A personal statement is your chance to introduce yourself to a potential employer in a way that makes them want to keep reading…
Think of it as your professional elevator pitch – a brief, focused paragraph that sums up your skills, experience, and what makes you the right fit for the role. Whether you’re applying for your first job, changing careers, or aiming to get promoted, a strong personal statement can help you stand out from the crowd.
Not sure how to write a personal statement? Here are some essential tips to consider when crafting personal statements for job applications:
What is a personal statement?
A personal statement is a short and punchy summary at the top of your CV or job application.
It highlights your key skills, relevant experience, and personal qualities that make you an ideal candidate for the job you’re applying for. Unlike a cover letter, which is longer and more detailed, a personal statement is concise – usually no more than 150 words (or about four to five lines on your CV).
Its purpose is to grab the recruiter’s attention quickly and convince them that you’re worth considering for the role. It’s your opportunity to sell yourself in a small, easy-to-digest paragraph.
Why do you need a personal statement?
Your personal statement is one of the most important parts of your job application, because it:
- Grabs attention quickly: Recruiters often skim CVs, so a strong opening can make them stop and take notice.
- Summarises your suitability: It shows (at a glance) why you’re the perfect match for the job.
- Sets you apart: It highlights what makes you unique compared to other applicants.
- Encourages further reading: A great personal statement will make the recruiter want to find out more.
In competitive job markets, a good personal statement can be the difference between landing an interview or being overlooked.
How long should a personal statement be?
Keep it short and sweet, and aim for around 150 words (or four to five lines on your CV).
This length is enough to showcase your strengths without overwhelming the reader or taking up too much space.
Remember, it’s a summary, not a cover letter. So keep it concise, relevant, and focused.
Personal statement structure
When it comes to structuring your personal statement, it should broadly cover three key sections:
- Introduction: Who you are and your professional background.
- Main body: Your key skills, experience, and achievements.
- Conclusion: Your career goals and why you want the role you’re applying for.
By following this simple structure, you’ll ensure you’re ticking all the boxes recruiters are looking for.
How to start a personal statement
The opening sentence is your hook. It needs to grab the reader’s attention and make them want to read more. However, it also shouldn’t be too ‘salesy’.
Here’s how to get it right:
- Start with a confident statement about who you are professionally.
- Mention your current role or area of expertise if it’s relevant.
- Show enthusiasm for the role or industry.
- Avoid clichés like ‘I am a hard worker’ without backing them up.
The art of writing a persuasive personal statement is adding in the right details (without waffling), and making it relevant to the job you’re applying for.
Example personal statement openers:
‘As a customer service specialist with over five years’ experience in fast-paced retail environments, I thrive on delivering excellent client experiences.’
‘A recent graduate in computer science, I’m passionate about developing innovative software solutions that solve real-world problems.’
If you’re struggling, write the body of your statement first and come back to the opening sentence later.
What to include in a personal statement
OK, so you know how to start a personal statement, but what should it actually include? Your personal statement should cover:
Experience
Highlight your most relevant jobs, internships, or volunteer work, explaining what you did, what you learned, and how this experience helped you develop relevant skills.
Example: ‘…hands-on experience gained through a year-long placement at a leading accountancy firm.’
Relevant skills
Include both hard skills (e.g. proficiency in industry-specific software or coding skills) and soft skills (e.g. communication, teamwork, problem-solving) that match the job description.
Example: ‘Skilled in Excel, data interpretation, and client communication…’
Achievements
Focus on a few key accomplishments that show your impact and ability to deliver results, mentioning any awards, recognitions, or notable successes.
Example: ‘…I supported the preparation of monthly financial reports and budgeting tasks.’
Personal attributes
Showcase qualities like adaptability, leadership, or reliability, using real-life examples to keep your statement authentic and credible.
Example: I’m known for being detail-oriented, reliable, and calm under pressure – qualities that helped me meet tight deadlines and build positive working relationships – demonstrated by managing and completing a recent project on streamlining the month-end reporting process during my placement, which improved efficiency and reduced errors.’
Career goals
Briefly explain how this role fits into your future plans, showing how it aligns with your long-term ambitions – whether that’s career progression, gaining new skills, or making a difference in your chosen field.
Example: ‘Keen to begin my career in corporate finance, I’m now looking for a role where I can continue developing my skills and work towards chartered status.’
Completing your personal statement…
‘A recent finance graduate with strong analytical skills and hands-on experience gained through a year-long placement at a leading accountancy firm. Skilled in Excel, data interpretation, and client communication, I supported the preparation of monthly financial reports and budgeting tasks. I’m known for being detail-oriented, reliable, and calm under pressure – qualities that helped me meet tight deadlines and build positive working relationships. This was demonstrated by managing and completing a recent project on streamlining the month-end reporting process during my placement, which improved efficiency and reduced errors. Keen to begin my career in corporate finance, I’m now looking for a role where I can continue developing my skills and work towards chartered status.’
How to conclude a personal statement
In a short personal statement, there’s often no need for a formal sign-off. Instead, aim to round off your paragraph by hinting at your career goals and showing enthusiasm for the role or industry.
Think of it as finishing your elevator pitch – not repeating what you’ve said, but showing where you’re heading next.
✅ Good: ‘Keen to begin my career in corporate finance, I’m now looking for a role where I can continue developing my skills and work towards chartered status.’
🚫 Avoid: ‘Thank you for reading my application. I look forward to joining your team.’
This keeps things relevant, forward-looking, and focused on why you’re applying — without breaking the flow of your statement.
Best personal statement examples
To help guide you, here are a few personal statement examples, tailored to different industries:
Law graduate personal statement
‘Ambitious law graduate with strong academic results and hands-on experience from internships at top firms. Skilled in legal research, drafting, and client communication. Eager to bring a proactive mindset to a challenging legal role, and progress towards qualifying as a solicitor in a commercial law setting.’
Nursing graduate personal statement
‘Compassionate and reliable nursing graduate with clinical experience in fast-paced hospital settings. Skilled in patient care, teamwork, and administering medication. I’m committed to delivering excellent care and growing my skills as I begin my career on a general ward or community team.’
Psychology graduate personal statement
‘Empathetic and inquisitive psychology graduate with experience in research and mental health support roles. Skilled in data analysis, active listening, and behavioural observation. I’m keen to build a career in clinical or health psychology, starting in a role where I can make a positive impact.’
Computer science graduate personal statement
‘Computer science graduate with a passion for coding and innovation. Experienced in Java and Python through academic and personal projects. I’m excited to join a forward-thinking company where I can grow as a junior developer and contribute to meaningful tech solutions.’
Dental graduate personal statement
‘Patient-focused dental graduate with hands-on experience in preventive care and restorative treatments. Known for a calm, reassuring approach. I’m looking to build my experience in general practice and eventually specialise in paediatric or cosmetic dentistry.’
Teacher personal statement
‘Motivated and adaptable trainee teacher with classroom experience across age groups. Skilled in lesson planning, managing behaviour, and creating inclusive spaces. I’m passionate about helping pupils thrive and hope to secure a permanent teaching role where I can continue to develop.’
Medical graduate personal statement
‘Hard-working medical graduate with clinical rotations in A&E, GP, and surgical wards. Strong communication and decision-making skills under pressure. I’m looking to join a foundation programme where I can build confidence and work towards a long-term career in emergency or general medicine.’
Accounting and Finance graduate personal statement
‘Detail-driven accounting and finance graduate with experience in budgeting and reporting. Proficient in Excel and Sage. I’m looking to join a dynamic finance team where I can work towards ACCA or CIMA qualifications and support key business decisions.’
Dos and Don’ts when writing a personal statement
✅ Dos:
- Be honest and authentic – don’t exaggerate or plagiarise
- Use an active voice to make your writing more engaging
- Tailor your statement for each job application
- Proofread carefully to avoid spelling and grammar mistakes
- Keep your language clear and simple
- Use specific examples to back up your claims
- Show enthusiasm and confidence
Other things to do on your personal statement: Use some of the following words or phrases – successfully, developed, proven, track-record, experienced, delivering results.
What words should I use on my CV
Five CV skills employers look for
❌ Don’ts:
- Don’t ramble or include irrelevant information
- Avoid clichés and generic phrases like ‘I’m a hard worker’
- Don’t repeat information already on your CV
- Avoid passive voice and excessive words
- Don’t submit without proofreading
- Don’t include personal details unrelated to the job
Other things not to do on your personal statement: Confuse tenses, forget to spell-check, make it too personal, speak in colloquialisms, use the phrase ‘slay’.
Five lines that are killing your CV
Personal statement checklist
Before you hit send, make sure your personal statement ticks all the right boxes:
1. Have you shown why you’re the right fit for the job?
Highlight the skills, experience, and qualities that match what the employer is looking for. Be specific and show how you meet their requirements.
2. Is your statement clear, concise, and error-free?
Keep your language simple and professional. Remember to aim for around 150 words and double-check for spelling or grammar mistakes.
3. Have you tailored it to the specific role and company?
A generic statement won’t stand out. Show that you understand the company and role, and explain why you’re interested in joining their organisation.
4. Does it reflect your personality and professionalism?
Remember, employers want to know who you are beyond your qualifications. Let your enthusiasm, values, and approach to work come through — while keeping it polished and appropriate.
Personal Statement Builder
Looking for a personal statement creator? This template will help you write a concise and effective personal statement for your CV or job application.
[Opening – Who you are and your background]
As a [your profession/role] with [number] years’ experience in [industry/sector], I have developed strong [key skills relevant to the job].
[Key skills and experience]
My background includes [describe relevant jobs, internships, or projects], where I [mention a key responsibility or achievement] and gained expertise in [highlight specific skills or tools].
[Personal attributes]
Known for being [personal qualities, e.g., adaptable, detail-oriented], I excel at [briefly mention how these qualities benefit your work].
[Career goals and motivation]
Now, I am eager to join [company/industry/role] where I can [state what you hope to achieve or contribute], and continue growing professionally.
Personal statement help and resources
Writing a personal statement can feel daunting, but you don’t have to tackle it alone. With a range of resources and support options available, you’ll be able to craft a statement that stands out.
Personal statement writing service: Is it worth paying for?
Professional writing services can offer helpful support – whether you’re not sure where to start, want a second opinion, or just need help polishing your draft.
But while they can provide expert feedback, make sure you choose a trusted provider and avoid services that promise to write the whole thing for you. After all, your personal statement should reflect your voice, goals, and experiences.
Use these services as a guide, not a replacement.
Is it safe to use AI to write a personal statement?
AI tools can be a handy starting point – especially if you’re facing writer’s block or unsure how to structure your personal statement.
But while they’re useful, they’re not perfect. AI-generated content can often sound generic or lack the personal insight employers are looking for.
So if you do use AI, treat it like a first draft, and make sure you personalise, edit, and shape it around your experience, skills, and goals.
Personal statement tutor and help options
If you’d prefer more tailored support, working with a personal statement tutor or coach could be a great option. They can help you identify your strengths, guide you through edits, and offer focused feedback to make your statement stronger.
Many universities and online platforms also run personal statement workshops, webinars, and editing services. For more information, get in touch with a careers advisor at your university or college, or search for an independent tutor.
And don’t forget: feedback from friends, colleagues, or mentors can be just as valuable.
Final thoughts
A strong personal statement is clear, confident, and relevant. It should highlight your skills, experience, and ambitions — all tailored to the role you’re applying for.
Keep it focused and authentic, and make sure it speaks directly to what the employer is looking for. And before you hit send? Always proofread to ensure it’s polished, professional, and free of spelling mistakes.
While it might seem time consuming, taking the time to get it right could be the difference between your CV standing out and getting overlooked.
If you’re applying for a university course, personal statements are structured slightly differently. For more information, take a look at our step-by-step guides on how to write a university personal statement and how to write a postgraduate personal statement.
Ready to put your personal statement to the test? View all available jobs now, or get qualified for a job you’ll love with a course.
