Creating a personal statement for a CV

It’s the first thing people read on your CV – a few lines to introduce yourself. Your CV personal statement acts like a taster for what follows. You need to make the employer want to read more.

Follow our 5 step guide to help you create your personal statement.

1. Think about the job you're applying for

Look at the job description and make a note of skills they're looking for. Let them know that you have those skills.

If you do not have a specific job to apply for, think about the type of jobs you’re interested in and what employers might want from you.

The Skills section in your account helps you think about this.

2. Make some notes

Write down some of the things that make you who you are. Your strengths and any experience that you think shows your personality off. Sign into your account and use our strengths tool and skills experience tool to help you with this. 

Are you a natural leader? Have you taken part in any work experience? Think about how you can relate these to the skills they're looking for.

3. Structure your statement

Now that you know what you want to include, tidy it up. Remember it should only be around 50 to 100 words long.

Make sure you have a sentence about:

  • yourself and your experience
  • your skills and strengths
  • your goals

You can bullet point these rather than putting them into a paragraph. 

4. Add in your evidence

Read over your statement and see if it makes an impact.

Saying you’re a good communicator does not prove that you are – could you add any facts and figures to back up what you’re saying?

Is it really describing the person you are? Or could it just be passed off as anyone's CV? This is really important.

5. Read it out loud

This helps you figure out if your statement flows well and that it says all of the things you want it to.

Think about whether there are any gaps or anything you can cut out.

You could read it to a friend or a family member and ask them for their opinions as well.