What is a personal statement? A personal statement is a concise summary or paragraph that tells the reader exactly what you can bring to the job. It is a critical part of any job application; it is your opportunity to show the employer what makes you unique and why you are the best candidate.
Personal statements for CVs are like the cream atop a cake, as the cake is dry without the icing. Are you tired of the same old statement you have been using? Is it not getting you anywhere? This article will discuss how to write a good personal statement that will make you stand out from the competition.
We will provide tips and advice on what to include in your statement and examples of personal statements that have helped candidates land their dream jobs.
Remember, the first impression carries a lot of weight, and a personal statement is the carrier of that impression. Coming up with a unique way of describing your talents and skills can go a long way when getting a job. That is because it keeps the reader engaged and gives him relevant information about you.
With that said, let's begin!
Tips to write a good personal statement for CVs
Here are a few qualities of a good personal statement. We suggest you read them thoroughly; you may learn a lot from them.
Keep it short and concise
The personal statement should be no longer than a paragraph or two. It summarises who you are and what you can offer the company. Therefore, it should be concise and to the point. Ensuring it is accurate shows the employer that you know what they are looking for. It also shows your summarisation skills as you can present what is crucially required in a few sentences.
Highlight your strengths
Your statement should highlight the strengths and qualities that make you the best candidate. That will give the employer an idea of what you can bring to the table and how you can contribute to the company's success. That helps you win over your potential employer and allows you to leave a solid, positive impression that can help you get the job.
Be unique
As we mentioned before, first impressions are everything. You want to make sure that your statement is different from everyone else's so that you stand out from the rest of the applicants. Be creative and try to find a way to make it memorable. That will ensure that the employer remembers you when making their final decision. After all, a great personal statement for resumes is what allows you to stand out from the rest.
Evidence off your skills
When writing your statement, it is important to include evidence of your skills and qualities. That will show the employer that you are not just making empty claims but have actual proof to back up what you are saying. For example, if you are claiming to be a great team player, mention an instance where you had to work with a team and the project's successful outcome. That will add weight to your claims and make them more believable.
Use action words
When describing your skills and experiences, use action words such as "achieved," "created," "improved," etc. That will make your statements more powerful and give the employer a better idea of your capabilities. Furthermore, using such language makes you sound more confident in your abilities, which is always good.
Use simple language
It is important to use simple language that everyone can understand because the employer may not be familiar with technical jargon, and using such terms might make you sound like you are trying to show off. Therefore, it is best to use layperson's terms so that your statement can be easily understood.
Here are a few examples of good personal statements
Now that we have gone over what makes a good personal statement let's look at some examples of statements that have helped candidates land their dream jobs.
"I am a recent graduate of XYZ University, and I am looking for an opportunity to use my skills and knowledge in a real-world setting. I believe that my background in XXX makes me the perfect candidate for this job."
"I am an experienced XXX with more than X years of experience in the YYY industry. I am looking for a new challenge, and I believe that this job is perfect for me. I am confident that I have the skills and knowledge needed to excel in this position."
"I am a motivated individual with a strong work ethic. I have X years of experience in the XXX industry, and I am looking for an opportunity to use my skills in a new setting. I believe that I would be a great asset to your team, and I am eager to learn new things."
Here are a few things to avoid when writing a personal statement for a CV
Please don't make it too long
Your statement should be concise and to the point; this is not the time to write your life story or list every one of your experiences and skills. Keep it short, sweet, and interesting so that the employer will want to read more.
Don't use clichés
Using clichés such as "I'm a people person" or "I'm a go-getter" will not impress the employer. It might even turn them off. Be original and try to stand out from the rest of the applicants.
Don't lie
It is very important to be honest in your statement. Lying about your skills or experience will only come back to bite you later on. Be truthful and transparent so that the employer can get an accurate idea of who you are.
As you can see, there are many approaches to writing a personal statement. However, as long as you keep the tips we have mentioned in mind, you should be able to write a good personal statement that will help you land your dream job.
After all, that is how the best personal statements for CVs are made! If you made it to the end of this blog, we believe you are more than ready to start writing the personal statement of your dreams!
For more information, please visit the FAQs section below.
Frequently Asked Questions about personal statements
How long should my personal statement be?
Your statement should be around 50-100 words. Any longer than that, you run the risk of boring the employer or including too much information.
What should I include in my personal statement?
You should include your skills, experience, and motivation for applying for the job in your statement. Try to stand out from the rest of the applicants and be original.
What should I not include in my personal statement?
You should avoid using clichés, lying, or including too much information. Stick to the important points and be concise.
Can I use slang words in my personal statement?
It is best to avoid using slang words in your statement because the employer may not be familiar with them and might make you sound unprofessional.
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