CV Help?

rachel90

Hi all,

I've been temping since March and was told Friday that they don't need me anymore. I'm trying to sort my CV out and apply for a couple of jobs I've found. I'm struggling a bit with my personal statement. My question is, do I need a personal statement if I'm going to be sending a covering letter with my CV?

Thanks!
Ps, any tips on CV writing will be much appreciated!

**Juice**

I don't have a personal statement in my CV (like you I think that sort of stuff goes in your covering letter) and have experimented with adding one in sometimes and it doesn't seem to make a difference. I must admit I prefer filling in applications than sending in a CV!

claire16c

I have a small one at the top of my cv.

Then with a covering letter I would make that more about why I am applying to that specific company.

rachel90

I think having a personal statement just repeats all the stuff I will have said in my covering letters when really, they just want to read the covering letter and have the CV back up the experience you say you have?

I agree, much easier when you know what they want to know!!
Thanks

Peanutmac30

From my own viewpoint a personal statement is incredibly important for several reasons:

1. When reading through applicants details, I will always read the CV first, then look at the covering letter if I need more information - as far as I am concerned your application should be clear and concise, a busy person would rather read 1 double sided CV than several bits of paper.
2. A personal statement tells me an awful lot about you as a person, how you will fit in with my team, how competent you are, etc.
3. A covering letter should simply explain what you are applying for and have perhaps a small paragraph explaining why you would be right for the role. A personal statement however, is a whole paragraph about you and who you are as a person and as a worker - two totally different things in my book.

However, a personal statement does have to be well worded to have the best effect - minimise the "I"'s and try to make it interesting and show off your strengths as much as possible.

Your CV should be the most important thing, not your covering letter.

Peanutmac30

Oh, and tips on CV writing - clear, concise, honest. Ideal format should be personal statement, experience (in order of most recent job) with a brief outline of your role and your responsibilities, education history and hobbies/interest. Don't forget to put your contact details on. Tailor your CV to the job you are applying for - e.g. if it is in marketing make it specific to marketing and show how your previous roles have been relevant. Most importantly of all don't think of it as just a CV, it is your foot in the door and the ONLY impression a potential employer has of you.

brightonman123

think of the PS as a trailer for the main film (rest of CV)..

Caroline_a

I don't have a personal statement per se, I just have about half a dozen bullet points at the top of the CV (underneath my name, address) which highlights my occupational competencies. So it might say 'Experienced in a range of software packages, including Sage, SAP. Office 2005 - 2010,'