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