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Write a profile that packs a punch

The personal statement is your chance to shine. You get to show off your strengths, shout about your achievements and share your career aspirations. But clutter it up with boring business speak and you end up sounding like everyone else.

Here’s how to make your profile pop:

• In 50 to 150 words, tell them who you are (education and work history), what you can offer (skills and achievements) and your career aim (what job you want).

• Banish clichés such as ‘hard worker’ and ‘works well individually or as part of a team’.

• Make it specific to the job (if you’re applying directly) or to the type or role (if you’re working on a job site or with a recruitment agency).

Examples that sell...

“Enthusiastic school leaver with five GCSEs looking for an apprenticeship in the engineering field. Possessing good written and verbal communication and an interest in engineering which has spanned my lifetime with particular passion for electrics. For my GCSE Design & Technology project, I built a working calculator and was awarded an A*. Looking for a start in the exciting world of electrical engineering where I can learn a trade and realise a lifetime ambition.”

“A pro active sales professional with over 6 years experience. Working as a sales executive for BSkyB, I hit my sales targets and was promoted within two years. This role have enabled me to develop a valuable and transferable skill set which stands me in good stead for a Sales Manager role. ”

The devil’s in the detail

Your CV is not the place to get too personal. Share your love of social media, and your would-be manager might picture you tweeting through every meeting.

Instead, include hobbies and interests that demonstrate a particular skill or are relevant to the job you’re applying for:

• Captain of school hockey team (shows leadership)

• Volunteer/community work (shows you’re proactive)

Contact: 0345 3000 406 or customerservices@fish4.co.uk

• Visiting art galleries and museums (if applying for a job in something relevant...)

Likewise, steer clear of any personal information that doesn’t impact your ability to do the job, including:

• Date of birth, marital status, number of children or religion.

• Data that could be used in identity theft such as your National Insurance number or passport number.

• A photo, unless you’ve been asked to submit one.

Make it visible

Even the best written CV can’t do the job if no one sees it. When uploading to job sites, always select the ‘public’ or ‘visible’ option to ensure your details appear in search results.

Including job titles and keywords from your ideal job descriptions, such as sectors, qualifications and courses, will also help get you noticed.

And remember to keep your CV updated. Recruiters often filter by the last day, week or month so make sure your resume never reaches its sell by date.