Why is a Personal Statement Important?
A personal statement is your chance to make a memorable first impression. It's the first thing employers read. For people with limited work experience, a good personal statement can help highlight your potential and enthusiasm, making you stand out from other candidates.
Think of your personal statement as a mini-presentation of your best qualities – a snapshot of who you are and what you bring to the job.
What is a personal statement?
It's a short paragraph at the beginning of your CV that summarises who you are, what you're looking for in a job and what you can bring to the role. For young people, a personal statement is a great opportunity to showcase your enthusiasm, skills and potential, especially if you don't have a lot of work experience yet.
Here's how to write an effective personal statement for a young person's CV:
- Keep It Concise: A personal statement should be a few lines, usually no longer than 2-3 sentences. Get straight to the point and make every word count.
- Highlight Your Goals: Start by mentioning what kind of job or career you're aiming for.
- Show Enthusiasm: Express your excitement about entering the workforce and your willingness to learn and contribute. Let your positive attitude shine through.
- Mention Key Skills: Even if you don't have much job experience, you likely have skills from school, hobbies or volunteering. Highlight skills that are relevant to the job you're applying for, such as communication, problem-solving or teamwork
- Tailor to the Job: Customise your personal statement for each job application.
- Avoid Clichés: Phrases like "team player" and "hard worker" are a bit overused. Instead, try to be more specific and provide examples.
- Be Honest and Authentic: While you want to impress, don't exaggerate or make things up. Be genuine and honest about your aspirations and abilities.
- Use Positive Language: Use positive words. Instead of saying "I don't have much experience," you could say "I'm excited to bring my fresh perspective to the team."
- Proofread: As with the rest of your CV, make sure your personal statement is free of spelling and grammar errors.
Examples of personal statements
School leaver 1
I am a hardworking and reliable school leaver. I expect to gain good GCSEs and I am looking for an opportunity to develop a career in accounting and finance. I am keen to learn and gain qualifications. I can work both in a team and independently.
School leaver 2
I am a highly motivated school leaver with good basic skills. I am reliable, punctual and willing to learn. I am a hard worker and have experience of working in a local garden centre and I am looking for an apprenticeship in landscape gardening.
School leaver 3
I have recently left education and have a strong passion for technology and problem-solving, I am excited to kick-start my career in IT. I have gained my analytical skills through school projects. I am eager to learn and thrive in a new role.
Part-time role for a student
As a responsible and enthusiastic student, I am seeking part-time employment to develop my teamwork and customer service skills while studying. I have a strong work ethic and excellent communication skills, I am eager to contribute positively if given the opportunity.
Internship/Apprenticeship
As an aspiring graphic designer, I am eager to use my creative talents and coursework in graphic design to gain practical experience through an internship. I am adept at Adobe Creative Suite and have a keen eye for detail.
Career Change
After exploring various fields, I have discovered my passion for marketing and am pursuing a career change. With a background in retail management, I bring strong leadership, communication and customer service skills. I am committed to expanding my marketing knowledge and contributing to your team's success.
Gap Year Experience
I have recently completed a gap year experience volunteering abroad, I am now eager to transition into a professional role where I can apply my newfound experience and interpersonal skills. I thrive in diverse environments and I am motivated to make a positive impact.