How to Write a CV Personal Statement [+4 Real-life Examples]

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Creating an effective CV takes time and close attention to detail. You've already included your jobs and experience , and now you want to allow the recruiter or hiring manager to understand the strategic value you can add.

This is when you need to utilize a personal statement at the top of your CV.

How to Write a CV Personal Statement [+4 Real-life Examples] 

cv personal statement example

What is a Personal Statement? 

A personal statement is a few brief and direct sentences at the top of your CV. The personal statement is also referred to as a career summary or personal mission statement.

This is used to grab the attention of the recruiter or hiring manager and summarizes essential experiences or training that you can bring to this position.

Why do I Need a Personal Statement?

A recruiter or hiring manager is tasked with sorting through an enormous amount of resumes every single day. A personal statement is a way to separate yourself from the other applicants.

This statement summarizes your experience and highlights your unique talents . The CV personal statement is meant to demonstrate why you are the perfect fit for the job. 

Even med students need a medical school personal statement , as it is what differentiates them from all the other students applying. Plus, it allows them to share their personal stories and objectives.

Where do I Start? 

Always begin by reading the job description carefully and thoroughly.

Your personal statement should be tailored to each job description, so it explicitly states the value you’ll bring to the position you are applying. A generic personal statement cannot do that. 

Once you have a solid handle on the job description, you can begin writing. It’s important to keep your personal statement brief, about 50-200 words will do.

Don’t forget that you have your whole cover letter to show some personality and include engaging content.

The personal statement should be a quick summary that highlights why you are the best person for the job. 

You’ll need to decide whether you are writing your personal statement in first- or third-person. This should follow how you've written the rest of your CV.

For example, if you've already written, “I grew and developed a team of 50 salespeople,” in your CV then you will want to keep your personal statement in first-person to match the prevailing style.

No matter what you choose, make sure that you keep it consistent throughout. Do not switch between first- and third-person as that will get confusing to the hiring manager.

Writing a personal statement for your CV in first-person does not mean you need to start every sentence with “I.”

There are ways to craft your personal statement to sound snappy, concise and personal, and here are a few examples to help inspire your personal statement. 

CV Personal Statement Examples

It doesn’t matter what chose as your desired career or how much experienc e you have, use these examples to drive the creation of your own personal statement.

You can take snippets from each or write something completely different. Always remember that your personal statement is a reflection of yourself and should align with your own personal goals and experience.

If these examples don’t fit your exact career, feel free to take some pointers and write yours from scratch. 

#1: Personal Statement Example for Recent Graduate CV

“As a recent graduate from university, with an honors degree in communications, I held several internships within leading organizations, including Bertelsmann. These internships enabled me to gain experience in the field and learn how to serve up valuable contributions in a fast-paced, professional environment.”

Explanation: This example should be customized to include the university you’ve graduated from and any relevant internships. A compelling personal statement always highlights relevant skills and experiences.

In this case, a recent graduate does not have extensive experience in the workforce, so soft skills like experiencing success in a fast-paced work environment and becoming a trusted team member become even more critical.

#2: Personal Statement Example for Returning to the Workforce CV

“A highly motivated and experienced office administrator, I am currently looking to resume my professional career after an extended hiatus to raise my family. Proficient in all Microsoft Office programs, I can lead meetings and work with clients to keep your office running smoothly and efficiently. After spending several years volunteering as an administrative worker for a local charity, I am committed to resuming my professional career on a full-time basis.”

Explanation: After time off from a career, it can be hard to break back into the market. This personal statement outlines the reason for the break, the relevant qualifications and what the applicant has been doing in between jobs.

Any volunteer experience becomes highly relevant when there is no concrete professional experience to draw upon, to demonstrate the use of those skills. 

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#3: Personal Statement Example for a Career Change CV

“With over 15 years as a sales manager, I have extensive experience building high-functioning sales teams that consistently achieve budget numbers. In fact, my ability to grow talent led to a 20% increase in annual renewals across the board. Now, after 15 years, I am seeking new challenges to flex my marketing muscles in a fast-paced environment.” 

Explanation: When changing careers , it's essential to highlight skills that are transferable between industries.

In this case, leadership and team-building experience can apply to any industry. Homing in on concrete numbers and percentages increases credibility when applying for a position.

The applicant ends with the reason behind the desired career change. This part is not necessary but may be appealing to some hiring managers who are wondering what the impetus for the career change.

#4: Personal Statement Example for a Experienced Professional CV

“As a friendly, professional and highly trained educator, I am passionate about teaching and have an innate ability to understand student’s needs. Creating a safe and productive environment for optimal learning is my top priority. I’ve worked as a teacher for nearly 10 years in a variety of subjects and my experience and skill set make me the perfect fit for your team.”

Explanation: With more experience comes more skills and a better idea of strengths and weaknesses. Showcasing your passion for the industry is a great way to begin a personal statement, as it shows the hiring manager your dedication to the craft. 

A personal statement can be written in many different ways, but it is ultimately up to you to determine what skills you want to highlight for your chosen position.

You can follow these examples or take learnings from each to contribute towards your personal statement. 

If you understand the job you are applying for and know the unique skill set that you bring to the table, you will have a stellar personal statement for your CV that will get you across the table from the hiring manager in no time.  

Suggested Reading:

  • How to Write a CV (Curriculum Vitae) in 2024 [31+ Examples]
  • 43+ Resume Tips and Tricks to Land Your Next Job
  • 150+ Must-Have Skills for Any Resume  [With Tips + Tricks]
  • How to Answer “Tell Me About Yourself”

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  • • Oversaw timely delivery of maintenance projects resulting in a 30% increase in client satisfaction.
  • • Ensured excellent service and built strong relationships with clients resulting in 20% growth in business.
  • • Created and presented condition reports and recommendations, winning multiple repeat contracts.
  • • Managed a team of 10+ contractors and commissioned subcontractors when necessary to ensure project completion on-time and within scope.
  • • Implemented process improvements resulting in a 15% reduction in project completion time while maintaining quality standards.
  • • Successfully managed a portfolio of 10+ refurbishment and new build projects ranging from £500k to £3m, ensuring timely delivery and quality standards.
  • • Developed and proposed pricing strategies which resulted in an increase of profit margin by 10%.
  • • Coordinated with clients, architects, sub-contractors and suppliers to ensure timely delivery resulting in 95% on-time completion.
  • • Directed a team of 5+ individuals, increasing morale, productivity and organisational skills resulting in all targets being met within budget.
  • • Built and maintained excellent rapport with clients which facilitated repeat and referred business accounting for 15% of yearly revenue.

3 Manager CV Examples & Guide for 2024

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Manager CVs based on experience level

Additional manager cv tips and tricks, manager skills for your cv, manager cv summary examples and tips, specific tips on how to make your manager cv stand out.

When applying for a manager job, it's essential to showcase your skills and experience in your CV. However, people often struggle with this task. In this article, job seekers will learn how to highlight their strengths in their Manager CV.

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  • Top Sections for Manager CV: Contact Information, Profile, Work Experience, Education, Skills
  • Additional sections: Achievements, Certifications, Volunteer Work, Languages, Hobbies and Interests

Top Bullet Points for Your Manager CV

Keep your work experience section on your CV straightforward and concise. Start with the most recent job and work backward. Include job titles, company names, dates of employment, and bullet points that describe your key responsibilities.

  • Achieved 30% increase in revenue resulting from implementing a new sales strategy
  • Managed a team of 20 employees resulting in a 25% boost in productivity
  • Demonstrated strong leadership skills by mentoring junior staff members resulting in their career development
  • Successfully completed a project on time, saving the company $50,000
  • Improved the customer experience by introducing a new training program for employees
  • Developed and implemented effective marketing strategies that resulted in a 20% increase in customer retention
  • Managed budget of $2 million resulting in 10% cost reduction
  • Enhanced team collaboration by organizing team-building activities
  • Implemented performance measurement systems resulting in a clear understanding of employee contributions towards overall business success
  • Developed and maintained relationships with key stakeholders resulting in increased business opportunities
  • Established a customer feedback system resulting in insights for product improvement
  • Improved business processes resulting in significant time and cost savings
  • Implemented safety protocols resulting in a safe work environment for employees
  • Maintained accurate records of financial transactions resulting in effective financial management
  • Demonstrated excellent problem-solving skills by resolving conflicts among team members effectively

Focus on the impact that you made on the company in each work experience bullet point.

It's vital to include both soft and hard skills on a Manager's CV. Highlighting how you excel in these skills can give potential employers a clear understanding of your capabilities.

  • Hard skills: Project management, budgeting, data analysis, technical expertise
  • Soft skills: Leadership, communication, time management, problem-solving

Top Hard Skills or Technologies on Your CV for a Manager Job

  • Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems
  • Microsoft Office Suite
  • Data analysis and interpretation
  • Project management software such as Trello or Asana
  • Budgeting and financial analysis
  • Database management
  • Web Development technologies such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
  • Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems
  • Advanced knowledge of Excel
  • Cloud computing platforms such as AWS or Microsoft Azure

Top Soft Skills on Your CV for a Manager Job

  • Leadership and team management
  • Communication and interpersonal skills
  • Problem-solving and decision-making
  • Adaptability and flexibility
  • Time management and prioritization
  • Critical thinking and creativity
  • Motivation and self-discipline
  • Positive attitude and emotional intelligence
  • Conflict resolution and negotiation

Tailor your skills section to the specific job you're applying for by reviewing the job description and highlighting relevant skills.

Your CV summary is the first thing a potential employer will read, so it's crucial to make a good impression. Here are a few tips:

  • Keep it concise, no more than 3-4 sentences
  • Highlight your key skills and achievements
  • Mention the type of position you are looking for
  • Write in an active voice
  • Include keywords from the job posting

Top Summaries for Your Manager CV

  • Experienced Manager with exceptional leadership skills and a proven track record of delivering projects on time and within budget
  • Results-driven Manager with a talent for developing and motivating teams to achieve ambitious targets and exceed expectations
  • Highly organized and detail-oriented Manager with extensive experience in project management and a passion for driving business success
  • A strategic thinker and problem-solver with a track record of developing and implementing innovative solutions to complex business challenges
  • Ambitious and dynamic Manager with a focus on achieving results, building strong relationships, and driving continuous improvement

Keep your CV summary relevant to the job you're applying for and use specific accomplishments as evidence of your abilities.

  • Highlight your achievements: Quantify your successes and be specific about your accomplishments.
  • Showcase your leadership abilities: Provide examples of how you have motivated and led teams to achieve targets.
  • Customize your CV for each job application: Tailor your CV to meet the specific requirements of each job application.
  • Be clear and concise: Use bullet points to break up text and make your CV more reader-friendly.
  • Proofread your CV: Check your CV for errors and ensure it's free of typos and grammatical mistakes.

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CV Personal Statement:  Examples and Actionable Tips

Elena Prokopets

Fact: recruiters spend only 6 seconds reviewing each CV. So poorly organized CVs inevitably get discarded. 

Having an effective CV layout is the first step to attracting their attention. And the second step is topping that CV with a compelling personal statement (also known as a personal profile, personal summary, or executive summary).

What is a Personal Statement in a CV? 

A personal statement for a CV is a short and compelling paragraph that summarizes why you’re the most qualified person for the offered role. It tells the reader who you are and what valuable qualifications you will be bringing to their company.

NB : Opening statement, personal profile, personal summary, or executive summary are the other common names for a personal statement. 

Many believe that the work experience section is the most important element of a CV. Yet, it is your personal statement that can end up making or breaking the success of your job application. 

Because it provides the reader with a quick answer to one question they have on their mind: Are you qualified for the job or not? 

Remember: You’ll be directly competing with numerous other applicants with similar skills and work experiences. A compelling CV statement sets you apart by giving the reader a condensed snapshot of who you are as a person. 

Do I Need To Include a Personal Statement On My CV?

The short answer is YES! A personal statement entices the reader to read your entire CV by giving them a preview of your most valuable skills. It also helps you differentiate from other candidates by explaining your background, motivation, and personal character traits concisely. 

In essence, a personal statement helps you express why you are the right choice for the job in one condensed paragraph.

Where Should a Personal Statement Go in a CV?

A personal statement goes into the header area of your CV. Include it right under your name and contact details as a separate, highlighted area. A good personal statement is about 3-4 sentences long and occupies not more than 1/4th of the page. 

Alternatively, you can design a two-column CV and allocate the upper sidebar area for your personal statement. As a recent survey found, 77% of recruiters prefer two-column CVs to single-column ones.

Sample personal statement placement on a CV template

personal statement in resume

What Do You Write in a CV Personal Statement?

A compelling personal statement summarizes your professional and educational background; highlights the main skills and accomplishments. It can also express your career objectives and/or interest in the particular industry or subject if you’re a current student or recent graduate.  

Personal Statement Examples for CV 

To give you an idea of how to write your statement, let’s look at some examples.

Remember: You need to write a unique personal statement for your CV. Simply copying and using these examples may not be the best move because the sample CV statements won’t reflect your unique experiences and personality. 

Good CV Personal Statement Examples

Employers want to see experts. Therefore, your personal statement must speak directly to your most marketable skills. 

You should never come off sounding desperate or diminish your worth (even if you have been recently laid off ). Use a confident tone with first-person implied and strong verbs to describe your core competencies and other benefits you can bring to the workplace. 

General Jobseeker Personal Statement Example

Highly motivated, fully trained engineer with 15 years of experience in the telecoms industry. Worked with XYZ Telecoms Ltd, Cool Mobile Carrier, and Acme Telco as a field engineer and project team leader. Successfully managed large commercial telecom infrastructure installations. Currently unemployed due to the relocation of the company. Open to new opportunities in NOC. 

Personal Statement CV Example For an Administration Position 

Adaptable and resourceful facilities manager with experience in supporting enterprise-sized organizations in real estate, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing industries. Strong organizational skillset: Six Sigma, standardized method of procedure (MOP) policies implementation. Was responsible for facilities operations on 2.4 million square feet in a 20-building chemical manufacturing campus, serviced by a 20+ people team of building engineers, electricians, HVAC technicians, and cleaners.

Accountant Personal Statement CV Examples

Below are two samples for a senior and a junior accountant. 

Chartered Accountant 

ACCA-certified accountant for mid-market and enterprise-sized companies. Conducted due diligence and tax audits for FTSE 500 companies. Commenced for a 100% accuracy track record in financial reporting, as well as fast turnaround on complex analytical reviews. Provide on-demand advisory on trust setup, company incorporation, and tax deferrals. 

Account Assistant 

Detail-oriented, certified accounting assistant with experience in payroll administration. Familiar with Gusto, Xero, and Intuit software. Effectively process payroll, benefits, taxes, and social contributions for over 1500 employees per month. Possess a strong foundation in employee classification,  tax reporting, and financial management. 

CV Personal Statement Examples for Students

Whether you’re applying for an internship or looking for a part-time job , a compelling personal is a must-have for a student CV. 

Since your work experience history may be a bit “thin”, you need to persuade the employer via other means — your transferable skills, academic interests, and personal traits. A personal CV allows you to spotlight all of these. 

Remember that you are bringing your energy, dedication, enthusiasm, and willingness to learn to the table. As you will not have any employment history, you need to make sure to get your personality and your soft skills over in your statement.

CV Statement for a Student Looking for a Full-Time Summer Job 

Junior copywriter, enrolled in a BA Writing Program at the University of Manchester (graduation date: fall 2025). Alumni of the 2022 Copywriting Bootcamp program from Matters Agency. Well-versed in target audience analysis, brand positioning, and editorial campaign planning. Writing clips for eCommerce and SaaS brands are available in my portfolio.  

CV Statement for an Internship 

Second-year mechanical engineering student at the University of Leeds, seeking to apply theoretical knowledge in safety system design. Proficient in AutoCAD and completed a series of blueprints for fire and water safety systems as part of my coursework. Fast learner, self-starter, and team player, I’m excited to contribute my technical expertise to a dynamic engineering team.

CV Statement for a Student Looking for a Part-Time Job 

Junior front-end developer (React, Angular JS), seeking a part-time programming position in the Great London area. Current availability is 10-15 hours per week, preferably with hybrid work arrangements. Solid understanding of design systems and UX/UI best practices. Past work experience in finance and eCommerce sectors. 

CV Personal Statement Examples for 16-Year-Olds

Joining the workforce straight after high school makes sense if you want to take a gap year or pursue trade education later on. The wrinkle, however, is that most employers may be wary of your age and lack of experience.

The goal of a personal statement is to dispel those doubts by showing that you’re a serious, mature, and hard-working candidate, eager to learn and hone your craft. 

Personal Statement for a Barista Position 

Genuine coffee lover and frequent guest at Maddie’s Cafe, I would love to join the barista team. As a former head of the prom planning committee, I understand the importance of good teamwork, efficient planning, and following instructions. My main objectives are to learn more about beverage prep and deliver exceptional experiences to customers. 

CV Personal Statement Examples For A Graduate

Your personal statement should focus on your main educational attainments and experiences. If you are applying before you have had your degree results, it is fine to give a projected grade. You can also mention any specific modules you have studied that are relevant to the job on offer and how much you enjoyed working on them.

Remember: Your goal is to explain why you’re interested in this role and what you could bring to the table. 

Graduate Personal Statement Example

Business administration graduate with a 1:1 honors degree from XYZ University. Interested in an entry-level merchandising position within your Commercial Sales Department to expand my knowledge in retail merchandising, procurement, and inventory management. Looking to apply my analytical and data modeling skills for merchandising strategy optimization. 

Personal Statement for High School Graduate 

Energetic and enthusiastic high school graduate (June 2023) with top A-levels grades in English, Maths, and French. Seeking an entry-level role in sales, where I can make use of and develop my language skills. My long-term career goal is to further my language qualifications and position myself as a European sales manager living and working overseas for a global company.

Personal Statement Examples for CV With No Experience

Lack of experience in a particular role or industry should never discourage you from applying. Although you may not tick all the criteria boxes, you still have transferable skills and unique work experiences to showcase.

Moreover, ongoing talent shortages are prompting employees to reconsider their hiring criteria, plus invest more in new hire training and upskilling. Four in five companies now struggle to fill in open vacancies, which is the highest number in the past 17 years. 

So take your chances and apply even if you don’t have sufficient work experience. 

Personal Statement Example with No Relevant Work Experience 

Former front-desk hotel employee, looking for an opportunity to leverage strong service orientation and organizational skills in new roles (Customer Success or Customer Support). Familiarity with appointment booking software, digital chat apps, and CRM software. With my strong commitment to personal growth and my adaptable nature, I believe I could be a valuable asset to customer-centric teams.  

Personal Statement Example with No Industry Experience 

Self-starter with a BA degree in Communication and experience in corporate event management seeking a transition to music festival management. Experienced in organizing off-site events for 100+ people (including location scouting and travel coordination). I thrive in fast-paced environments and am eager to build a strong network of new partners. 

Discover even more personal statements from our collection of CV examples . 

CV Personal Statement For A Career Change

Career change is a big decision, but it can lead to a more fulfilling professional life. Besides, you’re not completely starting anew. Many of the hard and soft skills are quite universal. There is any number of different jobs that need the same set of skills that you have developed, so always try to lead with these and use real-life examples of your experience.

Career Change Personal Statement Example:

Working for the past 10 years as a regional sales manager has allowed me to develop keen skills in building strong working relationships and lucrative networks. Communication skills I developed during my time at my current employer enabled me to win vital contract wins that increased sales revenue by 20% over three years. I am now ready to take on a new challenge and want to work in the charity sector so that I can use my skills to give something back for the direct benefit of others.

How To Write A Strong Personal Statement for a CV 

An effective personal statement summarizes your skills and experience in a relevant way i.e., it indicates how you can be of help to the employer. 

In short, a compelling CV personal statement: 

  • Lists your most marketable skills and qualifications 
  • Highlights your industry knowledge and work experiences 
  • Mirrors some of the key phrases, used in the job description 

And here’s how to write a personal statement that makes a mark.

1. Review the Job Description Once Again 

As you go through the role description, pay attention to the words, used by the employer, to describe the candidate’s requirements, duties, and personality. Keep those in the back of your head. 

These are the keywords you’d want to use all around your CV — in the personal statement, work experience, education, and skills areas. 

2. Do a Mental Tally of Your Skills 

Try to remember the times in your previous work roles when you accomplished notable objectives, went above and beyond expectations , or otherwise did better than your peers.  

Note down everything that springs to mind including your years of experience in a similar role, challenges you took on and the positive results achieved, new projects you kick-started – anything that has close relevance to this new position.

3. Make a Draft Personal Statement 

Write down a sample personal statement. Don’t worry about the length – just put as many details as you’d like on paper. Once you’re done, revisit the job description. See how your personal statement compares to the description. Does it paint a picture of someone who would fit the role? 

4. Edit for Clarity and Briefity 

A good CV personal statement shouldn’t be longer than 3-4 sentences. Take a critical look at your draft version and condense it to the bare essentials: 2-3 main skills, a major accomplishment, and a note on your motivation and/or personal traits. 

Other things that don’t belong in your personal statement are:

  • Explanation of employment gaps or present unemployment status 
  • Information about hobbies or personal interest 
  • Any mention of references or recommendations 
  • Irrelevant skills or work experiences 

Want to stand out even more? Add a persuasive opening statement that highlights your strengths as a candidate. 

A compelling personal statement can be the key between your CV making the ‘yes’ pile or the reject bin. Take some time to get your statement right and always write a new one for each job you apply for by mirroring the employer’s language. 

Finally, to give your CV a polishing touch, try out one of our fancy, but free CV templates , coming in multiple styles: professional, modern, simple, and creative!

Elena Prokopets

Elena runs content operations at Freesumes since 2017. She works closely with copywriters, designers, and invited career experts to ensure that all content meets our highest editorial standards. Up to date, she wrote over 200 career-related pieces around resume writing, career advice... more

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Top 10 Personal Brand Statement Examples To Follow

Maddy Osman

Updated: March 11, 2024

Published: June 18, 2023

In a 2022 personal branding trends study, most respondents said they consider personal branding an essential component of work and their everyday life. 

what is a personal brand statement

It found that 75% of Americans trust someone with a personal brand, and 63% are likely to buy from someone with a personal brand. 

As an entrepreneur who is always on the lookout for customers or potential investors, you know that trust is key. Developing a personal brand for yourself can be an effective tool to help grow your business.

What is a personal brand statement?

A personal brand statement is a couple of sentences that highlights your unique skills and experience. It’s meant to be a quick introduction to people who discover you online because it summarizes what you can offer them.

Basically, it’s a catchphrase, tag line, or elevator pitch for you as a professional individual. While it showcases what you do professionally, you can also display your personality.

Why leaders should have a personal brand statement

You make a better first impression.

As the saying goes, “You only have one shot to make a first impression.” The challenge for entrepreneurs is that you don’t always know when that opportunity arises, as many first impressions happen online.

When a potential client or investor hears about you, their first instinct is to look up your social media profiles. If you’ve got a clear and well-thought-out personal brand statement, you’ve got a better chance at making them stick around for second and third impressions.

You can establish yourself as a thought leader

Thought leadership is a powerful content marketing tactic that can help you reach bigger audiences and generate leads for your business. When you’re known as a leader in your particular industry, that automatically gives you a higher level of credibility. 

A personal brand statement can strengthen your thought leadership strategy by clearly stating your area of expertise.

You can create networking opportunities

Whether you’re looking for top talent, new clients, or potential investors, networking is half the battle. 

Personal brand statements make it easy for potential connections to understand exactly what you do and what you value. Without it, you may miss out on opportunities simply because they didn’t know that you had something relevant to offer them.

Best personal brand statement examples for leaders

“bilingual creative who lives at the intersection of business & design.” —chris do.

manager personal statement cv examples

Source: Chris Do’s LinkedIn page .

Chris Do is a multi-hyphenate: a designer, creative strategist, public speaker, founder, and CEO of The Futur, an online education platform.

What makes it great : Because he wears so many hats, Do’s personal branding statement is better than trying to explain everything he does.

“Helping people find their zen in the digital age.” —Shama Hyder

manager personal statement cv examples

Source: Shama Hyder’s homepage .

Shama Hyder is the founder and CEO of Zen Media, a marketing and PR firm. She’s also written a book about digital marketing .

What makes it great : Hyder’s brand statement is an attention-grabbing play on her company’s name and showcases one of her key values: making clients feel a sense of calm in a fast-paced digital world.

“Write better sales emails faster with our in-inbox coach.” —Will Allred

manager personal statement cv examples

Source: Will Allred’s LinkedIn page .

Will Allred is the co-founder of Lavender, an AI-powered email software startup.

What makes it great : Brooklin Nash, CEO of Beam Content, shares, “In one sentence, Allred captures the entire focus of his social presence: to help salespeople write better emails faster while demonstrating his authority and sharing his product in the second part of that headline.”

“Keeping it awkward, brave, and kind.” —Brené Brown

manager personal statement cv examples

Source: Dr. Brené Brown’s homepage .

Brené Brown has a Ph.D. in sociology and is the author of several books that cover topics like shame, vulnerability, empathy, and courage.

What makes it great : Dr. Brown’s personal brand statement embodies her mission statement of encouraging people to embrace their vulnerabilities by sharing her own.

“Empowering ridiculously good marketing.” —Ann Handley

manager personal statement cv examples

Source: Ann Handley’s homepage .

Ann Handley is a digital marketing expert and bestselling author. Her company helps marketers get tangible results.

What makes it great : Sharon Jonah, creative director and founder of digital marketing agency Buzz Social, shares, “In four words, we understand what Handley does, how she does it, whom she’s speaking to, and how she speaks.”

“Still just a girl who wants to learn. Youngest-ever Nobel laureate, co-founder @malalafund and president of Extracurricular Productions.” —Malala Yousafzai

manager personal statement cv examples

Source: Malala Yousafzai’s Twitter profile .

Malala Yousafzai is the youngest Nobel laureate and an activist whose fund aims to remove the barriers to female education around the world.

What makes it great : Her bio highlights her impressive achievements with language that makes her sound relatable. 

“Marketing. Strategy. Humanity.” —Mark Schaefer

manager personal statement cv examples

Source: Mark Schaefer’s homepage .

Mark Schaefer is an educator, speaker, marketing consultant, and author. He’s developed corporate marketing strategies for brands like Microsoft, IBM, and AT&T.

What makes it great : “It’s subtle, concise, and creative. It describes what Schaefer does, what he focuses on, and his unique and distinguished approach,” says Omer Usanmaz, CEO and co-founder of mentoring and learning software Qooper. 

“Empowering successful women to take control of their finances.” —Jennifer Welsh

manager personal statement cv examples

Source: Jennifer Welsh’s LinkedIn profile page .

Jennifer Welsh founded Money School, a digital course that teaches women about personal finance. What makes it great : Welsh’s strong personal brand statement says exactly what she does and whom she does it for. 

“Let’s make Excel the solution, not the problem.” —Kat Norton (Miss Excel)

manager personal statement cv examples

Source: Miss Excel’s homepage .

Kat Norton (known as Miss Excel) became famous on TikTok for her bite-sized Microsoft Excel tutorials. She now offers Excel courses on her website.

What makes it great : Norton’s clever statement shows that she understands her audience's problem and highlights her personality.

“‘The Customer Whisperer.’ I help marketers discover the hidden reasons why customers buy so they can become un-ignorable.” —Katelyn Bourgoin

manager personal statement cv examples

Source: Katelyn Bourgoin’s LinkedIn page .

Katelyn Bourgoin is a creator and serial entrepreneur who founded a branding agency, a mentoring platform for female entrepreneurs, and a restaurant consulting firm. She trains entrepreneurs to uncover what makes their products “un-ignorable.”

What makes it great : Bourgoin’s clever branding statement effectively tells marketers that she can help them understand their customers better and make their brands memorable.

How to write a personal brand statement

Writing an effective personal brand statement can be tough because it requires you to be catchy yet compelling. It should give audiences all the necessary information in a sentence or two.

Here are some tips for writing your own:

Think about your unique value proposition

A unique value proposition (or unique selling point) is what makes you different. It tells people why they should try your product or service, network with you, or invest in your business.

Tip : Identify your core values, goals, and strengths.

If you don't know what those are, ask yourself:

  • Why am I building my brand?
  • What do I want my audience to know me for?
  • How do I do things differently?
  • Do I have a distinct skill set, experience, point of view, or passion?
  • What value do I bring to my audience?

Keep it short and sweet

Your brand statement should be simple and easy to understand. 

The goal is to have someone look at your profile or website and immediately understand who you are and what you do, so keep it brief. Keep in mind that you don’t need full sentences either. 

Start by writing one to three sentences that outline what you do, for whom, and how you do it. You can also add a sentence about values. 

Then, look at different ways you can shorten them. Or pick out the most specific and impactful words and see what happens when you simply list them. 

Showcase your personality

Injecting your personality empowers you to share what you do without being bland or boring. Being authentic also helps attract like-minded customers, investors, and peers. 

At the end of the day, there are other people out there who may offer similar services or solve the same problems for your target audience. Your personality can set you apart.

“Don't be afraid to inject a bit of humor, quirkiness, and passion. It’ll help make you more memorable and help you stand out from the crowd,” says Usanmaz.

Ideally, you want customers to know what you do and get a little taste of what it will be like to work with you.

A personal brand statement conveys your mission, differentiates you from competitors, and attracts your target audience. Use these tips and real-life examples of personal brand statements to inspire you to write your own.

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StandOut CV

  • Product manager CV examples

Andrew Fennell photo

If you’re in search of your next product manager role, the first step is to create an outstanding CV which impresses recruiters and lands you interviews.

This comprehensive guide (including 2 product manager CV examples ) will show you how to create your own impactful CV.

Good product managers are highly sought-after, and if you follow this guide, you should find yourself in high-demand.

Guide contents

  • Structuring and formatting your CV
  • Writing your CV profile
  • Detailing work experience
  • Your education
  • Skills required for your product manager CV

CV templates 

Product manager CV example 1

Product Manager CV-1

Product manager CV example 2

Associate Product Manager CV-1

The product manager CV example above should give you an idea of what the finished document should look like. It demonstrates the candidate’s vast product management experience in an organised manner, without overloading the reader with huge blocks of text.

Product manager CV structure & format

Sometimes, the hardest part of writing a CV is getting started, but working to a structure can really help get your ideas flowing.

The infographic below shows you a simple yet highly effective structure, as well as some savvy formatting tips.

Taking the time to make sure your CV is easy-to-read and looks professional will immediately put you in the employer’s good books.

Quick tip: A poorly written CV will fail to impress recruiters and employers. Use our quick-and-easy CV Builder to create a winning CV in minutes with professional templates and pre-written content for every industry.

CV structure

Formatting Tips

  • Your CV should be 2 sides of A4 or less. This is the perfect length to get your key selling points across, without losing the reader’s attention.
  • Stick to a simple style with a clear, easily-readable font in size 12. Colour schemes should be kept basic, too – black and white do the job perfectly!
  • Break up information with bold headings, lists, bullet-points and columns wherever applicable. This will help recruiters to find the information they’re looking for with ease.
  • Don’t add a profile photo, company logo or other imagery. They’re unnecessary and will only take up space that you could have otherwise used for valuable content.

CV builder

Structuring your CV

Your CV should include the following sections:

  • Contact details – These should always be listed at the very top of the first page.
  • Profile – A punchy personal introduction which summarises your experience and skills – ultimately, the aim is to entice recruiters to read the rest of your CV!
  • Work experience / Career history – Your relevant experience to date, listed in reverse-chronological order.
  • Education –  Any relevant qualifications or certifications, including the dates of completion and the name of the institution you studied at/with.
  • Interest and hobbies – An   optional section – if you have any hobbies or interests which could improve your candidacy, you can list them here.

Next, we’ll go over what you need to  include in each section, in further detail.

CV Contact Details

Contact details

Top your CV with your name, professional title and basic contact details.

  • Name and professional title  – for example, ‘Paul Smith | Product Manager ‘.
  • Mobile number
  • Email address
  • Location  – Just be vague, for example, ‘Leeds’ or ‘Aberdeen’ , rather than listing your entire address.

Product manager CV Profile

First impressions count, and your CV profile is normally the first thing that recruiters will read.

You should use it hook the reader in and entice them to read further, by packing in your most impressive product management skills, achievements and experience.

CV profile

Tips to consider when creating your profile:

  • Your profile might be the only thing recruiters will set their eyes on before deciding whether your CV is worth reading in full, so you need to instantly prove that you’re a perfect fit for the role. The key here is to match the candidate requirements, listed in the job ad, as closely as you can.
  • Keep it short, snappy and impactful by sticking to 5-10 lines.
  • Steer well away from clichés such as ‘great communicator ‘ or ‘motivated team player’ . They’re so common and generic, that they’ve lost all meaning to recruiters.

What to include in your product manager CV profile?

  • Level of experience  – Are you a graduate or an experienced product manager with 20-years of on-the-job expertise?
  • Where you have worked  – Give a high-level summary of the type of work experience you’ve had, whether that’s working within large corporate firms, in the not-for-profit sector or with start-ups.
  • Product/software knowledge  – Have you specialised in or have extensive knowledge of a certain product area, such as household products or computer software? You should target this towards the type of product you’d be managing in the target role.
  • Relevant qualifications – There are no barrier-to-entry qualifications needed to become a product manager, but most employers will prefer candidates with qualifications, especially a degree.
  • Results  – Add impact to your profile by incorporating 1 or 2 impressive results or achievements from previous roles. Ideally, these examples will be backed up with hard facts or figures.

Core skills section

Product managers require a hugely varied mix of skills , from business and marketing know-how to tech and data analysis.

In this section, you’ll summarise those skills in a short, bullet-pointed and columned list.

This will prove to employers that you’ve got what they’re looking for, even if they only take a short glance to make the initial shortlist.

CV core skills

Remember to tailor this list to the role you’re applying for. For example, if the employer states that they’re looking for someone with strategy skills, you’d list that first.

Work experience/Career history

Next, it’s time to launch into the finer details and list your relevant work experience.

Start with your most recent or current role and work backwards.

If you have extensive experience, don’t feel the need to fit to go into detail about every single role. You should prioritise the space for your recent and most relevant positions.

Work experience

Structuring your roles

It’s vital to pay attention to structure whilst listing your career history. There’s often a lot of information to note down, but huge blocks of text won’t make for a pleasant reading experience.

Make sure your CV oozes professionalism and is easy-to-navigate by following the structure below.

Role descriptions

Begin with a brief outline to give an introduction and overview to your employer and the role as a whole. This could include the type of product you managed, who you reported to and the size of the team you were part of (or led). E.g.

“Overseeing the product development team, comprising of 8 members, in the development of innovative and affordable household products for sale in Europe and the USA; reporting to the Innovation Director.”

Key responsibilities

Next, create a snappy bullet-pointed list of your key responsibilities within the role, including who you interacted with and how your actions benefited the company.

  • Overseeing product development procedures, supporting the product development team with design issues, and approving final decisions concerning product quality matters.
  • Supporting the sales team with product sales, and expanding support to the marketing department to introduce new products to market.
  • Ensuring that suppliers produce products to the correct specification and in line with product regulatory compliance.

Key achievements

Round it off with 1-3 key achievements made within the role, to really prove the impact you had on the employer.

If possible, quantify them with hard facts or figures.

  • Contributed to the establishment of the company which is now turning over £19m, employs 46 staff, sells globally, and is growing in excess of 15% per year.
  • Governed the setup of the quality department and procedures to acquire the ISO 9001 accreditation.
  • Applied Lean principles to the software production process, saving 50% in the time taken to build each software product.

At the bottom of your CV, finish off with a list of your relevant qualifications.

As I mentioned earlier, product managers don’t require a specific qualification, but generally, employers still prefer candidates with a good standard of education behind them.

So, begin with your highest qualification and work backwards, including the name of the institution you studied at and the year you completed the course.

You can also list relevant training courses or certifications here, such as  CIM programmes.

Hobbies and interests

This last section of your CV is entirely optional, so only use it if you’ve got a hobby which adds impact your application.

For example, while generic hobbies such as reading or walking are great ways to spend your free time, they’re not exactly going to impress recruiters.

On the other hand, interests and long-term commitments such as playing an instrument or leading a sports team show dedication and equip you with transferable skills. Therefore, assuming you have space, they’re worth noting down.

Essential skills for your product manager CV

Product Management  – Knowledge of best practises within the trade including frameworks, processes, and methodologies.

Project Management  – Overseeing development and project management processes.

Data Analysis  – Use data to recognise opportunities or threats in the market.

System Implementation –  Defining the release process and coordinating activities required to bring products to market.

Stakeholder Engagement – Regularly engaging with all stakeholders, including product developers, marketers and customer service.

Strategic Planning – Setting goals and planning/overseeing the wider product strategy.

Product Development –  Developing new features and changes to improve products.

Customer Experience – Being user-focused, collecting and responding to user feedback, learning about users and the market.

Process Improvements  – Improve work systems and processes to enable the product development process to become more time and cost-efficient.

Writing your product manager CV

Always finish off the CV writing process by double-checking for typos or formatting mistakes. It’s easy to overlook silly mistakes if you’ve been staring at the same document for hours, so it’s always good to ask a trusted friend to look over it too.

If you’ve followed this guide from start to finish, you should be left with a professional, easy-to-navigate product manager CV. Thanks to your punchy, targeted profile and focused core skills list, it’s sure to stand out, even when you’ve got tough competition!

Good luck with your job search!

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VIDEO

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  2. Personal Statement, Study Objectives & CV Writing

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  7. How To Write a Manager's CV (With Template and Example)

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    Bullet 3: How you can help the business achieve their objectives, in relation to the role. Bullet 4: A strong, relevant and recent deliverable. 5. Personal Statements for Graduates and Students. Students and graduates may struggle with creating a personal statement due to a lack of professional experience.

  9. How to Write a CV Personal Statement + Examples

    Here's how to write a personal statement step-by-step: 1. Say Who You Are in the First Sentence. The first sentence of your personal profile must show that you're a serious candidate for the job. So, skip your zodiac sign or your favorite football team, even if they're a big part of who you are.

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    We provide CV writing guides, backed by 65+ CV examples, templates, and even an easy-to-use CV builder. In the following guide and the corresponding Manager CV example, we will cover: Advice on each section of your CV (summary, work history, education, skills) Professional design and layout tips to make your CV shine.

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    Otherwise, your target employer may worry your focus would be divided between your work for their company and your side hustles. 3. Consider your audience. Tailor every word of your personal statement to your audience — the recruiter, hiring manager, and anyone else at your target employer who might read your resume.

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    Writing a 3-4 sentence CV personal statement at the top of your CV that gets the reader's attention with your most job-relevant skills and experience will help you do so. To write an impactful manager CV personal statement, study the job advert and research the company to determine which of your skills and experience will make the employer ...

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    Metrics of success are far more memorable than simply listing your achievements. For example, "I introduced a new lead qualification tool that increased sales by 15 percent". Remove pronouns in the third person. The personal statement on your CV is the one place where it's okay to talk about yourself in the third person.

  14. 12+ Manager Resume Examples (& How to Write Your Own)

    Here's an example manager resume summary for you to get a better idea of what we mean: Enterprising restaurant manager with 6+ years of experience managing a high-quality and fast-paced five-star restaurant. Coached 50+ staff members and maintained an employee retention rate 25% higher than industry standard by implementing training programs ...

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    Focus on your achievements. Use action verbs: "supervised" instead of "responsible for supervising.". Quantify whenever you can. Have a look at this sample management CV. Job ad asks for: (1) sales manager skilled in digital marketing, (2) someone with strong analytical skills, (3) supervisor with coaching experience.

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    Essential skills for your product manager CV. Product Management - Knowledge of best practises within the trade including frameworks, processes, and methodologies. Project Management - Overseeing development and project management processes. Data Analysis - Use data to recognise opportunities or threats in the market.