How to Write the Best Personal Statement to Make Your Resume Stand Out
In a competitive job market, a well-crafted personal statement can be the key to making your resume stand out from the crowd. Unfortunately, many people often fail to realise the significance of a well-crafted personal statement in the job-hunting world. A personal statement is a concise paragraph at the beginning of your resume that highlights your skills, experiences, and career goals relevant to the outlined job specifications. It serves as a powerful introduction to maximising the chance of attracting the interest of hiring managers and leaving a lasting impression. We have to remember that when your application lands in front of the hiring manager, on average, they will spend only about 7.4 seconds glancing at your application, and many times they won’t scroll down to the bottom of the first page on your resume. Therefore, your personal statement has to do the heavy workload in your application, to incite strong positive feelings from the hiring person that would lead them to put your resume in the possible candidate selection.
In this article, we will explore essential tips to help you write the best personal statement and elevate your resume to new heights.
- Understand the Purpose
Before you start writing your personal statement, it's crucial to understand its purpose. The statement should provide a brief summary of your professional background, skills, and achievements while showcasing your unique value proposition. Its goal is to quickly captivate the reader's attention and encourage them to continue reading your resume with a positive impression of your qualifications and how they relate to the advertised role.
- Tailor Your Statement to the Job
To make your personal statement truly stand out, customise it for each job application. Carefully review the job description and identify the key skills and qualifications the employer is seeking. Then, emphasise those specific skills and experiences that align with the requirements of the position. Tailoring your personal statement to each job demonstrates your genuine interest and shows that you have taken the time to understand the employer's needs.
- Be Concise and Engaging
A personal statement should be concise, typically consisting of two to three sentences or a short paragraph. It should pack a punch by highlighting your most relevant qualifications and achievements. Use clear and impactful language to hold the reader's attention right from the start. Avoid lengthy explanations or generic statements that do not add value. Keep it engaging and compelling, leaving the reader eager to learn more about your qualifications.
- Showcase Your Unique Selling Points
What sets you apart from other candidates? Identify your unique selling points and highlight them in your personal statement. Whether it's a specialised skill, notable accomplishment, or relevant experience, emphasise what makes you exceptional. For example, instead of saying ‘I have strong leadership skills,’ you could say, ‘As a strong leader, I successfully spearheaded a cross-functional team that delivered a 20% increase in productivity.’
- Provide Concrete Examples
Back up your claims with concrete examples to make your personal statement more compelling. Rather than making generic statements, use specific achievements and experiences to demonstrate your skills and expertise. Quantify your accomplishments whenever possible, such as ‘Increased sales by 25% within six months' or ‘Managed a budget of £500,000 for a successful marketing campaign.’ Providing tangible evidence of your abilities adds credibility to your statement.
- Reflect Your Career Goals
Expressing your career goals in your personal statement can help the employer understand your aspirations and motivation. Align your goals with the position and company you're applying to, demonstrating how your ambitions align with the organisation's mission and values. For instance, you could mention your desire to contribute to a company's sustainability initiatives or your passion for driving innovation in a specific industry.
- Edit and Proofread
Once you have written your personal statement, take the time to edit and proofread it carefully. Check for grammar and spelling errors, ensuring that your statement is polished and professional. Read it aloud to ensure it flows smoothly and delivers your message effectively. Consider seeking feedback from a trusted friend or mentor to gain an outside perspective and make any necessary improvements.
Crafting a powerful personal statement is essential for making your resume stand out. By understanding its purpose, tailoring it to the job and showcasing your unique selling points along with concrete examples, you can create a personal statement that captivates hiring managers and sets you apart from the rest of the applicants. Remember, your personal statement is your opportunity to shine and create a powerful first impression, so invest time and effort into crafting a statement that truly showcases your qualifications and lets you stand out from the competition.
We provide more guidance on how to make your resume stand out in our webinar, ‘5 Resume Tips to Get Noticed by Recruiters’ here: CV tips and tricks to stand out
References:
https://www.theuniguide.co.uk/advice/personal-statements/writing-your-personal-statement
https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/what-makes-you-unique
https://www.jobscan.co/blog/resume-accomplishments-examples/
https://www.umassglobal.edu/news-and-events/blog/writing-an-accomplishment-statement