personal statement of qualifications sample

How to Write a Statement of Qualifications (Examples Included)

Mike Simpson 0 Comments

By Mike Simpson

When you’re looking for a new job, you need a resume that genuinely packs a punch. Overall, around 60 percent of hiring managers spend 11 seconds or less deciding whether a resume should remain in contention. Want more time than that? With a stellar statement of qualifications, you can get it.

Is an exceptional summary of qualifications genuinely that powerful? Yes, it really is.

So, do you want to make sure that yours is on-point? Great! Here’s what you need to know.

What Is a Statement of Qualifications?

Alright, before we dig into how to write a statement of qualifications or a summary of qualifications example, let’s talk about what one is in the first place.

One thing you may have already noticed is that the terms “statement of qualifications” and “summary of qualifications” look pretty interchangeable. In reality, they are. Both options are phrases that describe the same resume section.

There are also a few other terms that you may see pop up. “Qualifications summary” is an alternative, for example. In some cases, “job qualifications” is too, though it depends on how it’s used.

Okay, now that is out of the way, let’s dig into the definition a bit. A statement of qualifications is a resume section that highlights your strongest, most relevant capabilities relating to the job you want to land. In most cases, it’s a short, bulleted list featuring three to five critical points that you think the hiring manager really needs to see.

When it comes to where your summary of qualifications goes, it’s usually right at the top. The only thing that should sit above it is your contact details sections, as those always need to be front and center.

Pretty simple right? We think so. But how does it make a difference?

Well, with a standout statement of qualifications, you can show the hiring manager that you have what it takes to succeed in the role right away. You can showcase relevant skills and experience in a way that draws the eye, increasing the odds that they’ll see you’re a great candidate.

If you hoped straight into your work history instead, there’s a chance that the hiring manager would miss some of those key points. But with a qualifications summary, you reduce the odds of that happening, all with just a few bullets. How awesome is that?

What Makes a Great Statement of Qualifications?

At this point, you should have a good idea of why you need a statement of qualifications. But how do you write a great one? Well, we’re going to tell you.

First, you need to tailor the content to the job. Surprisingly, 54 percent of job seekers don’t target their resumes to the role. That means they are missing out on a crazy important opportunity.

By tailoring the statement of qualifications, you make your resume more enticing to the hiring manager. Plus, you’re more likely to have critical keywords that help you get past automated screening. That’s a win-win.

Not sure what to target in your summary of qualifications? Don’t panic. Just check out the Tailoring Method to see how you can focus the content on the exact right points.

Beyond that, you need to craft each bullet the right way. Brevity is your friend when you write a statement of qualifications. Every point needs to be straightforward to ensure the hiring manager can get critical information quickly.

Additionally, you want to make this resume section keyword-heavy. It’s all about showcasing those must-have skills and experience fast, allowing you to stand out as a right-fit candidate from the get-go.

In many cases, leading with a bullet that features your total numbers of relevant experience and either your field or job title is wise. It’s a quick snapshot that lets the hiring manager know you have enough time in the industry or specialty to do the job well.

For the rest, be achievement-oriented. By discussing accomplishments, you show the hiring manager how you put your skills to work instead of just telling them that what you can do.

Quantifying the details is also a smart move. Numbers stand out from letters on the page, drawing the eye. Plus, it’s a simple way to add context, helping the hiring manager see the value you can provide.

Common Statement of Qualifications Mistakes

Is it possible to make mistakes with your statement of qualifications? Yes, it’s completely possible. Luckily, most are pretty easy to avoid once you know what they are.

One common mistake is not using action verbs . With action verbs, each statement is more impactful by design. Not only do they help you convey important information, but they also make your resume a more interesting read.

Using “I” statements is another biggie. Why? Because “I” statements typically require more words to express the same thought. As a result, your bullets aren’t as focused.

When you write any part of your resume, incomplete sentences are okay. So, skip the “I” and get straight to the point.

Another issue is copying something you say in another part of your resume. While you can certainly showcase the same skills and even reference the same achievement, you don’t want to have the exact same statement in your resume twice. That makes the overall content less intriguing.

In a worst-case scenario, the hiring manager may even interpret the copy-paste approach as laziness. So, if you want to share the same detail twice, rephrase it significantly to avoid that potential problem.

How to Write a Statement of Qualifications

Alright, now is one of the moments you’ve been waiting for: the step-by-step guide on how to write a statement of qualification. Follow the process below to make sure you head in the right direction.

1. Identify Critical Keywords

While you might assume that the first step you need to take involves your resume, that isn’t the case. Before you do any writing, you need to tackle some research.

Head to the job description for the position you’re applying for and identify any crucial keywords. They may be within paragraphs or in the list of must-have skills and experience.

In either case, review the entire job post carefully, identifying every keyword that aligns with your capabilities. Additionally, make a note of the ones that appear near the top of lists or that are repeated, as those are usually the hiring manager’s top priorities.

2. Reflect on Your Achievements

Now that you know what keywords matter to the hiring manager, it’s time for a bit of reflection. Think about your career and determine which achievements put the keyword-related skills and experience on display.

If you come up with several accomplishments that address the same point, then look beyond that keyword. When an achievement can highlight several relevant capabilities that aren’t covered elsewhere, it may be the better addition, ensuring you can fit more keywords into the small area.

3. Embrace Brevity

As you pick accomplishments to feature, start thinking about how you can highlight them in a single sentence. Each bullet in your qualifications summary is just one sentence long, so you need to embrace brevity as you design every point.

Now, you can use run-on sentences in a resume. However, if a single bullet expands too much, shifting away from the main topic of that point, you’ve likely gone too far.

One easy way to keep an eye is to limit each point to no more than two lines on the page. Anything beyond that usually means you’re trying to fit more into a single bullet than you should.

4. Get the Numbers

As we mentioned above, adding numbers to your summary of qualifications is a great idea. If you don’t know the numbers that relate to your achievements off of the top of your head, spend time looking them up, if possible. That way, you can quantify the heck out of the details, making your statement more impactful.

For recent achievements, you may be able to find that information in work records. For older ones, reviewing your past resumes may be an excellent move. After all, if you’ve quantified your details in your older resumes, you may find what you need there.

Now, if you can’t find a number for every point, that might be okay. As long as the majority are quantified, you may be able to get by with one that isn’t. However, you might also want to consider replacing that bullet with one you can quantify, especially if you have other number-free points to share.

5. Choose the Right Order

After you’ve written a few bullet points, take a moment to choose the order you’ll put them in. Usually, you want to lead off with one that showcases your overall experience, especially if a minimum amount of experience is listed in the job ad. That way, the hiring manager knows immediately that you fit the bill in that regard.

Once you’ve done that, it’s time to think about priorities. Use the information from the job description as a reference, allowing you to see which skills are deemed critical in the eye of the hiring manager. Then, order the rest of the statements based on how high of a priority they are in the hiring manager’s eyes, ensuring they can find those essential details fast when they review your resume.

6. Double Check It for Errors

While you should always review your resume to make sure there aren’t any errors, it’s even more critical here. Since your summary of qualifications is the first thing the hiring manager usually reads, it has to be error-free. Otherwise, they may assume you aren’t detail-oriented in a matter of seconds, causing you to miss out on the opportunity.

Double (and even triple) check it for spelling or grammar mistakes. Then, ask a trusted family member, friend, or colleague to take a look, too. That way, your chances of catching errors are ridiculously high, ensuring you make the best possible first impression when you do submit your resume.

3 Statement of Qualifications Examples

When you’re learning a new skill – and resume writing certainly is a skill – having a step-by-step guide like the one above is helpful. However, it is also beneficial to see the tips in action. That way, you have a quick way to see what the final result should look like.

But we didn’t want to give you just one summary of qualifications example. Instead, we are giving you three.

Each statement of qualifications example below focuses on a different kind of position. That way, you get a better glimpse into what you need to do.

1. Accounting Position with Manufacturing Company

• Senior accountant with 7+ years of experience supporting companies in the manufacturing and production sector
• Managed annual budget of $1.2 million
• Secured 28 % in cost reductions through strategic contract renegotiations
• Supervised and trained team of 8 junior account professionals, boosting cumulative performance by 15 %
• Certified Public Account (CPA)

2. Software Development Role

• 3+ years of experience with JavaScript, Java, Python, and C#
• Designed and launched internal Android App for employee hours tracking, reducing payroll processing timeline by 10 %
• Led legacy code refactoring project, reducing technical debt and enhancing documentation quality
• Graduated with honors with a Bachelor’s of Science in Software Development

3. Management Position in a Retail Location

• 12 years of retail management experience with 8 years focused on big-box retail
• Redesigned company onboarding process, reducing turnover by 150 %
• Implemented strategic marketing initiatives, boosting sales by 58 %
• Managed a store staff of 150+
• Earned Certified Retail Management Expert (CRME) Certification

Putting It All Together

At this point, you should know exactly what you need to do to write an outstanding statement of qualifications. Along with excellent tips, at least one of the summary of qualifications examples above should inspire you, making it easier to create your own attention-grabbing list.

Just make sure that you focus on the job qualifications you see in a specific job ad. Tailoring is always a must if you want to catch the hiring manager’s eye, so make it a priority. If you do, you’ll be one step closer to job search success.

Co-Founder and CEO of TheInterviewGuys.com. Mike is a job interview and career expert and the head writer at TheInterviewGuys.com.

His advice and insights have been shared and featured by publications such as Forbes , Entrepreneur , CNBC and more as well as educational institutions such as the University of Michigan , Penn State , Northeastern and others.

Learn more about The Interview Guys on our About Us page .

About The Author

Mike simpson.

Co-Founder and CEO of TheInterviewGuys.com. Mike is a job interview and career expert and the head writer at TheInterviewGuys.com. His advice and insights have been shared and featured by publications such as Forbes , Entrepreneur , CNBC and more as well as educational institutions such as the University of Michigan , Penn State , Northeastern and others. Learn more about The Interview Guys on our About Us page .

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Statement Of Qualifications: What It Is And Examples

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Summary. A statement of qualifications if a four to six bullet point list of your most valuable skills and qualifications that goes at the top of your resume . It’s important that you tailor your statement of qualifications to each job that you apply to. The statement of qualifications is meant to grab the attention of recruiters.

We all know the importance of first impressions, and resumes are no exception. When it comes to showing hiring managers your most notable accomplishments and skills as soon as they pick up your resume, a statement of qualifications can’t be beaten.

In this article, we’ll cover what exactly a statement of qualifications is, explain how to write one, and provide examples to help make writing your own that much easier.

Key Takeaways

A statement of qualification lists a handful of your most impressive skills and qualifications at the top of your resume.

A statement of qualifications shows hiring managers what you’d add to their organization and draws them into the rest of your resume.

Your statement of qualifications should reflect the skills listed on the job description.

What Is a Statement of Qualifications?

Example statements of qualifications, how to write a statement of qualifications, benefits of a statement of qualifications, tips for your resume’s statement of qualifications, who should use a statement of qualifications, statement of qualifications faq, final thoughts.

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A statement of qualifications is a 4-6 bullet point list of your most valuable skills and qualifications at the start of your resume. Note that the definition of your “most valuable” skills depends on the specific job description, and you’ll want to tailor your SOQ ( along with the rest of your resume ) to each and every job you apply for.

One could argue that a summary of qualifications is essentially like creating a movie trailer for your resume . An SOQ is a teaser that emphasizes your work experience, skills, and achievements.

The old school way of doing resumes is to start with a resume summary statement or career objective at the top. The trouble with a resume summary is that they are very general (and frankly pretty boring). Plus, they are often focused on you. It shares who you are, what experience you have, and your competencies.

When you flip the script and put the top benefits you have to offer an employer right at the top in a Statement of Qualifications, it’s a powerful way to stand out .

It allows a hiring manager or recruiter to quickly see that you’re qualified for the role and inspires them to give your resume a closer look. Plus, putting your qualifications front and center is useful in the era of applicant tracking systems that parse through your resume before it even reaches a human reader.

This list of statement of qualifications examples should help you think through what would work best when applying for your future job roles:

Summary of Qualifications for Medical Sales Example

10+ years’ experience in medical sales. Handled 10 medical client accounts that resulted in $500K revenue/year. Exceeded sales goals by 12% every quarter. Received Employee Recognition Award for Outstanding Achievement.

Summary of Qualifications for Retail Management Example

8 years of experience in retail management for big box stores. Increased store revenue by 65% by employing essential marketing and sales strategies. Oversaw the work of 200 sales and retail staff. Named Market Manager of the Year. Graduated Walmart Academy for advanced retail skills.

Summary of Qualifications for Sales Representative Example

15 years of experience in strategic marketing roles. Increased sales by 45% in my first year with the company. Earned Certified Professional Sales Person (CPSP). Trained and developed a team of 12 sales representatives. Named the Salesperson of the Year for 2018.

Summary of Qualifications for Travel Agent Example

10 years of experience in domestic and international travel. $1.2 million sales quota goal in 10 months. Earned Certified Travel Associate (CTA). Experienced supervising team of six travel agents in a fast-paced setting. Recognized as a top travel agent in the Midwest Region.

Summary of Qualifications for Accounting Supervisor Example

15 years of experience as a senior accountant . Accomplished a 35% reduction in costs by re-negotiation of leasing contract. Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Recruit, hire, orient, and train new accounting employees. Member of American Association of Finance Accounting (AAFA).

Summary of Qualifications for Data Analyst Example

9 years of experience interpreting and analyzing data Perform market analysis to efficiently achieve objectives increasing sales by 35% MS in Business Analytics Lead a team of two data analysts and one data engineer Winner of TAG Data Science Analytics Innovation Award

Summary of Qualifications for Project Manager Example

7+ years of experience Managed Lean Training project that improved quality by 36%, cut lead times 20%, cut costs 52%. Led project management for a team of 75 employees. Project Management Professional Certification (3/2018). Guest speaker at the Midwest Lean Conference in 2019.

To write a statement of qualifications, start by reading the job description and jotting down the job skills the employer is looking for. Then make a list of your results and accomplishments that match those areas.

Let’s say you come across this job listing for a Pharma Sales Manager job opening:

Regional Pharmaceutical Sales Manager A pharmaceutical company is currently looking for a Sales Manager who can build maintain national clients/accounts and sell new services to existing clients . The ideal candidate has over seven years of business or sales experience within the pharmaceutical industry with significant management and training capabilities and existing clientele. Travel within the territory will be required. Territory includes IL , IN, WI, OH, TN, MN.

Notice all the words in bold. These are areas of interest for them that you should include in words to describe yourself on a resume to raise a recruiter’s interest. Now we translate that below into attention-grabbing bullet points.

Regional Pharmaceutical Sales Manager State of Qualifications Meet and exceed previous years’ sales target by 25% by attaining a $7,500,000 sales quota and 51% growth as of Dec. 2019 Transformed bottom-ranked Illinois territory to become a top revenue producing region. 8 years of pharmaceutical sales experience Pharma Sales Rep of the Year for Illinois 2017 Certified Pharmaceutical Sales Representative 5 years of experience managing regional sales teams Maintained relationship with existing 275 clients to develop and grow sales Assigned by senior sales management to train and mentor new reps

When a recruiter is sitting at their desk with a pile of resumes to review, they don’t have time to sit and thoroughly read every one. They need to quickly identify which applicants are a match for the job qualifications. So having your best information right at the top helps them tell in five seconds if they should interview you .

Placing your statement of qualifications at the top is like saying “Pick me,” “Pick me.” It is a powerful way to grab the recruiter’s attention.

A statement of qualifications shows what’s in it for the employer. It’s not about the skills you have, but the impact and results you can achieve for that employer.

Finally, when you list these items in bullet form, it’s very easy for a hiring manager to scan through them. They are busy. The more you can do to help them quickly see your strengths , the better shot you have at getting an interview.

You want to include a few things in your statement of qualifications:

Quantifiable results achieved — this can be sales volume, contracts, reduction in expenses, increase in profitability, boost in shareholder value, increase in customer base, etc.

Length of industry experience

Years of management experience

The highest degrees/certificates earned

Awards/Honors/Recognitions

You want your resume to be engaging, exciting, and thrilling to read. But what does it take to make a truly great statement of qualifications that will convince your recruiters to invite you for an interview?

Here are some tips for creating a professional statement of qualifications:

A strong statement of qualifications grabs attention and keeps recruiters interested.

Hiring managers will read your resume more thoroughly if they think you’re a qualified candidate with the right work experience , skills, and strengths.

Hard numbers that show you walk the talk with proof of the results in your past roles.

Action verbs that add power and impact to your resume.

Consistency in font face , size, spacing, caps, bold, and italics usage.

Carefully proofread for correct typos and grammar usage. It’s the little details that can reveal how much effort you put into your resume.

Adding keywords boosts how your resume comes up in the applicant tracking system (ATS) and shows recruiters the applicant’s compatibility to the position.

Technically anyone can use a statement of qualifications, but it’s most effective for those with some solid work experience.

This means that while recent graduates may see some benefit from including a statement of qualifications on their resume, it won’t do as much for them as it would for someone who has been in the workforce for a few years.

A statement of qualifications can also include transferable skills and educational accomplishments, but it may be better to put those in a resume summary statement until you have a few more years of experience under your belt.

What should be included in a statement of qualifications?

A statement of qualifications should include:

Your current job title and years of experience

Certifications that are necessary for the job

A few hard skills that relate directly to the job

One or two major accomplishments that relate directly to the job

Who should use a statement of qualifications?

Because a statement of qualifications requires a fairly beefy list of quantifiable experiences, they’re best used by applicants who have worked in the industry for 3+ years.

That being said, applicant tracking systems (ATS) parse through plenty of entry-level resumes , and the more relevant keywords you can include up top, the better your odds of getting your resume in front of a human reader .

How do you write a good SOQ?

Writing a good SOQ is about keeping things short and to the point. You want to use powerful action verbs that really indicate your specific contributions and the results of those contributions. The best statements of qualifications are perfectly tailored to the job description.

What are examples of qualifications?

Qualifications in this context refers mostly to hard skills, on-the-job experience, certifications, degrees, and tangible results of your skill set being put to use. Hard skills refer to job-, field-, or industry-specific knowledge that requires training or studying to learn.

A great resume emphasizes your qualifications in a compelling way and puts you in the best light. With a concise statement of qualifications, you can hook in hiring managers with an easy-to-read summary of why you’re perfect for the job.

University of North Carolina Wilmington – Summary of Qualifications

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Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.

Don Pippin is an executive and HR leader for Fortune 50 and 500 companies and startups. In 2008, Don launched area|Talent with a focus on helping clients identify their brand. As a Certified Professional Resume Writer, Certified Digital Career Strategist, and Certified Personal Branding Strategist, Don guides clients through career transitions.

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How to Write A Statement of Qualifications

Updated: April 05, 2022

Published: April 01, 2022

Finding a new job can be a nerve-wracking experience. You pour your heart and soul (not to mention your entire work history) into this document and wait by the phone (or your inbox) for the interview requests to come in.

Fortunately, there’s a better way to communicate your skills and achievements to a potential employer than the traditional resume and summary.

Before you send out resumes for your next career move, learn how a statement of qualifications can help you stand out as a candidate.

What is a Statement of Qualifications?

A Statement of Qualifications (SoQ) is a shortlist that highlights your most applicable skills and experiences. Your traditional resume, fleshing out each qualification through your relevant work history follows your SoQ.

You can think of a Statement of Qualifications in relation to the adage "don’t bury the lead." It comes from the world of journalism and it’s a constant reminder that you should write the most important thing first. Why? Because if you don’t hook the person reviewing your information in the first few sentences, there’s a possibility they won’t read the rest of your resume.

Image Source

Your job as an applicant is to make sure that you put your most impressive qualifications at the top of your resume so the reader can’t miss them.

A well-written Statement of Qualifications will instantly capture the recruiter or hiring manager’s attention and encourage them to read your resume thoroughly and with the mindset of "this person is well-qualified for the role."

How to Write a Statement of Qualifications

Now it’s time to dive into how to write a statement of qualifications that stands out.

1. Review SoQ examples.

Starting with a solid example can help you get started. We’ve included some Statement of Qualification examples below to aid your writing. A bit of research before you start writing will save you time in the long run and help you create the most professional-looking product possible.

2. Select your strongest skills and most impressive accomplishments.

No doubt you’ve achieved a great deal during your career. Look at the SoQ as an opportunity to highlight the most important achievements and the skills that best serve you in your role. This brings us to…

3. Tailor your SoQ to the job you’re applying for.

If you only take one piece of advice away from this article, please let it be this. Your SoQ must be tailored to the specific job you're looking to get.

You should use keywords from the job posting and touch on each of the main qualifications through your bulleted list of accomplishments. You’re basically saying, "I’m the best person for this job because I’ve already succeeded at what you need me to do."

4. Focus on results.

It’s one thing to say that you "Improved sales for the Eastern region of XYZ Company." It’s another thing (and incredibly more powerful), to say that you "Increased sales by 600% and became the highest-grossing sales manager in the history of the company." If you can, demonstrate the tangible results you’ve created to be a standout candidate.

5. Use action verbs.

Use an active voice throughout your resume, being very direct in your SoQ. You can use words like:

• Facilitated

6. Use fewer words for more impact.

We’ve all been forced to read something that used 400 words to communicate what could have been done in five. Don’t be that person. When it comes to your SoQ, think short, impactful, and to the point.

7. Review your spelling and grammar.

Between spellcheck and (free) programs like Grammarly , your resume, and any other materials you send out into the world to represent you should be error-free.

That being said, it’s very difficult to edit your own work. Once you’ve sent your resume through a grammar program, ask a friend to review it for you. Employers want to know that your written communications are strong and if hired, you work with strong attention to detail.

Statement of Qualifications Template and Examples

When drafting your SoQ, take care to structure this section properly for maximum effect. You can use the following Statement of Qualifications template to hit all the important points:

• Your current job title or relevant certification and your years of experience
• Two or three qualifications and skills you possess that would help you excel in your desired role
• Tangible outcomes (with data) pertinent to the responsibilities you would have in this position

Let’s take a look at two different SoQs for the same person, a call center employee interested in moving to a similar role in a new company.

What Not to Do

• Experienced call center employee with customer service skills.
• Responsible for addressing customer concerns.
• Fast and accurate data entry skills.
• Applauded for good work.
• Detail-oriented call center representative with 7+ years of experience delivering outstanding customer service.
• Achieved an average call time 15% shorter than the team average.
• Retrained struggling co-workers resulting in a 25% decrease in repeat calls.
• Won "Highest Call Taker" award 15 months straight.

SoQs for Special Situations

One of the most common questions regarding SoQs is: "What if I’m early in my career, or making a career transition and don’t have demonstrated experience?"

Everyone was a beginner at one time. There’s nothing to be ashamed of, and you’ve probably achieved more than you think. When you have recently graduated and are just joining the workforce, it’s acceptable (and encouraged) to discuss both your education and any internship experience you’ve had. An example of this could be:

• Business Attorney graduated Cum Laude from XYZ University with a 3.9 GPA.
• Internship experience in administrative, transactional, and employment law.
• Attended multiple court appearances, including evidentiary hearings.
• Reviewed discovery and assisted in the preparation of depositions.

As you progress throughout your career, your bullet points will strengthen. As a mid-level employee, you’ll discuss personal on-the-job achievements, and then eventually, as you move into senior leadership, you’ll have leadership achievements to touch on — not only what you achieved for yourself, but how you contributed to the organization as a whole.

Of course, there are very few people in the workforce that knew what they wanted to do directly out of college and have stayed the course over a 40-50 year professional lifetime. Most workers will move into entirely new companies, roles, and industries, at least once. For those looking to move into an entirely new field, an SoQ will look slightly different.

A Statement of Qualifications example for an individual changing fields will have less to do with specific accomplishments in the industry they are choosing to leave and will focus more on the transferable skills that will appeal to recruiters in the new industry. These skills include (but are not limited to):

• Leadership skills
• Management skills
• Teamwork skills
• Communication skills
• Problem-solving skills
• Project management skills
• Interpersonal skills

Notice that every single one of these skills is important for any industry you can think of. If you can prove that you’ve demonstrated these skills in another environment, you build their confidence in your ability to perform well in a new situation.

Use a Statement of Qualifications To Stand Out From Other Applications

Applying for jobs can be a daunting task for even the most qualified individuals. Thankfully, using a strong and well-written Statement of Qualifications at the beginning of your resume can help you stand out.

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Resume personal statement examples

If you want to secure job interview, you need a strong personal statement at the top of your resume.

Your resume personal statement is a short paragraph which sits at the very top of your resume – and it’s aim is to summarize the benefits of hiring you and encourage employers to read your resume in full.

In this guide I have included 17 resume personal statement examples from a range of professions and experience levels, plus a detailed guide of how to write your own personal statement that will get you noticed by employers

Resume templates 

17 resume personal statement examples

To start this guide, I have included 10 examples of good personal statements, to give you an idea of how a personal statement should look , and what should be included.

Note: personal statements are generally used by junior candidates – if you are experienced, check out our resume summary examples instead.

College graduate resume personal statement (no experience)

Although this college graduate has no paid work experience , they compensate for it by showcasing all of the skills and knowledge the have gained during their studies, and demonstrating how they apply their knowledge in academic and personal projects.

When you have little or no experience, it’s important to draw out transferable workplace skills from your studies and extracurricular work, to showcase them to employers.

College graduate resume personal statement (part time freelance experience)

This candidate has graduated college with a degree in biochemistry but actually wants to start a career in marketing after providing some digital freelance services to fund their studies.

In this case, they haven’t made much mention of their studies because they aren’t relevant to the marketing agencies they are applying to. Instead they have focused their personal statement around their freelance work and passion for the digital field – although they still mention the fact they are degree educated to prove their academic success.

High school leaver resume personal statement (no experience)

This candidate is 16 years old and has no work experience whatsoever, but they compensate for this by detailing their academic achievements that relate to the roles they are applying for (maths and literacy are important requirements in finance and accountancy roles).

They also add some info on their extracurricular activities and high school work-placements, to strengthen this student resume further.

Top tips for writing a resume personal statement

• Thoroughly research the jobs and companies you are planning to apply for to identify the type of candidate they are looking for – try to reflect that in your personal statement
• Don’t be afraid to brag a little – include some of your most impressive achievements from education, work or personal life
• Focus on describing the benefits an employer will get from hiring you. Will you help them to get more customers? Improve their workplace? Save them time and money?
• If you have no work experience, demonstrate transferable workplace skills from your education, projects, or even hobbies

High school leaver resume personal statement (part time experience)

Although this person has only just left high school, they have also undertaken some part-time work in a call center alongside their studies.

To make the most of this experience, they have combined their academic achievements with their workplace exposure in this personal statement.

By highlighting their future studies, summer programme involvement, work experience and expressing their ambitions to progress within sales, this candidate really makes an appealing case for hiring them.

College leaver resume personal statement (no experience)

This candidate has left college with good grades, but does not yet have any work experience.

To compensate for the lack of workplace exposure, they have made their honor results prominent and highlighted skills and experience which would benefit the employers they are targeting.

Any recruiter reading this summary can quickly understand that this candidate has great academic achievements, a passion for IT and finance and the ability to transfer their skills into an office environment.

College student resume personal statement (freelance experience)

As this student has picked up a small amount of freelance writing work during their studies, they have made sure to brag about it in their personal statement.

They give details on their relevant studies to show the skills they are learning, and boost this further by highlighting the fact that they have been applying these skills in a real-life work setting by providing freelance services.

They also include key action verbs that recruiters will be looking for , such as creative writing, working to deadlines, and producing copy.

Academic resume personal statement

Aside from junior candidates, the only other people who might use a personal statement, are academic professionals; as their resume’s tend to be more longer and detailed than other professions.

This candidate provides a high level overview of their field of study, length of experience, and the roles they have held within colleges.

High school leaver resume personal statement with sports experience

Although this person has no work experience, they are still able to show employers the value of hiring them by selling their other achievements and explaining how they could benefit an organization.

They expand on their sports club involvement to demonstrate their teamwork, leadership skills, communication and motivation, which are all important traits in the workplace, and will be looked upon favourably by recruiters and hiring managers.

They also draw upon their future plans to study business studies at college and take a part time job, to further prove their ambition and dedication.

History graduate resume personal statement

This history graduate proves their aptitude for both academic achievement and workplace aptitude by showcasing valuable skills from their degree and voluntary work.

They do this by breaking down the key requirements for each and showing how their skills could be beneficial for future employers, such as listening, communication, and crisis management.

They also describe how their ability to balance studies alongside voluntary work has not only boosted their knowledge and skills, but also given excellent time management and organizational skills – which are vital assets to any employer.

Law graduate resume personal statement

This legal graduate makes the most from their college work placements by using it to bulk out the contents of their resume personal statement.

They include their degree to show they have the necessary qualifications for legal roles, which is crucial, but more importantly, they showcase how they applied their legal skills within a real-life work setting.

They give a brief overview of the types of legal professionals they have been working alongside and the type of work they have been carrying out – this is all it takes to get the attention of recruiters and show employers they have what it takes to fulfil roles in the legal sector.

Medical student resume personal statement

This medical student proves their fit for the role by showcasing the key skills they have gained from their studies and their work experience placements.

In just these few sentences, they are able to highlight the vast amount of experience they have across different disciplines in the industry, something which is particularly important in the medical sector.

As they have not graduated yet and are still studying, they have provided proof of their most recent grades. This can give the recruiter some indication as to the type of grade they could be graduating with in the near future.

Masters student resume personal statement

This masters student has started by specifying their area of study, in this case, accounting, and given details about the specific areas of finance they are most interested in. This can hint towards their career goals and passions.

They have then carefully listed some of the key areas of accounting and finance that they are proficient in. For example, business finance, advanced corporate finance and statistics.

They have also outlined some of the transferable skills needed for accounting roles that employers will be looking out for, such as communication, attention to detail and analytical skills.

Finance student resume personal statement

As this finance student has recently undertaken some relevant work experience, they’ve made sure to shout about this in their personal summary.

But more than this, they have included a list of some of the important finance skills they gained as a result of this work experience – for example, financial reporting, processing invoices and month-end reconciliations.

Plus, through power words and phrases such as ‘prevent loss’ and ‘improve upon accuracy and efficiency’, they have also showcased how they can apply these skills in a workplace setting to benefit the potential employer.

Internship resume personal statement

This digital marketing professional has started their personal summary by outlining their most relevant qualifications and work experience, most notably their freelance role as a content manager.

They have also provided examples of some of the key marketing skills that potential employers might be looking for, including very detailed examples of the platforms and tools they are proficient in – for example, LinkedIn, Twitter and Pinterest.

They have then closed their statement by giving a detailed description of the type of role or opportunity they are looking for. In this case, an in-house position in a marketing company.

College graduate career changer personal statement

Switching careers as a college graduate can be tough. Especially when it comes to writing a personal statement that will attract employers in your new chosen field.

This candidate is looking to move from history teaching into journalism, so they have created a statement which briefly mentions their current workplace, but mainly focuses on highlighting transferable skills which are relevant to journalism. They achieve this by discussing the writing skills they use in their current role, and mentioning their hobby of writing – including some publications they have been featured in for extra brownie points.

Business management graduate personal statement

This business management proves their ability to work within a junior business management position by swiftly highlighting their impressive degree (to ensure it is not missed) and summarizing some of the real-life experience they have gained in management during their college placements and volunteering. They do not let their lack of paid work experience, stop them demonstrating their valuable skills.

PhD graduate

PhD graduate roles attract a lot of competition, so it’s important that your resume contains a personal statement that will quickly impress and attract recruiters.

This candidate provides a short-but-comprehensive overview of their academic achievements, whilst demonstrating their exceptional level of knowledge in research, languages and publication writing.

By highlighting a number of skills and abilities that are in high-demand in the academic workplace, this resume is very likely to get noticed and land interviews.

How to write a personal statement for your resume

Now that you’ve seen what a personal statement should look like and the type of content it should contain, follow this detailed guide to one for your own resume – and start racking those interviews up.

Guide contents

What is a resume personal statement?

Resume personal statement or resume summary, personal statement format, what to include in a resume personal statement.

• Personal statement mistakes

How to write persuasively

A personal statement is a short paragraph at the top of your resume which gives employers an overview of your education, skills and experience

It’s purpose is to capture the attention of busy recruiters and hiring managers when your resume is first opened – encouraging them to read the rest of it.

You achieve this by writing a tailored summary of yourself that explains your suitability for the roles you are applying for at a very high level, and matches your target job descriptions .

One question candidates often ask me is , “what is the difference between a personal statement and a resume summary?”

To be honest, they are almost the same – they are both introductory paragraphs that sit at the top of your resume… but there are 2 main differences:

A personal statement tends to be used more by junior candidates (college graduates, high school leavers etc.) and is relatively long and detailed.

A resume summary tends to be favoured by more experienced candidates , and is shorter in length than a personal statement.

Note: If you are an experienced candidate, you may want to switch over to my resume writing guide , or example resume summaries page.

To ensure you grab recruiters’ attention with your personal statement, lay it out in the following way.

Positioning

You need to ensure that your personal statement sits at the very top of your resume, and all of it should be totally visible to readers, without the need to scroll down the page.

Do this by reducing the top page margin and minimizing the space taken up by your contact details.

This will ensure that your whole personal statement can be seen, as soon as your resume is opened.

We have a resume template which can help you to get this right.

Size/length

Your personal statement needs to contain enough detail to provide an introduction to your skills and knowledge, but not so much detail that it bores readers.

To strike the right balance, anything between 8-15 lines of text is perfect – and sentences should be sharp and to-the-point.

As with the whole of your resume , your personal statement should be written in a simple clean font at around size 10-12 to ensure that it can be read easily by all recruiters and employers.

Keep the text color simple, ensuring that it contrasts the background (black on white is best) and break it into 2 or even 3 paragraphs for a pleasant reading experience.

It should also be written in a punchy persuasive tone, to help you sell yourself and increase your chances of landing interviews , I cover how to do this in detail further down the guide.

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

Once you have the style and format of your personal statement perfected, you need to fill it with compelling content that tells recruiters that your resume is worth reading.

Here’s what needs to go into your personal statement…

Before you start writing your personal statement, it’s crucial that you research your target roles to find out exactly what your new potential employers are looking for in a candidate.

Run a search for your target jobs on one of the major job websites, look through plenty of adverts and make a list of the candidate requirements that frequently appear.

This research will show you exactly what to include in your personal statement in order to impress the recruiters who will be reading it.

Education and qualifications are an important aspect of your personal statement, especially if you are a junior candidate.

You should highlight your highest and most relevant qualifications, whether that is a degree or your GED. You could potentially go into some more detail around modules, papers etc. if they are relevant to the roles you are applying for.

It’s important that you discuss the experience you have gained in your personal statement, to give readers an idea of the work you are comfortable undertaking.

This can of course be direct employed work experience, but it doesn’t have to be.

You can also include:

• High school/college work placements
• Voluntary work
• Personal projects
• Hobbies/interests

As with all aspects of your resume , the content should be tailored to match the requirements of your target roles.

Whilst discussing your experience, you should touch upon skills used, industries worked in, types of companies worked for, and people you have worked with.

Where possible, try to show the impact your actions have made. E.g.  A customer service agent helps to make sales for their employer.

Any industry-specific knowledge you have that will be useful to your new potential employers should be made prominent within your personal statement.

For example

• Knowledge of financial regulations will be important for accountancy roles
• Knowledge of IT operating systems will be important for IT roles
• Knowledge of the national curriculum will be important for teachers

You should also include some information about the types of roles you are applying for, and why you are doing so. Try to show your interest and passion for the field you are hoping to enter, because employers want to hire people who have genuine motivation and drive in their work.

This is especially true if you don’t have much work experience, as you need something else to compensate for it.

Resume personal statement mistakes

The things that you omit from your personal statement can be just as important as the things you include.

Try to keep the following out of your personal statement..

Irrelevant info

Any information that doesn’t fall into the requirements of your target roles can be cut out of your personal statement. For example, if you were a professional athlete 6 years ago, that’s great – but it won’t be relevant if you’re applying to advertising internships, so leave it out.

Generic clichés

If you are describing yourself as a “ dynamic team player with high levels of motivation and enthusiasm” you aren’t doing yourself any favours.

These cliché terms are vastly overused and don’t provide readers with any factual details about you – so keep them to a minimum.

Stick to solid facts like education, skills , experience, achievements and knowledge.

If you really want to ensure that your personal statement makes a big impact, you need to write in a persuasive manner.

So, how do you so this?

Well, you need to brag a little – but not too much

It’s about selling yourself and appearing confident, without overstepping the mark and appearing arrogant.

For example, instead of writing.

“Marketing graduate with an interest in entering the digital field”

Be creative and excite the reader by livening the sentence up like this,

“Marketing graduate with highest exam results in class and a passion for embarking on a long and successful career within digital”

The second sentence is a much more interesting, makes the candidate appear more confident, throws in some achievements, and shows off a wider range of writing skills.

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

Your own personal statement will be totally unique to yourself, but by using the above guidelines you will be able to create one which shows recruiters everything they need.

Remember to keep the length between 10-20 lines and only include the most relevant information for your target roles.

You can also check our college graduate resume example , our best resume templates , or our library of example resumes from all industries.

Good luck with the job hunt!

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

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] 

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. 

#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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Statement of Qualifications

A corporate statement of qualification is a must-have document for anyone bidding on contracts or trying to win new customers. This document proves that the company can deliver a product, provide a service, or manage any project. This statement allows you to set your company apart from the competition. Here are some statement templates to assist you in creating a solid qualification statement.

10+ Statement of Qualifications Examples

1. partnership statement of qualifications.

Size: 232 KB

2. Statement of Qualifications Evaluation

Size: 139 KB

3. Environmental Statement of Qualifications

4. Workforce Statement of Qualifications

5. Request for Statement of Qualifications

Size: 135 KB

6. Candidate Statement of Qualifications

Size: 29 KB

7. Architecture Statement of Qualifications

Size: 677 KB

8. Statement of Qualifications and Limitation

Size: 229 KB

9. Contractors Statement of Qualifications

Size: 47 KB

10. Statement of Qualifications Certification

Size: 950 KB

11. Receipt of Statement of Qualifications

Size: 59 KB

What Is a Statement of Qualifications?

A statement of qualifications, alternatively referred to as a qualifications summary , is the section of your resume that summarizes your most essential skills and capabilities in a four- to six-bullet list. This should be tailored to the job description’s requirements to persuade the reviewer of your ability to succeed if hired. This section should serve as a supplement to your work experience and education sections, emphasizing essential qualifications without duplicating content elsewhere. It is seen at the top of your resume to establish a positive tone and entice the hiring manager to continue reading.

How To Create a Statement of Qualification?

When we talk about a statement of qualifications, more isn’t always better. Because the hiring manager won’t have much time to read it, it’s best to address the capabilities quickly and succinctly. Make it simple for the screening panel to recognize you as one of the best candidates. A reader should skim through it quickly and extract the information they require, which is how you meet the required and desirable qualifications. If you are interested, here are some tips on how to create one.

1. Create a Word document.

Open MS Word and create a Word document for your qualification statement. To write the document, select a professional font style and font size. You can use various designs and styles, but they must be experienced.

2. Identify Your Target

Conduct research on your prospective employer. Solicit information about the target company’s requirements from your team. While selecting a partner, consider your prospective client’s thoughts and ideas. Additionally, it would help if you researched the competitors that are currently collaborating with your target company.

3. Formalize your Structure

Begin with a summary of your company’s primary business activity and then provide an overview of your company, including its size, location, revenue, and employee count. Include a list of your company’s products and services, along with a brief description of each. You could discuss your company’s clients and your relationship with them.

4. Collect information

Different departments within your company will collect information and analyze the prospective company you wish to work with. Collect all of the information from them and incorporate it into your qualification statement section by section.

5. Conducting a Document Review

Ensure that you thoroughly review your document before presenting it to your client. You need to draw attention to your strong point. Continue to update the most recent information on the form.

What is the best way to inform someone about their qualifications?

When questions about your qualifications arise, be prepared to respond to why you will be a good fit. The interviewer may directly inquire as to what qualifies you for the job. Utilize this question to share information about yourself with the interviewer that is not included in your resume.

What does a statement look like?

The definition of a statement or a document that shows the account’s balance is something that is said or written. The thesis statement of a paper is an example of a statement. A statement is an example of this. You can also check the Sample statements .

Is a cover letter the same as a statement of qualifications?

A qualification letter resembles a cover letter. Both letters accompany your curriculum vitae and explain why and what you want to do. However, all qualifications listed in the job description have to be addressed in a letter of qualification. Contract samples are also available online.

A Qualifications Statement reveals your qualifications and makes you feel the best. Now that an employing manager reviews your CV, he will see that you can become a rock star in their job opening with the relevant skills, experience, and achievements. What are you waiting for? Check out the templates, and start creating your statement now!

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• Knowledge Base
• Applying to graduate school
• How to Write Your Personal Statement | Strategies & Examples

How to Write Your Personal Statement | Strategies & Examples

Published on February 12, 2019 by Shona McCombes . Revised on July 3, 2023.

A personal statement is a short essay of around 500–1,000 words, in which you tell a compelling story about who you are, what drives you, and why you’re applying.

To write a successful personal statement for a graduate school application , don’t just summarize your experience; instead, craft a focused narrative in your own voice. Aim to demonstrate three things:

• Your personality: what are your interests, values, and motivations?
• Your talents: what can you bring to the program?
• Your goals: what do you hope the program will do for you?

This article guides you through some winning strategies to build a strong, well-structured personal statement for a master’s or PhD application. You can download the full examples below.

Urban Planning Psychology History

Table of contents

Getting started with your personal statement, the introduction: start with an attention-grabbing opening, the main body: craft your narrative, the conclusion: look ahead, revising, editing, and proofreading your personal statement, frequently asked questions, other interesting articles.

Before you start writing, the first step is to understand exactly what’s expected of you. If the application gives you a question or prompt for your personal statement, the most important thing is to respond to it directly.

For example, you might be asked to focus on the development of your personal identity; challenges you have faced in your life; or your career motivations. This will shape your focus and emphasis—but you still need to find your own unique approach to answering it.

There’s no universal template for a personal statement; it’s your chance to be creative and let your own voice shine through. But there are strategies you can use to build a compelling, well-structured story.

The first paragraph of your personal statement should set the tone and lead smoothly into the story you want to tell.

Strategy 1: Open with a concrete scene

An effective way to catch the reader’s attention is to set up a scene that illustrates something about your character and interests. If you’re stuck, try thinking about:

• A personal experience that changed your perspective
• A story from your family’s history
• A memorable teacher or learning experience
• An unusual or unexpected encounter

To write an effective scene, try to go beyond straightforward description; start with an intriguing sentence that pulls the reader in, and give concrete details to create a convincing atmosphere.

Strategy 2: Open with your motivations

To emphasize your enthusiasm and commitment, you can start by explaining your interest in the subject you want to study or the career path you want to follow.

Just stating that it interests you isn’t enough: first, you need to figure out why you’re interested in this field:

• Is it a longstanding passion or a recent discovery?
• Does it come naturally or have you had to work hard at it?
• How does it fit into the rest of your life?
• What do you think it contributes to society?

Tips for the introduction

• Don’t start on a cliche: avoid phrases like “Ever since I was a child…” or “For as long as I can remember…”
• Do save the introduction for last. If you’re struggling to come up with a strong opening, leave it aside, and note down any interesting ideas that occur to you as you write the rest of the personal statement.

Once you’ve set up the main themes of your personal statement, you’ll delve into more detail about your experiences and motivations.

To structure the body of your personal statement, there are various strategies you can use.

Strategy 1: Describe your development over time

One of the simplest strategies is to give a chronological overview of key experiences that have led you to apply for graduate school.

• What first sparked your interest in the field?
• Which classes, assignments, classmates, internships, or other activities helped you develop your knowledge and skills?
• Where do you want to go next? How does this program fit into your future plans?

Don’t try to include absolutely everything you’ve done—pick out highlights that are relevant to your application. Aim to craft a compelling narrative that shows how you’ve changed and actively developed yourself.

My interest in psychology was first sparked early in my high school career. Though somewhat scientifically inclined, I found that what interested me most was not the equations we learned about in physics and chemistry, but the motivations and perceptions of my fellow students, and the subtle social dynamics that I observed inside and outside the classroom. I wanted to learn how our identities, beliefs, and behaviours are shaped through our interactions with others, so I decided to major in Social Psychology. My undergraduate studies deepened my understanding of, and fascination with, the interplay between an individual mind and its social context.During my studies, I acquired a solid foundation of knowledge about concepts like social influence and group dynamics, but I also took classes on various topics not strictly related to my major. I was particularly interested in how other fields intersect with psychology—the classes I took on media studies, biology, and literature all enhanced my understanding of psychological concepts by providing different lenses through which to look at the issues involved.

Strategy 2: Own your challenges and obstacles

If your path to graduate school hasn’t been easy or straightforward, you can turn this into a strength, and structure your personal statement as a story of overcoming obstacles.

• Is your social, cultural or economic background underrepresented in the field? Show how your experiences will contribute a unique perspective.
• Do you have gaps in your resume or lower-than-ideal grades? Explain the challenges you faced and how you dealt with them.

Don’t focus too heavily on negatives, but use them to highlight your positive qualities. Resilience, resourcefulness and perseverance make you a promising graduate school candidate.

Growing up working class, urban decay becomes depressingly familiar. The sight of a row of abandoned houses does not surprise me, but it continues to bother me. Since high school, I have been determined to pursue a career in urban planning. While people of my background experience the consequences of urban planning decisions first-hand, we are underrepresented in the field itself. Ironically, given my motivation, my economic background has made my studies challenging. I was fortunate enough to be awarded a scholarship for my undergraduate studies, but after graduation I took jobs in unrelated fields to help support my parents. In the three years since, I have not lost my ambition. Now I am keen to resume my studies, and I believe I can bring an invaluable perspective to the table: that of the people most impacted by the decisions of urban planners.

Strategy 3: Demonstrate your knowledge of the field

Especially if you’re applying for a PhD or another research-focused program, it’s a good idea to show your familiarity with the subject and the department. Your personal statement can focus on the area you want to specialize in and reflect on why it matters to you.

• Reflect on the topics or themes that you’ve focused on in your studies. What draws you to them?
• Discuss any academic achievements, influential teachers, or other highlights of your education.
• Talk about the questions you’d like to explore in your research and why you think they’re important.

The personal statement isn’t a research proposal , so don’t go overboard on detail—but it’s a great opportunity to show your enthusiasm for the field and your capacity for original thinking.

In applying for this research program, my intention is to build on the multidisciplinary approach I have taken in my studies so far, combining knowledge from disparate fields of study to better understand psychological concepts and issues. The Media Psychology program stands out to me as the perfect environment for this kind of research, given its researchers’ openness to collaboration across diverse fields. I am impressed by the department’s innovative interdisciplinary projects that focus on the shifting landscape of media and technology, and I hope that my own work can follow a similarly trailblazing approach. More specifically, I want to develop my understanding of the intersection of psychology and media studies, and explore how media psychology theories and methods might be applied to neurodivergent minds. I am interested not only in media psychology but also in psychological disorders, and how the two interact. This is something I touched on during my undergraduate studies and that I’m excited to delve into further.

Strategy 4: Discuss your professional ambitions

Especially if you’re applying for a more professionally-oriented program (such as an MBA), it’s a good idea to focus on concrete goals and how the program will help you achieve them.

• If your career is just getting started, show how your character is suited to the field, and explain how graduate school will help you develop your talents.
• If you have already worked in the profession, show what you’ve achieved so far, and explain how the program will allow you to take the next step.
• If you are planning a career change, explain what has driven this decision and how your existing experience will help you succeed.

Don’t just state the position you want to achieve. You should demonstrate that you’ve put plenty of thought into your career plans and show why you’re well-suited to this profession.

One thing that fascinated me about the field during my undergraduate studies was the sheer number of different elements whose interactions constitute a person’s experience of an urban environment. Any number of factors could transform the scene I described at the beginning: What if there were no bus route? Better community outreach in the neighborhood? Worse law enforcement? More or fewer jobs available in the area? Some of these factors are out of the hands of an urban planner, but without taking them all into consideration, the planner has an incomplete picture of their task. Through further study I hope to develop my understanding of how these disparate elements combine and interact to create the urban environment. I am interested in the social, psychological and political effects our surroundings have on our lives. My studies will allow me to work on projects directly affecting the kinds of working-class urban communities I know well. I believe I can bring my own experiences, as well as my education, to bear upon the problem of improving infrastructure and quality of life in these communities.

Tips for the main body

• Don’t rehash your resume by trying to summarize everything you’ve done so far; the personal statement isn’t about listing your academic or professional experience, but about reflecting, evaluating, and relating it to broader themes.
• Do make your statements into stories: Instead of saying you’re hard-working and self-motivated, write about your internship where you took the initiative to start a new project. Instead of saying you’ve always loved reading, reflect on a novel or poem that changed your perspective.

Your conclusion should bring the focus back to the program and what you hope to get out of it, whether that’s developing practical skills, exploring intellectual questions, or both.

Emphasize the fit with your specific interests, showing why this program would be the best way to achieve your aims.

Strategy 1: What do you want to know?

If you’re applying for a more academic or research-focused program, end on a note of curiosity: what do you hope to learn, and why do you think this is the best place to learn it?

If there are specific classes or faculty members that you’re excited to learn from, this is the place to express your enthusiasm.

Strategy 2: What do you want to do?

If you’re applying for a program that focuses more on professional training, your conclusion can look to your career aspirations: what role do you want to play in society, and why is this program the best choice to help you get there?

Tips for the conclusion

• Don’t summarize what you’ve already said. You have limited space in a personal statement, so use it wisely!
• Do think bigger than yourself: try to express how your individual aspirations relate to your local community, your academic field, or society more broadly. It’s not just about what you’ll get out of graduate school, but about what you’ll be able to give back.

You’ll be expected to do a lot of writing in graduate school, so make a good first impression: leave yourself plenty of time to revise and polish the text.

Your style doesn’t have to be as formal as other kinds of academic writing, but it should be clear, direct and coherent. Make sure that each paragraph flows smoothly from the last, using topic sentences and transitions to create clear connections between each part.

Don’t be afraid to rewrite and restructure as much as necessary. Since you have a lot of freedom in the structure of a personal statement, you can experiment and move information around to see what works best.

Finally, it’s essential to carefully proofread your personal statement and fix any language errors. Before you submit your application, consider investing in professional personal statement editing . For $150, you have the peace of mind that your personal statement is grammatically correct, strong in term of your arguments, and free of awkward mistakes.

A statement of purpose is usually more formal, focusing on your academic or professional goals. It shouldn’t include anything that isn’t directly relevant to the application.

A personal statement can often be more creative. It might tell a story that isn’t directly related to the application, but that shows something about your personality, values, and motivations.

However, both types of document have the same overall goal: to demonstrate your potential as a graduate student and s how why you’re a great match for the program.

The typical length of a personal statement for graduate school applications is between 500 and 1,000 words.

Different programs have different requirements, so always check if there’s a minimum or maximum length and stick to the guidelines. If there is no recommended word count, aim for no more than 1-2 pages.

If you’re applying to multiple graduate school programs, you should tailor your personal statement to each application.

Some applications provide a prompt or question. In this case, you might have to write a new personal statement from scratch: the most important task is to respond to what you have been asked.

If there’s no prompt or guidelines, you can re-use the same idea for your personal statement – but change the details wherever relevant, making sure to emphasize why you’re applying to this specific program.

If the application also includes other essays, such as a statement of purpose , you might have to revise your personal statement to avoid repeating the same information.

If you want to know more about college essays , academic writing , and AI tools , make sure to check out some of our other language articles with explanations, examples, and quizzes.

College essays

• College essay examples
• College essay format
• College essay style
• College essay length
• Diversity essays
• Scholarship essays

Academic writing

• Writing process
• Avoiding repetition
• Literature review
• Conceptual framework
• Dissertation outline
• Thesis acknowledgements
• Burned or burnt
• Canceled or cancelled
• Dreamt or dreamed
• Gray or grey
• Theater vs theatre

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How to Write a Personal Statement for a Scholarship + Examples

What’s covered:, what is the purpose of the scholarship personal statement, what to include in your personal statement, personal statement example: breakdown + analysis, how to make sure your writing is effective.

Either before or after you’ve gotten into your dream school, you’ll have to figure out how to pay for it. For most students, this involves a combination of financial aid, parent contributions, self-contributions, student loans, and scholarships/grants. Because scholarships are money out of someone else’s pocket that you never have to pay back, they are a great place to start!

Scholarships come in two forms: merit-based and need-based. Need-based scholarships are also often called grants. These designations tell you whether an organization looks at your financial situation when deciding about your scholarship.

Additionally, different scholarships fall under different categories based on the mission of the organization or person providing the scholarship’s financing. These missions typically emphasize different things like academic achievement, specific career goals, community service, leadership, family background, skill in the arts, or having overcome hardship. As you select scholarships to apply for and complete your applications, you should keep these missions in mind.

No matter what type of scholarship you are applying for, you will be asked to provide the review committee with standard materials. This includes your transcript, GPA, and resume/extracurriculars, but also, importantly, your personal statement. A scholarship personal statement is a bit different from your normal college essay, so we’ve put together this guide and some examples to help you get started!

The purpose of your personal statement is to help a review committee learn more about your personality, values, goals, and what makes you special. Ultimately, like with your college essays, you are trying to humanize your profile beyond your transcript, GPA, and test scores.

College essays all have one goal in mind (which is why you can apply to multiple schools at once through applications like the Common App or Coalition App): convince admissions officers that you would be a valuable addition to the university environment. The goal of your scholarship personal statement is different and differs more from one scholarship to the next. Rather than convincing various review committees that you are a generally good candidate for extra funding for college, you need to convince each review committee that your values have historically aligned with their organization’s mission and will continue to align with their organization’s mission.

Common missions amongst those who give scholarships include:

• Providing opportunities for students with career ambitions in a particular field
• Helping students who have experienced unexpected hardship
• Supporting students who show outstanding academic achievement
• Funding the arts through investing in young artists with strong technical skill
• Supporting the development of civic-minded community service leaders of the future
• Providing opportunities for historically underrepresented ethnic communities 

If a specific mission like this is outlined on an organization’s website or in the promotional material for its scholarship, the purpose of your personal statement is to show how you exemplify that mission.

Some scholarships ask for your personal statement to be guided by a prompt, while others leave things open for interpretation. When you are provided a prompt, it is obvious what you must do: answer the prompt. When you are not provided a prompt, you want to write a personal statement that is essentially a small-scale autobiography where you position yourself as a good investment. In either case, you should identify a focus or theme for what you are trying to say about yourself so that your application does not get lost in the shuffle.

Prompts include questions like:

• Why do you deserve this scholarship?
• How have you shown your commitment to (leadership/community service/diversity) in your community?
• When did you overcome adversity?
• Why is attending college important to you?

If you are provided a prompt, develop a theme for your response that showcases both your values and your achievements. This will help your essay feel focused and will subsequently help the review committee to remember which candidate you were as they deliberate.

Themes include things like:

• I deserve this community service scholarship because my compassion for intergenerational trauma has inspired me to volunteer with a local after-school program. I didn’t just sympathize. I did something about my sympathy because that’s the type of person I am. Within the program, I have identified avenues for improvement and worked alongside full-time staff to develop new strategies for increasing attendance.
• I overcame adversity when my mother had to have a major surgery two months after giving birth to my younger brother. I was just a kid but was thrown into a situation where I had to raise another kid. It was hard, but I’m the kind of person who tries to grow from hard times and, through my experience taking care of a baby, I learned the importance of listening to body language and nonverbal cues to understand the needs of others (baby and nonbaby, alike).

Without a prompt, clarity can be harder to achieve. That said, it is of the utmost importance that you find a focus. First, think about both your goals and your values.

Types of goals include:

• Career goals
• Goals for personal growth
• The type of friend you want to be
• The change you want to make in the world

Values could include:

• Authenticity
• And many more!

After you write out your goals/values, write out your achievements to see what goals/values you have “proof” of your commitment to. Your essay will ultimately be an exploration of your goal/value, what you have done about your goal/value in the past, and what you aspire to in the future.

You might be tempted to reflect on areas for improvement, but scholarships care about you living out your values. It is not enough to aspire to be exemplary in leadership, community service, or your academic field. For scholarships, you have to already be exemplary.

Finally, keep in mind that the review committee likely already has a copy of your extracurricular activities and involvement. Pick one or two accomplishments, then strive for depth, not breadth as you explore them.

My interest in the field of neuroscience began at a young age.  When I was twelve years old, my sister developed a condition called Pseudotumor Cerebri following multiple concussions during a basketball game.  It took the doctors over six months to make a proper diagnosis, followed by three years of treatment before she recovered.  During this time, my love for neuroscience was sparked as I began to research her condition and, then, other neurocognitive conditions.  Later, my love of neuroscience was amplified when my mother began to suffer from brain-related health issues.  My mother had been a practicing attorney in Dallas for over twenty years.  She was a determined litigator who relentlessly tried difficult cases that changed people’s lives.  Now, she suffers from a cognitive impairment and is no longer able to practice law.  Oftentimes, she has headaches, she gets “cloudy,” her executive functioning slows down, she feels overwhelmed, and she forgets things.  My mother has gone from being the strong, confident, emotional and financial caretaker of our family to needing significant help on a daily basis. Once again, with this illness came a lot of research on my part — research that encouraged me to pursue my dreams of exploring neuroscience.

Due to my experiences with my mother and sister when I was in middle school, I knew that I wanted to make a difference in the field of neuroscience.  I also knew that, to obtain this goal, I needed to maintain superior grades in school while also pursuing opportunities outside of school to further my education.  In school, I was able to maintain superior grades to the point where I am currently valedictorian in a class of 567 students.  In addition, in school, I challenged myself by taking 16 Advanced Placement classes and 19 Honors classes.  Two of the most beneficial classes were AP Capstone Seminar and AP Capstone Research.  AP Capstone Seminar and AP Capstone Research are research-oriented classes where students are given the opportunity to pursue whatever track their research takes them down.  As a junior in AP Capstone Seminar, I researched the effects of harmful pesticide use on the prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in children.  This year, as a senior in AP Capstone Research, I am learning about the effects of medical marijuana on the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis (MS).  

Outside of school, I furthered my education through taking advantage of the Duke TiP summer program. Duke TiP is a summer program run by Duke University where students who score extremely well on the SAT as middle schoolers are able to take college classes at different universities throughout the summers of their middle school and high school years.  I took advantage of this opportunity twice.  First, I went to Trinity University in San Antonio to expand my horizons and learn more about debate.  However, once I was done exploring, I decided I wanted to go into neuroscience.  This led me to take an Abnormal Psychology class at Duke University’s West Campus.  This class opened my eyes to the interaction between neuroscience and mental health, mental illness, and personality.  Years later, I am currently continuing my education outside of school as an intern at the University of Texas Dallas Center for Brain Health.  Through this internship, I have been able to see different aspects of neuroscience including brain pattern testing, virtual reality therapy, and longitudinal research studies.  With this background, I have positioned myself to be accepted by top neuroscience programs throughout the nation.  So far, I have been accepted to the neuroscience department of University of Southern California, the University of Virginia, the University of Texas, and Southern Methodist University, as well as the chemistry department at University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill.  

It is with this passion for neuroscience driven by my family and passion for education driven by internal motivation that I will set out to conquer my career objectives.  My educational aspirations consist of acquiring a bachelor’s degree in a biological or health science that would assist me in pursuing a medical career as a neuroscience researcher.  I decided to attain a career as a researcher since my passion has always been assisting others and trying to improve their quality of life.  After obtaining my Masters and my PhD, I plan to become a professor at a prestigious university and continue performing lab research on cognitive disorders.  I am particularly interested in disorders such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).  In the lab, I hope to find different therapies and medications to help treat the 3.5 million people around the world suffering from ASD.  Furthermore, I want to contribute back to underserved populations that struggle because they do not have as much access to medical assistance as other privileged groups.  As such, I hope to do a part of my research in less developed or developing Spanish-speaking countries. This will also allow me to pursue my love of Spanish while pursuing my love of neuroscience.  I think that following such a career path will provide me the opportunity to learn about the medical needs of the autistic community and improve their quality of health.  Furthermore, I hope to train a new generation of students to strive to research and make comparable discoveries.  Whether it be through virtual reality labs or new drug discoveries, I believe that research leads to innovation which leads to a brighter future. 

This student does a great job of making themself appear competent and dedicated to the field of neuroscience. This is primarily because they provided tangible evidence of how they have pursued their dedication in the past—through their AP Capstone courses, their Abnormal Psychology class at Duke TiP, and their internship at UTD. There is no doubt in the mind of a reader that this student is high-achieving. 

This student also engages successfully with a past-future trajectory, where they end with a vision of how they will continue to use neuroscience in the future. This helps the review committee see what they are investing in and the ways that their money will go to good use.

This student has two major areas for improvement. As we have said, the purpose of a personal statement is for a student to humanize themself to a review committee. This student struggles to depict themself separately from their academic achievements. A solution to this would be for the student to establish a theme towards the beginning of their essay that relates to both their values as a human and their achievements.

At the beginning of the essay, the student explores how their interest in neuroscience began. They explain their interest through the following sentences: “During this time, my love for neuroscience was sparked as I began to research her condition and, then, other neurocognitive conditions” and “Once again, with this illness came a lot of research on my part — research that encouraged me to pursue my dreams of exploring neuroscience.” The student made the great decision to tell the backstory of their interest, but they described their research in very mundane and redundant terms. Instead, they could have focused on their value of intellectual curiosity as a magnetic force that encouraged them to research their mother and sister’s ailments. Curiosity, then, could serve as a value-related thematic throughline to taking AP Capstone classes, taking college courses during the summer that weren’t required, and interning before even graduating high school.

A second area for improvement would be avoiding statistics. As the student identifies their valedictorian status and the number of AP classes they have taken, they might turn away certain personalities on a review committee by appearing braggy. Even further, these statistics are a waste of space. The review committee already has access to this information. These words distract from the major theme of the essay and would have been better used to humanize the student.

Throughout my academic career, I have been an avid scholar, constantly pushing myself towards ambitious goals. I held and continue to hold myself to a high standard, enrolling myself in rigorous curriculum, including Honors and Advanced Placement courses to stretch my mental potential. During my junior year of high school, I took four AP tests, two on the same day, and earned the AP Scholar with Honor Award. Additionally, I received the Letter of Commendation for the PSAT/NMSQT, and qualified for Rotary Top 100 Students both my freshman and senior year, a sign of my commitment to my studies. However, school has not been all about having the best GPA for me; beyond the numbers, I have a deep drive to learn which motivates me to do well academically. I truly enjoy learning new things, whether it be a new essay style or a math theorem. I always give each class my best effort and try my hardest on every assignment. My teachers have noticed this as well, and I have received school Lancer Awards and Student of the Month recognitions as a result. It is a major goal of mine to continue to aspire towards a high level of achievement regarding future educational and occupational endeavors; I plan on continuing this level of dedication throughout my educational career and implementing the skills I have learned and will learn into my college experience and beyond.

This fall, I will begin attending the University of California Los Angeles as an English major. I chose this major because I am fascinated by written language, especially its ability to convey powerful messages and emotions. I also enjoy delving into the works of other authors to analyze specific components of their writing to discover the meaning behind their words. In particular, I cannot wait to begin in-depth literary criticism and learn new stylistic techniques to add more depth to my writing. Furthermore, I recently went to UCLA’s Bruin Day, an event for incoming freshmen, where I was exposed to many different extracurriculars, some of which really piqued my interest. I plan on joining the Writing Success Program, where I can help students receive free writing help, and Mock Trial, where I can debate issues with peers in front of a real judge. The latter, combined with a strong writing background from my undergraduate English studies will be extremely beneficial because I plan to apply to law school after my undergraduate degree. As of now, my career goal is to become a civil rights lawyer, to stand up for those who are discriminated against and protect minority groups to proliferate equality.

As a lawyer, I wish to utilize legislation to ameliorate the plight of the millions of Americans who feel prejudice and help them receive equity in the workplace, society, and so on. Though this seems a daunting task, I feel that my work ethic and past experience will give me the jumpstart I need to establish myself as a successful lawyer and give a voice to those who are often unheard in today’s legal system. I have been a Girl Scout for over a decade and continually participate in community service for the homeless, elderly, veterans, and more. My most recent project was the Gold Award, which I conducted in the Fullerton School District. I facilitated over ten workshops where junior high students taught elementary pupils STEM principles such as density and aerodynamics via creative activities like building aluminum boats and paper airplanes. I also work at Kumon, a tutoring center, where I teach students to advance their academic success. I love my job, and helping students from local schools reach their potential fills me with much pride.

Both being a Girl Scout and working at Kumon have inspired me to help those in need, contributing significantly to my desire to become a lawyer and aid others. My extracurriculars have allowed me to gain a new perspective on both learning and teaching, and have solidified my will to help the less fortunate. In college, I hope to continue to gain knowledge and further develop my leadership skills, amassing qualities that will help me assist others. I plan to join multiple community service clubs, such as UCLA’s local outreach programs that directly aid residents of Los Angeles. I want to help my fellow pupils as well, and plan on volunteering at peer tutoring and peer editing programs on campus. After college, during my career, I want to use legal tactics to assist the underdog and take a chance on those who are often overlooked for opportunities. I wish to represent those that are scared to seek out help or cannot afford it. Rather than battling conflict with additional conflict, I want to implement peaceful but strong, efficient tactics that will help make my state, country, and eventually the world more welcoming to people of all ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds. These goals are close to my heart and therefore I will be as diligent as I am passionate about them. My perseverance and love for learning and community service drive my ambition in both education and life as a whole, and the drive to make the world a better place is one that I will carry with me for my entire life.

This student emphasizes two values in this essay: hard work and community service. These are values that go together nicely, and definitely make sense with this student’s end goal of becoming a civil rights lawyer! That said, some changes could be made to the way the student presents their values that would make their personal statement more convincing and engaging.

Structurally, instead of using a past-future trajectory, this student starts by explaining their academic achievements, then explains their career goals, then explains their history of community service, then explains their future desires for community service. This structure loses the reader. Instead, the student should have started with either the past or the future. 

This could look like 1) identifying their career goals, 2) explaining that hard work and a commitment to community service are necessary to get there, and 3) explaining that they aren’t worried because of their past commitment to hard work and community service. Or it could look like 1) providing examples of their hard work and community service in the past, then 2) explaining how those values will help them achieve their career goals.

Additionally, like with our other example, this student shows a heavy investment in statistics and spouting off accomplishments. This can be unappealing. Unfortunately, even when the student recognizes that they are doing this, writing “beyond the numbers, I have a deep drive to learn which motivates me to do well academically. I truly enjoy learning new things, whether it be a new essay style or a math theorem,” they continue on to cite their achievements, writing “My teachers have noticed this as well, and I have received school Lancer Awards and Student of the Month recognitions as a result.” They say they are going beyond the numbers, but they don’t go beyond the awards. They don’t look inward. One way to fix this would be to make community service the theme around which the essay operates, supplementing with statistics in ways that advance the image of the student as dedicated to community service.

Finally, this student would be more successful if they varied their sentence structure. While a small-scale autobiography can be good, if organized, every sentence should not begin with ‘I.’ The essay still needs to be engaging or the review committee might stop reading.

Feedback is ultimately any writer’s best source of improvement! To get your personal statement edited for free, use our Peer Review Essay Tool . With this tool, other students can tell you if your scholarship essay is effective and help you improve your essay so that you can have the best chances of gaining those extra funds!

Create your Europass CV

The Europass CV builder makes it easy to create your CV online. You can use it to apply for a job, education or training opportunities as well as volunteering.

The best-known CV format in Europe

The Europass CV is one of the best-known CV formats in Europe. It is easy-to-use and familiar to employers and education institutions.

You will first have to create your Europass profile with information on your education, training, work experience and skills. After you complete your Europass profile, you can create as many CVs as you want with just a few clicks. Just select which information you want to include, pick your favourite design and Europass will do the rest. 

You can create, store and share CVs in 31 languages . You can download your Europass CV, store it in your Europass Library share it with employers, with  EURES  or other job boards.

How to create a good CV

Remember that your CV is your first opportunity to communicate your skills and experiences to a future employer. It is a snapshot of who you are, your skills, your educational background, work experiences and other achievements.

Present your experience clearly

Highlight examples of your skills and experiences matching the job you are applying for. Pay close attention to the details published in the vacancy notice.

Tailor your CV

Make sure you update the ‘About Me’ section to highlight why you are the best person for the job. Do not include a full detailed history. Focus on facts and main points that match the job you have in mind.

Make it readable

Make sure your CV is easy to read. Use clear and simple language.  Use strong verbs (e.g. ‘managed’, ‘developed’, ‘increased’).

Use reverse chronological order

Always list the most recent experience on the top followed by previous ones. In case of long gaps in working or learning, include an explanation.

Polish and fine-tune

Check for spelling and grammar mistakes, provide a professional e-mail address, and add a professional photograph of yourself.

Your Europass profile

Your Europass profile is the place to keep a record of all your skills, qualifications and experiences. If you keep your Europass profile up-to-date then you will always have all the information you need to create tailored CVs and job applications quickly.

Good luck with your applications!

Find support through EU services

Eures the european job mobility portal, working abroad in other eu countries, education and training in other eu countries, you may be interested to read.

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