Crafting a unique personal statement for your CV

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Shani van Eck | Business Administrator | EQPlus | mail me |


On a Curriculum Vitae (CV), a person’s personal statement or objective is one of the first things any recruiter will notice.

First impressions count and mastering this introductory section is critical to capitalise on any potential job opportunities.

Here are some tips that will help you develop that perfect personal statement:

  • A powerful introduction

Recruiters have to sift through countless CVs daily. One of the ways to stand out is the personal statement. This lets the recruiter know what makes you different to all the other applicants. With this, you can make a memorable first impression to stand out from the crowd and pique the recruiter’s interest to want to read more about you.

  • What makes you unique

Think about your professional journey to date. What are the things that set you apart from the competition? Consider your strengths, your passions, and your aspirations. Your personal statement needs to capture all these things. Consider it your unique value proposition – it is essentially a summary of who you are as a person and what you can offer the company.

  • Concise and clear

A personal statement needs to be concise. Recruiters do not have time to read pages of text. Instead, focus on writing one or two paragraphs that are impactful and capture your professional identity. Of course, cliches and buzzwords must be avoided at all costs. Rather use authentic language that reflects your personality.

  • A customised approach

No job requirement is the same. So, why must your personal statement be the same for every opening you apply for? Tailor your introduction to each job application. Bring it in line with the specific role and company you are applying to. Highlight relevant skills, experiences, and achievements that demonstrate your suitability for the position and your enthusiasm for joining the team.

  • Get feedback, iterate, repeat

When you have written your first draft, get feedback from your trusted peers, mentors, or industry professionals. Their insights can help you refine your message. The focus must be on clarity, impact, and being able to resonate with your target audience. Iterate, refine, and repeat until your introduction has that authenticity and relevance that will differentiate you.

A compelling personal statement is about more than just the words on the page. Think of it as capturing hearts and minds. It is about creating a connection with the recruiter to open the door for further conversations. Be creative and let your personal statement capture your identity.



Related FAQs: Crafting a unique personal statement

Q: What is a personal statement and why is it important for my CV?

A: A personal statement is a brief summary that highlights your unique qualities, qualifications and motivations. It is important for your CV because it gives potential employers or admissions tutors insight into who you are and why you are a suitable candidate for the position or program you are applying for.

Q: How do I start a personal statement for my university application?

A: To start writing your personal statement for a university application, consider beginning with a compelling hook or an interesting anecdote that relates to your interest in the subject you want to study. This will help engage the reader from the outset.

Q: What are the types of personal statements I can write?

A: There are generally two types of personal statements: those for university applications and those for job applications. Each type has different focuses; university personal statements typically emphasise academic interests and aspirations, while job-related personal statements highlight relevant work experience and skills.

Q: What are some tips for writing a great personal statement?

A: To write an effective personal statement, make sure you are clear about your motivations and what you hope to achieve. Use specific examples from your work experience or academic life to illustrate your points. Additionally, proofread your statement multiple times and consider seeking feedback from a careers advisor or tutor.

Q: How should I end my personal statement?

A: End your personal statement with a strong conclusion that reinforces your enthusiasm for the program or position you are applying for. You could summarise your key qualities or express your eagerness to contribute to the university or workplace.

Q: Can I include work experience in my personal statement?

A: Yes, including relevant work experience in your personal statement is essential. It demonstrates your practical skills and how they relate to your academic interests or career goals, making your application more compelling to admission tutors.

Q: What should I avoid in my personal statement?

A: Avoid generic statements and clichés in your personal statement. Instead, focus on being authentic and specific about your experiences and aspirations. Also, don’t forget to adhere to any word limits set by the institution you’re applying to.

Q: How can I make my personal statement stand out?

A: To craft a personal statement that stands out, focus on your unique qualities and experiences that relate to your application. Use engaging language and be honest about your motivations and goals. Including personal anecdotes can also make your statement more memorable.

Q: Where can I find personal statement examples for inspiration?

A: You can find personal statement examples in related articles, online resources or through guidance from a career coach or tutor. However, ensure that your own statement reflects your personal journey and is not just a copy of someone else’s work.



 



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