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Craft a winning personal statement for your CV to stand out

8 min read · Updated on March 12, 2024

Let the personal statement on your CV speak volumes about you

You probably have a fairly good idea of how to write a CV . Your employment history, education, and qualifications are relatively easy to pull together as you just need to look at dates, your previous job specs, and what you've achieved over the years.

The personal statement is often the trickiest component of a CV to write. Thankfully, we've got this comprehensive guide to help you write a winning one.

What is a personal statement for a CV?

Your personal statement is a short paragraph that sits at the top of your CV, just below your name and contact details. Diving into three key aspects, this section offers the recruiter or hiring manager a powerful overview of you as a professional:

1.    Who you are

2.    Your suitability for the role and the value you can add

3.    Your career goals 

Why include a personal statement on your CV?

It is estimated that recruiters spend an average of less than 8 seconds reviewing a CV before deciding whether the applicant is a good fit. 

As the personal statement is the first section they will read, it must be powerful and tailored to the job you're applying for to successfully showcase your suitability. If it's not, you're unlikely to convince the recruiter you're the talent they need for the job.

5 tips on writing your personal statement

Before we look at some personal statement examples, let's take a look at the basics. Here are some expert-backed tips for writing a good personal statement on your CV.

1. Keep it short and on point

Keep your personal statement clean and concise. It's typically around four sentences long, or about 50 to 200 words. If you're overshooting that word count, see which nonessential parts can be omitted.

2. Get the layout right from the start

Make sure that your layout is consistent with the rest of your CV's formatting . That means maintaining the same font size, font type, and text justification. Recruiters will notice these minor details, and so it's smart to get ahead of the game here. 

3. Use a heading (if there's space!)

You can add a “personal statement” heading in the same way that you'd title the subsequent sections of your CV. However, if you're tight on space, you can cut the heading as recruiters will know what this paragraph is nonetheless.

4. Choose the right perspective

The first person is acceptable for a statement (“I am an IT professional looking for a job in…”) as is the third person (“An IT professional looking for a job in…”). Choose the point of view that's most comfortable to write in, but, as always, keep it consistent with the rest of your CV.

5. Cut back on unnecessary words

If you're writing in the third person, remove all pronouns. Otherwise, it sounds existentially awkward, rather than objective. For example, “She is a retail professional seeking a management role…” would become “A retail professional seeking a management role…”

How to write a personal statement for a CV

We've looked at the purpose of a personal statement, what it should include, and how it should look on the page. Now let's zoom in on exactly how to write a winning statement.

When writing, keep in mind that the personal statement on your CV is your elevator pitch; it's the equivalent of the “Tell me about yourself” or “Why should I hire you?” question in an interview. Below, we break down what you need to include in your personal statement.

Part 1: Who you are

Your opening statement needs to tell the prospective employer where you stand in your career. 

This introduction could include your current role, years of experience, and what you like the most about your career or professional field. It gives the recruiter a hint of the qualities that make you valuable to the vacancy.

Your first sentence may read like so:

As a successful digital marketing professional with five years specialising in e-commerce, I have recently worked with several global brands in the sector to improve their marketing strategy and boost their reach.

Part 2: Your suitability and value

The next part of your statement should line up with the requirements in the job description and prove your relevant and impressive qualifications.

It's always best to address here the essential job specifications to articulate from the beginning that you're the right person for the job. For example, if the role requires management experience or a certain degree and you have these, say so.

Your middle sentences may look like this:

I have experience in optimising quality digital products via my most recent role and am therefore in tune with the latest developments across the online landscape. As a result, I have devised winning branding strategies for e-commerce businesses that are robust, customer-centric and set for aggressive growth.

Part 3: Your career goals

The last part of your personal statement should be short and snappy as it's reaffirming why you are applying for this vacancy.

It might read something like so:

I am currently looking for a senior branding or marketing management role within the e-commerce sector where I can maintain my strong track record and deliver similar results.

Complete CV personal profile examples

In addition to the samples above, here are a couple of complete personal statement examples to give you an idea of what yours should look like.

For a graduate, written in the third person:

A recent graduate with a first-class BSc degree in Mathematics, specialising in analytics and statistics. Holds commercial experience within the finance sector, thanks to an internship with a corporate UK business, and has resultantly developed technical skills in data science and data engineering. Has a proven ability to meet deadlines, prioritise, problem solve, and maintain high standards having balanced a part-time job alongside studies over the last three years. Now looking to secure a place on a graduate programme that will provide exposure to data science and career progression opportunities.

Addressing a recent redundancy, written in the first person:

I am a skilled and successful Product Engineer within the automotive industry, with an HND in mechanical engineering and seven years of experience in the sector. Having worked in a number of labs handling vehicle-based testing and mentoring development technicians, I am confident in managing teams in a hands-on environment and running new development projects from briefing to sign off. Currently looking for a role that complements my skill set and experience. Available immediately.

Writing your personal statement: common mistakes to avoid  

There are some common profile errors that you should avoid. Steer clear of these popular pitfalls to keep your personal statement as powerful as possible.

Buzzword overload

Are you an extremely self-motivated, ambitious professional with extensive experience and passion for a certain industry? We thought so.

Buzzwords are great, and you'll find them in abundance in job adverts. But it's best to sprinkle just a few through your personal statement as they don't particularly provide evidence of your skill or ability. It's much stronger to show the employer how you're self-motivated and ambitious with an example.

Using a generic personal statement

You might think that your personal statement can work for every application. For the most part, it will, because, in theory, the jobs you're applying for will be similar and match your skill set.

However, you must tweak and tailor your statement (and your entire CV) so that it targets the skills each vacancy requires. Otherwise, it won't be as impactful.

Including too much waffle

As you begin to plan and write the personal statement for your CV, you'll most likely find that you have a lot more to say than you originally thought. Be careful not to overwrite as you may be left with a statement that's clogged with too many adjectives and is clunky to read.

As a rule of thumb, highlight your best bits in your personal statement and save the details for your cover letter.

FAQs about your personal statement 

Now that we've shown you some examples of a personal statement on a CV, there's just one last thing to cover. Here are some frequently asked questions on the topic:

How long should a personal statement be?

When you're writing a personal statement for a CV, your word count should be between 50 and 200 words. Be sure not to waste any space with unnecessary waffle here. 

Does a personal statement have other names?

Yes! The personal statement on your CV may also be called a personal profile, a CV summary, or a professional summary. 

Does a CV (really) need a personal statement?

Yes, most CVs require a personal statement at the top of the page. Use our guide to help you write a summary that grabs the hiring manager's attention for the right reasons. 

Stand out with a winning personal statement

Writing a captivating personal statement on your CV is a quick way to hook potential employers. Make sure that your summary showcases what makes you unique and adds value to your application. 

Still unsure about your personal statement? Get in touch with one of our career experts by requesting a free CV critique today! 

Recommended reading: 

Professional email salutations that work (with examples)

Written communication: definition and examples

How long should a cover letter be and what should it include?

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What File Format Is Best for Your CV? Pros + Cons

Best fonts to use for a CV (with examples)

Should you put your address on a CV (with examples)

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Writing a personal statement for your CV

CV personal statements are like the sales pitch of your CV, but not everyone thinks they're useful. Discover if they're really necessary, how to write a CV personal profile and templates for inspiration

What is a CV personal statement?

A CV personal statement is a concise paragraph or summary, which details what you can bring to a job or company. It's also known as an opening statement, personal profile, personal summary or executive summary.

Sitting at the top of your CV, it's your opportunity to sell yourself to employers and to highlight the relevant skills and experience you possess.

While effectively and succinctly convincing recruiters that you're a good fit for the role, a personal statement gives you the chance to show off your strengths and share your career goals.

'The focus of your CV statement should be to target your offer to employers - why should they hire you and how are you different to other graduates? Therefore, making your personal statement as unique as possible is crucial to ensure you stand out from the crowd,' explains Alex Proctor, careers consultant at the University of Bradford.

Do I need a personal summary on my CV?

Traditionally, almost all CV types include a personal statement but there is some debate about whether you actually need to include one.

Some recruiters and careers advisers believe that personal profiles are one of the most important parts of a CV, as they provide an easily accessible overview of a candidate's ability, while others feel that personal statements are a waste of valuable space and time.

The latter belief is often the case with graduate CVs, as some employers feel that those just stepping onto the career ladder don't necessarily have enough knowledge or experience to warrant a personal statement. Because of this, a graduate's personal profile runs the risk of being bland and generic and stating things that should be a given, such as, 'I'm hardworking and organised,' which is why some recruiters believe that they are best suited to more senior CVs.

So while your CV doesn't need a personal statement, employers spend only seconds looking at application documents. With this in mind, a CV personal statement gives you an invaluable opportunity to make your application stand out as quickly as possible.

Alex believes 'that a CV personal statement is a good idea, because employers often have so many CVs to read through and the personal statement, if clear and concise, can elevate your chances of getting through to the next stage of the recruitment process.'

If you'd like to include a personal statement on your CV it might be best, as a graduate, to focus on your educational background and the career path you'd like to embrace. If you have relevant experiences use these to make your personal statement unique. 'If you haven’t got much work experience, focus on what experience you can extract from your degree,' advises Alex. 'If you have taken part in various projects demonstrate what your role was. Alternatively, if you have written a dissertation, showcase your topic and what skills you have developed from this experience. Employers will value your individuality even if you haven't had masses of practical work experience.'

If you're struggling to give it context and get it right, make an appointment with your university's careers or employability service and ask an adviser to help you hone your writing. 

What should I include in my CV personal profile?

In terms of length, a CV personal profile should be no longer than 150 words. 'It should be short, impactful and aligned effectively with the CV content,' explains David Ainscough, careers consultant team lead and deputy director at the University of Cambridge.

'A personal CV profile should include details of your educational background, evidence of work experience, as well as your career aspirations. You ideally need to ensure you are telling the reader what you can offer skill-wise and don't be afraid to also share any accomplishments,' adds Alex.  

If you're struggling with what to write, break your personal statement down into three parts. Focus on:

• who you are
• what you can offer
• your career aims.

Start by introducing yourself. For example, 'A recent graduate with a 2:1 in English literature from the Hillview University' or a 'Highly-skilled physiotherapist with five years’ experience…'

Next, detail what you can offer the company. Ask yourself why you're suited to the role and cover any relevant skills or experience. If you lack practical work experience instead draw attention to your academic achievements, such as contributing to university publications, which developed written communication, attention to detail and teamworking skills. Or how you applied skills learned on your physical therapy degree during your time as a physio assistant for university sport teams.

Conclude your personal statement by highlighting your career goals. For example, 'I am looking to start my career in the exciting world of publishing and to develop the skills learned through my university studies and internships.'

It's up to you how you present this information; there is no hard and fast rule. However, personal statements are generally displayed as a single paragraph, without a title or subheading. You'll need to keep it consistent with the rest of your CV formatting, meaning that the font size and type will need to be the same throughout your document.

Also, consider the voice and tense you'd like to use. Personal statements can be written in either the first or third person, but you'll need to maintain this voice throughout - don't switch between the two.

Take a look at  how to write a CV .

How can I make it stand out to employers?

• 'Remember that first impressions count so make sure you're giving the recruiter a comfortable reading experience. Layout and clarity are crucial,' says David.
• Tailor your CV personal statement (and CV in general) to each application.
• Be honest. Untruths are easy to uncover and lying on your CV is a criminal offence.
• Provide evidence of skills and experience but remember to keep it brief. For example, 'experienced event manager, who led a team to organise a charity ball for 150 people, raising £5,000 - a 20% increase on previous years.'
• Use the job description to help form your CV personal profile.
• Stick to the word limit.
• Check for spelling and grammar mistakes. The personal summary sits at the top of your CV so any errors will be immediately apparent.
• 'Keep it fresh. It needs to be reviewed in each application you make so consider something new to say each time,' adds David.
• Read it aloud once you've finished writing to make sure it flows.
• Copy and paste from your  cover letter or from online CV personal statement examples. Your personal summary needs to be unique and personal to you.
• Include unnecessary personal information such as your age, marital status etc.
• Use clichés, slang or jargon.
• Use bland, empty statements like 'I work well independently and as part of a team'. This tells employers absolutely nothing about what you’re capable of.
• Overuse buzzwords.
• Include quotes from previous employers.
• Ramble. Recruiters don't have time to read through waffle, so get to the point.

Think about the connotations of the words you use - 'currently studying' implies things might change, 'trying' implies failure, 'might' or 'maybe' sounds like you're not sure. The words you use have power so choose them carefully. You want to sound confident, positive and enthusiastic.

Find out more about the  top 7 CV mistakes .

CV personal statement examples

To help you get started take a look at the following CV personal profile examples.

As a recent graduate from the University of Townville, with a 2:1 honours degree in marketing, I have undertaken internships at industry-leading agencies such as Beyond Imagination and Noah Freemans. These placements have allowed me to develop sector knowledge and gain hands on experience, as well as expand transferable skills such as commercial awareness, communication and negotiation and analytical skills. My career aim is to gain a role which allows me to further my expertise and take on increased responsibility at a market-leading digital marketing agency.

I am a highly motivated 2:1 forensic science graduate from Groveshire University, looking to secure a graduate position that enables me to use and develop my analytical, attention to detail and communication skills. I have gained relevant experience in both scientific and hospital laboratories, which allowed me to build on my problem solving, concentration and team working skills. My career goal is to assume a role that enables me to analyse and interpret forensic data and to eventually move into crime scene investigation.

Remember; avoid copying and pasting ready-made examples. Instead use them as a guide to craft your own, tailored CV personal statement. Take a look at our  example CVs .

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CV personal statement examples

If you want to secure job interview, you need a strong personal statement at the top of your CV.

Your CV personal statement is a short paragraph which sits at the very top of your CV – and it’s aim is to summarise the benefits of hiring you and encourage employers to read your CV in full.

In this guide I have included 17 CV personal statement examples from a range of professions and experience levels, plus a detailed guide of how to write your own personal statement that will get you noticed by employers

CV templates 

17 CV personal statement examples

To start this guide, I have included 10 examples of good personal statements, to give you an idea of how a personal statement should look , and what should be included.

Note: personal statements are generally used by junior candidates – if you are experienced, check out our CV profile examples instead.

Graduate CV personal statement (no experience)

Although this  graduate has no paid work experience, they compensate for it by showcasing all of the skills and knowledge the have gained during their studies, and demonstrating how they apply their knowledge in academic and personal projects.

When you have little or no experience, it’s important to draw out transferable workplace skills from your studies and extracurricular work, to showcase them to employers.

Graduate CV personal statement (part time freelance experience)

This candidate has graduated with a degree in biochemistry but actually wants to start a career in digital marketing after providing some digital freelance services to fund their studies.

In this case, they haven’t made much mention of their studies because they aren’t relevant to the digital marketing agencies they are applying to. Instead they have focused their personal statement around their freelance work and passion for the digital field – although they still mention the fact they are degree educated to prove their academic success.

School leaver CV personal statement (no experience)

This candidate is 16 years old and has no work experience whatsoever, but they compensate for this by detailing their academic achievements that relate to the roles they are applying for (maths and literacy are important requirements in finance and accountancy roles).

They also add some info on their extracurricular activities and school work-placements, to strengthen this student CV further.

    Top tips for writing a CV personal statement

• Thoroughly research the jobs and companies you are planning to apply for to identify the type of candidate they are looking for – try to reflect that in your personal statement
• Don’t be afraid to brag a little – include some of your most impressive achievements from education, work or personal life
• Focus on describing the benefits an employer will get from hiring you. Will you help them to get more customers? Improve their workplace? Save them time and money?
• If you have no work experience, demonstrate transferable workplace skills from your education, projects, or even hobbies

School leaver CV personal statement (part time experience)

Although this person has only just left school, they have also undertaken some part-time work in a call centre alongside their studies.

To make the most of this experience, they have combined their academic achievements with their workplace exposure in this personal statement.

By highlighting their GCSE results, summer programme involvement, work experience and expressing their ambitions to progress within sales, this candidate really makes an appealing case for hiring them.

College leaver CV personal statement (no experience)

This candidate has left college with good grades, but does not yet have any work experience.

To compensate for the lack of workplace exposure, they have made their A level results prominent and highlighted skills and experience which would benefit the employers they are targeting.

Any recruiter reading this profile can quickly understand that this candidate has great academic achievements, a passion for IT and finance and the ability to transfer their skills into an office environment.

College student CV personal statement (freelance experience)

As this student has picked up a small amount of freelance writing work during their studies, they have made sure to brag about it in their personal statement.

They give details on their relevant A level studies to show the skills they are learning, and boost this further by highlighting the fact that they have been applying these skills in a real-life work setting by providing freelance services.

They also include key action verbs that recruiters will be looking for , such as creative writing, working to deadlines, and producing copy.

Academic CV personal statement

Aside from junior candidates, the only other people who might use a personal statement, are academic professionals; as their CV’s tend to be more longer and detailed than other professions.

This candidate provides a high level overview of their field of study, length of experience, and the roles they have held within universities.

School leaver CV personal statement with and sports experience

Although this person has no work experience, they are still able to show employers the value of hiring them by selling their other achievements and explaining how they could benefit an organisation.

They expand on their sports club involvement to demonstrate their teamwork, leadership skills, communication and motivation, which are all important traits in the workplace, and will be looked upon favourably by recruiters and hiring managers.

They also draw upon their future plans to study business studies and take a part time job, to further prove their ambition and dedication.

History graduate CV personal statement

This history graduate proves their aptitude for both academic achievement and workplace aptitude by showcasing valuable skills from their degree and voluntary work.

They do this by breaking down the key requirements for each and showing how their skills could be beneficial for future employers, such as listening, communication, and crisis management.

They also describe how their ability to balance studies alongside voluntary work has not only boosted their knowledge and skills, but also given excellent time management and organisational skills – which are vital assets to any employer.

Law graduate CV personal statement

This legal graduate makes the most from their work university work placements by using it to bulk out the contents of their CV personal statement.

They include their degree to show they have the necessary qualifications for legal roles, which is crucial, but more importantly, they showcase how they applied their legal skills within a real-life work setting.

They give a brief overview of the types of legal professionals they have been working alongside and the type of work they have been carrying out – this is all it takes to get the attention of recruiters and show employers they have what it takes to fulfil roles in the legal sector.

Medical student CV personal statement

This medical student proves their fit for the role by showcasing the key skills they have gained from their studies and their work experience placements.

In just these few sentences, they are able to highlight the vast amount of experience they have across different disciplines in the industry, something which is particularly important in the medical sector.

As they have not graduated yet and are still studying, they have provided proof of their most recent grades. This can give the recruiter some indication as to the type of grade they could be graduating with in the near future.

Masters student CV personal statement

This masters student has started by specifying their area of study, in this case, accounting, and given details about the specific areas of finance they are most interested in. This can hint towards their career goals and passions.

They have then carefully listed some of the key areas of accounting and finance that they are proficient in. For example, business finance, advanced corporate finance and statistics.

They have also outlined some of the transferable skills needed for accounting roles that employers will be looking out for, such as communication, attention to detail and analytical skills.

Finance student CV personal statement

As this finance student has recently undertaken some relevant work experience, they’ve made sure to shout about this in their personal profile.

But more than this, they have included a list of some of the important finance skills they gained as a result of this work experience – for example, financial reporting, processing invoices and month-end reconciliations.

Plus, through power words and phrases such as ‘prevent loss’ and ‘ improve upon accuracy and efficiency’, they have also showcased how they can apply these skills in a workplace setting to benefit the potential employer.

Internship  CV personal statement

This digital marketing professional has started their personal profile by outlining their most relevant qualifications and work experience, most notably their freelance role as a content manager.

They have also provided examples of some of the key marketing skills that potential employers might be looking for, including very detailed examples of the platforms and tools they are proficient in – for example, LinkedIn, Twitter and Pinterest.

They have then closed their statement by giving a detailed description of the type of role or opportunity they are looking for. In this case, an in-house position in a marketing company.

Graduate career changer personal statement

Switching careers as a graduate can be tough. Especially when it comes to writing a personal statement that will attract employers in your new chosen field.

This candidate is looking to move from history teaching into journalism, so they have created a statement which briefly mentions their current workplace, but mainly focuses on highlighting transferable skills which are relevant to journalism. They achieve this by discussing the writing skills they use in their current role, and mentioning their hobby of writing – including some publications they have been featured in for extra brownie points.

Business management graduate personal statement

This business management proves their ability to work within a junior business management position by swiftly highlighting their impressive degree (to ensure it is not missed) and summarising some of the real-life experience they have gained in management during their university placements and volunteering. They do not let their lack of paid work experience, stop them demonstrating their valuable skills.

PhD graduate

PhD graduate roles attract a lot of competition, so it’s important that your CV contains a personal statement that will quickly impress and attract recruiters.

This candidate provides a short-but-comprehensive overview of their academic achievements, whilst demonstrating their exceptional level of knowledge in research, languages and publication writing.

By highlighting a number of skills and abilities that are in high-demand in the academic workplace, this CV is very likely to get noticed and land interviews.

How to write a personal statement for your CV

Now that you’ve seen what a personal statement should look like and the type of content it should contain, follow this detailed guide to one for your own CV – and start racking those interviews up.

Guide contents

What is a CV personal statement?

Cv personal statement or cv profile, personal statement format, what to include in a cv personal statement.

• Personal statement mistakes

How to write persuasively

A personal statement is a short paragraph at the top of your CV which gives employers an overview of your education, skills and experience

It’s purpose is to capture the attention of busy recruiters and hiring managers when your CV is first opened – encouraging them to read the rest of it.

You achieve this by writing a tailored summary of yourself that explains your suitability for the roles you are applying for at a very high level, and matches your target job descriptions .

One question candidates often ask me is , “what is the difference between a personal statement and a CV profile?”

To be honest, they are almost the same – they are both introductory paragraphs that sit at the top of your CV… but there are 2 main differences

A personal statement tends to be used more by junior candidates (graduates, school leavers etc.) and is relatively long and detailed.

A CV profile tends to be favoured by more experienced candidates , and is shorter in length than a personal statement.

Note: If you are an experienced candidate, you may want to switch over to my CV profile writing guide , or example CV profiles page.

To ensure you grab recruiters’ attention with your personal statement, lay it out in the following way.

Positioning

You need to ensure that your personal statement sits at the very top of your CV, and all of it should be totally visible to readers, without the need to scroll down the page.

Do this by reducing the top page margin and minimising the space taken up by your contact details.

This will ensure that your whole personal statement can be seen, as soon as your CV is opened.

We have a Word CV template which can help you to get this right.

Size/length

Your personal statement needs to contain enough detail to provide an introduction to your skills and knowledge, but not so much detail that it bores readers.

To strike the right balance, anything between 8-15 lines of text is perfect – and sentences should be sharp and to-the-point.

As with the whole of your CV or resume , your personal statement should be written in a simple clean font at around size 10-12 to ensure that it can be read easily by all recruiters and employers.

Keep the text colour simple , ensuring that it contrasts the background (black on white is best) and break it into 2 or even 3 paragraphs for a pleasant reading experience.

It should also be written in a punchy persuasive tone, to help you sell yourself and increase your chances of landing interviews , I cover how to do this in detail further down the guide.

Quick tip: A poorly written CV will fail to impress recruiters and employers. Use our quick-and-easy CV Builder to create a winning CV in minutes with professional CV templates and pre-written content for every industry.

Once you have the style and format of your personal statement perfected, you need to fill it with compelling content that tells recruiters that your CV is worth reading.

Here’s what needs to go into your personal statement…

Before you start writing your personal statement, it’s crucial that you research your target roles to find out exactly what your new potential employers are looking for in a candidate.

Run a search for your target jobs on one of the major job websites , look through plenty of adverts and make a list of the candidate requirements that frequently appear.

This research will show you exactly what to include in your personal statement in order to impress the recruiters who will be reading it.

Education and qualifications are an important aspect of your personal statement, especially if you are a junior candidate.

You should highlight your highest and most relevant qualifications, whether that is a degree, A levels or GCSEs. You could potentially go into some more detail around modules, papers etc. if they are relevant to the roles you are applying for.

It’s important that you discuss the experience you have gained in your personal statement, to give readers an idea of the work you are comfortable undertaking.

This can of course be direct employed work experience, but it doesn’t have to be.

You can also include:

• School/college Uni work placements
• Voluntary work
• Personal projects
• Hobbies/interests

As with all aspects of your CV , the content should be tailored to match the requirements of your target roles.

Whilst discussing your experience, you should touch upon skills used, industries worked in, types of companies worked for, and people you have worked with.

Where possible, try to show the impact your actions have made. E.g . A customer service agent helps to make sales for their employer.

Any industry-specific knowledge you have that will be useful to your new potential employers should be made prominent within your personal statement.

For example

• Knowledge of financial regulations will be important for accountancy roles
• Knowledge of IT operating systems will be important for IT roles
• Knowledge of the national curriculum will be important for teachers

You should also include some information about the types of roles you are applying for, and why you are doing so. Try to show your interest and passion for the field you are hoping to enter, because employers want to hire people who have genuine motivation and drive in their work.

This is especially true if you don’t have much work experience, as you need something else to compensate for it.

CV personal statement mistakes

The things that you omit from your personal statement can be just as important as the things you include.

Try to keep the following out of your personal statement..

Irrelevant info

Any information that doesn’t fall into the requirements of your target roles can be cut out of your personal statement. For example, if you were a professional athlete 6 years ago, that’s great – but it won’t be relevant if you’re applying to advertising internships, so leave it out.

Generic clichés

If you are describing yourself as a “ dynamic team player with high levels of motivation and enthusiasm” you aren’t doing yourself any favours.

These cliché terms are vastly overused and don’t provide readers with any factual details about you – so keep them to a minimum.

Stick to solid facts like education, skills , experience, achievements and knowledge.

If you really want to ensure that your personal statement makes a big impact, you need to write in a persuasive manner.

So, how do you so this?

Well, you need to brag a little – but not too much

It’s about selling yourself and appearing confident, without overstepping the mark and appearing arrogant.

For example, instead of writing.

“Marketing graduate with an interest in entering the digital field”

Be creative and excite the reader by livening the sentence up like this,

“Marketing graduate with highest exam results in class and a passion for embarking on a long and successful career within digital”

The second sentence is a much more interesting, makes the candidate appear more confident, throws in some achievements, and shows off a wider range of writing skills.

Quick tip: A poorly written CV will fail to impress recruiters and employers. Use our quick-and-easy CV Builder to create a winning CV in minutes with professional templates and pre-written content for every industry.

Your own personal statement will be totally unique to yourself, but by using the above guidelines you will be able to create one which shows recruiters everything they need.

Remember to keep the length between 10-20 lines and only include the most relevant information for your target roles.

You can also check our school leaver CV example , our best CV templates , or our library of example CVs from all industries.

Good luck with the job hunt!

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CV Personal Statement:  Examples and Actionable Tips

Fact: recruiters spend only 6 seconds reviewing each CV. So poorly organized CVs inevitably get discarded. 

Having an effective CV layout is the first step to attracting their attention. And the second step is topping that CV with a compelling personal statement (also known as a personal profile, personal summary, or executive summary).

What is a Personal Statement in a CV? 

A personal statement for a CV is a short and compelling paragraph that summarizes why you’re the most qualified person for the offered role. It tells the reader who you are and what valuable qualifications you will be bringing to their company.

NB : Opening statement, personal profile, personal summary, or executive summary are the other common names for a personal statement. 

Many believe that the work experience section is the most important element of a CV. Yet, it is your personal statement that can end up making or breaking the success of your job application. 

Because it provides the reader with a quick answer to one question they have on their mind: Are you qualified for the job or not? 

Remember: You’ll be directly competing with numerous other applicants with similar skills and work experiences. A compelling CV statement sets you apart by giving the reader a condensed snapshot of who you are as a person. 

Do I Need To Include a Personal Statement On My CV?

The short answer is YES! A personal statement entices the reader to read your entire CV by giving them a preview of your most valuable skills. It also helps you differentiate from other candidates by explaining your background, motivation, and personal character traits concisely. 

In essence, a personal statement helps you express why you are the right choice for the job in one condensed paragraph.

Where Should a Personal Statement Go in a CV?

A personal statement goes into the header area of your CV. Include it right under your name and contact details as a separate, highlighted area. A good personal statement is about 3-4 sentences long and occupies not more than 1/4th of the page. 

Alternatively, you can design a two-column CV and allocate the upper sidebar area for your personal statement. As a recent survey found, 77% of recruiters prefer two-column CVs to single-column ones.

Sample personal statement placement on a CV template

What Do You Write in a CV Personal Statement?

A compelling personal statement summarizes your professional and educational background; highlights the main skills and accomplishments. It can also express your career objectives and/or interest in the particular industry or subject if you’re a current student or recent graduate.  

Personal Statement Examples for CV 

To give you an idea of how to write your statement, let’s look at some examples.

Remember: You need to write a unique personal statement for your CV. Simply copying and using these examples may not be the best move because the sample CV statements won’t reflect your unique experiences and personality. 

Good CV Personal Statement Examples

Employers want to see experts. Therefore, your personal statement must speak directly to your most marketable skills. 

You should never come off sounding desperate or diminish your worth (even if you have been recently laid off ). Use a confident tone with first-person implied and strong verbs to describe your core competencies and other benefits you can bring to the workplace. 

General Jobseeker Personal Statement Example

Highly motivated, fully trained engineer with 15 years of experience in the telecoms industry. Worked with XYZ Telecoms Ltd, Cool Mobile Carrier, and Acme Telco as a field engineer and project team leader. Successfully managed large commercial telecom infrastructure installations. Currently unemployed due to the relocation of the company. Open to new opportunities in NOC. 

Personal Statement CV Example For an Administration Position 

Adaptable and resourceful facilities manager with experience in supporting enterprise-sized organizations in real estate, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing industries. Strong organizational skillset: Six Sigma, standardized method of procedure (MOP) policies implementation. Was responsible for facilities operations on 2.4 million square feet in a 20-building chemical manufacturing campus, serviced by a 20+ people team of building engineers, electricians, HVAC technicians, and cleaners.

Accountant Personal Statement CV Examples

Below are two samples for a senior and a junior accountant. 

Chartered Accountant 

ACCA-certified accountant for mid-market and enterprise-sized companies. Conducted due diligence and tax audits for FTSE 500 companies. Commenced for a 100% accuracy track record in financial reporting, as well as fast turnaround on complex analytical reviews. Provide on-demand advisory on trust setup, company incorporation, and tax deferrals. 

Account Assistant 

Detail-oriented, certified accounting assistant with experience in payroll administration. Familiar with Gusto, Xero, and Intuit software. Effectively process payroll, benefits, taxes, and social contributions for over 1500 employees per month. Possess a strong foundation in employee classification,  tax reporting, and financial management. 

CV Personal Statement Examples for Students

Whether you’re applying for an internship or looking for a part-time job , a compelling personal is a must-have for a student CV. 

Since your work experience history may be a bit “thin”, you need to persuade the employer via other means — your transferable skills, academic interests, and personal traits. A personal CV allows you to spotlight all of these. 

Remember that you are bringing your energy, dedication, enthusiasm, and willingness to learn to the table. As you will not have any employment history, you need to make sure to get your personality and your soft skills over in your statement.

CV Statement for a Student Looking for a Full-Time Summer Job 

Junior copywriter, enrolled in a BA Writing Program at the University of Manchester (graduation date: fall 2025). Alumni of the 2022 Copywriting Bootcamp program from Matters Agency. Well-versed in target audience analysis, brand positioning, and editorial campaign planning. Writing clips for eCommerce and SaaS brands are available in my portfolio.  

CV Statement for an Internship 

Second-year mechanical engineering student at the University of Leeds, seeking to apply theoretical knowledge in safety system design. Proficient in AutoCAD and completed a series of blueprints for fire and water safety systems as part of my coursework. Fast learner, self-starter, and team player, I’m excited to contribute my technical expertise to a dynamic engineering team.

CV Statement for a Student Looking for a Part-Time Job 

Junior front-end developer (React, Angular JS), seeking a part-time programming position in the Great London area. Current availability is 10-15 hours per week, preferably with hybrid work arrangements. Solid understanding of design systems and UX/UI best practices. Past work experience in finance and eCommerce sectors. 

CV Personal Statement Examples for 16-Year-Olds

Joining the workforce straight after high school makes sense if you want to take a gap year or pursue trade education later on. The wrinkle, however, is that most employers may be wary of your age and lack of experience.

The goal of a personal statement is to dispel those doubts by showing that you’re a serious, mature, and hard-working candidate, eager to learn and hone your craft. 

Personal Statement for a Barista Position 

Genuine coffee lover and frequent guest at Maddie’s Cafe, I would love to join the barista team. As a former head of the prom planning committee, I understand the importance of good teamwork, efficient planning, and following instructions. My main objectives are to learn more about beverage prep and deliver exceptional experiences to customers. 

CV Personal Statement Examples For A Graduate

Your personal statement should focus on your main educational attainments and experiences. If you are applying before you have had your degree results, it is fine to give a projected grade. You can also mention any specific modules you have studied that are relevant to the job on offer and how much you enjoyed working on them.

Remember: Your goal is to explain why you’re interested in this role and what you could bring to the table. 

Graduate Personal Statement Example

Business administration graduate with a 1:1 honors degree from XYZ University. Interested in an entry-level merchandising position within your Commercial Sales Department to expand my knowledge in retail merchandising, procurement, and inventory management. Looking to apply my analytical and data modeling skills for merchandising strategy optimization. 

Personal Statement for High School Graduate 

Energetic and enthusiastic high school graduate (June 2023) with top A-levels grades in English, Maths, and French. Seeking an entry-level role in sales, where I can make use of and develop my language skills. My long-term career goal is to further my language qualifications and position myself as a European sales manager living and working overseas for a global company.

Personal Statement Examples for CV With No Experience

Lack of experience in a particular role or industry should never discourage you from applying. Although you may not tick all the criteria boxes, you still have transferable skills and unique work experiences to showcase.

Moreover, ongoing talent shortages are prompting employees to reconsider their hiring criteria, plus invest more in new hire training and upskilling. Four in five companies now struggle to fill in open vacancies, which is the highest number in the past 17 years. 

So take your chances and apply even if you don’t have sufficient work experience. 

Personal Statement Example with No Relevant Work Experience 

Former front-desk hotel employee, looking for an opportunity to leverage strong service orientation and organizational skills in new roles (Customer Success or Customer Support). Familiarity with appointment booking software, digital chat apps, and CRM software. With my strong commitment to personal growth and my adaptable nature, I believe I could be a valuable asset to customer-centric teams.  

Personal Statement Example with No Industry Experience 

Self-starter with a BA degree in Communication and experience in corporate event management seeking a transition to music festival management. Experienced in organizing off-site events for 100+ people (including location scouting and travel coordination). I thrive in fast-paced environments and am eager to build a strong network of new partners. 

Discover even more personal statements from our collection of CV examples . 

CV Personal Statement For A Career Change

Career change is a big decision, but it can lead to a more fulfilling professional life. Besides, you’re not completely starting anew. Many of the hard and soft skills are quite universal. There is any number of different jobs that need the same set of skills that you have developed, so always try to lead with these and use real-life examples of your experience.

Career Change Personal Statement Example:

Working for the past 10 years as a regional sales manager has allowed me to develop keen skills in building strong working relationships and lucrative networks. Communication skills I developed during my time at my current employer enabled me to win vital contract wins that increased sales revenue by 20% over three years. I am now ready to take on a new challenge and want to work in the charity sector so that I can use my skills to give something back for the direct benefit of others.

How To Write A Strong Personal Statement for a CV 

An effective personal statement summarizes your skills and experience in a relevant way i.e., it indicates how you can be of help to the employer. 

In short, a compelling CV personal statement: 

• Lists your most marketable skills and qualifications 
• Highlights your industry knowledge and work experiences 
• Mirrors some of the key phrases, used in the job description 

And here’s how to write a personal statement that makes a mark.

1. Review the Job Description Once Again 

As you go through the role description, pay attention to the words, used by the employer, to describe the candidate’s requirements, duties, and personality. Keep those in the back of your head. 

These are the keywords you’d want to use all around your CV — in the personal statement, work experience, education, and skills areas. 

2. Do a Mental Tally of Your Skills 

Try to remember the times in your previous work roles when you accomplished notable objectives, went above and beyond expectations , or otherwise did better than your peers.  

Note down everything that springs to mind including your years of experience in a similar role, challenges you took on and the positive results achieved, new projects you kick-started – anything that has close relevance to this new position.

3. Make a Draft Personal Statement 

Write down a sample personal statement. Don’t worry about the length – just put as many details as you’d like on paper. Once you’re done, revisit the job description. See how your personal statement compares to the description. Does it paint a picture of someone who would fit the role? 

4. Edit for Clarity and Briefity 

A good CV personal statement shouldn’t be longer than 3-4 sentences. Take a critical look at your draft version and condense it to the bare essentials: 2-3 main skills, a major accomplishment, and a note on your motivation and/or personal traits. 

Other things that don’t belong in your personal statement are:

• Explanation of employment gaps or present unemployment status 
• Information about hobbies or personal interest 
• Any mention of references or recommendations 
• Irrelevant skills or work experiences 

Want to stand out even more? Add a persuasive opening statement that highlights your strengths as a candidate. 

A compelling personal statement can be the key between your CV making the ‘yes’ pile or the reject bin. Take some time to get your statement right and always write a new one for each job you apply for by mirroring the employer’s language. 

Finally, to give your CV a polishing touch, try out one of our fancy, but free CV templates , coming in multiple styles: professional, modern, simple, and creative!

Elena runs content operations at Freesumes since 2017. She works closely with copywriters, designers, and invited career experts to ensure that all content meets our highest editorial standards. Up to date, she wrote over 200 career-related pieces around resume writing, career advice... more

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What Is a Personal Statement?

How to write a personal statement for a cv: research and preparation, frequently asked questions, final thoughts, how to write the best personal statement for a cv – 2024 guide & examples.

Updated November 20, 2023

At the heart of your CV is the personal statement, a segment that, while often underrated, plays a pivotal role in shaping your professional narrative and setting you apart from other candidates.

This article is tailored to guide you through the process of crafting an outstanding CV personal statement, whether you're an experienced professional seeking new opportunities or a recent graduate embarking on your career.

We delve into essential aspects of personal statement writing, covering:

• Research and preparation
• Effective structuring
• Adopting the appropriate writing style and tone
• Formatting your statement to maximize its impact

By exploring real-life examples and analyzing key components, this article equips you with the tools to tailor your personal statement to reflect your unique experiences and ambitions.

Your personal statement, often located at the top of your CV, is a concise yet powerful narrative that encapsulates your professional identity.

It serves as a brief introduction to who you are, your qualifications and what you bring to the table.

The primary purpose of a personal statement is to grab the reader's attention, making them eager to learn more about you and why you're the perfect fit for the job.

Consider the company's culture, values and the job's requirements when tailoring your personal statement to ensure that it not only captures your qualifications but also showcases your alignment with the organisation's goals and mission.

Step 1 . Know Your Audience and Industry

The foundation of the best CV personal statement lies in knowing your audience and understanding the dynamics of the industry you're applying to.

To resonate with your potential employers, research the company's culture, values and goals.

What kind of professionals does it typically hire, and what attributes is it looking for?

A deep understanding of your target industry and employer will help you tailor your personal statement effectively.

For example:

As an innovative software engineer with five years of experience, I am eager to contribute to [Company Name]'s mission of technological advancement. My background in agile development and passion for AI and machine learning align with your commitment to creating impactful digital solutions. At [Previous Employer], I led the development of an award-winning mobile app, showcasing my ability to innovate in a fast-paced environment. I am inspired by [Company Name]'s projects in [specific area], and my skills in [specific skills] are well-suited to contribute to your team's success. I am excited about the opportunity to collaborate and drive forward-thinking solutions in [Company Name]'s dynamic and creative environment.

Step 2 . Identify Key Skills and Attributes Required for the Job

Each job comes with its own set of prerequisites and desired qualifications.

As you prepare your personal statement, take a close look at the job description. Identify the key skills, competencies and attributes that the employer is seeking.

These could range from technical skills to soft skills like teamwork, leadership and communication.

By aligning your personal statement with these requirements, you demonstrate that you're the ideal candidate for the role.

As a seasoned marketing professional with a focus on digital strategy and brand development, I am well-equipped for the Marketing Manager role at [Company Name]. My experience includes leading a campaign that boosted online engagement by 30% and market reach by 20% at [Previous Company]. I possess key skills outlined in your job description, notably in strategic planning, team leadership, and effective communication. My aptitude for digital trends and data-driven marketing aligns with [Company Name]'s innovative ethos, and I am eager to contribute to your team's dynamic marketing initiatives.

Step 3 . Self-Assessment: Strengths, Weaknesses and Experiences

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or creating a graduate CV personal statement, take some time for introspection.

Evaluate your strengths and weaknesses, and consider how your experiences have shaped your professional identity.

Highlight your unique strengths and accomplishments, but don't shy away from acknowledging areas where you're looking to grow.

A well-rounded personal statement not only emphasizes your strengths but also demonstrates a commitment to personal and professional development.

As an experienced project manager in the technology sector, I excel in strategic planning and stakeholder communication, evidenced by successfully leading high-stake projects at [Previous Company]. Recognizing my strength in leading diverse teams, I am actively enhancing my skills in global team management, particularly in cross-cultural communication. This commitment to professional growth complements my existing expertise, positioning me to effectively contribute to and grow with [Company Name]'s dynamic project management team.

Step 4 . Tailor the Statement to the Specific Job

One size does not fit all when it comes to personal statements. Tailoring your statement for each job application is crucial.

Customise your personal statement to address the specific needs and expectations of the role. Showcase how your qualifications, experiences and aspirations align with the company's objectives and the job's requirements.

This level of personalisation shows potential employers that you've put thought and effort into your application.

As a detail-oriented Financial Analyst, I am keen to apply my expertise in market analysis and financial modeling to the role at [Company Name]. My experience, including increasing forecasting accuracy by 25% at [Previous Company], aligns with your firm's focus on innovative financial strategies. With a strong background in data-driven decision-making and advanced analytics, I am prepared to contribute effectively to [Company Name]'s finance team, blending technical skills with strategic insights to drive financial success.

How to Write a Personal Statement for a CV: Structuring Your Personal Statement

How to start a cv personal statement.

Your personal statement's introduction sets the tone and captures the reader's attention right from the start. It's your opportunity to make a memorable first impression.

When crafting this section:

Craft an engaging opening sentence – Start with a captivating and unique opening sentence that immediately piques the reader's interest. This could be a compelling anecdote, a thought-provoking statement or a brief description of what makes you exceptional.

Mention your career goals – Following the opening sentence, briefly mention your career goals and how they align with the job you're applying for. This sets the context for the reader and provides insight into your aspirations.

The body of your personal statement is where you delve into the specifics of your qualifications and experiences.

It's where you provide evidence to support your claims and demonstrate why you're the right fit for the position.

When structuring the body of your statement:

Highlight your skills and qualifications – Showcase your most relevant skills and qualifications that make you a strong candidate. Use bullet points or concise sentences to emphasize these key attributes.

Provide concrete examples and achievements – Back up your claims with specific examples and achievements from your professional history. Provide context, such as the companies you've worked for, the roles you've held and the impact you've made.

Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method – To make your personal statement more compelling, use the STAR method to describe situations or challenges you've faced, the tasks or responsibilities you undertook, the actions you took to address them and the positive results that followed. This method helps illustrate your problem-solving skills and accomplishments effectively.

Avoid clichés and generalities – Steer clear of overused buzzwords and clichés that don't add value to your personal statement. Instead, focus on specific and meaningful language that showcases your unique qualities.

Showcase transferable skills – Highlight transferable skills, such as adaptability, communication and leadership, which can be valuable across various roles and industries. Demonstrating your versatility and ability to thrive in different contexts is an asset.

The conclusion of your personal statement should leave a lasting impression and summarise the key points you've made throughout.

When concluding your statement:

Summarise your key points – Summarise the main qualifications, experiences and attributes that make you an excellent fit for the job. Reinforce the central message of your personal statement.

Reiterate your enthusiasm for the position – Express your enthusiasm and genuine interest in the role and the company. Let the reader know that you're not just looking for any job but that you're excited about this specific opportunity.

A call to action (optional) – If you wish to take an assertive approach, consider including a call to action. This could be a statement indicating your desire for an interview or further discussion. While optional, it can demonstrate your proactive attitude.

By following this structured approach, your personal statement will effectively engage the reader, provide convincing evidence of your qualifications and leave a lasting positive impression.

This well-organized framework will guide you through the process of creating a good CV personal statement that stands out.

Tips for Writing a CV Personal Statement

Professional language and tone.

Maintain a professional, business-like tone throughout your statement. Use language that is clear, concise and demonstrates your competence and professionalism.

Avoid overly casual or informal language, as your personal statement is a formal document that reflects your seriousness about the job.

Avoiding Jargon and Buzzwords

Speak plainly and directly. Focus on specific language that conveys your unique qualifications and experiences.

Avoid using clichés and instead opt for descriptive and meaningful words that accurately represent your skills and accomplishments.

Proofreading and Editing

After writing your statement, take the time to proofread it thoroughly. You can also seek help from peers, mentors or professional editors to ensure it's error-free and reads smoothly.

Using Active Voice

In active voice sentences, the subject performs the action, making the statement more direct and engaging.

Passive voice, where the subject is acted upon, can make your writing less dynamic and less engaging.

Active voice emphasizes your actions and achievements, which is exactly what you want to convey in your personal statement.

Ideal Length of a Personal Statement

A typical personal statement should be around 50 to 150 words, though this can vary depending on the job and industry.

Aim to be concise and to the point, focusing on the most critical information that makes you a strong candidate.

Choosing a Font and Layout

Use a professional and easily readable font, such as Arial, Calibri or Times New Roman. Ensure that the font size is appropriate (usually 10 to 12 points) for readability.

Making It Scannable and Visually Appealing

• Use short paragraphs and white space to break up the text
• Employ bold or italic text to emphasize key points or headings
• Use subheadings to separate different sections, if applicable
• Align your text consistently, ensuring it looks neat and professional

Using Bullet Points (When Appropriate)

When highlighting your key skills, qualifications or achievements, consider using bullet points. This format can help the reader quickly grasp your strengths and accomplishments.

Be sure to maintain consistency in formatting and punctuation when using bullet points to keep your personal statement looking polished.

Seek Feedback from Peers or Mentors

Don't hesitate to seek feedback on your personal statement. Share it with trusted peers, mentors or even professionals in the industry.

They can offer valuable insights, catch errors you may have missed and provide suggestions for improvement. Collaborative input can lead to a more polished and effective personal statement.

Customise for Each Application

Tailoring your personal statement to the specific job application is a critical success factor. Avoid the temptation to use a one-size-fits-all approach.

Continuously Update and Refine Your Personal Statement

Your personal statement should evolve as your career progresses. Regularly review and update it to include new accomplishments, skills and experiences.

As you gain more professional expertise, your personal statement should reflect your growth and adapt to your changing career goals. Keep it fresh and relevant to stay competitive in the job market.

Consider Professional Help (Optional)

If you're unsure about your ability to craft a compelling personal statement, or if you're applying for a particularly competitive or specialised role, consider seeking professional help.

There are professional CV writers and career coaches who can provide expert guidance and ensure your personal statement is of the highest quality. While this is an optional step, it can be a valuable investment in your job search success.

CV Personal Statement Examples

Example 1: personal statement for a sales manager.

With a proven track record in boosting sales revenue and leading high-performing teams, I am a results-driven Sales Manager who consistently delivers outstanding performance. I’m passionate about the art of sales and find immense satisfaction in driving revenue growth and achieving ambitious targets. Throughout my career, I have honed my skills, developed a keen understanding of market dynamics and cultivated a leadership style that inspires and motivates my team to excel. My commitment to excellence, unwavering dedication and strategic approach to sales management have allowed me to consistently exceed expectations and contribute to the success of the organizations I've served. As a Sales Manager, I am not just a leader, but a catalyst for growth and a driving force behind the achievement of both individual and collective goals. My ability to build lasting client relationships, provide innovative solutions and create a positive work environment sets me apart, and I am eager to leverage my expertise to continue delivering exceptional results for your organization.

Analysis of Key Elements

To understand the components of an effective personal statement, let's examine a personal statement written for a Sales Manager position.

This example demonstrates the following key elements:

• Engaging opening sentence – ' With a proven track record in boosting sales revenue and leading high-performing teams, I am a results-driven Sales Manager who consistently delivers outstanding performance. '
• Alignment with career goals – The statement sets the career goal right away, emphasizing the candidate's proficiency in sales and leadership.
• Highlighting skills and qualifications – It directly states the candidate's core strengths – boosting sales and leading teams. This clarity instantly communicates the candidate's expertise.
• Concrete examples – While concise, the opening line hints at the candidate's success without going into extensive detail. The specific reference to a proven track record offers credibility.
• Use of action words – The phrase 'results-driven' and the mention of 'consistently delivers' showcase an active and confident approach.

Example 2: Personal Statement for a Software Developer

As a software developer passionate about innovation and problem-solving, I thrive on crafting elegant solutions to complex challenges. My journey in the world of coding has been marked by an unquenchable curiosity and a drive to create software that not only functions flawlessly but also leaves a lasting impression. With a keen eye for detail and a dedication to efficiency, I take pride in turning intricate problems into streamlined, user-friendly solutions. I've had the privilege of working on a variety of projects, each presenting its own unique set of challenges. Whether it's writing efficient code, architecting robust systems or enhancing user experiences, I approach each task with enthusiasm and a commitment to best practices. I understand that software development is not just a job; it's a passion that fuels my desire to keep learning, adapting and delivering exceptional results. I'm excited to bring my expertise to your team and help drive innovation in software development.

This personal statement is tailored for a Software Developer role and incorporates the following critical elements:

• Engaging opening sentence – ' As a software developer passionate about innovation and problem-solving, I thrive on crafting elegant solutions to complex challenges. '
• Alignment with career goals – The statement introduces the candidate's passion for innovation and problem-solving, demonstrating an alignment with the role's requirements.
• Highlighting skills and qualifications – It emphasizes the candidate's passion for solving complex challenges, showcasing a core skill set required for the position.
• Concrete examples – While concise, the statement offers a glimpse into the candidate's problem-solving abilities and their appreciation for innovation.
• Use of action words – The phrase 'thrive on crafting' and 'passionate about innovation' reflects an active and dedicated approach.

Example 3: Personal Statement for a Marketing Coordinator

A detail-oriented marketing professional with a knack for crafting compelling campaigns and a relentless drive for achieving results. My career in marketing has been defined by a fervent commitment to creating impactful strategies that resonate with target audiences. From conceptualization to execution, I thrive on meticulously planning and executing marketing campaigns that leave a lasting impression. I'm adept at leveraging data-driven insights to optimize performance and have a keen eye for monitoring and adapting to ever-changing market dynamics. My passion for staying current with industry trends and technology empowers me to harness the latest tools for campaign success. I'm eager to bring my skills to your team, where I can contribute my creativity, strategic thinking and dedication to achieving marketing excellence.

Let's analyse a personal statement designed for a Marketing Coordinator role, which incorporates essential elements:

• Engaging opening sentence – ' A detail-oriented marketing professional with a knack for crafting compelling campaigns and a relentless drive for achieving results. '
• Alignment with career goals – The statement reflects the candidate's focus on crafting compelling campaigns and achieving results, directly related to the marketing role.
• Highlighting skills and qualifications – It highlights the candidate's attention to detail and their ability to create compelling marketing materials.
• Concrete examples – Though brief, the statement provides a glimpse of the candidate's core qualities.
• Use of action words – Phrases like 'crafting compelling campaigns' and 'relentless drive' convey an active and determined attitude.

Example 4: Personal Statement for an HR Professional

Experienced HR professional with over 10 years in the field, specializing in workforce strategy, employee relations, and HR best practices. In my recent role at TechGlobal Inc., I managed HR operations for 500+ employees, implementing a performance management system that boosted productivity by 20%. Expertise in strategic HR planning, talent acquisition, employee development, and legal compliance. Committed to fostering an inclusive work environment, I excel in conflict resolution and building strong relationships at all organizational levels. Holds a Master’s in HR Management and a PHR certification.

Example 5: Personal Statement for a Graphic Designer

Creative and detail-oriented Graphic Designer with 5+ years of experience in branding and visual communication. Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite and skilled in developing compelling visual concepts. Demonstrated expertise in creating innovative designs for a diverse range of clients, contributing to successful marketing campaigns. Portfolio showcases a strong aesthetic sense and a commitment to delivering high-quality design solutions that meet client needs and exceed expectations.

Example 6: Personal Statement for a Project Coordinator

Dynamic Project Coordinator with extensive experience in managing complex projects, ensuring timely completion within budget. Skilled in coordinating cross-functional teams, adept at resource allocation and timeline management. Proven ability to streamline processes for efficiency, resulting in consistently successful project outcomes. Excellent communication and organizational skills, capable of navigating the challenges of diverse project demands with a solution-focused approach.

Example 7: Personal Statement for a Financial Analyst

Analytical Financial Analyst with a strong background in financial modeling, forecasting, and data analysis. Expertise in utilizing advanced Excel and financial software to provide comprehensive financial insights and support business decision-making. Proven track record in analyzing market trends, identifying investment opportunities, and presenting data-driven recommendations. Committed to optimizing financial performance and supporting strategic business objectives through in-depth analysis and actionable insights.

Example 8: Personal Statement for an Educational Administrator

Experienced Educational Administrator with a passion for leading educational initiatives and curriculum development. Demonstrated leadership in creating inclusive and effective learning environments, fostering academic excellence and student success. Proficient in strategic planning, staff development, and program management, with a commitment to continuous improvement in educational settings. Skilled in collaborating with educators, parents, and students to meet educational objectives and enhance the quality of learning experiences.

These real-life examples and their respective key elements showcase how effective personal statements are tailored to the specific job and skill set.

They engage the reader, express alignment with the role and highlight core qualifications using concise, action-oriented language.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a Personal Statement

Generic and vague statements.

One of the most common mistakes in personal statement CV writing is using generic and vague language.

Avoid generic phrases that could apply to any candidate, such as: 'I'm a hard worker' or 'I'm a team player'.

Instead, use specific, concrete examples to illustrate your skills and qualifications, making your personal statement more compelling and unique.

Exaggeration or Falsehoods

While it's essential to highlight your strengths, exaggerating your achievements or qualifications is a grave mistake.

Be honest and truthful in your personal statement. Overstating your accomplishments may lead to credibility issues during the interview process, potentially jeopardizing your chances of landing the job.

Negative Language or Self-Doubt

A good CV personal statement is your opportunity to present yourself in the best possible light.

Avoid using negative language or expressing self-doubt. Phrases like 'I'm not the best at…' or 'I lack experience in…' can create a negative impression.

Instead, focus on your strengths and what you bring to the table.

Ignoring the Specific Job Description

Failing to tailor your personal statement to the specific job description is a common error.

Each job application should have a unique personal statement that reflects how your qualifications align with the role's requirements.

Ignoring the job description and using a generic statement can signal a lack of effort or interest in the position.

Neglecting to Mention Soft Skills

While technical skills and qualifications are important, soft skills are equally valuable.

Neglecting to mention your soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, adaptability and problem-solving, can be a missed opportunity.

Many employers place a high value on these qualities, so be sure to include them in your personal statement to provide a more well-rounded view of your capabilities.

Avoiding these common mistakes is crucial to crafting the best CV personal statement that makes a positive impression on potential employers.

Your personal statement should reflect your authenticity, align with the job's requirements and showcase a combination of technical and soft skills that make you an ideal candidate.

What is an example of a strong personal statement for a CV?

A strong personal statement for a CV might read:

'A results-driven Project Manager with a proven track record in successfully leading cross-functional teams to deliver complex projects on time and within budget. My exceptional organisational skills and dedication to quality have consistently translated into tangible, measurable successes, making me an asset to any team or organisation. '

Should a personal statement be on a CV?

Yes, a personal statement is a valuable addition to a CV. It provides a brief, powerful introduction that allows you to highlight your qualifications and make a strong first impression on potential employers. Including a well-crafted personal statement on your CV can set you apart from other candidates.

How do you sell yourself in a personal statement CV?

To effectively sell yourself in a personal statement on your CV, focus on your unique strengths and experiences. Use quantifiable achievements and specific examples that demonstrate your capabilities. Highlight your skills and how they align with the job description. Be confident in your language and convey enthusiasm for the role, showing that you're the right fit for the position.

How do you write an impressive personal statement for a CV?

In terms of how to start a CV personal statement, it should be a compelling opening sentence that immediately grabs the reader's attention and conveys your enthusiasm for the role.

Tailor your personal statement to the specific job you're applying for and highlight skills and experiences that directly align with the position. Use concrete examples and measurable achievements to demonstrate your qualifications and quantify your successes whenever possible.

You should employ dynamic verbs and confident language to convey your capabilities and achievements but keep it concise, typically within 50 to 150 words, and steer clear of overused phrases and buzzwords.

Instead, use genuine, specific language. Additionally, ensure your statement is error-free and flows smoothly and consider seeking feedback from trusted peers or mentors.

What is an example of a professional personal statement?

A professional personal statement in a CV might read:

'As an experienced Human Resources Manager, I have successfully implemented talent acquisition strategies that resulted in a 30% reduction in employee turnover. My commitment to fostering a positive workplace culture and my expertise in compliance and HR best practices make me a trusted resource for both employees and leadership.'

What is a good opening sentence for a personal statement?

A strong opening sentence for a personal statement could be:

'With a passion for innovation and a track record of driving transformative change in dynamic industries, I am a forward-thinking professional ready to lead your team toward unparalleled success.'

This sentence introduces your enthusiasm and provides a glimpse of your qualifications, immediately engaging the reader.

Throughout this guide, we've emphasized the significance of a strong personal statement in a CV.

Your personal statement is your opportunity to introduce yourself to potential employers, leaving a lasting impression and demonstrating why you're the ideal candidate for the job.

It serves as the bridge between your qualifications and the employer's needs, making it a pivotal element of your job application.

Tailoring your statement to the specific job, using engaging language and showcasing your qualifications will help you stand out in the competitive job market of 2024.

Job seeking can be challenging, but remember that your personal statement is just one part of the journey. Your skills, experiences and unique qualities make you a valuable asset to potential employers.

Stay persistent, stay positive and believe in your abilities. Keep refining your personal statement and your CV, and your dedication will pay off as you progress toward your career goals. Best of luck in your job search!

You might also be interested in these other PRT articles:

• Tips for nailing your CV
• Writing the perfect cover letter
• Searching for jobs
• Landing your first job
• Effective interviewing
• Your online presence
• Workplace tips & wellbeing
• Changing careers
• Growing your skills
• Managing job loss
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How to write a personal statement for an NZ CV (with examples)

Time to get personal.

10 March 2023

What you’ll learn:

Where to include your personal statement on your cv.

• What to include in a personal statement on your CV
• What not to include in your CV personal statement
• Some CV personal statement examples for you to follow

There are a lot of different boxes you need to tick when writing your CV , and the process can be a tad overwhelming, particularly if you’re doing it for the first time.

One of the elements that tends to trip people up is writing your CV personal statement. Unlike entering your previous education or work experience, which typically involves simple bullet points of your most significant achievements, your personal statement involves crafting a concise yet comprehensive account of who you are as a professional.

Intimidated? Don’t be. Below we’ll provide all the information you need to ace your CV personal statement, and even give you some examples that you can follow to make the whole process a walk in the park.

Let’s start with the easy bit – positioning your personal statement on your CV. Generally speaking, your personal statement should be near the top of the first page of your CV (remember, CVs in New Zealand should be no longer than two pages).

If you check out our free downloadable CV templates, you’ll see the personal statement section (or portfolio, as it’s sometimes called) is right under the name and contact details in most cases.

As you’ll note from these templates, the space dedicated to the personal statement section of your CV is pretty short, and it’s important to understand that a CV personal statement is different from the type of personal statements you may have written in high school when applying for university courses. These university personal statements are generally quite long (sometimes up to a page), whereas the emphasis for a CV personal statement is on brevity.

Ideally, your CV personal statement should be no longer than 150 - 200 words, so you have to make every one count.

What to include in a personal statement on your CV (with examples)

Have you heard of the concept of an elevator pitch? Traditionally, this idea comes from the world of sales, and refers to a persuasive and concise pitch that persuasively presents the best attributes of a product or concept in the time it would take to ride an elevator.

You should think of your CV personal statement as your own elevator pitch. You need to present who you are, the value you bring and your career objectives in an engaging yet easy-to-read statement. The idea being that whoever reads your personal statement will come away with an instant impression of what you’re about.

So, let’s break down those three key ingredients a bit further:

1. Who you are:

The important bit to remember here is that this is about who you are as a professional, not a short biography. For example, you don’t need to write “My name is Kev, I’m a 35 year-old journalist born in Christchurch but now living in Dunedin.”. First up, your name will be at the top of your CV, so no need to waste words on that, and the remaining information, with the exception of your job title, is irrelevant.

Instead, try something along the lines of:

“With five years of journalism experience under my belt, and having written for some of New Zealand’s best regarded media organisations, I understand the era of digital-first content, and how to break attention-grabbing stories for today’s media consumers.”

There are a few things that really work here. Firstly, you’re letting them know you’re experienced in the field. Employers often put an indication of how much experience they’re looking for in the job listing, and while you absolutely shouldn’t let this put you off from applying if you don’t meet it, if you do, then sing it loud and proud.

Next, you’re informing them that you’ve worked for some well-regarded media organisations, without naming names. This will hopefully entice them to read further down your CV to find out who exactly they are.

Last, you’re showing an awareness of the current industry environment, while ticking off a couple of core attributes of the job (breaking stories and grabbing attention). Ideally, try to pick examples that directly relate to the wording of the job ad. After all, they put that stuff in there for a reason.

Your CV's personal statement should be an elevator pitch of who you are and what you bring to the table.

2. The value you bring to the table

This part needs to shine the spotlight on some of the most significant achievements you’ve had in your career to date. Again, make your decisions about what to include based on what the job listing is asking for, and don’t be afraid to include some eye-catching facts and figures.

For example:

“In my most recent job, I was responsible for local politics reporting. Here, I pushed the diversification of our content output to include more video-based pieces, as well as modifying story formats to make them more social media friendly. As a result, we saw a 20% increase in the number of people reading our local politics stories, and it was easier to secure more interviews with desired subjects due to our elevated platform.”

Today, media organisations are still in the process of adapting to the importance of online content and, in particular, social media. By giving tangible figures about how your actions increased reach for your current employer’s stories, you’re hinting to this prospective employer that you could bring similar innovation to their organisation. Similarly, you’re showing the link between your work and the ability of your current employer to attract a higher calibre of interview subject, creating a virtuous cycle of reach and profile promotion.

3. Your career objectives

To finish off your CV personal statement, you need to tell the reader where you’re aiming to take your career next and to relay that the role they’re advertising is a core element of this.

“I’m now seeking a role in a forward-looking national news organisation where I’ll be able to use my existing skills and experience while continuing to develop as a journalist.”

This short statement shows them that they’re exactly the organisation they’re looking for, and also that, despite your great track record, you’re keen to continue to grow your skill set, which will provide them with an even greater return on their investment (you) than they’re already getting.

You should also include a statement about what you want next out of your career.

Things to avoid in your CV personal statement

1. meaningless buzzwords.

Anyone can claim to be ‘motivated’ or ‘dedicated’ or ‘driven’, but what does that actually mean? When you’re looking for eye-catching personal attributes to include in your personal statement, choose things you can back up with tangible facts and figures.

2. Irrelevant information

As mentioned above, you don’t need to include personal information here. In fact, for unscrupulous employers, some of this can even count against you. Unfortunately, there are still some hiring managers who may discriminate based on factors such as age, sex or ethnicity, so don’t give them this opportunity.

There’s no need to include a photo with your personal statement, mostly for the same reasons as above – it could be used to discriminate against you. Sometimes, employers will ask for applicants to send an image of themselves with their CV and cover letter. Ultimately, this decision is up to you, but we recommend pausing for a moment to consider why they’re doing this, and if you’re comfortable with the request.

4. Using a generic personal statement for every CV

We’ve included a few CV personal statement examples in this article to help illustrate our points, but you need to be wary of sacrificing quality for speed.

You need to put some proper thought into this aspect of your CV, and particularly into choosing the attributes you’re going to include to demonstrate your value. Read the job description carefully, and select the skills and experiences the employer is going to be most interested in. Unless you’re going for identical roles at different companies, we advise making subtle tweaks to your personal statement for every application.

5. Trying to include too much information

Remember, the purpose of a personal statement is to grab the reader’s attention and make them want to find out more. Cherry-pick a couple of facts that will do this, and leave it at that. In other words, don’t try to rewrite your whole CV in these 150 - 200 words.

6. Spelling and grammar mistakes

This one should go without saying, but you’d be amazed at how many people submit CVs and cover letters with spelling and grammar errors in them. Given that your personal statement is likely to be the first thing a hiring manager reads, it can be fatal to have a poorly written, or error-riddled initial impression. Check it over yourself by reading it out loud to assess its readability, and ideally get someone else to do the same. Then do a spell-check.

Other articles you might like

Done right, your CV can be a powerful tool for helping you stand out from other candidates. Here, we’ll show you how.

Using the tips and tricks in this article, you’ll be able to craft a CV so impressive you'll want to hire yourself.

A good CV can make all the difference to your job hunting hopes. Check out our must-read advice and free templates.

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Academic Personal Statement Guide + Examples for 2024

You have a bright future ahead of you in academia and you’ve already found the program of your dreams.

The only problem? 

You have to write an impressive academic personal statement that sets you apart from a sea of applicants.

We know that writing about yourself might not come naturally. And when the academic program you have your sights set on is on the line, it doesn’t make it any easier.

But there’s no need to worry!

We’ve prepared this guide to help you write your academic personal statement and secure your spot in your program of choice.

In this article, we’re going to cover:

• What Is An Academic Personal Statement?
• 7 Steps to Writing the Best Academic Personal Statement
• An Example of a Stellar Academic Personal Statement

Let’s dive in.

You’ll need an academic CV alongside your personal statement. Create one with ease with Novorésumé !

What Is an Academic Personal Statement?

A personal statement is an essential part of the academic application process.

Much like a motivation letter , your academic personal statement serves to demonstrate why you’re the right candidate for the course and sell yourself as a capable student.

Your goal is to show the admissions committee that they’ll benefit from having you in their university as much as you’ll benefit from joining the program.

Academic Vs CV Personal Statement

The term ‘personal statement’ can mean different things depending on your field.

In the world of job hunting, a personal statement usually refers to a few sentences that go at the top of your CV . This paragraph is meant to convey your top skills, relevant experiences, and professional goals to a hiring manager from the get-go and increase your chances of getting an interview.

However, in the world of academia, a personal statement refers to a more in-depth description of you as a candidate. 

In a nutshell, an academic personal statement shows the admissions committee your academic achievements so far, as well as what motivated you to apply and pursue this position.

Personal statements are also often required when applying for certain jobs, much like writing a cover letter . If you’re looking at a position as a faculty member in a university or other academic institution, for example, you might be asked to provide an academic personal statement.

7 Steps to Write an Academic Personal Statement

Preparation is the key to success and this is exactly where our guide comes in handy.

So just follow these steps and you’re sure to secure your spot:

#1. Read the Brief (Carefully!)

Academic personal statements aren’t necessarily a one-size-fits-all piece of writing. 

Typically, every institution has its specific requirements on what candidates should include in their academic personal statement.

To make sure you’re on the right track with your academic personal statement, read the brief carefully. Consider taking notes and highlighting important points from your program’s brief as you go through it.

Pay attention to any specific question the university wants you to answer. If you don’t address everything the admissions board expects, your personal statement will look sloppy and you’ll be considered an inattentive candidate.

Be sure to re-read the brief after you’ve finished writing your academic personal statement, too. This way you can make sure you’ve answered everything adequately and you’ll have the opportunity to correct any slips.

#2. Research the Program

Make sure you do your homework on the academic program you’re applying to.

You can’t write a good academic personal statement without research, let alone a great one. Much like researching your employer , taking the time to learn more about your desired school and personalizing your application can make a huge difference.

For example, you can dive into how your values align with that of the school you’re applying to, and how your experience and interests relate to specific things about the program. The more you focus on how you’re the right fit for this specific position, in this specific program – the better.

Carefully read through the school and program’s official pages since everything you would need to know is probably on the school’s official website. You can also ask current and former students for help but remember that whatever they say should never replace official information when crafting your academic personal statement.

#3. Plan Your Statement

An academic personal statement is meant to explain your academic interests and shouldn’t contain irrelevant details about your personal life.

Focus on why you want to study the course you’ve chosen and provide any information about your achievements so far.

Ask yourself the following questions to get the ball rolling on what to write:

• Why do you want to study (or work) in this program? How will it benefit you?
• How do your skills match the position?
• What makes you stand out from other applicants?
• What are your exact career aspirations?
• How can you and your work benefit the institution you’re applying to?
• If you changed fields, how did you decide to apply in this direction?
• What insight can you bring thanks to your different experiences?
• How will this change of field help your future career?

Write down your answer to these questions in the first draft of your academic personal statement.

#4. Look at Example Statements

Don’t hesitate to read other people’s academic personal statements online. They’re a great source of inspiration and can help get rid of any remaining writer’s block.

If you’re struggling to understand how to meet the language and formatting requirements for your academic personal statement, seeing actual examples is the best way to learn.

But be careful – don’t copy any lines you read, no matter how impressive you think they are. 

Most universities run every academic personal statement through intensive plagiarism checking, and even a paraphrased sentence could lead to your application being rejected for plagiarism.

So pay more attention to the overall structure of the academic personal statements you read, rather than copying the exact wording.

#5. Structure the Contents

There should be a cohesive argument that your entire essay follows. Each sentence and paragraph should complement and build on the one that comes before it.

The structure of your personal statement should include:

An intriguing introduction to you as a candidate

The introductory paragraph should grab the admission committee’s attention and keep them engaged.

Here you should be sure to avoid cliches like saying how you’ve “always dreamt” of graduating from this university or of studying this exact program. Instead, give an example of what really influenced you to pursue this dream.

Here’s an example:

• I’ve always loved reading and since I was a child, it’s been my dream to graduate from Oxford University and contribute to the world of literary analysis. That’s why I spent the past year volunteering at my local writers’ society and giving constructive feedback during workshops and book discussions.
• It wasn’t until I failed my first essay assignment in secondary school that I realized the depth that lies beneath each sentence in a given text. I began to delve into the rich layers of literary texts and the intricacies of literary analysis became my passion. Although initially challenging, the depth of understanding that this field offers about human emotions, cultural contexts, and narrative structures enthralled me. I found myself questioning the narrative structures and character motivations that I had previously taken for granted, and I was eager to understand how the subtle and often overlooked elements within a text could have a profound impact on its overall interpretation. This need to fundamentally understand a given author’s work has stayed with me since and led me to pursue literary analysis as a postgraduate student.

An engaging body

The main part of your academic personal statement should detail your interests, experience, and knowledge, and how they make you suitable for the position.

This is where you should expand on your motivation and use the following tips:

• Why this university? Provide strong reasons for your choice, related to your future career or the institution’s reputation.
• Mention your relevant studies and experience. This includes projects, dissertations, essays, or work experience.
• Give evidence of key skills you have, such as research, critical thinking, communication, and time management, and explain how you can contribute to the department with them.
• Say what makes you unique as a candidate and provide an example.
• Explain who have been the main influences who put you on this path and why they’ve influenced you.
• Mention other relevant experiences, such as memberships in clubs related to the subject, awards you might have won, or impressive papers you’ve written.
• Talk about your career aspirations and how the program ties into your goal of achieving them.

Depending on the guidelines of the specific university, you could also divide your academic personal statement’s body with subheadings, such as:

• Academic background
• Research interests
• Methodological approaches
• Research experience
• Personal experience
• Extracurricular activities 
• Relevant skills
• Career aspirations

A logical conclusion

Your academic personal statement needs a conclusion that ends on an enthusiastic note.

Make sure the conclusion reiterates the main points from the body of your text.

Your relevant accomplishments and desire to attend this specific program should be clear to any reader.

#6. Pay Attention to the Language

When writing the first draft of your academic personal statement, pay attention to the language and tone you’re using.

An academic personal statement is also a formal text, so your writing should reflect that. Colloquialisms aren’t appropriate, as they would take away from the well-mannered impression you want to give the admissions committee.

However, you also want your personal statement to be straightforward and avoid any complex jargon from your field of study.

For example, your opening sentence shouldn’t be overly complicated. You should communicate everything as clearly as possible, and be inclusive to those outside of your field of study since they might be on the admissions board that’s reading your academic personal statement.

Make sure that the tone throughout your text is positive and conveys your enthusiasm for the program. Your academic personal statement should show the admissions committee that you really want to be there, and why that’s beneficial to everyone involved.

#7. Proofread Your Statement

This step probably isn’t surprising to you but it’s worth paying attention to.

Your academic personal statement is a very formal document and it should be spotless. 

So, make sure it adheres to academic writing conventions . For example, contractions like “I’m” instead of “I am” are informal, and should be avoided.

Mistakes like these are very common when writing about yourself, particularly when you’re used to describing yourself in informal environments.

Carefully proofread your academic personal statement, then run it through a grammar checker like Grammarly or Quillbot, then proofread it again.

The tiniest grammar mistake or typo could make the admissions board reject your application.

Academic Personal Statement Example

Ever since my first encounter with the enchanting worlds spun by Flaubert, Balzac, and Proust, my intellectual pursuits have gravitated toward French literature. With an undergraduate degree focused on French Language and Literature, I have been fortunate to explore my passions both theoretically and empirically, embedding them within broader themes of cultural theory and comparative literature. It is with great excitement that I apply for the postgraduate research position in the French Literature program at Kent University, with the aim of contributing novel scholarly perspectives to this captivating field.

Academic Background and Research Interests

During my undergraduate studies, I delved deeply into the realms of 19th-century Realism and Naturalism. My senior thesis, which examined the dialectics of morality and social structures in Balzac's "La Comédie Humaine," was not merely an academic exercise; it served as a crucible where my theoretical understandings were rigorously tested. This research experience intensified my interest in the complex interplay between literature and societal norms, a theme I am eager to further explore in my postgraduate work.

Methodological Approaches

My academic approach is fundamentally interdisciplinary. I strongly believe that literature should not be studied in a vacuum; rather, it should be contextualized within historical, sociological, and psychological paradigms. During a semester abroad in Paris, I took courses in cultural anthropology and French history, an enriching experience that complemented my literature-focused studies. This holistic approach will enable me to contribute a multifaceted perspective to the research endeavors at Kent University.

Previous Research and Scholarly Engagements

My scholarly activities have also extended beyond the classroom. Last summer, I participated in an international conference on French Literature and Post-Colonial Theory, presenting a paper on the depictions of colonial landscapes in Dumas' adventure novels. The opportunity to engage with academics from various disciplines provided me with fresh insights and underscored the importance of collaborative research. Further, I've had the honor of having a review article published in the Sheffield Journal of Contemporary Literary Explorations, where I critiqued a groundbreaking new translation of Verne's works.

Extracurricular Contributions and Skills

In addition to my academic achievements, I have sought to enrich my department’s intellectual community. I served as the editor of our departmental journal and organized a series of seminars featuring guest speakers from the worlds of academia and publishing. My strong organizational skills, combined with proficiency in both written and spoken French and English, make me a versatile candidate capable of adding value to the French Literature program’s broader objectives.

To summarize, my deep-rooted passion for French literature, fortified by rigorous academic training and interdisciplinary methodologies, makes me an ideal candidate for the postgraduate research position in your esteemed program. The prospect of contributing to academic discourse at Kent University is an opportunity I find deeply compelling. I am especially excited about the potential for collaborative research and interdisciplinary inquiries, which aligns perfectly with my academic philosophy. I am fully committed to leveraging my skills, experiences, and enthusiasm to make a substantive scholarly contribution to the study of French Literature. Thank you for considering my application; I am keenly looking forward to the possibility of furthering my academic journey in this vibrant intellectual community.

FAQs on Academic Personal Statements

If you’re wondering anything else about academic personal statements, check out the answers to the most frequently asked questions related to them here:

#1. How do you start a personal statement for an academic job?

Applying for an academic job is different from applying for a position as a student. First, you need to establish your qualifications and enthusiasm for the role immediately.

Start by explaining your current status, for example, as a postdoctoral researcher or an experienced member of the faculty, and specify the position you are applying for. Then follow up with your research interests or personal philosophy towards teaching.

You can add a personal anecdote or compelling fact that summarizes your academic journey so far, or your passion for the field. After that, your academic personal statement can go deeper into the qualifications from your academic CV and how you’re a great fit for the position.

#2. How do I introduce myself in an academic personal statement?

The introduction of your academic personal statement is the key to grabbing the attention of the admissions committee.

Start by stating the field or subject that interests you, and why. You can share a specific personal anecdote or observation that led you to this academic pursuit and set the stage for the detailed explanation in your main body.

The goal of your introduction is to give the reader a sense of who you are, what drives you, and why you would be a valuable addition to their department.

#3. Is an academic personal statement like an essay?

Yes, an academic personal statement can be considered a type of essay.

Both essays and academic personal statements are structured forms of writing that are meant to deliver a coherent argument and are divided into an introduction, body, and conclusion. They provide supporting evidence to prove the point and maintain a logical flow to guide the reader to the final conclusion.

However, essays tend to be objective and explore a specific topic or question in depth. Academic personal statements use similar techniques but they present the candidate’s qualifications, experiences, and aspirations in a way that’s meant to persuade the admissions committee.

#4. How long is an academic personal statement?

Typically, an academic personal statement is between 500 and 1000 words long.

The exact length of the text varies depending on the university and program you’re applying to. You should always check the specific requirements for your desired program, and stick to the guidelines you find.

However, if the university you’re applying to doesn’t specify a word count, you should aim for one to two pages.

#5. What do I avoid in an academic personal statement?

Since your personal statement is a crucial part of your academic application, it’s important to avoid any common mistakes.

Make sure the content of your academic personal statement isn’t too generic. Its goal is to give insight into you as an individual, beyond what can be read in your CV . 

You should also avoid cramming too many points in your text. Your academic personal statement should follow a logical flow, and focus on the relevance of what you’re sharing about yourself and how it relates to the academic program you’re pursuing.

Key Takeaways

And that concludes our guide to writing an academic personal statement!

We hope you feel more confident when crafting your application for that academic program or faculty position you have your sights set on.

Now let’s recap what we talked about so far:

• Academic personal statements are very different from CV personal statements. While CV personal statements are brief paragraphs at the top of the page, an academic personal statement is an in-depth text that details why you’re interested in a given position, and what makes you a good candidate.
• The guidelines on academic personal statements vary according to the institution you’re applying to. Read the brief very carefully, and pay attention to what it says about word count and questions your personal statement should answer. Any mistakes here could result in rejection.
• There are differences between applying for a postgraduate program and applying for a faculty position. But in both cases, you should research the exact place you want to apply to and adjust your application accordingly to match the institution’s values.
• Always proofread your academic personal statement before sending it, even if you’re sure there are no errors.

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