OK, so putting a personal statement together is never easy…
But even if you’ve written one before, how you write a personal statement will always depend on your current situation. In other words, what you write as a school leaver will look a lot different to someone who has many years of previous work experience.
We’ve already covered how to write a personal statement, but here are some personal statement examples – and how you can use them to make your CV stand out.
Personal statement examples for different career stages
Whether you are looking for your first role or returning to the workforce, your personal statement is your elevator pitch. It’s the first thing a recruiter sees, so it needs to count.
Here are a few CV personal statement examples tailored to where you might be in your career journey.
School leaver personal statement example
All personal statements should be tailored to the role in question. No exceptions.
Start by answering the following three questions: Why do you want to work in this sector? What skills make you right for the role (hint: use the job description)? And where do you want to go in your career?
However, school leavers should always focus on the latter – and what you can bring to the business, as well as focusing on the knowledge and skills gained through education, rather than employment history. Soft skills are also a great place to start.
Example:
‘A highly motivated and hardworking individual, who has recently completed their A-Levels, achieving excellent grades in both Maths and Science. Seeking an apprenticeship in the engineering sector to build upon a keen scientific interest and start a career as a maintenance engineer. The eventual career goal is to become a fully qualified and experienced maintenance or electrical engineer, with the longer-term aspiration of moving into project management.’
Graduate personal statement example
Similar to a school leaver personal statement, but with extra attention paid to specific things you’ve studied during higher education.
Once again, try and explain why you’re applying and where you’d like to go in your career, as well as the specific skills or knowledge you can offer. But try and drop in a few more details on your degree (projected grades are fine), as well as particular modules that have inspired you to work in this profession – if possible.
And remember: a personal statement written for a CV differs greatly from one written for a university application. If you haven’t written one before, you should start by reading our tips on writing a personal statement.
Example:
‘A recent business economics graduate with a 2:1 honours degree from the University of X, looking to secure a Graduate Commercial Analyst position to use and further develop my analytical skills and knowledge in a practical and fast-paced environment. My career goal is to assume a role which allows me to take responsibility for the analysis and interpretation of commercial data for a well-respected and market-leading company.’
Unemployed/redundancy personal statement example
Dealing with redundancy is never easy. But when dealt with in the right way, it needn’t be a hindrance when making applications.
Put the main focus on your employment history, and provide further information for your break in your cover letter. You don’t even necessarily need to mention it again, if you’ve already explained it elsewhere.
Remember, your personal statement is intended to sell yourself. So emphasise your positives rather than apologising for a negative.
Example:
‘Driven Retail Manager with over ten years’ experience in the fashion sector. Proven track record of success, including managing the top performing store in the region, and having the lowest staff turnover rate of all UK outlets. Currently out of work due to company closure, looking for the right opportunity to bring my expertise to a well-established fashion brand in an upper management position.’
Career break personal statement example
There are many good reasons someone may need to take a career break.
Some possible examples could include parental leave, caring for a family member, plans to travel or long-term illness. However, whatever the reason for your own break, it’s never something you should feel the need to justify to a prospective employer.
In fact, knowing how to explain a gap in your CV is mostly about confidence. So leave any extra explanation for your cover letter and focus your personal statement on your career before the break – and any skills learned during your time off which may be applicable to the role.
Example:
‘A highly motivated and experienced PA, currently looking to resume my professional career after dedicating the last five years to raising a family. Excellent admin skills, thorough knowledge of all Microsoft Office programs, as well as proficiency in minute-taking and extensive experience liaising with clients. After volunteering for one day a week with a local charity to refresh my skills, now fully committed to continuing my career on a full-time basis.’
Career change personal statement example
If you’re changing sector completely, think about any transferable skills applicable to the sector you’re moving into.
Any numbers you can give to demonstrate your success could be crucial – even if you’re moving into an area where your expertise may seem slightly different. So always aim to back up your claims with real examples.
Focus on one or two achievements, demonstrate the impact they had, and you’ll instantly start adding value to your application.
Example:
‘As an experienced Sales Manager, my tenacious and proactive approach resulted in numerous important contract wins. My excellent networking skills have provided my team with vital client leads, and my ability to develop client relationships has resulted in an 18% increase in business renewals for my current organisation. After eight years in sales, currently seeking a new challenge which will utilise my meticulous attention to detail, and friendly, professional manner.’
Changing careers: What you need to know
University personal statements
Lastly, personal statements aren’t just for your CV.
They’re also a key part of the UCAS application process, and a way to sell yourself to prospective universities. However, they will be much more detailed – and longer – than the one you write for a job application.
Find out everything you need to know about writing a personal statement for university with our helpful guide.
Sector specific personal statement examples
Sometimes, you need a personal statement sample that drills down into the specific requirements of your sector. Here are a few examples tailored to popular sectors to help guide you.
Law graduate personal statement
Competition for training contracts is fierce, so you need to demonstrate commercial awareness alongside your academic results. Focus on any legal work experience, vacation schemes, or pro bono work you have completed. It’s about showing you have the practical mindset to back up the theory.
Example:
‘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
It’s not just about medical knowledge; it’s about patient care. Use your statement to highlight your clinical placements and your bedside manner. Employers want to know you can handle the physical and emotional demands of the ward while delivering excellent care.
Example:
‘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.’
View all graduate nursing jobs
Psychology graduate personal statement
Whether you’re looking for a clinical role or a research position, your analytical skills are your biggest asset. Highlight your dissertation topic, any relevant voluntary work, and your ability to interpret data. Show them you have an inquisitive mind and the empathy to match.
Example:
‘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.’
View all graduate psychology jobs
Computer science graduate personal statement
In tech, your skills are your currency. Don’t just say you love coding; list the languages you are proficient in (Java, Python, C++) right away. Mentioning personal projects or GitHub repositories is a great way to prove you have a genuine passion for innovation beyond the lecture hall.
Example:
‘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.’
View all graduate computer science jobs
Dental graduate personal statement
Dentistry requires a unique blend of technical precision and people skills. Your statement should reflect your ability to perform complex treatments while keeping patients calm. Mention specific procedures you have observed or assisted with during your training to show your readiness for general practice.
Example:
‘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
Classroom management is often the biggest concern for hiring schools, so address it head-on. Mention the specific age groups you have worked with and your approach to creating an inclusive learning environment. Your passion for pupil progress needs to shine through in every line.
Example:
‘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
You’ve done the rotations, now you need to show what you learned from them. Focus on your ability to make decisions under pressure and your communication skills within a multidisciplinary team. Whether it’s A&E or GP work, show you are ready for the responsibility.
Example:
‘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.
View all graduate medical jobs
Accounting and Finance graduate personal statement
Attention to detail is non-negotiable here. Highlight your proficiency with sector-standard software like Excel, Sage, or Xero. If you are working towards professional qualifications like ACCA or CIMA, make sure to mention that commitment to your professional development early on.
Example:
‘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.
View all graduate accounting and finance jobs
Frequently asked questions
How long should a personal statement be?
For a CV, keep it short and sweet. We’re talking about 50 to 150 words. You want to hook the recruiter, not bore them with your life story before they’ve even reached your work history. If it’s for a university application, it will be significantly longer (usually around 4,000 characters).
Should I write in the first person?
Yes. Using ‘I’ (e.g., ‘I am a motivated…’) makes it personal and engaging. Writing in the third person (‘John is a motivated…’) can feel a bit distant and, honestly, a little bit weird. Stick to the first person to keep it natural.
Can I use the same personal statement for every job?
Please don’t. We know it’s tempting to copy and paste, but recruiters can spot a generic and unedited personal statement template a mile off. Tailor it to the specific job description, using keywords from the ad. It shows you’ve actually read it.
Do I really need a personal statement on my CV?
While not strictly mandatory, it is highly recommended. It’s the only part of your CV where you get to show a bit of personality and explain why you want the job, rather than just listing what you’ve done. It ties your experience together.
Final thoughts
If you’re still not sure of what to write, don’t panic.
Writing a winning personal statement will take time, especially if you haven’t written one before. Use these examples as a loose structure to follow, and you’ll be able to add to them as your experience grows.
And remember: you should always aim to edit your personal statement for each role you apply for. That way, you can ensure you’re really selling yourself to their role, rather than simply sending the same generic statement for each application.
It should only take a few more minutes to complete. But if it’s enough to attract an employer’s interest, it will be time well spent in the long run.
How to write a personal statement
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