What is an example of a good personal statement for a job?

Writing a personal statement for a job can feel like trying to summarise your entire professional worth in just a few lines. It’s your one chance to say, “Here’s who I am, what I bring, and why you should care” all without sounding like you’ve copied and pasted it from a template.

So, what actually makes a good personal statement?

Let’s take a look.

What is a personal statement?

A personal statement is a short summary that appears at the top of your CV or application, explaining who you are, what you offer, and what you’re aiming for. It’s your personal pitch, concise, targeted, and professional.

According to the National Careers Service, your personal statement should be tailored to the specific job, highlighting your skills, experience, and career goals in a few punchy sentences.

What makes a personal statement stand out?

A good personal statement should:

• Be tailored to the job or sector

• Highlight your strengths with examples

• Show your enthusiasm and motivation

• Use clear, confident language

• Stay under 200 words

  
  

It’s not just about listing skills, it’s about showing how you’ve used them.

A strong personal statement example (for a job in marketing)

Here’s an example that ticks all the boxes:

"Creative and results-driven marketing professional with over five years' experience leading cross-channel campaigns in the retail sector. I specialise in digital strategy, SEO, and content marketing, with a proven track record of increasing engagement and driving conversions. My recent role at ABC Retail saw a 40% uplift in online sales following a targeted social media campaign. I’m now seeking a new challenge where I can bring energy, innovation, and strategic thinking to a fast-paced marketing team."

Why this works:

• It’s specific: Gives measurable results and examples

• It’s tailored: Relevant to a marketing role

• It’s confident without being boastful

• It makes clear what the candidate is looking for next

  
  

Common mistakes to avoid

Avoid these common personal statement pitfalls:

• Being too generic: “I am a hard-working team player” tells no one anything useful.

• Waffling: Keep it tight and relevant. Less is more.

• Listing duties not achievements: Focus on what you did well, not just what you did.

• Reusing the same statement for every job: Always tailor it.

  
  

The University of Edinburgh’s career guide backs this up: employers want to see motivation and relevance, not a copied-and-pasted cliché.

Tips to write yours

Here’s how to build a great one:

• Start with who you are professionally

• Mention specific achievements or experience

• Tie in what you’re aiming for in your next role

• Use industry language where relevant

• Show enthusiasm for the job or company

  
  

You can also use AI tools to draft a basic version, but always personalise it. Or better still get expert help.

Real-world client success

At LetterLab, we helped a client applying for a mid-level project management role who had plenty of experience but was struggling to condense it. After a short consultation, we created a sharp personal statement that highlighted their leadership, efficiency, and communication strengths, resulting in three interview offers within a fortnight.

That’s the difference a great personal statement can make.

Final thoughts

A good personal statement is your chance to make a strong first impression, it should be sharp, relevant, and uniquely you. Whether you’re changing careers, applying for your first job, or looking to climb the ladder, this paragraph can tip the scales.

Not sure how to write yours? At LetterLab, we specialise in writing professional personal statements that help you stand out and get noticed.

Visit www.letterwritingservice.co.uk to get yours started today.