A personal statement is your chance to introduce yourself to a potential employer and make a memorable first impression. Think of it as your professional elevator pitch – a concise, focused paragraph that summarises your skills, experience, and what makes you the right fit for the role. Whether you’re a recent graduate, changing careers, or seeking a promotion, a well-written personal statement can be the difference between landing an interview or being overlooked. Here’s how to write a personal statement that stands out.
What is a Personal Statement?
A personal statement is a short paragraph at the top of your CV or job application that summarises who you are, what you can offer, and what you’re looking for. It’s typically around 150 words and is designed to grab the recruiter’s attention quickly. Unlike a cover letter, which is more detailed, a personal statement provides a quick overview of your strengths, experience, and career goals.
Why Do You Need a Personal Statement?
Your personal statement is a powerful tool in your job application because it captures attention in seconds, summarises your suitability for the role, highlights your unique selling points, and encourages recruiters to read more of your CV. In competitive job markets, a strong personal statement can significantly increase your chances of securing an interview.
How Long Should a Personal Statement Be?
Aim for approximately 150 words or four to five lines on your CV. It should be concise, relevant, and focused. Keep in mind that it’s a summary, not a replacement for your cover letter.
Personal Statement Structure
To keep your personal statement effective and easy to read, structure it around three key sections: an introduction (who you are and your background), a main body (your key skills, relevant experience, and accomplishments), and a conclusion (your career goals and why you’re applying for this role).
How to Start a Personal Statement
Begin with a confident introduction that outlines your current role, area of expertise, or academic background. Make sure it’s relevant to the job you’re applying for and shows enthusiasm for the role or industry.
Examples:
“As a customer service specialist with over five years’ experience in fast-paced retail environments, I thrive on delivering excellent client experiences.”
“A recent graduate in computer science, I’m passionate about developing innovative software solutions that solve real-world problems.”
If you’re unsure how to start, try writing the main section first and return to the opening once you have a clearer message.
What to Include in a Personal Statement
Experience: Highlight your most relevant professional, academic, or voluntary experience. Focus on what you did, what you learned, and how it supports your application.
Example: “…hands-on experience gained through a year-long placement at a leading accountancy firm.”
Key Skills: Include a mix of hard and soft skills that match the job description. Tailor this to the role you’re applying for.
Example: “Skilled in Excel, data interpretation, and client communication…”
Achievements: Mention specific accomplishments or results, including awards, projects, or improvements you helped deliver.
Example: “…supported the preparation of monthly financial reports and budgeting tasks.”
Personal Qualities: Use real examples to showcase traits like reliability, adaptability, or teamwork.
Example: “I’m known for being detail-oriented, reliable, and calm under pressure – qualities that helped me meet tight deadlines and build positive working relationships.”
Career Goals: Explain why you’re applying and what you hope to gain or achieve in the role.
Example: “Keen to begin my career in corporate finance, I’m now looking for a role where I can continue developing my skills and work towards chartered status.”
How to Conclude a Personal Statement
Finish with a sentence that reflects your goals and reinforces your interest in the role or industry. Avoid overly formal closings or repeating information already mentioned.
Effective Conclusion Example:
“Keen to begin my career in corporate finance, I’m now looking for a role where I can continue developing my skills and work towards chartered status.”
Example of a Complete Personal Statement
A recent finance graduate with strong analytical skills and hands-on experience gained through a year-long placement at a leading accountancy firm. Skilled in Excel, data interpretation, and client communication, I supported the preparation of monthly financial reports and budgeting tasks. I’m known for being detail-oriented, reliable, and calm under pressure – qualities that helped me meet tight deadlines and build positive working relationships. This was demonstrated by managing and completing a recent project on streamlining the month-end reporting process during my placement, which improved efficiency and reduced errors. Keen to begin my career in corporate finance, I’m now looking for a role where I can continue developing my skills and work towards chartered status.
Final Tips: Dos and Don’ts
Do: Tailor your statement to each role, use specific examples, and keep it professional and relevant.
Don’t: Use clichés or vague claims, include irrelevant personal details, or make it too long or too brief.
Personal Statement Checklist
Before submitting, ask yourself:
Have I included relevant experience and skills?
Is it tailored to the job I’m applying for?
Does it show personality and enthusiasm?
Is it around 150 words?
Need More Help?
At Resource Provider Ltd, we help job seekers build strong, standout CVs and applications. Explore our other career resources for more advice on CV writing, cover letters, interview tips, and job market insights in the UK. Ready to level up your application? Start with your personal statement – and let your skills shine.