Three real-world examples showing how to tailor your personal statement to your career stage. Each sits at the top of your CV and sets the tone for everything below.
Recent BSc Computer Science Graduate
Motivated Computer Science graduate from the University of Birmingham with a strong foundation in Python, Java, and web development. Completed a final-year dissertation on machine learning classification models, achieving a first-class mark. Gained practical experience through a 12-week summer internship at Capgemini, where I contributed to an internal data dashboard used by over 300 consultants. Eager to apply my analytical skills and enthusiasm for clean code to a graduate software developer role in a collaborative, agile team.
Finance Manager
ACCA-qualified Finance Manager with eight years' experience in financial reporting, budgeting, and commercial analysis across manufacturing and retail sectors. Currently leading a team of four at Sovereign Industries, managing month-end close processes and delivering board-level financial reports. Achieved £180,000 in annual cost savings by redesigning the procurement approval workflow. Seeking a senior finance role where I can combine my technical expertise with strategic insight to drive business performance and support growth initiatives.
Teacher transitioning to UX Research
Empathetic and detail-oriented professional transitioning from secondary school teaching to UX Research, bringing seven years' experience in understanding diverse user needs, designing structured learning experiences, and synthesising qualitative data. Recently completed a Google UX Design Certificate and conducted three independent usability studies, including a redesign of a local council website that improved task completion rates by 35% in testing. My ability to ask the right questions, build rapport quickly, and translate complex findings into clear recommendations makes me a strong fit for a junior UX researcher position.