A critical aspect of creating a CV that has a dynamic impact is writing a

personal statement, sometimes called a profile or career summary that

will enable the recruiter to quickly identify the strategic value you can add
to their organisation. Your CV should be a self-marketing document aimed
at persuading the recruiter to want to interview you and your personal
statement is a critical part of making this happen.

Many candidates struggle with writing the statement part of their CV but it
doesnt necessarily have to be a difficult as you may think. A well written
statement can be between 50 and 200 words, although it is important not
to ramble. Remember you always have your cover letter to include
interesting and engaging information which will act as the gateway to
them then wanting to read your CV.

Its important to read the personal specification of the job carefully and
ensure not only that your skills and experience match but you reflect this
in your statement. I am often asked whether a statement should be
written in the first or third person and, while there are no definitive rules
about this, my preference is always to write in the first person because
the CV is all about you and your skill set. However, this doesnt mean that
you have to add I at the beginning of each sentence, the reader knows
its about you so avoid this type of repetition and keep the reader
engaged in your value and transferable skills.

For example an opening statement without the opening I could read:

As a highly-motivated and results orientated manager within the luxury

hotel sector, I have a proven track record of providing exemplary levels of
service to a broad range of guests, including VIPs and high-profile
individuals.

This example reads naturally and flows for the reader, whereas if an I
was inserted at the start, while not hugely different, it would read more
like a list and as you move forward with additional information it becomes
difficult to break out of the format you have started.

As a general rule, its best to break the statement into three sections:

Who you areFor example: As recent graduate from Durham University,

with a 2:1 honours degree in media communications, I have undertaken
several internships within leading organisations such as Bertelsmann and
Times Warner. These placements have enabled me to develop not only
specific media industry experience, but also a valuable and transferable
skill set in this fast-paced sector.
The above opening has allowed the recruiter to quickly identify, where you
are coming from, that you have had industry experience (something that
may be in the selection criteria) and core transferable skills. This in itself
could be enough for your opening statement, but it can be expanded upon
by adding some additional information.

What you can bring to the tableFor example: During placement with
Bertelsmann, I worked within the media division contributing to projects
such as the award-winning China Max Documentary and managed my own
research, liaised with various divisions, formulated media reports and
participated in group project meetings. Utilising excellent communication
skills, I developed and maintained successful working relationships with
both internal and external staff.

Your career aimLooking to secure a position in a media organisation,

where I can bring immediate and strategic value and develop current skill
set further.

An example of a poorly written personal statement

Tim is a recent graduate from Durham University, with a 2:1 honours

degree in media communications; I have undertaken several internships
within leading organisations. Tim is now looking to secure a position in a
media organisation where I can develop my current skill set.

The mismatch of first and third person copy is not only confusing to the
reader but it almost sounds like a profile about different people. It also
lacks specific detail and proof of what value the candidate could bring to
the company.

Key points on writing a dynamic and interesting personal statement:

* Get straight to the point: avoid lengthy descriptions and make your
testimonies punchy and informative.

* Keep it between 50 to 200 words maximum.

* If you have enough space, use 1.5 line spacing to make you statement
easier to read.

* Match person and job specifications with well written copy.

* Read your profile out loud to ensure it reads naturally.

* Dont mix first and third person sentences.

Source: Elizabeth Bacchus is a career coach, writer, change management

consultant and founder of The Successful CV Company.