A CV personal statement (also called a personal profile) is the short paragraph at the top of a UK or Irish CV that tells an employer who you are and what you offer. It is often the first thing a recruiter reads, so it needs to be specific, concise and tailored. Below you will find a simple formula and examples for students, people with no experience, career changers and experienced professionals.
What is a CV personal statement?
A personal statement is a 50–150 word summary at the top of your CV, under your name and contact details. In the US and Canada the same section is usually called a resume summary. It should answer three questions: who you are, what you can offer and what you are looking for.
The 3-part formula
- Who you are: your current role, course or level, plus years of experience if relevant.
- What you offer: two or three skills or strengths that match the job, ideally with one piece of evidence.
- What you want: the type of role or next step you are aiming for, linked to the employer.
Write in a consistent style. First person without "I" ("Motivated graduate with...") or full first person ("I am a motivated graduate...") are both accepted in the UK; just do not mix them.
CV personal statement examples
Student or school leaver (no experience)
Hard-working A-level student studying Maths, Business and English, with strong organisational skills developed through coordinating my school's charity bake sale, which raised £650. Reliable and quick to learn, I am looking for a part-time retail role where I can build customer service experience alongside my studies.
University graduate
Recent Economics graduate (2:1, University of Leeds) with a strong interest in data analysis. Completed a final-year project modelling regional house prices in Excel and R, and a summer internship supporting a finance team with monthly reporting. Seeking a graduate analyst role where I can apply my analytical and communication skills.
No experience, career starter
Friendly and dependable school leaver with experience volunteering at a local food bank, where I helped sort donations and serve visitors every Saturday for a year. Comfortable working in a team and following instructions carefully. Looking for an apprenticeship in hospitality to start my career.
Career changer
Former primary school teacher with eight years of experience planning lessons, managing groups of 30 and communicating with parents. Recently completed the CIPD Level 3 Certificate in People Practice and now seeking an HR assistant role where my communication, organisation and safeguarding experience will add value.
Experienced professional
CIMA-qualified management accountant with 10 years of experience in retail and FMCG. Led the move to rolling forecasts at a 1,200-employee retailer, improving forecast accuracy and reducing month-end close from 8 to 5 days. Looking to step into a Financial Controller role in a growing business.
All examples are fictional illustrations. Use your own real details.
Do's and don'ts
| Do | Don't |
|---|---|
| Tailor it to each job using words from the advert | Use the same statement for every application |
| Include one concrete achievement or example | Rely on clichés like "hard-working team player" with no proof |
| Keep it to 3–5 lines | Write a long paragraph about your life story |
| Match the tone of your industry | Include personal details like age or marital status |
How to tailor your personal statement quickly
Read the job advert and highlight the three requirements it repeats most. Our ATS Keyword Generator does this automatically. Then make sure your statement mentions the ones you genuinely have, using the same wording, and back one of them with evidence.
Frequently asked questions
How long should a CV personal statement be?
Usually 50–150 words, or three to five lines. If it is longer, move detail into your work experience section.
Should a personal statement be in the first person?
Both styles are accepted in the UK. Choose one and use it consistently throughout the statement.
Is a CV personal statement the same as a supporting statement?
No. A supporting statement is a longer document that answers each criterion of a job's person specification. See our guide to writing a supporting statement.
Do I need a personal statement if I have no experience?
Yes, it is especially useful. It lets you highlight school, volunteering and personal qualities that the rest of your CV cannot show yet.
Conclusion
A great personal statement is short, tailored and backed by evidence. Use the three-part formula, adapt one of the examples above to your own experience and update it for every application.