Personal Statement

How to Write a Great Personal Statement on a CV

When it comes to your personal statement on a CV think short, snappy and well written. Here are some tips on how to write a great personal statement on a CV.

What is a Personal Statement?

A personal statement also referred to as a personal profile, is an introductory paragraph at the beginning of your CV. It is an outline of your experience and abilities and how they are relevant to the role you are applying for. Also, this is an opportunity to outline your personal characteristics and career ambitions.

Specifically, a personal statement sits at the top of a CV, between your contact information and your experience.

Tips on How to Write a Great Personal Statement

  1. Keep it short: Ideally, your personal statement should not exceed 70 words or five lines. The aim of it is to grab the attention of the recruiter and make them eager to learn more about you.
  2. Be personal: Do not write about yourself in the third person. For example, refer to yourself using “I” or “My” throughout the paragraph. Consider what makes you unique, draw on your personal characteristics and how they would fit with the role you are applying for.
  3. Tailor it for the job: Spend time researching the company and customise your personal statement for the specific role.
  4. Sell yourself: The personal statement is your chance to show what makes you the best candidate for the job and why you stand out from other applicants. Be positive and confident in your summary. Mention your experience, qualifications and skills. Management, communication and problem-solving skills are all worth highlighting. In addition, include any industry-specific qualifications you have acquired, for instance, “I am a CIPD certified HR manager” or “I am an RICS qualified surveyor”.
  5. Avoid Clichés: Recruiters read hundreds of CVs and are accustomed to the style of language used by someone who didn’t take the time to write a good personal statement. The recruiter wants to know about the individual candidate. Therefore, avoid using generic terms and use specific examples when demonstrating your skills.
  6. Mention accolades relevant to the position: Include any outstanding awards or industry-specific accolades you received. Only include those that are relevant to the position you are applying for.
  7. Write it last: Complete the rest of your CV before writing the personal statement. It’s easier to write a concise summary with your CV fresh in your mind.

Putting it All Together

Here is an example of a great personal statement on a CV from a writer:

  • I am an articulate, self-motivated person who relishes challenges and enjoys working under pressure. My greatest strengths are my research, creative and writing skills. I am a Stonewall book award-winning author and have been nominated for a British book award twice. I have an ability to write great content with over 200 of my articles published by The Guardian newspaper, HuffPost and Le Monde.

Another example is from an accountant:

  • I’m an experienced accountant with ACCA certification and more than 10 years of experience working in medium-sized firms. I am looking to make the transition to a larger firm and expand my leadership capabilities. My strengths include my enthusiastic, motivation and an excellent eye for detail. I work hard for my clients and ensure my work is devoid of any inaccuracies.