A CV personal statement is an essential feature of any CV. It’s there to hook a recruiter and convince them to dig deeper into your application.
Your personal statement should provide a concise summary of your key skills, expertise, and the value you’ll bring to any company that hires you.
This article is packed with 20 great CV personal statement examples, along with expert guidance on how to write your own. By the end, you’ll have everything you need to write a personal statement that convinces recruiters of your worth and lands you interviews.
Good CV personal statement examples
CV personal statement example
Motivated graduate with a 2:1 degree in Business Administration and a strong understanding of office procedures and document management. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and skilled in scheduling, data entry, and maintaining accurate records. A quick learner with excellent communication skills, seeking to provide reliable support in an administrative role while developing further in office management.
✅ Why it works
This personal statement clearly outlines the candidate’s current career stage, along with their skills. They demonstrate how their academic and professional foundation, as well as the skills they’ve acquired, will provide value to the recruiter’s company. They finish by stating their overall professional aspiration.
CV personal statement with no experience
Enthusiastic individual recently completing a Level 3 Diploma in Business Administration. Strong understanding of office management principles, developed through coursework in document preparation and communication. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and skilled in organising tasks and managing deadlines. Looking to gain practical experience in an administrative role to further develop skills and contribute to a professional team.
✅ Why it works
Despite having no work experience, this candidate adequately compensates by conveying the key skills they’ve developed through their academic studies. They note the precise duties they’d be able to perform, and how this would benefit the prospective employer, before stating their goal of developing their expertise professionally.
Student CV personal statement
Motivated second-year student currently pursuing a BA in Marketing and Communications. Experienced in creating engaging content and managing social media platforms through university projects and student society involvement. Familiar with tools such as Canva and Hootsuite, with a keen interest in digital marketing trends. Seeking an internship or part-time opportunity to build hands-on experience and contribute creative ideas to a marketing team.
✅ Why it works
The student starts by clearly stating their area of study – in this case, marketing, and follows with their specific area of interest. They then list the specific, hard skills which will catch a recruiter’s eye, and convey how that’ll help out their next employer. They finish by telling the recruiter about their genuine interest in putting their skills to use in a practical, real-world setting.
More personal statement examples
What is a CV personal statement?
Your personal statement is a short paragraph at the top of your CV, just beneath your contact details, which summarises who you are, what you’re good at, and what value you’ll bring to any company that hires you.
Its overall purpose is to convince a prospective employer that you – as opposed to any of the other candidate – are they one they should give the job. You’ll do that by conveying the value you’d bring to their company, based on your skills, experience, and aspiration.
Do I need a personal statement on my CV?
The short answer: yes. The long answer: yes, definitely.
The bulk of your CV might contain an impressive job history and some enviable achievements, but a recruiter isn’t going to read it without proper motivation.
Your personal statement not only summarises the entirety of your CV, but it aims to draw the recruiter in and make them read a little further. Think of it like a sales pitch, where you’re trying to sell yourself: you’ll need to persuade an employer that should offer you an interview and trust you with the job.
How to write a CV personal statement
To write an effective personal statement for your CV, follow this simple structure. If you’re hoping to make a big impression on employers, your personal statement will need to answer the following four questions:
- Who are you? Tell the recruiter about your academic qualifications and experience.
- What are your skills? Note the key hard skills that a recruiter is looking for.
- What value will you bring? Convince the recruiter that hiring you will benefit their company.
- What’s your goal? Express your aspiration to do well in the field you’re applying for.
Here’s how to address each step of your personal statement.
Who are you?
Start by introducing yourself. Note your current career stage (are you a school leaver, or a recent graduate?) alongside any work experience if you have it.
Show off your key qualifications. If you’re struggling to list work experience, outline anything like work placements, volunteering, or academic projects you’ve done.
“Analytic undergraduate with a keen interest in information technology, currently completing a BSc in Computer Science.“
What are your skills?
Make sure to note a few tangible, hard skills that’ll make you a good fit for the role.
Avoid those overused clichés – think less along the lines of “hard working and organised” and more “proficient with Microsoft Access”.
If you’ve got any industry-specific knowledge, mention that too: a grasp of financial regulation would look great for an accountancy role.
“Proficient with the use of CRM software, ensuring accurate data entry, and providing thorough analysis.”
What value will you bring?
Tell the employer what you’ll bring to their company if they decide to hire you.
Say what value you’ll provide, whether it’s improving efficiency or helping managers make decisions with reporting. Convince the recruiter that hiring you will make a real impact on their company for the better.
Use numbers wherever possible – they make your accomplishments feel more real.
“Able to manage schedules, maintain records, and coordinate cross-departmental appointments in order to streamline operations.”
What’s your goal?
State your overall objective: what field would you like to enter, and why?
You’ll want to demonstrate a real interest in the area you’re aspiring towards – recruiters would rather hire someone with genuine motivation and drive.
“Looking to put these academic studies and expertise to practical use with a career in environmental sciences.”
What if I have no experience?
You might be worried that there simply isn’t enough to write about yourself. But even for the candidates with no experience whatsoever, this is never true.
Through your academic studies and extracurricular activities or hobbies, you will have acquired useful, transferable skills that’ll be valuable in a workplace. Your personal statement’s job is to draw those out.
Even with no formal professional experience, things like past part-time work placements and volunteering opportunities will go a long way to show how you’ve developed your skills – and how you’re eager to improve upon them.
If you’ve got qualifications, then all the better: mention them, and outline the skills and expertise you acquired through earning them.
Even if you have no work experience, you will still have plenty of valuable workplace skills you can add to your CV.
Need help writing a compelling personal statement?
With our CV builder, you’ll get expertly crafted personal statement examples, structured templates, and writing tips to make your application stand out.
CV personal statement tips
Keep it concise
Recruiters don’t have the time or patience to read a wall of text describing you – no offence.
Your personal statement should be about 10-15 lines at most: think in the region of 300 or so words. It should be as easy and pleasant a reading experience as possible: so keep the layout clear, with a professional font.
The important thing is that you cover everything you need to in a way that doesn’t bore or overwhelm the reader. Tell your story without making it a novel.
Research the role
By far the most common mistake new candidates make is to mindlessly ping off applications and hope for the best.
Before writing your CV, it’s crucial that you research your target roles, look into the company you’re applying for, and then tailor your personal statement to best fit it.
Employer helpfully put everything they want from a candidate in the job description – make full use of it to know what you should include.
Avoid clichés
There’s no doubt you really are a “dynamic and hardworking go-getter”, but those are the sort of overused terms that make any recruiter roll their eyes.
No, you’re not a “computer whizz”, you’re “proficient with using Excel to automate complex data processes and create financial models” – that’s the sort of a thing a recruiter actually cares about.
Make sure you keep out any irrelevant information. Your marathon running is certainly impressive and perfect for certain roles, but is pertinent to the job you’re applying for?
Use numbers
Reducing customer wait times and staying under budget are both great achievements. But a recruiter would be really convinced if you backed those accomplishments up with some figures.
Think more along the lines of “Reduced call waiting times by over 65%” and “Maintained 100% accuracy for data entry” – now your claims have some more substance behind them.
Wherever you can – especially when you’re talking about your past achievements – sprinkle in some numbers. They make things feel much more tangible, and overall make a good CV that gives recruiters some clear ideas of what you can deliver to employers.
Brag a little
It seems obvious, but writing your CV is all about selling yourself. That means it’s okay to brag a little bit about the impressive things you’ve earned and accomplished.
Don’t be afraid to highlight that you got the highest marks in the class, or that you have a genuinely in-depth understanding of certain concepts. Make full use of action verbs to really drive it home.
Of course, don’t overstep the mark and come across as arrogant – just be confident enough to assure the recruiter that you’re the ideal candidate.
How long should a CV personal statement be?
Your CV’s opener is important, of course, but make sure you don’t give it too much space, or else you’ll run the risk of boring or overwhelming readers with text.
Despite the amount of information you need to include, a personal statement is short: no more than 15 lines. Your entire CV should be no more than 2 pages of a Word document, so your personal statement should be quick and easy for a busy recruiter to look at and comprehend.
Make sure your sentences are just as sharp and to the point – eliminate any fluff and keep things concise.
Can I use AI to write my personal statement?
Let’s address the elephant in the room: you’re thinking of getting ChatGPT to do the work for you, and you’re wondering how much trouble you’d get in if you were caught.
Using AI writing tools for things like this is generally recommended against – a personal statement should be personal, after all – and it’ll be an instant rejection from any recruiter who catches on.
That said, AI can absolutely be used to help you brainstorm and organise your personal statement. It’ll also be able to proofread it, and provide some advice on improving the readability and content.
If you’d like to use AI to help cover the basics, you could go with the following prompt, before writing your CV in a simple writing tool like Google Docs or Word.
“Help me brainstorm and plan a CV personal statement for [specific job or industry]. I want it to be concise, engaging, and tailored to highlight my skills, experience, achievements, and aspirations. Could you provide guidance on the structure and some key points to include?”
What’s the difference between a CV personal statement and a CV profile?
You might see the terms “personal statement” and “CV profile” used interchangeably: that’s because they’re fundamentally the same concept.
Both are short, introductory paragraphs that sit at the top of a CV and summarise the important information on a candidate.
The key difference is that personal statements are used by junior candidates, with less experience, and tend to be longer and more detailed.
Meanwhile, a profile is used by experience job-hunters, and tends to be more concise, with a focus on their past work experience. You can read more of our guidance on CV profiles here.
More CV personal statement examples
Accounting
Recent graduate with a BSc in Accounting and Finance, seeking an entry-level accounting role. Knowledgeable in preparing financial statements, conducting audits, and analysing budgets, with practical experience using Sage and QuickBooks gained through university coursework. Strong numerical skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to achieving deadlines. Aspires to develop within the accounting profession, aiming to qualify as a chartered accountant and contribute to a firm’s financial success.
Academic
Recent graduate with a First-Class Honours degree in English Literature, aiming to pursue a career in academia. Experienced in conducting independent research, analysing complex texts, and presenting findings through written reports and presentations. Strong academic writing and critical thinking skills, with a goal to contribute to research and teaching in higher education.
Project Manager
Recent graduate with a 2:1 in Business Management, seeking an entry-level project management role. Experienced in coordinating team projects and meeting deadlines through academic and extracurricular activities. Proficient in using project management tools like Trello and Microsoft Project. Aspires to develop as a project manager, focusing on delivering efficient and high-impact outcomes.
School Leaver
Hardworking school leaver with 9 GCSEs, including Maths and English. Strong organisational and time management skills developed through school projects and volunteering experience. Eager to begin a professional career and gain practical experience in a role that offers growth and skill development.
Graduate
Recent graduate with a 2:1 in Economics, equipped with analytical and problem-solving skills developed through coursework and independent research. Proficient in data analysis tools such as Excel and SPSS, with a keen interest in applying knowledge to real-world challenges. Seeking an opportunity to contribute to a forward-thinking organisation while further developing professional expertise.
Retail
Customer-focused individual with two years of part-time retail experience during university studies, where a 2:1 degree in Marketing was achieved. Skilled in operating tills, managing inventory, and upselling products to meet sales targets. Seeking a full-time retail role to contribute to a dynamic team and develop leadership skills in a customer-facing environment.
Customer Service
Friendly and adaptable professional with experience handling customer queries in a fast-paced call centre environment. Proficient in using CRM software to manage customer interactions and resolve issues effectively. Seeking to join a company where excellent service and communication can contribute to a positive customer experience.
Graphic Designer
Recent graduate with a First-Class Honours degree in Graphic Design, specialising in digital and print media. Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite and experienced in creating engaging designs for branding, marketing materials, and social media. Seeking an opportunity to bring creative ideas and technical expertise to a forward-thinking design team.
Sales Assistant
Motivated sales assistant with two years of part-time retail experience, skilled in assisting customers, managing stock, and handling point-of-sale systems. Proficient in promoting products and upselling to meet sales targets. Eager to join a fast-paced retail environment and develop further in customer service and sales.
Data Analyst
Recent graduate with a First-Class Honours degree in Data Science, skilled in analysing and interpreting data to deliver actionable insights. Proficient in Python, SQL, and Tableau, with experience in academic projects that focused on improving operational efficiency. Seeking to apply analytical skills in a professional setting and contribute to data-driven decision-making.
Care Assistant
Compassionate care assistant with a Level 2 Diploma in Health and Social Care, experienced in assisting elderly clients with daily tasks and personal care during volunteering roles. Skilled in maintaining dignity and promoting independence. Seeking to contribute to a care-focused organisation while building further skills in health and social care.
Teacher
Enthusiastic teacher with a First-Class Honours degree in Primary Education and a PGCE, eager to inspire young learners and foster a love of learning. Experienced in lesson planning, classroom management, and engaging students through interactive teaching methods. Committed to contributing to a supportive school environment and helping students reach their full potential.
Software Engineer
Recent graduate with a 2:1 degree in Computer Science, specialising in software development and problem-solving. Proficient in Java, Python, and full-stack development, with experience in academic projects creating functional web applications. Seeking an opportunity to contribute to innovative software solutions while continuing to develop technical skills.
Warehouse Operative
Hardworking warehouse operative with experience in manual handling and stock management through volunteering at a community warehouse. Skilled in maintaining efficiency and accuracy in fast-paced environments. Seeking a warehouse operative role to contribute to smooth operations and develop further skills in logistics.
Data Entry Clerk
Detail-oriented data entry clerk with excellent typing speed and accuracy, recently completing an IT diploma with a focus on database management. Experienced in maintaining accurate records through academic projects and volunteering roles. Seeking a data entry role to provide reliable administrative support while building professional experience.
Receptionist
Organised receptionist with a Level 3 Diploma in Business Administration, experienced in front-desk operations during an internship at a local business. Skilled in managing appointments, handling calls, and providing excellent customer service. Looking to join a dynamic team in a receptionist role and develop further in office administration.
Marketing
Recent graduate with a First-Class Honours degree in Marketing, experienced in social media management and campaign creation through internships. Proficient in tools like Canva, Hootsuite, and Google Analytics. Seeking a junior marketing role to contribute creative ideas and help drive brand growth while building a professional career.
Barista
Customer-focused barista with experience in a busy café environment, skilled in preparing high-quality beverages, handling cash transactions, and maintaining a clean workspace. Strong communication and multitasking abilities, seeking a barista role to provide excellent service and grow in the hospitality industry.
Cleaner
Detail-oriented cleaner with experience in maintaining high cleanliness standards through volunteering roles in community centres. Skilled in using cleaning equipment and ensuring hygienic environments. Seeking a cleaning position to contribute to creating safe and pleasant spaces for clients.
Support Worker
Caring support worker with a Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Individuals with Learning Disabilities, experienced in providing compassionate assistance to clients through volunteering roles. Skilled in promoting independence and supporting daily tasks. Looking to join a care-focused organisation to make a positive impact in the community.
