3-1 CV: Personal Statement

Summary

This video script focuses on crafting a powerful personal statement for a CV, emphasizing the 'one plus three plus one' formula. It advises starting with a clear job title and passion, followed by three sentences highlighting personal traits, relevant experiences, and skills. The final sentence should convey the value one can bring to a company. An example is provided, demonstrating how to articulate a position's passion, personal capabilities, and the potential impact on a company's growth, encapsulating the essence of a strong personal statement.

Takeaways

• 😀 Your personal statement is a key part of your CV, ideally 5-7 lines long.
• 📝 The structure for writing a personal statement follows the 1+3+1 formula: one sentence, three supporting sentences, and a final concluding sentence.
• 🏷️ The first sentence should clearly state the position you're applying for and your passion for it.
• 💬 The middle three sentences should highlight your personal traits, relevant skills, and experiences that align with the job.
• 🎯 It's important to demonstrate a strong understanding of the job description and its requirements.
• 💼 The final sentence should clearly express the value you can bring to the company.
• 📣 You should make it clear why you're the right fit for the job and how you can contribute to the company's success.
• ⚙️ Example: A business manager in the automotive industry can focus on how they drive growth and provide technical expertise in commercial projects.
• 🔑 The value proposition should emphasize how you exceed organizational expectations and create win-win scenarios.
• ✍️ Remember to apply the 1+3+1 structure to keep your personal statement concise and impactful.

Q & A

What is the purpose of a personal statement on a CV?

A personal statement on a CV is a brief introduction that helps potential employers get to know you within one minute, showcasing your passion for the position you're applying for and your value to the company.

How many lines should a personal statement ideally be?

A personal statement should ideally be between five to seven lines long to effectively communicate your value and passion without being too lengthy.

What is the suggested structure for writing a personal statement?

The suggested structure for a personal statement is 'one plus three plus one': one sentence stating the position and your passion, three sentences about your personal characteristics and relevant experiences, and one sentence on the value you can bring to the company.

Why is it important to clearly state the position you're applying for in the personal statement?

Stating the position clearly helps recruiters to better understand and remember which role you're applying for, especially when they are handling multiple recruitment processes.

What should the middle three sentences of the personal statement focus on?

The middle three sentences should focus on your personal characteristics, necessary experiences, and skills that make you suitable for the job, demonstrating your understanding of the job description.

How can the last sentence of the personal statement demonstrate your value to the company?

The last sentence should clearly state why you are the right fit for the job and what unique contributions you can make to the company, aligning with its goals and objectives.

What is an example of a well-structured personal statement provided in the script?

An example from the script is: 'A highly effective business manager with a passion for the automotive industry, committed to driving the growth of AC charging at ABB, by providing translating commercial products into technical specifications. My goal is to deliver services that go beyond organizational expectations, creating a win-win scenario for everyone involved. Dedicated to supporting ABB in further extension of your market reach and success beyond 12k cloud-based charging solutions across more than 70 countries.'

Why is it beneficial to create a win-win scenario as mentioned in the example personal statement?

Creating a win-win scenario is beneficial as it shows that you are not only focused on personal success but also on the mutual benefit of all parties involved, including colleagues, customers, and suppliers.

How can the personal statement help in supporting the company's market reach as indicated in the example?

By stating a commitment to supporting the company's market reach, the personal statement shows that the candidate is aligned with the company's expansion goals and is proactive in contributing to its growth.

What is the significance of the 'one plus three plus one' formula in crafting a personal statement?

The 'one plus three plus one' formula is significant as it provides a clear and concise structure that allows the candidate to effectively communicate their passion, qualifications, and value in a short and impactful manner.

How can the personal statement help in standing out to recruiters?

A well-crafted personal statement can help stand out to recruiters by clearly articulating the candidate's passion, relevant experiences, and the specific value they can bring to the company, making it easier for recruiters to identify a good fit for the role.