If you haven't got a Personal Profile on your CV, you're missing a trick. Those few short sentences can be the difference between an attention-grabbing CV and one that disappears into the background.

It's 4 to 5 lines at the start of your CV that explain how you meet the criteria of the role and should be shortlisted for an interview and is the first thing a recruiter will see on your CV after your personal details. Sometimes you'll see it referred to as Personal Statement or Personal summary - I'm using Personal Profile in this article.

Your CV will have two audiences- the ATS and then the human that will be reviewing the shortlisted CVs. The last thing you want to have happen is for that person to say- Why am I still reading this? You'll have around 6-10 seconds to hook the recruiter's attention, and a well written personal profile can help you do that!

Here's how:

Your Personal Profile's job is to get the reader interested in finding out more about you so keep it short- the rest of your CV will drill down into the details. Think of it as a trailer for a movie or show, it should be engaging, concise, highlight your unique selling points, and make them want to know more. It's also one of the first examples of your communication skills so be strategic in what you include.

• It's always written in the first person and the "I" is always implied.
• Use actions words to define yourself academically, as well as professionally if you have work experience.
• Highlight 2 to 3 of the most relevant skills in relation to the role. Include a relevant achievement, something you did, improved delivered, designed etc. and add metrics, if possible, to give context or, qualify its impact if it can't be measured.
• Aim for a concise profile statement that is not more than three to five lines long. Ensure each sentence serves a purpose and contributes to your overall narrative. Less is more. Keep adjectives to a minimum- you want facts not subjective opinions.
• If you have work experience or internships you could reference part time jobs, temping and internships.
• If you have no work experience, focus on key transferable skills developed through academic projects, any extracurricular activities including any programmes and volunteering. Remember you're not the same person as when you started uni, you'll have had new experiences, so tease out those skills you've developed that are relevant. Your careers service can help you identify what those are.

Ask yourself the "So what?" questions.

Once you've written your Personal Profile, review it and ask yourself "So What? Why would this matter to a recruiter?"

• What does this say about what I can do in relation to this job opportunity?
• About What I have achieved?
• And about what my motivation is for applying. Always reference your career aspirations briefly at the end: how this fits into your career goals or aligns with your aspirations. If you have no experience, perhaps you're keen to apply your academic knowledge in a role, or if you've got some experience, perhaps you want to take your next steps in a career in that industry or with that company.

Building your narrative

Treat your Personal Profile as a prime piece of real estate- it's liquid gold and anything on it needs to be building the narrative you want to convey about the value you can add in the role. Your personal Profile will need to be tweaked and tailored for each role you apply for because each role will be different, and your profile needs to reflect the skills and experience that best align with the role to get you shortlisted. Always keep your language professional too.

Finally, remember - your CV is part of your Personal Brand eco-system so  your Personal Profile will always be unique to you- your experience, knowledge and skills - it's ALWAYS  your USP  (Unique Selling Point) that will make you stand out from other candidates with similar qualifications so leverage that for all it's worth. You're awesome and you're doing great!

Suggested Reading

> Online resource:  Writing a Personal Statement for your CV
> Video:  3 Tips on How to Write a CV Personal Statement | Examples This includes 23 examples of personal profiles you can use to help you craft yours.
> Your University Careers Service.    

By Anna Gordon - Certified Business Coaching Psychologist ABP CBCP