Many of us feel uncomfortable at the prospect of selling ourselves and it can be a challenge to show off our positive attributes without coming across as conceited. Depending on what you’re applying for, your personal statement

might require a certain focus or approach, however the main goal of a personal statement is always the same: to catch the reader’s attention and tell them why they should read on to find out more about you.

Whereas the education/qualifications and professional experience sections of your CV might be relatively straightforward to write, a personal statement is more subjective and is an opportunity to set the tone of your application and inject a little of your personality from the very beginning. For some this can feel like a difficult task but using our tips and advice below you’ll be on the right track to writing an effective personal statement for your CV.

What is a personal statement and why should I include one?

Your personal statement is the first thing a potential employer will read on your CV. It should set the tone for the rest of your CV and make the reader want to find out more about you and your skills. It’s your chance to show a bit of personality and to quickly highlight your key skills and career goals. Remember to only include information that is relevant to the job, avoid including anything which is too personal and keep it professional. A well-written, interesting personal statement can be the deciding factor on whether your CV is discarded into a pile, never to be looked at again, or whether you stand out from the crowd and grab the employer’s attention.

How long should my personal statement be?

Keep your personal statement short. You want it to be informative but concise to hold the reader’s attention. Only include relevant information; it should be a summary of why you’re applying for the job and what you can bring to the role.

Generally, personal statements are between 100-200 words, but the shorter you can keep it, whilst still including all the necessary information, the better.

What should my personal statement say?

As mentioned above, your personal statement should set out why you want to apply for the job, and what you can bring to the role. Think about who you are, your skills, what you can offer and your future career goals and aspirations.

If you’re struggling with what to write, take a look at the job description and identify the skills needed for the job. Think about how you meet these attributes and write about them in your personal statement.

What style should my personal statement be written in?

Some people prefer personal statements to be written in the first person, e.g. “I have a degree in English…” and others prefer it in the third person, e.g. “She has a degree in English…” There is no right or wrong answer so write in a way you feel most comfortable with. However, make sure you’re consistent and avoid switching between styles.

How much effort should I put into writing my personal statement?

The first personal statement you write will always take some time and effort, and each time you submit an application you should tailor your personal statement to the role. Although initially time consuming, the thought and consideration you put into your personal statement will be reflected in the quality of your application and will help make your CV stand out from the rest. Remember, the more times you write or tweak a personal statement, the easier it gets.