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How To Write a Personal Statement for Job Searching

Madeleine Burry writes about careers and job searching for The Balance. She covers topics around career changes, job searching, and returning from maternity leave, and has been writing for The Balance since 2014.

Different Types of Personal Statements

What you should include, tips for writing a job search personal statement, examples of personal statements.

Kiyoshi Hijiki / Getty Images

What's a personal statement, and why do you need one when you're job searching? A job search personal statement is a place to share why you're interested in a position and why you're a good match.

In your statement, you can get a bit personal—use the space to share details and insights about yourself, and forge a connection with potential employers. Here are some tips on how to write a successful personal statement that will further your job search.

A personal statement may be included in your curriculum vitae  or CV. Much like an in-person elevator speech or the summary section within a resume, a CV personal statement highlights your objectives and abilities. Since a CV may stretch over several pages, this allows you to showcase must-see details from within the document. You'll want to write just a few sentences for a personal statement in a CV.  

Or, you may need to write a personal statement as part of a job application. This helps hiring managers to separate out candidates applying for every job in a category (e.g., putting in applications for any "production manager" position) from more engaged candidates, who are interested in the company.

Write something that matches the application's requested word count; if one isn't provided, aim for 250 to 500 words. Regardless of where it appears, your goal in a personal statement is the same: try to connect your background and goals with the job at hand.

In your personal statement, you want to make a connection between yourself and the position. Think of this as a three-part process:

• Share Some Details About Yourself: Who are you? You may say things like "Highly seasoned production manager" or "Recent graduate with honors."
• Highlight Your Most Relevant Experience and Talents and Share What You'd Bring to the Company: Think: "Strong, speedy writer capable of crafting ad copy that engages and enchants." or "In my years as a project manager, I've never let a detail slip; I've won internal awards for the best team player. My projects release on time and match requested specifications."
• Provide a Bit of Information About Your Career Goals: For instance, "Looking for a staff writer position" or "Eager for placement in a mid-sized firm as an audit supervisor" or "Seeking a position as a production assistant to further develop my skills in television and put my time management abilities to the test."

While it's called a personal statement, avoid over-sharing. Only include information that's relevant to the job at hand. That is if you're applying for a position as an accountant, no need to mention your goal of becoming a staff writer at a magazine.

Remember, the main goal of your personal statement is for it to further your job search.

Your personal statement should always be personalized—it's a mistake to reuse the same personal statement for every job you apply for. You don't need to write the personal statement from scratch each time—just make tweaks so it reflects the needs of the company and the qualities requested in the job description.

Here are more tips for writing a successful job search personal statement:

• Know Your Audience: Target your personal statement to a specific job position and company. Spend a bit of time researching the company to get a sense of what they're looking for in a candidate. Decode the job description so you understand the company's needs in a candidate. Take notes on where your qualifications are a good match for the position.
• Make Some Lists: What have you done that employers should know about? Make a list of your accomplishments (and keep in mind that while splashy awards are important, so too is reorganizing a chaotic system that gives everyone hives to make it user-friendly). Brainstorm a list of your talents as well as your soft, communication, and general skills.
• Go Long on Your First Draft—Then Cut It Down: Hopefully, your time spent thinking about the company's needs and what you have to offer has given you plenty of fodder to get started writing your personal statement. At this point, don't worry about length; write as much you want. Then, go back and edit—aim for a few sentences for a CV and around 250 to 500 words in an application. Cut unnecessary words and clichés that don't add meaning. Instead, use action verbs . While it's fine to write in the first person, avoid overusing the word "I." Try to vary the composition of sentences.
• Make It Targeted: You have lots of skills and interests and work experience. What you want to emphasize in one position is not necessarily what you want to highlight in another. If you are qualified as both a writer and an editor, choose which talent to call out in your personal statement—and make it the one that's most relevant to the job you want.

Here are some examples of personal statements to use as inspiration:

• I'm a seasoned accountant with CPA and CMA certification and more than 10 years of experience working in large firms. Oversaw audits and a department of ten. My positive attitude and detail-oriented spirit help ensure that month-end financial wrap-ups go smoothly and without any inaccuracies or fire drills. Looking for a leadership role in my next position.
• Recent college graduate with freelance writing experience at major print magazines as well as online outlets and the college newspaper. A strong writer who always meets deadlines, and matches the company tone and voice. In search of a staff writer position and eager to learn the magazine trade from the ground up.
• I'm an award-winning designer in children's clothes looking to make the transition to adult athletic year. At Company X, I developed a new line for toddlers and traveled to Asia to oversee production. I'm a fast learner and am eager for a new challenge in the growing field of athleisure.   

How To Write A Resume Personal Statement (With Examples)

In This Guide:

The purpose of a resume personal statement, the elements of a good personal statement, the construction of a good personal statement, final words: writing a resume personal statement.

Quick Answer: A personal statement on a resume summarizes the benefits of hiring you and encourages recruiters to pay attention to your resume. It's the first section of the resume that recruiters see, so it should be brief, easy-to-read, and attention-grabbing. Your statement should include who you are, suitable skills, achievements, your target company, and what you hope to do for your new employer. It should be short and concise, mentioning only the most relevant information for your target roles.

Landing a job interview requires a memorable resume. Including a good personal statement at the top of your resume is a perfect way to do it.

Essentially, your resume personal statement is a brief paragraph that aims to summarise the benefits of hiring you and encourage employers to pay attention to your resume.

If you are wondering whether you should include it.

And you will see why. In this article, we have all the information you need on how to write an eye-catching personal statement and a couple of useful examples.

Hundreds of resumes go through the hands of a Recruiter in just a day. So, you understand how important it is to grab his or her attention in just seconds. One really effective way is to write a personal statement at the top of a resume.

By including a strong personal statement you would for sure get more attention than one without.

1. State who you are

Begin with a description showing your current position in your profession and field of specialization. You could also include what you like most about your work and any characteristics and skills that would make you the perfect choice for the position.

2. Add measurements to your achievements

After that, you should communicate how suitable for the position you are and what is your value to the organization. This section should highlight accomplishments relevant to the position you are applying for. Show that you could be beneficial for the company.

If you are wondering which accomplishments to mention, select those that directly associate with your position. If the position requires managerial experience, mention previous situations that have placed you in such a role. This way, you could quickly establish yourself as the right candidate for the job.

3. State your career objectives

The third section of your personal statement should state why you are applying for this particular position. You have already communicated your skills and qualifications in the previous sentences, so you write the last one concise and direct.

4. Keep your personal statement short

Your whole personal statement should be short, concise, and easy to read. Keep in mind to use simple sentences telling the recruiter the most important information for you.

After telling you how to structure it, see how it is done.

“An efficient, and reliable administrative professional with 8+ years of experience supporting executives, sales personnel, and managers to improve the internal operations for their businesses.

Proficient in CRM applications and design programs. Diversified skill set covering administrative support, client relations, human resources and recruiting, account management, and project management. Excellent interpersonal, phone, and digital communication skills.”

“As a recent graduate from the University of Townville, with a 2:1 honors degree in marketing, I have undertaken internships at industry-leading agencies such as Beyond Imagination and Noah Freemans. These placements have allowed me to develop sector knowledge and gain hands-on experience, as well as expand transferable skills such as communication, negotiation, and analytical skills. My current goal is to gain a role that allows me to further my knowledge and take on increased responsibility at a market-leading digital marketing agency.”

“I am a highly competent IT professional with a proven track record in networking and managing databases. I have strong technical skills as well as excellent interpersonal skills, enabling me to communicate easily with clients. I am eager to be challenged in order to grow and further improve my skills. My greatest passion in life is using my technical know-how to benefit other people and organizations.”

Resume Personal Statement for Career Changers Example

Experienced Sales Manager

“As a Sales Manager with 7 years of experience, my tenacious and proactive approach resulted in numerous important contract wins. My excellent networking skills have provided my team with vital client leads, and my ability to develop client relationships has resulted in a 16% increase in business renewals for the organization I work for. I currently seek a new challenge which will utilize my meticulous attention to detail and friendly, professional manner.”

Resume Personal Statement for Entry Level Job

Entry Level Business Analyst

“Enthusiastic Business Analyst, skilled in leadership and communication. Seeking to enhance understanding of key metrics for IPSoft. As a business report writer for Valens Securities helped grow employee grasp of key concepts by 42%. My PowerPoint presentation of GBMP’s Policy Deployment plan was turned into a webinar that got 2,300 views.”

Resume personal statement for experienced professional

Experienced Teaching Assistant

“Enthusiastic teaching assistant with 6 years of experience. Seeking to maintain a graduate teaching assistant position at St. Andrews University. Mentored 70+ students for 3 years. Delivered lectures, edited 2 books. Commended by 2 professors for research quality. Graded 1000+ student papers. Skilled in materials development and research.”

And if you are still not sure how to write your personal statement, go through our Resume Examples . They are all approved by top Hiring Managers and have helped thousands get their dream job.

Your personal statement will be totally unique to yourself, but by using the above tips and tricks we gave you, you will be able to create one which shows the Hiring Managers everything they need.

Remember to keep it short and only include the most relevant information for your target roles.

Do you have any other questions about personal statements on a resume? Give us a shout-out in the comments below!

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How to Describe Yourself (Smart Examples for Job Interviews)

By Status.net Editorial Team on July 26, 2023 — 14 minutes to read

• How to Describe Yourself: Self-Evaluation Part 1
• How to Describe Yourself: Example Answers Part 2
• Words That Can Be Used to Describe Oneself Part 3
• Highlighting Achievements and Qualifications Part 4
• Discussing Your Passions and Drive Part 5
• Some Ideas for Describing Yourself in a Job Interview Part 6
• How to Craft a Concise and Direct Response Part 7
• How to Answer Additional Questions Part 8

Describing yourself in a way that showcases your skills, personality, and experience effectively can make a significant difference in whether you land the job or not. In this article, we will provide examples and insights on how to describe yourself effectively to leave a lasting impression on potential employers.

First, it’s crucial to know your strengths and weaknesses to effectively describe yourself in an interview. Think about your personality traits, past accomplishments, and skills you’ve gained through your professional and personal experiences to create a compelling description that highlights who you are and what you bring to the table.

Part 1 How to Describe Yourself: Self-Evaluation

Traits to consider.

When describing yourself in a job interview, consider your  personality traits, strengths, and values . Focus on highlighting  positive traits  that are relevant to the job. For example:

• Adaptability : You can adjust to changing situations and working conditions.
• Problem-solving : You can identify and work through challenges efficiently.
• Communication : You can effectively convey information and ideas to others.

Related: What Are Soft Skills? (and How to Showcase Them)

“What Sets You Apart”: 5 Smart Answers

Aligning with Company Culture

Another aspect to consider when describing yourself is how your qualities align with the company culture. Research the organization beforehand, familiarize yourself with their values, and describe how your own characteristics fit with those values. For example:

• If the company values  teamwork , mention how you enjoy collaborating with others and offer examples of successful group projects.
• If the company values  innovation , discuss how you are open to new ideas and enjoy thinking creatively to find solutions.
• If the company values  integrity , share instances where you’ve demonstrated honesty and ethical behavior in the workplace.

By aligning your traits with the company’s culture, you demonstrate that you’re not only a good fit for the role but also for the organization as a whole.

Part 2 How to Describe Yourself: Example Answers

Describing your personality.

“I am someone who is very organized and detail-oriented. I like to plan ahead and make sure everything is in order before starting a project. I am also a good communicator and enjoy working with others to ensure everyone is on the same page. Overall, I am someone who takes pride in their work and strives for excellence.”

“I am a creative problem solver who enjoys thinking outside the box. I am not afraid to take risks and try new things, which has led me to some of my greatest successes. I am also a good listener and am always open to feedback and constructive criticism. In short, I am someone who is always looking for ways to innovate and improve.”

“I would describe myself as a highly motivated person who is always looking for ways to improve and grow. I’m a team player who enjoys collaborating with others to achieve common goals. I’m a quick learner and am always eager to take on new challenges.”

“I’m someone who is very organized and detail-oriented. I like to plan ahead and make sure everything is in order before starting a project. I’m also a good communicator and enjoy working with others to ensure everyone is on the same page. Overall, I’m someone who takes pride in their work and strives for excellence.”

“I’m a creative problem solver who enjoys thinking outside the box. I’m not afraid to take risks and try new things, which has led me to some of my greatest successes. I’m also a good listener and am always open to feedback and constructive criticism. In short, I’m someone who is always looking for ways to innovate and improve.”

“I’m a highly adaptable person who can work well under pressure. I’m able to prioritize tasks effectively and manage my time efficiently. I’m also someone who is very detail-oriented and always strives for accuracy in my work.”

“I’m a confident and outgoing person who enjoys meeting new people and building relationships. I’m a good listener and am able to communicate effectively with others. I’m also someone who is very organized and can manage multiple tasks simultaneously.”

“I’m a self-starter who is always looking for ways to improve processes and increase efficiency. I’m able to work independently and am comfortable taking on new challenges. I’m also someone who is very analytical and enjoys problem-solving.”

“I would describe myself as a highly motivated individual who is always looking for ways to improve and grow. I am a team player who enjoys collaborating with others to achieve common goals. Additionally, I am a quick learner and am always eager to take on new challenges.”

“I’m a team player who values collaboration and open communication. I’m able to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and am always willing to lend a helping hand. I’m also someone who is very creative and enjoys thinking outside the box.”

Describing Your Professional Experience

Example (sales).

“I’m a results-driven sales professional with over 5 years of experience in closing complex deals. I pride myself on my ability to build strong relationships with clients and understand their needs to deliver tailored solutions that exceed expectations.”

Example (Marketing)

“I’m a creative marketer with a passion for storytelling. I have experience in developing and executing successful campaigns across various channels, including social media, email marketing, and events.”

Example (Finance)

“I’m a detail-oriented financial analyst with a solid understanding of accounting principles and financial modeling. I have experience in analyzing financial data to identify trends and provide insights that help drive business decisions.”

Example (Human Resources)

“I’m a people-focused HR professional with experience in recruiting, onboarding, and employee relations. I enjoy working with individuals to help them reach their full potential and contribute to the success of the organization.”

Example (Information Technology)

“I’m a tech-savvy IT professional with experience in managing complex systems and networks. I have a passion for staying up-to-date with the latest technology trends and finding innovative solutions to solve business challenges.”

Example (Education)

“I’m a dedicated educator with a passion for helping students learn and grow. I have experience in developing engaging lesson plans and creating a positive learning environment that fosters student success.”

Example (Healthcare)

“I’m a compassionate healthcare professional with experience in providing high-quality patient care. I have a strong understanding of medical terminology and procedures, and I’m committed to providing personalized care to each patient.”

Example (Legal)

“I’m a detail-oriented attorney with experience in drafting legal documents and providing legal advice to clients. I have a strong understanding of the law and a passion for advocating for my clients’ rights.”

Example (Engineering)

“I’m a problem-solving engineer with experience in designing and implementing complex systems. I have a strong understanding of engineering principles and enjoy finding innovative solutions to challenging problems.”

Example (Hospitality)

“I’m a customer-focused hospitality professional with experience in providing exceptional service to guests. I have a passion for creating memorable experiences and ensuring that each guest feels valued and appreciated.”

Part 3 Words That Can Be Used to Describe Oneself

When you need to describe yourself in job interviews, use words that showcase your strengths. Feel free to choose words that fit your personality and skills.

Here are 50 words that can be used to describe oneself:

• Collaborative
• Detail-oriented
• Enthusiastic
• Goal-oriented
• Hardworking
• Interpersonal
• Multitasker
• Perseverant
• Problem-solver
• Quick learner
• Responsible
• Resourceful
• Self-motivated
• Self-sufficient
• Team-player
• Trustworthy
• Well-organized

Related: Core Values List: 150+ Awesome Examples of Personal Values

Part 4 Highlighting Achievements and Qualifications

Relevant work experience.

When mentioning your work experience, focus on showcasing the accomplishments that best align with the job posting’s requirements. Describe the specific results you achieved and quantify them whenever possible. For example:

• “Increased sales by 20% in my territory as a sales manager”
• “Improved customer satisfaction ratings by 15% as a customer service representative”

This way, you demonstrate your ability to deliver results and prove that your past experience is relevant to the position you’re applying for.

Cover Letter Connections

In your cover letter, connect your accomplishments and qualifications to the employer’s needs. A great strategy is to pick key points from the job description and provide examples of how you’ve successfully tackled similar challenges in your career. For example:

• “Your job posting mentions a need for strong project management skills. As a marketing coordinator, I’ve managed successful campaigns that led to a 25% increase in the company’s online engagement.”

By making these connections, you’ll show the hiring manager that you understand the company’s needs and why you’d excel in the position.

Incorporating Skills

Highlight your relevant skills and explain how they’ve contributed to your achievements. If the job posting lists specific skills as requirements, make sure to mention the ones you possess. For example:

• “As a web developer with expertise in JavaScript, I redesigned our company’s website, which boosted its traffic by 30% in just three months.”
• “My strong negotiation skills allowed me to secure favorable contracts for our team, reducing costs by 10%.”

Part 5 Discussing Your Passions and Drive

Showing enthusiasm.

When explaining your passions during a job interview, emphasize how these passions align with the company’s culture and mission. Be specific and demonstrate that you’ve done your research. Explain how your enthusiasm for their vision and what they stand for will benefit the company. For example, if you are applying to a sustainable fashion brand, mention how you’re passionate about ecological and ethical practices in fashion.

Sharing Hobbies and Interests

Talking about your hobbies and interests adds a personal touch to your self-description and enables the interviewer to get to know you better. Choose a select few hobbies that link to the job or showcase transferable skills. For instance, if you enjoy photography, mention how this helps you to develop a keen eye for detail and creativity which can translate to your job performance. If you’re an avid reader, discuss how regularly indulging in literature helps you improve your analytical and critical thinking abilities. Make sure to balance your personal passions with professional relevance to ensure a well-rounded and engaging self-description.

Part 6 Some Ideas for Describing Yourself in a Job Interview

• First, consider your background and how it has shaped you. For example, maybe you grew up in a multilingual household, which cultivated your open-mindedness and understanding towards various cultures. Demonstrate how these qualities would make you an asset to the company, especially when working with diverse customers or teams.
• Being organized is a highly sought-after trait. You can showcase this by sharing examples of how you manage deadlines, balance multiple priorities, and maintain your workspace or how you’ve improved a process to maximize efficiency and effectiveness.
• Confidence is vital in the workplace. You can display this by discussing how you’ve successfully tackled challenging projects, made effective decisions, and taken calculated risks.
• Collaboration is key, so you can highlight your interpersonal skills. You can share instances when you’ve built strong relationships, provided helpful feedback, or worked successfully in a group setting. Being empathetic, patient, and diplomatic are other essential qualities, as they showcase your ability to put yourself in others’ shoes and navigate tricky situations.
• Being honest and genuine demonstrates that you are trustworthy and reliable. You can share stories about how your integrity helped you make difficult decisions or maintain strong professional relationships.
• Results-driven and resourceful traits are highly valued. You can explain how your hard work, persistence, and creative problem-solving strategies led to tangible results in past roles. Also, show how your ambition and motivation to succeed continue to push you to excel in your career.
• Customer service skills are in high demand across industries. If you’re outgoing and attentive, discuss how you’ve provided excellent support and made customers feel valued. Try to share specific examples or feedback you’ve received from happy clients.
• As an independent worker, you might excel at handling tasks with minimal supervision. You can explain how your ability to stay focused and disciplined allows you to get the job done efficiently. However, being a committed team player is also crucial, so find a balance between showcasing autonomy and adaptability.
• Finally, a positive attitude can work wonders in the workplace. You can show that you’re optimistic, cheerful, and capable of bringing a sense of joy to any work environment. Share how your uplifting energy has made a difference in your colleagues’ experiences or increased overall morale.

Part 7 How to Craft a Concise and Direct Response

Structuring your answer.

• Begin with a strong opening statement: Start by sharing a brief overview of who you are as a professional. Highlight your role, field, or expertise to give the interviewer a clear understanding of your background.

For example: “As a seasoned project manager, I have successfully led numerous software development projects from inception to completion.”

• Discuss your key strengths: Focus on the qualities that make you an ideal candidate for the position. Choose 2-3 strengths that align with the job requirements, and talk about how these skills have helped you achieve success in previous roles.

For example: “My organization skills and ability to prioritize tasks have allowed me to consistently deliver projects on time and within budget.”

• Give real-life examples: Try to showcase specific instances where your strengths and skills were put into action. Briefly explain the situation, the actions you took, and the positive outcome of your efforts.

For example: “In my previous position, I was given the responsibility of managing a high-priority project with a tight deadline. By carefully delegating tasks and maintaining open communication with my team, we not only met the deadline but exceeded the client’s expectations.”

• Be genuine: While it’s important to showcase your strengths, it’s equally essential to be authentic and true to yourself. Avoid making exaggerated claims and focus on sharing information that genuinely reflects who you are.

Part 8 How to Answer Additional Questions

If asked specific questions about your skills, it is preferable to structure your response in a particular way. To structure an effective response, use either the STAR method or the SOAR framework.

The STAR Method

The STAR method is an effective and widely used way to describe your experiences and skills during job interviews. It helps you structure your answers when presenting relevant examples. STAR stands for:

• S ituation: Describe the situation or context in which you encountered a challenge, problem, or opportunity.
• T ask: Elaborate on the task you were responsible for or the goal you aimed to achieve.
• A ction: Explain the actions you took to address the challenge or achieve the goal.
• R esult: Share the outcome of your actions, focusing on the positive impact you had on your team or company.

For example, if asked about your time management skills, you could say:

Situation : During my time at X Company, I was responsible for managing multiple high-priority projects with tight deadlines.  Task : To ensure all projects were completed on time and met the required standards.  Action : I created a detailed project plan outlining priorities, resources, and deadlines. I regularly monitored progress, communicated with team members, and made adjustments as needed.  Result : All projects were delivered on schedule and received positive feedback from clients.

The SOAR Framework

The SOAR framework is another useful format for structuring your answers during job interviews. It allows you to showcase your successes by focusing on what you did well. SOAR stands for:

• S ituation: Provide the context for the particular success or achievement to be discussed.
• O bstacles: Mention any challenges or obstacles you faced in achieving your goal.
• A ctions: Describe the specific actions you took to overcome the obstacles and achieve your goal.
• R esults: Highlight the positive outcomes resulting from your actions, such as increased productivity or improved customer satisfaction.

An example of using the SOAR framework might be when discussing your problem-solving skills:

Situation : As a sales representative at X Corporation, I was tasked with increasing our sales in a highly competitive market.  Obstacles : The primary challenge was overcoming potential customers’ loyalty to well-established competitors.  Actions : I conducted thorough market research to understand the pain points of our target audience, developed tailored sales pitches, and forged strong relationships with key stakeholders in their organizations.  Results : Over a six-month period, I successfully closed deals with 15 new clients, resulting in a 20% increase in our company’s market share.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can i give a brief description of myself for a job application.

To give a brief description of yourself for a job application, focus on your skills, experience, and personal qualities relevant to the position. Tailor your description to show how you’re a good fit for the company’s needs.

What are some examples of describing your personality?

When describing your personality, consider using adjectives that reflect your temperament, work style, and how you interact with others. For instance, you may describe yourself as adaptable, proactive, and empathetic.

How can you describe yourself in 5 words during an interview?

Describing yourself in 5 words during an interview requires choosing words that showcase your most valuable qualities. For example: “Dependable, innovative, resourceful, team-player, and versatile” .

Can you provide sample answers for ‘Tell me about yourself’?

• “I’m a graphic designer with over seven years of experience in designing branding materials and websites for a variety of clients. My attention to detail and creativity have led to successful projects for both small businesses and large corporations.”
• “As a dedicated human resources professional with a passion for employee engagement and development, I have eight years of experience working in various industries. I pride myself on my strong communication skills, which enable me to foster positive relationships and cultivate a productive work environment.”
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How To Write A Personal Statement For A Job? Employment

Personal statements are often used in job applications, but can also be used for college and university applications, too. Here, we’ll give you some hints and tips for creating a personal statement for a job that goes the distance. Read on to find out more! 

What is a personal statement? 

First thing’s first…what is it?

A personal statement for a job is usually a paragraph about you that goes on the top of your CV. It’s sometimes known as a personal profile, professional profile, or even a career objective – so keep an eye out for these kinds of terms too in your job hunt.

Your personal statement should be an ‘ overview of you ,’ covering things like: who you are, why you think you are suitable for the role, what you will bring to the job, and your career goals. 

If you are wondering why a personal statement is important (after all, shouldn’t all that be in your CV anyway?) it’s worth knowing that recruiters get 100s of CVs sent to them every single day. And on average they spend about 6 seconds looking at a CV before making a decision on the candidate. So, having a personal statement at the top of your CV gives a brief, easy to read summary that will hook the recruiter in and make them want to call you in for an interview. 

Example of a personal statement for a job: 

A friendly and enthusiastic individual, currently looking to return to a retail assistant role after spending the last 3 years raising a family. I possess excellent communication and listening skills, and I work extremely well in a team, as well as being able to work confidently on my own. I have recently volunteered at a local charity shop, as a sales assistant, to refresh my skills, and I am committed to continuing my career on a full-time basis. 

How to write a personal statement

Like the example above, your personal statement should be short and sweet. Remember, your aim is to catch the attention of the recruiter so they read your CV in more depth before inviting you to interview. 

Before you start, it’s best to sit down with your updated CV and make a list of all of your relevant skills and experience. Examples of skills you could include are: 

• Communication 
• Numeracy (i.e. good at working with money)
• Problem solving 
• Organisation 
• Creativity 
• Confidence 

Once you have a list of these things, it should be a lot easier to pull together an effective personal statement. 

What if I have no work experience? 

Having no work experience doesn’t mean you can’t write a good personal statement. There are plenty of other ways you can demonstrate your skills. Do you have a hobby or an interest? If you do, it’s likely you use key skills to do this and the best part is you can put this in your personal statement. Similarly, if you were involved in any clubs, teams or projects at school. 

The key to writing an effective personal statement is keeping it relevant to the role you are applying to. So make sure you read the job advert and any accompanying information thoroughly to understand what the employer is looking for! 

What do I put at the start of my personal statement? 

Many, many people struggle to write about themselves. So, if this is you, don’t worry! To kick off your personal statement, see if you can come up with a short, sharp statement (no longer than one sentence) that describes you accurately. 

This could be one that highlights your previous work experience: 

‘A flexible construction worker with three years’ experience in bricklaying, roofing, plastering and plumbing.’ 

Or one that shows skills and experience you have from hobbies, interest or education: 

‘A hardworking individual with a passion for creativity alongside a Distinction in Level 3 Graphic Design.’

Again, keep it short. And don’t forget to big yourself up a little bit! Make the recruiter believe that you are the best person for the role you are applying for. 

What goes in the middle of a personal statement?

When it comes to writing your personal statement, it’s best to have at least a loose structure in mind to help you get everything down that you need to. You could include: 

• Why are you applying?
• Why are you suitable for the role?
• What relevant job experience or training do you have?
• What projects or experiences have you taken part in that could show your abilities ?
• What makes you the perfect person for the job?

Use the answers to these questions to write your personal statement. 

What goes at the end of a personal statement? 

The end of your personal statement should make it clear to whoever is reading what your goals are professionally. For example, the construction worker above may put: 

‘Looking to take on my next challenge in the world of construction, and develop my skills with a reputable local business.’

Or, for the aspiring graphic designer: 

‘Looking for a start in the exciting world of graphic design, where I can learn from the best with a creative and innovative company.’ 

Remember: keep it brief! 

Do’s and Don’ts for your personal statement 

To help you on your way, here is a list of the do’s and don’ts for your personal statement. 

• Make sure your tone is polite, friendly and (most importantly) professional. 
• Keep it short and sweet. Your personal statement should only be around 3 or 4 sentences long.
• Include relevant information, such as previous experience. 
• Highlight your key skills. 
• Make it clear what kind of role you are looking for – this will help highlight your suitability for the one you are applying for. 
• Use the job advert, person specification and any other information you have about the company to inform your personal statement. 
• Make your achievements clear! Blow your own trumpet! 
• Use slang words or be too conversational
• Include any personal information that’s not relevant. For example: how many children you have, whether you are single or married, etc. 
• Be negative! 
• Lie or exaggerate the truth. 
• Take a template from online without personalising it! 

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If you need help in writing your CV or personal statement, we can help. For a detailed and private 1-2-1 with one of advocates who can advise, please call 01902 96228 or fill in the form below to request a callback.

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Resume personal statement examples

If you want to secure job interview, you need a strong personal statement at the top of your resume.

Your resume personal statement is a short paragraph which sits at the very top of your resume – and it’s aim is to summarize the benefits of hiring you and encourage employers to read your resume in full.

In this guide I have included 17 resume personal statement examples from a range of professions and experience levels, plus a detailed guide of how to write your own personal statement that will get you noticed by employers

Resume templates 

17 resume personal statement examples

To start this guide, I have included 10 examples of good personal statements, to give you an idea of how a personal statement should look , and what should be included.

Note: personal statements are generally used by junior candidates – if you are experienced, check out our resume summary examples instead.

College graduate resume personal statement (no experience)

Although this college graduate has no paid work experience , they compensate for it by showcasing all of the skills and knowledge the have gained during their studies, and demonstrating how they apply their knowledge in academic and personal projects.

When you have little or no experience, it’s important to draw out transferable workplace skills from your studies and extracurricular work, to showcase them to employers.

College graduate resume personal statement (part time freelance experience)

This candidate has graduated college with a degree in biochemistry but actually wants to start a career in marketing after providing some digital freelance services to fund their studies.

In this case, they haven’t made much mention of their studies because they aren’t relevant to the marketing agencies they are applying to. Instead they have focused their personal statement around their freelance work and passion for the digital field – although they still mention the fact they are degree educated to prove their academic success.

High school leaver resume personal statement (no experience)

This candidate is 16 years old and has no work experience whatsoever, but they compensate for this by detailing their academic achievements that relate to the roles they are applying for (maths and literacy are important requirements in finance and accountancy roles).

They also add some info on their extracurricular activities and high school work-placements, to strengthen this student resume further.

Top tips for writing a resume personal statement

• Thoroughly research the jobs and companies you are planning to apply for to identify the type of candidate they are looking for – try to reflect that in your personal statement
• Don’t be afraid to brag a little – include some of your most impressive achievements from education, work or personal life
• Focus on describing the benefits an employer will get from hiring you. Will you help them to get more customers? Improve their workplace? Save them time and money?
• If you have no work experience, demonstrate transferable workplace skills from your education, projects, or even hobbies

High school leaver resume personal statement (part time experience)

Although this person has only just left high school, they have also undertaken some part-time work in a call center alongside their studies.

To make the most of this experience, they have combined their academic achievements with their workplace exposure in this personal statement.

By highlighting their future studies, summer programme involvement, work experience and expressing their ambitions to progress within sales, this candidate really makes an appealing case for hiring them.

College leaver resume personal statement (no experience)

This candidate has left college with good grades, but does not yet have any work experience.

To compensate for the lack of workplace exposure, they have made their honor results prominent and highlighted skills and experience which would benefit the employers they are targeting.

Any recruiter reading this summary can quickly understand that this candidate has great academic achievements, a passion for IT and finance and the ability to transfer their skills into an office environment.

College student resume personal statement (freelance experience)

As this student has picked up a small amount of freelance writing work during their studies, they have made sure to brag about it in their personal statement.

They give details on their relevant studies to show the skills they are learning, and boost this further by highlighting the fact that they have been applying these skills in a real-life work setting by providing freelance services.

They also include key action verbs that recruiters will be looking for , such as creative writing, working to deadlines, and producing copy.

Academic resume personal statement

Aside from junior candidates, the only other people who might use a personal statement, are academic professionals; as their resume’s tend to be more longer and detailed than other professions.

This candidate provides a high level overview of their field of study, length of experience, and the roles they have held within colleges.

High school leaver resume personal statement with sports experience

Although this person has no work experience, they are still able to show employers the value of hiring them by selling their other achievements and explaining how they could benefit an organization.

They expand on their sports club involvement to demonstrate their teamwork, leadership skills, communication and motivation, which are all important traits in the workplace, and will be looked upon favourably by recruiters and hiring managers.

They also draw upon their future plans to study business studies at college and take a part time job, to further prove their ambition and dedication.

History graduate resume personal statement

This history graduate proves their aptitude for both academic achievement and workplace aptitude by showcasing valuable skills from their degree and voluntary work.

They do this by breaking down the key requirements for each and showing how their skills could be beneficial for future employers, such as listening, communication, and crisis management.

They also describe how their ability to balance studies alongside voluntary work has not only boosted their knowledge and skills, but also given excellent time management and organizational skills – which are vital assets to any employer.

Law graduate resume personal statement

This legal graduate makes the most from their college work placements by using it to bulk out the contents of their resume personal statement.

They include their degree to show they have the necessary qualifications for legal roles, which is crucial, but more importantly, they showcase how they applied their legal skills within a real-life work setting.

They give a brief overview of the types of legal professionals they have been working alongside and the type of work they have been carrying out – this is all it takes to get the attention of recruiters and show employers they have what it takes to fulfil roles in the legal sector.

Medical student resume personal statement

This medical student proves their fit for the role by showcasing the key skills they have gained from their studies and their work experience placements.

In just these few sentences, they are able to highlight the vast amount of experience they have across different disciplines in the industry, something which is particularly important in the medical sector.

As they have not graduated yet and are still studying, they have provided proof of their most recent grades. This can give the recruiter some indication as to the type of grade they could be graduating with in the near future.

Masters student resume personal statement

This masters student has started by specifying their area of study, in this case, accounting, and given details about the specific areas of finance they are most interested in. This can hint towards their career goals and passions.

They have then carefully listed some of the key areas of accounting and finance that they are proficient in. For example, business finance, advanced corporate finance and statistics.

They have also outlined some of the transferable skills needed for accounting roles that employers will be looking out for, such as communication, attention to detail and analytical skills.

Finance student resume personal statement

As this finance student has recently undertaken some relevant work experience, they’ve made sure to shout about this in their personal summary.

But more than this, they have included a list of some of the important finance skills they gained as a result of this work experience – for example, financial reporting, processing invoices and month-end reconciliations.

Plus, through power words and phrases such as ‘prevent loss’ and ‘improve upon accuracy and efficiency’, they have also showcased how they can apply these skills in a workplace setting to benefit the potential employer.

Internship resume personal statement

This digital marketing professional has started their personal summary by outlining their most relevant qualifications and work experience, most notably their freelance role as a content manager.

They have also provided examples of some of the key marketing skills that potential employers might be looking for, including very detailed examples of the platforms and tools they are proficient in – for example, LinkedIn, Twitter and Pinterest.

They have then closed their statement by giving a detailed description of the type of role or opportunity they are looking for. In this case, an in-house position in a marketing company.

College graduate career changer personal statement

Switching careers as a college graduate can be tough. Especially when it comes to writing a personal statement that will attract employers in your new chosen field.

This candidate is looking to move from history teaching into journalism, so they have created a statement which briefly mentions their current workplace, but mainly focuses on highlighting transferable skills which are relevant to journalism. They achieve this by discussing the writing skills they use in their current role, and mentioning their hobby of writing – including some publications they have been featured in for extra brownie points.

Business management graduate personal statement

This business management proves their ability to work within a junior business management position by swiftly highlighting their impressive degree (to ensure it is not missed) and summarizing some of the real-life experience they have gained in management during their college placements and volunteering. They do not let their lack of paid work experience, stop them demonstrating their valuable skills.

PhD graduate

PhD graduate roles attract a lot of competition, so it’s important that your resume contains a personal statement that will quickly impress and attract recruiters.

This candidate provides a short-but-comprehensive overview of their academic achievements, whilst demonstrating their exceptional level of knowledge in research, languages and publication writing.

By highlighting a number of skills and abilities that are in high-demand in the academic workplace, this resume is very likely to get noticed and land interviews.

How to write a personal statement for your resume

Now that you’ve seen what a personal statement should look like and the type of content it should contain, follow this detailed guide to one for your own resume – and start racking those interviews up.

Guide contents

What is a resume personal statement?

Resume personal statement or resume summary, personal statement format, what to include in a resume personal statement.

• Personal statement mistakes

How to write persuasively

A personal statement is a short paragraph at the top of your resume which gives employers an overview of your education, skills and experience

It’s purpose is to capture the attention of busy recruiters and hiring managers when your resume is first opened – encouraging them to read the rest of it.

You achieve this by writing a tailored summary of yourself that explains your suitability for the roles you are applying for at a very high level, and matches your target job descriptions .

One question candidates often ask me is , “what is the difference between a personal statement and a resume summary?”

To be honest, they are almost the same – they are both introductory paragraphs that sit at the top of your resume… but there are 2 main differences:

A personal statement tends to be used more by junior candidates (college graduates, high school leavers etc.) and is relatively long and detailed.

A resume summary tends to be favoured by more experienced candidates , and is shorter in length than a personal statement.

Note: If you are an experienced candidate, you may want to switch over to my resume writing guide , or example resume summaries page.

To ensure you grab recruiters’ attention with your personal statement, lay it out in the following way.

Positioning

You need to ensure that your personal statement sits at the very top of your resume, and all of it should be totally visible to readers, without the need to scroll down the page.

Do this by reducing the top page margin and minimizing the space taken up by your contact details.

This will ensure that your whole personal statement can be seen, as soon as your resume is opened.

We have a resume template which can help you to get this right.

Size/length

Your personal statement needs to contain enough detail to provide an introduction to your skills and knowledge, but not so much detail that it bores readers.

To strike the right balance, anything between 8-15 lines of text is perfect – and sentences should be sharp and to-the-point.

As with the whole of your resume , your personal statement should be written in a simple clean font at around size 10-12 to ensure that it can be read easily by all recruiters and employers.

Keep the text color simple, ensuring that it contrasts the background (black on white is best) and break it into 2 or even 3 paragraphs for a pleasant reading experience.

It should also be written in a punchy persuasive tone, to help you sell yourself and increase your chances of landing interviews , I cover how to do this in detail further down the guide.

Quick tip: A poorly written resume will fail to impress recruiters and employers. Use our quick-and-easy Resume Builder to create a winning resume in minutes with professional resume templates and pre-written content for every industry.

Once you have the style and format of your personal statement perfected, you need to fill it with compelling content that tells recruiters that your resume is worth reading.

Here’s what needs to go into your personal statement…

Before you start writing your personal statement, it’s crucial that you research your target roles to find out exactly what your new potential employers are looking for in a candidate.

Run a search for your target jobs on one of the major job websites, look through plenty of adverts and make a list of the candidate requirements that frequently appear.

This research will show you exactly what to include in your personal statement in order to impress the recruiters who will be reading it.

Education and qualifications are an important aspect of your personal statement, especially if you are a junior candidate.

You should highlight your highest and most relevant qualifications, whether that is a degree or your GED. You could potentially go into some more detail around modules, papers etc. if they are relevant to the roles you are applying for.

It’s important that you discuss the experience you have gained in your personal statement, to give readers an idea of the work you are comfortable undertaking.

This can of course be direct employed work experience, but it doesn’t have to be.

You can also include:

• High school/college work placements
• Voluntary work
• Personal projects
• Hobbies/interests

As with all aspects of your resume , the content should be tailored to match the requirements of your target roles.

Whilst discussing your experience, you should touch upon skills used, industries worked in, types of companies worked for, and people you have worked with.

Where possible, try to show the impact your actions have made. E.g.  A customer service agent helps to make sales for their employer.

Any industry-specific knowledge you have that will be useful to your new potential employers should be made prominent within your personal statement.

For example

• Knowledge of financial regulations will be important for accountancy roles
• Knowledge of IT operating systems will be important for IT roles
• Knowledge of the national curriculum will be important for teachers

You should also include some information about the types of roles you are applying for, and why you are doing so. Try to show your interest and passion for the field you are hoping to enter, because employers want to hire people who have genuine motivation and drive in their work.

This is especially true if you don’t have much work experience, as you need something else to compensate for it.

Resume personal statement mistakes

The things that you omit from your personal statement can be just as important as the things you include.

Try to keep the following out of your personal statement..

Irrelevant info

Any information that doesn’t fall into the requirements of your target roles can be cut out of your personal statement. For example, if you were a professional athlete 6 years ago, that’s great – but it won’t be relevant if you’re applying to advertising internships, so leave it out.

Generic clichés

If you are describing yourself as a “ dynamic team player with high levels of motivation and enthusiasm” you aren’t doing yourself any favours.

These cliché terms are vastly overused and don’t provide readers with any factual details about you – so keep them to a minimum.

Stick to solid facts like education, skills , experience, achievements and knowledge.

If you really want to ensure that your personal statement makes a big impact, you need to write in a persuasive manner.

So, how do you so this?

Well, you need to brag a little – but not too much

It’s about selling yourself and appearing confident, without overstepping the mark and appearing arrogant.

For example, instead of writing.

“Marketing graduate with an interest in entering the digital field”

Be creative and excite the reader by livening the sentence up like this,

“Marketing graduate with highest exam results in class and a passion for embarking on a long and successful career within digital”

The second sentence is a much more interesting, makes the candidate appear more confident, throws in some achievements, and shows off a wider range of writing skills.

Quick tip: A poorly written resume will fail to impress recruiters and employers. Use our quick-and-easy Resume Builder to create a winning resume in minutes with professional templates and pre-written content for every industry.

Your own personal statement will be totally unique to yourself, but by using the above guidelines you will be able to create one which shows recruiters everything they need.

Remember to keep the length between 10-20 lines and only include the most relevant information for your target roles.

You can also check our college graduate resume example , our best resume templates , or our library of example resumes from all industries.

Good luck with the job hunt!

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What to Say in a Job Interview

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So, you’ve spent time preparing for the interview. You’ve practiced answering interview questions, reviewed your past professional experience, and you’ve confirmed the interview. All that’s left is putting your best foot forward.

Below, we’ll spell out what subjects you should be prepared to talk about in an interview. We’ll also present options based on whether you’ll be interviewing in-person, over the phone or via Zoom or another video conferencing platform.

» MORE: How to prepare for a job interview in 9 steps

Topics that may come up in an interview

In an interview, you should be prepared to talk about these and related subjects in detail:

Your past work experience and accomplishments. 

Why you’re interested in the position. 

What you like about the company or employer. 

Your long-term professional goals and interests. 

Your salary expectations.

How to approach the interview topics

Give focused answers and examples.

Before the interview, take a few hours to review some common interview questions . You could be asked questions on a wide array of topics, from how you manage stress to what motivates you professionally. Reviewing sample questions will naturally force you to refresh your memory on past work experiences and help you provide focused, straightforward answers.

When reflecting on the questions, take notes and jot down specific anecdotes or stories you’d like to share. If you’ll be doing a phone or video interview , you can keep these notes handy, but don’t overly rely on them — your interviewer will be able to tell if you’re reading your answers.

If you’re interviewing in-person, you should only reference notes that contain specific dates or figures during the interview. Otherwise, prepare to speak about your prior experience and preferences without looking at your notes. The more conversational your responses, the better.

Ultimately, though, if you need to look to avoid struggling through an answer, definitely do so.

Go beyond your resume

When asked about your past experience and accomplishments, keep in mind: Your interviewers have already read your resume. This is an opportunity to talk about the accomplishments you couldn’t capture there.

If you achieved impressive sales numbers or results, for example, you could talk about what skills you specifically used to achieve those results. Think about instances at your previous jobs in which you showed initiative, drive or another desirable skill. Share those experiences, and illustrate how you’re uniquely equipped to achieve the kinds of results your interviewer and the company are looking for.

» MORE: What to bring to an interview

Explain why you want the job

Your interviewer will likely ask why you’re interested in the position. Mention specific parts of the job that interest you and align with your skills and experience. Highlight a few specific job responsibilities, and illustrate why you’re the ideal candidate to fulfill those responsibilities.

Also, talk about how the job supports your long-term career goals. That’ll show the interviewers that you see this job as a long-term commitment.

Specify what you like about the company or employer

Interviewers ask this question to see how serious candidates are about the role, and to ensure they’re hiring candidates that believe in the company’s mission. This is why it’s important to research the company before your interview.

At minimum, you should be able to talk about what the company does, its long-term plans (if these are publicly available) and its mission statement. You could also check out the company’s social media pages and LinkedIn page, as both can provide insights into its culture and workplace. Mention a few specific parts of the company’s products, services or culture that appeal to you. If possible, bring up a growth opportunity that the company could potentially explore. Even if it's not on the company’s radar, it’ll show your interviewer that you did your homework and are genuinely interested in helping the company reach its goals.

Share your long-term professional goals and interests

If you’re asked about your goals, your interviewer wants to see how seriously you take your career, and whether there's alignment with the company's goals and opportunities. Talk about what interests you most about your work, and what kind of job you’d like to have in five or 10 years. Be as specific as possible — if you want to manage people, oversee a division or advance in a related field, say that.

And if you aren’t totally sure where you see yourself in five or 10 years, you could bring up the most fulfilling aspects of your job, and say that you’d like to advance into a role that allows you to advance in those parts of the job.

Gather information to decide your salary expectations

Finally, if the interview goes well, your interviewer may also ask about your salary expectations or start date. The former can be a tricky question to answer. You don’t want to give a number that’s lower than what the company’s prepared to pay, according to the Harvard Business Review, but you also don’t want to provide a number that’s dramatically higher than the role’s salary range.

To buy yourself some time, the Harvard Business Review recommends you ask to instead focus for the time being on the role and your qualifications, which will give you time to provide an appropriate answer later. You could also tell the interviewer that you’d like some time to research comparable wages based on what you've learned about the role, and that you can send over your ideal salary within one or two business days.

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More From Forbes

Answering 'what are you passionate about' in a job interview.

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Talking effectively about your passions will set you apart in an interview.

Interviewing is stressful, and one of the most challenging questions to answer is “What are you passionate about?” It’s a tough question because it may be unclear how to answer it in a way that seems relevant to the job—and it’s uncomfortable to be under the interviewer’s microscope, feeling the pressure to put yourself in your best light.

Preparing for this question is important to getting the role though, because the job market is challenging and the competition is fierce. Fully 73% of people experience frustration with the job search process, according to a survey by The Harris Poll conducted for Bloomberg , and 73% also say they have declining faith in the system, based on data from Monster ,

But if you are prepared to demonstrate your capability and your confidence, you can shine through the difficulty and increase your chances of getting the job.

Why Interviewers Ask, “What Are You Passionate About”

Why is this an important question that is often included in interviews? While it may seem too personal or unrelated to the job, interviewers have legitimate reasons for asking questions about your passions. They want to know what you’re interested in and what motivates you —and they want to know your strengths. They also want to know if you’re self-aware and able to reflect on what you most enjoy.

Employers understand that if you’re doing things that you like and that you’re good at, you’re more likely to be engaged, more satisfied , do great work and stay with the organization.

The Best Beers In Canada According To The Canadian Brewing Awards

Iphone 16 pro max: key new upgrades leaked in latest report, nyt strands 84 hints spangram and answers for sunday may 26th, how interviewers ask about your passions.

What are the different potential versions of the question, “What are you passionate about?”

You’ll want to listen for interviewers to ask a question about your passion in multiple ways. They may ask directly, “What are you passionate about?” But they may also ask questions like,

• What energizes you?
• What do you like to do outside of work?
• What are you most enthusiastic to do on the job?
• What do you do best?
• What kind of work makes you most excited?
• What do you find most engaging?

No matter how they ask the question, be sure you’re ready with the key themes you want to communicate as well as a few examples—so you have ideas prepared, especially if they ask multiple questions or ask follow up questions.

Talk about why you're passionate about an activity and link to the job.

How to Answer “What Are You Passionate About”

So how should someone answer, “What are you passionate about?” in an interview? And what are key points or themes that should be included in the response? These are the specific ways you can answer the question most successfully.

1. Be Authentic

Perhaps most important is that you talk about something you’re genuinely passionate about. If you choose something contrived, the interviewer will be able to tell. A lack of transparency will detract from your credibility and ability to build rapport with the interviewer.

Communicate key points about what you’re interested in, what energizes you and what you’re drawn to.

2. Give an Example

Bring your answer to life by providing an example of how you’ve experienced your passion.

3. Provide a ‘Why’

You’ll make your answer relevant by clarifying why you love the activity—being sure to choose something that you can relate back to the job.

Perhaps you love tutoring children because you especially love to coach others and bring them along—and you appreciate working together with teammates to coach and guide. Or maybe you enjoy deep sea fishing because it requires knowledge of ocean currents and regional weather patterns, and you love the process of learning and expanding your capabilities—which you’ll be enthusiastic to do in the job as well.

4. Link Your Passion to the Job

Of course, the most important portion of your answer is how you link your answer to the job you’re applying for. You can connect almost any passion to a job by emphasizing your strengths or positive characteristics.

Coaching others or learning are examples. You might also talk about how much you love hiking and you appreciate not only being out in nature, but the analytical process of mapping the trails, planning for elevations and establishing best practices for taking necessary provisions—all of which relate to the analytical nature of the job you’re applying for.

Or you may love to travel, including the emphasis on managing the details of flights, hotels and scheduling tours—much like the project management aspects of the job you want. Or you may love painting or pottery—and creating something new and always applying fresh thinking—much like the ways you’ll apply innovative approaches to the job you’re seeking.

Be Yourself

When you’re talking about your passion, be yourself and let your enthusiasm come through as you answer. You’ll build trust with the interviewer when you demonstrate that you’re open and genuine about what you’re sharing.

You’ll also need to find the balance of sharing something real, and not sounding like you’re forcing a connection. You probably have a few different passions, so choose one that you can relate to the job you want—and ensure you can effectively and meaningfully articulate the links.

By letting your passion show , you’ll be able to give yourself a terrific advantage over other candidates—and get the job.

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