Personal Statement (CV Summary)
A personal statement is a brief paragraph at the top of your CV that summarises your professional background, key skills, and career objectives.
A personal statement, also called a professional summary or CV profile, is a 3-5 sentence paragraph at the top of your CV. It provides a snapshot of who you are professionally and what you bring to the table.
This section is prime real estate on your CV—it's often the first thing recruiters read after your name. A strong personal statement captures attention, establishes your professional identity, and encourages the reader to continue reviewing your application.
Your personal statement should be tailored for each application, highlighting the experience and skills most relevant to the specific role you're applying for.
Key Points
- Keep it concise: 3-5 sentences or 50-100 words
- Lead with your professional title and years of experience
- Highlight 2-3 key skills or achievements
- Tailor it to match each job description
- Avoid generic phrases like "hard-working team player"
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I use first person in my personal statement?
Either works, but third person (without pronouns) is more common in the UK. Instead of "I am a software engineer," write "Software engineer with 5 years of experience."
Is a personal statement the same as an objective?
No. Objectives focus on what you want from the employer. Personal statements focus on what you offer the employer—which is more compelling to recruiters.