Personal Statement Examples

Personal statement examples

The personal statement on your CV is your chance to shine. It allows you to show off your strengths, shout about your achievements and share your career aspirations with the hiring manager. However, ensure that you don’t fill this valuable space with clutter and boring business speak, as you’ll end up sounding like everyone else.

Before you get started we recommend that you take some time to read up on what a personal statement is and how to write the perfect personal statement. Below we have provided personal statement examples to fit a range of scenarios to help inspire you, and to ensure you’re on your way to a winning personal statement.

Career Break Personal Statement

There are endless reasons to take a career break, whether this is parental leave, travel or long-term illness. We understand that it can be difficult to know how to address a career break on your CV, however, the biggest mistake you can make is by not addressing it at all – leaving an unexplained gap on your CV is a big no.

When structuring your personal statement answer the key questions of who you are, what you can offer this company and why this chosen career path. We recommend that you reference your career break in this section – however, don’t take up too much space here – address this in further detail in your cover letter. Instead, use your personal statement to focus upon your successful career before your time off.

Example…

“A highly experienced and passionate (insert role), currently seeking to resume my professional career after dedicating the last X years to raising a family. After working for 10 years as a (insert role) I have gained excellent skills, knowledge and experience within this industry. To refresh my skill set I have completed an (online course/training/work experience), and I am now one hundred percent committed to continuing my career on a full time basis.”

Career Change Personal Statement

If you’ve decided to change career you’ll need a personal statement that sells your transferable skills that are applicable to the new industry and role. A career change can be extremely daunting, therefore it is important to ensure that you sell your key skills, enthusiasm and reason for a career change within your personal statement.

Example….

“An enthusiastic professional individual who is seeking a new challenging career after many years of being in (X profession). I am a hardworking individual who strives to achieve the best in all areas, and I am always eager to learn new skills and advance my career. As this is a huge career change I have completed a training course (enter course or work experience that has introduced you to new career), and I am keen to build upon my knowledge and continue to learn within this sector. As a self motivated individual, I am keen to follow my dream within this new industry of becoming (new career/job role)."

School Leaver Personal Statement Example

It’s extremely important that your personal statement is tailored to the situation and role. In 50 to 150 words you need to tell the hiring manager – why you want this role, why this industry, what skills make you the best for the role, and what your career aspirations are.

If you’re a school leaver composing a personal statement you may be stuck when it comes to achievements from previous employment. Instead of attempting to relate your after school job to your new career, we recommend that you put emphasis on the skills you’ve developed throughout your education and school life.

Example….

“Enthusiastic school leaver with five GCSEs looking for an apprenticeship in the engineering field. Possessing good written and verbal communication and an interest in engineering which has spanned my lifetime with a particular passion for electrics. For my GCSE Design & Technology project, I built a working calculator and was awarded an A*. Looking for a start in the exciting world of electrical engineering where I can learn a trade and realise a lifetime ambition.”

Graduate Personal Statement Example

A graduate personal statement is similar to a school leaver personal statement, as the focus will be more on education instead of employment history. Ensure that your graduate personal statement places extra emphasis on your higher education, and skills learnt at university.

As a graduate applying for a role it is key that your personal statement catches the recruiter’s eye quickly. Your personal statement will need to allow them to easily identify your education and transferable skills as a successful applicant.

Example…

“As a recent graduate from X University, with a 2:1 honours degree in X, I have undertaken internships at the industry leading organisations X and X. These internships have allowed me to develop my knowledge of the industry and gain hands on experience, as well as furthering my transferable skill set in this exciting sector. My career goal is to gain a role which allows me to further my knowledge and skills, as well as increased responsibility at a market-leading and innovative company.”

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