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 2024 [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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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 conversational 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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CV Personal Statement Examples and Tips
Your personal statement is the first thing a recruiter or hiring manager will read when flicking through what will usually be a huge pile of CVs. With so much competition, you need a personal statement that grabs their attention for all the right reasons. But how do you write one? Here’s our guide along with a couple of personal statement examples for inspiration.
What is a personal statement?
A personal statement is a concise paragraph that sits at the top of your CV just below your name and contact details and tells the reader why you would be a fantastic asset for their company. It should include a summary of your most relevant skills and experience and give the recruiter an insight into your ambitions and character.
Your personal statement should explain:
- Who you are
- Your suitability for the role and the value you can add
- Your career goals
Conveying all that information in just a few sentences is certainly not easy, but with research suggesting that recruiters spend an average of just six seconds reviewing each CV before deciding whether the applicant is a good fit, you must get it right.
How to write a winning personal statement for your CV
No one has your specific skills and experience, so your personal statement must be unique. However, there are some universal tips you can follow.
- Length, formatting and tone of voice
Probably the biggest challenge you’ll face when writing a personal statement for your CV is keeping it between 50 and 150 words, or around four or five lines of text. It should be clean and concise, formatted consistently and written in the same font and point size as the rest of your CV.
Personal statements can be written in the first (“I am a marine biologist”) or third-person (“Marine biologist looking for”), but whatever voice you choose, keep it consistent throughout your CV.
Recruiters read so much hyperbole and waffle that being honest and understated will help you stand out. This is not The Apprentice, so buzzwords, empty promises and meaningless metaphors should be avoided at all costs.
- Back up your claims
Cliches like ‘hard worker’ or ‘experienced’ are just empty words that recruiters see hundreds of times a day. Instead, establish your credentials with relevant vocational qualifications or professional memberships you have and quantify the level of experience you have. For example, “I am a RICS qualified surveyor with eight years’ experience working for a property development company”.
- Include statistics from your career
Including specific data or statistics in your personal statement will immediately make it stand out from the hundreds of others recruiters read every day. Metrics of success are far more memorable than simply listing your achievements. For example, “I introduced a new lead qualification tool that increased sales by 15 percent”.
- Remove pronouns in the third person
The personal statement on your CV is the one place where it’s okay to talk about yourself in the third person. However, using pronouns, for example, “he is a conscientious worker with 12 years of experience...” is a step too far. Instead, drop the pronouns, so that would become “A conscientious worker with 12 years of experience…”
Personal statement examples
Here are a few examples of personal statements to keep you on the right track and hopefully provide a little inspiration.
Written in the first person by a graduate looking for their first professional role.
I am a recent graduate with a first-class degree in economics, specialising in econometrics and international trade. I have commercial experience in the finance sector courtesy of an internship with a UK corporation, where I developed the technical data engineering skills you are looking for. I have a proven ability to meet deadlines and produce consistently high-quality work, as evidenced by my degree, and would relish the chance to develop my skills within your organisation.
Written in the third person by an experienced purchasing manager looking to climb the ladder.
Purchasing manager with 12 years of experience who wants to progress to a more senior role within the aviation industry. Has developed strong and lasting relationships during previous managerial positions in the sector and wants to put this strong network to good use to add value to your business.
Time to get hired
Writing a winning personal statement that you’re happy with and that summarises your skills and experience effectively in just a few lines will take time. However, using these tips and examples as a guide and editing your personal statement for every role is an important piece of the puzzle.
To hear Guardian Jobs reader Elia’s story and how her Personal Career Management programme helped land her ideal job watch the video .
Personal Career Management can offer you a free review to assess your needs and to see which programme is right for you.
To book call Personal Career Management on 01753 888 995 or fill in the contact form .
Personal Career Management are Career Management Partners for the Guardian and are a specialist career coaching and outplacement company.
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CV Personal Statement: Examples and Actionable Tips
Fact: recruiters spend only 6 seconds reviewing each CV. So poorly organized CVs inevitably get discarded.
Having an effective CV layout is the first step to attracting their attention. And the second step is topping that CV with a compelling personal statement (also known as a personal profile, personal summary, or executive summary).
What is a Personal Statement in a CV?
A personal statement for a CV is a short and compelling paragraph that summarizes why you’re the most qualified person for the offered role. It tells the reader who you are and what valuable qualifications you will be bringing to their company.
NB : Opening statement, personal profile, personal summary, or executive summary are the other common names for a personal statement.
Many believe that the work experience section is the most important element of a CV. Yet, it is your personal statement that can end up making or breaking the success of your job application.
Because it provides the reader with a quick answer to one question they have on their mind: Are you qualified for the job or not?
Remember: You’ll be directly competing with numerous other applicants with similar skills and work experiences. A compelling CV statement sets you apart by giving the reader a condensed snapshot of who you are as a person.
Do I Need To Include a Personal Statement On My CV?
The short answer is YES! A personal statement entices the reader to read your entire CV by giving them a preview of your most valuable skills. It also helps you differentiate from other candidates by explaining your background, motivation, and personal character traits concisely.
In essence, a personal statement helps you express why you are the right choice for the job in one condensed paragraph.
Where Should a Personal Statement Go in a CV?
A personal statement goes into the header area of your CV. Include it right under your name and contact details as a separate, highlighted area. A good personal statement is about 3-4 sentences long and occupies not more than 1/4th of the page.
Alternatively, you can design a two-column CV and allocate the upper sidebar area for your personal statement. As a recent survey found, 77% of recruiters prefer two-column CVs to single-column ones.
Sample personal statement placement on a CV template
What Do You Write in a CV Personal Statement?
A compelling personal statement summarizes your professional and educational background; highlights the main skills and accomplishments. It can also express your career objectives and/or interest in the particular industry or subject if you’re a current student or recent graduate.
Personal Statement Examples for CV
To give you an idea of how to write your statement, let’s look at some examples.
Remember: You need to write a unique personal statement for your CV. Simply copying and using these examples may not be the best move because the sample CV statements won’t reflect your unique experiences and personality.
Good CV Personal Statement Examples
Employers want to see experts. Therefore, your personal statement must speak directly to your most marketable skills.
You should never come off sounding desperate or diminish your worth (even if you have been recently laid off ). Use a confident tone with first-person implied and strong verbs to describe your core competencies and other benefits you can bring to the workplace.
General Jobseeker Personal Statement Example
Highly motivated, fully trained engineer with 15 years of experience in the telecoms industry. Worked with XYZ Telecoms Ltd, Cool Mobile Carrier, and Acme Telco as a field engineer and project team leader. Successfully managed large commercial telecom infrastructure installations. Currently unemployed due to the relocation of the company. Open to new opportunities in NOC.
Personal Statement CV Example For an Administration Position
Adaptable and resourceful facilities manager with experience in supporting enterprise-sized organizations in real estate, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing industries. Strong organizational skillset: Six Sigma, standardized method of procedure (MOP) policies implementation. Was responsible for facilities operations on 2.4 million square feet in a 20-building chemical manufacturing campus, serviced by a 20+ people team of building engineers, electricians, HVAC technicians, and cleaners.
Accountant Personal Statement CV Examples
Below are two samples for a senior and a junior accountant.
Chartered Accountant
ACCA-certified accountant for mid-market and enterprise-sized companies. Conducted due diligence and tax audits for FTSE 500 companies. Commenced for a 100% accuracy track record in financial reporting, as well as fast turnaround on complex analytical reviews. Provide on-demand advisory on trust setup, company incorporation, and tax deferrals.
Account Assistant
Detail-oriented, certified accounting assistant with experience in payroll administration. Familiar with Gusto, Xero, and Intuit software. Effectively process payroll, benefits, taxes, and social contributions for over 1500 employees per month. Possess a strong foundation in employee classification, tax reporting, and financial management.
CV Personal Statement Examples for Students
Whether you’re applying for an internship or looking for a part-time job , a compelling personal is a must-have for a student CV.
Since your work experience history may be a bit “thin”, you need to persuade the employer via other means — your transferable skills, academic interests, and personal traits. A personal CV allows you to spotlight all of these.
Remember that you are bringing your energy, dedication, enthusiasm, and willingness to learn to the table. As you will not have any employment history, you need to make sure to get your personality and your soft skills over in your statement.
CV Statement for a Student Looking for a Full-Time Summer Job
Junior copywriter, enrolled in a BA Writing Program at the University of Manchester (graduation date: fall 2025). Alumni of the 2022 Copywriting Bootcamp program from Matters Agency. Well-versed in target audience analysis, brand positioning, and editorial campaign planning. Writing clips for eCommerce and SaaS brands are available in my portfolio.
CV Statement for an Internship
Second-year mechanical engineering student at the University of Leeds, seeking to apply theoretical knowledge in safety system design. Proficient in AutoCAD and completed a series of blueprints for fire and water safety systems as part of my coursework. Fast learner, self-starter, and team player, I’m excited to contribute my technical expertise to a dynamic engineering team.
CV Statement for a Student Looking for a Part-Time Job
Junior front-end developer (React, Angular JS), seeking a part-time programming position in the Great London area. Current availability is 10-15 hours per week, preferably with hybrid work arrangements. Solid understanding of design systems and UX/UI best practices. Past work experience in finance and eCommerce sectors.
CV Personal Statement Examples for 16-Year-Olds
Joining the workforce straight after high school makes sense if you want to take a gap year or pursue trade education later on. The wrinkle, however, is that most employers may be wary of your age and lack of experience.
The goal of a personal statement is to dispel those doubts by showing that you’re a serious, mature, and hard-working candidate, eager to learn and hone your craft.
Personal Statement for a Barista Position
Genuine coffee lover and frequent guest at Maddie’s Cafe, I would love to join the barista team. As a former head of the prom planning committee, I understand the importance of good teamwork, efficient planning, and following instructions. My main objectives are to learn more about beverage prep and deliver exceptional experiences to customers.
CV Personal Statement Examples For A Graduate
Your personal statement should focus on your main educational attainments and experiences. If you are applying before you have had your degree results, it is fine to give a projected grade. You can also mention any specific modules you have studied that are relevant to the job on offer and how much you enjoyed working on them.
Remember: Your goal is to explain why you’re interested in this role and what you could bring to the table.
Graduate Personal Statement Example
Business administration graduate with a 1:1 honors degree from XYZ University. Interested in an entry-level merchandising position within your Commercial Sales Department to expand my knowledge in retail merchandising, procurement, and inventory management. Looking to apply my analytical and data modeling skills for merchandising strategy optimization.
Personal Statement for High School Graduate
Energetic and enthusiastic high school graduate (June 2023) with top A-levels grades in English, Maths, and French. Seeking an entry-level role in sales, where I can make use of and develop my language skills. My long-term career goal is to further my language qualifications and position myself as a European sales manager living and working overseas for a global company.
Personal Statement Examples for CV With No Experience
Lack of experience in a particular role or industry should never discourage you from applying. Although you may not tick all the criteria boxes, you still have transferable skills and unique work experiences to showcase.
Moreover, ongoing talent shortages are prompting employees to reconsider their hiring criteria, plus invest more in new hire training and upskilling. Four in five companies now struggle to fill in open vacancies, which is the highest number in the past 17 years.
So take your chances and apply even if you don’t have sufficient work experience.
Personal Statement Example with No Relevant Work Experience
Former front-desk hotel employee, looking for an opportunity to leverage strong service orientation and organizational skills in new roles (Customer Success or Customer Support). Familiarity with appointment booking software, digital chat apps, and CRM software. With my strong commitment to personal growth and my adaptable nature, I believe I could be a valuable asset to customer-centric teams.
Personal Statement Example with No Industry Experience
Self-starter with a BA degree in Communication and experience in corporate event management seeking a transition to music festival management. Experienced in organizing off-site events for 100+ people (including location scouting and travel coordination). I thrive in fast-paced environments and am eager to build a strong network of new partners.
Discover even more personal statements from our collection of CV examples .
CV Personal Statement For A Career Change
Career change is a big decision, but it can lead to a more fulfilling professional life. Besides, you’re not completely starting anew. Many of the hard and soft skills are quite universal. There is any number of different jobs that need the same set of skills that you have developed, so always try to lead with these and use real-life examples of your experience.
Career Change Personal Statement Example:
Working for the past 10 years as a regional sales manager has allowed me to develop keen skills in building strong working relationships and lucrative networks. Communication skills I developed during my time at my current employer enabled me to win vital contract wins that increased sales revenue by 20% over three years. I am now ready to take on a new challenge and want to work in the charity sector so that I can use my skills to give something back for the direct benefit of others.
How To Write A Strong Personal Statement for a CV
An effective personal statement summarizes your skills and experience in a relevant way i.e., it indicates how you can be of help to the employer.
In short, a compelling CV personal statement:
- Lists your most marketable skills and qualifications
- Highlights your industry knowledge and work experiences
- Mirrors some of the key phrases, used in the job description
And here’s how to write a personal statement that makes a mark.
1. Review the Job Description Once Again
As you go through the role description, pay attention to the words, used by the employer, to describe the candidate’s requirements, duties, and personality. Keep those in the back of your head.
These are the keywords you’d want to use all around your CV — in the personal statement, work experience, education, and skills areas.
2. Do a Mental Tally of Your Skills
Try to remember the times in your previous work roles when you accomplished notable objectives, went above and beyond expectations , or otherwise did better than your peers.
Note down everything that springs to mind including your years of experience in a similar role, challenges you took on and the positive results achieved, new projects you kick-started – anything that has close relevance to this new position.
3. Make a Draft Personal Statement
Write down a sample personal statement. Don’t worry about the length – just put as many details as you’d like on paper. Once you’re done, revisit the job description. See how your personal statement compares to the description. Does it paint a picture of someone who would fit the role?
4. Edit for Clarity and Briefity
A good CV personal statement shouldn’t be longer than 3-4 sentences. Take a critical look at your draft version and condense it to the bare essentials: 2-3 main skills, a major accomplishment, and a note on your motivation and/or personal traits.
Other things that don’t belong in your personal statement are:
- Explanation of employment gaps or present unemployment status
- Information about hobbies or personal interest
- Any mention of references or recommendations
- Irrelevant skills or work experiences
Want to stand out even more? Add a persuasive opening statement that highlights your strengths as a candidate.
A compelling personal statement can be the key between your CV making the ‘yes’ pile or the reject bin. Take some time to get your statement right and always write a new one for each job you apply for by mirroring the employer’s language.
Finally, to give your CV a polishing touch, try out one of our fancy, but free CV templates , coming in multiple styles: professional, modern, simple, and creative!
Elena runs content operations at Freesumes since 2017. She works closely with copywriters, designers, and invited career experts to ensure that all content meets our highest editorial standards. Up to date, she wrote over 200 career-related pieces around resume writing, career advice... more
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How to Write a Personal Statement for Your CV
Making your CV stand out from other job applicants can be tough but if you know how to write a personal statement, then you have a better chance of landing the job of your dreams.
Every potential employer wants to know how you can be a great asset to their company.
How can you c onvince your prospective employer that you are the best person for the job even before you meet them with your CV?
I understand that creating a good CV requires hard work and great attention to detail. You have the experience, skills and educational qualifications, but you want the recruiter to know the value that you can add to the company, but how?
BUILD YOUR CV TODAY AND GET PERSONALIZED JOB ALERTS
This is where you will need a personal statement to come through for you on your CV. I know you may be like;
“Do I need a personal statement on my CV when my experiences and skills are boldly written on my CV?”
Yes! You need a personal statement to quickly tell your prospective employer about the special talents, skills, and experience that you are bringing into the job.
According to statistics, employers spend only 6 seconds reading a CV. This means that you have just 6 seconds to prove to the employer that you are the best fit for the job, and this is what a personal statement does for you.
So, are you ready to see how you can take charge of your job search? Let’s get started then.
Before we get into it, let us take a look at everything we are going to learn from this guide:
What is a personal statement?
Why you should write a personal statement., how to write a personal statement., difference between a personal statement and a personal profile., difference between a personal statement and a cv objective., personal statement examples., how to write a personal statement.
You can write a personal statement following these steps:
- Create a draft: Make a draft of all the values that you can add to the job that you are applying for. You can make a list.
- Select the skills and values that are most important to the job: When you have made a list of your skills and values, then you can select the ones that best relate to the job that you are applying for.
- Concentrate on your strength: Concentrate on the things that emphasize you as the best person for the job.
- Make sure you go straight to the point: Recruiters are not interested in knowing your details.
- Understand the job that you are applying for.
- Provide evidence for your experience and skills.
- State why you want to work for the company.
- Make sure your personal statement focuses more on what you can do for your company rather than what the company can do for you.
- Make sure your first sentence is captivating.
- Re-read your personal statement to make sure its free from grammatical errors.
- Make sure your personal statement answers the basic personal statement questions like; who are you? What can you do? Why should we hire you? Why do you want to work for us?
What is a Personal Statement?
A personal statement is a piece of writing usually not more than 2 or 3 paragraphs that appears at the top of your CV that gives a summary of who you are, your skills, your achievement, experience, your career goals and finally; the reason for your application.
You can write an amazing CV, but not having a personal statement on your CV or having a poor one can make your CV not get the attention that it should get. A personal statement is what captivates the recruiter’s attention to your CV.
Just like an elevator pitch , a personal statement allows you to convince the recruiter that you are the best person for the job even before they decide to read your CV.
A personal statement helps you take charge of your application. If your personal statement is good, the recruiter will likely read your CV; and if your personal statement is bad, well your CV might just get trashed.
This is how a personal statement looks.
5 Reasons Why You Should Add A Personal Statement in Your CV
You may think that there is no need to add a personal statement to your CV since you already have your experience and skills clearly stated on your CV.
Yes, your experience and skills have already said so much about you to the employer, but to what extent?
Just like we said earlier that recruiters spend 6 seconds looking at your CV. So, you have to decide if you want your CV to get lost in the pile, or give them a reason to continue reading with your personal statement.
If your aim of writing a CV is to eventually land the job of your dreams, then you should consider attracting the interest of the employer with your personal statement.
If you are still not sure why you should write a personal statement on your CV, then you can take a look at the following reasons why you should add a personal statement on your CV;
1. Writing a personal statement on your CV helps you sustain the interest of the recruiter on your CV.
A personal statement will help you project your skills and unique abilities that make you the best person for the job to the recruiter at a glance.
Even if your skills and experience are stated on your CV, the personal statement is what the recruiter will likely see first. And if your personal statement is interesting enough it will capture the attention of the recruiter.
2. Adding a personal statement to your CV helps you market yourself to the recruiter.
Why do you write a CV in the first place?
You write a CV to convince your prospective employer that you are the best person for the job, showing your skills and experience.
So, you are marketing yourself to the recruiter with your CV, right? So, if your CV is a marketing tool, why don’t you take advantage of that and market yourself to the recruiter.
Adding a personal statement to your CV will help you utilize the functionality of your CV as a marketing tool.
3. It helps you share your ambition and skills with the recruiter.
If you are a fresh graduate with little or no formal work experience, then you can take advantage of the personal statement to share some of your informal experiences with the recruiter.
You can share some of the strengths and experiences that you must have acquired during your stay at the university that will convince the recruiter that will be great at the job.
4. It helps your application stand out.
Having a personal statement on your CV can come in handy when you are applying for a competitive job.
If you are applying for a competitive job, it means that there are thousands of other people that are applying for the same job, so what do you have to do? Stand out!
Employers often flip past CVs without even reading them especially when they have a lot to attend to. Recruiters will likely flip past your CV unless they can spot that competitive advantage .
Adding a personal statement to your CV helps you quickly present your competitive advantage to your prospective employer.
5. It gives the recruiter an idea of you.
If you are a recent graduate and yet to discover your career path or want to get an internship position in no specific field, then you should consider adding a personal statement on your CV.
Showing your unique skills and ambition in your personal statement can give the recruiter an idea of what you would likely fit into.
Now, I guess that you are ready to start adding a personal statement on your CV. Just before you start writing your personal statement you have to make sure you are writing a good one so you don’t stand the risk of making a wrong impression on your potential employer.
Want to write an awesome personal statement? You don’t have to worry, I will show you all you need to know to create an amazing personal statement for your CV in this article.
Let’s get into it;
PS : Having a great CV is wise, but arming yourself with all the job search tools you need is smart. Learn about all you need to land a job here.
1. Understand the job that you are applying for:
The first step to writing a good personal statement is to first understand the job that you are applying for. Understanding the job description and the recruiter’s expectation for that position will help you craft a personal statement that will directly appeal to the employer.
Carefully reading the job description will help you understand what the employer looks forward to seeing in the potential employee.
Take note of the words that were used in the job description and use it to form your personal statement. You should also research the company to understand their core values.
2. Talk about who you are:
Your personal statement should be able to tell the recruiter who you are (professionally) in clear terms. This should appear in the first sentence of your personal statement.
To effectively tell the recruiter who you are, you can think about your current position and make a list of things that you do in your job. You can also do this for your previous experiences.
You can include the things that you are passionate about or the things that you love most about your profession and the valuable qualities that you.
Now that you have understood what a personal statement is, and why it is important, I think it is time for you to know how to write a good personal statement that will land you a job.
When you are writing your personal statement, you should know that your personal statement is your elevator pitch. It is like answering the question; “Tell me about yourself?” , “Can we meet you?”, “why should we hire you?” .
So, see how you can go ahead to write an amazing personal statement following these steps:
Talking about who you are can look like this:
“As a resourceful and successful digital marketing professional with more than 6 years of experience specializing in search engine optimization (SEO) and a passion for digital marketing that makes it easy for me to help individuals and brands gain an online presence.
From the example above, you can see that any recruiter that looks at this personal statement will immediately understand who the person is and even what the person does.
3. Present your strength and values:
The next thing for you do after telling the recruiter who you are is to present your strength, values, and achievement that are in line with the job description that makes you the best person for the job.
This part will allow you to show the recruiter what relevant value you will be bringing to the table.
It is also good for you to include the important requirement that is specified in the job description in your personal statement to give the recruiter the idea that you are the best person for the job.
If for example, the job description specifies certain skills or educational qualifications that a candidate should have, you should not forget to add that you possess those skills or qualifications. This helps to send the right message to the recruiter.
The second part of your personal statement can look like this:
“With a comprehensive knowledge of the digital marketing strategies and search engine optimization skills I have been able to develop strategies and processes for optimizing digital products that I utilized in my current job.
As a result of my expertise, I have been able to build SEO strategies that can help businesses improve their online visibility which will also increase revenue in the long run”.
4. State what you want.
In the last part of your personal statement, you should be able to state what your career goals are. The recruiter needs to know what is next after your skills and experience.
The recruiter also wants to know why you are applying for the job. You should be able to tell the recruiter why you are interested in the job, what you look forward to achieving with the job, and why you are interested in the organization.
Make sure that this part of your personal statement is short, straight to the point and reaffirming.
The concluding part of your personal statement should be something like this:
“I am currently looking for an SEO specialist role where I can open myself up to bigger challenges and also deliver great with result utilizing my skills and experience.”
No doubt, these tips will help you write a great personal statement, but it is good you know how to structure your personal statement in a way that it appears professional.
How to Structure Your Personal Statement
I know that writing a personal statement may seem daunting, but since you already understand how to write a personal statement on your CV, you will just need to understand some basic structures you need to follow to create a good personal statement.
1. Start with an introduction
Your statement should follow the normal essay format, which means that it should have an introduction just like every other essay you write.
Your introduction should explain who you are and what you do, but make sure it is short and straight to the point.
You can just use this structure to frame your personal statement:
- Your introduction should be precise and explain why you are happy about what you do. This part should show that you are passionate about what you do.
- Talk about the things that have formed the background of your chosen career.
- Focus on the things that interest you in your career.
The introductory part of your personal statement basically asks the question; “What interests you about your career?” Once you can answer this question correctly, then you have successfully written a good personal statement introduction.
2. Draft the main body of your personal statement
The main body of your personal statement should show your preparedness for the job. This paragraph should show what skills, qualifications, abilities, and values that you tend to add performing the job.
This paragraph should include the following:
- Talk about the skills and qualifications that make you the best person for the job.
- Give examples that will emphasize that you are the best person for the job.
- Show how your skills and qualifications will be relevant in the job that you are applying for and the company at large.
The main paragraph (s) should answer these questions;
a. Why are you the best person for this job?
b. Why should we hire you?
c. What experience are you bringing into this job?
d. Can you tell us about a project that you have done?
e. What unique skills do you have that makes you the best candidate for this position?
3. Write a concluding paragraph.
Just like you write a conclusion when you are writing an essay, you should also write a conclusion for your personal statement.
The conclusion for your personal statement should be short and precise. It should state your reason for the application. Your conclusion should include the following:
- A summary of why you think you are the best person for the job.
- Your conclusion should also state your plans for the future as regards your skills, qualification, and experience.
- Lastly, your conclusion should state what you look forward to achieving if you get the job.
You can use these tips and questions to structure your personal statement. I understand that a lot of emphases is placed on experience. If you don’t have any experience, you can also talk about your achievements and educational qualifications.
Your personal statement should look like this, answering the basic personal statement questions like; who are you? why should we hire you? why do you want to work here? etc.
If you have read these tips, then you may ask yourself; “How do I even start to write a personal statement for my CV?”
Well, you are just a few reads away from knowing how you can start writing your personal statement.
How to Start Your Personal Statement
Since you now know what a personal statement is, how to write a personal statement, and the structure of a personal statement.
Now, it is time for you to put your knowledge into practice by knowing how to start writing your personal statement.
If you get confused anytime you want to write a personal statement on your CV or if this is your first time, then you will find these personal statement introduction examples helpful.
Personal statement introduction examples
- “an experienced website developer with extensive knowledge of programming languages including HTML, CSS, PHP, and JavaScript”
- “I am an outgoing and eloquent customer service professional with a passion for problem-solving and 6 years prior customer service experience in the hospitality industry.
- “I am an ambitious and motivated Civil Engineer with strong technical skills like; drawing models for structures, creating blueprints and using CAD software.
- “I am a skilled digital marketer that specializes in search engine optimization (SEO) as well as social media management and web development.”
- “A highly creative graphic designer that specializes in UI designs as well as illustrations. I am skilled at using graphic design soft wares like; Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe InDesign and Corel Draw.”
To start writing your personal statement, you should know that it is important for you to open your personal statement with an introduction that will capture the attention of the recruiter and keep them glued to your CV.
To start your personal statement, you can follow this structure to have a good introduction:
- Talk about your job title.
- Your years of experience.
- The skills that you acquire.
- Also, use the active verb to describe all the following so that you can convey the right emotions.
With these structures and the personal statement examples above, writing the introductory part of your personal statement will be much easy for you.
How to End Your Personal Statement
You know that everything that has a beginning must have an end, right? So, in our context of writing a personal statement how can you end your personal statement?
If you have started your personal statement already, then you have done the most difficult aspect of the job. Drafting the end of your personal statement is easy, all you need to do is to follow these guidelines to help you draft an interesting personal statement ending.
- Your personal statement should end with your aim or objective. It is at the conclusion that you wrap up your personal statement ending with a conclusion of why you think you are the best for the position and why you want to get the job.
- You can end your personal statement by letting the recruiter know what you are looking for in the role that you are applying for.
- You can also end your personal statement by stating your career goal. This is one method that works for entry-level people with little or no experience. You should remember to state the career goals that are related to the job that you are applying for.
To help you end your personal statement professionally, you can take a look at these personal statement ending examples:
- “I am looking to launch forth my career in the world of ICT where I can put into practice all that I have learned in the university and add value to my society.
- “I want to find my next challenge in the world of digital marketing, and also to grow my career in an innovative and exciting organization.
- “Looking to start my journalism career in a company that will open me up to realities in journalism, build my skills and will also help me contribute to the already existing innovative processes.
Since you now know how to start and end your personal statement, it is good that you know what to include and what you should not include in your personal statement.
Let’s take a look at some pieces of information you need to include in your personal statement.
When you are writing your personal statement, you should bear in mind that there some information that will form the building block of your personal statement.
This information will have to be included for you to create a perfect personal statement:
Quick Tip : Before you even start writing your personal statement, you should take the time to read the job description and make a list of things that the employer wants to see in the prospective job seeker. To get better information, you would have to research the role and even the company.
Include the following information in your personal statement:
Information You should Include in Your Personal Statement
Your education, qualification, and certification are vital aspects of your personal statement. If you are a fresh graduate or applying for an entry-level position with no experience, it is from your education and qualification that the recruiter will be able to tell if you are the best person for the job.
I know that you will still talk about your education on your CV, but when you are talking about your education, qualification, or certification in your personal statement you should mention your highest qualification that makes you the best person for the job.
If you are applying for an entry-level position, you can include your course description, that is if it is closely related to the job that you are applying for.
Your experience is like the core aspect of your CV. You must include the experience that you have acquired in your personal statement so that the recruiter can see at a glance the job that you are most suited for.
The following can form your experience:
- Tangible experience in your previous jobs.
- Volunteering experience
- Internship experience
- School project
- Industrial training experience etc.
Quick Tip : when you are talking about your experience in your personal statement, make sure your experience is related to the job that you are applying for.
When you are talking about your experience, you can talk about the skills and abilities that you used in your previous jobs to achieve success.
Your skills are another important aspect of your personal statement. Adding your skills to your personal statement will show the recruiter what you are capable of doing.
When you are including your skills to your personal statement, you should be careful to add skills that will help you perform the role better.
For example, if you are applying for a graphic design role, you can add skills like; Illustration skills, Photo editing skills, copywriting skills, etc.
Objective/Reason
When you are writing your personal statement, you should be able to show the reason you are applying for the job. You should also show the reason why you have chosen that career.
This will help you show interest and passion about what you do or the career path that you are about to go into.
Your objective or reason may not sound important, but it is important because employers look forward to hiring passionate and driven individuals.
If you don’t have work experience, then this aspect of your personal statement is important.
Your education, qualification, and certification are vital aspects of your personal statement. If you are a fresh graduate or applying for an entry-level position with no experience, it is from your education and qualification that the recruiter will be able to tell if you are the best person for the job.
I know that you will still talk about your education on your CV, but when you are talking about your education, qualification, or certification in your personal statement you should mention your highest qualification that makes you the best person for the job.
If you are applying for an entry-level position, you can include your course description that is if it is closely related to the job that you are applying for.
Your experience is like the core aspect of your CV. You must include the experience that you have acquired in your personal statement so that the recruiter can see at a glance the job that you are most suited for.
Quick Tip : when you are talking about your experience in your personal statement, make sure your experience is related to the job that you are applying for.
When you are talking about your experience, you can talk about skills and abilities that you used in your previous jobs to achieve success.
Your skills are another important aspect of your personal statement. Adding your skills to your personal statement will show the recruiter What you are capable of doing.
For example, if you are applying for a graphic design role, you can add skills like; Illustration skills, Photo editing skills, copy writing skills etc.
When you are writing your personal statement, you should be able to show the reason you are applying for the job. You should also show the reason why you have chosen that career.
This will help you show interest and passion about what you do or the career path that you are about to go into.
Your objective or reason may not sound important, but it is important because employers look forward to hiring a passionate and driven individual.
Personal Statement Dos and Don’ts
While you are creating your personal statement, you must know what you should include for you create a perfect personal statement and things that you should do away with. Let’s take a look at what you should add and what you should avoid.
- Be concise and go straight to the point; recruiters don’t like to read long texts before they get to the main point.
- When you are talking about your skills, make sure the skills are related to the job that you are applying for.
- Talk about skills that make you different from other applicants. Talk about the unique skills that you are bringing into the job.
- Give examples of how you have used your skills in a similar position. Make sure that these skills are related to the job description.
- Research the company; visit their social media pages, websites, etc. and fit that into your personal statement.
- You can add some of the company language and tone to your personal statement. This gives the recruiter the idea that you are intentional about the job.
- Remember to follow the basic principles of writing; keep your personal statement simple, concise, coherent, free of grammatical errors, and avoid unnecessary repetition.
- Always state a passion that is related to the job that you are applying for. For example, if you are applying for an IT role, mentioning that you are passionate about problem-solving can help you stand out from the crowd.
- Avoid using clichés that don’t reflect you as the best person for the job. Using clichés like; “Good communication skills” are things that almost everyone puts on their personal statement.
- Make sure that your sentences are emotionally powerful to convey the message that you want to pass across to the recruiter.
- Don’t lie about anything when you are writing your personal statement. If you lie or exaggerate when you are writing your personal statement, just know that the truth will surely surface when you go for the interview.
- Don’t try to use negative words or expressions to appeal to the emotions of the recruiter. Including information like how long it took you to finally land the job of your dreams and all the ordeals that you had to experience. This does not in any way show that you are the best fit for the job.
- Don’t talk about personal information in your personal statement. Even if it is called a personal statement, the recruiter is interested in knowing if you are the best person for the position, and not interested in other information like; how many children you have, etc.
- Don’t write an extremely long personal statement, your personal statement should not be more than 150 words.
Since you now understand what you should do when you are writing your personal statement and what you should not do, then it is time for you to know how to format your personal statement in a way that it will look clean and easy to read.
Let’s dive in;
How to Format Your Personal Statement
The appearance of your personal statement can go a long way to determine if the recruiter will love to continue reading your CV. To be sure you are increasing the chances of getting your CV read by the recruiter, you have to format your personal statement. See how you can format your personal statement;
Positioning Your Personal Statement
You need to position your personal statement in a way that the recruiter will be able to see it as soon as they open your CV, instead of having to make the recruiter manually scroll down to find your personal statement.
You can reduce the margin of your document to make sure your personal statement is in the right position.
Size/Length of Your Personal Statement
In as much as it is good that your personal statement provides enough information as to why you think you are the best person for the job, you should avoid writing a long personal statement.
Your personal statement should be between 8 – 14 lines or a maximum of 150 words.
Writing Style for Your Personal Statement
When you are writing your personal statement, make sure your style of writing is simple. Regardless of the writing style that you choose to adopt, make sure what you are writing is clear and easy to read.
Make sure you choose a simple font type like; Times New Roman, Arial, etc. Your font colour should also be simple and not too loud or sharp. Colours like gray and black are perfect.
It is good for you to adopt a persuasive style when you are writing your personal statement since you are going to be selling yourself to the recruiter.
We have gone a long way with the process of learning how to write a personal statement. Have you ever wondered about the difference between a personal statement and a personal profile?
Maybe not, so do they mean the same thing or are they different? Let’s find out
Difference Between Personal statement and Personal Profile
A personal statement is a piece of writing on your CV that tells your prospective employer that you are the best person for the job. Showcasing your skills, strengths, and abilities that are relevant to the job.
While a personal profile could also be known as a CV summary. The personal profile is the opening statement of a CV that outlines your characteristics, your qualities and your experience that makes you the best person for the job.
The fact is that the personal statement and personal profile are almost the same because they are both introductory statements.
The major differences between the personal statement and personal profile are:
- While the personal statement talks about who you are and why you are the best person for the position, the personal profile focuses more on your achievement, skills, and experience.
- Another major difference between the personal statements and personal profiles is that it is used by most fresh graduates because it allows them to sell themselves even if they don’t have tangible work experiences. The personal profile is used by more experienced people.
- Another difference is that while the personal statement should be long enough to capture everything that suggests that an individual is the best person for the job, the personal profile is shorter.
Now that you understand the difference between a personal statement and a personal profile, have you thought about the difference between a personal statement and a CV objective? Let us get into it.
Difference Between Personal Statement and CV Objective
I am sure you must have seen the word “Objective” on peoples’ CVs and now you are learning about personal statements and you are trying to place the difference between both of them.
Even if they both appear at the top of the CV and emphasize why a candidate is the best person for the position, they are also different.
While the personal statement tells your employer who you are, your skills and strength that are relevant to the position that you are applying for, and also emphasizes that you are the best person for the job.
The CV objective talks about your career goals. Just as the name implies, it has to do with the objective and reason you are applying for the job.
The CV objective could be as simple as showing where you have been in your career and where you hope to go in your career especially with the job that you are applying for.
Quick Tip: Many people have concluded that CV objectives are no longer necessary on a CV. Even if adding an objective to your CV is an outdated practice, you can still decide to add them if it focuses on your skills and abilities.
Do you still need help with writing a good CV? Then join MyJobMag FREE online CV clinic by clicking on the image below:
Personal Statement Examples
Unemployed personal statement example.
Even if you have been unemployed for a while, you can still write an interesting personal statement. You just have to be careful not to focus on the fact that you have been out of work for a while.
You should focus on the skills and experience that highlights you as the best person for the job. You can make up for the fact that you were unemployed for a while by stating some volunteering jobs, courses or training that you did during this period.
Having a gap in your CV is not something that you should be so worried about. Employers understand that people can be out of jobs.
This example will help you frame your personal statement if you are unemployed:
“Vibrant Sales Executive with over eight years’ experience in the manufacturing industry. I have a proven track record of success which includes leading a team of 20, developing sales and marketing strategies that increased the company revenue by 20% in 1 year. Now I am looking at getting a job in an IT company where I can practice my digital marketing skills.”
Graduate Personal Statement Example
If you are a fresh graduate without tangible work experience, you can still use your personal statement to prove to the recruiter that you are the best person for the job.
As a graduate, your personal statement should serve as the headline of your CV. Which means that it should get the attention of the recruiter.
To get the attention of the recruiter, you can start by talking about what the recruiter cares about rather than what you want to achieve. It is easy for you to get the recruiter’s attention when you talk about something they can relate with.
"An acdemically and commercially sharp product designer and engineer with a passion for developing and designing innovative products that save time and make the users’ lives easier.
I have a proven ability in the researching and development of new products that are designed to meet the needs of both users and the environment, with an in-depth knowledge of the principles of product design and engineering, along with product-based practical knowledge of product development process.
I am an expert in the use of Adobe In-Design, AutoCAD, Auto Desk, and Inventor Software along with a robust understanding of joinery and engineering techniques. I am due to get a BSC in Product Design and have extended Level 3 diplomas in mechanical engineering, with a covered range of associated disciplines in product designing and engineering principles."
Career Change Personal Statement Example
If you are changing your career from one job field to the other, you can write a personal statement that will aid your transition process.
If you are changing your career from customer service to human resources, for example, you should include skills that you can transfer from your previous role to the new role.
“Experienced customer service manager with over 5 years of working experience in conflict resolution, interpersonal relationship, recruiting and training new customer service staff. I have successfully managed large teams of customer service executives over the years reducing recruitment costs and ensuring effective onboarding process for new intakes.
I am passionate about employee engagement and retention. I am currently looking for a role in Human Resources to build on my passion and skills.”
Student Personal Statement Example
If you are a student, you can write a personal statement that will help you get an internship or IT position. When you are writing your personal statement as a student, you should tell the recruiter when you want the job.
Employers also look forward to hiring students that are enthusiastic about learning and what they can offer the company in the future.
“I am a resourceful student with a passion for technology and design. During my second and third year at the university, I won the university technical award for my university. I am interested in pursuing my engineering career that is why I want to take up an internship position in an engineering firm.”
Since we have looked at different personal statement examples for different categories of people, so we will take a look at personal statement examples for different job roles.
Accounting Personal Statement
“Qualified accountant with a good understanding of accounting processes. Strong finance skills combined with my ability to analyze and use accounting soft wares. I have over 5 years of experience in developing budget management and cost-saving practices.
I have always used IT to propel my accounting skills, and now I am looking for an accounting role in an IT company where I can broaden my IT experience to help me perform my accounting duties better.”
Marketing Personal Statement
“Proactive marketing executive with over 6 years of increasing sales and revenue through offline practices, PR, and digital marketing. I have strong research skills and abilities that have equipped me with the ability to build marketing strategies that I used in my previous job to increase sales by 20% in one year.”
Customer Service Personal Statement
“A friendly customer service executive with over 4 years’ experience in solving problem and building a great relationship between customers and the brand. I am a resourceful person that learn and study a lot which helped me discovered ways to discover online strategies to engage customers and meet their needs.
My excellent customer service skills have won me several awards in my previous employments. Aside from the awards I have won, I have had several pieces of training on customer service practices. Now, I am looking for a position to take on more responsibilities.”
Teaching Personal Statement Example
“I am a growth-oriented teacher that finds passion in helping people grow by identifying their educational needs and being resourceful about how to meet their needs. I have excellent people management skills that I have acquired in the process of teaching in a different environment and teaching different people.
I have developed modules and lessons to help people with classroom management and class control. Now I am looking for a teaching role that offers more responsibilities”
Medical Personal Statement Example
“I am an adept medical doctor with over 4 years of experience in general medicine and emergency. I am dedicated to making sure that my patients get the best experience which is what inspires me to learn and research ways to handle emergency cases and sick people generally.
My focus on patient experience has won me the award of ‘best doctor of the year’ three times in a row. I have also built a strong passion for teaching and supervising medical trainees. I have trained over 100 interns during residency that helped me build my people management skills.
Now, I am looking to work in a specialist hospital where I will be exposed to more challenges that are within my area of specialization.”
Human Resources Personal Statement Example
“I am an organized human resources officer with 5 years of experience in recruitment, onboarding, and employee retention. I am a resourceful and ambitious person that has consciously developed myself to be able to manage different people.
I am skilled at employee retention which I have recorded great success over the years. I am currently looking for a human resource manager position in a recruitment firm where I can practice my passion in full."
Conclusion:
Your CV personal statement is an integral part of your CV. It can determine if your CV will be read at all or if it will join the others in the pile.
Learning how to write a stunning personal statement is worth investing your effort on, how knows? It might land you the job that you have been waiting for.
Staff Writer
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CV Personal Statement
CV Creator » CV advice » CV Personal Statement
Just like a strong Italian espresso in the morning, a personal statement needs to pack a punch! Here is how to make a strong one for your CV.
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You are in a bookstore, you pick up a book. You read the back page. You’re left unimpressed. Why? The short resume of the book has not enticed you to read further. The same can be said for a CV.
After glancing at your profile for a mere 15 seconds, a decision is made. If they like, they will read on. If they don’t, you will have to try again next time.
The personal statement is the hardest section to write on your CV. Thankfully, we have put together a complete guide for you to write a great one.
- What is a CV Personal Statement and its importance.
- How to write a personal profile for all industries.
- Personal statement examples.
In a rush to build your CV? Don’t have time to go through the entire blog and need a great CV in 5 minutes? Give our CV Creator a go. With more than 20 tailored CV’s to choose from, you will be spoilt for choice.
So if you are short of time, you can create your CV here.
What is a CV Personal Statement?
A personal statement, also known as personal profile, is a vital component for a CV. However, many applicants fail to create a strong profile. This short segment is placed just below your CV header.
It is the main starting point of a CV. It tells the employer who you are, your abilities and goals. What’s more, it provides a viewpoint why you are the right person for a role. A tailored personal statement for every job advert is a must. You must show you have done the required research of the firm.
Keep in mind, the opportunity window is short. Very short. On average, a recruiter will take 7 seconds to look at your CV and make a decision.
For UK applicants, do not confuse university with the corporate world. The personal statement is not the same . Little similarities exist.
Length, Format and Font to Use for Personal Statement
To make an impact, a personal statement should be short and sweet. You want it to be clean and concise. Write a small paragraph which does not exceed 5 sentences. This is equivalent to 150-200 words. Place it beneath your CV header which contains your contact details.
Format and Layout
Choice is the essence of this section. Whichever you choose, make sure it is consistent with the rest of your CV format. Therefore, maintain the same font, font sizing and margins at every turn.
Add a heading for this section if there is enough space on your CV. Titles can be Personal Statement , Personal Profile or Personal Summary . If there is no space for a header, don’t worry. The recruiter will know exactly which section he is about to read. Stay focused on the content and the rest will take care of itself.
Person to Write your Personal Statement
Often ignored by numerous job hunters. Which person to use when writing a personal statement? First or third person. The simple answer is you can write it in both.
Pro Tip : Show you really get the CV process. Writing a personal statement can be done with any person. The real secret is to remove pronouns from your sentences. Do this to show you are objective with your skills all the whilst being precise. It is very easy to get caught up using “I” over and over.
For example: I had sales of £10,500.
He had sales of £10,500.
The correct version: Sales of £10,500.
Now it’s time for us to build one together.
How to Write a Personal Statement
Okay, we have determined the purpose of a personal profile. It’s now time to crack on and know how to write a winning personal statement.
Keep in mind, you have less than a minute to impress this person. Make sure it packs a punch.
Here’s how to do it.
- Analyse the job advert properly . The keywords are your ally.
- Introduce yourself in the first sentence.
- Insert the relevant skills , achievements and goals needed to assert yourself.
- Mention your career goals and how you intend on achieving them.
Put yourself in the shoes of the recruiter. You must be able to answer the 3 following questions when reading:
- Who are you?
- What can you give to the firm?
- What are your career goals?
Analyse the Job Advert
A position has come up for Futures Trading in a London based Family Office. They are looking for someone who wants to have a career in finance. Must have strong analytical and risk management. Can manage large AUM and can aggressively meet targets. Must be able to work well under extreme pressure.
Your tasks will include:
- Actively find new trade opportunities in main indices futures.
- Create risk management tools.
- Track progress made by all traders at the firm.
- Ensure targets are met on a regular basis.
Who you are
We have run you through all the steps to get a personal statement started. It’s time to break it down. We have seen an example of a job advert that can come up. Now the hard bit, how to maximise your potential with this advert.
The first sentence is incredibly important. It must show the recruiter your current standing. You must show them what you are currently seeking professionally and in which industry.
Look at your current status. What makes you happy in your current employment or what you most like to see it include. Consider which qualities you currently have developed that could be vital for this application.
Here is an example of first sentence for your personal statement:
Having successfully leveraged my SEO skills to build numerous websites to a top ranking, I have had the chance to work with many mid sized firms to maximise their online potential.
What can you give the firm
The first sentence is an entry door. You are showcasing what you have done. It’s now time to add meat to the bones. Take the keywords you have underlined from an advert. Link as many as you can to achievements you have realised in the past. You want to be as relevant as possible in your description.
This is the moment to shine. Show an employer you are the right person for the job.
Here is what your second sentence could look like:
I have experience taking little known websites with little online referencing to the first page of important search bars such as Google and Microsoft. I have been able to develop strategies around keywords and partnerships to make almost any business or blog reach the highest echelons on offer. Many websites have seen between 500 and 1000% increases in traffic.
What you aim to achieve
As the last sentence of your personal statement, you must be able to leave a lasting impression. Reaffirm why you are seeking this role and what you want to achieve.
Here is what the last line of your personal profile may look like:
At present, I am looking for a senior SEO writer role working for a unicorn startup. I would like to upscale my results from small and medium sized companies to large blue chip companies with exciting visions.
CV Personal Statement Examples
Now that we have outlined all the steps to create a personal statement , it’s time to see the finished product.
Here is an example for a recent graduate seeking a career in Finance:
A recent graduate with a 1:1 BA Hons in Business Management from the University of Westminster. My studies have given me a broad understanding of business and how access to suitable financing is essential for a company to prosper. Good knowledge of C++, Python and Matlab. Seeking to expand my knowledge of creating sound financial modelling to make business decisions with minimal risk. I would like to join BNP Paribas as a Junior Financial Analyst.
For an experienced candidate looking to leverage experience in their industry.
Proactive managing director with more than 15 years of experience working in small and medium hotels. Specialised in increasing profitability, stable cost structure, supplier negotiations and a great internal management framework to maximise employee potential. Adept at managing sites simultaneously, delegating tasks and hiring exceptional human talent. Ensure every new employee is properly trained with access to numerous learning facilities. Seeking a role within a global hotel firm to expand my knowledge and experience.
Mistakes to Avoid for your CV Personal Statement
Whilst it is easy to get caught up in what to write, there are plenty of potential banana skins. Make sure you don’t end up losing your chance for an interview over a simple mistake.
Adding too Many Action Words
Action words are necessary for a CV personal profile. They add substance. Nonetheless, you don’t want to over do it. Common action words seen in a personal statement can be verbs and adjectives alike. These include leveraged, achieved, developed or created. They are there to add dynamism to your CV.
However, do not over do it. There is nothing worse for a recruiter to read a personal profile filled with too many action words. Limit your action words to one per line.
The best way to demonstrate is with tangible examples. It will give a stronger statement of intent than any action word.
Remember, job adverts and personal statements are littered with them. The best way to stand out is to use them as effectively as possible.
Like that you will avoid your personal statement becoming the complete opposite of success.
Type of Voice to Use
Often neglected, the voice used in a profile can play a key role. This applies for every section of your CV. Find out more on this topic through our CV tips .
Just like the post you are reading at present, active voice is always spurred on. It makes it easier to engage a reader with active than passive voice.
For example, “David likes Beth” is an active voice sentence. “David is liked by Beth” is a passive voice sentence. As you can see, it is easier to read in active voice. Also, it portrays a more upbeat candidate.
On another note, avoid using the first person. Personal pronouns such as “I”, “She” or “He” are frowned upon. It can make your personal statement seem dull.
Generic Personal Statement for Every Application
You may think once you have written your profile once, you can send it a 100 times. Whilst it may require just some tweaking, no application should be the same.
Keep in mind, you do not want a recruiter to find out you have sent a generic statement. Tailor it to make sure the key skills in the advert find their way on to your profile.
Not Specific Enough
Writing a personal statement is difficult. Not only is it difficult to relate all the necessary skills, it can also be hard to limit the word count.
Be aware, do not write too many phrases in this section. A CV personal profile filled with bold adjectives and filler words will not get an interview.
Feature your most important skills and results. Keep the rest of your story for other sections and a cover letter.
Key Takeaways for your Personal Statement
Now that you have all the tools to build a great personal statement, here are the key points:
- Stick to the point. This is the shortest section of your CV. Contain it to 5 sentences. It is very about quantity over quality.
- Ensure your personal statement responds to the keywords in the job advert.
- Keep in mind the 3 key questions for your personal profile.
- Avoid falling on a banana skin . Limit passive voice, adjectives and filler words at all cost.
Still have unanswered questions on how to create a winning CV personal statement?
Not sure how to impress the recruiters with your personal profile? Then please get in touch here . We would love to help you reach your dream career.
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Writing a personal statement for your CV
CV personal statements are like the sales pitch of your CV, but not everyone thinks they're useful. Discover if they're really necessary, how to write a CV personal profile and templates for inspiration
What is a CV personal statement?
A CV 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, personal profile, personal summary or executive summary.
Sitting at the top of your CV, it's your opportunity to 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 focus of your CV statement should be to target your offer to employers - why should they hire you and how are you different to other graduates? Therefore, making your personal statement as unique as possible is crucial to ensure you stand out from the crowd,' explains Alex Proctor, careers consultant at the University of Bradford.
Do I need a personal summary on my CV?
Traditionally, almost all CV types include a personal statement but there is some debate about whether you actually need to include one.
Some recruiters and careers advisers 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.
The latter belief is often the case with graduate CVs, as some employers feel that those just stepping onto the career ladder don't necessarily 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 and stating things that should be a given, such as, 'I'm hardworking and organised,' which is why some recruiters believe that they are best suited to more senior CVs.
So while your CV doesn't need a personal statement, employers spend only seconds looking at application documents. With this in mind, a CV personal statement gives you an invaluable opportunity to make your application stand out as quickly as possible.
Alex believes 'that a CV personal statement is a good idea, because employers often have so many CVs to read through and the personal statement, if clear and concise, can elevate your chances of getting through to the next stage of the recruitment process.'
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. 'If you haven’t got much work experience, focus on what experience you can extract from your degree,' advises Alex. 'If you have taken part in various projects demonstrate what your role was. Alternatively, if you have written a dissertation, showcase your topic and what skills you have developed from this experience. Employers will value your individuality even if you haven't had masses of practical work experience.'
If you're struggling to give it context and get it right, make an appointment with your university's careers or employability service and ask an adviser to help you hone your writing.
What should I include in my CV personal profile?
In terms of length, a CV personal profile should be no longer than 150 words. 'It should be short, impactful and aligned effectively with the CV content,' explains David Ainscough, careers consultant team lead and deputy director at the University of Cambridge.
'A personal CV profile should include details of your educational background, evidence of work experience, as well as your career aspirations. You ideally need to ensure you are telling the reader what you can offer skill-wise and don't be afraid to also share any accomplishments,' adds Alex.
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 with five years’ experience…'
Next, detail what you can offer the company. Ask yourself why you're suited to the 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 teamworking skills. Or how you applied skills learned on your physical therapy degree during your time as a physio assistant for university sport teams.
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.'
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 and tense 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 do I make my CV personal statement stand out to employers?
- 'Remember that first impressions count so make sure you're giving the recruiter a comfortable reading experience. Layout and clarity are crucial,' says David.
- Tailor your CV 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. For example, 'experienced event manager, who led a team to organise a charity ball for 150 people, raising £5,000 - a 20% increase on previous years.'
- Use the job description to help form your CV personal profile.
- Stick to the word limit.
- Check for spelling and grammar mistakes. The personal summary sits at the top of your CV so any errors will be immediately apparent.
- 'Keep it fresh. It needs to be reviewed in each application you make so consider something new to say each time,' adds David.
- Read it aloud once you've finished writing to make sure it flows.
- Copy and paste from your cover letter or from online CV personal statement examples. Your personal summary needs to be unique and personal to you.
- Include unnecessary personal information such as your age, marital status etc.
- Use clichés, slang or jargon.
- Use bland, empty statements like 'I work well independently and as part of a team'. This tells employers absolutely nothing about what you’re capable of.
- Overuse buzzwords.
- Include quotes from previous employers.
- Ramble. Recruiters don't have time to read through waffle, so get to the point.
Think about the connotations of the words you use - 'currently studying' implies things might change, 'trying' implies failure, 'might' or 'maybe' sounds like you're not sure. The words you use have power so choose them carefully. You want to sound confident, positive and enthusiastic.
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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Resume personal statement examples
If you want to secure job interview, you need a strong personal statement at the top of your resume.
Your resume personal statement is a short paragraph which sits at the very top of your resume – and it’s aim is to summarize the benefits of hiring you and encourage employers to read your resume in full.
In this guide I have included 17 resume personal statement examples from a range of professions and experience levels, plus a detailed guide of how to write your own personal statement that will get you noticed by employers
Resume templates
17 resume 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 resume summary examples instead.
College graduate resume personal statement (no experience)
Although this college 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.
When you have little or no experience, it’s important to draw out transferable workplace skills from your studies and extracurricular work, to showcase them to employers.
College graduate resume personal statement (part time freelance experience)
This candidate has graduated college with a degree in biochemistry but actually wants to start a career in 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 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.
High school leaver resume 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 high school work-placements, to strengthen this student resume further.
Top tips for writing a resume 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
High school leaver resume personal statement (part time experience)
Although this person has only just left high school, they have also undertaken some part-time work in a call center 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 future studies, 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 resume 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 honor results prominent and highlighted skills and experience which would benefit the employers they are targeting.
Any recruiter reading this summary 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 resume 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 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 resume personal statement
Aside from junior candidates, the only other people who might use a personal statement, are academic professionals; as their resume’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 colleges.
High school leaver resume personal statement with 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 organization.
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 at college and take a part time job, to further prove their ambition and dedication.
History graduate resume 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 organizational skills – which are vital assets to any employer.
Law graduate resume personal statement
This legal graduate makes the most from their college work placements by using it to bulk out the contents of their resume 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 resume 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 resume 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 resume personal statement
As this finance student has recently undertaken some relevant work experience, they’ve made sure to shout about this in their personal summary.
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 resume personal statement
This digital marketing professional has started their personal summary 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.
College graduate career changer personal statement
Switching careers as a college graduate can be tough. Especially when it comes to writing a personal statement that will attract employers in your new chosen field.
This candidate is looking to move from history teaching into journalism, so they have created a statement which briefly mentions their current workplace, but mainly focuses on highlighting transferable skills which are relevant to journalism. They achieve this by discussing the writing skills they use in their current role, and mentioning their hobby of writing – including some publications they have been featured in for extra brownie points.
Business management graduate personal statement
This business management proves their ability to work within a junior business management position by swiftly highlighting their impressive degree (to ensure it is not missed) and summarizing some of the real-life experience they have gained in management during their college placements and volunteering. They do not let their lack of paid work experience, stop them demonstrating their valuable skills.
PhD graduate
PhD graduate roles attract a lot of competition, so it’s important that your resume contains a personal statement that will quickly impress and attract recruiters.
This candidate provides a short-but-comprehensive overview of their academic achievements, whilst demonstrating their exceptional level of knowledge in research, languages and publication writing.
By highlighting a number of skills and abilities that are in high-demand in the academic workplace, this resume is very likely to get noticed and land interviews.
How to write a personal statement for your resume
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 resume – and start racking those interviews up.
Guide contents
What is a resume personal statement?
Resume personal statement or resume summary, personal statement format, what to include in a resume personal statement.
- Personal statement mistakes
How to write persuasively
A personal statement is a short paragraph at the top of your resume 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 resume 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 resume summary?”
To be honest, they are almost the same – they are both introductory paragraphs that sit at the top of your resume… but there are 2 main differences:
A personal statement tends to be used more by junior candidates (college graduates, high school leavers etc.) and is relatively long and detailed.
A resume summary 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 resume writing guide , or example resume summaries 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 resume, 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 minimizing the space taken up by your contact details.
This will ensure that your whole personal statement can be seen, as soon as your resume is opened.
We have a resume 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 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 color 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 resume will fail to impress recruiters and employers. Use our quick-and-easy Resume Builder to create a winning resume in minutes with professional resume 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 resume 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 or your GED. 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:
- High school/college work placements
- Voluntary work
- Personal projects
- Hobbies/interests
As with all aspects of your resume , 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.
Resume 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 resume will fail to impress recruiters and employers. Use our quick-and-easy Resume Builder to create a winning resume 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 college graduate resume example , our best resume templates , or our library of example resumes from all industries.
Good luck with the job hunt!
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- CV and Cover Letter
- Craft a winning personal...
Craft a winning personal statement for your CV to stand out
8 min read · Updated on April 18, 2024
Let the personal statement on your CV speak volumes about you
You probably have a fairly good idea of how to write a CV . Your employment history , education , and qualifications are relatively easy to pull together as you just need to look at dates, your previous job specs, and what you've achieved over the years.
The personal statement is often the trickiest component of a CV to write. Thankfully, we've got this comprehensive guide to help you write a winning one.
What is a personal statement for a CV?
Your personal statement is a short paragraph that sits at the top of your CV, just below your name and contact details. Diving into three key aspects, this section offers the recruiter or hiring manager a powerful overview of you as a professional:
1. Who you are
2. Your suitability for the role and the value you can add
3. Your career goals
Why include a personal statement on your CV?
It is estimated that recruiters spend an average of less than 8 seconds reviewing a CV before deciding whether the applicant is a good fit.
As the personal statement is the first section they will read, it must be powerful and tailored to the job you're applying for to successfully showcase your suitability. If it's not, you're unlikely to convince the recruiter you're the talent they need for the job.
5 tips on writing your personal statement
Before we look at some personal statement examples, let's take a look at the basics. Here are some expert-backed tips for writing a good personal statement on your CV.
1. Keep it short and on point
Keep your personal statement clean and concise. It's typically around four sentences long, or about 50 to 200 words. If you're overshooting that word count, see which nonessential parts can be omitted.
2. Get the layout right from the start
Make sure that your layout is consistent with the rest of your CV's formatting . That means maintaining the same font size , font type, and text justification. Recruiters will notice these minor details, and so it's smart to get ahead of the game here.
3. Use a heading (if there's space!)
You can add a “personal statement” heading in the same way that you'd title the subsequent sections of your CV. However, if you're tight on space, you can cut the heading as recruiters will know what this paragraph is nonetheless.
4. Choose the right perspective
The first person is acceptable for a statement (“I am an IT professional looking for a job in…”) as is the third person (“An IT professional looking for a job in…”). Choose the point of view that's most comfortable to write in, but, as always, keep it consistent with the rest of your CV.
5. Cut back on unnecessary words
If you're writing in the third person, remove all pronouns. Otherwise, it sounds existentially awkward, rather than objective. For example, “She is a retail professional seeking a management role…” would become “A retail professional seeking a management role…”
How to write a personal statement for a CV
We've looked at the purpose of a personal statement, what it should include, and how it should look on the page. Now let's zoom in on exactly how to write a winning statement.
When writing, keep in mind that the personal statement on your CV is your elevator pitch; it's the equivalent of the “Tell me about yourself” or “Why should I hire you?” question in an interview. Below, we break down what you need to include in your personal statement.
Part 1: Who you are
Your opening statement needs to tell the prospective employer where you stand in your career.
This introduction could include your current role, years of experience, and what you like the most about your career or professional field. It gives the recruiter a hint of the qualities that make you valuable to the vacancy.
Your first sentence may read like so:
As a successful digital marketing professional with five years specialising in e-commerce, I have recently worked with several global brands in the sector to improve their marketing strategy and boost their reach.
Part 2: Your suitability and value
The next part of your statement should line up with the requirements in the job description and prove your relevant and impressive qualifications.
It's always best to address here the essential job specifications to articulate from the beginning that you're the right person for the job. For example, if the role requires management experience or a certain degree and you have these, say so.
Your middle sentences may look like this:
I have experience in optimising quality digital products via my most recent role and am therefore in tune with the latest developments across the online landscape. As a result, I have devised winning branding strategies for e-commerce businesses that are robust, customer-centric and set for aggressive growth.
Part 3: Your career goals
The last part of your personal statement should be short and snappy as it's reaffirming why you are applying for this vacancy.
It might read something like so:
I am currently looking for a senior branding or marketing management role within the e-commerce sector where I can maintain my strong track record and deliver similar results.
Complete CV personal profile examples
In addition to the samples above, here are a couple of complete personal statement examples to give you an idea of what yours should look like.
For a graduate, written in the third person:
A recent graduate with a first-class BSc degree in Mathematics, specialising in analytics and statistics. Holds commercial experience within the finance sector, thanks to an internship with a corporate UK business, and has resultantly developed technical skills in data science and data engineering. Has a proven ability to meet deadlines, prioritise, problem solve, and maintain high standards having balanced a part-time job alongside studies over the last three years. Now looking to secure a place on a graduate programme that will provide exposure to data science and career progression opportunities.
Addressing a recent redundancy, written in the first person:
I am a skilled and successful Product Engineer within the automotive industry, with an HND in mechanical engineering and seven years of experience in the sector. Having worked in a number of labs handling vehicle-based testing and mentoring development technicians, I am confident in managing teams in a hands-on environment and running new development projects from briefing to sign off. Currently looking for a role that complements my skill set and experience. Available immediately.
Writing your personal statement: common mistakes to avoid
There are some common profile errors that you should avoid. Steer clear of these popular pitfalls to keep your personal statement as powerful as possible.
Buzzword overload
Are you an extremely self-motivated, ambitious professional with extensive experience and passion for a certain industry? We thought so.
Buzzwords are great, and you'll find them in abundance in job adverts. But it's best to sprinkle just a few through your personal statement as they don't particularly provide evidence of your skill or ability. It's much stronger to show the employer how you're self-motivated and ambitious with an example.
Using a generic personal statement
You might think that your personal statement can work for every application. For the most part, it will, because, in theory, the jobs you're applying for will be similar and match your skill set.
However, you must tweak and tailor your statement (and your entire CV) so that it targets the skills each vacancy requires. Otherwise, it won't be as impactful.
Including too much waffle
As you begin to plan and write the personal statement for your CV, you'll most likely find that you have a lot more to say than you originally thought. Be careful not to overwrite as you may be left with a statement that's clogged with too many adjectives and is clunky to read.
As a rule of thumb, highlight your best bits in your personal statement and save the details for your cover letter .
FAQs about your personal statement
Now that we've shown you some examples of a personal statement on a CV, there's just one last thing to cover. Here are some frequently asked questions on the topic:
How long should a personal statement be?
When you're writing a personal statement for a CV, your word count should be between 50 and 200 words. Be sure not to waste any space with unnecessary waffle here.
Does a personal statement have other names?
Yes! The personal statement on your CV may also be called a personal profile, a CV summary, or a professional summary.
Does a CV (really) need a personal statement?
Yes, most CVs require a personal statement at the top of the page. Use our guide to help you write a summary that grabs the hiring manager's attention for the right reasons.
Stand out with a winning personal statement
Writing a captivating personal statement on your CV is a quick way to hook potential employers. Make sure that your summary showcases what makes you unique and adds value to your application.
Still unsure about your personal statement? Get in touch with one of our career experts by requesting a free CV critique today!
Recommended reading:
Professional email salutations that work (with examples)
Written communication: definition and examples
How long should a cover letter be and what should it include?
Related Articles:
How to demonstrate teamwork skills on your CV (with examples)
Writing a 16-year-old's CV: tips & examples
How to list publications on a CV (with examples)
See how your CV stacks up.
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How to write a CV personal statement
Personal statement example for civil engineers:
Personal statement example for administrative assistants:, personal statement example for lawyers:.
Unlock the secrets of crafting a compelling personal statement with our in-depth guide. We'll break down the essentials and show you how to make yours stand out. We'll also offer practical tips and real-world examples to help you create a statement that resonates with recruiters and hiring managers. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting your career, mastering the art of the personal statement is essential to unlocking your next career move.
What is a personal statement?
Your personal statement is more than just a summary of your qualifications – it's your professional story, told in your own unique voice. It's a chance to forge a genuine connection with your reader, whether that's a university admissions committee, a potential employer, or a scholarship board. Beyond listing your achievements, it's about revealing the experiences, values, and passions that have shaped you into the candidate you are today.
In Ireland, a well-crafted personal statement can be the key to unlocking a world of opportunities in higher education and the job market. Use it to showcase your unique journey, highlighting the moments of growth, the challenges you've overcome, and the lessons you've learned along the way.
Think of your personal statement as your chance to converse with the decision-makers. What do you want them to know about you that they won't find elsewhere in your application? What sparks your curiosity? What drives you to succeed? What makes you the ideal fit for their programme or position?
Don't be afraid to let your personality shine through. Infuse your writing with authenticity, passion, and a touch of creativity. By sharing your story in an engaging and relatable way, you'll leave a lasting impression and demonstrate why you're the ideal candidate to invest in.
How to format a personal statement
While there's no one-size-fits-all template for a personal statement, it's crucial to pay attention to formatting to make a positive impression. Typically, personal statements for institutions should be around 500-750 words, although specific requirements can vary.
Use a clear and readable font like Times New Roman or Arial, size 12, and ensure your document is double-spaced with standard margins. Divide your statement into paragraphs, each focusing on a specific aspect of your story. Use headings if appropriate, and proofread meticulously to eliminate any grammatical errors or typos.
Your personal statement on a CV should typically include:
- Your professional title, such as " Accountant " or " Architect .”
- Any relevant special skills or hard skills you possess
- Any outstanding, relevant accomplishments
- Any short or long-term career goals
- An engaging hook
Consider the following personal statements:
“Analytical, innovative and experienced civil engineer with over eight years working in the structural engineering sector. Committed to designing and constructing safer structures to improve the lives of clients and communities. Highly skilled in a range of important civil engineering skills, including project management skills, engineering software skills and an understanding of hydraulic systems. Passionate about building a better Ireland and a better world.”
“Highly organised and detail-oriented administrative professional with over five years of experience supporting clients. Proven ability to manage complex calendars, streamline communications, and optimise office workflows. Adept at using various software suites (e.g., Microsoft Office, Google Workspace) and prioritising tasks effectively. Committed to delivering exceptional service and ensuring the smooth operation of any team.”
“ Dedicated and results-driven lawyer with a proven track record in Immigration Law. Skilled in legal research, drafting persuasive arguments, and advocating for clients in negotiations and court proceedings. Committed to upholding the highest ethical standards. Passionate about achieving justice and positively impacting the lives of clients and the community.”
Remember, the presentation of your personal statement is just as important as its content. A well-formatted personal statement reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, making it easier for the reader to navigate and appreciate your story. Avoid using overly casual language or slang, and maintain a formal but engaging tone throughout.
By adhering to these guidelines, you can ensure that your personal statement tells your unique story and showcases your ability to communicate effectively and professionally.
How do I start my personal statement? Instead of using a generic opening, dive straight into a specific anecdote or experience that captures your essence and relates to your industry.
This could be a pivotal moment, a personal challenge you overcame, or a unique encounter that sparked your interest. By starting with a compelling story, you immediately engage the reader and leave them wanting to learn more about you.
Tailor your personal statement to the job description
A common mistake many job seekers make is using a generic personal statement for every application. Tailoring your personal statement to each specific job description is crucial to stand out. Employers are looking for candidates who not only possess the required skills and experience but also demonstrate a genuine interest in and understanding of the role.
Begin by carefully reading the job description and identifying the key skills, qualifications, and experiences the employer is seeking. Then, highlight the aspects of your background that align with these requirements in your personal statement.
Use specific examples to illustrate how your past achievements and experiences have prepared you for the challenges and responsibilities.
According to the Central Statistics Office (CSO) , the employment rate in Ireland reached a record high of 74.2% in the second quarter of 2023. This is one of the highest employment rates since the series began in 1998!
Positioning your personal statement
The positioning of your personal statement within your CV is crucial, as it serves as your initial introduction to potential employers. It should be prominently placed at the top of your CV, just below your contact information. This ensures that it's the first thing recruiters see, capturing their attention and providing a concise overview of your key skills and career goals.
Avoid burying your personal statement within the body of your CV, as it could easily be overlooked. By placing it at the forefront of your CV, you maximise its impact and ensure it contributes to a strong first impression.
Remember, your personal statement is your chance to make a compelling case for why you're the ideal candidate, so give it the spotlight it deserves.
Ensure your CV is concise and focused, ideally limiting it to two pages. Recruiters often have limited time to review each application, so make sure your most relevant skills and experiences stand out prominently. Use clear headings and bullet points to make your CV easy to skim and highlight your key achievements.
Write your CV personal statement last
Feeling overwhelmed about where to begin? Don't let writer's block hold you back! Start by focusing on detailing your work history and accomplishments . Once you've laid out your experience, you'll have a clearer picture of the skills and keywords that resonate most strongly with your professional journey.
Your previous roles and the job you're targeting can be the foundation for your personal statement. Take a moment to reflect: What responsibilities did you hold in previous positions? What skills did you develop that align with the requirements of the new role? Use these insights to inform the language and tone of your personal statement.
Often, the right words flow more efficiently when the rest of your CV is in place. Tackle this section last, and you'll find yourself better equipped to articulate your unique value proposition. Let your work history serve as a springboard, guiding you towards a compelling and authentic personal statement that captures the essence of who you are as a professional.
Think about mixing together what you're great at, what gets you excited about working, and how all that fits into where you want to go in your career. Always be honest about your professional background, but remember to add a sprinkle of creativity so your past experiences shine a light on your future. It's like telling your career story with a twist that points straight to your dreams.
Personal statement examples
Your personal statement celebrates your unique journey and the unique blend of skills and experiences that make you, well, you. Resist the urge to borrow someone else's voice—this is your chance to showcase your individuality and let your personality shine through.
Think of your personal statement as a creative expression of your authentic self. Craft it with such a distinctive flair that your friends and family would instantly recognise it as yours. Imagine them reading it and exclaiming, "This is so you!"
Embrace your quirks, passions, and the stories that have shaped you. Let your words paint a vivid picture of who you are, what motivates you, and the value you bring to the table. When you infuse your personal statement with your unique essence, it becomes more than just a piece of writing—it becomes an unforgettable introduction to the remarkable individual that you are.
Before you begin writing your personal CV statement, check out our collection of personal statement examples to get a sense of different styles and formats:
“Proactive Administrative Assistant with over 12 years of hands-on experience supporting executives at a leading Dublin-based financial institution. Skillfully managed complex itineraries, extensive expense reports, and synchronised communications and schedules across multiple business units. Eager to bring my refined office management expertise and sharp problem-solving abilities to an Executive Assistant position at cvapp.ie, where resourcefulness and dedication to efficiency are highly valued, especially in fast-paced, deadline-driven settings."
The above example achieves the following:
- States their title in the first sentence, e.g. Administrative Assistant
- Includes specific details, e.g. the name of the company they’re applying to, the position they’re applying for, and years spent in the industry
- Succinctly sums up major responsibilities and skills
- Highlights hard skills—experience arranging travel and expense reports—as well as soft skills such as resourcefulness and efficiency
- Personalised to resonate with the goals and job description of the company
Here are some more great CV personal statement examples:
”Experienced Digital Marketing Manager with five years experience spearheading innovative marketing strategies that boosted inbound leads by an astounding 250%. Propelled online sales from €100,000 to more than €2 million within just three years. Keen to leverage my skills and propel my career forward as part of cvapp.ie marketing team, and contribute to company success.”
“Savvy Social Media Manager with a decade of experience in B2C and B2B marketing. Proven success in expanding social reach, increasing client base by 35, and growing followers by 120%. Seeking a Marketing Manager role to leverage robust social media expertise in a broader marketing strategy and leadership capacity.”
“Copywriter with six years experience in a large e-commerce company. Produced content that grew brand social presence to over 700,000 followers across three channels and improved email open rates by 48%. Looking to further career by joining cvapp.ie as an SEO Assistant.”
“Enthusiastic Barista with three years of experience in a fast-paced Dublin coffee shop. Proven ability to deliver excellent customer service, prepare high-quality beverages, and maintain a clean, efficient workspace. Looking to expand skills and knowledge by joining The Dublin Hot Pot as a Barista. ”
These examples are effective, direct, and centred on achievements while avoiding the use of "I". Again, the applicant has included important details such as their title and years spent in the industry, as well as key accomplishments substantiated with numbers to help demonstrate their impact.
Here are some less effective CV personal statement examples:
“I’ve 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 a self-starter. I have shown that I work well under pressure, and I’d like to use my skills for a new role in digital marketing at your company.”
The example above lacks specific details and fails to showcase any notable accomplishments. Additionally, the frequent use of "I" can come across as overly self-focused rather than demonstrating an understanding of how your contributions benefit the team or company. It's essential to strike a balance by actively describing your achievements and the potential value you can bring to the table.
“ Hey there, my name is Rionagh, and I've been cooking stuff for as long as I can remember. I've worked in a couple of restaurants and even did a stint at a catering company, which was pretty crazy, let me tell you. Lots of last-minute orders and demanding clients, but I always managed to pull it off.
I'm looking for a job where I can be creative and experiment with new flavours. I'm not afraid to get my hands dirty, and I'm always willing to go the extra mile. So if you're looking for a cook who's passionate about food and not afraid to have a little fun in the kitchen, then I'm your girl.”
This example uses language that is unprofessional and overly casual. Additionally, this personal statement lacks specific details about the applicant's experience and uses slang and informal language. It also doesn't highlight any specific skills or achievements that would make the applicant stand out, and the repeated use of "I" makes the personal statement sound self-centred.
"Hey, I'm a marketing pro looking for a cool new gig. I'm super creative and good at all that social media stuff. Hit me up if you want someone who can bring the fun to your brand."
This personal statement example lacks professionalism and fails to highlight specific skills or achievements. The casual tone might not resonate with all employers.
"I am a highly motivated individual seeking a challenging position in a dynamic company. I have a proven track record of success and am eager to contribute my skills to a team-oriented environment."
This example is filled with clichés and buzzwords that don't offer any unique insights into the candidate. It doesn't showcase any specific qualifications or experiences, and it uses clichės and generic terminology that runs the risk of boring employers.
What makes a weak personal statement?
Certain mistakes can undermine the effectiveness of your personal statement and jeopardise your application. One major one is relying on generic phrases or buzzwords that have become so overused that they've lost their meaning.
These clichés can signal to recruiters that you haven't tried to personalise your statement, potentially leading them to move on to the next candidate. Instead, strive for genuine and authentic language that reflects your unique voice and experiences.
Remember, your personal statement is your opportunity to make a memorable impression, not to blend in with the crowd. Additionally, don't hesitate to seek feedback from trusted friends, family, or mentors. A fresh pair of eyes can help you catch any errors, identify areas for improvement, and ensure that your personal statement shines.
Terminology may vary depending on the CV format you choose. While some templates might label this section as a "personal statement" or a "professional summary," others may not use any label at all. However, don't let this worry you – employers typically expect the opening lines of your CV to serve as your professional introduction, regardless of the specific title used.
What do employers want to see in your CV?
Step into the shoes of a recruiter sifting through countless CVs. They crave engagement from the very first sentence, seeking candidates who truly understand the role and can articulate their value. Your personal statement is your golden ticket to capture their attention and set yourself apart.
Tailor your introduction to resonate deeply with the hiring manager, establishing an instant connection. Don't just list skills; demonstrate your impact with concrete examples and quantifiable achievements. Abstract claims won't cut it – showcase how your contributions have made a tangible difference.
Remember, a lacklustre opening might signal a mismatch between your skills and the position. Focus on highlighting and aligning your most relevant experiences with the job requirements.
Craft a personal statement that achieves the following:
- Instant appeal: Compel the hiring manager to view you as a top contender from the outset.
- Memorable impact: Leave a lasting impression by showcasing your unique value proposition.
- Quantifiable results: Back up your skills and experience with measurable outcomes, demonstrating your ability to deliver tangible results.
By crafting a compelling personal statement that speaks directly to the employer's needs, you'll increase your chances of landing an interview and ultimately securing your dream job.
Key takeaways
Your personal statement is a powerful tool that can leave a good impression on employers right from the start. Think of it as your professional introduction, a way to tell employers who you are and what you stand for in a simple, clear manner.
When written well, your personal statement captures your professional essence and strengths, making people remember you for all the right reasons.
Remember, your CV personal statement should ideally include:
- A genuine and professional tone that accurately mirrors who you are
- Key reasons why your professional background is a perfect match for the job role
- How the role and job description are in sync with your long-term career objectives
- Concrete evidence and statistics that substantiate and support your claims
To create a truly powerful CV that both impresses and engages employers, be sure to check out more professional personal statement examples on the cvapp.ie website! With an expert-approved online CV builder and expert-approved career advice, your job-winning CV is just a few clicks away!
- Work With Us
How To Write A Personal Statement For Your Resume (With Examples).
You need to write a personal statement for your resume and are looking for examples.
You could make it easy for yourself and hire a professional resume writer such as myself .
But maybe your budget is limited – or maybe you don’t feel that hiring a professional resume writer is worth it ( Are Professional Resume Writers Worth The Cost? ).
Either way, no problems.
You’ve Come to the Right place.
The best way to write an eyeball-grabbing personal statement for your resume is by knowing what NOT to do.
I’m about to show you some examples of very underwhelming, yet typical personal statements. I will then explain what makes them so average – so that you don’t make the same mistakes when you write your own.
If you follow my advice, you’ll end up with a killer killer personal statement for your resume that will position you as the winning candidate in front of potential employers.
But before I get stuck into it, let me give you a quick heads-up. What I’m about to tell you will help you write a much more persuasive resume.
Brand Yourself.
The personal statement sets the foundation of your personal brand .
The idea of a professional or personal brand isn’t new. The term was first coined by business management consultant Tom Peters back in his 1997 essay The Brand Called You .
In it, Peters claimed that:
“You’re not defined by your job title and you’re not confined by your job description…You’re every bit as much a brand as Nike, Coke, Pepsi, or the Body Shop.”
What Peters described was a ‘value proposition’. You can begin to discover what yours is by asking yourself the following three questions:
- What makes you uniquely attractive to employers ?
- What makes you uniquely different from the next similarly qualified candidate?
- And, most importantly, what organisational problems can you solve that no-one else can ?
Answering these three questions in your personal statement is your number one priority. To keep you on track, remember JFK’s famous inaugural quote:
“Ask not what your employer can do for you; ask what you can do for your employer.”
Example of a bad personal statement #1:
Let’s perform an autopsy of a personal statement taken from a typical run-of-the-mill resume that I found online.
Can you spot any problems with it – before I shine a light on them?
This example makes the wrong first impression with “Results-orientated…”.
Generic phrasing is a real snooze for recruiters . They look through dozens of resumes per day and most kick off with some variation of this line.
The second sentence in the above example starts well with an attempt to identify a skill that solves a problem and delivers an outcome:
“Possessing a track record helping to optimise operational processes whilst maximising profit…”
But then ends in a way that doesn’t make much sense:
“…within a challenging fast paced environment requiring high degree of communication, flair and the ability to meet tight deadlines.”
A personal statement for a resume needs to be snappy. A sentence should take up no more than 2 lines, have no more than 2 clauses or related to more than one core competency.
Snappy sentences bring impact. In the above for example, the writer could have made his/her point with much more impact by saying:
“I possess a track record of optimising operational processes whilst maximizing profit.”
What’s an objective?
It’s the once-popular resume item which now firmly belongs in the dustbin of history. You see it in the example above as part of this sentence:
“Seeks a challenging and varied position…”
Truth is, your objective is implied in the act of submitting your job application. By reiterating it on your resume you waste valuable real estate – and squander an opportunity to sell yourself.
Recruiters want to know how you can solve their problems, not how they can solve yours.
Example of a bad personal statement #2:
Let’s dissect another example of a personal statement. This one will teach us a few different lessons:
“Market strategy analist…”
This example shows us the typical shotgun approach – cramming all areas of experience in to cover the bases:
“…cross functional expertise in business and financial analysis, accounting, marketing and new business development…”
Serial entrepreneur Gary Vaynerchuk wisely told us: “ No matter what you do, your job is to tell your story”.
Great stories have structure, cohesion and flow – and so should the personal statement on your resume.
It needs to paint a clear and coherent picture of your expertise and value proposition, so avoid standalone sentences like the one in the above example:
“Proven history of improving operations and increasing profitability. Ability to talk and conduct business in French and Spanish languages…Excellent interpersonal and analytical skills.”
As personal statement examples go, the one isn’t ‘bad’ – but it is boring.
Whilst we get a good overview of skills and experience (albeit in a somewhat clumsy manner), it fails to tell us anything ‘personal’.
Research shows that more than ever, employers are recruiting for culture fit .
A personal statement for a resume should be an introduction to your brand – in your voice.
Absence of all pronouns (as we see in the example above), creates an impersonal, distant resume. Give your recruiters a voice that they can connect with by writing your personal statement in the first voice.
For example:
“I am a professional, committed and ambitious Chartered Internal Auditor with more than 20 years’ experience…”
The difference is subtle, but noticeable, isn’t it?
My Final Piece of Advice.
As you continue your research on how to write a personal statement for a resume, it’s important that you know a lot of the ‘advice’ out there is poor. Consistent, but poor.
Most of the guidance on writing a personal statement for a resume is dated. So-called ‘gurus’ will tell you to describe your best assets, focus on your strengths and highlight your accomplishments.
This approach might have worked 10 years ago.
To win in today’s job market, you need to focus on how your best assets, strengths and accomplishments solve organizational problems.
This is the core of your personal brand.
To find out more about my approach, you can read my interview with the Huffington Post – Building A Personal Branding Company .
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CV Personal Statement Profile
Our guide on CV Personal Statement Profile will tell you everything you need to know to write an effective summary of your career profile to stand out from other candidates. Our professional cv writing services covered the following points:
- How to use CV Personal Statement Profile as an introduction to your resume?
- How to write a CV Personal Statement Profile?
- Tips to follow when writing your CV Personal Statement Profile.
We will also offer you some examples of different job titles for your reference so you can avoid mistakes and make sure that you come across as a strong and confident candidate to the recruiters.
What Should Good Resume Look Like?
Leave your email and get free perfect-resume examples that were selected by our experts.
Why do you need a CV Personal Statement Profile
Personal profiles are often the topic of contention in the recruiting industry. For many hiring managers, a personal statement on resume is the perfect opening line to spike their interest. For others, a statement is quite unnecessary for top-performing CVs.
However, the basic idea is that recruiters take less than 10 seconds to go through your resume. Your personal statement can offer a quick glimpse of what you have to offer. In many ways, your personal profile serves as an introduction to your CV. It gives the gist of your professional experiences and career aspirations. And when done right, it can be the key to instantly attract a recruiter's attention and help you land an interview that leads to your next job offer.
Take a look below to see our CV personal statement sample, and how it can help make your application more unique.
Strategy of writing a personal profile on resume
Are you thinking whether you need a personal profile at all? Let's put it this way. In simple terms, if you already have an established career, then providing a CV Personal Statement Profile could be of value. In fact, your resume personal profile might even boost your entire application and clarify why you are interested in working in the respective company. On the other hand, if you are looking for entry-level positions, your CV personal profile can be more focused on your achievements in college, or any other specific skills. That said, many job seekers tend to go overboard when writing their CV personal profile. After all, nobody wants to read a full-length essay about your career journey or your accomplishments. That is what your resume and cover letter are for.
Cover letters are crucial for landing a dream job that is why almost half of the job seekers (47%) write them. A lot of recruiters decline applications without them. Skillhub writers can help a job seeker to find the best position. They are doing a huge job by writing a cover letter examples. You can try these out and get a dream job!
Here are some common mistakes that you want to avoid when writing your CV personal profile: Keep It Short
It is best to limit your resume personal profile to a three-four sentence summary tops. Make sure it includes your relevant achievements, and introduce you well to the recruiter. Quantify your Accomplishments
Whenever possible, make sure that you present numbers in order to quantify your achievements in your previous positions. Not sure how to do that? Think about metrics in terms of how much money you helped save through a strategy, how many people were in your team, did your team/project help add any revenue, and so on. Avoid Superfluous Words
You do not want to come across as a candidate who tries too hard. While using keywords can be beneficial, do not overuse buzz words such as 'hard worker', 'team player', or 'go-getter'. Stick to a Single Point of Perspective
If you are writing your CV personal profile in the first person or third person, make sure that you continue doing that and avoid mixing two at the same time.
Need Help Getting Employers’ Attention?
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Sample CV Personal Statement Profile
Here we have two CV personal profile sample that will explain things better: Wrong ❌ Professional data analyst of five years experience with good knowledge of the industry. Worked for two major IT companies as a business analyst, now looking for a more challenging role.
Although this covers some key points, this personal profile on resume isn't too striking, isn't it? Now, take a look at this. Right ✅ Chicago-based data analyst with a background in marketing, with 4+ years of experience growing ad revenue and sales for management projects for an international IT solution provider. Increased sales by 38% by identifying convertible leads. Seeking a position to leverage skills to improve ROI for ABC Company.
As you can clearly see, the second one is more to the point and showcases the skillset with metrics.
The above examples of personal profile for resume should have given you a better idea of how to write a personal profile statement.
In short, your resume personal profile should contain the following:
- Your current profession
- Two to three skills and achievements
- The name of the company you are applying for
- What value will you be bringing to the table
And as we've mentioned earlier, you will want to pick out some of the keywords in the job description and include that in your personal statement. It will not only work well with the recruiter but also improve your chances of getting through an Applicant Tracking System.
Put simply, your CV personal profile will highlight experienced candidates to the recruiters, and give an overview of your career.
The most important thing to remember is that personal statements shouldn't be longer than four sentences. So it is best to aim for anywhere between 50 - 100 words.
Need help of professional resume writing? Just let us know what write my resume for me request you have! Our professional resume writing experts are here 24/7 to assist you. We are always happy to help you out! Professional, certified, affordable!
CV Personal Statement Profile for different occupations
While all this is common to any job, depending on your specific quality such as leadership or management, and the specific occupations you have previously worked in, your personal profile statement should also adapt accordingly. This means that how you present your metrics and how you highlight your accomplishments on your personal profile resume will change.
As you can imagine, the requirements are unique for each profession. What might work for one job or one company might not work for another. This is why we recommend that you tailor your CV personal profile to each specific position you are applying for. This can be the key to making sure that the recruiter notices your resume as something different from the generic job applications.
We have curated some examples that will demonstrate how you can approach your personal profile resume based on your profession - that focuses on the metrics, and your career development.
To make things easier, we have a sample personal profile for resume for a few popular professions, so you can find the right inspiration. We are also including samples for entry-level job seekers who might not have career accomplishments to present.
CV profile statement for teacher
"Are you a teacher wondering 'what is a good personal statement for a CV for your next job?' Find out what to do and what not to do here.
Teacher with 5 years of experience. Highly skilled in specific subjects, delivering lectures, curriculum design, and doing research.
Dedicated and resourceful science teacher with over 5 years of experience teaching grades 1-4. Mentored 70+ students, created classroom curriculums, and delivered online classes efficiently. Seeking a teaching position with JKL School to help students to develop skills to function successfully in further life.
CV Personal Statement Profile project manager
Here is another example for project managers : Wrong ❌
Passionate project manager with experience leading projects in a marketing agency. Seeking to use organizational and project management skills to increase profit for ABC company. Right ✅
With over 7 years of project management experience, I hold an exceptional customer satisfaction record, along with a successful track record of on-time completion of all projects. I have consistently implemented best practices and helped cut the costs by up to 20% on multiple projects. I am seeking to use my expertise with the project management lifestyle to contribute to the organizational success of ABC Company. While the first one can be generic to any project manager position, the second is unique to the applicant.
CV Personal Statement Profile marketing
For resume for marketing executives, consider the following profile statement: Wrong ❌
Experienced marketer with four years of working knowledge in B2B sales, SEO, and BTL. Worked for major ad agencies and as a freelancer. Right ✅ With extensive experience in delivering global sales solutions, I have built solid digital marketing experience with a focus on social media platforms. Over the course of eight years in this career field, I have led teams of 10 to 50 people, have trained 175 employees, and have boosted revenue and convention by up to 60%. Seeking to use industry expertise and collaborative skills to raise profitability for ABC Company.
Although the two serves as a personal profile example for resume, it is clear why the second presentation comes across as more confident. The candidate is quantifying their experience and offering metrics on what they can potentially do for the target company.
CV Personal Statement Examples for computer science
Computer engineer with two years of experience seeking to utilize expertise in programming, configuration, and troubleshooting of computer-related issues to obtain maximum performance of the organization.
While this covers the necessary elements of the skills of a programming developer, it does not cater to a specific role. Right ✅
Highly skilled Computer Engineer and product designer with seven years of experience in high-performance mixed-signal system architecture, board-level design, remote sensory, analog signal conditioning, and test engineering. Detail-orientated and organized professional with a creative mindset and strong project management abilities. Seeking to find the position of senior computing programmer at ABC Company.
Sample of CV Personal Statement Profile for entry-level job seekers
For students and those job seekers with less experience, you can take inspiration from these personal profile on resume examples:
Highly-motivated computer engineering graduate seeking to fill a position as a Junior Developer at ABC Company. Looking to use skills in data analysis and UX experience to design new apps and increase user engagement.
Skillhub tip: Follow-up letter is written to inquire about the status of an application or decision after an interview occurs. It's better to send it over following your CV as it increases chances of getting an interview. Click here to learn more.
Key Takeaway
In a nutshell, your CV personal profile should serve as your elevator pitch, showing only the most relevant details of your career. As our sample personal statement shows, it should be precise, purposeful, and be indicative of what you are bringing to the table. Our professional cv service online can craft it fast and easy. At the same time, you do not want to come across as someone who is boasting their achievements. Yes, yes, you might think that it is too many things to remember for a two-sentence personal statement. So why not entrust the job to experts? Our expert writers and industry specialists can review your current resume and make the right changes that will make you an attractive potential employee to your target company. Also, you can visit our blog and read " How to write a CV " article. Let us do the legwork so that you can get the best opportunities for your professional career.
Don't know the difference between a curriculum vitae and a resume ? Chat a professional resume writer service from Skillhub , they'll have your back at professional expertise.
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Health Professions Advising
- Health Professions Resources
Personal Statements
Health Professions Advising CBB 203/205 (Second Floor) E: [email protected]
Schedule a Health Professions Advising Appointment
Mailing Address: University of Houston ATTN: Health Professions Advising Center University Classroom & Business Building Room 215 4242 Martin Luther King Boulevard Houston, TX 77204 Google Maps
Although most applicants focus on GPA and test-scores, the personal statement is a very important component of your application and should be carefully composed. This is your opportunity to highlight things about yourself that may not be mentioned in other sections of your application and to distinguish yourself from other applicants.
You should have several different people objectively read your personal statement and provide constructive feedback. In addition to the Health Professions Advisory Committee (HPAC) , your letter writers are often a great option. There are also resources on campus that can assist you, such as the UH Writing Center , University Career Services , and your major advisor. Consider the feedback you receive carefully, but be sure that the personal statement is still written in your voice!
Below we have outlined some advice and general guidelines to consider while writing your personal statement. Keep in mind that these recommendations are not restricted to medical/dental applications, but can be applied while writing essays for any healthcare professional program.
- See also UH University Career Services Personal Statement Tips
- Sign up for the UH Writing Center Personal Statement Workshops
Types of Prompts
Before beginning your personal statement, it is important you carefully review the specific question (or prompt) that is being asked and the character-limit, as there can be distinct differences between the application services.
TMDSAS ( 5000 characters ):
- Explain your motivation to seek a career in medicine. You are asked to include the value of your experiences that prepare you to be a physician.
- Explain your motivation to seek a career in dentistry. You are asked to discuss your philosophy of the dental profession and indicate your goals relevant to the profession.
- Personal Characteristics Essay - Learning from others is enhanced in educational settings that include individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Please describe your personal characteristics (background, talents, skills, etc.) or experiences that would add to the educational experience of others. The personal characteristics essay is required to all applicants and limited to 2500 characters, including spaces.
- Optional Essay – The optional essay is an opportunity to provide the admissions committee(s) with a broader picture of who you are as an applicant. The essay is optional, however, you are strongly encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity. Consider briefly discussing any unique circumstances or life experiences that are relevant to your application which have not previously been presented. Optional Essay is limited to 2500 characters, including spaces.
AMCAS ( 5300 characters ):
- Why have you selected the field of medicine?
- What motivates you to learn more about medicine?
- What do you want medical schools to know about you that has not been disclosed in other sections of the application?
AACOMAS ( 5300 characters ):
- What motivates you to learn more about osteopathic medicine?
AADSAS ( 4500 characters ):
- Explain a defining moment that helped steer you toward a career in dentistry. Consider using that moment as the focal point of your essay.
- Be colorful, positive, imaginative and personal when discussing why you are a good candidate for dental school. Ask yourself—in a pile of 100 applications, would I enjoy reading my statement? Be sure to convey your passion for dentistry in your statement.
- Be yourself. Don’t use jargon, clichés or big phrases that you would not use in daily conversation. Remember, dental schools want to know about the real you.
- Be original and thoughtful: Discuss how you would contribute to the profession and patient care, all of which will help you stand out from other applicants.
AACPMAS (4500 characters):
- State below why you are interested in becoming a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine. Provide information about your development for a career in Podiatric Medicine
CASPA (5000 characters):
- In the space provided write a brief statement expressing your motivation or desire to become a physician assistant.
OptomCAS (4500 characters) :
Essays can be customized for each individual Optometry program. Most Optometry schools include this as their main essay question:
- Please describe what inspires your decision for becoming an optometrist, including your preparation for training in this profession, your aptitude and motivation, the basis for your interest in optometry, and your future career.
OTCAS (no character limit):
- Your Personal Statement should address why you selected OT as a career and how an Occupational Therapy degree relates to your immediate and long-term professional goals. Describe how your personal, educational, and professional background will help you achieve your goals.
PTCAS (4500 characters):
- Prompt: Every person has a story that has led them to a career. Since there are a variety of health professions that "help" others, please go beyond your initial interaction or experiences with physical therapy and share the deeper story that has confirmed your decision to specifically pursue physical therapy as your career.
PharmCAS (4500 characters):
- Your Personal Essay should address why you selected pharmacy as a career. How the Doctor of Pharmacy degree relates to your immediate and long-term professional goals. You should describe how your personal, educational, and professional background will help you achieve your goals.
VMCAS (1000 characters):
- There are many career choices within the veterinary What are your future career goals and why?
- In what ways do veterinarians contribute to society and what do you hope to contribute?
- Consider the breadth of society which veterinarians What attributes do you believe are essential to be successful within the veterinary profession? Of these attributes, which do you possess and how have you demonstrated these in the past?
When should I start writing?
You should begin working on your personal statement early in the spring semester prior to your intended application year and submitting your application materials to HPAC (if applicable). Remember that the people who are helping you with your statement will need time to review it and you will need time to work through multiple drafts before submission. In addition, some of your letter writers may want to see a copy of your personal statement before they write your letter, so you should strive to have a competent draft by mid-March.
What should be included?
It is important to treat the personal statement as an answer to a question (i.e., the prompt), rather than the opportunity to flex your creative writing muscles. Indeed, most applicants are STEM majors without much experience in creative writing; therefore, it is recommended that you avoid using the essay to practice your creative writing skills and stick to simply addressing the prompt in a direct, concise way. Some questions you may want to consider while planning your essay are:
- Why have you selected the field of medicine, dentistry, or other health profession?
- What motivates you to learn more about medicine, dentistry, or other health profession?
- How have you demonstrated your interest and commitment to your decision?
- What experiences have allowed you to develop the skills necessary to be successful in this program and to become an effective physician, dentist, PA, etc.?
- Did you have any exposure to role models who influenced your decision? Which of their attributes inspired you?
- Are your perceptions of this profession realistic?
- What are your professional goals?
- Is there anything you wish for your chosen health professional schools to know about you that has not been disclosed in other sections of the application?
Depending on the nature of the prompt, you may also wish to include information such as:
- Unique hardships, challenges, or obstacles that may have influenced your educational pursuits.
- Commentary on significant fluctuations in your academic record that are not explained elsewhere in your application.
What should NOT be included?
- Avoid clichés and over-using/mis-using terms : How many times do you think admissions committees have read the phrase, “I want to become a physician because I like science and I want to help people”? Similarly, words like empathy and passion are, while applicable, can become empty in meaning when overused or misused. Consider exemplifying these terms, rather than simply stating them.
- Avoid unnecessary drama: While you may feel compelled to "hook" the reader with a dramatic opening to your statement, doing so may detract from the overall purpose (i.e., describing your decision to pursue medicine/dentistry) and may induce many an eye-roll by committee members.
- Avoid being vague : "[Insert experience] was challenging and rewarding." What does that mean? Be specific about what was impactful and how it affected you.
- Avoid brash decision-making : Your decision to become a doctor/dentist should be the result of a series of thoughtful, conscious, and reflective decisions. NOT an instantaneous realization or epiphany. Similarly, you have not “always known” that you want to be a physician/dentist. No one is "born to be a doctor." Nothing is innate, you have to work for it.
- Avoid excuses : In general, there are better uses for your personal statement than explaining away and justifying poor grades, incidents of misconduct, etc. Indeed, TMDSAS offers additional essays and opportunities to discuss these issues. However, if you choose to address these subjects, be sure to focus on what you have learned from those incidents and how your experiences have made you a stronger person. Always accept responsibility and avoid blaming anyone else for your decisions or mistakes.
- Avoid restating your resume or activities section : Choose ONE or TWO significant and distinguishing experiences to elaborate upon when outline the reasons behind your decision to pursue a career in healthcare. There is no need to narrate completely your 4+ years of college or carefully detail your activities from year to year; indeed, there are other sections in the application where you can detail your experiences and what you learned from each.
- Avoid grandiosity : Claiming that you plan to cure cancer (or HIV, or healthcare disparities, or anything else) shows a grave lack of understanding of whatever problem you are planning to solve. Similarly, avoid “I know what it is like to be a physician/dentist from [shadowing/clinical volunteer experience].” No, you do not. That is precisely why you are hoping to go to medical/dental school.
- Avoid inflammatory or controversial topics : You do not know the values, beliefs, and background of the committee member reading your essay. For these reasons, you are advised to avoid making any strong statements regarding politics, religion, and other polarizing topics. Be extremely cautious to avoid expressing any views that could be construed as derogatory to any group. Additionally, your beliefs are not the only “correct” beliefs.
- Do not lie : Honesty and ethical behavior are the hallmarks of being a healthcare professional. Do not include details anywhere in your application or essay that you are not prepared to talk about or that are simply untrue.
Additional Recommendations
- Use simple formatting : Avoid the use of bullet-points, italics, and symbols.
- Read your statement aloud : As you draft your statement, reading what you have written aloud can help you determine whether your writing "flows" well and is an easy read for a reviewer.
UNIT CUSTODIAN
How to apply.
A resume is required for consideration for this position. Applications submitted without a resume will not be considered.
Mission Statement
Michigan Medicine improves the health of patients, populations and communities through excellence in education, patient care, community service, research and technology development, and through leadership activities in Michigan, nationally and internationally. Our mission is guided by our Strategic Principles and has three critical components; patient care, education and research that together enhance our contribution to society.
Why Join Michigan Medicine?
Michigan Medicine is one of the largest health care complexes in the world and has been the site of many groundbreaking medical and technological advancements since the opening of the U-M Medical School in 1850. Michigan Medicine is comprised of over 30,000 employees and our vision is to attract, inspire, and develop outstanding people in medicine, sciences, and healthcare to become one of the world’s most distinguished academic health systems. In some way, great or small, every person here helps to advance this world-class institution. Work at Michigan Medicine and become a victor for the greater good.
What Benefits can you Look Forward to?
- Excellent medical, dental and vision coverage effective on your very first day
- 2:1 Match on retirement savings
Responsibilities*
Duties including but not limited to:
- Operate vacuum cleaning equipment.
- Clean and polish furniture, cases, fixtures and furnishings.
- Clean mirrors, inside of exterior glass and both sides of interior glass while standing on floor or step ladder.
- Clean toilet rooms and fixtures.
- Stock restroom supplies.
- Dust venetian blinds while standing on floor or step ladder.
- Spot wash walls to remove such items as splash marks around sinks and fingerprints around light switches.
- Clean patient bedside equipment.
- Make beds and change linen.
- Change or replace shower or cubical curtains while standing on floor or step ladder.
- Collect and transport waste materials to central location.
- Report items in need of repair.
- Sweep and/or dust mop floors and stairways.
- Wet mop rooms and small areas of floor or stairs to clean up such items as spilled liquid or food.
- Maintain an inventory of supplies in accordance with specific instructions.
- Open or lock buildings or rooms.
- Turn on and off lights and equipment.
- Replace burnt out incandescent light bulbs while standing on floor or step ladder.
- Move and arrange furniture and furnishings.
- Collect and transport soiled linen to central locations.
- Clean assigned area or work and equipment.
- Wet mop floors and stairways, including carpeted areas.
- Hand mop areas inaccessible to mechanical floor cleaning equipment.
- Operate walk behind equipment used for routine floor cleaning.
- Operate touch free spray/vacuum cleaning equipment.
Required Qualifications*
- Must have a High school diploma, GED or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Must be able to read, write, speak and understand English and be able to follow instructions.
- Must have a positive attitude with good customer relation skills.
- Must be able to perform a wide range of physical activities including pushing, pulling, lifting, bending, kneeling, reaching, etc.
- Must not have any type of lifting restrictions.
- Must be able to work around sick and disabled patients (children and adults) within a hospital setting.
- Must be a team player, able to prioritize work and be able to handle stress on a daily basis.
- Must be able to perform all tasks listed on the Unit Custodian Classification Description.
Work Schedule
This position is 40 hours per week / Midnights / Tuesday - Saturday /11:45pm-8:15am
Union Affiliation
This position is covered under the collective bargaining agreement between the U-M and the AFSCME union, which contains and settles all matters with respect to wages, benefits, hours and other terms and conditions of employment.
Background Screening
Michigan Medicine conducts background screening and pre-employment drug testing on job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent job offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background screenings. Background screenings are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Report Act. Pre-employment drug testing applies to all selected candidates, including new or additional faculty and staff appointments, as well as transfers from other U-M campuses.
Application Deadline
Job openings are posted for a minimum of five calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the sixth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.
U-M EEO/AA Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.
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Britain’s Violent Riots: What We Know
The country was bracing for more unrest, with fresh protests planned after a weekend of demonstrations turned into anti-immigrant riots.
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By Lynsey Chutel
The authorities in Britain were bracing for more potential unrest on Wednesday after days of violent rioting spurred by disinformation around a deadly stabbing rampage.
Protests over the weekend devolved into violence in more than a dozen towns and cities, and with messages on social media calling for wider protests and counterprotests on Wednesday, the British authorities were on high alert.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s cabinet held emergency meetings to discuss what has become the first crisis of his recently elected government, and thousands of police officers fanned out across the country.
Here’s what we know as the country girds for more potential violence.
Where has the unrest taken place?
Protesters over the weekend took to the streets of a dozen cities across Britain, most of them in England. Trouble broke out from Aldershot in the south to Sunderland in the north and Liverpool in the west. Belfast, in Northern Ireland, was also drawn into the fray.
In some cases, the protesters were merely unruly, but in others the violence was far more pronounced.
Where arrests have been reported
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CV templates 17 CV personal statement examples. To start this guide, I have included 10 examples of good personal statements, to give you an idea of how a personal statement should look, and what should be included.. Note: personal statements are generally used by junior candidates - if you are experienced, check out our CV profile examples instead.
Here's how to write a CV personal statement and pitch yourself to a hiring professional: #1. Introduce Yourself. The very first sentence of your personal statement should indicate that you're a serious candidate for the position. Describe yourself and your work experience using strong adjectives and action verbs.
Therefore, it should be compelling, attention-grabbing and tailored to the particular position. Here are three steps to take to create a compelling and effective personal statement: 1. State who you are. Start with a statement detailing where you are in your career. This should communicate your current position in your profession and field of ...
Here's a personal statement from an administrative assistant's CV that shows you how to write your own: 2. Customer service CV personal statement. This personal statement for a customer service CV underscores the applicant's years of experience with strategic bolding and showcases their customer service skills: 3.
A personal statement, also called a CV profile, 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. Why do you need a CV profile? Well, an eye-tracking study shows that well-performing CVs include a personal ...
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]
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.
Committed to creating user-friendly software and passionate about continual learning and growth. 7. Restaurant server. In a customer-facing role, such as a server, your personal statement is a good place to let hiring managers know what kind of customer experience you'll provide.
Doing so is a simple yet effective way to tailor your CV to your target job. 4. Keep your CV personal profile between 50 and 80 words. Employers don't have time to read waffly CVs that are long or unclear. So keep your opening statement at 50-80 words (or three to five sentences).
The personal statement on your CV is the one place where it's okay to talk about yourself in the third person. However, using pronouns, for example, "he is a conscientious worker with 12 years of experience..." is a step too far. Instead, drop the pronouns, so that would become "A conscientious worker with 12 years of experience…".
2. Keep your CV statement short. Keep your CV profile to one paragraph comprised of three to six sentences. A hiring manager scans your CV for key terms to determine if they want to interview you for the role. Use simple sentence structures to ensure they can easily understand the message you're trying to convey. 3.
A good personal statement is about 3-4 sentences long and occupies not more than 1/4th of the page. Alternatively, you can design a two-column CV and allocate the upper sidebar area for your personal statement. As a recent survey found, 77% of recruiters prefer two-column CVs to single-column ones.
A personal statement is a piece of writing on your CV that tells your prospective employer that you are the best person for the job. Showcasing your skills, strengths, and abilities that are relevant to the job. While a personal profile could also be known as a CV summary.
Length. To make an impact, a personal statement should be short and sweet. You want it to be clean and concise. Write a small paragraph which does not exceed 5 sentences. This is equivalent to 150-200 words. Place it beneath your CV header which contains your contact details.
Tailor your CV 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. For example, 'experienced event manager, who led a team to organise a charity ball for 150 people, raising £5,000 ...
17 resume 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 resume summary examples instead.
Here are some expert-backed tips for writing a good personal statement on your CV. 1. Keep it short and on point. Keep your personal statement clean and concise. It's typically around four sentences long, or about 50 to 200 words. If you're overshooting that word count, see which nonessential parts can be omitted. 2.
Tailor your CV's personal statement to engage the hiring manager, aiming for an immediate, personal connection; Make a memorable impression: your opening should compel the employer to see you as a standout candidate for the role; Include measurable outcomes in your personal statement—quantify achievements to give substance to your skills and ...
A personal statement for a resume needs to be snappy. A sentence should take up no more than 2 lines, have no more than 2 clauses or related to more than one core competency. Snappy sentences bring impact. In the above for example, the writer could have made his/her point with much more impact by saying:
Here are some examples of personal and professional statements: 1. Personal statement for a postgraduate programme. Joan David Personal statement for master's programme in Public Policy and Administration London School of Policy 'I held my first textbook when I was a 23-year-old undergraduate.
When writing a personal profile or personal statement there are key elements needed. With more than three-quarters of UK professionals looking for a new job in 2022, according to our recent survey, perhaps you are one of those looking to refresh your CV, ready to run headlong into the recruitment market.
Put simply, your CV personal profile will highlight experienced candidates to the recruiters, and give an overview of your career. The most important thing to remember is that personal statements shouldn't be longer than four sentences. So it is best to aim for anywhere between 50 - 100 words.
Here are three steps to help you create an effective personal statement: 1. Start with an introduction about yourself. The opening line of the personal statement explains where you are in your career. You can use strong, enthusiastic language to capture the attention of the reader.
Personal Statements. Most applications to health professional programs will require a written personal statement. Though exact prompts will vary depending on the application, your personal statement is typically your first opportunity to share your reasons for pursuing a career in a particular healthcare path with an admissions committee.
Application Requirements Complete GradCAS application Transcripts from all schools attended Resume 2 letters of recommendation Personal Statement (prompts provided within the application) No application fee or GRE required Please see additional requirements for international applications within the application. Application Deadlines Below are application review deadlines for MSW Oakland ...
A resume is required for consideration for this position. Applications submitted without a resume will not be considered. Mission Statement. Michigan Medicine improves the health of patients, populations and communities through excellence in education, patient care, community service, research and technology development, and through leadership ...
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The country begins a new week on edge after anti-immigrant riots, fanned by disinformation from the far right, broke out in cities across Britain. By The New York Times After a weekend of violent ...
Walz met his future wife, Gwen, while teaching after college, and they moved in 1996 to her home state of Minnesota. He would stay at Mankato West High School as a teacher and football coach for ...