A critical aspect of creating an effective CV is writing a personal statement. This is sometimes referred to as a profile or career summary. It enables the recruiter to quickly identify the strategic value you can add to their organisation. Below are some useful tips on writing your personal statement depending on the sector you are looking to go into, remember to back up anything you write with examples of how you have shown these qualities.

Admin

Include phrases like: organised, punctual, efficient, good at prioritising, good at working to deadlines, high level of IT and numeracy skills, pay attention to detail, good typing skills, good spelling and grammar, ability to work as part of a team.

Factory Work (Manufacturing)

Include phrases like: hard worker, fast learner, good at working under pressure, good at working to deadlines, able to follow instructions effectively, ability to undergo repetitive tasks whilst maintaining concentration, practical, focussed, ability to work quickly and methodically, awareness of health and safety, willingness to work flexibly.

Retail

Include phrases like: good communication skills, friendly, approachable, good eye for detail, strong customer focus/going the extra mile for the customer, patient, creative, imaginative, ambitious, target driven, commercial awareness, good analysing and problem solving skills.

Care Work

Include phrases like: a friendly and caring approach, a desire to help others, aware of the importance of duty of care and confidentiality, importance of treating those in care with dignity and respect, patient, understanding, good listener, good communication skills, importance of protecting vulnerable people from harm, giving choice, empowering others, ability to relate to people from varied backgrounds, reliable, trustworthy, ability to remain calm under pressure.

Hospitality

Include phrases like: good communication skills, good at following instruction, good team player, efficient, good at working under pressure, patient, friendly, creative, good eye for detail, good at multi-tasking, flexible and willing to work long hours.

For all jobs include phrases like: good communication skills, highly motivated, good team player, loyal, punctual, ability to use initiative, trustworthy and reliable.

If there is space it is important to provide examples of how you have used your skills in the past to show evidence of a skill and that you know how to apply it in real situations. E.g. Instead of saying “I am good with budgeting” it would be more informative to say “I have been in charge of the stationary budget and was responsible for cashing up.”