, while not hugely different, it would read more like a list. As you move forward with additional information it then becomes difficult to break out of the format you have started.
As a general rule, it’s best to break the statement into three sections:
Who you are
As recent graduate from Durham University, with a 2:1 honours degree in media communications, I have undertaken several internships within leading organisations such as Bertelsmann and Times Warner. These placements have enabled me to develop not only specific media industry experience, but also a valuable and transferable skill set in this fast-paced sector.
The above opening allowes the recruiter to quickly identify where you are coming from, that you have had industry experience (something that may be in the selection criteria) and core transferable skills. This in itself could be enough for your opening statement, but it can be expanded upon by adding some additional information.
What you can bring to the table
During placement with Bertelsmann, I worked in the media division contributing to projects – such as the award-winning China Max Documentary – and managed my own research, liaised with various divisions, formulated media reports and participated in group project meetings. Utilising excellent communication skills, I developed and maintained successful working relationships with both internal and external staff.
Your career aim
Looking to secure a position in a media organisation, where I can bring immediate and strategic value and develop current skillset further.
An example of a poorly written personal statement
Tim is a recent graduate from Durham University with a 2:1 honours degree in media communications. I have undertaken several internships within leading organisations. Tim is now looking to secure a position in a media organisation where I can develop my current skill set.
The mismatch of first and third person is not only confusing to the reader, but it almost sounds like a profile about different people. It also lacks specific detail and proof of what value the candidate could bring to the company.
Key points on writing a dynamic and interesting personal statement:
- Get straight to the point: avoid lengthy descriptions and make your testimonies punchy and informative.
- Keep it between 50 to 200 words maximum.
- If you have enough space, use 1.5 line spacing to make you statement easier to read.
- Match person and job specifications with well written copy.
- Read your profile out loud to ensure it reads naturally.
- Don’t mix first and third person sentences.
Other essential resources
Three excellent cover letter examples
CV templates: graduates, career changers and ladder climbers
What questions to ask at the end of your interview
How to write a CV when you lack direct work experience
Elizabeth Bacchus is a consultant and founder of The Successful CV Company .
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CV personal statement examples
Landing job interviews in requires a strong personal statement at the top of your CV.
Essentially, your CV personal statement is a brief paragraph which appears at the very top of your CV – and it’s aim is to summarise the benefits of hiring you and encourage employers to read your CV in full.
In this guide I have included 14 CV personal statement examples with helpful notes under each one, followed by a detailed guide of how to write your own personal statement that will win you lots of interviews.
CV templates
14 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.
Graduate CV personal statement (no experience)
Although this graduate has no paid work experience, they compensate for it by showcasing all of the skills and knowledge the have gained during their studies, and demonstrating how they apply their knowledge in academic and personal projects.
Graduate CV personal statement (part time freelance experience)
This candidate has graduated with a degree in biochemistry but actually wants to start a career in digital marketing after providing some digital freelance services to fund their studies.
In this case, they haven’t made much mention of their studies because they aren’t relevant to the digital marketing agencies they are applying to. Instead they have focused their personal statement around their freelance work and passion for the digital field – although they still mention the fact they are degree educated to prove their academic success.
School leaver CV personal statement (no experience)
This candidate is 16 years old and has no work experience whatsoever, but they compensate for this by detailing their academic achievements that relate to the roles they are applying for (maths and literacy are important requirements in finance and accountancy roles).
They also add some info on their extracurricular activities and school work-placements, to strengthen this student CV further.
Top tips for writing a CV personal statement
- Thoroughly research the jobs and companies you are planning to apply for to identify the type of candidate they are looking for – try to reflect that in your personal statement
- Don’t be afraid to brag a little – include some of your most impressive achievements from education, work or personal life
- Focus on describing the benefits an employer will get from hiring you. Will you help them to get more customers? Improve their workplace? Save them time and money?
- If you have no work experience, demonstrate transferable workplace skills from your education, projects, or even hobbies
School leaver CV personal statement (part time experience)
Although this person has only just left school, they have also undertaken some part-time work in a call centre alongside their studies.
To make the most of this experience, they have combined their academic achievements with their workplace exposure in this personal statement.
By highlighting their GCSE results, summer programme involvement, work experience and expressing their ambitions to progress within sales, this candidate really makes an appealing case for hiring them.
College leaver CV personal statement (no experience)
This candidate has left college with good grades, but does not yet have any work experience.
To compensate for the lack of workplace exposure, they have made their A level results prominent and highlighted skills and experience which would benefit the employers they are targeting.
Any recruiter reading this profile can quickly understand that this candidate has great academic achievements, a passion for IT and finance and the ability to transfer their skills into an office environment.
College student CV personal statement (freelance experience)
As this student has picked up a small amount of freelance writing work during their studies, they have made sure to brag about it in their personal statement.
They give details on their relevant A level studies to show the skills they are learning, and boost this further by highlighting the fact that they have been applying these skills in a real-life work setting by providing freelance services.
They also include key action verbs that recruiters will be looking for , such as creative writing, working to deadlines, and producing copy.
Academic CV personal statement
Aside from junior candidates, the only other people who might use a personal statement, are academic professionals; as their CV’s tend to be more longer and detailed than other professions.
This candidate provides a high level overview of their field of study, length of experience, and the roles they have held within universities.
School leaver CV personal statement with and sports experience
Although this person has no work experience, they are still able to show employers the value of hiring them by selling their other achievements and explaining how they could benefit an organisation.
They expand on their sports club involvement to demonstrate their teamwork, leadership skills, communication and motivation, which are all important traits in the workplace, and will be looked upon favourably by recruiters and hiring managers.
They also draw upon their future plans to study business studies and take a part time job, to further prove their ambition and dedication.
History graduate CV personal statement
This history graduate proves their aptitude for both academic achievement and workplace aptitude by showcasing valuable skills from their degree and voluntary work.
They do this by breaking down the key requirements for each and showing how their skills could be beneficial for future employers, such as listening, communication, and crisis management.
They also describe how their ability to balance studies alongside voluntary work has not only boosted their knowledge and skills, but also given excellent time management and organisational skills – which are vital assets to any employer.
Law graduate CV personal statement
This legal graduate makes the most from their work university work placements by using it to bulk out the contents of their CV personal statement.
They include their degree to show they have the necessary qualifications for legal roles, which is crucial, but more importantly, they showcase how they applied their legal skills within a real-life work setting.
They give a brief overview of the types of legal professionals they have been working alongside and the type of work they have been carrying out – this is all it takes to get the attention of recruiters and show employers they have what it takes to fulfil roles in the legal sector.
Medical student CV personal statement
This medical student proves their fit for the role by showcasing the key skills they have gained from their studies and their work experience placements.
In just these few sentences, they are able to highlight the vast amount of experience they have across different disciplines in the industry, something which is particularly important in the medical sector.
As they have not graduated yet and are still studying, they have provided proof of their most recent grades. This can give the recruiter some indication as to the type of grade they could be graduating with in the near future.
Masters student CV personal statement
This masters student has started by specifying their area of study, in this case, accounting, and given details about the specific areas of finance they are most interested in. This can hint towards their career goals and passions.
They have then carefully listed some of the key areas of accounting and finance that they are proficient in. For example, business finance, advanced corporate finance and statistics.
They have also outlined some of the transferable skills needed for accounting roles that employers will be looking out for, such as communication, attention to detail and analytical skills.
Finance student CV personal statement
As this finance student has recently undertaken some relevant work experience, they’ve made sure to shout about this in their personal profile.
But more than this, they have included a list of some of the important finance skills they gained as a result of this work experience – for example, financial reporting, processing invoices and month-end reconciliations.
Plus, through power words and phrases such as ‘prevent loss’ and ‘ improve upon accuracy and efficiency’, they have also showcased how they can apply these skills in a workplace setting to benefit the potential employer.
Internship CV personal statement
This digital marketing professional has started their personal profile by outlining their most relevant qualifications and work experience, most notably their freelance role as a content manager.
They have also provided examples of some of the key marketing skills that potential employers might be looking for, including very detailed examples of the platforms and tools they are proficient in – for example, LinkedIn, Twitter and Pinterest.
They have then closed their statement by giving a detailed description of the type of role or opportunity they are looking for. In this case, an in-house position in a marketing company.
How to write a personal statement for your CV
Now that you’ve seen what a personal statement should look like and the type of content it should contain, follow this detailed guide to one for your own CV – and start racking those interviews up.
Guide contents
What is a CV personal statement?
Cv personal statement or cv profile, personal statement format, what to include in a cv personal statement.
- Personal statement mistakes
How to write persuasively
A personal statement is a short paragraph at the top of your CV which gives employers an overview of your education, skills and experience
It’s purpose is to capture the attention of busy recruiters and hiring managers when your CV is first opened – encouraging them to read the rest of it.
You achieve this by writing a tailored summary of yourself that explains your suitability for the roles you are applying for at a very high level, and matches your target job descriptions .
One question candidates often ask me is , “what is the difference between a personal statement and a CV profile?”
To be honest, they are almost the same – they are both introductory paragraphs that sit at the top of your CV… but there are 2 main differences
A personal statement tends to be used more by junior candidates (graduates, school leavers etc.) and is relatively long and detailed.
A CV profile tends to be favoured by more experienced candidates , and is shorter in length than a personal statement.
Note: If you are an experienced candidate, you may want to switch over to my CV profile writing guide , or example CV profiles page.
To ensure you grab recruiters’ attention with your personal statement, lay it out in the following way.
Positioning
You need to ensure that your personal statement sits at the very top of your CV, and all of it should be totally visible to readers, without the need to scroll down the page.
Do this by reducing the top page margin and minimising the space taken up by your contact details.
This will ensure that your whole personal statement can be seen, as soon as your CV is opened.
We have a Word CV template which can help you to get this right.
Size/length
Your personal statement needs to contain enough detail to provide an introduction to your skills and knowledge, but not so much detail that it bores readers.
To strike the right balance, anything between 8-15 lines of text is perfect – and sentences should be sharp and to-the-point.
As with the whole of your CV or resume , your personal statement should be written in a simple clean font at around size 10-12 to ensure that it can be read easily by all recruiters and employers.
Keep the text colour simple , ensuring that it contrasts the background (black on white is best) and break it into 2 or even 3 paragraphs for a pleasant reading experience.
It should also be written in a punchy persuasive tone, to help you sell yourself and increase your chances of landing interviews , I cover how to do this in detail further down the guide.
Quick tip: A poorly written CV will fail to impress recruiters and employers. Use our CV builder to create a winning CV in minutes with professional CV templates and pre-written content for every industry.
Once you have the style and format of your personal statement perfected, you need to fill it with compelling content that tells recruiters that your CV is worth reading.
Here’s what needs to go into your personal statement…
Before you start writing your personal statement, it’s crucial that you research your target roles to find out exactly what your new potential employers are looking for in a candidate.
Run a search for your target jobs on one of the major job websites , look through plenty of adverts and make a list of the candidate requirements that frequently appear.
This research will show you exactly what to include in your personal statement in order to impress the recruiters who will be reading it.
Education and qualifications are an important aspect of your personal statement, especially if you are a junior candidate.
You should highlight your highest and most relevant qualifications, whether that is a degree, A levels or GCSEs. You could potentially go into some more detail around modules, papers etc. if they are relevant to the roles you are applying for.
It’s important that you discuss the experience you have gained in your personal statement, to give readers an idea of the work you are comfortable undertaking.
This can of course be direct employed work experience, but it doesn’t have to be.
You can also include:
- School/college Uni work placements
- Voluntary work
- Personal projects
- Hobbies/interests
As with all aspects of your CV , the content should be tailored to match the requirements of your target roles.
Whilst discussing your experience, you should touch upon skills used, industries worked in, types of companies worked for, and people you have worked with.
Where possible, try to show the impact your actions have made. E.g . A customer service agent helps to make sales for their employer.
Any industry-specific knowledge you have that will be useful to your new potential employers should be made prominent within your personal statement.
For example
- Knowledge of financial regulations will be important for accountancy roles
- Knowledge of IT operating systems will be important for IT roles
- Knowledge of the national curriculum will be important for teachers
You should also include some information about the types of roles you are applying for, and why you are doing so. Try to show your interest and passion for the field you are hoping to enter, because employers want to hire people who have genuine motivation and drive in their work.
This is especially true if you don’t have much work experience, as you need something else to compensate for it.
CV personal statement mistakes
The things that you omit from your personal statement can be just as important as the things you include.
Try to keep the following out of your personal statement..
Irrelevant info
Any information that doesn’t fall into the requirements of your target roles can be cut out of your personal statement. For example, if you were a professional athlete 6 years ago, that’s great – but it won’t be relevant if you’re applying to advertising internships, so leave it out.
Generic clichés
If you are describing yourself as a “ dynamic team player with high levels of motivation and enthusiasm” you aren’t doing yourself any favours.
These cliché terms are vastly overused and don’t provide readers with any factual details about you – so keep them to a minimum.
Stick to solid facts like education, skills , experience, achievements and knowledge.
If you really want to ensure that your personal statement makes a big impact, you need to write in a persuasive manner.
So, how do you so this?
Well, you need to brag a little – but not too much
It’s about selling yourself and appearing confident, without overstepping the mark and appearing arrogant.
For example, instead of writing.
“Marketing graduate with an interest in entering the digital field”
Be creative and excite the reader by livening the sentence up like this,
“Marketing graduate with highest exam results in class and a passion for embarking on a long and successful career within digital”
The second sentence is a much more interesting, makes the candidate appear more confident, throws in some achievements, and shows off a wider range of writing skills.
Quick tip: A poorly written CV will fail to impress recruiters and employers. Use our CV builder to create a winning CV in minutes with professional templates and pre-written content for every industry.
Your own personal statement will be totally unique to yourself, but by using the above guidelines you will be able to create one which shows recruiters everything they need.
Remember to keep the length between 10-20 lines and only include the most relevant information for your target roles.
You can also check our school leaver CV example , our best CV templates , or our library of example CVs from all industries.
Good luck with the job hunt!
How To Write A Resume Objective Statement (Examples Included)
Mike Simpson 0 Comments
By Mike Simpson
UPDATED 5/18/2022
Resumes. We all know what they are. We all know how important having a good one is…and how much a bad one can hurt your ability to get your dream job. That’s why reviewing different resume objective examples is essential, ensuring you can create well-crafted, carefully targeted resumes for hiring managers.
So, how do you make sure your resume objective – and entire application – stands out? We’ll tell you. Come with us as we explore some resume objective statement examples, as well as tips on how to ensure yours shines.
What is a Resume Objective?
“My objective? Well, that’s easy. My objective is to get the job.”
Absolutely, we couldn’t agree more. But an objective on your resume is so much more than just writing, “Hey, hire me. I’m super awesome.”
So, what is an objective for a resume?
Well, according to the Marquette University College of Business Administration , “an objective statement is a concise, position-centered statement describing the value you can add and the needs you can fulfill.”
Our friends over at Indeed.com take it a step further, saying: “A well-written resume objective statement can be customized for the job you’re applying for and add value to your resume that sets it apart from other applicants.”
Essentially, a resume objective is a targeted snippet that clearly outlines your career direction while simultaneously positioning you as someone who fits what the employer is looking for exactly.
Sounds pretty ingenious, right? So why don’t more people have them on their resumes?
Resume objectives can be a bit controversial. Some people think they can make you look amateurish…which, if you don’t do it correctly, is absolutely true. But that can be said for any section of your resume.
Other schools of thought think that the objectives should be taken out entirely and replaced with the more popular “ resume summary statement .”
You may be wondering, “What if I use a resume objective and the hiring manager looks at it and laughs? Are they going to throw out my resume…or worse, put it on the wall of shame?”
Now, nobody is going to laugh at your resume objective as long as you use the right approach. Additionally, if your career is moving in certain directions, using a resume objective makes more sense than the alternatives.
When Should You Use a Resume Objective?
Are you relatively new to the job search market or lack work experience?
Are you changing industries?
Are you targeting a specific job or position?
If you answered “YES” to any of these above questions, then the resume objective is potentially perfect. If you answered “NO” to all of the above questions, you might be better off with a “Resume Summary Statement.”
For those of you in the middle of a career change or who might just be starting out, a resume objective statement allows you to define your goal to a potential employer…something that your work history might not otherwise be able to do for you.
Imagine how confused a hiring manager would be if they were looking for candidates to fill an office coordinator position and you sent in a resume with ten years of experience in marketing. Without an objective statement, the hiring manager might just assume your resume has been accidentally sent to them and simply discard it.
With an objective statement, you can not only let the hiring manager know that your resume IS in the right spot but also explain that you’re making the switch and show that your skill set does align with this new career path.
If you’re targeting a specific job or position, a resume objective statement can help reinforce that idea that you know EXACTLY what you’re after. That can work in your favor, too.
Overall, and most importantly, the biggest reason to put an objective on your resume is…it’s better than having nothing. Remember, your goal is to catch the hiring manager’s eye and stand out from the rest of the paper in that pile.
Common Mistakes
There are several common mistakes job seekers can make when writing their statement with the number one being using the same objective for every job application.
1) Using the Same Objective For Every Job Application
To obtain a job within my chosen field that will challenge me and allow me to use my education, skills and past experiences in a way that is mutually beneficial to both myself and my employer and allow for future growth and advancement.
Your goal is to be the ideal candidate and that means making sure you’re exactly what the hiring manager is looking for…and unless you’re applying to a cookie cutter factory in a cookie cutter job town where every job every employer is listing is exactly the same then I guarantee you 100% that your statement will NOT be a “one size fits all” statement.
2) Making It All About You
This is a trap that many job seekers fall into, as they can’t resist to use the objective to list off all of the things that they want to get out of the position.
Hi, I’m Joe Jobseeker and I really want a job in a company where I make a ton of money doing as little as possible. Oh, and a corner office. A company car would be nice too. While we’re at it, let’s talk benefits, retirement…and the company vacation policy.
Yes, we’re being over the top with this one, but we need you to look at this and laugh…because even a slightly toned down one where you list only what YOU want is going to come off just as ridiculous to the hiring manager as the one we’ve blown out of proportion.
3) Being Too Vague
Mistake number three is being vague. Like we said, this isn’t a one size fits all so by being ambiguous in the hopes of somewhat fitting what they’re looking for is going to get your resume sent directly to the circular file. (In case you don’t know, the circular file is the trash can. It just sounds fancier but the end result is the same…no job.)
Looking for a long term full time job where I can apply my extensive skills and knowledge to the position for which I am hired.
Blah. Who is this person? All we know by reading this statement is that they have skills and knowledge…but other than that, not much else. What skills do they have? Do they really apply to the job? And what knowledge can they draw from that will benefit the company? See what we mean? It’s so generic you could literally fit anything into those blanks…it’s like Resume Mad Libs!
4) Going On… And On… And On… And On… and zzzzzzzzzzzzz….
Mistake number four is being too long. This isn’t a novel. It’s a quick little blurb to catch their attention so they can bring you in for an interview…then you can get into more detail!
Not going to put one here. Why? Because the example we were going to do was going to be so long and ridiculous that you and everyone else reading this post would just get bored and move onto another article. Just remember, it’s all about short and sweet. Anything over a sentence or two is TOO LONG. Remember that.
5) Adding Absolutely No Value
Mistake number five is probably the worst…and the easiest to fall into (outside of mistake number two, the “all about me” statement.) Mistake number five is writing a statement that basically fills space but doesn’t tell the hiring manager anything about the value you bring to the table. This can also be confused with the too vague statement…
To obtain a position within my chosen field where I can utilize my skills as a hard-working, well-educated employee in exchange for a steady market-fair paycheck.
Congratulations. You’re educated and you’re hard working and you want to make money. So what? So are 90% of the people you’re going up against. Why are YOU the ideal candidate? What makes the hiring manager want to bring YOU in over everyone else? See what we mean?
AND MOST IMPORTANTLY:
How are you going to fulfill the needs of the company?
When writing your resume objective, you should always have the intention of answering this question.
How To Write An Effective Resume Objective
So how do you write a GOOD resume objective?
One thing every one of these bad examples has in common is the fact that not a single one of them is tailored to the position you’re looking for. Any hiring manager who looks at a resume with objectives like those is going to immediately move on to the next candidate.
Because whoever those potential hires are, they’re not ideal candidates. You need to not only catch the hiring manager’s eye; you must make sure that they look at your statement and say, “Here’s the perfect fit!”
So, how do you make it happen? Well, a really good place to start is by looking at the job description. According to Indeed.com , “…when you include an objective that’s specific to the job role, the recruiter is more likely to dig deeper and learn more details about your professional experience.”
After that, make sure it’s tailored to not only the position but the company as well. By incorporating a few tidbits that speak to the company’s mission and values, you can take that quick statement up a notch.
Nice, right?
Additionally, focus on how you’re a benefit to the company, not how the company can benefit you. Showcase value, ensuring you point out what you bring to the table.
Keep it short and sweet, too. Skip overblown adjectives in favor of action verbs, which will help “raise the energy levels” of your objective and ensure that it is more dynamic and interesting.
If you’re someone who is changing careers, demonstrate how your past experiences relate to your future tasks. The same goes for those who are just starting out or who are relatively inexperienced.
Resume Objective Examples
In some cases, nothing makes the points above clearer quite like a few resume objective examples. Here are a handful of samples, each targeting different situations.
New to Workforce, No High School Diploma
“Diligent, dedicated individual looking to apply communication and collaboration skills in a fast-paced customer service role. A self-motivated team player with an outgoing personality who’s ready to learn the ins and outs of a new industry and provide ample value to a retail employer.”
New to Workforce, No College
“Well-organized high school honor graduate with exceptional problem-solving and collaboration skills seeking opportunities in the office administration field where strong communication, time management, and research skills can provide excellent value to an employer.”
College Student, Aspiring Intern
“Current accounting student with an emphasis on accounts payable and accounts receivable seeking developmental opportunities with a local firm. Diligent, focused, and tech-savvy, looking to provide value to a skilled team.”
Recent College Graduate
“Hard-working business administration graduate with proven leadership and organizational skills. Looking to leverage knowledge or operational processes, emerging commercial trends, and supply machine management to increase efficiency and support broader productivity goals.”
Recent College Graduate with Internship Experience
“Honor graduate with a Bachelor’s in Human Resources and one year of experience at a leading staffing firm looking to leverage a deep understanding of leading ATS solutions, modern interview techniques, and conflict resolution strategies to support the goals of an enterprise-level HR department.”
Career Change
“Ambitious professional looking to leverage 5+ years of customer service experience and exceptional communication skills in the fast-paced field of real estate. Proven ability to build lasting, long-term relationships, understand client needs, and find solutions designed to ensure customer satisfaction.”
Career Change with New Education
“Experienced accounting professional and recent college graduate with a Bachelor’s in IT looking to leverage mathematical and analytical capabilities in a data analyst role with an enterprise-level employer. Impeccable attention to detail and organizational skills, as well as strong desire to learn and grow on the job.”
Targeting Specific Role
“Skilled software developer with 7+ years of experience with Java, Python, and C++ seeking out opportunities in team-oriented environments that prioritize Agile methodologies, Lean strategies, and DevOps principles to accelerate timelines and achieve challenging goals.”
Speaking of specific roles, we thought that it might be prudent to dig deeper into a couple careers that we get the most questions about (in terms of resume objectives). Here are our deep-dive articles into Teacher Resume Objectives , Customer Service Resume Objectives and Nursing Resume Objectives . Enjoy!
Putting It All Together
So, there you have it. We’ve covered what a resume objective statement is, who should use one, and how to properly execute it. Plus, there are some handy resume objective examples that can serve as inspiration.
While some people might claim that the objective statement for a resume is outdated, if done properly, it can make a difference. Use all of the information above to your advantage. That way, you’ll be one step closer to your dream job.
FREE : Resume Objective PDF Cheat Sheet
Ok the next thing you should do is get our handy Resume Objective Cheat Sheet PDF .
In it you'll get word-for-word sample resume objectives covering a variety of scenarios you can use right away .
CLICK HERE TO GET THE RESUME OBJECTIVE CHEAT SHEET
Co-Founder and CEO of TheInterviewGuys.com. Mike is a job interview and career expert and the head writer at TheInterviewGuys.com.
His advice and insights have been shared and featured by publications such as Forbes , Entrepreneur , CNBC and more as well as educational institutions such as the University of Michigan , Penn State , Northeastern and others.
Learn more about The Interview Guys on our About Us page .
About The Author
Mike simpson.
Co-Founder and CEO of TheInterviewGuys.com. Mike is a job interview and career expert and the head writer at TheInterviewGuys.com. His advice and insights have been shared and featured by publications such as Forbes , Entrepreneur , CNBC and more as well as educational institutions such as the University of Michigan , Penn State , Northeastern and others. Learn more about The Interview Guys on our About Us page .
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Home » CV Help » CV Personal Statement
CV Personal Statement Examples & How to Write
Including a CV personal statement at the top of your CV helps you get recruiters’ attention and attract more interview offers. Below are 16 CV personal statement examples and writing tips that you can follow to make your CV stand out to your target employer.
What is a CV personal statement?
A CV personal statement is a 3–4 sentence paragraph at the top of your CV that addresses your target company directly and summarises your job-specific achievements, qualifications, and skills.
A well-written personal statement on your CV gets the reader interested in learning more about you by summarising your biggest professional strengths and selling points.
Below are examples of personal statements for CVs for various types of job applications, followed by tips for how to write your own personal statement.
16 good CV personal statement examples
Need ideas for writing a CV personal statement that highlights your relevant skills and experience?
Here are 16 CV personal statement examples from different industries and levels of experience. Even if you don’t see an example that exactly matches your job title, you can adapt the general concepts to meet your needs:
1. Administration CV personal statement
Applying for an administration role? Here’s a personal statement from an administrative assistant’s CV that shows you how to write your own:
Related CV samples : Administrative CV , administrator CV
2. Customer service CV personal statement
This personal statement for a customer service position uses strategic bolding to highlight the applicant’s years of experience:
3. Waiting staff CV personal statement
Here’s a personal statement for a CV that you can imitate if you’re applying for server positions:
4. Retail assistant CV personal statement
Below is a CV personal statement example for retail assistants:
5. Graduate CV personal statement
View this CV personal statement for writing ideas if you’re a recent graduate:
6. Engineering CV personal statement
This personal statement for a CV explains an engineering applicant’s educational background and technical skills:
7. Project manager CV personal statement
If you’re applying for project management roles, look at this example:
8. Marketing CV personal statement
Here’s an example of a personal statement for a marketing CV:
9. Teaching assistant CV personal statement
Use this CV personal statement to help you write your teaching assistant CV:
10. Accountancy CV personal statement
This accountant CV describes the applicant’s top accounting skills and years of experience:
11. Cleaner CV personal statement
Mention your professional demeanour and previous recommendations to stand out as a cleaner job candidate, like so:
12. School leaver CV personal statement
If you’re applying for jobs after your secondary education, include your GCSEs and T-Levels (if applicable) in your CV’s personal statement to give recruiters a clear picture of your level of training:
13. Data analyst CV personal statement
This personal statement from a data analyst CV highlights the applicant’s relevant analytical skills , including their SQL expertise and data modelling proficiency:
14. Primary teacher CV personal statement
Include your teaching qualifications and specialisations when writing your teaching CV personal statement so employers know you’re qualified as soon as they start reading:
15. Career change CV personal statement
Transitioning to a new career path? Here’s an example of how to write a personal statement for a career change CV:
16. Delivery driver CV personal statement
Don’t have much space left on your CV for your personal statement? This delivery driver candidate displays their time management skills and educational background in three short sentences:
How to write a CV personal statement
Follow these three steps to write the best CV personal statement for your next job application:
1. Describe your professional experience
In the first sentence of your personal statement, outline your professional experience and include a key trait (e.g., a unique adjective that describes how you work, such as ‘fast-learning’).
For instance, if you’ve got three years of experience as a barista, here’s an example of how to start a personal statement for a job with similar requirements:
Sentence 1: list your professional experience and key traits
Hardworking barista with 3 years of experience in a customer-facing role.
If you haven’t got any formal work experience, mention your highest level of education and any placements you’ve had instead:
Sentence 2: mention your educational background and placements
Motivated sixth form leaver with four A-Levels and a week’s work experience at HSBC in Darlington.
2. Add key skills and accomplishments
In your second sentence, expand on the key skills you’ve listed on your CV that apply to the job. If possible, also mention any noteworthy achievements from previous positions that are relevant to the job you’re applying for.
For example, the second sentence of a call centre representative’s personal statement might say:
Sentence 3: write about your key skills and accomplishments
Skilled at resolving customer complaints with a 100% client satisfaction rate.
Note how you can add hard numbers (‘100%’). Adding numbers to your CV personal statement puts your achievements in context, and lets employers see what kind of performance you’ll be capable of if they hire you.
Add an extra sentence if you’d like to give even more details about your achievements and capabilities or mention any special trade licences you have.
3. State your career objective
The final sentence of your CV should summarise your most job-relevant career goal and directly target the company you’re applying for. Use the company’s name and the job title here to tailor your CV to the role.
Tailoring your CV to the position shows you’ve considered the company’s needs and aren’t just sending your CV to every company with openings.
Here’s an ideal final sentence for a retail position:
Sentence 4: target a specific employer
Seeking to apply my unrivalled interpersonal skills and provide customers with great service in the retail assistant role at River Island.
3 tips for making a job-winning personal statement
Below are three tips for how to perfect the structure and word choice for your CV’s personal statement to give yourself the best chance of landing an interview:
1. Don’t make it too long
Wondering exactly how long your CV personal statement should be? Aim for under 100 words to increase the likelihood that the recruiter will read to the end.
Here’s what a personal statement of the right length looks like on a CV:
2. Use the right font
Your personal statement should use the same font as the rest of your CV. Use one of the best CV fonts throughout your document, such as Times New Roman, Arial, or Helvetica.
3. Don’t use ‘I’
In your CV personal statement, avoid using ‘I’. Not using ‘I’ takes up less space on a CV and sounds more professional, as you can see:
Using ‘I’ in a CV personal statement
I’m a personable teaching assistant with 7+ years of experience in the classroom. I’ve been recognised for my ability to help pupils with special needs prepare for KS2 SATs, with all my pupils to date gaining ‘AS’ outcomes. I’m hoping to bring an exceptional standard of support to teachers at Green Lane Primary School.
Removing ‘I’ from a CV personal statement
Personable teaching assistant with 7+ years of experience in the classroom. Recognised for my ability to help pupils with special needs prepare for KS2 SATs, with all to date gaining ‘AS’ outcomes. Hoping to bring an exceptional standard of support to teachers at Green Lane Primary School.
Frequently asked questions about CV personal statements
1. do i need a personal statement on my cv.
Yes, you need a personal statement on your CV.
Although a personal statement isn’t a must-have requirement, it gives your CV a competitive advantage by showing employers you’ve personalised your CV to fit their company requirements.
A CV personal statement also emphasises your most hirable qualities in a place employers can easily see.
2. What is the difference between a CV and a personal statement?
Here’s the difference between a CV and a personal statement:
- A CV is a job application document that summarises your work experience (including volunteer and internship work), education, and skills to help employers decide whether to interview you
- A personal statement is a university application essay that explains why your educational history and goals make you a good fit for the program you’re applying for
Here are resources to help you write a CV or a personal statement:
- How to write a CV for a job
- How to write a personal statement for a university application
3. How do you write a personal statement for a CV when you’re a teenager?
Even if you’re a teenager with no work experience, you can write a CV personal statement that helps you get hired. Here’s how:
- describe the skills you’ve developed in school or through extracurricular activities that’ll help you succeed in your target job
- highlight any relevant volunteer, internship, or part-time work experience you have
- note any awards you’ve received to show that you’re able to exceed expectations
- customise your statement to the job advert by including the company name, your desired job title, and an explanation of how you could help the company reach its goals
Here’s an example of a well-written personal statement from a CV for a teenager :
Enthusiastic and friendly secondary school pupil currently completing my GCSEs. Excellent self-discipline from years of practice as a pianist. Skilled with numbers and received the ‘Cardinal’s Exceptional Maths Pupil’ award in June 2022. Seeking a responsible summer position as a part-time waiter at Brighton Cheery Restaurant.
Written by Aaron Case, CPRW
Aaron Case is a CPRW & CV Expert at CV Genius & Resume Genius, where he loves writing CV and cover letter tips that give job hunters a leg up on their competition.... more
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4 Compelling Personal Statement Examples for Your CV
Did you know that according to research, most employers will only spend between 6 to 10 seconds skimming over a CV?
Not just that, they are searching for specific keywords. Should your CV contain none of the keywords they are looking for, it will quickly end up into the reject pile.
Having a killer CV that is designed to catch the eye of the employer is your first step to attract their attention. Without a well-constructed CV, your efforts will fall flat even before you have had a chance to prove yourself.
In a lot of cases, an employer will be more interested in what sort of person you are and what impression you give off when reading your CV.
This is because at the end of the day they will want someone that will be a good fit for their company culture. This is especially true if the recruit needs to fit into an existing team.
Finding a good personality match and someone with the right skills, focus and dedication is just as important – if not more so – than what qualifications you have.
Having a compelling personal statement
Although you may believe that putting all of your focus into recording your qualifications and work experience is the most important element of your CV, in fact, it is your personal statement that can end up making or breaking the success of your job application.
As long as you tick all of the boxes with the required qualifications and work experience to qualify your application for the job, you need to remember that you will be directly competing with numerous other hopeful applicants with the same history as you.
So, make sure that your personal statement isn’t bland and wishy-washy. It needs to grab the attention of the reader and give them a taste of the sort of person you are.
But, Wait, What is it?
Your personal statement is a short and compelling paragraph that tells the employer that you are the most qualified person for the role on offer. It tells the reader who you are and what valuable benefits you will be bringing to their company.
Do I need to include one on my CV?
The short answer to this question is YES! Yes, you must make sure to include a personal statement for the following reasons:
• It gives you a chance to showcase your most valuable key skills in one place • Not including one will make you look the same as every other job applicant • It can inspire employers to read your CV in its entirety • It is an opportunity to provide more background about your experience • You can get your personality across to show that you are a good cultural fit for the company
In essence, this helps you express why you are the right choice for the role on offer in one condensed paragraph.
How to write a strong personal statement
Just like when writing your CV you need to make sure that your statement is unique to the job that you are applying for. A generic paragraph used on every copy of your CV that you send out simply will not do here!
Writing a strong personal statement means summarizing your skills and experience in a way that is relevant to the job. This makes your statement interesting to the employer and adds extra value to your application.
This is not the place to waffle or to add a lot of fluff or filler. Your statement needs to be short and to the point. Make sure you include the following points:
• Your statement should reinforce your relevant key skills that the employer finds desirable • Keep your statement short and punchy – it needs to be easy to read • Highlight the knowledge and experience you have that makes you a good fit for the role • Mirror the keywords and key phrases that were used in the job advert and description
Choosing what to highlight
You can make it easier for yourself to choose what to highlight in your personal statement paragraph by looking at the information contained in the job advert and the job description supplied by the company.
As you read through this information, try to remember the times in your previous work roles where you accomplished notable achievements that match with required skills and experience for this job.
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.
You can use your collected notes to formulate your paragraph.
Personal statement examples
Let’s take a look at a few personal statement examples just to give you an idea of how you can formulate your own.
Remember that you need to make your statement unique to you and to the job you are applying for. Simply copying and using these examples may not be the best move because your statement wouldn’t be reflecting the real you.
Depending on where you are in life and your career, you will need a personal statement that matches your goals for your next steps forward. Here are the most common career stages that most people will fit into, accompanied by a fitting personal statement:
A personal statement for a school leaver
Entering the workforce for your very first time is a big step. Your statement should focus on the following points:
• Why you want to work in your chosen industry • What you can bring to the role (remember to search the job description for desired skills) • What you hope to achieve by working with the company
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.
School leaver personal statement example:
I am an energetic and enthusiastic person that is keen to learn new skills. I have recently completed my A-levels, achieving top grades in English, Maths and French. I am seeking a role in international sales where I can make use of and develop my language skills. I see that your company is looking to recruit someone with basic French language skills and feel that I would fit this role perfectly. 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.
A personal statement for a graduate
This personal statement will be quite similar to the school leaver’s statement, but will have more of an emphasis placed on your higher educational attainments and experiences.
The focus of your personal statement will be why you are applying for the job and what your hopes are for your future career. Remember to highlight what special knowledge you can bring to the role.
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.
Graduate personal statement example:
I am a recent business graduate with a 1:1 honors degree from XYZ University. I am hoping to move into a Graduate position within your Commercial Sales and Marketing section to use my degree skills and develop my practical experience. My long term career ambitions are to manage my own sales and marketing team within a fast-paced environment of a prestigious, high-profile, blue-chip company.
A personal statement for a jobseeker
If you have been made redundant or are currently unemployed, then finding your next job can be very stressful. Learning how to cover gaps in your CV can be very helpful here.
Always appreciate your worth. Stay positive with your statement and never mention anything negative that could be seen as a sticking point.
You should never come off sounding desperate. Never apologize and don’t turn it into a begging letter! Remember that you can bring a lot of valuable skills to their company that they need.
If you want to explain the break in your employment record then explain this in your cover letter rather than on your CV. When you have already explained your career break once, there is no need to repeat it again.
Jobseeker personal statement example:
I am a highly motivated, fully trained engineer with 15 years experience in the telecoms industry. I carry a proven track record working with XYZ Telecoms Ltd. as a field engineer and project team leader. I have managed many large commercial telecoms infrastructure installations. Currently unemployed due to the relocation of the company. I am looking for a fresh opportunity to use my many years of expert knowledge and supervisory experience to bring a high level of quality and service to a well-established and respected company.
A personal statement for a career change
When you are changing from one work sector to another completely different industry, you need to draw on your transferable interpersonal skills to highlight upon.
Remember that your transferable skills and soft skills are quite universal no matter what industry sector you work in. 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.
Career change personal statement example:
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. My ability to communicate well with everyone from a variety of different backgrounds enabled me to win vital customer contracts that saw an increase of 20% in sales revenue over 3 years for my current employer. 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. I pay close attention to details and have a friendly, confident and professional manner that would be suitable for the role on offer with your organization.
As you can see, your 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 using the same language as the employer.
Whether you are fresh out of education or are looking for a change after many years in employment, you may be a bit rusty or inexperienced when it comes to creating your CV.
You can find a lot of helpful advice and guidance in our Resources section to get you started.
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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CV Personal Statement Examples and Tips
Your personal statement is the first thing a recruiter or hiring manager will read when flicking through what will usually be a huge pile of CVs. With so much competition, you need a personal statement that grabs their attention for all the right reasons. But how do you write one? Here’s our guide along with a couple of personal statement examples for inspiration.
What is a personal statement?
A personal statement is a concise paragraph that sits at the top of your CV just below your name and contact details and tells the reader why you would be a fantastic asset for their company. It should include a summary of your most relevant skills and experience and give the recruiter an insight into your ambitions and character.
Your personal statement should explain:
- Who you are
- Your suitability for the role and the value you can add
- Your career goals
Conveying all that information in just a few sentences is certainly not easy, but with research suggesting that recruiters spend an average of just six seconds reviewing each CV before deciding whether the applicant is a good fit, you must get it right.
How to write a winning personal statement for your CV
No one has your specific skills and experience, so your personal statement must be unique. However, there are some universal tips you can follow.
- Length, formatting and tone of voice
Probably the biggest challenge you’ll face when writing a personal statement for your CV is keeping it between 50 and 150 words, or around four or five lines of text. It should be clean and concise, formatted consistently and written in the same font and point size as the rest of your CV.
Personal statements can be written in the first (“I am a marine biologist”) or third-person (“Marine biologist looking for”), but whatever voice you choose, keep it consistent throughout your CV.
Recruiters read so much hyperbole and waffle that being honest and understated will help you stand out. This is not The Apprentice, so buzzwords, empty promises and meaningless metaphors should be avoided at all costs.
- Back up your claims
Cliches like ‘hard worker’ or ‘experienced’ are just empty words that recruiters see hundreds of times a day. Instead, establish your credentials with relevant vocational qualifications or professional memberships you have and quantify the level of experience you have. For example, “I am a RICS qualified surveyor with eight years’ experience working for a property development company”.
- Include statistics from your career
Including specific data or statistics in your personal statement will immediately make it stand out from the hundreds of others recruiters read every day. Metrics of success are far more memorable than simply listing your achievements. For example, “I introduced a new lead qualification tool that increased sales by 15 percent”.
- Remove pronouns in the third person
The personal statement on your CV is the one place where it’s okay to talk about yourself in the third person. However, using pronouns, for example, “he is a conscientious worker with 12 years of experience...” is a step too far. Instead, drop the pronouns, so that would become “A conscientious worker with 12 years of experience…”
Personal statement examples
Here are a few examples of personal statements to keep you on the right track and hopefully provide a little inspiration.
Written in the first person by a graduate looking for their first professional role.
I am a recent graduate with a first-class degree in economics, specialising in econometrics and international trade. I have commercial experience in the finance sector courtesy of an internship with a UK corporation, where I developed the technical data engineering skills you are looking for. I have a proven ability to meet deadlines and produce consistently high-quality work, as evidenced by my degree, and would relish the chance to develop my skills within your organisation.
Written in the third person by an experienced purchasing manager looking to climb the ladder.
Purchasing manager with 12 years of experience who wants to progress to a more senior role within the aviation industry. Has developed strong and lasting relationships during previous managerial positions in the sector and wants to put this strong network to good use to add value to your business.
Time to get hired
Writing a winning personal statement that you’re happy with and that summarises your skills and experience effectively in just a few lines will take time. However, using these tips and examples as a guide and editing your personal statement for every role is an important piece of the puzzle.
To hear Guardian Jobs reader Elia’s story and how her Personal Career Management programme helped land her ideal job watch the video .
Personal Career Management can offer you a free review to assess your needs and to see which programme is right for you.
To book call Personal Career Management on 01753 888 995 or fill in the contact form .
Personal Career Management are Career Management Partners for the Guardian and are a specialist career coaching and outplacement company.
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Resume Summary Statement Examples and Writing Tips
Alison Doyle is one of the nation’s foremost career experts.
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What is a Resume Summary Statement?
What is an executive resume summary.
- Summary Statement vs. Objective
- Benefits of a Resume Summary
How Long Should a Resume Summary Statement Be?
- What to Include
Resume Example With a Summary Statement
Resume summary statement examples.
What's a summary statement, and when should you include one on your resume? Also known as a summary of qualifications or a resume profile , a summary statement gives the hiring manager, at a glance, a synopsis of your professional qualifications.
When writing a resume summary statement, be sure to include concrete information on how you have added value to companies and helped to transform departments or organizations. This will show the hiring manager that you would be an asset to the company.
Here's advice on how to write a resume summary statement, what to include, and examples to review.
A resume summary statement is a brief list or a few sentences at the top of your resume (after your contact information ) that highlights your qualifications for a job. It showcases your most important credentials, and is listed above your employment history. The person reviewing your resume will be able to view your most important attributes at a glance.
A resume summary is sometimes referred to as an executive summary, especially for upper-level positions. An executive summary highlights your most relevant skills, qualifications, and achievements.
An executive resume summary statement is even more critical for advanced positions since prospective employers will be primarily focusing on and comparing the track record of success that candidates have developed in similar roles.
Resume Summary Statement vs. Resume Objective
A resume summary statement is not the same as a resume objective. Both are a few sentences long, and are located at the top of one’s resume. However, a resume objective statement tends to focus more on your own interests as a job seeker—it emphasizes what you are looking for in a job or company.
A resume summary statement, on the other hand, communicates what you can bring to the table in the targeted role. It is a way to “sell yourself” to the employer.
Benefits of a Resume Summary Statement
There are a number of benefits to including a summary statement in your resume. The main benefit is that it helps your resume stand out. When hiring managers are reading through dozens, even hundreds, of resumes, they often skim through each and miss information. By beginning with a statement that concisely describes why you are qualified, you are more likely to get a closer look.
However, just writing a resume summary statement does not guarantee that employers will be interested in your resume.
You need to make sure your resume summary statement concisely demonstrates why you are an ideal candidate for the specific job and company.
The summary statement should be approximately two to four lines and speak to your professional background only. Do not address any outstanding circumstances ( employment gaps , change of career, personal experiences, etc.). A cover letter is an expanded version of the statement that will allow your personality to shine through.
What to Include in a Resume Summary Statement
Your summary statement is often the first item read on a resume, so you want to get to the point: why should a company hire you? In about one to four sentences, highlight your most relevant strengths, skillset , and core competencies that are unique to you as a candidate.
In particular, demonstrate how you would add value to the company. Have you saved money for a company in the past? Did you streamline an administrative process? Include skills and experiences that will impress the employer, using specific percentages, numbers, or dollar amounts to quantify your achievements.
Be sure to tailor your resume summary to the specific job listing.
Look at the listing, and try to incorporate keywords from the listing in your resume summary. This will help the employer see how you are a good fit for the job.
In a resume summary statement, avoid skills that are commonplace (for example, avoid mentioning Microsoft Office), or overused words (such as "multitasker" or “team player”). Try to use action words to demonstrate your achievements.
To recap, you want to include the following elements in your statement:
- Core strengths and skill sets most relevant to the role
- Past relevant experience with key functions
- Notable accomplishments that you intend to repeat in the next role
This is a resume example with a summary statement. Download the resume template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online) or read the example below.
Resume Example With a Summary Statement (Text Version)
Matthew Applicant 900 Basil Street Boyton Beach, FL 33426 123-456-7890 matthew.applicant@email.com
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Certified Workforce Development Professional / Career Specialist offering experience providing tailored career counseling, coaching, and job seeker services. Work well with clients from all walks of life to identify values, develop possible career paths, and design effective job search strategies. 90% successful employment placement rate. Proficient with database programs including Oracle and Microsoft SQL Server.
Key Skills Individual Employment Plans Resume Writing Assistance Soft Skills vs. Hard Skills Analysis Labor Market Intelligence Goal Setting / Interest Inventories Professional Networking Strategies Career Portfolios Training Programs.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Workforce Investment Act Career Specialist ( February 2020 - Present) Arbor Education and Training, Boynton Beach, FL
Promoted to provide career management services to the universal population, assessing job readiness and preparing clients for entry / re-entry into the workforce. Duties include intake, interviewing, eligibility verification, referrals to supportive services and employer services, career coaching, and job search and orientation / classroom instruction. Serve as client liaison with instructors, businesses, and other client resources.
- Achieved and consistently maintained successful employment placement rate of 90% .
- Demonstrated strong understanding of labor market, vocational systems, One-Stop services, and One-Stop referral system.
Eligibility Career Specialist ( November 2018 - January 2020) Arbor Education and Training, Boynton Beach, FL
Conducted intake interviews and administered screening forms to ascertain client eligibility for public assistance services. Provided initial and follow-up support to clients, scheduled eligibility review dates, and resolved eligibility issues. Meticulously maintained documentation in database and hard copy case files. Provided referrals to community-based partners and agencies.
- Hand-selected by senior management to serve as Project Support Associate Specialist / Team Leader tasked with providing customized training opportunities for students.
B.A., Business Administration 2018 Fort Lauderdale College, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Florida Certified Workforce Professional Certified Professional – Job Seeker Services 2019 Dynamic Works Institute, Rockledge, Florida
Citizen Contact Skills Institute of Government, Palm Beach Community College, Lake Worth, Florida
ASSOCIATIONS Dynamic Works Institute – DWI National Association of Workforce Development Professionals NAWDP South Eastern Employment and Training Association - SETA
CEO Hands-on executive officer known for strategic and focused approach, with extensive accolades for limiting risk, creating lean teams, and establishing creative strategies for optimizing internal operations, financial returns, external customer service, and output.
ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONAL Multi-faceted, efficient, and reliable administrative professional with 10+ years of experience supporting executives, sales personnel, and managers to improve internal operations for small businesses.
Proficient in CRM applications and design programs. Diversified skill set covering administrative support, client relations, writing, human resources and recruiting, account management, and project management. Excellent interpersonal, phone, and digital communication skills.
PARALEGAL Self-driven, detail-oriented professional leveraging advanced analytical and research talents to excel within an intellectually demanding Paralegal role with an established law firm.
Legal Administration : Utilize Paralegal training and proven research and writing skills to ensure the timely drafting and submission of legal documents. Unparalleled grammatical and editing skills.
Communications / Client Relations : 10 years' experience working directly with clients from diverse socioeconomic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds to define individual needs, assemble personal histories / career backgrounds, convey project statuses, and formulate strategic presentations. Easily instill trust and confidence in clients stressed by challenging work environments and life events; handle private client data with 100% confidentiality and integrity.
Information Management : Swiftly master and apply business and online technologies and proprietary databases / content management systems. Technical proficiencies include MyCase Legal Practice Management Software, Best Case Bankruptcy Software, and Clio.
Key Strengths : Finely-tuned analytical skills with a dedication to expanding subject knowledge and workplace competencies through continuing research and training; willingly assume extra responsibility to ensure optimal and timely project execution. Type 80 wpm with perfect accuracy.
REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR 15 years of successful sales management experience within the consumer products industry. Lead by example in motivating sales teams to unprecedented YOY gains.
- Increased sales in the northeast region by 15% through creative vendor partnerships and instituting sales incentives.
- Hired, trained, and inspired award-winning sales team, generating profits at 10% above the company average.
- Conducted customer satisfaction surveys and recommended product enhancements which were then adopted by senior management.
PROJECT MANAGER Seasoned project manager with 5+ years of print project management experience and knowledge of web production obtained from positions in educational publishing and consumer packaging. Creative problem solver who has consistently completed projects on time and within budget. Employed a customer-focused approach which increased repeat business by 15% over the prior cycle. Reduced employee turnover by 35% and retained all top-performing staff members.
This list of professionally written resume samples includes templates you can download to create your own resume.
How to Make Your Summary Statement Stand Out
SHOWCASE YOUR STRENGTHS: Use your resume summary statement to highlight the strengths that set you apart from your competition, demonstrating how you would bring value to an employer’s organization by listing specific contributions.
PROVIDE QUANTIFIABLE ACHIEVEMENTS: Increase the persuasive force of your resume summary statement by using percentages, impressive sales figures, or numbers to quantify specific professional achievements.
USE A RESUME SUMMARY STATEMENT INSTEAD OF AN OBJECTIVE: Resume summary statements are more effective than objective statements because they focus on an employer’s needs rather than on what you, as a job candidate, want for yourself.
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How to Write an Opening Statement for Your Resume
It doesn't matter whether your resume is scanned by a machine or a real person during the initial phases of a recruitment process. In either case, the most important part of your resume is your opening statement.
There are basically three options for opening your resume: an objective statement, a summary statement or an offering statement.
An "objective statement" explains, usually in one sentence, what you're seeking in a job as a job applicant. It briefly describes your personal interests.
A "summary statement" tends to go into more detail and communicates what you can bring to the table in terms of the job at hand.
Like an "objective statement," an "offering statement" is also very short. It says, "This is what I can do for you." It helps you focus your job marketing plan on meeting your targeted employer's needs.
Let's look at each of these options in more detail.
Objective Statement
Articulating an objective can convince employers that you know what you want to do and are familiar with the field.
"Stating your objective on your resume is optional -- having an objective for your resume is not; you need to be clear about your employment goals," writes Alison Doyle , a job search expert with many years of experience in human resources, career development, and job searching.
If you include an objective on your resume, Doyle points out, it's important to customize your resume objective to match the position you seeking. The more specific your resume objective is the better chance you'll have of being considered for the job.
Here is a sample resume objective statement:
"Obtain a position within the pulp paper industry where I can utilize my management skills and experience in quality assurance, program development, and training."
Summary Statement
A summary statement can quickly and effectively brand yourself to a prospective employer, according to Dana Leavy , founder of Aspyre Solutions career coaching in New York, which helps young and mid-level professionals through the process of career transitions and effective job search strategy.
Highlight your most relevant strengths, skills and core competencies that are unique to you as a candidate, versus a trait or skill that's an industry or professional standard (i.e. "multi-tasker" or "team-player"), says Leavy.
The summary statement should be approximately four to six lines and speak to your professional background only, according to Leavy. Do not address any outstanding circumstances (employment gaps, change of career, personal experiences etc.). A cover letter is an expanded version of the summary statement, and, in the cover letter, you will have an opportunity to address those other circumstances, should you feel it necessary.
Here is a sample resume summary statement:
"Hands-on executive officer with extensive experience in food processing industry, recognized nationally for planning, developing, implementing and measuring corporate-wide internal and external marketing and branding communication programs designed to align corporate goals with stakeholder interests, resulting in long-term stability and growth."
Note that, in the above example, the candidate touched on the following key elements:
- Core strengths and skill sets most relevant to his or her role
- Past relevant experience with key functions
- Notable accomplishments that he or she intends to repeat in the next role
Offering Statement
Blogger Mary Ann offers this recommendation about the focus of your resume's opening statement:
"Replace the typical ‘objective statement' that begins pretty well every resume with an ‘offering' statement.' The former is ‘me' oriented, and the latter is ‘employer' oriented. An ‘offering statement' is brief, reflecting well-selected accomplishments and skills of the job applicant, using action words. An employer is more interested in what an applicant has to offer than what the applicant's personal objectives are."
Mary Ann's observations coincide with what Nick Corcodilos , the headhunter, maintains. In his book , "How Can I Change Careers?" , Nick writes:
"...Go back to your past accomplishments. What skills did you use? Make a list of those skills to help you think about them. How did each accomplishment help your company become more successful or profitable? It doesn't have to be a huge difference that you made, but it has to be a difference that contributed to the bottom line. Now take those skills and ask yourself, 'How would I apply them to solve the problems and meet the challenges of the companies I want to work for?
"...It takes a lot of work to develop this kind of statement. You have to learn a lot about the company you are pursuing, including exactly what kind of specific help a particular manager needs."
Mary Ann's "offering statement" is what Nick calls a "value offered" statement. Regardless of precisely what it is called, the idea is to present your skills and accomplishments in terms of the value you bring to meeting the employer's needs.
A well-written offering statement, although not necessarily easy to write, is easy and quick to present and pass along to the right decision maker.
Here is a sample resume offering statement:
"I will enhance your company web site's usefulness as a marketing channel by developing it as a gathering place for those within your niche disability audience who seek opportunities to discuss issues which are important to them."
In this example, the jobseeker is marketing a service designed to meet a need for a specific person within a particular company -- a service that only he or she can best provide. That targeted employer could be the marketing manager of a company which is trying to promote its particular line of adaptive technology for workplace situations through a static web site.
An offering statement is like a summary statement for a business plan. Like an offering statement, a summary statement in a business plan often succinctly defines what value a proposed project has for potential investors. In an offering statement, you're briefly describing what value (specific benefits) you offer your potential supervisor.
You can often use your offering statement outside of your resume and portfolio. It can come in handy when you are updating your profile in LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter or any other social networking situation.
In all three approaches, the upfront statement is often the first item read, so get to the point. As briefly as possible, tell why your prospective employer should hire you -- regardless of which option you use.
Copyright © 2012. Hasse Communication Counseling. All rights reserved.
Author Bio:
Jim Hasse, ABC, GCDF, ( www.jimhasse.com ) has compiled and edited the recommendations of HR experts and the personal observations of both job seekers and hiring managers into Perfectly Able: How to Attract and Hire Talented People with Disabilities ( www.perfectlyable.com ), a comprehensive disability recruitment guidebook for hiring managers published by AMACOM (September 2010), the publishing arm of the American Management Association. Lighthouse International ( www.lighthouse.org ), New York City, is the author of the 272-page hard-cover book, which continues to evolve online on Hasse's forum, Timely Tips for Retaining Employee Talent ( forum.perfectlyable.com ). Jim is founder of www.cerebral-palsy-career-builders.com , the comprehensive career coaching guide for parenting youngsters seven to 27 years old who have cerebral palsy.
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Writing a personal statement for your CV
Also known as a personal profile or personal summary, a personal statement is essentially a blurb for your CV. Discover if they're really necessary, how to write one and how to make it stand out to employers
What is a personal statement?
A personal statement is a concise paragraph or summary, which details what you can bring to a job or company. It's also known as an opening statement or executive summary.
Sitting at the top of your CV, it's your opportunity to really sell yourself to employers and to highlight the relevant skills and experience you possess.
While effectively and succinctly convincing recruiters that you're a good fit for the role, a personal statement gives you the chance to show off your strengths and share your career goals.
'The personal profile is essentially a snapshot about you that should excite and entice the employer to want to pay closer attention to your CV,' explains James Corbin, head of the careers and employability service at the University of Kent. 'It's the sales pitch that highlights your best features.'
Do I need a personal statement on my CV?
Traditionally, almost all CV types include a personal statement but in recent years there has been some debate about whether you need to include one.
Some believe that personal profiles are one of the most important parts of a CV as they provide an easily accessible overview of a candidate's ability, while others feel that personal statements are a waste of valuable space and time.
This latter belief is often the case with graduate CVs as some recruiters feel that those just stepping onto the career ladder don't have enough knowledge or experience to warrant a personal statement. Because of this, a graduate's personal profile runs the risk of being bland and generic, which is why some employers believe that they are best suited to more senior professional CVs.
Fiona Stubs, careers manager at the University of Glasgow explains, 'I'm not in favour of writing a profile as it is hard to get right. Many students' profiles tend to include a list of common strengths without a context, in some cases stating things that should be a given, for example, hardworking and organised. I feel that profiles can be more helpful when you are more senior as you can be more specific about your skills, specialisms and successes.'
While your CV doesn't necessarily need a personal statement, employers spend only seconds looking at CVs. With this in mind a personal statement can give you an invaluable opportunity to make your application stand out to employers and to set yourself apart from the competition.
If you'd like to include a personal statement on your CV it might be best, as a graduate, to focus on your educational background and the career path you'd like to embrace. If you have relevant experiences use these to make your personal statement unique.
'Work with your careers or employability advisers to hone what you are writing. Start this process early as it can take more time than you expect,' adds James.
What does a personal statement include?
In terms of length, a CV personal profile should be no longer than 150 words. Aim for a few short sentences, four or five should do the job.
If you're struggling with what to write, break your personal statement down into three parts. Focus on:
- who you are
- what you can offer
- your career aims.
Start by introducing yourself. For example, 'A recent graduate with a 2:1 in English literature from the Hillview University' or a 'Highly-skilled physiotherapist looking to progress into…'
Next, detail what you can offer the company. Ask yourself why you're suited to the particular role and cover any relevant skills or experience. If you lack practical work experience instead draw attention to your academic achievements such as contributing to university publications, which developed written communication, attention to detail and team working skills.
Conclude your personal statement by highlighting your career goals. For example, 'I am looking to start my career in the exciting world of publishing and to develop the skills learned through my university studies and internships.'
'Avoid using empty statements like 'I work well independently and as part of a team' - it's bland and tells employers nothing about what you’re capable of,' says James. 'On the other hand 'experienced event manager, who led a team to organise a charity ball for 150 people, raising £5,000 - a 20% increase on previous years' sounds dynamic and demonstrates your experience.'
It's up to you how you present this information; there is no hard and fast rule. However, personal statements are generally displayed as a single paragraph, without a title or subheading. You'll need to keep it consistent with the rest of your CV formatting, meaning that the font size and type will need to be the same throughout your document.
Also, consider the voice you'd like to use. Personal statements can be written in either the first or third person but you'll need to maintain this voice throughout - don't switch between the two.
Take a look at how to write a CV .
How can I make it stand out to employers?
- Tailor your personal statement (and CV in general) to each application.
- Be honest. Untruths are easy to uncover and lying on your CV is a criminal offence.
- Provide evidence of skills and experience but remember to keep it brief.
- Use the job description to help form your profile.
- Stick to the word limit.
- Check for spelling and grammar mistakes. The personal profile sits at the top of your CV so any errors will be immediately apparent.
- Read it aloud once you've finished writing to make sure it flows.
- Copy and paste from your cover letter .
- Include unnecessary personal information such as your age, marital status etc.
- Use clichés, slang or jargon.
- Overuse buzzwords.
- Include quotes from previous employers.
- Ramble. Recruiters don't have time to read through waffle to get to the point.
'Too many people stop sounding like themselves when they write cover letters or profiles,' says James. 'Employers aren't looking for some archaic scholar or someone who only writes in jargon, they are recruiting a real human and this is your chance to give them an insight into your experiences and personality.
Think about the connotations of the words you use - 'currently studying' implies things might change, 'trying' implies failure. The words you use have significant power, and should be chosen carefully to paint a positive and engaging picture.'
Find out more about the top 7 CV mistakes .
CV personal statement examples
To help you get started take a look at the following CV personal profile examples.
As a recent graduate from the University of Townville, with a 2:1 honours degree in marketing, I have undertaken internships at industry-leading agencies such as Beyond Imagination and Noah Freemans. These placements have allowed me to develop sector knowledge and gain hands on experience, as well as expand transferable skills such as commercial awareness, communication and negotiation and analytical skills. My career aim is to gain a role which allows me to further my expertise and take on increased responsibility at a market-leading digital marketing agency.
I am a highly motivated 2:1 forensic science graduate from Groveshire University, looking to secure a graduate position that enables me to use and develop my analytical, attention to detail and communication skills. I have gained relevant experience in both scientific and hospital laboratories, which allowed me to build on my problem solving, concentration and team working skills. My career goal is to assume a role that enables me to analyse and interpret forensic data and to eventually move into crime scene investigation.
Remember; avoid copying and pasting ready-made examples. Instead use them as a guide to craft your own, tailored CV personal statement. Take a look at our example CVs .
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How To Craft The Opening Statement Of Your Resume
The most precious piece of real estate in your entire resume is the top of the first page. At the cursory glance, this is the area that is going to get the most attention. And there are some things you can do to make that most of that – or get your resume tossed in the “not interested” pile. Related: Boring Old Resume Objective Vs. Branding Statement Here's a quick checklist of things NOT to do when crafting the opening statement of your resume:
1. Don’t Generalize
2. don’t write an opening statement over six lines deep, 3. don’t speak in first person or past tense, related posts.
3 Tips For Overcoming Your Biggest Job Search FEARS
We get it. Looking for work can be scary, especially if you’ve been at it for a long time and haven’t gotten any results.
Understanding which fears are getting in the way and how to overcome them will make all the difference. Sometimes you might not be aware of which obstacle is getting in the way of your goals. If you want to overcome these fears once and for all, we invite you to join us!
In this training, you’ll learn how to:
- Utilize strategies for coping with your job search fears
- Be confident in your job search—from writing your resume to networking
- Face your fears and move forward
Join our CEO, J.T. O'Donnell, and Director of Training Development & Coaching, Christina Burgio, for this live event on Wednesday, October 5th at 12 pm ET.
CAN'T ATTEND LIVE? That's okay. You'll have access to the recording and the workbook after the session!
3 Things To Tell Yourself When The Job Search Gets Tough
Now hiring: remote sysops engineer, 3 important career lessons learned on and off the field, how ex-nfl player, chris gronkowski, is using social media to change careers.
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Here are three steps to take to create a compelling and effective personal statement: 1. State who you are. Start with a statement detailing where you are in your career. This should communicate your current position in your profession and field of specialization.
An opening statement is a short paragraph at the beginning of the resume that gives the employer a snapshot of what you can bring to the table, and why you are the best choice for hire. It's essentially your elevator pitch — the first impression you make in an interview when the recruiter says, "So, tell us about yourself."
When writing your opening statement, keep the following tips in mind: Use strong verbs to describe your accomplishments. Be specific about what you did and how it benefited your employer. Use numbers to quantify your accomplishments. Keep it short (two to three sentences is ideal). Use active voice. 20 Best Opening Statement Examples for Resumes
The best way to write a great opening statement for your resume or CV is to first learn about the position you are seeking to know the duties and responsibilities of the job. You should also learn of the requirements candidates need to meet to be qualified for hiring for the position.
Tailor your CV intro paragraph to the position you're applying for. Use the job ad as a cheat sheet to focus on the attributes they're looking for. Drop the name of the company for extra brownie points. Use action words to add some power to your statements and CV keywords for a more ATS-friendly CV template. Show your worth.
18 Apr 2021. What is a CV personal profile? A personal profile, also known as a CV summary, is the opening statement of your CV. It is a short introduction which outlines your personal characteristics, telling the prospective employer what kind of a person you are, the attributes and qualities that you possess and the work experience that you have.
Key points on writing a dynamic and interesting personal statement: Get straight to the point: avoid lengthy descriptions and make your testimonies punchy and informative. Keep it between 50 to...
A personal statement is a short paragraph at the top of your CV which gives employers an overview of your education, skills and experience It's purpose is to capture the attention of busy recruiters and hiring managers when your CV is first opened - encouraging them to read the rest of it.
So, there you have it. We've covered what a resume objective statement is, who should use one, and how to properly execute it. Plus, there are some handy resume objective examples that can serve as inspiration. While some people might claim that the objective statement for a resume is outdated, if done properly, it can make a difference.
Follow these three steps to write the best CV personal statement for your next job application: 1. Describe your professional experience In the first sentence of your personal statement, outline your professional experience and include a key trait (e.g., a unique adjective that describes how you work, such as 'fast-learning').
A great personal statement delivers your narrative positioning you as an ideal candidate for the program or job. To communicate your message with clarity, brainstorm about the key points of your essay and then refine it to the best of your abilities. Decide the most important points to address, such as success in work and school.
Your statement needs to be short and to the point. Make sure you include the following points: • Your statement should reinforce your relevant key skills that the employer finds desirable • Keep your statement short and punchy - it needs to be easy to read • Highlight the knowledge and experience you have that makes you a good fit for the role
Probably the biggest challenge you'll face when writing a personal statement for your CV is keeping it between 50 and 150 words, or around four or five lines of text. It should be clean and...
Resume Summary Statement vs. Resume Objective . A resume summary statement is not the same as a resume objective. Both are a few sentences long, and are located at the top of one's resume. However, a resume objective statement tends to focus more on your own interests as a job seeker—it emphasizes what you are looking for in a job or company.
There are basically three options for opening your resume: an objective statement, a summary statement or an offering statement. An "objective statement" explains, usually in one sentence, what you're seeking in a job as a job applicant. It briefly describes your personal interests.
In terms of length, a CV personal profile should be no longer than 150 words. Aim for a few short sentences, four or five should do the job. If you're struggling with what to write, break your personal statement down into three parts. Focus on: who you are what you can offer your career aims. Start by introducing yourself.
Branding Statement Here's a quick checklist of things NOT to do when crafting the opening statement of your resume: 1. Don't Generalize. Focus, not generalization is critical. Say, for example, the VP of Sales for a Fortune 500 company gets a hold of your resume. They are reading your opening statement that starts with: "Sales executive ...
How to create your CV personal profile. You can follow these steps to create an effective objective statement for your CV: 1. State your professional title. Consider providing your professional title in the first sentence of your personal profile. This sentence shows who you are professionally and details your current position within your ...
Bullet 3: How you can help the business achieve their objectives, in relation to the role. Bullet 4: A strong, relevant and recent deliverable. 5. Personal Statements for Graduates and Students. Students and graduates may struggle with creating a personal statement due to a lack of professional experience.
Fast food service. Here's an example of a resume objective for student fast-food service professionals: A motivated high school student looking for a role in fast-food service. A committed hard worker with excellent communication and mathematic skills. Excellent at customer service and management.