How to write a fantastic Personal Statement
Your Personal Statement should always be at the top of your CV. Try to think of this section as your one & only opportunity to grasp a potential employers’ attention.
It is not just about showcasing your achievements, but also about conveying passion, character, & potential. The idea is to leave a lasting impression and offer a strong case as to why YOU are the right fit for a particular opportunity.
Keep it concise
The ideal Personal Statement should be clear & concise. In length, this section should only be around 100 to 150 words, a typical small paragraph.
The first line of your Personal Statement holds far more weight than you might think. This one line needs to hook the prospective employer, encouraging them to read on.
“I am an Experienced Marketing Professional” or “A Recent Marketing Graduate,”
Mention the number of years you’ve worked in your field as well and briefly describe your accomplishments and responsibilities that could connect you to the position you are applying for.
Avoid clichéd statements
It is important to steer clear from clichéd and generic terms because these are impersonal (and rarely true).
Take the phrase, “I work equally well alone as I do in a team” for example. Firstly, please be aware that so many people say this! Try to give an example of the style you prefer working in “I am a confident team player that enjoys sharing ideas and making a difference” sounds far more appealing and also confirms you work well in a team and is your desired style.
DON’T sell yourself short
This is your chance to really sell yourself. Highlight notable achievements or contributions you have made in your career. Demonstrate your impact into a business (e.g., “Increased sales by 20% in the first quarter” or “Managed a team of 10 employees”).
Emphasise what sets you apart from other applicants.
Consider your long-term goals, values, and aspirations. How does the opportunity you’re applying for align with these? Your statement should reflect your genuine passion and interest – tailor your statement accordingly.
For example, “I am passionate about helping people, my long-term goal is to lead a team that excels in XYZ field”.
This will undoubtedly impress prospective employers – everybody respects somebody who knows where they are going & what they desire. And making those steps to work towards what they desire.
Proofread makes Perfect
Many jobseekers will disregard the importance of proofreading their Personal Statement prior to submission. We are here to tell you that a Personal Statement with inaccurate spelling and/or grammatical error, will be detrimental to your job search!
Why not consider asking a third-party to review your Personal Statement?
Sometimes we can analyse a piece of writing to such a degree that we become oblivious to glaring errors. Perhaps ask a parent, a friend, a teacher; they will be removed enough to pick-up on any mistakes, yet close enough to assess whether the final product is truly representative of YOU.
Additionally, contacting a professional that works within your desired field could also be extremely insightful.