cv personal statement for manager

8 Manager CV examples and template

If you’re looking to secure a top management job, you need a strong CV that stands out from the crowd.

You need to grab recruiters’ attention, and communicate your leadership qualities clearly, if you want to land interviews.

To help you create a winning CV, I’ve provided 8 example management CVs and templates in this post, along with some guidance on how to write your own.

Guide contents

• Example manager CVs

Writing your own management CV

Structure and format, work experience.

CV templates 

General manager CV example

What makes this a good management CV?

Firstly, this general manager CV is well structured with clearly defined sections and broken up text to ensure that recruiters and hiring managers can read it with ease.

The CV is headed with an eye-catching profile which encourages readers to delve deeper into the CV by summarising all of the candidate’s high level skills and knowledge. This includes their industry exposure and specific elements of management which they have expertise in.

The core skills section provides a snapshot of their most valuable management skills – this ensures that they are seen and digested by the reader as soon as the CV is opened.

The role descriptions are headed with a brief outline of the role which quickly shows recruiters the size and type of team/ operations that the candidates is managing, and the industry it is based in. Then bullet pointed responsibilities demonstrate the plans and actions the candidate puts into place in order to lead their people and drive the business forward.

Key achievements are highlighted to show what results the manager has achieved in terms of growth, finance, efficiency etc. This is crucial for proving your value as a manager.

Sales manager CV

This sales management CV is headed with a punchy profile which summarises the candidate’s sales and management skills, along with their industry experience and market expertise. This ensures that recruiters get a well-rounded introduction to the candidate when the CV is opened, and quickly understand what the candidate has to offer.

Quick tip:  If you struggle with written English, try using our quick-and-easy CV Builder  to eliminate the risk of making mistakes.

The bullet pointed core skills section highlights key parts of the candidate’s skills and experience to create a quick snapshot for readers.

Roles are structured with an introductory line to show who the candidate works for, the size of the team they lead, and a general overview of the role. Responsibilities are listed in short bullet points to demonstrate the candidate’s leadership and sales input into the role.

Sales and management are both results driven professions, so key achievements are highlighted and quantified at the bottom of roles.

Download CV template

IT manager CV

As an IT manager, it’s important to show a blend of technical and people-management skills, and this CV sets the tone quickly with a profile which summarises them well, in a short sharp manner.

The core skills section also gives readers a good insight into their technical knowledge (hardware, software , systems etc.) as well as their business skills ( project management , budgeting etc.)

Roles are broken up for ease-of reading and start with an overview which shows what type of operation the candidate is running, and how many people they are responsible for. A list of bullet-pointed  responsibilities  allows recruiters to quickly scan the roles and find the skills and knowledge being applied within them.

Key achievements are listed and quantified to show some tangible value that the candidate has added, such as financial savings and system/process improvement in the business.

Events manager CV

What makes this a good event management CV ?

The profile sitting at the top of the CV gives recruiters an instant overview of the candidate’s management experience, the types of events they have led, qualifications and key industry skills.

The core skills provides readers with a snapshot of their most valuable attributes, which is great for creating a powerful first impression.

Roles are broken up into concise bullet points which show the candidate’s input into the events being managed and demonstrate in-demand skills and knowledge – this makes it easy for recruiters to skim read and pick out the info they need.

Key achievements at the end of the role highlight specific events led by the candidate, highlighting impressive clients, project size, and results generated.

Marketing manager CV

This marketing manager CV catches recruiter’s attention with a punchy profile at the top of the CV which provides an overview of the candidate’s most relevant skills and knowledge ( leadership , marketing channels, industry expertise, campaign management etc.)

The core skills section creates a snapshot of the most valuable attributes which is almost impossible for a reader to miss – even from a quick glimpse.

Roles are headed with an intro line which builds context by giving an overview of the role and company.

Responsibilities are broken into short easy-to-read bullet points that show how the candidate applies their skills and knowledge to benefit the firm’s marketing efforts.

Key achievements highlight impressive results the candidate has delivered through the marketing campaigns they have led.

Product manager

The profile holds recruiters’ attention by summarising the candidate’s most important product management skills, market knowledge and industry experience. These points are reiterated in the core skills list to create a snapshot that can be easily digested when the CV is opened.

Roles are headed with an intro sentence which overviews the role, the product being managed and the company being worked for.

Responsibilities are bullet pointed to show the skills and expertise applied during the role, and how they benefit the business.

Key achievements prove how the candidate has impacted the business with quantified results being highlighted.

Project manager CV

• A strong profile at the top of the CV highlights the candidate’s project management qualifications and project experience
• The roles are split into an intro line to build context, followed by bullet pointed responsibilities and achievements which demonstrate the candidate’s skills, input and impact.

Shift manager CV

Here are some tips for creating your own interview-winning management CV.

Your CV needs to be easy for busy recruiters and hiring managers to read, as well as looking smart and professional.

In order to achieve this, use the infographic below as guide on structure and format .

Keep the font clear and simple, and break text up as much as possible to make navigation and skim reading easy.

Your profile is designed to catch recruiters’ attention and ensure they don’t skip past your CV.

Keep it brief to get your message across quickly and summarise your offerings including things like; industry experience, IT skills , qualifications, product/service knowledge and languages.

Avoid using generic clichés like “ motivated team player ” as these terms don’t describe factual skills, and recruiters won’t be looking for them.

Your roles give you an opportunity to prove how you apply your management skills in the workplace.

Use the following structure to make it easy for readers to understand your contributions and impact.

Manager CV examples and templates

Hopefully you’ve found this guide helpful.

You can also check out my full CV writing guide for more help.

Good luck with your job hunt!

How to Write a CV Personal Statement [+4 Real-life Examples]

Creating an effective CV takes time and close attention to detail. You've already included your jobs and experience , and now you want to allow the recruiter or hiring manager to understand the strategic value you can add.

This is when you need to utilize a personal statement at the top of your CV.

How to Write a CV Personal Statement [+4 Real-life Examples] 

What is a Personal Statement? 

A personal statement is a few brief and direct sentences at the top of your CV. The personal statement is also referred to as a career summary or personal mission statement.

This is used to grab the attention of the recruiter or hiring manager and summarizes essential experiences or training that you can bring to this position.

Why do I Need a Personal Statement?

A recruiter or hiring manager is tasked with sorting through an enormous amount of resumes every single day. A personal statement is a way to separate yourself from the other applicants.

This statement summarizes your experience and highlights your unique talents . The CV personal statement is meant to demonstrate why you are the perfect fit for the job. 

Even med students need a medical school personal statement , as it is what differentiates them from all the other students applying. Plus, it allows them to share their personal stories and objectives.

Where do I Start? 

Always begin by reading the job description carefully and thoroughly.

Your personal statement should be tailored to each job description, so it explicitly states the value you’ll bring to the position you are applying. A generic personal statement cannot do that. 

Once you have a solid handle on the job description, you can begin writing. It’s important to keep your personal statement brief, about 50-200 words will do.

Don’t forget that you have your whole cover letter to show some personality and include engaging content.

The personal statement should be a quick summary that highlights why you are the best person for the job. 

You’ll need to decide whether you are writing your personal statement in first- or third-person. This should follow how you've written the rest of your CV.

For example, if you've already written, “I grew and developed a team of 50 salespeople,” in your CV then you will want to keep your personal statement in first-person to match the prevailing style.

No matter what you choose, make sure that you keep it consistent throughout. Do not switch between first- and third-person as that will get confusing to the hiring manager.

Writing a personal statement for your CV in first-person does not mean you need to start every sentence with “I.”

There are ways to craft your personal statement to sound snappy, concise and personal, and here are a few examples to help inspire your personal statement. 

CV Personal Statement Examples

It doesn’t matter what chose as your desired career or how much experienc e you have, use these examples to drive the creation of your own personal statement.

You can take snippets from each or write something completely different. Always remember that your personal statement is a reflection of yourself and should align with your own personal goals and experience.

If these examples don’t fit your exact career, feel free to take some pointers and write yours from scratch. 

#1: Personal Statement Example for Recent Graduate CV

“As a recent graduate from university, with an honors degree in communications, I held several internships within leading organizations, including Bertelsmann. These internships enabled me to gain experience in the field and learn how to serve up valuable contributions in a fast-paced, professional environment.”

Explanation: This example should be customized to include the university you’ve graduated from and any relevant internships. A compelling personal statement always highlights relevant skills and experiences.

In this case, a recent graduate does not have extensive experience in the workforce, so soft skills like experiencing success in a fast-paced work environment and becoming a trusted team member become even more critical.

#2: Personal Statement Example for Returning to the Workforce CV

“A highly motivated and experienced office administrator, I am currently looking to resume my professional career after an extended hiatus to raise my family. Proficient in all Microsoft Office programs, I can lead meetings and work with clients to keep your office running smoothly and efficiently. After spending several years volunteering as an administrative worker for a local charity, I am committed to resuming my professional career on a full-time basis.”

Explanation: After time off from a career, it can be hard to break back into the market. This personal statement outlines the reason for the break, the relevant qualifications and what the applicant has been doing in between jobs.

Any volunteer experience becomes highly relevant when there is no concrete professional experience to draw upon, to demonstrate the use of those skills. 

#3: Personal Statement Example for a Career Change CV

“With over 15 years as a sales manager, I have extensive experience building high-functioning sales teams that consistently achieve budget numbers. In fact, my ability to grow talent led to a 20% increase in annual renewals across the board. Now, after 15 years, I am seeking new challenges to flex my marketing muscles in a fast-paced environment.” 

Explanation: When changing careers , it's essential to highlight skills that are transferable between industries.

In this case, leadership and team-building experience can apply to any industry. Homing in on concrete numbers and percentages increases credibility when applying for a position.

The applicant ends with the reason behind the desired career change. This part is not necessary but may be appealing to some hiring managers who are wondering what the impetus for the career change.

#4: Personal Statement Example for a Experienced Professional CV

“As a friendly, professional and highly trained educator, I am passionate about teaching and have an innate ability to understand student’s needs. Creating a safe and productive environment for optimal learning is my top priority. I’ve worked as a teacher for nearly 10 years in a variety of subjects and my experience and skill set make me the perfect fit for your team.”

Explanation: With more experience comes more skills and a better idea of strengths and weaknesses. Showcasing your passion for the industry is a great way to begin a personal statement, as it shows the hiring manager your dedication to the craft. 

A personal statement can be written in many different ways, but it is ultimately up to you to determine what skills you want to highlight for your chosen position.

You can follow these examples or take learnings from each to contribute towards your personal statement. 

If you understand the job you are applying for and know the unique skill set that you bring to the table, you will have a stellar personal statement for your CV that will get you across the table from the hiring manager in no time.  

Suggested Reading:

• How to Write a CV (Curriculum Vitae) in 2024 [31+ Examples]
• 43+ Resume Tips and Tricks to Land Your Next Job
• 150+ Must-Have Skills for Any Resume  [With Tips + Tricks]
• How to Answer “Tell Me About Yourself”

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CV Personal Statement:  Examples and Actionable Tips

Fact: recruiters spend only 6 seconds reviewing each CV. So poorly organized CVs inevitably get discarded. 

Having an effective CV layout is the first step to attracting their attention. And the second step is topping that CV with a compelling personal statement (also known as a personal profile, personal summary, or executive summary).

What is a Personal Statement in a CV? 

A personal statement for a CV is a short and compelling paragraph that summarizes why you’re the most qualified person for the offered role. It tells the reader who you are and what valuable qualifications you will be bringing to their company.

NB : Opening statement, personal profile, personal summary, or executive summary are the other common names for a personal statement. 

Many believe that the work experience section is the most important element of a CV. Yet, it is your personal statement that can end up making or breaking the success of your job application. 

Because it provides the reader with a quick answer to one question they have on their mind: Are you qualified for the job or not? 

Remember: You’ll be directly competing with numerous other applicants with similar skills and work experiences. A compelling CV statement sets you apart by giving the reader a condensed snapshot of who you are as a person. 

Do I Need To Include a Personal Statement On My CV?

The short answer is YES! A personal statement entices the reader to read your entire CV by giving them a preview of your most valuable skills. It also helps you differentiate from other candidates by explaining your background, motivation, and personal character traits concisely. 

In essence, a personal statement helps you express why you are the right choice for the job in one condensed paragraph.

Where Should a Personal Statement Go in a CV?

A personal statement goes into the header area of your CV. Include it right under your name and contact details as a separate, highlighted area. A good personal statement is about 3-4 sentences long and occupies not more than 1/4th of the page. 

Alternatively, you can design a two-column CV and allocate the upper sidebar area for your personal statement. As a recent survey found, 77% of recruiters prefer two-column CVs to single-column ones.

Sample personal statement placement on a CV template

What Do You Write in a CV Personal Statement?

A compelling personal statement summarizes your professional and educational background; highlights the main skills and accomplishments. It can also express your career objectives and/or interest in the particular industry or subject if you’re a current student or recent graduate.  

Personal Statement Examples for CV 

To give you an idea of how to write your statement, let’s look at some examples.

Remember: You need to write a unique personal statement for your CV. Simply copying and using these examples may not be the best move because the sample CV statements won’t reflect your unique experiences and personality. 

Good CV Personal Statement Examples

Employers want to see experts. Therefore, your personal statement must speak directly to your most marketable skills. 

You should never come off sounding desperate or diminish your worth (even if you have been recently laid off ). Use a confident tone with first-person implied and strong verbs to describe your core competencies and other benefits you can bring to the workplace. 

General Jobseeker Personal Statement Example

Highly motivated, fully trained engineer with 15 years of experience in the telecoms industry. Worked with XYZ Telecoms Ltd, Cool Mobile Carrier, and Acme Telco as a field engineer and project team leader. Successfully managed large commercial telecom infrastructure installations. Currently unemployed due to the relocation of the company. Open to new opportunities in NOC. 

Personal Statement CV Example For an Administration Position 

Adaptable and resourceful facilities manager with experience in supporting enterprise-sized organizations in real estate, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing industries. Strong organizational skillset: Six Sigma, standardized method of procedure (MOP) policies implementation. Was responsible for facilities operations on 2.4 million square feet in a 20-building chemical manufacturing campus, serviced by a 20+ people team of building engineers, electricians, HVAC technicians, and cleaners.

Accountant Personal Statement CV Examples

Below are two samples for a senior and a junior accountant. 

Chartered Accountant 

ACCA-certified accountant for mid-market and enterprise-sized companies. Conducted due diligence and tax audits for FTSE 500 companies. Commenced for a 100% accuracy track record in financial reporting, as well as fast turnaround on complex analytical reviews. Provide on-demand advisory on trust setup, company incorporation, and tax deferrals. 

Account Assistant 

Detail-oriented, certified accounting assistant with experience in payroll administration. Familiar with Gusto, Xero, and Intuit software. Effectively process payroll, benefits, taxes, and social contributions for over 1500 employees per month. Possess a strong foundation in employee classification,  tax reporting, and financial management. 

CV Personal Statement Examples for Students

Whether you’re applying for an internship or looking for a part-time job , a compelling personal is a must-have for a student CV. 

Since your work experience history may be a bit “thin”, you need to persuade the employer via other means — your transferable skills, academic interests, and personal traits. A personal CV allows you to spotlight all of these. 

Remember that you are bringing your energy, dedication, enthusiasm, and willingness to learn to the table. As you will not have any employment history, you need to make sure to get your personality and your soft skills over in your statement.

CV Statement for a Student Looking for a Full-Time Summer Job 

Junior copywriter, enrolled in a BA Writing Program at the University of Manchester (graduation date: fall 2025). Alumni of the 2022 Copywriting Bootcamp program from Matters Agency. Well-versed in target audience analysis, brand positioning, and editorial campaign planning. Writing clips for eCommerce and SaaS brands are available in my portfolio.  

CV Statement for an Internship 

Second-year mechanical engineering student at the University of Leeds, seeking to apply theoretical knowledge in safety system design. Proficient in AutoCAD and completed a series of blueprints for fire and water safety systems as part of my coursework. Fast learner, self-starter, and team player, I’m excited to contribute my technical expertise to a dynamic engineering team.

CV Statement for a Student Looking for a Part-Time Job 

Junior front-end developer (React, Angular JS), seeking a part-time programming position in the Great London area. Current availability is 10-15 hours per week, preferably with hybrid work arrangements. Solid understanding of design systems and UX/UI best practices. Past work experience in finance and eCommerce sectors. 

CV Personal Statement Examples for 16-Year-Olds

Joining the workforce straight after high school makes sense if you want to take a gap year or pursue trade education later on. The wrinkle, however, is that most employers may be wary of your age and lack of experience.

The goal of a personal statement is to dispel those doubts by showing that you’re a serious, mature, and hard-working candidate, eager to learn and hone your craft. 

Personal Statement for a Barista Position 

Genuine coffee lover and frequent guest at Maddie’s Cafe, I would love to join the barista team. As a former head of the prom planning committee, I understand the importance of good teamwork, efficient planning, and following instructions. My main objectives are to learn more about beverage prep and deliver exceptional experiences to customers. 

CV Personal Statement Examples For A Graduate

Your personal statement should focus on your main educational attainments and experiences. If you are applying before you have had your degree results, it is fine to give a projected grade. You can also mention any specific modules you have studied that are relevant to the job on offer and how much you enjoyed working on them.

Remember: Your goal is to explain why you’re interested in this role and what you could bring to the table. 

Graduate Personal Statement Example

Business administration graduate with a 1:1 honors degree from XYZ University. Interested in an entry-level merchandising position within your Commercial Sales Department to expand my knowledge in retail merchandising, procurement, and inventory management. Looking to apply my analytical and data modeling skills for merchandising strategy optimization. 

Personal Statement for High School Graduate 

Energetic and enthusiastic high school graduate (June 2023) with top A-levels grades in English, Maths, and French. Seeking an entry-level role in sales, where I can make use of and develop my language skills. My long-term career goal is to further my language qualifications and position myself as a European sales manager living and working overseas for a global company.

Personal Statement Examples for CV With No Experience

Lack of experience in a particular role or industry should never discourage you from applying. Although you may not tick all the criteria boxes, you still have transferable skills and unique work experiences to showcase.

Moreover, ongoing talent shortages are prompting employees to reconsider their hiring criteria, plus invest more in new hire training and upskilling. Four in five companies now struggle to fill in open vacancies, which is the highest number in the past 17 years. 

So take your chances and apply even if you don’t have sufficient work experience. 

Personal Statement Example with No Relevant Work Experience 

Former front-desk hotel employee, looking for an opportunity to leverage strong service orientation and organizational skills in new roles (Customer Success or Customer Support). Familiarity with appointment booking software, digital chat apps, and CRM software. With my strong commitment to personal growth and my adaptable nature, I believe I could be a valuable asset to customer-centric teams.  

Personal Statement Example with No Industry Experience 

Self-starter with a BA degree in Communication and experience in corporate event management seeking a transition to music festival management. Experienced in organizing off-site events for 100+ people (including location scouting and travel coordination). I thrive in fast-paced environments and am eager to build a strong network of new partners. 

Discover even more personal statements from our collection of CV examples . 

CV Personal Statement For A Career Change

Career change is a big decision, but it can lead to a more fulfilling professional life. Besides, you’re not completely starting anew. Many of the hard and soft skills are quite universal. There is any number of different jobs that need the same set of skills that you have developed, so always try to lead with these and use real-life examples of your experience.

Career Change Personal Statement Example:

Working for the past 10 years as a regional sales manager has allowed me to develop keen skills in building strong working relationships and lucrative networks. Communication skills I developed during my time at my current employer enabled me to win vital contract wins that increased sales revenue by 20% over three years. I am now ready to take on a new challenge and want to work in the charity sector so that I can use my skills to give something back for the direct benefit of others.

How To Write A Strong Personal Statement for a CV 

An effective personal statement summarizes your skills and experience in a relevant way i.e., it indicates how you can be of help to the employer. 

In short, a compelling CV personal statement: 

• Lists your most marketable skills and qualifications 
• Highlights your industry knowledge and work experiences 
• Mirrors some of the key phrases, used in the job description 

And here’s how to write a personal statement that makes a mark.

1. Review the Job Description Once Again 

As you go through the role description, pay attention to the words, used by the employer, to describe the candidate’s requirements, duties, and personality. Keep those in the back of your head. 

These are the keywords you’d want to use all around your CV — in the personal statement, work experience, education, and skills areas. 

2. Do a Mental Tally of Your Skills 

Try to remember the times in your previous work roles when you accomplished notable objectives, went above and beyond expectations , or otherwise did better than your peers.  

Note down everything that springs to mind including your years of experience in a similar role, challenges you took on and the positive results achieved, new projects you kick-started – anything that has close relevance to this new position.

3. Make a Draft Personal Statement 

Write down a sample personal statement. Don’t worry about the length – just put as many details as you’d like on paper. Once you’re done, revisit the job description. See how your personal statement compares to the description. Does it paint a picture of someone who would fit the role? 

4. Edit for Clarity and Briefity 

A good CV personal statement shouldn’t be longer than 3-4 sentences. Take a critical look at your draft version and condense it to the bare essentials: 2-3 main skills, a major accomplishment, and a note on your motivation and/or personal traits. 

Other things that don’t belong in your personal statement are:

• Explanation of employment gaps or present unemployment status 
• Information about hobbies or personal interest 
• Any mention of references or recommendations 
• Irrelevant skills or work experiences 

Want to stand out even more? Add a persuasive opening statement that highlights your strengths as a candidate. 

A compelling personal statement can be the key between your CV making the ‘yes’ pile or the reject bin. Take some time to get your statement right and always write a new one for each job you apply for by mirroring the employer’s language. 

Finally, to give your CV a polishing touch, try out one of our fancy, but free CV templates , coming in multiple styles: professional, modern, simple, and creative!

Elena runs content operations at Freesumes since 2017. She works closely with copywriters, designers, and invited career experts to ensure that all content meets our highest editorial standards. Up to date, she wrote over 200 career-related pieces around resume writing, career advice... more

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Craft a winning personal statement for your CV to stand out

8 min read · Updated on April 18, 2024

Let the personal statement on your CV speak volumes about you

You probably have a fairly good idea of how to write a CV . Your employment history , education , and qualifications are relatively easy to pull together as you just need to look at dates, your previous job specs, and what you've achieved over the years.

The personal statement is often the trickiest component of a CV to write. Thankfully, we've got this comprehensive guide to help you write a winning one.

What is a personal statement for a CV?

Your personal statement is a short paragraph that sits at the top of your CV, just below your name and contact details. Diving into three key aspects, this section offers the recruiter or hiring manager a powerful overview of you as a professional:

1.    Who you are

2.    Your suitability for the role and the value you can add

3.    Your career goals 

Why include a personal statement on your CV?

It is estimated that recruiters spend an average of less than 8 seconds reviewing a CV before deciding whether the applicant is a good fit. 

As the personal statement is the first section they will read, it must be powerful and tailored to the job you're applying for to successfully showcase your suitability. If it's not, you're unlikely to convince the recruiter you're the talent they need for the job.

5 tips on writing your personal statement

Before we look at some personal statement examples, let's take a look at the basics. Here are some expert-backed tips for writing a good personal statement on your CV.

1. Keep it short and on point

Keep your personal statement clean and concise. It's typically around four sentences long, or about 50 to 200 words. If you're overshooting that word count, see which nonessential parts can be omitted.

2. Get the layout right from the start

Make sure that your layout is consistent with the rest of your CV's formatting . That means maintaining the same font size , font type, and text justification. Recruiters will notice these minor details, and so it's smart to get ahead of the game here. 

3. Use a heading (if there's space!)

You can add a “personal statement” heading in the same way that you'd title the subsequent sections of your CV. However, if you're tight on space, you can cut the heading as recruiters will know what this paragraph is nonetheless.

4. Choose the right perspective

The first person is acceptable for a statement (“I am an IT professional looking for a job in…”) as is the third person (“An IT professional looking for a job in…”). Choose the point of view that's most comfortable to write in, but, as always, keep it consistent with the rest of your CV.

5. Cut back on unnecessary words

If you're writing in the third person, remove all pronouns. Otherwise, it sounds existentially awkward, rather than objective. For example, “She is a retail professional seeking a management role…” would become “A retail professional seeking a management role…”

How to write a personal statement for a CV

We've looked at the purpose of a personal statement, what it should include, and how it should look on the page. Now let's zoom in on exactly how to write a winning statement.

When writing, keep in mind that the personal statement on your CV is your elevator pitch; it's the equivalent of the “Tell me about yourself” or “Why should I hire you?” question in an interview. Below, we break down what you need to include in your personal statement.

Part 1: Who you are

Your opening statement needs to tell the prospective employer where you stand in your career. 

This introduction could include your current role, years of experience, and what you like the most about your career or professional field. It gives the recruiter a hint of the qualities that make you valuable to the vacancy.

Your first sentence may read like so:

As a successful digital marketing professional with five years specialising in e-commerce, I have recently worked with several global brands in the sector to improve their marketing strategy and boost their reach.

Part 2: Your suitability and value

The next part of your statement should line up with the requirements in the job description and prove your relevant and impressive qualifications.

It's always best to address here the essential job specifications to articulate from the beginning that you're the right person for the job. For example, if the role requires management experience or a certain degree and you have these, say so.

Your middle sentences may look like this:

I have experience in optimising quality digital products via my most recent role and am therefore in tune with the latest developments across the online landscape. As a result, I have devised winning branding strategies for e-commerce businesses that are robust, customer-centric and set for aggressive growth.

Part 3: Your career goals

The last part of your personal statement should be short and snappy as it's reaffirming why you are applying for this vacancy.

It might read something like so:

I am currently looking for a senior branding or marketing management role within the e-commerce sector where I can maintain my strong track record and deliver similar results.

Complete CV personal profile examples

In addition to the samples above, here are a couple of complete personal statement examples to give you an idea of what yours should look like.

For a graduate, written in the third person:

A recent graduate with a first-class BSc degree in Mathematics, specialising in analytics and statistics. Holds commercial experience within the finance sector, thanks to an internship with a corporate UK business, and has resultantly developed technical skills in data science and data engineering. Has a proven ability to meet deadlines, prioritise, problem solve, and maintain high standards having balanced a part-time job alongside studies over the last three years. Now looking to secure a place on a graduate programme that will provide exposure to data science and career progression opportunities.

Addressing a recent redundancy, written in the first person:

I am a skilled and successful Product Engineer within the automotive industry, with an HND in mechanical engineering and seven years of experience in the sector. Having worked in a number of labs handling vehicle-based testing and mentoring development technicians, I am confident in managing teams in a hands-on environment and running new development projects from briefing to sign off. Currently looking for a role that complements my skill set and experience. Available immediately.

Writing your personal statement: common mistakes to avoid  

There are some common profile errors that you should avoid. Steer clear of these popular pitfalls to keep your personal statement as powerful as possible.

Buzzword overload

Are you an extremely self-motivated, ambitious professional with extensive experience and passion for a certain industry? We thought so.

Buzzwords are great, and you'll find them in abundance in job adverts. But it's best to sprinkle just a few through your personal statement as they don't particularly provide evidence of your skill or ability. It's much stronger to show the employer how you're self-motivated and ambitious with an example.

Using a generic personal statement

You might think that your personal statement can work for every application. For the most part, it will, because, in theory, the jobs you're applying for will be similar and match your skill set.

However, you must tweak and tailor your statement (and your entire CV) so that it targets the skills each vacancy requires. Otherwise, it won't be as impactful.

Including too much waffle

As you begin to plan and write the personal statement for your CV, you'll most likely find that you have a lot more to say than you originally thought. Be careful not to overwrite as you may be left with a statement that's clogged with too many adjectives and is clunky to read.

As a rule of thumb, highlight your best bits in your personal statement and save the details for your cover letter .

FAQs about your personal statement 

Now that we've shown you some examples of a personal statement on a CV, there's just one last thing to cover. Here are some frequently asked questions on the topic:

How long should a personal statement be?

When you're writing a personal statement for a CV, your word count should be between 50 and 200 words. Be sure not to waste any space with unnecessary waffle here. 

Does a personal statement have other names?

Yes! The personal statement on your CV may also be called a personal profile, a CV summary, or a professional summary. 

Does a CV (really) need a personal statement?

Yes, most CVs require a personal statement at the top of the page. Use our guide to help you write a summary that grabs the hiring manager's attention for the right reasons. 

Stand out with a winning personal statement

Writing a captivating personal statement on your CV is a quick way to hook potential employers. Make sure that your summary showcases what makes you unique and adds value to your application. 

Still unsure about your personal statement? Get in touch with one of our career experts by requesting a free CV critique today! 

Recommended reading: 

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Written communication: definition and examples

How long should a cover letter be and what should it include?

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See how your CV stacks up.

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• • Directed operations of a high-volume steakhouse, consistently achieving top 5% in company performance metrics.
• • Streamlined the table allocation process which led to a 20% increase in evening service efficiency.
• • Cultivated supplier relationships, negotiating contracts that reduced overall ingredient costs by 15%.
• • Implemented targeted staff training programs that resulted in a 35% reduction in service times.
• • Developed local marketing campaigns, increasing brand presence and monthly covers by 25%.
• • Established a guest feedback system to track service quality, resulting in a customer satisfaction score improvement to 95%.
• • Assisted in the overall business operations, contributing to a 30% growth in annual revenue.
• • Oversaw training and management of a staff team of 40, achieving a record low staff turnover rate of 5%.
• • Managed inventory control systems, cutting waste by 10% while maintaining supply quality.
• • Implemented customer relationship initiatives that increased repeat patronage by 40%.
• • Organized and executed special events, boosting off-peak sales by 50%.
• • Managed shift operations and staff for an Italian restaurant, increasing upsell strategies revenue by 20%.
• • Enhanced the reservation system, resulting in a 15% decrease in customer wait times.
• • Coordinated front and back of house communication, improving overall service delivery to diners.
• • Provided staff training to enhance service skills, leading to a 10% increase in positive online reviews.

Manager CV Examples & Guide for 2024

Your manager CV must showcase your leadership skills. Highlight your experience in guiding teams to success. Demonstrate your ability to make strategic decisions. Include examples of your problem-solving prowess that positively impacted business outcomes.

• CV Format Tips
• Summary or Objective?
• Experience on Your CV
• No Experience?
• Top CV Skills
• Education & Certifications
• Key Takeaways

Navigating the fine line between under- and overqualified candidates is a perennial CV challenge faced by managers seeking the ideal fit for their team. Our comprehensive guide provides you with the critical insights and practical tools necessary to efficiently identify the candidates whose skills and experience align perfectly with your company's needs.

• Answer job requirements with your manager CV and experience;
• Curate your academic background and certificates, following industry-leading CV examples;
• Select from +10 niche skills to match the ideal candidate profile
• Write a more succinct experience section that consists of all the right details.

Do you need more specific insights into writing your manager CV? Our guides focus on unique insights for each individual role:

• Business Development CV Example
• Business Consultant CV Example
• Business Manager CV Example
• Senior Business Analyst CV Example
• Business Analyst CV Example
• Management Consultant CV Example
• Category Manager CV Example
• Investment Manager CV Example
• Environmental Consultant CV Example
• Strategy Consultant CV Example

Structuring your manager CV layout: four factors to keep in mind

• Follows the reverse chronological order in the experience section by first listing your most recent jobs;
• Incorporates your contact information in the header, but do skip out on the CV photo for roles in the UK;
• Is spotlighted in the most important sections of your CV, e.g. the summary or objective, experience, education, etc. to show just how you meet the job requirements;
• Is no longer than two-pages. Often, the one-page format can be optimal for your manager CV.

Before submitting your CV, you may wonder whether to export it in Doc or PDF. With the PDF format, your information and layout stay intact. This is quite useful when your CV is assessed by the Applicant Tracker System (or the ATS) . The ATS is a software that scans your profile for all relevant information and can easily understand latest study on the ATS , which looks at your CV columns, design, and so much more.

Use font size and style strategically to create a visual hierarchy, drawing the reader's eye to the most important information first (like your name and most recent job title).

The top sections on a manager CV

• Professional Summary to highlight leadership skills because it sets the tone for the CV and showcases managerial expertise.
• Core Competencies section is crucial as it outlines the specific management skills and knowledge areas.
• Work Experience with measurable achievements to demonstrate how past management was effective and result-oriented.
• Educational Background to establish credibility and show relevant qualifications for the managerial role.
• Management Training & Certifications to present specialised knowledge and commitment to professional development.

What recruiters value on your CV:

• Highlight your leadership experience by showcasing specific examples of teams you've led, projects you've managed, and successful outcomes you've achieved, as this demonstrates your capability to take charge and deliver results.
• Emphasise your strategic thinking skills by mentioning occasions where you've contributed to long-term planning, decision-making processes, or the development of business strategies that have positively impacted the company.
• Detail your financial acumen by including instances where you've managed budgets, cut costs, or driven revenue growth, to show your ability to handle the financial responsibilities that come with managerial positions.
• Showcase your interpersonal and communication skills by providing examples of how you've successfully navigated conflict resolution, negotiations, or how you've built and maintained stakeholder relationships.
• Include any relevant managerial training, certifications, or continuous professional development initiatives you've undertaken that demonstrate a commitment to improving your management capabilities and staying updated with industry best practices.

Recommended reads:

• Reverse Chronological CV: Stuck in the Past or Future-Proof?
• How to Choose The Best Font For Your CV (Tips & Examples)

Tips and tricks on writing a job-winning manager CV header

The CV header is the space which most recruiters would be referring most often to, in the beginning and end of your application. That is as the CV header includes your contact details, but also a headline and a professional photo. When writing your CV header:

• Double-check your contact details for spelling errors or if you've missed any digits. Also, ensure you've provided your personal details , and not your current work email or telephone number;
• Include your location in the form of the city and country you live in. If you want to be more detailed, you can list your full address to show proximity to your potential work place;
• Don't include your CV photo , if you're applying for roles in the UK or US, as this may bias initial recruiters' assessments;
• Write a professional headline that either integrates the job title, some relevant industry keywords, or your most noteworthy achievement.

In the next part of our guide, we'll provide you with professional CVs that showcase some of the best practices when it comes to writing your headline.

Examples of good CV headlines for manager:

• IT Project Manager | PRINCE2 Certified | Agile Methodologies | Strategic Planning | 10+ Years Experience
• Marketing Manager | Brand Development | Digital Campaigns Expert | CIM Diploma | 5 Years Progressive Experience
• Financial Manager | ACCA Qualified | Budget Control | Risk Management | 15+ Years Senior-Level Insight
• Operations Manager | Efficiency Optimisation | Lean Six Sigma Black Belt | 8 Years Industry Leadership
• HR Manager | CIPD Certified | Talent Acquisition | Employee Relations | 12 Years People Management
• Sales Manager | B2B Sales Growth | CRM Specialist | Strategic Partnerships | Over 7 Years Expertise

What's the difference between a manager CV summary and objective

Why should it matter to you?

• Your manager CV summary is a showcasing your career ambitions and your unique value . Use the objective to answer why your potential employers should hire you based on goals and ambitions. The objective is the ideal choice for candidates who happen to have less professional experience, but still meet some of the job requirements.

Before you select which one will be more relevant to your experience, have a look at some industry-leading CV summaries and objectives.

CV summaries for a manager job:

• A results-driven finance manager with over 12 years of experience in optimising fiscal policies for improved profit margins within the retail sector. Skilled in embracing modern accounting technologies, leading successful teams, and implementing financial models that contributed to a 25% increase in cost-efficiency for a multinational corporation.
• Dynamic marketing manager with a decade's worth of experience refurbishing brand images, spearheading market penetration strategies, and orchestrating award-winning campaigns in the consumer goods sector, resulting in a turnover surge by 40% for a leading European brand.
• Former healthcare professional eager to transition into financial management, bringing 8 years of experience in hospital administration and a solid foundation in budgetary oversight, quantitative analysis, and strategic cost reduction initiatives aimed at enhancing efficiency without compromising patient care.
• Experienced software developer looking to leverage 15 years of technology expertise and a passion for solving complex problems, into a project management role within the construction industry. Known for innovating user-centric solutions which have propelled startup ventures into competitive market players.
• Keen to delve into the realm of project management, leveraging a strong academic background in business administration and a fervent zeal for team leadership. Committed to honing proficiency in agile methodologies and collaborative practices to exceed stakeholder expectations as a fresh entrant in the tech industry.
• A fresh MBA graduate with a thirst for knowledge and a determination to excel in the telecommunications sector, seeking to employ strategic thinking skills, nuanced understanding of market dynamics, and an inherent ability for persuasive communication to drive organisational success and growth.

The best formula for your manager CV experience section

The CV experience section is the space where many candidates go wrong by merely listing their work history and duties. Don't do that. Instead, use the job description to better understand what matters most for the role and integrate these keywords across your CV. Thus, you should focus on:

• showcasing your accomplishments to hint that you're results-oriented;
• highlighting your skill set by integrating job keywords , technologies, and transferrable skills in your experience bullets;
• listing your roles in reverse chronological order, starting with the latest and most senior, to hint at how you have grown your career ;
• featuring metrics, in the form of percentage, numbers, etc. to make your success more tangible.

When writing each experience bullet, start with a strong, actionable verb , then follow it up with a skill, accomplishment, or metric. Use these professional examples to perfect your CV experience section:

Best practices for your CV's work experience section

• Demonstrated effective leadership by consistently exceeding team targets and KPIs through strategic planning and performance optimisation techniques.
• Enhanced team productivity by implementing innovative project management tools and techniques, resulting in a 20% reduction in project turnaround time.
• Led a department of 30 employees, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional development that reduced staff turnover by 15%.
• Managed cross-functional teams to deliver complex projects within budget and timeline constraints, securing an average of 95% client satisfaction rating.
• Successfully negotiated contracts with key suppliers, achieving cost savings of up to 10% while maintaining high-quality standards.
• Initiated and executed a successful digital transformation strategy, which increased operational efficiency by 25% and enhanced data-driven decision-making.
• Developed and maintained strong, productive relationships with stakeholders, consistently managing expectations and project deliverables to ensure alignment with company goals.
• Implemented a comprehensive risk management framework that reduced project risks by 30% and ensured regulatory compliance across the board.
• Cultivated a culture of innovation that led to the introduction of two new market-leading products, directly contributing to a 10% increase in market share.
• Led a cross-functional team of 25+ towards the successful launch of a new product line, achieving a 20% market share within the first 6 months post-launch.
• Implemented rigorous cost-control measures across the department, successfully reducing operational expenses by 15% while maintaining team productivity.
• Drove a company-wide digital transformation initiative, integrating advanced CRM tools that improved customer relationship management and increased repeat business by 30%.
• Strategically realigned the regional sales strategy, leading to a sustained 10% year-on-year growth in a competitive market.
• Developed and fostered partnerships with key vendors, ensuring a 25% reduction in supply chain costs and an improvement in material sourcing lead-times.
• Championed the adoption of lean management principles that streamlined processes, resulting in increased operational efficiency and a 40% reduction in waste.
• Spearheaded a customer service overhaul that improved service delivery metrics by 50%, reflected in customer satisfaction surveys.
• Piloted a successful employee development program that reduced staff turnover by 20% and enhanced team capabilities through targeted training.
• Directed the negotiation and finalization of a major contract with a key client, securing a deal worth £5m over three years and expanding the company's industry footprint.
• Managed the turnaround of the underperforming North East division, improving performance by 35% within the first year through strategic planning and team leadership.
• Cultivated a culture of innovation that encouraged the development of a patent-pending inventory management system, enhancing stock visibility and reducing holding costs by 22%.
• Coordinated with marketing teams to create targeted campaigns that effectively penetrated new market segments, increasing brand awareness and customer base by 18%.
• Orchestrated the launch of a new flagship store, which became the top-performing location within its first year, driving an annual revenue increase of £1.2m.
• Introduced advanced data analytics to the sales forecasting process, resulting in a 15% improvement in inventory accuracy and reducing stock-outs.
• Fostered a collaborative work environment that improved team morale and reduced conflict, which played a key role in the store consistently exceeding sales targets by 10-15% each quarter.
• Guided the business through a critical growth phase, doubling the number of outlets from 15 to 30, while maintaining a strong EBITDA margin of 18%.
• Enhanced operational systems, processes, and policies in support of the organization's mission, leading to a 20% increase in overall efficiency.
• Championed a customer loyalty program that resulted in a 45% increase in repeat patronage, significantly boosting the brand's market position.
• Implemented a strategic growth plan that increased the company's footprint by entering into two new international markets, amplifying the annual revenue by £3m.
• Established a comprehensive risk management framework that reduced operational risks by 26% and safeguarded company assets.
• Optimized supply chain logistics by integrating a cutting-edge inventory tracking system that minimized stock discrepancies and saved £80k annually.
• Led organizational restructuring to improve efficiency, which contributed to a 15% increase in productivity and a 10% decrease in overhead costs.
• Directed a product rebranding strategy across all platforms, enhancing the brand's visibility and contributing to a 25% upsurge in sales.
• Negotiated with software vendors to implement a new ERP system that improved data accuracy and employee productivity by 20%.

Hard skills and soft skills to showcase your unique skill set on your manager CV

Did you know that your CV will mostly likely be assessed by recruiters based on skill alignment? And that means that the way you feature your key skills across different CV sections will play a crucial role in landing you that first interview. We recommend you add your:

• technical capabilities or hard skills in your CV experience, certificates, projects, etc. Use your past accomplishments to prove your technical capabilities. List up to a dozen different software or hardware in your dedicated skills section to match the job keywords;
• personal and communication skills or soft skills in your CV strengths, achievements, summary/ objective, etc. Soft skills are a bit more difficult to prove. How do you define your aptitude in active listening? So, instead of just listing the skill name, include a tangible metric to show your success.

On a final note, when you're in a hurry to create your profile, you may misspell a particular technology or soft skill. That's why we suggest you copy and paste the particular skill name (or keyword), directly from the job advert. This would also help you to pass any initial Applicant Tracker System (ATS) tests.

Top skills for your manager CV:

Project Management

Budgeting & Financial Management

Data Analysis

Performance Monitoring

Strategic Planning

Risk Management

Business Development

Operational Efficiency

Human Resources Management

Supply Chain Management

Communication

Problem Solving

Time Management

Decision Making

Adaptability

Conflict Resolution

Emotional Intelligence

Use mini case studies or success stories in your CV to demonstrate how your skills have positively impacted previous roles or projects.

Further professional qualifications for your manager CV: education and certificates

As you're nearing the end of your manager CV, you may wonder what else will be relevant to the role. Recruiters are keen on understanding your academic background, as it teaches you an array of hard and soft skills. Create a dedicated education section that lists your:

• applicable higher education diplomas or ones that are at a postgraduate level;
• diploma, followed up with your higher education institution and start-graduation dates;
• extracurricular activities and honours, only if you deem that recruiters will find them impressive.

Follow a similar logic when presenting your certificates. Always select ones that will support your niche expertise and hint at what it's like to work with you . Balance both technical certification with soft skills courses to answer job requirements and company values. Wondering what the most sought out certificates are for the industry? Look no further:

• How to Include CV Coursework on Your CV
• How to Showcase Your Educational Achievements on CV: Examples, Templates, & Guide for 2024

Key takeaways

Here are five things you need to remember about writing your manager CV for success:

• Sort your experience based on the reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent career items, to showcase how you've grown your career;
• Include within your CV header your relevant contact details, a headline that could spotlight your unique value, and a photo - if you're applying for roles outside the UK or US;
• Decide to use the CV summary, if you happen to have more professional experience, and an objective, if you want to showcase your career goals;
• Within the experience section, write your bullets using action verbs, skills, and success, instead of just merely listing your on-the-job responsibilities;
• Prove your technical skills, using your education and certificates, and your soft skills, with your achievements and strengths sections.

Looking to build your own Manager CV?

• CV Examples

Frequently Asked Questions About Manager CVs

Q: what should i include in my manager cv, q: how do i showcase my leadership abilities on my manager cv, q: should i tailor my manager cv to each job application.

Soft Skills: The Game Changers for Your CV

CV vs Resume: Differences, Similarities & Which One to Use

Crafting The Perfect CV Headline: Tips & Examples for 2024

The Ultimate Guide to Blank CV Templates (With Ready-To-Use Templates)

CV Length: How Long Should Your CV Be in 2024?

Crafting a Compelling CV Opening Statement (Examples Included)

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UK armed forces’ personal data hacked in MoD breach

Defence secretary to address MPs after names and bank details of armed forces members targeted by unnamed attacker

The Ministry of Defence has suffered a significant data breach and the personal information of UK military personnel has been hacked.

A third-party payroll system used by the MoD, which includes names and bank details of current and past members of the armed forces, was targeted in the attack. A very small number of addresses may also have been accessed.

The department took immediate action and took the external network, operated by a contractor, offline.

Initial investigations found no evidence that data had been removed, according to the BBC and Sky, who first reported the story. The Guardian understands MPs will be addressed on the matter in the Commons on Tuesday, with Grant Shapps, the defence secretary, expected to make a statement in the afternoon.

Ministers will blame hostile and malign actors, but will not name the country behind the hacking.

Affected service personnel will be alerted as a precaution and provided with specialist advice. They will be able to use a personal data protection service to check whether their information is being used or an attempt is being made to use it.

All salaries were paid at the last payday, with no issues expected at the next one at the end of this month, although there may be a slight delay in the payment of expenses in a small number of cases.

The shadow defence secretary, John Healey, said: “So many serious questions for the defence secretary on this, especially from forces personnel whose details were targeted.

“Any such hostile action is utterly unacceptable.”

The MoD first discovered the attack several days ago and has since been working to understand its scale and impact. In March the UK and the US accused China of a global campaign of “malicious” cyber-attacks, in an unprecedented joint operation to reveal Beijing’s espionage .

Britain blamed Beijing for targeting the Electoral Commission watchdog in 2021 and for being behind a campaign of online “reconnaissance” aimed at the email accounts of MPs and peers.

In response to the Beijing-linked hacks on the Electoral Commission and 43 individuals, a front company, Wuhan Xiaoruizhi Science and Technology Company, and two people linked to the APT31 hacking group were placed under sanctions.

But some of the MPs targeted by the Chinese state said the response did not go far enough, urging the government to toughen its stance on China by labelling it a “threat” to national security rather than an “epoch-defining challenge”.

The Conservative former leader Iain Duncan Smith repeated those calls, telling Sky News: “This is yet another example of why the UK government must admit that China poses a systemic threat to the UK and change the integrated review to reflect that.

“No more pretence. It is a malign actor, supporting Russia with money and military equipment, working with Iran and North Korea in a new axis of totalitarian states.”

In a statement on Tuesday morning, the MoD said: “The defence secretary will make a planned statement to the House of Commons this afternoon setting out the multi-point plan to support and protect personnel.”

A spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry said Beijing opposed and fought all forms of cyber-attack and it rejected using the issue for political ends to smear other countries.

• Ministry of Defence
• Data and computer security

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Northern Ireland police chief urged to consider position over data breach

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