It takes just seconds for employers to judge a person based on first impression, but when it comes to a CV, those precious seconds could be the difference between a potential employer reading on, or simply moving on to the next application. Make an impact by increasing your likeability and employability using the following 4 simple steps to writing a powerful personal statement.
Step 1 - Size Matters…
A personal statement should be no longer than 40-60 words (or 4-5 lines long). This is a short, powerful statement about what makes YOU the best candidate. Don’t waffle!
Step 2 - Avoid Bragging
If written in first person, a personal statement can sound like a personal brag. Instead, try to write in third person to make it sound more like an advertisement for you.
X Wrong
I am an intelligent, skilled, ambitious and professional. I have a proven track record and am very customer focussed, good with people, deadlines and handling budgets. With an excellent eye for details, I am bright, creative and work well under pressure.
✓ Right
Intelligent, skilled and ambitious professional with a proven track record in handling deadlines and budgets. As a bright and creative individual, with an excellent eye for detail, has shown excellent customer focus and the ability to work well with others even under pressure.
Step 3 - Use Impact Words?
When describing accomplishments and experience, try to use impact words to give your statement more oomph!
Use words like: accomplished, achieved, coached, completed, created, demonstrated, developed, enhanced, executed, expanded, focused, generated, identified, implemented, improved, increased, inspired, mentored; motivated, negotiated, organised, participated, performed, planned, presented, produced, proposed, raised, succeeded, transformed, won!
To highlight your key skills that recruiters and employers are searching for, try:
client focussed, committed, communication, creative, decisive, effective listener, endurance, enthusiasm, entrepreneurship, independence, influence, initiative, innovation, leadership, motivation, negotiation, people management, project management, problem solving, public speaking, team working.
Step 4 - Be different!
On average, there are 39.2 applications for every job vacancy. YOU NEED TO STAND OUT. Use your personal statement to do just that…make a ‘Personal Statement’!
Don’t sit back thinking that you can’t get a job because you don’t have the level of experience you think is required for interview. Your personal statement could be your ticket into a job interview that you otherwise would never have been accepted for.
Here’s how:
Determined, motivated and dedicated. Demonstrated the ability to work as part of a team even in extreme conditions and under pressure when climbing Mount Everest. Has Performed with the same level of dedication, drive and focus in the workplace.
Rise above the mountain of job applications.
Believe it or not, applicants have been invited for interview purely based on something unique and interesting that they wrote on their CV. Help the employer want to learn more about you at interview by including something unique to you that will pique their interest. Whether you have raised large amounts of money for charity, competed in marathons in several different countries, or you’ve performed alongside Hugh Jackman in a theatre production…it all counts!
Conclusion:
Make sure that you outline who you are and the qualities you offer. Reference your skills and tailor them towards the vacancy on offer. Don’t just show what makes you good, but show what makes you unique.
Note: Don’t go overboard in self-praise, or worse, make something up to stand out that you may be asked about at interview.
Visit www.thecvservice.co.uk to get more tips and advice writing a professional CV.
20 янв 2016
