How to describe yourself on a resume: 7 steps to stand out
Your resume is your chance to make a great first impression on potential employers. It’s your opportunity to showcase your skills, experience, and qualifications, and to convince them that you’re the right person for the job.
One of the most important parts of your resume is your personal statement. This is your chance to introduce yourself to potential employers and to give them a brief overview of your skills and experience. It’s also your chance to show them what you’re passionate about and what makes you unique.
But what should you include in your personal statement? And how can you make sure it stands out from the crowd?
Here are 7 steps to help you write a great personal statement:
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Start with a strong hook.
Your first sentence should grab the reader’s attention and make them want to learn more about you. You can do this by sharing a personal anecdote, a surprising statistic, or a thought-provoking question. -
Briefly summarize your skills and experience.
This is not the place to go into detail about your entire work history. Instead, focus on highlighting your most relevant skills and experience for the job you’re applying for. -
Explain what you’re passionate about.
What are you most excited about doing? What are your long-term goals? Sharing your passions with potential employers will help them see what drives you and what makes you unique. -
Show your personality.
Your personal statement is your chance to show potential employers who you are outside of your work life. Share a few of your hobbies, interests, or volunteer experiences. This will help them get to know you better and see if you’re a good fit for their company culture. -
Keep it concise.
Your personal statement should be no more than 5-7 sentences long. Potential employers don’t have time to read long essays, so get to the point quickly and clearly. -
Proofread carefully.
Before you submit your resume, make sure to proofread it carefully for any errors in grammar or spelling. A sloppy personal statement will reflect poorly on you and could cost you the job. -
Tailor your personal statement to each job you apply for.
Take the time to tailor your personal statement to each job you apply for. This will show potential employers that you’re genuinely interested in the position and that you’ve taken the time to learn about their company.
How to describe yourself on a resume: Examples
Here are a few examples of great personal statements:
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"I am a highly motivated and results-oriented sales professional with 5 years of experience in the technology industry. I am passionate about building relationships and helping customers find the best solutions for their needs. I am confident that I have the skills and experience to be a valuable asset to your team."
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"I am a recent graduate with a degree in computer science. I am passionate about software development and have experience in a variety of programming languages. I am eager to learn new technologies and am confident that I can be a valuable asset to your team."
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"I am a creative and experienced marketing professional with 10 years of experience in the healthcare industry. I am passionate about developing and executing marketing campaigns that drive results. I am confident that I have the skills and experience to help your company achieve its marketing goals."
How to describe yourself on a resume: Common mistakes
Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when writing your personal statement:
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Being too vague.
Don’t just say that you’re "a hard worker" or "a team player." Instead, provide specific examples of your skills and experience. -
Being too long.
Your personal statement should be no more than 5-7 sentences long. Potential employers don’t have time to read long essays, so get to the point quickly and clearly. -
Being too negative.
Your personal statement should be positive and upbeat. Don’t complain about your past experiences or talk about your weaknesses. Instead, focus on your strengths and what you can bring to the company.
How to describe yourself on a resume: Conclusion
Your personal statement is an important part of your resume. It’s your chance to introduce yourself to potential employers and to give them a brief overview of your skills and experience. By following these steps, you can write a great personal statement that will help you stand out from the crowd and land the job you want.
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FAQ about Describing Yourself on a Resume
How long should my personal statement be?
Answer: Typically, 2-3 sentences or 50-75 words. Keep it concise and highlight your key skills and experiences.
What should I include in my personal statement?
Answer: Start with a hook to grab attention, then summarize your skills and experiences relevant to the job, and end with a strong call to action. Use the P-A-S guidelines: Problem, Action, Solution.
How do I use the P-A-S guidelines?
Answer: Problem: Identify the challenge or business need related to the job. Action: Describe your relevant skills and actions you took to address it. Solution: Explain the positive impact or outcome of your contributions.
What are common mistakes to avoid when writing a personal statement?
Answer: Avoid clichés, irrelevant information, excessive detail, and being too vague. Focus on highlighting your unique value proposition.
Should I use a strong verb in my personal statement?
Answer: Yes, start your personal statement with a strong verb that conveys your skills and accomplishments. Examples: "Led," "Managed," "Developed," "Executed."
How can I make my personal statement stand out?
Answer: Quantify your accomplishments with specific metrics whenever possible. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate alignment with the hiring manager’s needs.
Should I include my hobbies and interests on my resume?
Answer: Only if they are relevant to the job you’re applying for. For example, if you’re applying for a creative role, you could mention your interest in painting or photography.
How can I describe my work experience if I have gaps on my resume?
Answer: Be honest about any gaps, but focus on the positive. Explain how you used that time to develop new skills or volunteer in your community.
What if I don’t have a lot of work experience?
Answer: Highlight your education, skills, and extracurricular activities. Consider using a functional resume format to emphasize your abilities and downplay your limited work experience.
How can I tailor my personal statement to each job application?
Answer: Research the company and the specific role you’re applying for. Identify key requirements and align your personal statement to showcase how your skills and experiences meet those needs.
