Struggling to write that all-important personal statement?
Writing the introduction or personal statement for your CV can be tough, especially if you haven’t applied for a new job or want to change industry or apply for a new role you have less experience of.
What does my personal statement need to include?
To start with, it should be a summary of around 3-5 sentences. This should be made up of:
Who you are and the role you’re doing now
A few soft skills you have, which you can bring to the role you are applying for
Summarising your experience in industry
Finalise by stating what you’re looking for
For example:
I have more than 5 years’ experience in the hospitality industry working with customers in a busy environment, providing a high standard of service.
More than 10 years’ experience in social care / construction / retail – then state the type of role you have been doing.
Next. you can add in a one or two achievements you have had over your time working.
The last sentence can state what you are now looking for, such as:
I am looking for a new role to increase my experience / develop my skills / bring value to a team helping clients.
Been unemployed for a while? Summarise how many years’ experience you have in a particular industry or role.
Use some soft skills to state what you can bring to an employer – good communicator, punctual, reliable, interpersonal skills
Don’t worry, you’ve got this!
To wrap up, here are some key points to remember when writing your personal statement:
Make every statement personal to the job you are applying for.
To do this, look at the job spec of the role you’re applying for and some of the key skills they’re looking for.
Aim to use some of these in your personal statement.
Add in a work-related achievement
If you’ve provided a high level of customer care in your last role, mention it.
Suggested a better way of doing things in your last job? Say what it was and how it improved a way of working.
Start with what you can bring to the role
Always share the skills and experience you can bring to the role, rather than what you can get out of it.
Then say what you are looking to get from it – build experience, gain knowledge, progress in the industry, etc.
What if I’m applying for a new role I don’t have much experience in?
If you’re applying for a new role, consider:
- Transferrable skills – good communication, marketing experience, customer service.
- Experience you may have in the industry, even if in a different role.
- Acknowledge it – state that you are looking for a new challenge, you want to develop and your reasons for wanting the role.
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