How to write a personal statement

Not sure how to write your personal statement?

A personal statement serves to sell your skills and experiences to the reader—whether it’s for a university application or a CV. It’s a chance to summarize your abilities and show relevance to the role you’re applying for.

To help your personal statement stand out, here are some top tips to keep in mind:

What is a Personal Statement?
A personal statement is a short summary that highlights who you are and what you can bring to an employer or institution. Personal statements are also used for university applications, where they’re typically more detailed.

Why You Need a Personal Statement
Your personal statement is an essential part of your CV. It allows you to showcase your specific skills and experience in a brief, targeted paragraph. A well-written statement can be the difference between getting noticed and getting overlooked.

Ideal Length for a Personal Statement
Aim to keep your personal statement to around 150 words or four to five lines. Keeping it concise ensures that you stick to key points without drifting into unnecessary detail.

How to Start Your Personal Statement
To begin, think about your current role, your years of experience, and your goals for this position. Start with a sentence that hooks the reader, but keep it professional—avoid sounding overly salesy. You might open with your job title, years of experience, and a quick summary of why you’re a fit for the job.

Key Questions to Answer
Successful personal statements answer these questions:
– Who are you?
– What do you bring to the table?
– What are your career goals?

To make sure you cover these, consider bullet-pointing your answers before drafting. Use the job description to highlight specific skills the employer is seeking, and mention them in your statement.

Example: “Proven background in strategic business analysis, with a methodical approach to problem-solving.”

Writing Tips for Your Personal Statement
Consider following this structure:
1. Start with an opening sentence that captures attention
2. Highlight key skills and experiences relevant to the job
3. Finish with a summary of your professional goals

Additional tips:
– Use an active voice
– Keep sentences clear and paragraphs short
– Tailor it for each role

Time Investment
A personal statement isn’t a one-size-fits-all document. Tailoring each one for different roles is essential to making an impact. A small effort in personalization can make a big difference, as each role may require different skills and focus. Remember, quality trumps quantity. Sending five well-crafted applications is far more effective than sending fifty generic ones.

Personal Statement Example
“A recent business economics graduate with a 2:1 honours degree from the University of X, seeking a Graduate Commercial Analyst position to apply my analytical skills and deepen my knowledge in a dynamic, fast-paced setting. My goal is to drive commercial data analysis and actively support the success of any organization I join.”

By following these tips, you’ll create a personal statement that not only highlights your strengths but also makes you memorable to recruiters.