When it comes to writing your CV, listing your education, work history, and qualifications is usually straightforward—it’s mostly a case of organising the facts. But the CV personal statement? That’s where many people stumble. It’s often the trickiest part to get right, and yet one of the most important.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to write a personal statement for a CV that makes a confident, lasting impression—with UK examples and expert tips to help you along the way.
What is a CV personal statement?
A CV personal statement is a short, impactful paragraph that sits just below your header with name and contact details. In just a few lines, the personal statement on your CV should highlight who you are, what you can bring to the role, and your career goals. Think of it as your opening pitch.
Since it’s often the first thing a recruiter reads, your CV personal statement needs to quickly generate some interest. When reviewing your personal profile, ask yourself: Does this statement show the hiring manager that I’m the right person for the job? If it captures attention and clearly communicates your value, then it’s doing its job.
CV personal statement vs. CV profile summary
These terms can sound interchangeable, but they do serve different purposes. A CV personal statement (or personal profile) highlights your personality, career goals, and motivation—ideal for career changers or those just entering the workforce.
A CV profile summary, on the other hand, gives a concise snapshot of your work experience and key skills, which is better suited for more experienced professionals.
CV personal statement examples
Here are some good CV personal statement examples, tailored to various industries and experience levels, to give you an idea of what yours should look like.
School leaver
Leaving school can be daunting, but the world is your oyster! If you're ready to pursue your first job straight out of school, here’s a convincing CV personal statement you can use:
I am a hardworking and reliable school leaver, predicted to achieve 8 GCSEs with strong passes at grades 5 and above. Keen to start a career in retail and customer service, I would love to join a renowned retailer such as Tesco. I work well both independently and as part of a team, and am always looking to develop new skills and the opportunity to grow.
Check out our school leaver CV example and writing tips to complete the rest of your CV.
Entry-level
Hunting for entry-level work such as barista jobs when you have little to no work experience can be a challenge. This is where a strong CV personal statement can really make a difference:
Aspiring barista with a genuine love for coffee and strong customer service skills secured as a server in a local cafe. I’ve been recognised for my ability to efficiently manage multiple tasks to exacting standards, while engaging positively with customers. I work flexibly, with availability on evenings and weekends.
Review our barista CV example and templates to put together your own CV.
Internship
Landing an internship can be tough. Here’s a good personal statement for an intern CV:
As a final-year mechanical engineering student, I’m eager to apply my technical knowledge and problem-solving skills in an internship with BAE Systems. I am confident using tools such as CAD software, and enjoy working through practical challenges with accuracy and attention to detail. I'm inspired by your work on critical defence projects and would value the chance to learn from leading engineers while contributing to real-world solutions.
Explore our internship CV example and guide to finalise your CV.
Graduate
Ready to hit the working world after graduation? Here’s a compelling graduate CV personal statement that you can adapt:
I’m an ambitious marketing graduate with a strong grasp of digital strategy, consumer behaviour, and campaign planning. I completed my internship with VML, contributing to a 15% increase in audience engagement via targeted Instagram reels. I’m seeking a role where I can help brands connect with audiences in meaningful, digitally-driven ways.
Check out our graduate CV example and writing guide to complete the rest of your CV.
Apprenticeship
Apprenticeships are valuable learning opportunities, so they can be pretty competitive. For that reason, having a convincing CV personal statement will help you stand out:
Currently midway through the NVQ Level 2 Plumbing course, I’m looking for an apprenticeship to secure hands-on experience alongside my training. I enjoy practical work, problem solving, and using tools in real-world settings. I work well in a team, follow instructions carefully, and am committed to becoming a fully qualified plumber.
If you need help writing your CV for an apprenticeship opportunity, check out our apprentice CV example and guide.
Part-time job
Looking for a part-time job? In order to get your foot in the door, you’ll need a top-notch CV personal statement:
I am a detail-oriented IT student, specialising in AI and machine learning, seeking a part-time IT Lab Assistant role to support my studies. I achieved distinction in Python for Data Science certification, and have strong technical and organisational skills. I’m eager to assist with technology support and ensure an optimal learning environment for fellow students.
Elevate your chances of landing part-time work with our part-time job CV example and templates.
Early career
For those early in their professional careers, an impactful CV personal statement can showcase expertise and pave the way for progression in the workplace:
As a dedicated nursery assistant, I’m passionate about early childhood education. I ensure a fun, safe, and stimulating environment for children ages 0-5, while building positive relationships with children, families, colleagues, and management. I’m always keen to learn new skills and take on challenges, and would love to become a nursery team leader.
Review our nursery assistant CV example and templates to help you complete the rest of your CV.
Career change
If you’ve decided to make a career change, preparing a strong CV personal statement will help you highlight transferable skills and stand out to hiring managers:
After exploring different fields, I discovered my passion for HR, and am currently finalising a diploma in HR Management. With my background in customer service, I bring strong skills in communication, conflict resolution, and problem solving. I’m keen to extend my knowledge and would love the opportunity to contribute to your HR team.
Create a compelling career change CV with our guide, including CV examples and templates.
The format of a CV personal statement
While every CV personal statement will be unique, there are many elements that remain the same in terms of format and layout.
In general, the personal statement on a CV should:
- Be concise in two to four sentences and make every word count.
- Clearly state your current role or career focus.
- Use an engaging opening hook to grab the hiring manager's attention.
- Include standout achievements that convey both hard and soft skills.
- Detail impressive metrics that set you apart from other candidates.
- Meet the requirements of the job and company culture.
Blending the above elements will create a great introduction to your CV. Here’s a template that factors in these elements which you can customize to your own situation and needs:
I am a [experienced/skilled/qualified] [job title] with [X years] of experience in [industry]. I have strong skills in [key skills] and work well [independently/as part of a team]. I am [key traits, e.g., reliable, adaptable, hardworking, detail oriented] and always eager to [learn new skills/take on challenges]. I am seeking a role where I can [apply my skills/develop further/contribute effectively].
How to write a personal statement for a CV
Crafting an impactful CV personal statement can feel daunting, but breaking it down into manageable steps makes it much easier to highlight your skills and strengths.
1. Define who you are
Begin your CV personal statement by clearly stating who you are in a professional context. This helps set the tone and gives recruiters an immediate sense of your background and key strengths. Keep it focused, relevant, and tailored to the kind of roles you're applying for.
I’m a digitally-savvy journalism graduate with a passion for current affairs and a solid foundation in research, news writing, and multimedia content creation.
2. Demonstrate your suitability and value
Once you’ve introduced yourself, focus on how your skills, qualifications, and/or experience make you a strong match for the role. This could include technical (industry-specific) hard skills, relevant soft skills, or impressive achievements that make you particularly suitable for the role. Refer to the job description to identify what’s most important to the employer.
During a placement at a regional news outlet, I pitched and wrote a human-interest story that was published online and drew over 10,000 views in its first week. This strengthened my ability to find original angles and work to tight deadlines.
3. Highlight your career goals
Close your CV personal statement by confidently expressing your enthusiasm for the job. Highlight your eagerness to learn, contribute, and make a meaningful impact. A positive, forward-looking tone leaves a strong final impression.
I’m excited to bring my passion for storytelling and strong work ethic to an organisation like Echo Media, where I can contribute to the production of thought-provoking content.
Mistakes to avoid in your CV personal statement
There are some common mistakes to watch out for when writing your personal statement. Keep these in mind to ensure that the personal profile on your CV truly shines:
Using a generic personal statement
Resist the urge to reuse the same one-size-fits-all personal statement for every CV. Tailoring your message to highlight the skills and experience that match each job description will be much more impactful. Our powerful CV Builder makes it easy to do this with a free CV summary generator.
Including overused clichés
Common phrases like “team player” or “hard worker” don’t say much about your unique value. Instead, focus on concrete examples that demonstrate how you collaborate or tackle challenges. Specific details will make your personal statement more authentic and memorable.
Rambling on too long
It’s tempting to want to share everything about yourself in your CV personal statement, but less is often more. Stick to your strongest points and avoid unnecessary jargon or filler. Save longer explanations and stories for your cover letter, where you have more space to elaborate.
Exaggerating your qualifications
Confidence is key, but honesty matters just as much—if not more. Don’t exaggerate your skills or experience. Being genuine about your strengths and career goals helps to build trust and set realistic expectations.
Using negative language
Frame your experience in an optimistic way. For example, instead of saying “I lack industry experience,” try saying “I’m eager to bring fresh ideas and enthusiasm to the team.” Positive phrasing highlights your favorable potential and attitude.
