How to write a personal statement on a CV
Present yourself clearly and concisely
Writing a strong personal statement can be the difference between catching a recruiter’s attention and being overlooked. Doing so, however, is easier said than done.
To help you write an effective personal statement for your CV, in this article, we’re going to cover:
- 5 different CV personal statement examples
- How to write a personal statement for a CV step-by-step
- Do’s and don’ts when writing a CV personal statement
- Some of the most frequently asked questions
Keep reading to understand what a personal statement is and how to write one in your CV with the tips below.
What is a CV’s personal statement?
A personal statement is a short introduction that goes at the top of your CV that quickly communicates your suitability for a role. It’s your opportunity to make a strong first impression and encourage the employer to read on.
A well-written personal summary:
- Is concise, usually 3 to 4 sentences
- Highlights your relevant skills and experience
- Shows your value to the employer
- Reflects your career goals and direction
Crafting this section effectively can be challenging, but our CV Builder can help you create a tailored and professional CV that presents your personal statement at its best.
CV personal statement examples for UK jobs
Struggling to write the perfect personal statement for your CV? Whether you’re a teacher looking for a new opportunity or a student that’s just getting started with their professional career, here are some CV examples that you can use as inspiration:
Graphic designer
Recent graduate with a first-class honours degree in Graphic Communication Design from the University of Exeter. Gained valuable work experience in illustration, publication, and online web design, contributing to a 25% year-over-year growth in client engagement over the past two years. Looking for a challenging job role based in London where I can jumpstart my career and develop my graphic design expertise.
Teacher
Proactive primary school teacher with over seven years’ of experience specialising in Science and Maths, as well as Foreign Languages. Fluent in German and French, and implemented innovative teaching techniques that improved student exam results by 15% on average. Looking for a secure job position in East Sussex to continue motivating and inspiring pupils.
Sales
Highly driven sales professional with four years’ experience working for two successful companies in Birmingham. Consistently exceeded sales targets, achieving 120% of annual quotas over the last two years. Seeking a sales manager role where I can leverage my proven track record and leadership skills.
Business developer
Motivated and enthusiastic individual, who has recently achieved A levels in Business, Media and French at Havant College. Completed projects that contributed to a 20% increase in local business engagement. Looking for a business apprenticeship to start my career and achieve my goal of becoming a successful international business developer in the media sector.
Students
Highly motivated and results-driven engineering student who achieved an average of 85% in their A-Levels. Developed strong leadership skills by successfully leading a team of five to win the regional robotics competition, and is now seeking to apply my technical and collaborative abilities in a professional environment.
For more insights as a recent graduate or current student, check out some of our student CV examples.
How to write an effective personal statement for a CV
Writing a personal statement, even for a basic CV, is crucial in making a strong first impression. It serves as a snapshot of your professional identity, showcasing your key qualities, skills, and relevant experiences in alignment with the job you’re applying for.
By effectively summarising your strongest points, you demonstrate to hiring managers why you stand out in the field, making them eager to learn more about you. Here’s how to write a strong personal statement, step-by-step:
1. Start with a strong opening
Introduce yourself in a professional tone, stating your current role, area of expertise, and career focus. This sets the context immediately and lets the reader know what kind of professional you are before they dive into your CV.
2. Highlight key skills and achievements
Choose your most relevant skills, accomplishments, and experiences that will connect you directly to the role. Where possible, include measurable results to add credibility and demonstrate the impact of your work.
3. Tailor it to the role
Align your personal statement with the specific job description. Incorporate relevant keywords from the posting to show you understand the role and to improve compatibility with automated screening tools.
4. Show your value
Clearly outline how your skills and background can benefit the employer. Focus on what you can contribute to their success, not just what you’ve achieved in the past.
5. Keep it concise
Aim for three to four impactful sentences that convey your key points without providing unnecessary detail. The personal statement should be easy to read at a glance while still delivering value. Don’t forget to use power words.
6. Make it ATS-friendly
Use role-specific keywords and industry terms so your CV passes through Applicant Tracking Systems effectively. Learn more about optimising for ATS here.
7. Use clear, positive language
Choose confident and professional wording that creates a strong impression. Avoid slang, clichés, and overused phrases that can dilute your message.
8. Proofread before sending
Read your statement multiple times to catch any grammar, spelling, or punctuation errors before you send it off. A polished and error-free document will reflect your professionalism and attention to detail.
You can also use our AI-powered online CV builder to write your statement with the help of instant suggestions and worry less about things such as format or design.
Do’s and don’ts of writing personal statements
Streamline your personal statement with these essential dos and don’ts, ensuring immediate impact:
Do👍
- Be concise: Keep your statement short and focused, aiming for a few impactful sentences.
- Tailor to job: Select skills and experiences directly relevant to the role, showing you understand the position’s requirements.
- Use positive language: Convey enthusiasm and confidence through words that highlight your value and motivation.
- Proofread: Check for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors to ensure a professional finish.
- Add quantifiable data: Include figures or measurable results to demonstrate the real impact of your work.
Don’t👎
- Overuse technical terms: Limit technical terms so your statement remains clear and accessible to all readers.
- Be vague: Replace general statements with specific achievements, using metrics where possible to add credibility.
- Repeat other CV sections: Avoid reusing information word-for-word; instead, offer a fresh perspective that complements your CV.
- Undersell: Be confident in sharing accomplishments that show the value you can bring to the role.
- Mention irrelevant accomplishments: Focus only on achievements that directly support your suitability for the role.
Remember, your personal statement is your opportunity to make a memorable first impression. Keep it relevant, engaging, and reflective of your unique professional journey. If you need additional insight, refer to one of our many CV templates.
FAQs
Including hobbies and achievements in your personal statement can be beneficial if they are relevant to the job or reflect key skills. Highlight achievements that demonstrate qualities like teamwork, leadership, or problem-solving.
Relevant hobbies can showcase your passion or expertise in areas related to the role. However, avoid listing unrelated or generic interests.
Prioritise achievements and hobbies that enhance your suitability for the position and align with the employer’s expectations to create a more compelling personal statement.
While a well-crafted personal statement can certainly strengthen your job application, it may not entirely compensate for a significant lack of experience or qualifications. It can, however, help you explain transferable skills, your enthusiasm for the role, and why you’re a strong cultural fit.
To increase your chances, focus on showcasing relevant skills and demonstrating your commitment to learning and growth in the personal statement.
Remember that some employers prioritise potential and attitude over qualifications, so crafting a persuasive personal statement remains valuable even in such situations.
A career objective focuses on your aspirations and the professional milestones you aim to achieve. Typically more succinct than a personal statement, it doesn’t elaborate on past job roles or academic achievements.
In contrast, a personal statement offers a broader overview, including your key traits and achievements, and how these support the job requirements. It acts as a brief yet comprehensive presentation of your professional persona, rather than explicitly setting career targets.
Including a personal statement is a good idea when you want to quickly highlight your skills, experience, and career direction at the top of your CV. It’s particularly useful if you’re changing careers, returning to work after a break, or applying for roles where your background isn’t an obvious match.
Whatever the case might be for you, you can always refer to existing CV opening statement examples to get inspiration and understand what works well for different industries.
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