How to write a personal statement for a CV

Best practice dictates that a modern CV includes a compelling personal statement. It’s also referred to as a Summary or Professional Profile. In this article, we’re looking at the purpose of a CV personal statement and how to write one that hooks your reader in.

What is the purpose of the personal statement on a CV?

The personal statement is the first thing your reader will see on your CV. For that reason, it needs to be compelling enough to make them want to read on to find out more about you. Think of it as your personal sales pitch, that shows the recruiter or hiring manager how well you meet their requirements. A well-written and persuasive personal statement on a CV is key in getting the reader on your side. If you get it right, you’ll make a great first impression.

What does a personal statement include?

A strong personal statement doesn’t follow a set formula, but will often cover some or all of these points:

• What you do
• What you specialise in
• Your key skills relevant to the role you’re applying for
• A major achievement from your career
• What you can contribute to a new business

Remember,  the reader has never met you before and – if they’re from the HR team or an external recruiter – they may not understand the intricacies of your role. It’s worth asking a friend or family member with no knowledge of your job to read your final personal statement, to ensure that it’s accessible to a lay person.

Top tips on writing a winning personal statement for your CV

The style you write in will have an impact on how you’re perceived. Best practice CV personal statements comply with the following guidelines:

• Positioned at the top of the CV, directly under the contact details
• Short and punchy – between 4 – 6 lines at most
• Written in the third person
• Avoids jargon and acronyms
• Doesn’t simply summarise your career to date
• Shows why you are the right person for the role
• Weaves in a few keywords from the job advert
• Doesn't use generic cliche phrases such as "good team player", "enthusiastic" or "hardworking"

Personal statement examples

We’ve discussed why a good personal statement is necessary on a CV, what it should contain, and how to write one. It’s time to look at some personal statement examples, to illustrate those recommendations.

A commercially astute Finance Director, with a proven ability to deliver change, transformation and business growth. Combines strong technical skills with extensive operational insight and a strategic approach. Enables business success by ensuring financial stability, robust controls and efficient processes. Confident setting the overall direction of a company and able to influence up to Board level.

A globally-experienced Events Director, with advanced skills in B2B sales, client service and business turnaround. Manages the full lifecycle of global events projects, controlling multi-million-pound budgets and driving client acquisition and retention. Recognised as a strong leader who builds high-performing sales teams to consistently exceed targets and deliver strong growth. Achieved 135% of revenue targets in 2024.

An award-winning High-Risk Security Advisor, combining a military background with relevant qualifications. Considered to be an empowering and inspirational leader, committed to building trust and developing cohesive teams. Possesses an in-depth understanding of security in high-risk and hostile environments, consistently making sound decisions in critical situations and remaining calm under pressure. Confident planning and delivering inclusive training across multiple topics.

A creative Director of Communications, with expertise in the higher education sector. Combines a natural aptitude for creating engaging internal and external communications with extensive broadcast, print and digital media expertise. Takes a collegiate and collaborative approach, building trusting relationships. Able to manage change and complexity by taking a strategic approach.

An innovative Data Science Lead, with particular skills in analytics, big data and financial modelling in a highly regulated environment. Recognised as an influential leader, committed to inclusion and staff development. Partners well with multidisciplinary teams, building positive relationships up to C-suite and with external parties.

A financially astute Head of Sales, with both national and international experience in delivering digital solutions to public and private sector clients. Able to recruit, lead and develop effective sales teams that achieve stretching targets. Confident defining sales and marketing strategies that influence and align with key business objectives and organisational culture. Develops sound business plans that quickly achieve profitability.

A collaborative Artist Manager, specialising in promotions, publishing and programming within the contemporary classical music industry. Leads the strategic career development of artists and promotes their work at international music venues and festivals. Combines an impressive network of senior industry contacts across the globe with a natural aptitude for relationship management. Confident planning and forecasting budgets and negotiating contracts.

Need more help?

If you’re not used to writing CV personal statements, the style can seem a little strange at first. If you need further advice or support with any aspect of your CV, why not call in professional help? CV Shed has prices for every budget – take a look at the services on offer!