Your CV personal statement is one of the most important parts of your application. Positioned right at the top, just below your contact details, it’s the first thing a hiring manager reads—and in many cases, it’s what shapes their initial impression of you. In just a few sentences, it should highlight who you are, what you bring to the table, and why you’re the perfect fit for the role.
Unlike personal statements used in university applications, which focus on academic aspirations (see these for example), a CV personal statement is concise and job-specific. Think of it as your elevator pitch: short, impactful, and tailored to the job you’re applying for. With dozens, sometimes hundreds, of applications to review, employers spend mere seconds scanning each CV. A strong personal statement immediately answers their key questions, such as:
- Do you have the skills and experience they’re looking for?
- Are you genuinely interested in this role?
- What makes you stand out from other candidates?
Getting this right can make the difference between being shortlisted or overlooked. It’s your opportunity to set the tone for your CV, grab the employer’s attention, and make them want to keep reading.
Practical tips for writing a CV personal statement:
Aim for around 200 words, focusing only on what’s most relevant to the role. Every sentence should serve a purpose, as hiring managers often spend just seconds reviewing each CV. Tailor your statement for every application to reflect the specific role and company.
What to include
A strong personal statement can be broken down into three clear parts:
Who you are
Start by introducing yourself and your career or educational background. Clearly state what you’re looking for in this role. Here are two examples:
- A recent graduate with a 1st class degree in Business and Economics seeking a role as a Business Analyst.A highly skilled service technician with over 15 years of experience looking for a position within a BMW franchise.
What you offer
The next section should outline what you bring to the role. Highlight your relevant skills, qualifications, and experience, ensuring they align with the job requirements. If you lack direct experience, focus on transferable skills, academic achievements, or voluntary work. For example:
- Proficient in data analysis, project management, and Excel modelling, with hands-on experience from an internship at XYZ Ltd.
- Skilled in customer service, communication, and problem-solving, with a proven ability to manage monetary transactions and assist customers effectively.
Your career goal
End your personal statement by aligning your career aspirations with the role and the company. This shows the employer that your goals are realistic and relevant. For example:
- “I’m eager to grow within a supportive team environment and contribute to XYZ Ltd.’s reputation for innovation.”
Common mistakes to avoid
Even a well-intentioned personal statement can fall flat if it includes common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to steer clear of:
- Being too vague: Avoid broad, generic statements like “I am a hardworking individual.” Instead, provide specific examples that demonstrate your skills or achievements.
- Overloading irrelevant information: Keep your focus on what’s relevant to the job. Including hobbies or personal details unrelated to the role will only dilute your message.
- Using too much jargon: While industry-specific terms can show expertise, avoid overloading your statement with jargon that might confuse or alienate the reader.
- Failing to tailor it: Using the same personal statement for every application is a missed opportunity. Employers can spot generic statements a mile away, so be sure to align yours with the job description.
- Switching tones: Choose either first person (“I am…”) or third person (“A results-driven professional…”) and stick with it. Mixing both looks unprofessional.
By avoiding these common errors, you’ll create a personal statement that is clear, impactful, and relevant.
Examples of strong and weak personal statements
Here’s a comparison of strong and weak personal statements to show how small changes can make a big difference:
Weak example:
“I am a hardworking individual with good communication skills looking for a job.”
Why it doesn’t work:
- It’s too generic and doesn’t specify what the candidate offers or what they’re looking for.
- No examples or evidence are provided to back up the claims.
Strong example:
“A recent graduate with a 1st class degree in Business and Economics seeking a role as a Business Analyst. Proficient in data analysis, project management, and Excel modelling, with hands-on experience from an internship at XYZ Ltd. Eager to contribute to innovative projects within a forward-thinking team.”
Why it works:
- It’s tailored to the role and highlights specific skills, qualifications, and experience.
- It demonstrates enthusiasm and aligns with the likely values of the company.
How to tailor your personal statement
Tailoring your personal statement for each job application is essential to stand out. Here’s how to do it:
- Research the company: Look into the company’s values, culture, and recent projects. Tailor your statement to reflect their ethos.
- Study the job description: Identify the keywords and skills mentioned in the advert, and incorporate these into your personal statement. For example, if the role requires teamwork and problem-solving, be sure to highlight those qualities.
- Show relevance: Link your experience, skills, and goals to the specific role. For instance, if the company is known for innovation, mention how you can contribute to that.
- Highlight unique aspects: Consider what sets you apart from other candidates, such as a niche skill, relevant certification, or standout achievement.
Final checklist
Before submitting your CV, use this checklist to make sure your personal statement is polished and ready:
- Is it tailored to the specific role and company?
- Have you kept it under 200 words?
- Does it highlight your key skills, experience, and goals?
- Have you avoided clichés and vague statements?
- Is it free from spelling or grammatical errors?
- Have you maintained a consistent tone throughout?
Taking the time to review your statement against this checklist will ensure it makes the right impression.
Your CV personal statement is your chance to shine. With just a few sentences, you can introduce yourself, showcase your strengths, and grab the attention of a hiring manager. It’s worth investing time and effort to get it right.
Start with a clear structure, tailor it to each job, and focus on what makes you a great fit. Remember: the goal is to make the employer want to read more. With a strong personal statement, you’ll be one step closer to landing your ideal role.
