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Tips and Advice to Help You Write a CV
Your Curriculum Vitae (CV), or Resume, is your personal advertisement and chance to make a good first impression with a prospective employer. There is a lot riding on this first impression with up to 90% of CVs being rejected by recruiters in as little as 8 seconds. Understanding what recruiters are looking for in these crucial seconds will help you write a first-class CV which can help you move to the next stage of the recruitment process. Following the below tips and advice will help you make a great first impression every time.
Personal Information
The first section of your CV should always be your personal information. This does not need a title and is where you state your full name and contact details including address, telephone number(s) and email address(es).
It is becoming increasingly common to only include the town and country in the address, however, you may also include your full postal address if you prefer. Please also make sure any email address you provide is professional and appropriate.
If your LinkedIn profile is accurate and up to date, you may also choose to include it in this section. It is no longer considered appropriate to include personal information such as marital status, religion, age or ethnicity.
Introduction
Next should be some form of introduction, career objective or personal statement. Clearly explain, in a sentence or two, why you are the best person for this particular job, or what experience you have to offer.
Work Experience
List your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent or current position. You should also provide volunteering or internship positions in this section. Each position should be listed separately and include the following information:
- Company name;
- Your position title;
- Duration of employment – the month and year you commenced to the month and year you finished. If still currently employed, use month and year of commencement to “present” or “current”;
- A summary of duties performed; and
- Any notable achievements. It is always recommended to quantify any achievements if possible. Instead of writing “I increased sales during this time”, say how much you increased sales by – “I increased sales by 17% during this time”.
Don’t leave large gaps in your work history. If possible, provide a reason for any gaps, for example, travel, maternity leave or studying.
Education and/or Training
Include the name of your University or College, graduation date and the title of your Degree(s). It is unnecessary to include high school information unless you did not attend college. You should also include all the details of any additional training or study you have undertaken if it is relevant to the position.
Other Sections – As Required
Depending on the position you are applying for, you may consider including some or all of the following:
- Certificates;
- Publications;
- Honors or Awards;
- Technical skills; or
- Other skills.
Remember to only include information if it is relevant.
The perfect length for a CV will be argued as long as the earth turns, however, the general consensus is around two pages. For a highly-skilled, technical position, an additional page may be required. It is unlikely you will fit all of the above information on just one page, so clear formatting is a must.
Make sure you use a clear, easy to read font in an appropriate size. Fancy fonts look great on your personal projects but do not present a professional image in your CV. If you are printing your CV, serif style fonts are the clearest and easiest to read – Times New Roman, Georgia and Century Gothic are serif style fonts. For electronic versions, sans-serif styles make for easier reading – Arial, Helvetica and Calibri are popular sans serif fonts.
Font size is also important. 11 or 12 point font is the most popular, however, it may be appropriate to increase or decrease slightly in certain situations. It is not recommended to go below 9 point or above 14 point in the main body of your CV.
Use headings, bullet points and short sentences. Do not be afraid of white space. White space can increase readability, and keeping the recruiter reading is your main goal.
Check spelling, grammar and formatting. Then check it again. If necessary, check a third time. Make sure you use the same margins, font and size throughout. If you have any doubts at all, ask someone else to check it for you too. Spell check is great, but there are times when you have used a correctly spelled word in the wrong place. Spell check will not single out “from” when you really meant to say “form”.
Your CV needs to be customized for each individual position you are applying for. Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all as you will want to highlight different experiences and skills for each particular role you apply for. Taking time to research your prospective employer and adjusting your CV to meet their requirements will be obvious to the recruiters and may help you land an interview.
Keep it Current and Accurate
Keep your CV current at all times. It is easier to update your latest achievements, certificates and training as they occur, rather than scramble to remember what you did and when if you find yourself applying for a position.
It’s not ok to lie or exaggerate on your CV. It can be hard to give ourselves credit for things we have done well but don’t cross the line by making things up. You will be found out at some stage and that could make for an embarrassing situation. You have things to be proud of, point them out in a clear, non-bragging way. If you follow these tips, you can write a CV which stands out from the crowd and gets the right attention from the recruiter.
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How to Write a CV Personal Statement [+4 Real-life Examples]
Creating an effective CV takes time and close attention to detail. You've already included your jobs and experience , and now you want to allow the recruiter or hiring manager to understand the strategic value you can add.
This is when you need to utilize a personal statement at the top of your CV.
How to Write a CV Personal Statement [+4 Real-life Examples]
What is a Personal Statement?
A personal statement is a few brief and direct sentences at the top of your CV. The personal statement is also referred to as a career summary or personal mission statement.
This is used to grab the attention of the recruiter or hiring manager and summarizes essential experiences or training that you can bring to this position.
Why do I Need a Personal Statement?
A recruiter or hiring manager is tasked with sorting through an enormous amount of resumes every single day. A personal statement is a way to separate yourself from the other applicants.
This statement summarizes your experience and highlights your unique talents . The CV personal statement is meant to demonstrate why you are the perfect fit for the job.
Even med students need a medical school personal statement , as it is what differentiates them from all the other students applying. Plus, it allows them to share their personal stories and objectives.
Where do I Start?
Always begin by reading the job description carefully and thoroughly.
Your personal statement should be tailored to each job description, so it explicitly states the value you’ll bring to the position you are applying. A generic personal statement cannot do that.
Once you have a solid handle on the job description, you can begin writing. It’s important to keep your personal statement brief, about 50-200 words will do.
Don’t forget that you have your whole cover letter to show some personality and include engaging content.
The personal statement should be a quick summary that highlights why you are the best person for the job.
You’ll need to decide whether you are writing your personal statement in first- or third-person. This should follow how you've written the rest of your CV.
For example, if you've already written, “I grew and developed a team of 50 salespeople,” in your CV then you will want to keep your personal statement in first-person to match the prevailing style.
No matter what you choose, make sure that you keep it consistent throughout. Do not switch between first- and third-person as that will get confusing to the hiring manager.
Writing a personal statement for your CV in first-person does not mean you need to start every sentence with “I.”
There are ways to craft your personal statement to sound snappy, concise and personal, and here are a few examples to help inspire your personal statement.
CV Personal Statement Examples
It doesn’t matter what chose as your desired career or how much experienc e you have, use these examples to drive the creation of your own personal statement.
You can take snippets from each or write something completely different. Always remember that your personal statement is a reflection of yourself and should align with your own personal goals and experience.
If these examples don’t fit your exact career, feel free to take some pointers and write yours from scratch.
#1: Personal Statement Example for Recent Graduate CV
“As a recent graduate from university, with an honors degree in communications, I held several internships within leading organizations, including Bertelsmann. These internships enabled me to gain experience in the field and learn how to serve up valuable contributions in a fast-paced, professional environment.”
Explanation: This example should be customized to include the university you’ve graduated from and any relevant internships. A compelling personal statement always highlights relevant skills and experiences.
In this case, a recent graduate does not have extensive experience in the workforce, so soft skills like experiencing success in a fast-paced work environment and becoming a trusted team member become even more critical.
#2: Personal Statement Example for Returning to the Workforce CV
“A highly motivated and experienced office administrator, I am currently looking to resume my professional career after an extended hiatus to raise my family. Proficient in all Microsoft Office programs, I can lead meetings and work with clients to keep your office running smoothly and efficiently. After spending several years volunteering as an administrative worker for a local charity, I am committed to resuming my professional career on a full-time basis.”
Explanation: After time off from a career, it can be hard to break back into the market. This personal statement outlines the reason for the break, the relevant qualifications and what the applicant has been doing in between jobs.
Any volunteer experience becomes highly relevant when there is no concrete professional experience to draw upon, to demonstrate the use of those skills.
#3: Personal Statement Example for a Career Change CV
“With over 15 years as a sales manager, I have extensive experience building high-functioning sales teams that consistently achieve budget numbers. In fact, my ability to grow talent led to a 20% increase in annual renewals across the board. Now, after 15 years, I am seeking new challenges to flex my marketing muscles in a fast-paced environment.”
Explanation: When changing careers , it's essential to highlight skills that are transferable between industries.
In this case, leadership and team-building experience can apply to any industry. Homing in on concrete numbers and percentages increases credibility when applying for a position.
The applicant ends with the reason behind the desired career change. This part is not necessary but may be appealing to some hiring managers who are wondering what the impetus for the career change.
#4: Personal Statement Example for a Experienced Professional CV
“As a friendly, professional and highly trained educator, I am passionate about teaching and have an innate ability to understand student’s needs. Creating a safe and productive environment for optimal learning is my top priority. I’ve worked as a teacher for nearly 10 years in a variety of subjects and my experience and skill set make me the perfect fit for your team.”
Explanation: With more experience comes more skills and a better idea of strengths and weaknesses. Showcasing your passion for the industry is a great way to begin a personal statement, as it shows the hiring manager your dedication to the craft.
A personal statement can be written in many different ways, but it is ultimately up to you to determine what skills you want to highlight for your chosen position.
You can follow these examples or take learnings from each to contribute towards your personal statement.
If you understand the job you are applying for and know the unique skill set that you bring to the table, you will have a stellar personal statement for your CV that will get you across the table from the hiring manager in no time.
Suggested Reading:
- How to Write a CV (Curriculum Vitae) in 2023 [31+ Examples]
- 43+ Resume Tips and Tricks to Land Your Next Job
- 150+ Must-Have Skills for Any Resume [With Tips + Tricks]
- How to Answer “Tell Me About Yourself”
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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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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!
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Personal Statement/Personal Profile for Resume/CV: Examples
As seen in:
Recruiters spend an average of 7.4 seconds on a single CV. That’s barely enough time to read two sentences. But you can encourage recruiters to read your application in full. How? Start with a CV personal profile.
A personal profile, also called a CV summary, is a short paragraph at the top of your application. It’s like an elevator pitch: a catchy summary of your expertise, skills, and achievements.
Think of it as an introduction to your CV. Write it well, and you’ll make your whole application memorable as well as buy yourself much more of the recruiter’s time!
This guide will show you:
- Why you need a CV personal statement on every CV you send.
- How to write a CV profile to land more job interviews.
- 20+ right vs wrong examples of what to include in a CV personal statement to grab attention.
First, have a look at a sample CV with a personal statement at the top. We made it with our builder. (Notice how the paragraph at the top stands out!)
Want to save time and have your CV ready in 5 minutes? Try our CV builder. It’s fast and easy to use. Plus, you’ll get ready-made content to add with one click. See 20+ CV templates and create your CV here .
Create your CV now
Sample CV made with our builder— See more CV examples here .
Are you looking for resume examples? See:
- Resume for College Application
- Student Resume Example
- Graduate Student Resume Example
- Academic Resume Examples
- Research Assistant Resume Example
- Career Change Resume Example
- Part Time Job Resume Example
- Customer Service Resume Example
- Personal Assistant Resume Example
- Resume Examples for All Jobs and Industries
A personal statement isn't the only way to start a CV. See:
- Summary of Qualifications Examples
- Career Goals Examples
- Personal Mission Statement Examples
- Self Introduction Examples
- Resume Headlines and Titles
Here’s Why You Need a Personal Statement/Profile for a CV
Some career experts claim that a CV personal statement is a relict of the past. In short—these experts are wrong.
Let’s confront popular belief with science.
Recent research has proven that all top-performing CVs have several common traits. One of them is a CV profile or statement located at the top of the first page of the CV.
To understand why it’s so powerful, have a look below at the results of an eye-tracking study by the Ladders. You’ll see two sample CVs juxtaposed. Only the one to the right has a CV personal statement.
Notice two things:
- The heatmap shows visible eye activity on the personal statement area—that means it’s an effective attention-grabber.
- More importantly, the CV with a personal statement got much more eyetime for all its contents. A CV personal profile worked as a “trailer,” encouraging the recruiter to find out more about the candidate.
Long story short: a CV personal profile will drastically boost your chances of getting invited for an interview. Time to learn how to write one.
If you're curious what the difference between a CV and a resume is, check out our guide: CV vs. Resume: Definitions, Difference & When to Use Which (Samples)
How to Write a Personal Statement for a CV?
A good CV personal statement or a personal profile has 5 ridiculously simple ingredients:
- Who you are
- 2–3 skills
- 2–3 achievements
- The name of your target company
- What you hope to do for your new employer
See this CV profile example for reference:
Personal Profile for a CV—Example
Passionate healthcare Project Manager and PMP (who you are) with 9+ years of experience leading projects in a competitive hospital. Seeking to use solid organizational and lean management skills ( your skills) to raise profitability for Richmond Royal Hospita l (the name of the target company and what you hope to do) . At St Thomas’, trained 125 employees in lean principles. Cut stockroom waste by 52%. Saved £32,000 annually (achievements) through better use of tax deductions.
At first, it might seem difficult to come up with an equally good CV personal profile. Luckily, there’s an easy step-by-step strategy you can follow.
How to Write a CV Profile?
- Read the job description carefully and identify the most important requirements and responsibilities.
- Write your CV , focusing on your skills and achievements most relevant to the job ad.
- Skim the cream: find the best, proudest wins on your CV and include them all in your personal statement.
Depending on your level of experience, your personal profile will work as a CV summary or a CV career objective.
Write a CV summary if you have a lot of relevant experience . Provide a snapshot of your career: list your measurable achievements and showcase your skill set .
Go for a CV objective if you’re writing an entry-level CV or a career change CV . Describe what you’ve learned so far and how well you’ll fit in.
Whichever one is right for you—I can’t stress that enough—don’t just write about what you want out of the job. Focus on the offer you bring to the table. Make the employer realize you’ll be there to solve their problems.
Before we move on to CV profile and CV personal statement examples for different industries and positions, remember about these universal tips for a good CV personal profile:
1. Keep your personal statement short
How long should a personal statement for a CV be?
A single paragraph of 30–80 words is about the sweet spot. That usually means 3 to 6 sentences. Try to include all of your most relevant achievements, but don’t repeat yourself. Make every word earn its place on your CV profile. End game: it's supposed to be your elevator pitch .
2. Add measurements to your achievements
Employers love to see quantified proof of your performance. Here are some questions to help you come up with metrics for your personal statement:
- Did you save your company money? How much?
- Have you boosted sales or revenue?
- How large were the budgets you’ve handled?
- How many colleagues were there on your team? How many have you trained or supervised?
- How much work were you able to complete within a day or a week?
- How often did you perform certain tasks?
3. Avoid jargon and CV buzzwords
Using CV keywords from the job description is a must. But don’t confuse them with industry jargon or generic buzzwords. Avoid phrases such as:
- Hard working team player
- Go-to person
- Thinking outside the box
4. Don’t mix the grammatical person
In a UK CV, it’s fine to write in either the first or the third person. But not both at the same time!
All that information above seem like too much to process at once? Don’t worry.
When making a CV in our builder, drag & drop bullet points, skills, and auto-fill the boring stuff. Spell check? Check . Start building a professional CV template here for free .
When you’re done, Zety’s CV builder will score your resume and tell you exactly how to make it better.
If you think writing a non-traditional skills-based CV might be a good idea for you, apart from the CV profile, you’ll need to write a CV skills summary. Find out how: Skills Based CV Examples and Writing Guide
CV Personal Statement/Personal Profile Examples for Different Professions
Below you’ll see right vs wrong CV personal profile examples for XYZ professions. We’ve divided them into two categories: CV personal statements for experienced candidates and CV profiles for entry-level job seekers and recent school leavers.
CV Personal Statements for Experienced Candidates
Marketing Specialist CV Personal Statement Examples
The difference is clear—the right example lists skills and achievements, and proves them with metrics. On top of that, it makes a clear offer. The wrong example, in turn, is far too unspecific and impersonal.
Teaching Assistant CV Personal Statement Examples
Computer Science CV Profile Examples
Remember: a CV personal statement is not a place to randomly list all your professional skills. Write only about what’s important. Always provide examples that validate your expertise.
See some more samples:
Food Service CV Personal Profile
Three-plates-on-one-arm fine dining server with 6 years experience on some of the most renowned restaurant floors. Looking to work with other team-oriented servers to maximize the restaurant experience.
IT Consultant CV Personal Statement
Personable IT consultant with 4+ years expertise in a fast-paced global tech firm. Achieved company-best quality satisfaction rating according to internal review (99.76%). Seeking to advance my career by growing with the Lansing team.
Graphic Designer CV Personal Statement
Creative graphic designer with 5+ years of experience. Seeks to use exemplary time management skills to lower project time at Yahoo!. At Pasalacqua Designs, developed over 300 graphic projects and and increased client transactions by 30%.
Marketing Executive CV Profile
Highly capable marketing manager with 6+ years of experience, seeking to leverage proven leadership and strategy skills to grow revenue at Eskelund Global. Met 150% of revenue goal in a fast-paced tech firm. Led 7 cross-functional product teams to 25% efficiency improvement and £1.2M cost savings.
Not too keen on the plain paragraph style? In your CV personal statement, you can experiment with bullet points , too!
Office Manager CV Profile
- I am a professional, efficient office manager with 6+ years of experience working for a large corporate organization.
- Promoted to executive secretary in 2017.
- Introduced a time management system and increased the efficiency of the office by 15%.
- Looking to leverage excellent project management and organization skills to help Hogan & Partners’ team reduce office administration costs.
If the CV personal statement samples above seemed too intimidating, don’t worry. Even without a wealth of job experience, you can successfully sell yourself in a CV profile. Have a look:
CV Personal Statements for Recent Graduates and Entry-Level Candidates
Graduate CV Personal Statement
See that? The bottom line is “I’ve learned a lot already and I have what it takes to help you.”
That one is actually not awful. But there’s no real value for the hiring manager. Most candidates have similar skill sets. Not to mention, a majority has more experience.
School Leaver CV Personal Statement
The wrong example doesn’t mention any specific position. That’s an instant red flag for recruiters. It suggest the candidate is probably spamming identical CVs to all employers within a 30-mile radius.
Entry-Level Business Analyst CV Personal Profile
Enthusiastic Business Analyst, skilled in leadership and communication. Seeking to enhance understanding of key metrics for IPSoft. As business report writer for Valens Securities, helped grow employee grasp of key concepts by 37%. My PowerPoint presentation of GBMP's Policy Deployment plan was turned into a webinar that got 1,400 views.
Even if you were just a part of a team that achieved impressive metrics, it’s perfectly fine to refer to that on a junior CV personal statement.
Medical Assistant CV Personal Statement
Efficient medical assistant with volunteer experience in a fast-paced private practice. Seeking to leverage proven skills in patient care, EHR, and inventory management to help MedFast maintain industry-highest level of patient satisfaction.
If you can’t find a personal statement for your position or industry, see our list of full CV examples for most professions. We break down how to write each section: 100+ CV Examples for All Jobs: Samples and Writing Guides
Plus, a great cover letter that matches your CV 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
To write a perfect CV personal statement or a CV personal profile, follow these key tips:
- Write your personal statement after you’ve written the rest of your CV. Pick the best bits that highlight your skills and achievements.
- Tailor every personal statement to the job you’re targeting: use the name of the company and the name of your prospective role.
- Center every personal statement around these details: who you are, your skills, your achievements, and what you hope to do for your new employer.
- Keep your personal statement/profile between 30 and 80 words.
- Don’t overuse jargon or generic buzzwords.
If you have any questions on how to write a job-winning personal statement or need help crafting yours, drop me a line in the comments. I’ll get back to you right off!
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CV Personal Profile examples
Putting together a personal statement can be quite daunting as many people find it hard to talk about themselves.
To help take the sting out of putting a personal profile together we have collected some examples of completed profiles and a list of the type of things that may help you to best describe yourself and your skills.
Examples of Completed Profile Statements:
I am an experienced joiner with well developed skills and experience in groundwork, concrete finishing and steel fixing and have worked in the construction industry since 1982. I am also a skilled labourer who has supported many different trades over the years. I have a full clean UK driving licence with entitlement of up to 7.5 tonne. I am keen to return to work after a period of training and personal development which has broadened my skills and experiences.
I am a flexible and experienced insurance administrator with excellent time management skills. I am a good communicator with proven inter personal skills and am used to working in a team whilst also being capable of using own initiative. I am skilled In dealing with problems in a resourceful manner and negotiating to achieve beneficial agreement. I am always enthusiastic to learn and undertake new challenges.
I am a professionally qualified fire engineer with 7 years experience. I have recently achieved RTITB accreditation in the use of Counterbalance fork lift trucks and I am seeking employment that will make best use of my skills and allow me to develop them further. I am determined and enthusiastic, I have developed good planning & organisational skills and am confident working independently or as part of a team. I am flexible regarding working hours and am able to work a range of shifts.
I am a hard working, honest individual. I am a good timekeeper, always willing to learn new skills. I am friendly, helpful and polite, have a good sense of humour. I am able to work independently in busy environments and also within a team setting. I am outgoing and tactful, and able to listen effectively when solving problems.
I am a punctual and motivated individual who is able to work in a busy environment and produce high standards of work. I am an excellent team worker and am able to take instructions from all levels and build up good working relationships with all colleagues. I am flexible, reliable and possess excellent time keeping skills.
I am an enthusiastic, self-motivated, reliable, responsible and hard working person. I am a mature team worker and adaptable to all challenging situations. I am able to work well both in a team environment as well as using own initiative. I am able to work well under pressure and adhere to strict deadlines.
I am a dedicated, organized and methodical individual. I have good interpersonal skills, am an excellent team worker and am keen and very willing to learn and develop new skills. I am reliable and dependable and often seek new responsibilities within a wide range of employment areas. I have an active and dynamic approach to work and getting things done. I am determined and decisive. I identify and develop opportunities.
I’m a nice fun and friendly person, I’m honest and punctual, I work well in a team but also on my own as I like to set myself goals which I will achieve, I have good listening and communication skills. I have a creative mind and am always up for new challenges. I am well organized and always plan ahead to make sure I manage my time well.
To download these examples click here: Lighthouse Project – Example statements for personal profile 2018
Examples of personal sentences for your personal profile
If your not sure what to say, or how to start then consider selecting a combination of up to 5 sentences from the list below to create your own personal profile.
Also consider adding information relevant to the job description or duties that you may be expected to undertake – this makes it personal!
- I am an organised and efficient person with an enquiring mind.
- I am a flexible person seeking employment which will allow development, growth and make use of my existing skills.
- am a good listener and learner, and am able to communicate well with people from all walks of life.
- I am a keen, hard working, reliable and excellent time keeper.
- I am a bright and receptive person, able to communicate well with people at all levels.
- I am good at working using my own initiative and I am flexible in my approach to work duties.
- I have a good sense of humour and a pleasant approach.
- I am a hard working individual with experience of assembly line work, drilling, and spraying.
- I am a loyal and trustworthy employee who can work alone or as part of a team.
- I am a quick to learn and willing to adapt to any job.
- I am a competent, loyal, hard working employee with the ability to achieve tasks when working alone or as part of a team.
- I am punctual with an excellent attendance record.
- I have a flexible and positive approach to employment and am willing to train to suit my next working environment.
- I am an organised, efficient and hard working person, and am willing to discover and accept new ideas which can be put into practice effectively.
- I am a good listener and learner, able to communicate well with a group and on an individual level.
- I am able to motivate and direct my talents and skills to meet objectives.
- I always seek to achieve a high standard in whatever work I undertake.
- I am well organised with a clear and positive approach to problem solving.
- I am a well organised, efficient and professional person.
- I am able to communicate easily in both spoken and written forms.
- I am a hard working, loyal and mature worker with a variety of skills to offer.
- I am keen to obtain new skills and training and have a flexible approach to all work situations, and find it easy to adapt.
- I am capable of relating to people at all levels and am prepared to help them overcome problems in a work situation
- I am open minded, receptive and innovative, with an enquiring mind.
- I can work unsupervised alone or as a member of a team and I like to use my skills to make a positive contribution to the workforce.
- I am a family person with responsibilities, very reliable and trustworthy.
- I am willing to learn new skills and have many existing ones to offer.
- I have good interpersonal understanding and communication skills and am a confident team worker with the ability to work on own initiative.
- I am a mature person with a sound engineering background.
- I can organise and prioritise my own workload effectively.
- I have the ability to work under stress and keep within set budgets and targets.
- I am a mature and confident person with sales experience, team leadership skills and the ability to create new sales and build on existing accounts.
- I am a quiet and focused person who can work swiftly and effectively either alone or as part of a team.
- I am a reliable, trustworthy and flexible individual who can learn new skills easily and execute them swiftly.
- I am a confident driver with clean driving licence, I have my own transport and an excellent knowledge of local and national road and motorway networks.
- I am a confident Fork Lift Truck operator with a good all round knowledge of warehouse duties.
- I am an experienced machine operator with a good all round knowledge of factory procedures.
To download a copy of these statements click here: Lighthouse Project – Example sentences for personal profiles CV 2018
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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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Personal statement examples.
by Michael Cheary
OK, so putting a personal statement together is never easy…
But even if you’ve written one before, how you write a personal statement will always depend on your current situation. In other words, what you write as a school leaver will look a lot different to someone who has many years of previous work experience.
To help you find the right one for you, here are some real personal statement examples – and how you can use them to make your CV stand out:
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University personal statement
First things first: personal statements aren’t just for your CV.
They’re also a key part of the UCAS application process, and a way to sell yourself to prospective universities. However, they will be much more detailed – and longer – than the one you write for a job application.
We’ve covered everything you need to know about personal statements for university here .
School leaver personal statement example
All personal statements should be tailored to the role in question. No exceptions.
Start by answering the following three questions: Why do you want to work in this industry? What skills make you right for the role (hint: use the job description)? And where do you want to go in your career?
However, school leavers should always focus on the latter – and what you can bring to the business, as well as focusing on the knowledge and skills gained through education, rather than employment history. Soft skills are also a great place to start.
A highly motivated and hardworking individual, who has recently completed their A-Levels, achieving excellent grades in both Maths and Science. Seeking an apprenticeship in the engineering industry to build upon a keen scientific interest and start a career as a maintenance engineer. Eventual career goal is to become a fully-qualified and experienced maintenance or electrical engineer, with the longer-term aspiration of moving into project management.
School leaver CV template
Graduate personal statement example
Similar to a school leaver personal statement, but with extra attention paid to specific things you’ve studied during higher education.
Once again, try and explain why you’re applying and where you’d like to go in your career, as well as the specific skills or knowledge you can offer. But try and drop in a few more details on your degree (projected grades are fine), as well as particular modules that have inspired you to work in this profession – if possible.
And remember: a personal statement written for a CV differs greatly from one written for a university application. If you haven’t written one before, you should start by reading our tips on how to write a personal statement.
A recent business economics graduate with a 2:1 honours degree from the University of X, looking to secure a Graduate Commercial Analyst position to use and further develop my analytical skills and knowledge in a practical and fast-paced environment. My career goal is to assume a role which allows me to take responsibility for the analysis and interpretation of commercial data for a well-respected and market-leading leading company.
Graduate CV template
Unemployed/redundancy personal statement example
Dealing with redundancy is never easy. But when dealt with in the right way, it needn’t be a hindrance when making applications.
Put the main focus on your employment history, and provide further information for your break in your cover letter . You don’t even necessarily need to mention it again, if you’ve already explained it elsewhere.
Remember, your personal statement is intended to sell yourself. So emphasise your positives rather than apologising for a negative.
Driven Retail Manager with over ten years’ experience in the fashion industry. Proven track record of success, including managing the top performing store in the region, and having the lowest staff turnover rate of all UK outlets. Currently out of work due to company closure, looking for the right opportunity to bring my expertise to a well-established fashion brand in an upper management position.
How to: Deal with redundancy
Redundancy CV template
Career break personal statement example
There are many good reasons someone may need to take a career break.
Some possible examples could include parental leave, caring for a family member, plans to travel or long-term illness. However, whatever the reason for your own break, it’s never something you should feel the need to justify to a prospective employer.
In fact, knowing how to explain a gap in your CV is mostly about confidence. So leave any extra explanation for your cover letter and focus your personal statement on your career before the break – and any skills learned during your time off which may be applicable to the role.
A highly motivated and experienced PA, currently looking to resume my professional career after dedicating the last five years to raising a family. Excellent admin skills, thorough knowledge of all Microsoft Office programs, as well as proficiency in minute-taking and extensive experience liaising with clients . After volunteering for one day a week with a local charity to refresh my skills, now fully committed to continuing my career on a full-time basis.
Career break CV template
Career change personal statement example
If you’re changing industry completely, think about any transferable skills and applicable to the sector you’re moving into.
Any numbers you can give to demonstrate your success could be crucial – even if you’re moving into an area where your expertise may seem slightly different. So always aim to back up your claims with real examples.
Focus on one or two achievements, demonstrate the impact they had, and you’ll instantly start adding value to your application.
As an experienced sales manager, my tenacious and proactive approach resulted in numerous important contract wins. My excellent networking skills have provided my team with vital client leads, and my ability to develop client relationships has resulted in an 18% increase in business renewals for my current organisation. After eight years in sales, currently seeking a new challenge which will utilise my meticulous attention to detail, and friendly, professional manner.
Final thoughts
If you’re still not sure of what to write, don’t panic.
Crafting a winning personal statement will take time, especially if you haven’t written one before. Use these examples as a loose structure to follow, and you’ll be able to add to them as your experience grows.
And remember: you should always aim to edit your personal statement for each role you apply for. That way, you can ensure you’re really selling yourself to their role, rather than simply sending the same generic statement for each application.
It should only take a few more minutes to complete. But if it’s enough to attract an employers interest, it will be time well spent in the long run.
How to write a personal statement
Personal statement dos and don’ts
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4 comments on “ Personal statement examples ”
they all sound fake and unoriginal…
I agree with previous comment. I have read more interesting personal statements that have a life in them
This is probably the hardest and most difficult task you will ever have to get right in your life. Unless you have the proof and evidence to prove that you have either saved or made considerable financial credits or profits on the accountancy, balance sheet of every organisation or company you have ever worked in. You are just another overhead, liability or financial risk they consider may be worth investing in which they may have to liquidate at a later point in your career unless you move on first.
Is the personal statement and objective mean the same thing?
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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 .
Find out more
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- Get more advice on CVs and cover letters .
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- How to write a resume
How to write a resume personal statement
What is a resume personal statement?
A resume personal statement expresses who you are, where you’ve been, and sometimes where you plan to go next right at the top of your resume.
Everyone has different circumstances, so the personal statement helps to orient a potential future boss in terms of what they are about to read in the resume. Think about what you would like to share that matters to you. This space is particularly useful if you are changing industries, coming back in to the employment market or looking for a promotion. Your shop window starts here. The personal statement may be the only thing than an employer reads.
The resume personal statement hooks in a reader, influencing them to read more. So, how do you write a resume personal statement that is both natural and grabs an employer’s attention? Offer them a brief insight into who you are and why you would be a fantastic hire. So what do you write in a personal statement for a job?
This guide will cover:
- The basic formatting of a personal statement: How to tailor your personal statement to give you a competitive advantage
- Personal statement examples you should (and shouldn’t) use
- Practical steps for getting started on your resume personal statement
The personal statement format
The personal statement is a short paragraph that sits right below your contact information at the top of a resume. It sums up your experience, goals and skills with confidence. Think of your resume’s personal statement like an extended tagline for your career. A resume personal statement should include:
- Between 50 and 200 words in 3 - 4 sentences
- Your title or function, for example “Junior developer” or “Passionate hospitality manager”
- An opening hook
- Soft skills and hard skills
- Impressive facts and stats
- Your short and/or long-term goals
- Job-specific slant for the position you’re applying to
This may seem like a lot to cram into 200 words but perfecting your elevator pitch shows that you have a firm grasp of why your experience, goals, and skills make you the perfect fit for the job. Go all out to make this as fitting for each role as possible. Too often candidates come up with what they see as the perfect introduction to them and forget about how a hiring manager for each specific role might read it. Be flexible with the personal statement. It might not present the very best version of you - it should present the best version of you for this particular role.
This brief introduction is only a short piece of text, it is not disruptive and in many cases even serves as a welcome addition to what is otherwise a dry and impersonal document. It should be clear to you by now how we feel about the personal statement: Include it, especially because it allows you that bit of creativity that may make all the difference. Adopt a coversational tone and consider using the first person for these few lines. Third person (past tense) is standard for resumes, but if you want to go personal, this is where to do it.
How do I start my personal statement? How do you not start a personal statement? Even with a personal statement of 3-4 lines, sometimes the first sentence is the hardest. Even the first few words can have a disproportionate effect on how your personal statement is viewed. Your starting "hook" should make your fit with the role clear and specific. Use an example that is as unique to you as possible - you have to make your future employer sit up and pay attention. The first word of your personal statement should never be "I" - a great resume explores the potential of a common partnership and should not be a uni-directional monologue.
Align your resume’s personal statement with the job description
The hiring manager delicately chose every word in their job description. Gather clues from its tone, which skills they highlight, and any hints that point toward their dream employee. One of the top resume tips from HR managers is to include relevant keywords specific to the job posting itself as well as the actual wording of the job title.
What would this job description look like in 3 - 4 sentences? What keywords, skills, and tone would the job description have?
While still sticking to the facts about who you are and your experiences, your resume personal statement should highlight as many similarities with the job description as possible. When the hiring manager reads the first few sentences in your resume, they feel like you are exactly the person they were describing when they wrote the job description.
Position of the personal statement
Recruiters still prefer to see a candidate's personal details at the top (or running along a column on either side) of the resumes that cross their desk. This allows them to quickly search through the resumes that Applicant Tracking Systems have sorted into their virtual “yes” pile. You do not want your (relatively modern) personal statement to get in the way of this tradition.
The best place to put your statement is after your personal details (if they are at the top) and before your employment history section. Remember that the length of your resume is important. If you have already been very selective and cannot possibly leave out any more information and if adding your personal statement means your resume spills over onto a third page, you may consider not including your statement for the position in question. This ensures you comply with the unwritten rule that a resume should not be longer than two pages.
What is a good personal statement length? 200 words is the maximum suggested length, but if you go with one powerful sentence that you want the hiring manager to remember for the rest of the interview process, then why not? Less is more, but you have to be confident in your application to go with this option.
Plan to write your resume personal statement last
Instead of getting stuck at the beginning trying to write the perfect statement, skip this section and jump right into your employment history first. Once you’ve added your relevant work experiences, take a look at your keywords, phrases and skills from your past positions.
Your complete work history and the job description for the job you want are the foundations for your personal statement. By writing your resume personal statement last, it should be easier to get started once you have the right inspiration.
It might be the case that you leave a certain number of lines for the personal statement on your resume and write an individual statement for each role. You will often have a public version of your resume that is accessible on job boards (etc), so there should still be an "ideal" personal statement version.
How do I write a resume from scratch? While it is good advice to write the resume personal statement after your have written the resume itself (giving your brain a chance to ponder your true highlights), starting writing a resume is a mammoth task in itself. There are many useful pieces of advice when sitting down to write a resume, but for me, the key is to think about the reflecting the combination of what you are good at, what you enjoy and how those things will contribute to the direction of your career. For sure, be honest about your experience, but there has to be a creative flavour of ensuring that your past adequately reflects where you want to go.
Check out resume personal statement examples
Before you dive into writing, get a sense for different rhythms and layouts by checking these resume personal statement examples. How do you write a good personal statement?
Let's start with the basics. Since every person is unique, all personal statements should be unique too. You should, therefore, resist the urge to (largely) copy someone else's existing statement. This is the only spot on your resume to let your voice be heard, so try to write something that would prompt a friend to exclaim, “That sounds like something you’d say!” while, of course, keeping it professional.
Example. Innovative Executive Assistant with 10+ years of experience with global financial firm assisting a team of three C-Level directors. Expertly coordinate travel, manage large-scale expense reports, and streamline communication and calendars across departments..Seeking an Executive Assistant role with the Resume.io team to expand my office management career and thrive in an environment that requires independent problem-solving skills and focus under short deadlines.
The example above does the following things:
- States their title in the first sentence
- Includes specifics such as team size and duties
- Succinctly sums up major responsibilities and skills
- Highlights hard skills—experience arranging travel and expense reports—as well as soft skills—grace under pressure, attention to detail and communication.
- Specifically tailors the final statement with the company and/or job description
Here are a few more resume personal statement examples:
Experienced Digital Marketing Manager with five years of expertise in heading up a global firm. Increased inbound leads by 500% and raised online sales from 100,000 annually to over 2 million in a three-year period. Looking to grow career by applying skills to the Resume.io marketing team.
Straight to the point and accomplishment focused, without the use of “I”. Now let’s look at a less effective example:
I have worked as a Digital Marketing Manager for five years. During this time I have been an important and hard-working member of the team and showed my ability to work under pressure to deliver on company targets. I am looking to bring my skills to a new role in digital marketing.
Generic and ignores accomplishments. Also, too many uses of “I” in a passive voice.
Next is an example of a personal statement that focuses more on career objectives . A career objective can be used as a way to get across your skills and experience, without the personal bit. It’s a good option if you’re an entry-level candidate or college graduate without a lot of experience in the industry you’re applying for. The idea is, because you don’t have the relevant experience to talk about, you pull skills and experience from other areas of your resume so you can show you have what it takes.
Keep your career objective brief — 2-3 sentences max — following the same rules as the personal statement.
Content writer with three years' experience in a large e-commerce company. Delivered content that grew brand social presence to over 700,000 across three channels and improved email open rates by 48%. Looking to further career by joining the Resume.io as an SEO Executive.
See how it uses transferable skills? Combining these with numbers makes them all the more impressive.
And a less effective resume personal statement example:
I am a content writer looking to secure a role as an SEO Executive. While I have no experience in this field and am a dedicated individual and a keen learner. My enjoyment of how search engines work will help me excel in your company.
There’s not enough here to capture attention and it doesn’t sell transferable skills. Whichever type of opening statement you go for, if you have numbers to show, make them count.
Writing your personal profile resume
Always write the first draft of a personal profile resume without editing. Don’t worry about length or word choice in the first pass. Brag about yourself, be proud of your accomplishments , and add in all of your most impressive stats.
Some of the best writing happens without editing too soon, so don’t worry about sounding over the top or egotistical, that’s what editing your personal profile resume is for. If the goal is to get 3 - 4 perfect sentences, it’s likely your first draft will be closer to 6 - 8, maybe even longer. Then consider which parts are closest to helping you get the job and cull the rest. It might seem brutal, but brevity is critical at the top of your personal profile.
Polish your personal statement and experiment
Once you’ve narrowed your focus, use the following questions to help you review your work and edit your statement:
Is my first sentence clear and concise? The opening line should state your position and use strong, enthusiastic language to hook in the reader. It often includes years of experience as well.
Is it direct opposed to passive? A strong sense of self comes through in a personal statement. Instead of sentences that begin with “I believe I am…” or “I enjoy…” be bold. Get right to the point and take ownership of your skills.
Does it include objective information? For this one, try to get inside the hiring manager’s mind. If you were filling this role, what boxes would you need to check off? The second and third sentence often include specific skills, facts or figures to support this need.
Does it read naturally? Even with all these specifics, the statement should still be easy to understand and have a natural rhythm when read aloud. Cut out any jargon that acts as filler or that changes your tone. Formality may vary from company to company, but personal statements should always reflect the type of employee or person you are.
What are three tips for writing a personal statement?
- Make sure that your personality comes across in the writing.
- Quantify any accomplishments and include financials where possible.
- If you are at a moment of career change, don't fail to mention your goals.
Common mistakes in personal statements
When writing your personal statement, beware of platitudes. These are clichéd expressions that have become meaningless from overuse. They induce recruiters to roll their eyes and move on to the next candidate. Think of such terms as “an administrative jack-of-all-trades” or “a cog in the wheel’ and being ready for a “new challenge.” Definitely avoid this list of human resources’ most hated resume phrases.
Try to be original in your choice of words and ask a friend or family member to take a critical look at your personal statement when you are done. By the way, you should always have someone proofread your entire resume when you think you are ready to send it.
Some people call their personal statements " resume objectives ." This is something else entirely. A resume objective is required when a candidate needs to project their hopes for their next role that differe from their previous experience a little. This objective can then be used to outline the motivations behind a career change and is also common with early-career professionals.
Does a personal statement need a title? Some resume templates might call the opening statement a summary and others may exclude a description entirely. Either option is fine as employers are conditioned to expect a few lines at the to of a resume to serve as a headline for your job application.
What do employers expect from your resume opening statement?
Sometimes it is useful to consider job seeking activity from the point of view of the end hiring managers. External recruiters are important people to impress, but it is the employers that will be making the ultimate hiring decision. They will be reading lots of resumes, so what would they want to read in your resume opening statement?
- They will want the resume opening statement to be written for them. When you are on the hunt for a new member of your professional family, an intensely personal connection is vital from the first lines.
- They will expect a quantifiable context to your resume opening statement. Impressive words come easily when you really need a job, but backing them up with numbers to demonstrate their scale is less simple.
- They will expect to be impressed. If you cannot impress a specific employer for a specific role with the first lines of your resume, then the role is almost certainly not for you. Nothing to shout about? Move on.
Key takeaways
Think of your CV personal statement as the first 2 minutes of an interview—whether on the phone or in person. The HR manager asks you to “tell me a little about yourself,” and you have a quick minute to set the tone for the rest of the conversation. Similarly, the CV personal statement should include:
- A natural, yet professional CV tone that reflects your personality
- The top reasons your experience makes you a unique fit for this position
- Why this role aligns with your career plans
- Facts and data on your CV that back up your earlier points
Crafting a personal statement for each role will cause some serious thought. What is your essential fit for the role that will make a hiring manager sit up and think "wow, I need to have them on my team?" What would you want to read if you were in their shoes. You will definitely have lots to say, but keep it simple and powerful.
One more good CV statement example:
Expert SEO copywriter with a decade of B2C and B2B experience across three industries. Versatile in writing social, website and long-form copy to convey each brand’s unique tone and message. I cultivated 15 new clients in two years and grew readership by over 200%. I am now seeking to expand my editing and content creation expertise in a Marketing Manager position.
Once you’ve mastered writing your CV personal statement, this clear sense of who you are and what you want will prepare you to pitch yourself during interviews.
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CVs & Cover Letters
9 great personal statement examples for your cv — & why they work.
Posted by Andy Agouridis
Director of CareerHigher
Personal statements — the paragraphs at the top of CVs that summarise past experience and accomplishments — may be short, but they are undoubtedly important. After all, a personal statement gives you the chance to sell yourself to potential employers — and you don’t have much time to do that, says Romanie Thomas, founder of Juggle Jobs : "People spend, on average, a measly nine seconds glancing at CVs, so a compelling introduction is critical.”
Hooking a potential employer within seconds might seem like a lot of pressure. But don’t worry, these four examples — plus tips on why they work — will help you craft a personal statement that shines.
1. Include Keywords, Not Buzzwords
Keywords are specific statements or required skills taken from the job advert. Keywords will ensure your CV not only passes an initial screening from the recruiting software known as an Applicant Tracking System (ATS), but they also show the hiring manager that you understand the role. Alternatively, buzzwords are simply seen as fluff, acting as useless and cliché adjectives that take up valuable space in your personal statement.
“It seems the world is full of disruptors , gurus and ninjas ,” says Gabi Dalla Riva, Head of Talent at Credit Karma U.K . “Steer clear of buzzwords that will make your statement generic and lacking in substance”.
Example Personal Statement:
“ Startup veteran for 10 years, including businesses rated the UK’s fastest-growing. Strategic advisor with a specialism in f ast-growth forecasting , initial finance and operations function setup in SaaS , e-commerce , fintech and blockchain businesses. Proven team builder , creating an FP&A function from scratch and leading first hire to full CIMA qualification .”
Why This Works:
Thomas provided this example from a professional on Juggle. The keywords are in bold. He explains; “Keywords will drag your CV out of the slush pile with an ATS, and effectively speak to the traditional matching done by real-life recruitment professionals.” This personal statement is information-dense and calls out several of the expert skills of the candidate via keywords.
2. Focus on Brevity
Personal statements should be a maximum of three to five lines. “Think of your personal statement as your elevator pitch — keep it concise and to the point,” suggests Dalla Riva. “If you're applying to multiple roles, have a couple versions of your statement to make the most impact with your audience.” I.E., Don’t have a generic statement. Keep it short, to-the-point and specific to the role and company.
“CIM qualified VP Marketing with experience growing market share and penetrating new markets for world-class luxury goods brands. Fluent in French, I have held country leadership roles in Belgium and Singapore and possess strong Digital Marketing skills. London-based, I am now seeking a Chief Commercial Officer role with an entrepreneurial, fast-paced luxury brand with international growth.”
Chris Mumford, managing director of the London office of Aethos Consulting Group , provided this example of an executive-level personal statement. While only three sentences, this personal statement packs a punch.
Mumford explains: “It’s clear that the applicant is an expert in digital marketing, the inclusion of the French language capability and markets worked in conveys that the applicant has international experience, [and] an ATS will instantly match this person with roles in London.” Also, note that the statement is keyword-dense as well.
3. Actionable Stats Make a Difference
Once you move past an ATS, recruiters and hiring managers look at hundreds of CVs each day. Including specific data and actionable statistics from your experience will make a personal statement stand out. Metrics of success also serve to quantify your achievements.
Matt Dodgson, director of Market Recruitment , gives a great example of a sentence that truly quantifies achievements: “ Grew Company X's client base from 10 to 50 within one year. Increased sales by 40 percent by implementing a new lead qualification tool.” See it in action with a full personal statement below.
"Target-oriented Sales Executive with a 15-year sales record. Proven success in both B2B and B2C verticals. Grew [Company X]’s client base from 10 to 50 within one year. Increased sales by 40 percent by implementing a new lead qualification tool. As a confident networker, brings to the table effective relationships with key senior contacts in FTSE 250 organisations."
“Similar to your CV, quantifications tell a moving story,” says Dodgson. He explains that adding the 40 percent metric to the above statement makes it stand out much more, rather than just saying “ Increased sales by implementing a new lead qualification tool. ”
Dodgson also suggests name-dropping with purpose. In the above example statement, Company X signifies a recognisable client or high-powered firm the applicant has worked with. However, you must always include metrics to back up your results working with the big-name organisation.
4. Consider Bullet Points
If you struggle with articulating your value in full-sentences, Becky Heys, professional CV writer and owner of Heys Resumes , tells us that bullet points are an acceptable option. She says, “This style can be much more reader-friendly, concise and often the preferred style of recruiters and executive-level candidates.”
- Sales Director within the travel industry with over 30 years’ expertise in the travel and tourism sector
- Can quickly identify your clients’ needs and provide a tailored service, increasing the pipeline to meet your operational objectives
- Strong track record in driving new customer leads, increasing sales revenue, client-focused account management and people development
- Created and implemented a 3-year sales and marketing plan, achieving the target result of £26m
Why This Works :
Heys explains that this is a brief but strong synopsis of experience. Bullets also make it easy for the reader to quickly scan and understand what you do and if you’re the right candidate . If you do opt to use a bullet point format, Heys recommends the following outline:
- Bullet 1: Industry credentials
- Bullet 2: What you bring to the table
- 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. However, this is an issue that can be easily resolved according to Andy Agouridis, director of CareerHigher. The trick is shifting away from paid professional experience and focusing on the below:
- Experience you’ve gotten through higher education projects, student jobs, or volunteerism
- Skills that you’ve acquired via societies, sport clubs, or other elements of your personal life
- Your motivation and commitment to career goals related to your target jobs
“Self-motivated Digital Technology Solutions Professional with experience participating in a software engineering virtual internship program of a Fortune 500 financial services firm. Equipped with strong problem-solving skills gained from completing various programming projects as part of the The Complete 2022 Web Development Bootcamp course. Adept at working well in a team while maintaining focus in own self-development “
Employers know that graduates and students haven’t had the opportunity to gain significant paid experience yet. However, they highly appreciate skills, experience, and achievements from your student life. Additionally, hiring managers are on the lookout for motivated early stage professionals who are committed to building a relevant career.
6. Personal Statements for Retail Roles
The retail industry is both wide and specific at the same time. There is a variety of high-end to low-cost products and services on offer including grocery stores, beauty salons, drug stores, and more. However, running a retail store requires specific skills that may be different to other industries. According to Agouridis, key retail requirements include customer service, communication skills, and ability to operate in a fast-paced environment. Make sure you build these skills into your personal statement to make your application relevant.
“Results-oriented Retail Strategy Consultant with 15 years of experience in supporting retail and wholesale planning and omnichannel marketing strategy of emerging and established retail businesses. Have a proven track record of success in growing top global brands, increasing sales and margins, and optimizing retail operations. A multilingual and skilled communicator adept at engaging C-level executives and distilling complex strategies into simple action points for all levels of an organization. Possess strong organizational skills to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced retail environment.”
Hiring managers are looking for employees who have a background related to the industry. We suggest helping your audience understand why you may be the best candidate for the role by using relevant keywords in your personal statement. To do this, use a combination of industry skills based on the above with job-specific skills that you can find in job descriptions.
7. Personal Statements for Career Changes
Career changes can be challenging. Regardless of whether you are looking to penetrate a new job function, industry, or geography, you may find some resistance till you make it. Agouridis says that recruiters and hiring managers are conditioned to look for candidates with a background similar to their vacancies. Therefore, your best strategy as a career changer is using transferable skills to demonstrate your fit even if you come from a different background. For maximum impact, combine this with a keen interest in your new target career.
“Driven Entrepreneur with 10 years of experience in managing all aspects of ecommerce business, including go-to-market strategies, strategic partnerships, marketplace commercial efforts, and operations. Proven success in building own business from scratch, driving up to $2M in sales growth, and strengthening market position. Seeking to leverage ecommerce business expertise as a Senior Ecommerce Manager in the consumer goods industry.”
Using transferable skills makes your application easy and fast to process. Starting your CV with a strong and relevant personal statement can allow decision makers to see you as a suitable candidate even if you come from a non-traditional background. Further, demonstrating commitment to your target field can alleviate any concerns in relation to your motivation for the role.
8. Personal Statement for Marketing Roles
Marketing is different from most job functions. It’s business importance is undeniable, as it is key in acquiring clients or customers and generating revenue. However, being successful in marketing requires specific skills. Some of these key skills include a strong business acumen, creativity, and storytelling, as well as technical skills in SEO, social media, and project management. Of course, demonstrating commitment to a career in marketing is also crucial.
“Creative Head of Marketing with 10+ years of experience leading the development and execution of revenue-driving digital marketing strategy for international markets. Increased [Company X] client acquisition by up to 1000% and conversion rate by up to 200%. Adept at leveraging strong business acumen, SEO, and social media expertise to meet brand and lead generation objectives.”
Marketing leaders are on the lookout for talent to bring on board. However, they evaluate applications based on how candidates would fit into the marketing function. Showcasing relevant experience and skills as well as a strong drive to build a career in marketing can help you stand out from the competition.
9. Personal Statement for Engineering Roles
Engineering jobs come with high barriers to entry and specific requirements. In most cases, engineers must have a relevant degree or professional certifications combined with strong industry experience. Also, engineers are typically trained in specific ways to identify, analyse, and resolve problems in a data-driven manner. Thus, if you are applying for an engineering role, focusing on relevant experience and expertise is imperative.
“Analytical Drilling Engineer with over 13 years of experience in spearheading drilling, completions, and workover operations in the oil and gas industry. Proven track record of success in reducing average drilling time by up to 50% and saving costs by up to 30%. Equipped with strong leadership and problem-solving skills to manage a QHSE compliant operation without sacrificing operational efficiency. “
Curate The Perfect Personal Statement for Your CV
It can be nerve-wracking to write a short, yet highly effective pitch of yourself when applying for jobs. As you write yours, use these examples as guidance. Remember to use specific keywords from the job advert, keep it short and relevant, and include quantifiable metrics of your past.
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