How to Write a Great Personal Statement in Your CV/Resume

Recruiters, such as hiring managers, often do not have much time to go through each applicant’s CV/resume in great detail (especially when they face many applications), so making an immediate impact is essential. 

Want a powerful CV that impresses employers? Build one in minutes

The personal statement—typically the first section they see—plays a critical role in capturing their attention or interest and encouraging them to read further. When crafted effectively, it can serve as a strong hook that reflects your professionalism, confidence, and suitability for the role you're applying for.

What Is a Personal Statement for a CV/Resume?

A CV/resume personal statement is a brief descriptive passage placed at the beginning of a CV or resume. It provides a snapshot of an applicant’s career information such as professional job role, key skills or competencies, achievements and career objectives. Unlike a cover letter, which delves into specific experiences and motivations, the personal statement is a brief overview capable of enticing recruiters to read further.

Why Include a Personal Statement in a CV/Resume?

Including a personal statement in your CV/resume offers several advantages:

• Immediate engagement: It captures the reader's attention right away.
• Clear value proposition: It succinctly communicates what you bring to the table.
• Tailored fit: It allows you to align your skills and goals with the specific job you're applying for.
• Professional branding: It reinforces your personal brand and career narrative.

How To Write a CV/Resume Personal Statement

To craft an effective personal statement, consider incorporating the following key elements:

• Professional identity: Start with your current role or professional designation.
• Core competencies: Highlight your key skills and areas of expertise.
• Notable achievements: Mention significant accomplishments or experiences that demonstrate your capabilities.
• Career objectives: Conclude with a statement about your career aspirations and how they align with the prospective role.

Example"As a seasoned SEO content specialist with over 9 years of experience, I have successfully led SEO and content strategies that increased web traffic by 150% year-over-year. My expertise in data analytics and campaign optimization has driven measurable success results. I am seeking a dynamic content creation role in a forward-thinking tech company to further hone my skills and contribute to innovative projects."

Tips for Writing a Great Personal Statement for Your CV/Resume

• Keep it concise: Though there is no rigid word limit, aim for a maximum of 150–200 words. A brief, impactful statement is more effective and will save your reader’s time.
• Tailor to the job: Customize your personal statement for each application, reflecting the specific requirements and responsibilities of the role.
• Use active language: Employ strong action verbs to convey confidence and proactivity.
• Avoid sounding overconfident: Don’t underrate yourself, but avoid exaggeration.
• Edit and proofread: Ensure your statement (and the entire document) is free from grammatical, typing and logical errors.

Conclusion

A well-crafted personal statement is a powerful tool in your CV/resume arsenal. It can serve as an elevator pitch that offers recruiters a glimpse into your professional persona, encouraging them to explore you further. Take advantage of the outstanding features in CVHack to build professional CV/resumes and cover letters that give you an edge among recruiters.