I'm Calling It: You Need To Start Adding This To Your Resume
Resumes are arguably the toughest part of the job market. Everyone seems to have an opinion when it comes to having to include, how long they should be, and formatting. Not to mention, there are AI tools stepping into the review process, making it more difficult to get your resume properly reviewed by the actual hiring team without putting careful thought behind it, and keywords included.
Let's stop fighting this, and start thinking about how you can better your resume to show up on every recruiter, hiring manager, or HR pros desk...and it comes back to having one solid key element: a personal statement. And, not just any personal statement, but one that makes an impression.
What is a Personal Statement on a Resume?
A personal statement is sometimes called a professional statement or personal summary. This is a brief paragraph at the top of your resume that highlights your skills, experience, and future goals, so the hiring team can get a quick summary of you before reading onward. This is the first impression they are getting on your resume, so this has to be a powerful statement!
And, like the first paragraph of blog posts, articles, or even email newsletters — this has to be attention-grabbing. Here's how to write yours.
How To Write a Resume Personal Statement:
Start strong – Mention your job title, years of experience, and key expertise.
Highlight key skills – Focus on skills that align with the job you are applying for. Take keywords directly from the job description post, and put them directly into this statement.
Results + accomplishments – Results and achievements sell! Not only is it important to showcase your skills, but it's important to show the employer what those skills can do in the form of tangible results. This can help you prove your value to the company.
Goals & Values - this part is optional, but if you aren't submitting a cover letter or if you would like to also highlight it here, this can be a good place to explain how you align with the company's values or even a goal you see for yourself at this role. This can help the company envision you in the role and give the "why" to why you're applying.
Note: your personal statement should NOT be a bio. It should be a quick professional summary of your experience, skills, and what you bring to the table. With this, we want to keep it as brief as possible, so that means that you don't have to write in full sentences either. Take a look at this with the examples in the next section!
Example of a Personal Statement:
Let's take this advice and show some real examples! Here's how we would write our personal statement as a marketing professional.
Marketing Professional:
Results-driven marketing specialist with 5+ years of experience in digital campaigns, brand strategy, and social media management. Proven track record of increasing engagement by 40% and driving revenue growth through targeted strategies. Passionate about leveraging analytics to optimize marketing performance.
Social Media Manager:
Creative and results-driven Social Media Manager with 9 years of experience crafting engaging content, growing online communities, and driving brand awareness across multiple platforms. Skilled in content strategy, analytics, and paid advertising to maximize reach and engagement with a variety of platforms including Instagram, TikTok, X, and Linkedin. Proven track record of success, with content reaching over 2.5 million views and campaigns generating $50,000 in revenue.
Project Manager:
Detail-oriented project manager with 8+ years of experience leading cross-functional teams to deliver projects on time and within budget. Skilled in Agile methodologies, risk management, and stakeholder communication. Adept at streamlining processes to improve efficiency and drive success.
Executive Assistant:
Highly organized and proactive Executive Assistant with 7+ years of experience supporting C-suite executives in fast-paced environments. Skilled in calendar management, travel coordination, and confidential correspondence. Adept at streamlining operations, optimizing workflows, and ensuring seamless executive support. Known for exceptional communication, problem-solving, and discretion in handling sensitive matters.
Remember, these are just examples! Yours should highlight what makes YOU different from other candidates and how YOU fit within this role, given your skills. Best of luck writing your personal statement!
