The personal statement is arguably the most important section of a CV. Sitting right at the top, it’s the first thing recruiters and hiring managers see — and often the part they spend the most time reading. It sets the tone for the rest of the document and offers a valuable opportunity to make a strong first impression.
A well-crafted personal statement should showcase the breadth of professional experience while giving a clear snapshot of strengths, values, and career direction. It should answer the silent questions every employer is asking: What can this person bring to the team? Do they align with the culture? Will they add value from day one?
Think carefully about the language used. This is the place to express personality as well as professionalism. Words like dynamic, reflective, analytical, and resilient can subtly communicate qualities that are often hard to show elsewhere on a CV. The tone should match the industry and role — for example, fast-paced and energetic for a start-up, or grounded and strategic for a senior HR position.
Tailor the personal statement to the job being applied for. Even small adjustments can help align the statement with the language and priorities in the job description. This not only shows attention to detail, but also makes it easier for the hiring manager to see a strong fit straight away.
Keep the personal statement to a single paragraph — but don’t be afraid to make it a chunky one. Aim for four to five well-structured sentences that summarise current experience, key strengths, and career goals. Avoid using third-person language (“Sarah is a dedicated…”) and steer clear of generic buzzwords like “hard-working” or “team player” unless backed up with context. It’s also best to avoid copy-pasting a LinkedIn bio — the CV deserves its own spotlight.
Done right, a personal statement can make a CV memorable — for all the right reasons.