A CV personal statement, also known as an opening statement, personal profile, or executive summary, is a brief section at the top of your CV that highlights what you bring to a potential employer. It’s a chance to showcase your skills, experience, and career goals in a concise way, making it easier for recruiters to see why you’re a strong fit for the role.
This statement, while brief, is your moment to shine—allowing you to differentiate yourself from other candidates and emphasize the unique qualities that make you the ideal hire.
Alex Jameson, a career consultant at Weston University, emphasizes, “Your personal statement should clearly target what you offer to employers—making it unique to ensure you stand out from the crowd.”
Do You Really Need a Personal Statement on Your CV?
Traditionally, most CVs include a personal statement, but opinions differ on its necessity. Some recruiters and career advisors view it as a vital component, providing a quick overview of a candidate’s suitability. Others, particularly when it comes to graduate CVs, see it as unnecessary, arguing that entry-level candidates often lack the experience to make this section meaningful.
However, even if you’re new to the workforce, a well-crafted personal statement can help your CV catch a recruiter’s eye quickly. As Alex points out, “A personal statement can make a significant difference, especially when employers are skimming through numerous applications. A clear, concise statement can enhance your chances of progressing to the next recruitment stage.”
If you decide to include a personal statement as a recent graduate, focus on your educational background and career aspirations. Highlight any relevant experience you have, whether from internships, projects, or volunteer work. Alex suggests, “If your work experience is limited, emphasize the skills you’ve developed during your degree, such as leadership roles in projects or the research skills gained from your dissertation.”
Crafting Your CV Personal Profile
A CV personal profile should be around 150 words. According to David Ainsworth, a careers consultant at Milton University, “It should be brief, impactful, and aligned with the rest of your CV.”
A strong personal statement typically covers:
- Who you are: Briefly introduce yourself. For instance, “A recent graduate with a degree in Sociology from Maple University” or “A seasoned project manager with over eight years of experience.”
- What you offer: Highlight the skills or experience you bring to the table. If your work experience is limited, emphasize your academic achievements or any practical experience you’ve gained through internships or university projects.
- Your career goals: Conclude with a statement about your career aspirations, such as, “Looking to leverage my skills in content creation in a dynamic marketing role.”
While the format is flexible, personal statements are typically a single paragraph with consistent formatting throughout the CV. Whether you write in the first or third person is up to you, but be sure to maintain consistency.
Tips for Making Your CV Personal Statement Stand Out
Do:
- Focus on layout and clarity for a reader-friendly experience.
- Tailor your personal statement for each application.
- Be honest—exaggerations are easily spotted and can lead to trouble.
- Provide evidence of your skills and experience, but keep it brief. For example, “Organized a charity event for 200 attendees, raising over £6,000.”
- Align your statement with the job description.
- Stick to the word limit, and double-check for spelling and grammar errors.
- Keep your statement fresh and revise it for each application.
- Read it aloud to ensure it flows well.
Don’t:
- Copy from your cover letter or other CV examples.
- Include irrelevant personal information like age or marital status.
- Use clichés, jargon, or overly complex language.
- Include generic statements like “I am a team player,” which add little value.
- Overuse buzzwords or include quotes from previous employers.
- Ramble—get to the point quickly.
- Use uncertain language like “currently studying” or “might,” which can imply doubt.
Example CV Personal Statements
Here are a couple of examples to help inspire your own:
“As a recent graduate from Whitford University with a degree in International Relations, I have completed internships at leading NGOs like Global Change and Rights Action. These experiences have strengthened my understanding of policy analysis and enhanced my communication skills. I aim to secure a role that will allow me to further develop these skills and contribute to impactful international development projects.”
“I am a motivated environmental science graduate from Elmhurst University, seeking a role where I can apply my research skills and passion for sustainability. I gained hands-on experience during my internship at Green Futures, where I contributed to environmental impact assessments and community outreach programs. My goal is to work in a position that allows me to drive meaningful environmental change.”
Remember, these examples are just a starting point. Use them as inspiration to craft a personal statement that reflects your unique experiences and aspirations.