How to write a CV personal statement for a specific job
Your personal statement, or profile, is the first thing read. Three or four lines that answer the advert beat a paragraph about being hard-working.
What it's for
The statement tells the reader, in a few seconds, who you are for this job: your current role or background, your strongest evidence for the advert's must-haves, and what you're looking for. It sets up the rest of the CV.
A simple shape
- Who you are: your job title or background and your level of experience.
- Proof: two or three of the advert's must-haves you clearly meet, with something specific.
- What you want: the kind of role you're applying for, in one short clause.
- [Job title] with [length of time] experience in [setting or sector]. [Strongest relevant achievement or responsibility]. Skilled in [two must-haves from the advert you really have]. Looking for a [role from the advert] role where I can [what you'd do].
What to leave out
- Lists of personality words with no proof: "hard-working, reliable, motivated team player".
- Things that don't help with this job.
- Anything you can't back up later in the CV.
- "I" in every sentence. Most UK CV statements leave it out, though either is fine if you're consistent.
Change it for every advert
The statement is the easiest part to tailor and the most read. Swap the job title and the must-haves for each application, so it reads as if written for this job, because it was.
Questions
How long should a CV personal statement be?
Three to five lines is common. If it goes beyond that, it's usually repeating what's further down.
Do I need a personal statement at all?
It's not required, but for career changers, graduates and anyone whose job title doesn't match the advert, it does useful work.