cv personal statement tense

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How to Write a CV Personal Statement + Examples

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You know you can beat the competition with your qualifications. But if you fail to catch the hiring manager’s attention, they won’t even know you’re worth a call. That’s why you need a surefire method to show your value straight away. And an impressive personal CV statement can do that very thing.

This guide will show you:

• 20+ personal statement examples to inspire you.
• What is a CV statement and why your job application needs it.
• How to write a personal profile step-by-step.

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Are you writing a resume? We’ve got articles dedicated to resume profiles:

• How to Write a Resume Profile (+ Samples)
• Resume Summary Examples & Writing Tips
• What Is a Resume Objective? (+ Examples)

Need to write a CV? Check these guides:

• How to Write a CV for a Job
• Best CV Format in 2024
• What Is a CV & When Do You Need It?
• Academic CV Example & Writing Tips
• What to Include in a CV for a Job
• Best Free CV Templates for Word

Keep reading to learn what’s a CV profile and how to make a strong personal profile for your job application:

What Is a Personal Statement for a CV or Resume?

A personal statement , also called a CV profile, is a short paragraph at the top of your application. It’s like an elevator pitch: a catchy summary of your expertise, skills, and achievements. Think of it as an introduction to your CV. 

Why do you need a CV profile? Well, an eye-tracking study shows that well-performing CVs include a personal statement at the top of the document. An average recruiter takes around 6–8 seconds to look at a job application, so it’s very important to grab their attention straight away.

This image shows a heatmap of eye activity. And as you can see, readers usually read the whole personal profile and skimmed through the rest of the CV. That’s why it’s important to put extra effort into your CV profile—your success may depend on it!

If you don’t feel comfortable showing off your strengths, you should practice more. Check here: How to Talk About Your Greatest Strengths

How to Write a Personal Statement in 6 Steps

Writing about yourself is not easy, even for natural storytellers. Yes, you’re supposed to show how great you are, but you also can’t appear arrogant. Striking the right balance can be difficult.

So, what’s the best approach to crafting a CV profile? Leave it till you fill in all the other sections of your CV. Then, you can simply combine the most impressive parts to make a nice personal statement that sounds like an elevator pitch .

Here’s how to write a personal statement step-by-step:

1. Say Who You Are in the First Sentence

The first sentence of your personal profile must show that you’re a serious candidate for the job. So, skip your zodiac sign or your favorite football team, even if they’re a big part of who you are. Focus on your job title or degree, add a good word to describe yourself , and mention your professional experience. Plus, skip personal pronouns.

Here’s an example: Motivated project manager with 5+ years of experience in creative agencies.

2. Show Skills Tailored to the Job Posting

Next, highlight 2–3 skills for the job. How will you know which skills to mention on your CV ? Easily—just take a look at the job advertisement and see which abilities are required. Your personal profile must be tailored to the job offer, so add only the skills that match it closely.

For example: the job ad says “Looking for someone with good an eye for details and strong communication skills.” Then, your CV profile can state: Detail-oriented and communicative . 

3. State a Specific Goal That Aligns with the Company

The next part of your personal statement for a resume or CV should focus on what you want to achieve . But not just for yourself—for the company you’re applying to. Showing a concrete goal that will be beneficial to the company will get them thinking about your value straight away.

For example: Eager to use the Agile approach to coordinate advertising projects within established deadlines and improve the efficiency of creative teams at Flowerpot Visuals Inc.

4. Mention Relevant Experience or Background

Having relevant experience is like owning a ticket that admits you to the job you want. So, your personal profile must say a word or two about your professional background. Read the job advertisement again, and focus on what responsibilities await you in this role. Then, try to recall similar experiences from your previous jobs or other activities (yes, the academic experience can count, too).

For example: At Sunlight Video Prod, led 4 advertising campaigns involving cooperation between cross-functional teams through all development stages.

5. Provide Facts & Figures to Back Up Achievements

While having experience is valuable, owning relevant achievements is pretty much priceless. To make your accomplishments stand out, use numbers. How? Mention budgets, savings, value increases, and even groups of people you worked with. Saying “trained people during onboarding” sounds fine, but stating “trained 100+ people during onboarding” is much more impressive.

For example: In 2022, saved $23,000 by outsourcing technical maintenance teams.

6. Keep It Short and on Point

Your personal statement is not your biography. It should be around 2–5 sentences long. Remember, you want to convince the hiring manager to read the rest of your CV, so there’s no need to provide a lot of detail in your personal profile.

Want to make the writing process even faster? Try this CV profile template:

Personal Profile Template

[Personality trait] + [job title] + [years of experience] . Keen/Eager to use [two skills] to [specific goal] at [company name] . At [previous company] , helped/managed to [past achievement] .

Let’s see a comparison of a good personal profile and a badly-written CV profile:

CV Personal Profile Example

The first CV profile features all the good elements mentioned above:

• a brief introduction of the candidate
• a career goal
• and relevant achievements

Plus, the tone is professional and perfect for a job application.

The second personal profile example is different—while it expresses the candidate’s enthusiasm, it doesn’t mention relevant experience, uses weak language instead of achievement statements, and focuses too much on what the applicant wants to gain.

Now, head on to the next chapter to see more personal profile examples for various job types.

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20+ Personal Statement Examples

These CV profile examples can help you grasp what a great personal profile looks like even easier. I’ve included samples for different types of candidates, including experienced and student applicants, as well as examples for different job types. Enjoy!

Personal Statement Examples for Experienced Candidates

As an experienced candidate, you should highlight your expertise in the CV profile. Show off achievements, certifications, and valuable knowledge to impress employers.

CV Profile Example: Marketing Jobs

Motivated growth marketer with a background in sales and 5+ years of experience in an international corporation. Eager to provide leadership excellence to expand the customer base and increase revenue at SeaBluSea Trading. Developed a new sales strategy and workforce training program to boost sales by 32% within a year. 

See more: Sample CV for Marketing Jobs

Personal Profile for CV Example: Teaching Assistant Jobs

Empathetic teaching assistant with 2+ years of tutoring experience. Eager to support learners at Stars Learning Academy by providing personalized assistance to students with learning difficulties. Helped improve the academic performance of 11 students using 1:1 tutoring and task-based learning methodology.

See more: Teaching Assistant CV Sample (+ Instructions)

Profile Summary for CV—Sample for IT Support Jobs

Energetic IT consultant with 2+ years of experience in a call center environment. Enthusiastic about assisting StarCloud customers and solving their problems using a combination of technical knowledge and interpersonal skills. Achieved 100% customer satisfaction rate for six consecutive months at White Page Solutions.

See more: IT Support CV Example + How to Write

Personal Career Profile Sample for a Graphic Designer

Creative graphic designer specializing in 3D modeling and printing. Proficient in Blender, Autodesk Inventor, and Adobe software. Eager to create 3D models for new merchandise based on technical specifications and draft illustrations at PromoHouse. In 2022, designed a series of 10+ high-quality 3D medical models for Atlanta Medical School.

See more: Sample Graphic Designer Resume & Tips

CV Profile Sample for Software Engineers

Goal-oriented software engineer with 8+ years of experience. Certified Java SE 8 Programmer. Can’t wait to join Fay Ro House and create bug-free code for new applications at all stages of software development. At Greynox, mentored 20+ interns and junior developers during onboarding.

See more: Software Engineer CV: How to Write & Examples

Personal Statement for Nurse CV

Registered Nurse with 3 years of experience in a clinical setting. Current BCLS certification holder. Keen to provide high-quality patient care through all nursing activities using professional knowledge and interpersonal skills at Augusta Health. Improved nursing team efficiency by 18% using new assessment sheets in 2020. 

See more: Registered Nurse CV Example & Writing Tips

Personal Profile for Project Manager CV

Data-driven project manager with strong leadership and a goal-oriented attitude. Eager to optimize processes and increase KPIs at BaSee Ltd. In 2022, implemented new reporting patterns and project trackers to exceed targets by 22%.

See more: Sample Project Manager CV & Writing Guide

Personal Statement Example for Teaching Jobs

Passionate history teacher with 6+ years of experience in public high schools. Keen to motivate learners and help them reach their academic aspirations using new technologies and meaningful classroom activities at St. Valley High. In 2022, coached four students for the National History Bowl competition.

See more: Teacher CV Example & Tips

CV Profile for HR Jobs

Motivated HR professional with 4 years of experience in a corporate environment. Eager to support employees at Orb Inc. by leading new hire orientation and implementing recognition programs. At RectAngle, increased employee retention by 28% through team building and recognition efforts.

See more: How to Write a CV for HR Jobs

Personal Statement Examples for Students

Not all employers want to work with students. You need to convince them that you’ve got the skills and will to perform well at your desired job. In a personal profile, highlight relevant abilities, knowledge, and experience from academic activities, volunteer work, or part-time jobs.

Personal Profile for College Student CV

Third-year Literature student with strong interpersonal and customer service skills. Eager to advise customers of Firefly Stationery Shop to inform them about available products and help them make satisfactory purchases. Worked part-time in the college bookstore in 2021–2023.

Learn more: How to Write a CV for a College Student

CV Profile Sample for Business Administration Graduates

Goal-oriented Business Administration graduate seeking an Administration Assistant position at Petal Designs. Keen to use data-analysis skills and best management principles to find opportunities for process improvements. Initiated the use of project trackers to reduce unnecessary email communication by 29% during a six-month internship at Orb Technologies.

Learn more: CV for Graduates: Examples & Writing Tips

Personal Statement for a High-School Student CV

Motivated high-school student seeking a part-time cashier position. Eager to assist customers and keep the shop inventory in order at A&D Thrift Store. Excellent math and communication skills. Gained customer service skills while volunteering at a school bake sale in December 2022.

Learn more: High-School Student CV Example & Instructions

CV Profile for Internships

Driven Communications student seeking an internship with Moon Fly International. Fluent in Spanish and German. Enthusiastic about providing high-quality translations for newsletters and internal communications while putting newly acquired knowledge to good use. Completed courses in Communication Policy, Media and Mass Communication, and Interpersonal Relations with a current GPA of 3.91.

Learn more: How to Write a CV for Internships

Personal Statement Examples for Entry-Level Applicants

If you’re an entry-level candidate, your CV profile must show professionalism. Mention transferable skills and any relevant experience you have, even from volunteer activities or school projects.

Personal Profile for Entry-Level Customer Service CV

Motivated Music Theory student seeking an entry-level customer service job. Eager to provide advice and resolve customer queries at TicketFly using interpersonal skills and a problem-solving attitude. Developed time-management skills, patience, and empathy while working part-time as a babysitter in 2020–2022.

Check here for more information: Customer Service CV Example

CV Profile Sample for Entry-Level Sales Jobs

Personable high-school graduate with strong communication and math skills. Enthusiastic about joining the Red Dot Accessories sales team to inform customers about available products and promotions. Gained cash handling and sales experience while volunteering at Doggos Support Doggos’ charity events in 2022.

Check here for more information: How to Write a Sales Associate CV

Entry-Level Personal Statement Example for Personal Assistant CV

Goal-driven senior BBA student seeking an entry-level PA position. Great communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills. Eager to optimize meeting schedules, organize work duties, and plan travel itineraries for the CFO of B&G Inc. Organized 3 fundraising events while serving as Phi Kappa Phi sorority president in 2022–2023. Excelled in administrative duties while volunteering with Ribbon Rainbows Charity in 2021–2023.

Check here for more information: Personal Assistant CV Sample (Entry-Level & Experienced)

CV Profile Sample for Entry-Level Cashier Jobs

Energetic high-school graduate with a people-oriented and positive attitude. Reliable and trustworthy. Applying for the entry-level cashier position at WalCo Markets to provide high-quality and efficient service for customers. 

Check here for more information: Cashier CV Example

Entry-Level Personal Statement Example for Waitress Jobs

Freshman Fine Art student seeking a part-time waitress position at Healthy You. Keen to provide great service by helping patrons choose the best menu choices that match their preferences. Demonstrated great customer service skills while hosting school events at Sunny View High School.

Check here for more information: How to Write a CV for Waitress Jobs

Plus, a great cover letter that matches your resume will give you an advantage over other candidates. You can write it in our cover letter builder here.  Here's what it may look like:

See more cover letter templates and start writing.

Key Takeaway

Here’s a quick reminder of the formula for a great CV profile.

How to write a strong personal statement for a CV:

• Introduce yourself in the first sentence.
• Mention skills that match the job requirements.
• Name a goal you want to achieve for the company.
• Show your relevant experience.
• Demonstrate accomplishment with numbers.
• Limit your personal profile to 2–5 sentences max.

And that’s all!

Do you struggle with writing a personal profile from scratch? What’s the hardest part for you? Have you got any tips for other readers? Let us know in the comments below!

About Zety’s Editorial Process

This article has been reviewed by our editorial team to make sure it follows Zety's editorial guidelines . We’re committed to sharing our expertise and giving you trustworthy career advice tailored to your needs. High-quality content is what brings over 40 million readers to our site every year. But we don't stop there. Our team conducts original research to understand the job market better, and we pride ourselves on being quoted by top universities and prime media outlets from around the world.

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How to Write a CV Personal Statement [+4 Real-life Examples]

Creating an effective CV takes time and close attention to detail. You've already included your jobs and experience , and now you want to allow the recruiter or hiring manager to understand the strategic value you can add.

This is when you need to utilize a personal statement at the top of your CV.

How to Write a CV Personal Statement [+4 Real-life Examples] 

What is a Personal Statement? 

A personal statement is a few brief and direct sentences at the top of your CV. The personal statement is also referred to as a career summary or personal mission statement.

This is used to grab the attention of the recruiter or hiring manager and summarizes essential experiences or training that you can bring to this position.

Why do I Need a Personal Statement?

A recruiter or hiring manager is tasked with sorting through an enormous amount of resumes every single day. A personal statement is a way to separate yourself from the other applicants.

This statement summarizes your experience and highlights your unique talents . The CV personal statement is meant to demonstrate why you are the perfect fit for the job. 

Even med students need a medical school personal statement , as it is what differentiates them from all the other students applying. Plus, it allows them to share their personal stories and objectives.

Where do I Start? 

Always begin by reading the job description carefully and thoroughly.

Your personal statement should be tailored to each job description, so it explicitly states the value you’ll bring to the position you are applying. A generic personal statement cannot do that. 

Once you have a solid handle on the job description, you can begin writing. It’s important to keep your personal statement brief, about 50-200 words will do.

Don’t forget that you have your whole cover letter to show some personality and include engaging content.

The personal statement should be a quick summary that highlights why you are the best person for the job. 

You’ll need to decide whether you are writing your personal statement in first- or third-person. This should follow how you've written the rest of your CV.

For example, if you've already written, “I grew and developed a team of 50 salespeople,” in your CV then you will want to keep your personal statement in first-person to match the prevailing style.

No matter what you choose, make sure that you keep it consistent throughout. Do not switch between first- and third-person as that will get confusing to the hiring manager.

Writing a personal statement for your CV in first-person does not mean you need to start every sentence with “I.”

There are ways to craft your personal statement to sound snappy, concise and personal, and here are a few examples to help inspire your personal statement. 

CV Personal Statement Examples

It doesn’t matter what chose as your desired career or how much experienc e you have, use these examples to drive the creation of your own personal statement.

You can take snippets from each or write something completely different. Always remember that your personal statement is a reflection of yourself and should align with your own personal goals and experience.

If these examples don’t fit your exact career, feel free to take some pointers and write yours from scratch. 

#1: Personal Statement Example for Recent Graduate CV

“As a recent graduate from university, with an honors degree in communications, I held several internships within leading organizations, including Bertelsmann. These internships enabled me to gain experience in the field and learn how to serve up valuable contributions in a fast-paced, professional environment.”

Explanation: This example should be customized to include the university you’ve graduated from and any relevant internships. A compelling personal statement always highlights relevant skills and experiences.

In this case, a recent graduate does not have extensive experience in the workforce, so soft skills like experiencing success in a fast-paced work environment and becoming a trusted team member become even more critical.

#2: Personal Statement Example for Returning to the Workforce CV

“A highly motivated and experienced office administrator, I am currently looking to resume my professional career after an extended hiatus to raise my family. Proficient in all Microsoft Office programs, I can lead meetings and work with clients to keep your office running smoothly and efficiently. After spending several years volunteering as an administrative worker for a local charity, I am committed to resuming my professional career on a full-time basis.”

Explanation: After time off from a career, it can be hard to break back into the market. This personal statement outlines the reason for the break, the relevant qualifications and what the applicant has been doing in between jobs.

Any volunteer experience becomes highly relevant when there is no concrete professional experience to draw upon, to demonstrate the use of those skills. 

#3: Personal Statement Example for a Career Change CV

“With over 15 years as a sales manager, I have extensive experience building high-functioning sales teams that consistently achieve budget numbers. In fact, my ability to grow talent led to a 20% increase in annual renewals across the board. Now, after 15 years, I am seeking new challenges to flex my marketing muscles in a fast-paced environment.” 

Explanation: When changing careers , it's essential to highlight skills that are transferable between industries.

In this case, leadership and team-building experience can apply to any industry. Homing in on concrete numbers and percentages increases credibility when applying for a position.

The applicant ends with the reason behind the desired career change. This part is not necessary but may be appealing to some hiring managers who are wondering what the impetus for the career change.

#4: Personal Statement Example for a Experienced Professional CV

“As a friendly, professional and highly trained educator, I am passionate about teaching and have an innate ability to understand student’s needs. Creating a safe and productive environment for optimal learning is my top priority. I’ve worked as a teacher for nearly 10 years in a variety of subjects and my experience and skill set make me the perfect fit for your team.”

Explanation: With more experience comes more skills and a better idea of strengths and weaknesses. Showcasing your passion for the industry is a great way to begin a personal statement, as it shows the hiring manager your dedication to the craft. 

A personal statement can be written in many different ways, but it is ultimately up to you to determine what skills you want to highlight for your chosen position.

You can follow these examples or take learnings from each to contribute towards your personal statement. 

If you understand the job you are applying for and know the unique skill set that you bring to the table, you will have a stellar personal statement for your CV that will get you across the table from the hiring manager in no time.  

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• How to Write a CV (Curriculum Vitae) in 2024 [31+ Examples]
• 43+ Resume Tips and Tricks to Land Your Next Job
• 150+ Must-Have Skills for Any Resume  [With Tips + Tricks]
• How to Answer “Tell Me About Yourself”

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Writing a personal statement for your CV

CV personal statements are like the sales pitch of your CV, but not everyone thinks they're useful. Discover if they're really necessary, how to write a CV personal profile and templates for inspiration

What is a CV personal statement?

A CV personal statement is a concise paragraph or summary, which details what you can bring to a job or company. It's also known as an opening statement, personal profile, personal summary or executive summary.

Sitting at the top of your CV, it's your opportunity to sell yourself to employers and to highlight the relevant skills and experience you possess.

While effectively and succinctly convincing recruiters that you're a good fit for the role, a personal statement gives you the chance to show off your strengths and share your career goals.

'The focus of your CV statement should be to target your offer to employers - why should they hire you and how are you different to other graduates? Therefore, making your personal statement as unique as possible is crucial to ensure you stand out from the crowd,' explains Alex Proctor, careers consultant at the University of Bradford.

Do I need a personal summary on my CV?

Traditionally, almost all CV types include a personal statement but there is some debate about whether you actually need to include one.

Some recruiters and careers advisers believe that personal profiles are one of the most important parts of a CV, as they provide an easily accessible overview of a candidate's ability, while others feel that personal statements are a waste of valuable space and time.

The latter belief is often the case with graduate CVs, as some employers feel that those just stepping onto the career ladder don't necessarily have enough knowledge or experience to warrant a personal statement. Because of this, a graduate's personal profile runs the risk of being bland and generic and stating things that should be a given, such as, 'I'm hardworking and organised,' which is why some recruiters believe that they are best suited to more senior CVs.

So while your CV doesn't need a personal statement, employers spend only seconds looking at application documents. With this in mind, a CV personal statement gives you an invaluable opportunity to make your application stand out as quickly as possible.

Alex believes 'that a CV personal statement is a good idea, because employers often have so many CVs to read through and the personal statement, if clear and concise, can elevate your chances of getting through to the next stage of the recruitment process.'

If you'd like to include a personal statement on your CV it might be best, as a graduate, to focus on your educational background and the career path you'd like to embrace. If you have relevant experiences use these to make your personal statement unique. 'If you haven’t got much work experience, focus on what experience you can extract from your degree,' advises Alex. 'If you have taken part in various projects demonstrate what your role was. Alternatively, if you have written a dissertation, showcase your topic and what skills you have developed from this experience. Employers will value your individuality even if you haven't had masses of practical work experience.'

If you're struggling to give it context and get it right, make an appointment with your university's careers or employability service and ask an adviser to help you hone your writing. 

What should I include in my CV personal profile?

In terms of length, a CV personal profile should be no longer than 150 words. 'It should be short, impactful and aligned effectively with the CV content,' explains David Ainscough, careers consultant team lead and deputy director at the University of Cambridge.

'A personal CV profile should include details of your educational background, evidence of work experience, as well as your career aspirations. You ideally need to ensure you are telling the reader what you can offer skill-wise and don't be afraid to also share any accomplishments,' adds Alex.  

If you're struggling with what to write, break your personal statement down into three parts. Focus on:

• who you are
• what you can offer
• your career aims.

Start by introducing yourself. For example, 'A recent graduate with a 2:1 in English literature from the Hillview University' or a 'Highly-skilled physiotherapist with five years’ experience…'

Next, detail what you can offer the company. Ask yourself why you're suited to the role and cover any relevant skills or experience. If you lack practical work experience instead draw attention to your academic achievements, such as contributing to university publications, which developed written communication, attention to detail and teamworking skills. Or how you applied skills learned on your physical therapy degree during your time as a physio assistant for university sport teams.

Conclude your personal statement by highlighting your career goals. For example, 'I am looking to start my career in the exciting world of publishing and to develop the skills learned through my university studies and internships.'

It's up to you how you present this information; there is no hard and fast rule. However, personal statements are generally displayed as a single paragraph, without a title or subheading. You'll need to keep it consistent with the rest of your CV formatting, meaning that the font size and type will need to be the same throughout your document.

Also, consider the voice and tense you'd like to use. Personal statements can be written in either the first or third person, but you'll need to maintain this voice throughout - don't switch between the two.

Take a look at  how to write a CV .

How can I make it stand out to employers?

• 'Remember that first impressions count so make sure you're giving the recruiter a comfortable reading experience. Layout and clarity are crucial,' says David.
• Tailor your CV personal statement (and CV in general) to each application.
• Be honest. Untruths are easy to uncover and lying on your CV is a criminal offence.
• Provide evidence of skills and experience but remember to keep it brief. For example, 'experienced event manager, who led a team to organise a charity ball for 150 people, raising £5,000 - a 20% increase on previous years.'
• Use the job description to help form your CV personal profile.
• Stick to the word limit.
• Check for spelling and grammar mistakes. The personal summary sits at the top of your CV so any errors will be immediately apparent.
• 'Keep it fresh. It needs to be reviewed in each application you make so consider something new to say each time,' adds David.
• Read it aloud once you've finished writing to make sure it flows.
• Copy and paste from your  cover letter or from online CV personal statement examples. Your personal summary needs to be unique and personal to you.
• Include unnecessary personal information such as your age, marital status etc.
• Use clichés, slang or jargon.
• Use bland, empty statements like 'I work well independently and as part of a team'. This tells employers absolutely nothing about what you’re capable of.
• Overuse buzzwords.
• Include quotes from previous employers.
• Ramble. Recruiters don't have time to read through waffle, so get to the point.

Think about the connotations of the words you use - 'currently studying' implies things might change, 'trying' implies failure, 'might' or 'maybe' sounds like you're not sure. The words you use have power so choose them carefully. You want to sound confident, positive and enthusiastic.

Find out more about the  top 7 CV mistakes .

CV personal statement examples

To help you get started take a look at the following CV personal profile examples.

As a recent graduate from the University of Townville, with a 2:1 honours degree in marketing, I have undertaken internships at industry-leading agencies such as Beyond Imagination and Noah Freemans. These placements have allowed me to develop sector knowledge and gain hands on experience, as well as expand transferable skills such as commercial awareness, communication and negotiation and analytical skills. My career aim is to gain a role which allows me to further my expertise and take on increased responsibility at a market-leading digital marketing agency.

I am a highly motivated 2:1 forensic science graduate from Groveshire University, looking to secure a graduate position that enables me to use and develop my analytical, attention to detail and communication skills. I have gained relevant experience in both scientific and hospital laboratories, which allowed me to build on my problem solving, concentration and team working skills. My career goal is to assume a role that enables me to analyse and interpret forensic data and to eventually move into crime scene investigation.

Remember; avoid copying and pasting ready-made examples. Instead use them as a guide to craft your own, tailored CV personal statement. Take a look at our  example CVs .

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CV Personal Statement:  Examples and Actionable Tips

Fact: recruiters spend only 6 seconds reviewing each CV. So poorly organized CVs inevitably get discarded. 

Having an effective CV layout is the first step to attracting their attention. And the second step is topping that CV with a compelling personal statement (also known as a personal profile, personal summary, or executive summary).

What is a Personal Statement in a CV? 

A personal statement for a CV is a short and compelling paragraph that summarizes why you’re the most qualified person for the offered role. It tells the reader who you are and what valuable qualifications you will be bringing to their company.

NB : Opening statement, personal profile, personal summary, or executive summary are the other common names for a personal statement. 

Many believe that the work experience section is the most important element of a CV. Yet, it is your personal statement that can end up making or breaking the success of your job application. 

Because it provides the reader with a quick answer to one question they have on their mind: Are you qualified for the job or not? 

Remember: You’ll be directly competing with numerous other applicants with similar skills and work experiences. A compelling CV statement sets you apart by giving the reader a condensed snapshot of who you are as a person. 

Do I Need To Include a Personal Statement On My CV?

The short answer is YES! A personal statement entices the reader to read your entire CV by giving them a preview of your most valuable skills. It also helps you differentiate from other candidates by explaining your background, motivation, and personal character traits concisely. 

In essence, a personal statement helps you express why you are the right choice for the job in one condensed paragraph.

Where Should a Personal Statement Go in a CV?

A personal statement goes into the header area of your CV. Include it right under your name and contact details as a separate, highlighted area. A good personal statement is about 3-4 sentences long and occupies not more than 1/4th of the page. 

Alternatively, you can design a two-column CV and allocate the upper sidebar area for your personal statement. As a recent survey found, 77% of recruiters prefer two-column CVs to single-column ones.

Sample personal statement placement on a CV template

What Do You Write in a CV Personal Statement?

A compelling personal statement summarizes your professional and educational background; highlights the main skills and accomplishments. It can also express your career objectives and/or interest in the particular industry or subject if you’re a current student or recent graduate.  

Personal Statement Examples for CV 

To give you an idea of how to write your statement, let’s look at some examples.

Remember: You need to write a unique personal statement for your CV. Simply copying and using these examples may not be the best move because the sample CV statements won’t reflect your unique experiences and personality. 

Good CV Personal Statement Examples

Employers want to see experts. Therefore, your personal statement must speak directly to your most marketable skills. 

You should never come off sounding desperate or diminish your worth (even if you have been recently laid off ). Use a confident tone with first-person implied and strong verbs to describe your core competencies and other benefits you can bring to the workplace. 

General Jobseeker Personal Statement Example

Highly motivated, fully trained engineer with 15 years of experience in the telecoms industry. Worked with XYZ Telecoms Ltd, Cool Mobile Carrier, and Acme Telco as a field engineer and project team leader. Successfully managed large commercial telecom infrastructure installations. Currently unemployed due to the relocation of the company. Open to new opportunities in NOC. 

Personal Statement CV Example For an Administration Position 

Adaptable and resourceful facilities manager with experience in supporting enterprise-sized organizations in real estate, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing industries. Strong organizational skillset: Six Sigma, standardized method of procedure (MOP) policies implementation. Was responsible for facilities operations on 2.4 million square feet in a 20-building chemical manufacturing campus, serviced by a 20+ people team of building engineers, electricians, HVAC technicians, and cleaners.

Accountant Personal Statement CV Examples

Below are two samples for a senior and a junior accountant. 

Chartered Accountant 

ACCA-certified accountant for mid-market and enterprise-sized companies. Conducted due diligence and tax audits for FTSE 500 companies. Commenced for a 100% accuracy track record in financial reporting, as well as fast turnaround on complex analytical reviews. Provide on-demand advisory on trust setup, company incorporation, and tax deferrals. 

Account Assistant 

Detail-oriented, certified accounting assistant with experience in payroll administration. Familiar with Gusto, Xero, and Intuit software. Effectively process payroll, benefits, taxes, and social contributions for over 1500 employees per month. Possess a strong foundation in employee classification,  tax reporting, and financial management. 

CV Personal Statement Examples for Students

Whether you’re applying for an internship or looking for a part-time job , a compelling personal is a must-have for a student CV. 

Since your work experience history may be a bit “thin”, you need to persuade the employer via other means — your transferable skills, academic interests, and personal traits. A personal CV allows you to spotlight all of these. 

Remember that you are bringing your energy, dedication, enthusiasm, and willingness to learn to the table. As you will not have any employment history, you need to make sure to get your personality and your soft skills over in your statement.

CV Statement for a Student Looking for a Full-Time Summer Job 

Junior copywriter, enrolled in a BA Writing Program at the University of Manchester (graduation date: fall 2025). Alumni of the 2022 Copywriting Bootcamp program from Matters Agency. Well-versed in target audience analysis, brand positioning, and editorial campaign planning. Writing clips for eCommerce and SaaS brands are available in my portfolio.  

CV Statement for an Internship 

Second-year mechanical engineering student at the University of Leeds, seeking to apply theoretical knowledge in safety system design. Proficient in AutoCAD and completed a series of blueprints for fire and water safety systems as part of my coursework. Fast learner, self-starter, and team player, I’m excited to contribute my technical expertise to a dynamic engineering team.

CV Statement for a Student Looking for a Part-Time Job 

Junior front-end developer (React, Angular JS), seeking a part-time programming position in the Great London area. Current availability is 10-15 hours per week, preferably with hybrid work arrangements. Solid understanding of design systems and UX/UI best practices. Past work experience in finance and eCommerce sectors. 

CV Personal Statement Examples for 16-Year-Olds

Joining the workforce straight after high school makes sense if you want to take a gap year or pursue trade education later on. The wrinkle, however, is that most employers may be wary of your age and lack of experience.

The goal of a personal statement is to dispel those doubts by showing that you’re a serious, mature, and hard-working candidate, eager to learn and hone your craft. 

Personal Statement for a Barista Position 

Genuine coffee lover and frequent guest at Maddie’s Cafe, I would love to join the barista team. As a former head of the prom planning committee, I understand the importance of good teamwork, efficient planning, and following instructions. My main objectives are to learn more about beverage prep and deliver exceptional experiences to customers. 

CV Personal Statement Examples For A Graduate

Your personal statement should focus on your main educational attainments and experiences. If you are applying before you have had your degree results, it is fine to give a projected grade. You can also mention any specific modules you have studied that are relevant to the job on offer and how much you enjoyed working on them.

Remember: Your goal is to explain why you’re interested in this role and what you could bring to the table. 

Graduate Personal Statement Example

Business administration graduate with a 1:1 honors degree from XYZ University. Interested in an entry-level merchandising position within your Commercial Sales Department to expand my knowledge in retail merchandising, procurement, and inventory management. Looking to apply my analytical and data modeling skills for merchandising strategy optimization. 

Personal Statement for High School Graduate 

Energetic and enthusiastic high school graduate (June 2023) with top A-levels grades in English, Maths, and French. Seeking an entry-level role in sales, where I can make use of and develop my language skills. My long-term career goal is to further my language qualifications and position myself as a European sales manager living and working overseas for a global company.

Personal Statement Examples for CV With No Experience

Lack of experience in a particular role or industry should never discourage you from applying. Although you may not tick all the criteria boxes, you still have transferable skills and unique work experiences to showcase.

Moreover, ongoing talent shortages are prompting employees to reconsider their hiring criteria, plus invest more in new hire training and upskilling. Four in five companies now struggle to fill in open vacancies, which is the highest number in the past 17 years. 

So take your chances and apply even if you don’t have sufficient work experience. 

Personal Statement Example with No Relevant Work Experience 

Former front-desk hotel employee, looking for an opportunity to leverage strong service orientation and organizational skills in new roles (Customer Success or Customer Support). Familiarity with appointment booking software, digital chat apps, and CRM software. With my strong commitment to personal growth and my adaptable nature, I believe I could be a valuable asset to customer-centric teams.  

Personal Statement Example with No Industry Experience 

Self-starter with a BA degree in Communication and experience in corporate event management seeking a transition to music festival management. Experienced in organizing off-site events for 100+ people (including location scouting and travel coordination). I thrive in fast-paced environments and am eager to build a strong network of new partners. 

Discover even more personal statements from our collection of CV examples . 

CV Personal Statement For A Career Change

Career change is a big decision, but it can lead to a more fulfilling professional life. Besides, you’re not completely starting anew. Many of the hard and soft skills are quite universal. There is any number of different jobs that need the same set of skills that you have developed, so always try to lead with these and use real-life examples of your experience.

Career Change Personal Statement Example:

Working for the past 10 years as a regional sales manager has allowed me to develop keen skills in building strong working relationships and lucrative networks. Communication skills I developed during my time at my current employer enabled me to win vital contract wins that increased sales revenue by 20% over three years. I am now ready to take on a new challenge and want to work in the charity sector so that I can use my skills to give something back for the direct benefit of others.

How To Write A Strong Personal Statement for a CV 

An effective personal statement summarizes your skills and experience in a relevant way i.e., it indicates how you can be of help to the employer. 

In short, a compelling CV personal statement: 

• Lists your most marketable skills and qualifications 
• Highlights your industry knowledge and work experiences 
• Mirrors some of the key phrases, used in the job description 

And here’s how to write a personal statement that makes a mark.

1. Review the Job Description Once Again 

As you go through the role description, pay attention to the words, used by the employer, to describe the candidate’s requirements, duties, and personality. Keep those in the back of your head. 

These are the keywords you’d want to use all around your CV — in the personal statement, work experience, education, and skills areas. 

2. Do a Mental Tally of Your Skills 

Try to remember the times in your previous work roles when you accomplished notable objectives, went above and beyond expectations , or otherwise did better than your peers.  

Note down everything that springs to mind including your years of experience in a similar role, challenges you took on and the positive results achieved, new projects you kick-started – anything that has close relevance to this new position.

3. Make a Draft Personal Statement 

Write down a sample personal statement. Don’t worry about the length – just put as many details as you’d like on paper. Once you’re done, revisit the job description. See how your personal statement compares to the description. Does it paint a picture of someone who would fit the role? 

4. Edit for Clarity and Briefity 

A good CV personal statement shouldn’t be longer than 3-4 sentences. Take a critical look at your draft version and condense it to the bare essentials: 2-3 main skills, a major accomplishment, and a note on your motivation and/or personal traits. 

Other things that don’t belong in your personal statement are:

• Explanation of employment gaps or present unemployment status 
• Information about hobbies or personal interest 
• Any mention of references or recommendations 
• Irrelevant skills or work experiences 

Want to stand out even more? Add a persuasive opening statement that highlights your strengths as a candidate. 

A compelling personal statement can be the key between your CV making the ‘yes’ pile or the reject bin. Take some time to get your statement right and always write a new one for each job you apply for by mirroring the employer’s language. 

Finally, to give your CV a polishing touch, try out one of our fancy, but free CV templates , coming in multiple styles: professional, modern, simple, and creative!

Elena runs content operations at Freesumes since 2017. She works closely with copywriters, designers, and invited career experts to ensure that all content meets our highest editorial standards. Up to date, she wrote over 200 career-related pieces around resume writing, career advice... more

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How To Write A Ridiculously Good Personal Statement

Writing a fantastic personal statement doesn't have to be a mystery or difficult. This guide gives you actionable, real tips with examples.

Candidate Advice • CV Advice

Last Updated 15/07/2022

Your personal statement (often called a CV Profile or Personal Profile) is vital. It’s the most important thing on your CV. That’s because it provides that vital first impression.

The average recruiter or manager only spends 7-8 seconds reading a CV. A lot of that will be scanning your CV to try and pick out keywords.

However, the eyes will linger a little longer on a personal statement as it is right at the top of the page.

It is your opportunity to grab their attention and not let go.

It gives you a chance to sell yourself to the employer in a small and easy-to-digest paragraph.

In fact, a well written personal statement can mean the difference between standing out from the crowd and your application being rejected.

In the UK there were 2.8 vacancies per 100 employees.

That means for every three jobs you go for you’re competing against 99 other people.

That small section at the beginning therefore is vital to securing your position, by capturing attention and convincing the reader to interview you.

Not a University Statement

This article talks about personal statements for CVs only. However, we also use the term regularly for university applications. 

These are longer, more detailed, and have a different purpose. As a result we are going to not provide help on this topic. If you’re after great advice on this click here for  advice on university personal statements .

What is a personal statement?

It’s a paragraph. Only about four or five lines and that is all. But those lines have to provide a snapshot of who you are, what you have achieved, and most importantly what you can bring to the table.

This is your best opportunity to really secure that all important job interview.

How To Structure It

I have written hundreds of CVs. I have written them for MDs, CEOs, Operations managers as well as cleaners, retail staff, and school leavers.

The structure and format are always the same.

75-120 words I have found is the sweet spot.

Because when using size 10-11 font in Calibri it comes out at about 4-5 lines.

Now you might have to adjust the margin sizes in Word to fit in more, but it’s more about the line count than the word count.

It’s like goldilocks. Not too long, not too short. Easy to skim read, but long enough to have detail.

With such a small word count there’s a huge need to be specific and choosy with what to include.

Don’t worry, we will break everything down and help you make sure you get to write an amazing personal statement.

How to Write it

There are lots of ways to write a personal statement. For example, it could just come naturally to you, and a flow of sentences appear on the page. Or you could go through things methodically with an organised list.

In all honesty, I prefer that last one. It provides better quality and more reliable results.

Your personal statement should answer three questions clearly – Who are you? What skills do you have? How can you help our business?

Start small. Write a short bullet point list of what you want to include. It should just cover the most impressive essentials.

You are a what? A marketer? A business consultant? Health and safety advisor? Carpenter? Etc.

Then what skills or achievements do you really want to highlight? Is it your communication or project management? Is it the fact you increased sales by 12% or made a saving of 35%? Whatever it is you are doing to highlight your best skills against what the recruiter is truly looking for.

Finally, it’s matching what you can do against what they need. Do they need a great communicator? Or a great leader? Do they need someone who can think outside of the box? Or do they need someone logical and methodical?

Whatever the need, make sure to make it clear that you fit that role perfectly.

The list could literally be like this;

• Marketer – Experienced, methodical, strategic
• Skills – Communication, strategy, management
• Achievements – Secured 207 leads in a single week long campaign, achieved a 30% increase in sales
• How it fits – They need a leader who can create a strategy and then deliver it.

By writing it out like this you have created an outline for your statement.

Having an outline makes it a lot easier to not only answer the questions but also string them together in a comprehensive yet easy to read manner.

The Writing Lesson

Starting with a blank page is scary. The lack of words can easily mean your mind feels empty of thoughts.

Even if you’re not the most creative of writers I will help guide you through how to word, phrase, write, and put together your statement.

The first thing to keep in mind is you should use the first person (i.e. I, Me, Myself etc) sparingly.

If you’re constantly saying “I did this” and “I achieved that” it sounds self-absorbed. Try and vary it up.

Obviously you are going to need to introduce yourself. A classic opened would be “I am a methodical strategist and marketer” or something along those lines.

After that intro use third person WITHOUT PRONOUNS. Referring to yourself in the third person is weird anyway, so instead of, ‘She is a retail professional seeking a management role…’ would become ‘A retail professional seeking a management role…’

Now a lot of CV writers would shout at me for it, but using the first person to introduce and then third person provides a great balance between the personal and not sounding too pompous.

This is a balance. You want it to highlight what you as a person can provide the company whilst not sounding self absorbed. A good example is as follows.

• I am recent graduate in Economics from the London School of Economics and Political Science. My studies have given me a comprehensive knowledge of economic theory and its practical application through data analysis. Accomplished user of Stata, Matlab, and SAS. Looking to use and improve existing skills and gain knowledge and experience in a fast-paced business environment in the role of Graduate Data Analyst with Equinox.
• I’m a BSc Economics graduate looking to make use of my educational attainment in a professional environment. I’m a team player with excellent communication skills and a confident user of data analysis software. Looking to gain experience as a data analyst.

Now the next part of the writing lesson is make sure to use the active tense.

What do I mean by the active tense?

Look at the two examples below.

• I wrote a CV.
• The CV was written by me.

Or how about

• I achieved a 30% increase in sales.
• Sales were increased by 30% because of me.

Which ones sound better?

If you said the first one for each example then you’re correct. These are in the active tense. 

It’s all about where you put the verb (the action/doing word).

The sentence should be Pronoun, Verb, Rest of the Sentence. 

Pronoun = I, Me, He, She, You, They, Them

Verb = Any Action e.g. achieve, increase, do, write etc.

Rest of the sentence = Does what it says.

Going back to our examples:

• I (Pronoun) wrote (Verb) a CV. (Rest of the sentence)
• I (Pronoun) achieved (Verb) a 30% increase in sales. (Rest of the sentence)

If you’re still unsure you can always run your personal statement through the  Hemingway App . 

Hemingway will highlight different issues with a colour code so that you can rewrite and fix them to be punchy and clear. Doing this alongside double checking spelling and grammar with Grammarly will really double down the efforts and sharpen up your profile quickly and easily.

Don’t be boring! 

Boring will put off a hiring manager.

The easiest way to be boring is to use boring verbs or putting “very” in the sentence.

As Robin Williams said in Dead Poets Society:

“So avoid using the word ‘very’ because it is lazy. A man is not ‘very tired’, he is ‘exhausted’. Don’t use ‘very sad’, use ‘morose’.”

This complements the point below about using strong verbs. Choosing the right words will make your skills, experience, and accomplishments sound better.

This is all about grabbing the attention of the recruiter or hiring manager, so excitement beats boring every time.

Use strong, powerful verbs

In the words of Massive Attack “Love is a verb, love is a doing word”. Verbs are your new best friend when it comes to your CV.

Using a thesaurus and careful choice, you can make your achievements and skills sing.

Here’s a quick list of strong verbs for you to use in your personal statement.

• Established
• Increased/decreased
• Trained/mentored
• Volunteered

For a full list of verbs that you could use in your CV and personal statement check out  Indeed’s list of 139 action verbs.

At the end of the day, the stronger and more assertive and action based you can make your personal statement sound, the better.

Us Brits tend to have a habit of trying to downplay our achievements and skills, but your CV profile is not the time to do that.

Use Facts & Figures

Using numbers is amazing. By highlighting significant achievements and including exact figures in your profile you can capture the readers attention. 

It could be something as simple as “Increased sales by 30% in 6 months” but the use of numbers helps interrupt the flow of the profile in a good way.

It draws the eye of the reader and they are likely to re read the sentence to make sure they understand what you achieved.

Be very selective though and only highlight those pieces that would make you stand out to the company.

What Not To Write

We’ve shown you how to write your statement and what to include. 

We haven’t shown you what not to write.

Buzzwords / Overused Terms

A quick Google search will show you there are lots of lists of buzzwords to either include or exclude.

A lot of the time you will find the same words on both lists.

So which list do you trust?

Pick the ones that are most accurate and truthful.

Only put “high achiever” if you are a high achiever. 

Don’t lie or stretch the truth.

Be honest and use the most accurate, honest words or phrases. 

There are always ways of making you sound good without stretching the truth or lying.

You might find it more effective to communicate your qualities by detailing beneficial actions that relate to real-world scenarios instead of listing buzzwords like “ambitious,” “motivated,” and “driven.”

Try your best to avoid all cliches. There are lots of CV cliches but the most common one is “Works well on my own as well as part of a team”. This sounds like a good option to include, but it is so overused that it is now off putting to people.

Also if you think about it, it becomes a completely irrelevant sentence as being part of a company means you will either work on your own or as part of a team, you need to be able to do that as standard.

In fact some other common ones are “Hard working team player”, “results driven thought leader”, and “strong communicator”.

When you use cliches you sound unimaginative, unoriginal, and bland. As I have already said, boring or bland will instantly put off the recruiter or hiring manager.

I could write an entire blog on phrases to not include on a CV or in a personal statement.

But, the main ones to avoid are:

• Strong work ethic
• Multi-tasker
• Independent
• Detail-oriented
• Self-motivated
• Go-to-person
• Strategic thinker
• I can work on my own or as part of a team
• Think outside the box
• Results-driven
• I have good communication skill
• Hard worker
• People-person
• Team player

Avoid technical jargon as much as you can.

Unless the job description asks for specific skills or qualifications that you can prove using jargon, avoid using it.

If you cram your personal statement with technical terms it looks obvious and also disrupts the flow.

The most common form of jargon is putting a load of abbreviations into your statement. Only use these if they are specific titles or qualifications. Otherwise spell it out.

Do not put slang in your statement.

You’re talking to a hiring manager, not to your friend.

Even if the hiring manager is your friend, don’t use slang.

Keep it professional, clean, and clear.

Remember to tailor!

There is no on size fits all job. So don’t use a one size fits all profile (or CV for that matter)!

Quality will always beat out quantity. Take the time to  tailor each application to suit the needs and wants of the business.

Although you will end up applying to fewer roles, you will have a much better chance of getting an interview doing it this way.

Keywords are your friends

Use keywords. The majority of CVs now run through a piece of software called an ATS long before they ever reach the eyes of a recruiter.

With that the ATS will be looking for key words or phrases that match the job description to narrow down search results for recruiters.

Make sure that when you are tailoring your CV and your profile to a job, that you include the keywords that would make you stand out.

Quick Checklist!

• Get to the point – Remember short and sharp
• Make sure you answer the key questions: 
• Who are you? 
• What skills and experiences do you offer? 
• Add your value to it – This is personal. Only you can add value
• Tailor it to the job description.
• Highlight skills that you need.
• Use the active voice, in the first person.
• Use facts and figures – “Achieved a 30% increase in sales year on year”
• Be generic – This is a sniper scope, not a shotgun blast.
• Focus on yourself – Put focus on them and you by answering “What skills and experience can you offer?”
• Ramble – A cover letter is the time to elaborate. 
• Only list achievements – Answer the questions in full sentences.
• Forget to proofread. 
• We can never say it enough. Proofread every detail. Read it out loud. Send it to a friend or send it to a recruiter. Run it through  Grammarly  or  Hemingway App .
• Use jargon, slang or clichés.

Ta-Da! You have a personal statement.

This should perfectly complement with your well written CV !

Remember this is to make sure you get the interview. The interview will get you the job.

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How to write a personal statement for your CV

A personal statement on your CV is a great way to give your job application extra impact. Here are some examples to help you get started.

• Looking for a job? Explore the range of vacancies on Guardian Jobs and find the perfect role for you

A critical aspect of creating an effective CV is writing a personal statement, sometimes called a profile or career summary, that enables the recruiter to quickly identify the strategic value you can add to their organisation. Your CV should be a self-marketing document aimed at persuading the recruiter to interview you – and your personal statement is a critical part of making this happen.

Many candidates struggle with writing the statement but it doesn’t have to be a difficult as you may think. A well written statement can be between 50 and 200 words, although it is important not to ramble. Remember you always have your cover letter for interesting and engaging information.

It’s important to read the job specification carefully and ensure not only that your skills and experience match but you reflect this in your statement. I am often asked whether a statement should be written in the first or third person and, while there are no definitive rules about this, my preference is always to write in the first person because the CV is all about you and your skillset. This doesn’t mean that you have to add “I” at the beginning of each sentence, however. The reader knows it’s about you so avoid this type of repetition and keep them engaged in your value and transferable skills.

For example an opening statement without the opening “I” could read:

As a highly-motivated and results orientated manager within the luxury hotel sector, I have a proven track record of providing exemplary levels of service to a broad range of guests, including VIPs and high-profile individuals.

This example reads naturally and flows for the reader, whereas if an “I” was inserted at the start, while not hugely different, it would read more like a list. As you move forward with additional information it then becomes difficult to break out of the format you have started.

As a general rule, it’s best to break the statement into three sections:

Who you are

As recent graduate from Durham University, with a 2:1 honours degree in media communications, I have undertaken several internships within leading organisations such as Bertelsmann and Times Warner. These placements have enabled me to develop not only specific media industry experience, but also a valuable and transferable skill set in this fast-paced sector.

The above opening allowes the recruiter to quickly identify where you are coming from, that you have had industry experience (something that may be in the selection criteria) and core transferable skills. This in itself could be enough for your opening statement, but it can be expanded upon by adding some additional information.

What you can bring to the table

During placement with Bertelsmann, I worked in the media division contributing to projects – such as the award-winning China Max Documentary – and managed my own research, liaised with various divisions, formulated media reports and participated in group project meetings. Utilising excellent communication skills, I developed and maintained successful working relationships with both internal and external staff.

Your career aim

Looking to secure a position in a media organisation, where I can bring immediate and strategic value and develop current skillset further.

An example of a poorly written personal statement

Tim is a recent graduate from Durham University with a 2:1 honours degree in media communications. I have undertaken several internships within leading organisations. Tim is now looking to secure a position in a media organisation where I can develop my current skill set.

The mismatch of first and third person is not only confusing to the reader, but it almost sounds like a profile about different people. It also lacks specific detail and proof of what value the candidate could bring to the company.

Key points on writing a dynamic and interesting personal statement:

• Get straight to the point: avoid lengthy descriptions and make your testimonies punchy and informative.
• Keep it between 50 to 200 words maximum.
• If you have enough space, use 1.5 line spacing to make you statement easier to read.
• Match person and job specifications with well written copy.
• Read your profile out loud to ensure it reads naturally.
• Don’t mix first and third person sentences.

Other essential resources

Three excellent cover letter examples

CV templates: graduates, career changers and ladder climbers

What questions to ask at the end of your interview

How to write a CV when you lack direct work experience

Elizabeth Bacchus is a consultant and founder of The Successful CV Company .

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Home » CV » Personal statement and profile

Personal Statement for CV

Your personal statement for your CV (Curriculum Vitae) is a shortcut to highlight your skills, experience, and career goals.

Our customers have been hired by: * Foot Note

Your personal statement or CV personal profile is the first thing a recruiter reads when they look at your Curriculum vitae .

As it is your opening paragraph, it’s vital that the personal statement for your CV draws recruiters in and gains their interest. Many recruiters will only read your CV personal statement and decide if you sound like a suitable candidate before reading anything else.

CV personal statement examples

• Art teacher
• Web designer
• Personal trainer
• Radiographer
• Software engineer
• Sales assistant
• Human resources officer
• Digital marketing manager
• Head bartender

Art teacher CV Personal Statement Example

Professional Art Teacher focused on maximising student educational potential by applying diverse instructional strategies and classroom management techniques. Gifted in lecturing students, facilitating discussions, and planning hands-on activities to enhance learning.

Web designer CV Personal Statement Example

Seasoned graphic artist and web designer bringing 8 years of experience applying technical and creative abilities to diverse customer projects. Highly effective at collaborating with artistic, project, production and administrative leadership to complete tasks according to budget and schedule goals.

Personal trainer CV Personal Statement Example

Health and fitness professional who is driven to teach and inspire clients to reach their personal fitness goals through a combination of proper diet, tailored exercise regimes, rest and stress management. Caring, compassionate and outgoing with a strong reputation for maintaining long lasting professional relationships with clients.

Radiographer CV Personal Statement Example

Proactive Radiographer with extensive experience across a diverse range of general and specialist examinations. Offering expertise in X-ray and ultrasound processes, with maintained CPD to offer comprehensive, thorough, accurate radiology services.

Software engineer CV Personal Statement Example

Results-oriented software engineering professional with 8 years’ expertise in building secure applications. An excellent team player with a positive attitude. Seeking a role building web and mobile applications for a well-established software company.

Babysitter CV Personal Statement Example

Enthusiastic Babysitter experienced with children ages 6 months to 10 years old. Able to watch up to 5 kids at once. Certified in first aid and CPR.

Sales assistant CV Personal Statement Example

Highly experienced Sales Assistant with expertise in store opening and closing procedures, money handling, and merchandising. Able to manage all tasks with efficiency and accuracy. Proficient in monitoring security and serving diverse customer needs.

Human resources officer CV Personal Statement Example

Detail-oriented Human Resources Officer with 12 years of experience in human resources. Adept at double-checking logistics with a talent for accurate evaluations and effective time management. Successful at quality assurance and complex problem-solving.

Digital marketing manager CV Personal Statement Example

Decisive Marketing Manager with 12 years of experience driving company growth through creative and innovative strategies. Resourceful team leader skilled at analysing market trends and customer needs to develop highly effective and targeted marketing campaigns.

Bookkeeper CV Personal Statement Example

Experienced Bookkeeper with a history of financial statement preparation and servicing accounts. Adept at writing detailed reports and budgets, completed detailed financial analysis and planning strategically for top client services.

Head bartender CV Personal Statement Example

Outgoing Bartender highly skilled in mixing and serving drinks in high-volume establishments. Established positive rapport with customers whilst maintaining productivity. Experienced, qualified mixologist with in-depth knowledge about high-end service standards and laws regarding serving alcoholic beverages.

Barber CV Personal Statement Example

Proficient Barber versed in hairstyles, cutting techniques, and shaving customers. Collaborative team player with strong communication and relationship building abilities.

Personal statement for a CV: Tips

Many people freak out when thinking about their CV personal profile because it’s the bit where they have to “think” the most. We have good news – there’s a straightforward approach to writing a personal statement on your CV that ensures you include all the best bits of your career and make the right impression!

Stay concise

The most important tip we can give you is not to go overboard. You want to keep your CV personal statement clear, fluff-free, and above all else, factual.

Use the third person

Another CV writing tip : write in the third person and drop all pronouns (I, me, he, she, they, them). It’s acceptable to write in the first (I), but trust us, using the third person sounds more professional. All our personal statement CV examples will show you how to draft your statement in the third person.

Three simple sentences

Personal statements and CVs use an abbreviated sentence structure, which allows you to fit more information into limited space. We recommend following this format:

• Sentence 1 (Who you are): Opening statement including years of experience and career focus.
• Sentence 2 (What you can achieve): Results you can, or have accomplished.
• Sentence 3-4 (How you can achieve it): Your unique skill sets or areas of expertise.

Sound confident

Proudly highlight your true capabilities – it’s essential to present your achievements in your CV personal statement. This isn’t the time to downplay the importance of your experience and skills. Remember: this might be all the recruiter reads about you – make it interesting!

Mention numbers

Whether you’re in a sales career or not, numbers help to show recruiters how much you’re capable of in your CV’s personal profile. How many people you’ve managed. How many facilities you’ve run. How many awards you’ve won. Quantifying your experience with numbers is only ever a positive – do it wherever you can.

Use adjectives

All good personal statement examples are descriptive. Give your CV personal profile the energy it deserves by using adjectives to describe yourself and your abilities. A dull statement that reads like a list won’t turn heads.

Be clear and concise

As with our CV profile examples, the ideal length for a personal statement is 50 to 200 words maximum. Note how this accountant’s statement concisely details their fundamental skills, relevant work experience, and future aspirations in a short paragraph:

“Dependable accounting professional acknowledged for reliability, integrity, and quick-learning ability. Highly skilled with an eye for identifying and correcting errors. Brings enthusiasm for solving client’s challenges and providing first-class financial services.”

Use short, punchy sentences.

Keep a neutral tone, taking care not to write in the first person. You can see how it’s done in this excerpt from one of our personal statement CV examples:

“An ambitious and talented professional with a proven academic background in science and valuable experience in teaching and lecturing. Possess first-class academic written skills and is also an effective verbal communicator.”

Personal statement for a CV: Common mistakes to avoid

Exceeding 4 sentences.

Though it can be tempting, keep the personal statement on your CV to a maximum of 3-4 sentences, depending on sentence length. You want to grab the hiring manager’s attention – but not bore them!

Telling the recruiter what you're looking for

It can be very tempting to write sentences like “seeking a new role in a fast-paced environment where I can thrive.” Why not? Because that’s what a cover letter is for, and also it’s just a waste of space where you could be talking about your capabilities and achievements.

Including jokes

While you want to inject some personality into your CV personal statement, humour and jokes will undermine your professionalism, and may even offend.

Forgetting to use the spell-checker

There’s nothing more off-putting for a recruiter than reading personal statements for CVs that are littered with spelling and grammar mistakes. Take a moment to check over what you’ve written before hitting the ‘save’ button.

Copying someone else’s personal statement

If you’re stuck on what to write or are short on time, it may be tempting to copy a friend’s or a colleague’s personal statement, or follow personal statement CV examples a bit too closely. Don’t do it — a recruiter may notice that what’s written in your personal statement doesn’t reflect what’s in your CV. This could lead them to reject your application.

Making it difficult to find

As with our CV examples, a personal profile should sit at the top of the CV between your contact details and work experience.

Frequently Asked Questions about Personal statement for CV

What is a personal statement.

In simple terms, it’s a short paragraph of 3-4 sentences which introduces your experience, key skills , area of expertise, and results you can accomplish or have accomplished in your career to date.

What to include in my personal statement?

When you write your CV , use the personal statement to give the reader an introduction to your professional profile and your background. You can mention years of experience, exceptional achievements, plans or aspirations. The personal statement gives the hiring manager an insight into who you are as a candidate. For example, in addition to listing ‘data analytics’ in the skills section, you could describe yourself as ‘data-driven’ in the personal statement of your CV.

How to start my personal statement?

The first sentence of your CV’s personal statement establishes the years of experience you have and your career focus. It starts to build the foundation of who you’re as an individual in the workplace.

Let’s look at some supporting statement examples for the first sentence:

• Nurse “Energetic registered nurse with 10 years of experience caring for the elderly in care home environments.”
• Electrician “Licenced electrician with over 15 years of hands-on experience leading large-scale, commercial electrical projects.”
• Entry-level candidate “Confident and enthusiastic worker with assured customer service skills and a deep passion for the transport industry.”

What to include in the middle sentence of a personal statement?

The middle sentence of your personal statement will paint a picture of the things you’ve achieved in the past or are performing currently. Giving recruiters this information offers them a window into your capabilities.

Here are some CV personal statement examples demonstrating that:

• Nurse “Maintained medical needs for 20 residents, leading in times of high-stress, administering high-level medical care to all individuals.”
• Electrician “Responsible for Hightrees development which was given an industry award for low energy consumption.”
• Entry-level “Exceptional communication and PR skills honed while editor on engineering faculty newspaper during university.”

How to end a personal statement?

The closing sentence of your statement is all about your unique skill set, including hard (learnt) and soft (personality-based) skills, as with these examples of personal statements for CVs:

• Nurse “Cool and calm at all times, ready to handle medical emergencies.”
• Electrician “Offering both practical and strategic project management skills.”
• Entry-level “Hard-working and diligent with outstanding attention to detail.”

Create the perfect CV personal profile and get seen!

The key to a robust personal statement for a CV is to include as much information as clearly and as briefly as you can. With a perfect CV profile in place, you can be sure recruiters will want to keep reading your application.

Hopefully, our tips and CV personal profile examples have given you a better idea for your own CV’s personal statement. The next step? Head on over to our CV builder and choose a CV template to start building your detail-packed personal statement and get your CV placed on a recruiter’s ‘interested’ pile. Good luck!

*The names and logos of the companies referred to above are all trademarks of their respective holders. Unless specifically stated otherwise, such references are not intended to imply any affiliation or association with myperfectCV.

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Best CV Personal Profile Examples

What is a CV personal profile?

A personal profile, also known as a CV summary, is the opening statement of your CV. It is a short introduction which outlines your personal characteristics, telling the prospective employer what kind of a person you are, the attributes and qualities that you possess and the work experience that you have.

How to write a CV profile statement from scratch

When writing your personal profile, ensure it is:

• Short (no more than 6 lines);
• Relevant to the job you are applying for, and;
• Contains some real-world examples .

Be bold, be confident and talk about yourself in a positive way.

Your personal profile is not the place to be humble; it is your chance to be noticed and tell the potential employer exactly who you ‘really’ are and what you can do for them.

Warning: Do not go ‘over the top’ and give the impression that you are either very arrogant or simply too good to be true! Keep it balanced and realistic, bearing in mind the needs of the employer.

Click here if you want to see a bad example of a personal profile.

What information to include on a personal profile

The purpose of your personal profile is to concisely present your skills, qualities, work experience, and your career goals and ambitions. Consequently, you can mention anything from the following categories when constructing your personal profile:

Personal Qualities

• Self-motivated
• Having an eye for detail
• Management skills
• Communication skills
• Problem-solving skills
• Design skills
• 5 years experience in …
• Excellent track record of …
• Extensive background in …
• Previous work experience in …

An ideal statement should have at least one example for each of these three categories.

How long should my profile statement be?

There are no set rules about the length of a personal profile, however, it is highly recommended to keep it ideally within the 50/80-words boundary (no longer than six lines). The reason for this is because employers, in the first instance, tend to scan CVs rather than extensively read it. Keeping it short and to the point increases the chances that they will actually read it.

Furthermore, as the total length of a CV is only 2 A4 pages long, having a short statement frees us valuable space for other key sections of your CV such as the work experience, education and skills sections .

Winning personal profile CV examples from all job sectors

Business management cv profile.

• The candidate mentions their key personal skills and qualities that are relevant and important when managing a business.
• The candidate mentions their relevant work experience in the field, indicating that they are able to work within multiple job sectors.

IT CV profile

• The candidate correctly highlights their areas of expertise, such as designing websites, networking and managing databases. It is clear from these examples that the individual has a broad understanding of IT and would be able to work on a wide range of IT projects.
• The candidate reassures the prospective employer that although they are working in a very technical field, they have the ability to work with a wide range of people. Interpersonal and communication skills are key to any job.

Student CV profile

• The above personal statement is clear and informative, making it clear that the applicant is a student, currently completing their university degree, and are looking to work part-time in the industry.
• It is always a good idea, as the candidate has done in this example, to clearly mention your availability for work and also the reasons for why you are seeking work. “Making money” is not a good enough reason for an employer to give you a job. The candidate has mentioned that they wish to put into practice what they have learned and make a positive contribution to the employer.

HR CV profile

• The candidate highlights that they have previous work experience in Human Resources (HR), making them familiar with the payroll systems and employment law. Additionally, they indicate some personal qualities (such as interpersonal skills and being sensitive to people’s privacies) which would be highly beneficial for the role that they are applying for.

Manager CV profile

• The candidate not only states that they have three years’ of experience in management but they also mention the positive contribution that they made to that organisation. In this case, it was a significant improvement in the performance of the team that they were managing.

Sales/retail CV profile

• Just by looking at the profile statement of this individual, we can conclude that this person has thorough experience of sales and is able to handle the various aspects of the selling process. Additionally, their promotion indicates that they are a high achiever.

Teaching CV profile

• In just a few lines, the candidate demonstrates a great deal of compassion, empathy and care for young people and their futures. This level of care and concern, along with an enduring passion for teaching, are the key ingredients of being successful in any teaching careers.
• The candidate indicating that they are able to work with young children from all backgrounds and walks of life. This is important, especially when living in today’s multicultural and diverse societies.

Engineering CV profile

• The candidate correctly highlights their previous work experience and areas of expertise. This makes them look like a very competent and accomplished chemical engineer, increasing the chances of being invited for an interview.

Designer CV profile

• This is an effective statement because the candidate highlights their valuable 1st class degree in Graphic Design and previous work experience in the design industry. Additionally, the candidate makes mention of their personal qualities, such as having the ability to think outside the box, to further indicate their suitability for the job.

Hospitality CV profile

• The above is an excellent example of how profile statement should be constructed; it contains references to their previous work experience in the same industry, personal qualities that are relevant to the job (e.g. having a passion for food and socialising with people) and their job achievements (e.g. winning an award). Any employer reading this statement will have to think twice before they put it in the rejection pile!

Admin CV profile

• The candidate mentions their previous work experience project management and providing administrative support to businesses.
• This admin personal statement clearly demonstrates that the individual is aware of all the challenges that administrators face; working in a busy working environment, handling multiple projects simultaneously, prioritising tasks and achieving the highest standard of work.

Customer service CV profile

• The candidate indicates that they are able to resolve customer enquiries and complaints face-to-face, over the phone or via email. This ability enables them to work in a variety of different job settings, i.e. a call centre, on the shop floor or at a desk.
• Their statement contains a tangible example of accomplishment (i.e. successfully resolving 150 customer enquiries or complaints).

Media CV profile

• The candidate has included many examples of their previous work experience and competencies in the field. Any employer interested in hiring an experienced camera operator will most certainly be impressed and continue reading the remainder of their CV.

Healthcare CV profile

• The candidate highlights that they are able to work with a variety of different people, something which is essential as physiotherapists will be working with people from all backgrounds and ages.
• The statement includes personal qualities that are important to have as a physiotherapist, such as being caring and friendly. Although some careers advisors do not recommend generic words such as ‘caring’ and ‘friendly’, it is nevertheless recommended to include them if they truly reflect your personality and if the rest of the personal statement contains specific information which is not generic in nature.

Writer CV profile

• This profile is short and punchy, increasing the chances that it will be read in full by the prospective employers
• The candidate highlights their career achievements by stating that their works have been accepted and published by leading newspapers and magazines – a testimony to the high quality of their work.

Science CV profile

• This statement is short and to the point; highlighting all the important information such as the candidates work experience, expertise and some personal qualities and characteristics.

Do I need to include a personal statement on my CV? No, it is entirely optional to include a personal profile on your CV. However, it is generally recommended to include one, particularly as it serves as a little “About me” section at the top of your CV. Every written document has an introduction, why shouldn’t a CV?

Can I use the first person tense in my statement? Yes, the first and third person tenses are both fine to use – but not both. Decide on the one tense and stick to it.

Where should I include the profile statement on my CV There is no fixed place in which you should put your personal profile. Some candidates place it at the bottom of their CVs. Ideally, you should position it at the top of your CV.

What is the most important thing to include on a personal profile? Real-world examples and tangible performance indicators, for example; increased sales by x percent, managed x number of people, won such-and-such awards, improved productivity by x percent, etc. These types of information are highly valuable, as opposed to saying that you are the “best salesperson in the country” and not backing it up with any evidence!

Need help with other sections of your CV?

While you’re still here – don’t forget to check out our amazing How to write a CV guide for more practical tips on writing your perfect CV or this useful resource.

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How To Write A Personal Statement (With Examples)

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Whether you want to apply to colleges, graduate programs, or competitive jobs, writing a persuasive personal statement will give you a leg up over the other applicants. A personal statement gives you a chance to express your qualifications, motivations, and long-term objectives in a way that gets hiring managers and admissions boards excited to meet you.

No matter why you’re writing a personal statement, we’re here to help you stand out from the crowd.

Key Takeaways:

To write a personal statement, first brainstorm, then narrow down your ideas, and start with an intro that leads into your qualifications.

Make sure to proofread your personal statement before submitting.

Personal statements describe your interests, skills, and goals, with a particular focus on your passion.

Personal statements are typically found in academia, however some professional organizations may also request one.

What Is a Personal Statement?

How to write a personal statement, tips for writing a strong personal statement, questions to ask yourself when writing a personal statement, when do i need a personal statement, academic personal statement examples, professional personal statement example, personal statement faq.

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A personal statement is a written work that describes your skills, areas of interest, accomplishments, and goals. It is typically included with a college or scholarship application, and sometimes used as part of job applications as well.

Personal statements are a chance for you to show an admissions board or a hiring committee what makes you special outside of your resume . Think of it as an in-depth cover letter where you get to detail not only your skills, but why you’re so passionate about the subject.

Short of an interview, it’s the best way to show your personality in a way that (hopefully) convinces someone to hire or admit you.

When you’re ready to write your statement, there are a few ways you can approach it. We’re going to go over a seven-step process so you can keep your thoughts organized and work through a process. Feel free to switch up the method, so it works for you.

Understand the prompt. Before you put pen to paper, make sure you understand the prompt and what is being asked of you. If there’s a specific set of questions you need to respond to, make sure you frame your thinking that way instead of just choosing a topic.

Brainstorm. Think of some ideas and an outline before you start writing. Consider how you can answer the prompt you’re given and what unique experiences you can bring to the table. The more options you have, the better off you’ll be.

Narrow it down. An excellent way to pick your final approach to draft a statement would be to jot down a few sentences for each idea you had. This helps you tell what topic is easiest to write about or what you feel most confident. No matter how you narrow down your ideas, you need to settle on the strongest one to convey your qualifications.

Start with an intro. Once you’re ready to write, you’ll want to write your opening paragraph first. This is a chance for you to introduce yourself and let people know who you are. Try to keep this paragraph short since it’s just an intro, and you’ll have more space to get into your qualifications in the next paragraph.

Write about your qualifications. When you write about your skills, make sure you align them with the job description or the program’s goals or university.

You can expand this section to a few paragraphs (if word count allows) and be sure to cover your achievements, qualifications, skills, talents, goals, and what you can bring to the program or organization.

One to three body paragraphs should suffice, with scholarship and graduate school personal statements being the longest of the bunch, and job personal statements being the shortest.

Sum up your argument. Your statement is a persuasive argument for why the committee should pick you. It should be a compelling summary of your qualifications, and it should show that you have a clear desire to work for the company.

Proofread. Look for any spelling or grammar errors and check to make sure your writing is clear and concise. Cut out anything that doesn’t fit or help paint a good picture of what kind of student or employee you are. You might want to show your draft to a few people to ensure everything sounds right.

No matter what approach you take to writing your statement, a few things hold. We’ll give you some tips to make your statement stand out from the rest.

Write to your audience. Chances are you have a good idea of who will be reading your application and personal statement, so try to gear your writing toward them. Think of what will persuade or impress them and incorporate that into your writing.

Stay truthful. It might be tempting to exaggerate the truth or smudge a little bit, but make sure you stay truthful. If you claim to have skills or experience that you don’t have and land the job, it might be pretty easy to tell that your writing doesn’t exactly align with your experience.

Tell a story. If you can, try to weave your narrative into a story. Not only will it be more engaging for your reader, but it will also show if you can use your skill to create a story. It doesn’t need to be elaborate, but tying everything together into a narrative will impress your readers.

Use your voice. To make your statement more personal and unique, you should write in your voice. Don’t try to copy examples of statements you find or let your editor drown out what makes you unique. Make sure you keep your personality and qualifications front and center since it’s a personal statement.

Get specific. Instead of generally talking about skills you have, find ways to show your reader when you used those skills. Being specific and giving examples will make your argument more compelling and show your reader that you’re a master.

Use simple language. Since personal statements are so short, it’s not the time for long and complex sentences. Keep it concise and easy to read. You don’t want to risk confusing your reader since committees usually have a few minutes to consider your candidacy, and you don’t want to lose their attention.

Sometimes, especially during the brainstorm process, it can help to ask yourself questions to get your mind focused. These questions can help realize what you want to write in your personal statement.

Some questions you can ask yourself include:

“Why am I interested in this application? What about it makes me want to apply?”

“What are my strengths and weaknesses?”

“What type of work gets me excited and deeply engaged?”

“What is my life story and how does it relate to this application?”

“Where do I want to go?”

“Who do I want to be?”

“What have I learned from my past?”

“How can I explain my past experiences?”

“How would my friends and family describe me to a stranger?”

“What obstacles have I overcome and how does it make me who I am today?”

Asking yourself questions like these will open up your mind to new ideas on how to write your personal statement.

You may need to write a personal statement for a university, scholarship, or job application.

University application. When you’re writing a personal statement for a school application, you’ll usually have a few paragraphs to get your point across. These prompts tend to be more open-ended and give you a chance to explain why you want to attend that school, how you align with their program, and why you are an excellent fit for the school’s culture.

A personal statement for a graduate program needs to be much sharper and more focused. At this point in your education, you’re expected to know precisely where you’d like to turn your academic focus and be able to communicate that efficiently.

Scholarship application. When you need to write a personal statement for a grant or scholarship application, you want to make sure you align your values and purpose with the providers. These can be tricky to write, but they’re like a careful balance between personal statements for school and work.

Job application. For work-related personal statements, you’ll want to focus on your skills and qualifications more than your personality. Employers are more concerned with how you can meet their skill requirements. Professional personal statements tend to be shorter, so there’s less space to talk about anything but your qualifications.

Here are two examples of shorts personal statement for graduate program applications:

From the moment I stepped into the lab, smelled the clean scent of fresh lab coats, and saw the beakers glistening under the light, I felt an excitement to learn that hasn’t left me since. Each time I enter the lab, I feel the same flutter of my heart and a sense of purpose. I want to continue to chase this feeling while contributing to a broader scientific knowledge catalog, which I know the Graduate Biology Program at City University will allow me to do. I want to continue the research I started in college on communicable diseases while gaining a critical education. City University’s program emphasizes in-class and hands-on learning, a perfect combination for my learning style.

As a graduate of State University with a B.S. in Biology, I have the foundation to build my knowledge and experience. While at State University, I worked in a lab researching the efficacy of a new flu vaccine. There, I managed other student researchers, worked as a liaison between the professor running the lab and students and managed the data reports. I am ready to bring my extensive experience to City University classrooms while learning from my peers. I am eager to begin the coursework at City University, and I believe I am uniquely prepared to contribute to the campus culture and research efforts. I look forward to stepping into City University’s lab in the fall and feeling the familiar excitement that drives me to pursue a graduate program and learn more about public health.

If you need to write a professional personal statement, here’s a sample you can model yours after:

As a recent graduate of State University with a B.A. in Communications, I am prepared to take what I have learned in the classroom and bring my work ethic and go-getter attitude to ABC Company. I believe that I have the skills and experience to excel as a Marketing Coordinator from my first day. My classes in Digital Communication, Social Media Marketing, and Business Management and my work as Outreach Chair of the university newspaper have prepared me to take on responsibilities as I learn more about the field. I also believe that my dedication to animal welfare aligns with the ABC Company’s goal of finding loving homes for all of their foster pets and makes me especially interested in this position.

What do I write in a personal statement?

A personal statement should include an introduction, your relevant skills/experiences, and your goals. You want to keep your personal statement relevant for the program or job in question. Make sure to show your passion and indicate what you’d like to do with the degree or opportunity.

How do you start off a personal statement?

Start your personal statement by introducing yourself. Give a brief snapshot of your background that also describes why you’re passionate about this field or area of study in particular. Another powerful way to start off a personal statement is with a significant accomplishment that immediately speaks to your relevant skill set and experience.

What exactly is a personal statement?

A personal statement is a brief statement that sums up your qualifications. A personal statement is a brief written document that university admissions boards, scholarship programs, and sometimes hiring managers require from applicants. A personal statement’s purpose is to show the reader that you are qualified, fully invested in the aims of the program, and have plans for what you would do if granted the opportunity.

How do you write a 500-word personal statement?

To write a 500-word personal statement, start by writing without worrying about the word count. If your personal statement is too long, look for sentences that include skills, experiences, or qualifications that aren’t strictly related to the requirements or aims of the program/job you’re applying for and remove them.

If your personal statement is too short, go back to the program, scholarship, or job description. Make note of the preferred experiences and required skills. For example, if you’ve included a skill in your personal statement without experience to back it up, consider adding a brief story that shows you putting that skill into action.

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Amanda is a writer with experience in various industries, including travel, real estate, and career advice. After taking on internships and entry-level jobs, she is familiar with the job search process and landing that crucial first job. Included in her experience is work at an employer/intern matching startup where she marketed an intern database to employers and supported college interns looking for work experience.

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How To Write A Personal Statement

A personal statement is usually situated at the top of a cv under your personal information and is one of the first sections of a cv that the reader will come across. You have a limited amount of time to make an impact on the reader (no more than 30 seconds to be precise) therefore the effect has to be immediate. There are various formats and types of cv that are useful dependant on the job role or your skillset, however, almost all include a personal profile. In addition generally, most application forms will also include a personal statement section.

“This is your banner heading summarising your main selling points”

So what should this heading or opening paragraph include.

• A brief overview of who you are and what personal qualities you have to offer.
• Reference to your skills ensuring they are specifically tailored to that of the position
• Outline your areas of expertise and experience

In addition, it should entice the reader to want to know more and go on to read the rest of your cv or application form.

How long should a personal statement be?

There is no definitive answer providing the information is relevant and interesting, however generally a profile will consist of between 30 – 60 words. No more than a few short sentences around 5 lines long.

How do we go about writing a personal profile?

• Firstly you should think about compiling a list of descriptive words or phrases that you may wish to use when explaining the above-mentioned bullet points.

Some sample words; Approachable, Analysed, Caring, Challenging, Creative, Diplomatic, Experienced, Flexible, Helpful, Influential, Inspiring, Motivated, Organised, Professional.

Some sample skills; Effective listener, Good at motivating others, Training, Writing, Public Speaking, Completing Forms, Cooking, Innovative thinker.

• Your personal profile should be written in third person narrative, as written in the first person will appear as only your opinion of yourself.
• Compile a few short sentences combining your pre-selected words and key skills. It is recommended you have two versions of your profile, one which targets a specific job or industry sector and a general multi-purpose version which you can adapt dependant on your requirements. This will also help if you are applying for a range of different jobs.
• You must feel comfortable in explaining and justifying the points included and be mindful of not sounding “too good to be true”.

It is not uncommon to be asked questions in relation to points included within your profile for example;

Q: You state that you are a good problem solver can you provide an example of a problem you have solved and how?

Q: You mention you are an innovative thinker, can you explain an idea that you have suggested that was successful?

• Where possible have someone proofread or help suggest points for you to include as it can sometimes be difficult to write in a positive and descriptive manner about yourself.

To conclude here are some example profiles and important Do’s and Don’ts:

• Set the tone appropriately and word in a positive manner that will help precondition the reader.
• Contain only appropriate and relevant information.
• Keep it within the recommended length or you run the risk of waffling.
• Pigeon hole yourself to one type of person or profession (unless your intention is to achieve one very specific objective).
• Include and information in relation to your life eg, married, single, age, how long you have been unemployed.
• Go over the top, try where possible to keep it simple and do not include anything negative in this opening paragraph.

Example Profiles

A responsible, intelligent and experienced retail professional with an extensive background in fashion and children’s wear both in large departments and small boutiques. Highly creative, adaptable and bright individual with an excellent eye for visual detail and design.

A skilled and adaptable Project Manager, with experience in implementing and overseeing change. Has a proven track record of exceeding performance expectations, remaining customer focused and adhering to budgets and timescales. Ability to bring about the fundamental changes needed in response to changing commercial, legislative and financial factors. Strong strategic vision; along with the ability to successfully deliver complex multi-track projects.

An energetic, ambitious individual who has developed a mature and responsible approach to any tasks undertaken. As a Finance graduate who also possesses three years’ managerial experience, now seeks a senior financial management role. Has the ability to organise people and systems in order to achieve objectives and is used to working under pressure and meet strict deadlines.

For more advice see:

• What You Should Include in a Personal Statement
• Writing a Personal Profile for your CV
• How to create a CV: Personal Statement
• Preparing to Change Jobs? Make sure your CV is ready too!

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5th July 2020 at 1:27 am

Outstanding post however , I was wondering if you could write a litte more on this subject? I’d be very thankful if you could elaborate a little bit further. Cheers!

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• CV and Cover Letter
• Craft a winning personal...

Craft a winning personal statement for your CV to stand out

8 min read · Updated on April 18, 2024

Let the personal statement on your CV speak volumes about you

You probably have a fairly good idea of how to write a CV . Your employment history , education , and qualifications are relatively easy to pull together as you just need to look at dates, your previous job specs, and what you've achieved over the years.

The personal statement is often the trickiest component of a CV to write. Thankfully, we've got this comprehensive guide to help you write a winning one.

What is a personal statement for a CV?

Your personal statement is a short paragraph that sits at the top of your CV, just below your name and contact details. Diving into three key aspects, this section offers the recruiter or hiring manager a powerful overview of you as a professional:

1.    Who you are

2.    Your suitability for the role and the value you can add

3.    Your career goals 

Why include a personal statement on your CV?

It is estimated that recruiters spend an average of less than 8 seconds reviewing a CV before deciding whether the applicant is a good fit. 

As the personal statement is the first section they will read, it must be powerful and tailored to the job you're applying for to successfully showcase your suitability. If it's not, you're unlikely to convince the recruiter you're the talent they need for the job.

5 tips on writing your personal statement

Before we look at some personal statement examples, let's take a look at the basics. Here are some expert-backed tips for writing a good personal statement on your CV.

1. Keep it short and on point

Keep your personal statement clean and concise. It's typically around four sentences long, or about 50 to 200 words. If you're overshooting that word count, see which nonessential parts can be omitted.

2. Get the layout right from the start

Make sure that your layout is consistent with the rest of your CV's formatting . That means maintaining the same font size , font type, and text justification. Recruiters will notice these minor details, and so it's smart to get ahead of the game here. 

3. Use a heading (if there's space!)

You can add a “personal statement” heading in the same way that you'd title the subsequent sections of your CV. However, if you're tight on space, you can cut the heading as recruiters will know what this paragraph is nonetheless.

4. Choose the right perspective

The first person is acceptable for a statement (“I am an IT professional looking for a job in…”) as is the third person (“An IT professional looking for a job in…”). Choose the point of view that's most comfortable to write in, but, as always, keep it consistent with the rest of your CV.

5. Cut back on unnecessary words

If you're writing in the third person, remove all pronouns. Otherwise, it sounds existentially awkward, rather than objective. For example, “She is a retail professional seeking a management role…” would become “A retail professional seeking a management role…”

How to write a personal statement for a CV

We've looked at the purpose of a personal statement, what it should include, and how it should look on the page. Now let's zoom in on exactly how to write a winning statement.

When writing, keep in mind that the personal statement on your CV is your elevator pitch; it's the equivalent of the “Tell me about yourself” or “Why should I hire you?” question in an interview. Below, we break down what you need to include in your personal statement.

Part 1: Who you are

Your opening statement needs to tell the prospective employer where you stand in your career. 

This introduction could include your current role, years of experience, and what you like the most about your career or professional field. It gives the recruiter a hint of the qualities that make you valuable to the vacancy.

Your first sentence may read like so:

As a successful digital marketing professional with five years specialising in e-commerce, I have recently worked with several global brands in the sector to improve their marketing strategy and boost their reach.

Part 2: Your suitability and value

The next part of your statement should line up with the requirements in the job description and prove your relevant and impressive qualifications.

It's always best to address here the essential job specifications to articulate from the beginning that you're the right person for the job. For example, if the role requires management experience or a certain degree and you have these, say so.

Your middle sentences may look like this:

I have experience in optimising quality digital products via my most recent role and am therefore in tune with the latest developments across the online landscape. As a result, I have devised winning branding strategies for e-commerce businesses that are robust, customer-centric and set for aggressive growth.

Part 3: Your career goals

The last part of your personal statement should be short and snappy as it's reaffirming why you are applying for this vacancy.

It might read something like so:

I am currently looking for a senior branding or marketing management role within the e-commerce sector where I can maintain my strong track record and deliver similar results.

Complete CV personal profile examples

In addition to the samples above, here are a couple of complete personal statement examples to give you an idea of what yours should look like.

For a graduate, written in the third person:

A recent graduate with a first-class BSc degree in Mathematics, specialising in analytics and statistics. Holds commercial experience within the finance sector, thanks to an internship with a corporate UK business, and has resultantly developed technical skills in data science and data engineering. Has a proven ability to meet deadlines, prioritise, problem solve, and maintain high standards having balanced a part-time job alongside studies over the last three years. Now looking to secure a place on a graduate programme that will provide exposure to data science and career progression opportunities.

Addressing a recent redundancy, written in the first person:

I am a skilled and successful Product Engineer within the automotive industry, with an HND in mechanical engineering and seven years of experience in the sector. Having worked in a number of labs handling vehicle-based testing and mentoring development technicians, I am confident in managing teams in a hands-on environment and running new development projects from briefing to sign off. Currently looking for a role that complements my skill set and experience. Available immediately.

Writing your personal statement: common mistakes to avoid  

There are some common profile errors that you should avoid. Steer clear of these popular pitfalls to keep your personal statement as powerful as possible.

Buzzword overload

Are you an extremely self-motivated, ambitious professional with extensive experience and passion for a certain industry? We thought so.

Buzzwords are great, and you'll find them in abundance in job adverts. But it's best to sprinkle just a few through your personal statement as they don't particularly provide evidence of your skill or ability. It's much stronger to show the employer how you're self-motivated and ambitious with an example.

Using a generic personal statement

You might think that your personal statement can work for every application. For the most part, it will, because, in theory, the jobs you're applying for will be similar and match your skill set.

However, you must tweak and tailor your statement (and your entire CV) so that it targets the skills each vacancy requires. Otherwise, it won't be as impactful.

Including too much waffle

As you begin to plan and write the personal statement for your CV, you'll most likely find that you have a lot more to say than you originally thought. Be careful not to overwrite as you may be left with a statement that's clogged with too many adjectives and is clunky to read.

As a rule of thumb, highlight your best bits in your personal statement and save the details for your cover letter .

FAQs about your personal statement 

Now that we've shown you some examples of a personal statement on a CV, there's just one last thing to cover. Here are some frequently asked questions on the topic:

How long should a personal statement be?

When you're writing a personal statement for a CV, your word count should be between 50 and 200 words. Be sure not to waste any space with unnecessary waffle here. 

Does a personal statement have other names?

Yes! The personal statement on your CV may also be called a personal profile, a CV summary, or a professional summary. 

Does a CV (really) need a personal statement?

Yes, most CVs require a personal statement at the top of the page. Use our guide to help you write a summary that grabs the hiring manager's attention for the right reasons. 

Stand out with a winning personal statement

Writing a captivating personal statement on your CV is a quick way to hook potential employers. Make sure that your summary showcases what makes you unique and adds value to your application. 

Still unsure about your personal statement? Get in touch with one of our career experts by requesting a free CV critique today! 

Recommended reading: 

Professional email salutations that work (with examples)

Written communication: definition and examples

How long should a cover letter be and what should it include?

Related Articles:

How to leverage ChatGPT for your job search in 2024

How to choose the best CV paper

Professional CV writing service cost in 2024

See how your CV stacks up.

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Should your CV be in past or present tense?

When sitting down to write your CV, you’ve probably wondered, “Should my CV be written in the past or present tense?

Well, the answer is actually both.

Different sections of your CV will require different tenses.

This guide will show you where to use which tense in your CV and how to write in them.

CV templates 

Where to use present tense in your CV

You should use the present tense in 2 key areas of your CV :

• Your CV profile (the opening paragraph)
• Your current job position , if you are in a job right now

In these 2 sections you are explaining what you are currently doing, and what your abilities are in this current period of time.

So, it’s important to use the present tense here.

Your profile

Your CV profile sits at the top of the first page and is your chance to introduce yourself to the recruiter with a short paragraph.

Your profile is a high-level overview of what skills you currently possess, and what you can offer employers

Because you are talking about who you are and what you do right now, you need to use the present tense in your CV profile.

For example;

• Do write: “ An accomplished administrator with practical knowledge of Microsoft Office”
• Don’t write: “ I have previous admin experience and have used Microsoft Word”

Here are some examples to show you how to do this:

Example CV summaries

Your current job

Your CV work experience is where you describe your current and previous jobs.

If you are currently employed, then your current job must be written in the present tense to show recruiters that you are actively carrying out the responsibilities and achievements you are writing about.

For example:

• Do write: “ Supporting a team of sales reps and providing regular reports to management”
• Don’t write: “ I supported a team of sales reps and provided regular reports to management”

Check out some examples of how to do this below:

Example CV current jobs

• Compose, publish, and update job advertisements for vacancies to online job boards.
• Work closely with managers to fill positions quickly and accurately.
• Source candidates and conduct comprehensive background checks.
• Manage multiple vacancies at one time using Trello software to ensure KPIs are met.

Outline Administer IV medication and fluid therapies for paediatric patients at Sheffield Children’s Hospital, working alongside doctors and Registered Nurse’s to coordinate and execute acute and long term patient treatment plans.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive nursing assessment of patients before, during and after procedure.
• Establish IV access for infusion patients, monitor IV and document all actions and assessments appropriately in EMR.
• Accurately prepare and administer IV therapies per physician orders.
• Anticipate and proactively plan for educational needs of patients and families.

Outline Handle cages and platforms to move supplies, for one of the leading rigging companies that specialises in rigging and moving heavy machinery and industrial equipment, such as HVAC systems, generators, and CNC machines.

• Operate various material-moving equipment according to schedule and instructions from project managers.
• Drive pilings into earth to provide support for buildings and other structures.
• Set-up the correct cranes and hoist objects to complete tasks efficiently, while responding to questions and instructions clearly and quickly.
• Inspect machines and tools, perform routine maintenance processes, and initiated additional repair requests from mechanics when necessary.

Where to use past tense in your CV

As lots of the information you’re providing in your CV is based on past employment, studies, or accomplishments, there will be sections that require you to use the past tense when writing it .

These sections mainly include your previous jobs and education section.

Your previous jobs

When talking about your previous job roles, you need to write each job’s details in the past tense to show the work was done in the past.

This means that when listing your key responsibilities and accomplishments during your time in that particular job or company, you use language that lets the employer know this was something you used to do, or that you once achieved – not something you are still doing.

The same applies to your education , achievements, or hobbies sections. If these were completed in the past or you no longer take part in these activities, they must be written in the past tense.

Example previous jobs on CV

Outline Worked for a private mental health clinic in London with 3,200 patients from across the city, supporting office staff with daily administration and patient file management.

• Informed clients of required documentation needed for their appointments.
• Processed client contacts, insurance providers and information changes.
• Transcribed doctor’s notes and provided administrative support for all written correspondence.
• Prepared and completed office reports as projects as assigned by the office coordinator including prebilling and insurance audits.
• Managed and operated picture cameras to record scenes related to TV broadcasts, advertisements, and motion films.
• Executed each shot according to technical aspects, such as light, lenses, camera film, and filters to accomplish desired effects.
• Decided on camera placement to capture pictures, compose shots, and shoot scenes.
• Communicated with the director of photography, make-up artists, lighting crew, and sound employees to create the finest optical effects.
• Processed all incoming 999 and non-emergency telephone calls to calmly determine necessary steps in a multitude of circumstances.
• Dispatched calls for nine police divisions, eight fire departments, four ambulance services and other emergency/non-emergency providers.
• Created electronic records and logs of activity using dispatch CAD systems.
• Established precedence of importance in seeking and passing on information and coordinating action.

What is present tense?

Tense refers to the use of verbs that allow you to show or express time (or when something happened) when writing.

Present tense means using language to express an action that is happening now or something that is ongoing.

So, in your CV, the present tense is used when writing about work that you are currently doing, or to explain that you are currently qualified in a profession.

For example: “I am currently providing business consulting services and am Prince2 qualified.”

What is past tense?

The past tense is when you’re using language to discuss something that has already happened or the previous state of something.

It is the verb form you use for an event that has passed, for example, describing something that happened yesterday, last year, or 10 years ago.

In your CV, you would use the past tense to write about previous jobs, or achievements you made in studies.

For example: “Led an experienced research team and created a number of published reports”

UC Irvine to resume in-person classes Friday after police clear pro-Palestinian encampment

IRVINE, Calif. (CNS) -- Classes were held remotely Thursday at UC Irvine following a tense day that saw hundreds of law enforcement officers descend on the campus to break up a pro-Palestinian encampment and occupation of a lecture hall in what Chancellor Howard Gillman called "a sad day for our university."

But in-person instruction was scheduled to resume Friday, and university officials said "all employees should return to work as normal."

According to the university, 50 people were arrested, mostly for failure to disperse after a direct police order. "A few" were arrested for trespassing. Most, if not all, were taken to jail, cited and then released. Of those arrested, 19 were not affiliated with the university, two were employees and 26 were students, according to UCI.

Police also cleared a Gaza Solidarity Encampment at the university Wednesday evening , more than two weeks after it was established.

Protesters surrounded the Physical Sciences Lecture Hall about 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, prompting campus police to request aid from Orange County sheriff's deputies and Irvine police, among other neighboring agencies, said Tom Vasich, a university spokesman.

The university sent a message to students at 5:57 p.m. declaring, "Anyone currently in buildings in the vicinity of the protest are advised to exit buildings & leave area at this time. ... If able, please leave immediately & continue to avoid the protest area until further notice."

A large contingent of police and sheriff's deputies descended on the campus and began arresting protesters and dismantling the encampment by early evening after declaring an unlawful assembly and ordering the crowd to disperse.

Some shoving between police and protesters was spotted as officers moved further into the encampment area and eventually started to remove some protesters.

UCI officials said a total of six people were injured - five officers and one protester.

Approximately 300 protesters remained at 7 p.m. By 8 p.m. protesters had been funneled by advancing police to Aldrich Park, a large green lawn area nearby. An announcement was made about 8:10 to disperse within five minutes.

By 8:33 p.m., police had cleared Aldrich Park and only a few lingering people remained on campus.

The people arrested during the operation were booked at the Orange County Jail and then were released, Vasich said.

Irvine Mayor Farrah N. Khan wrote on X: "It's a shame that peaceful free speech protests are always responded to with violence. Taking space on campus or in a building is not a threat to anyone."

In response, Newport Beach Mayor Will O'Neill wrote: "Police officers from Newport Beach are currently in Irvine providing assistance at the request of a mutual aid call. Your careless wording makes it appear that you are preemptively accusing our officers, and officers from the many law enforcement agencies who responded, of violence."

The protest had been largely peaceful as the students have been negotiating with university officials.

The situation intensified over the past week, particularly after some protesting students received suspension notices from the university, including some who were involved in negotiations with UCI administrators.

In a statement posted on social media Wednesday, the UCI Divest protest group said it is "reclaiming the university for Palestine and for the people."

"Exactly one week ago to the day, UC Irvine issued temporary suspensions to many students in the encampment, including the majority of the student negotiation team," according to the group.

"Students barred from returning to their own campus residence halls, cannot come to campus at the peak of midterms and finals, and are already facing the emotional toll of seeing the university militarize itself before it even accepts ending the genocide and killings of the students' family members friends."

Numerous tents were erected around the physical sciences building, and banners were hung from the building's balcony listing the group's demands for divestment. Some small skirmishes were visible on the outskirts of the encampment perimeter as at least one counter-protester tried to confront participants.

An unknown number of protesters also took positions inside the building, and video from the scene showed access doors secured with electrical cords -- which were quickly removed by police.

UCI Divest added in its statement that university officials have called for a resumption of negotiations with protesters, "but how can we negotiate if our negotiators are barred from physical and virtual presence at UCI?"

In a statement issued at 10:49 p.m., Gilman said, "At 2 p.m. on Wednesday, we, along with most other UC campuses, received the latest demands' from the protesters. The protesters orchestrated a swift departure from their encampment. In a coordinated fashion they moved out of the encampment to the Physical Sciences Lecture Hall, where a small group barricaded themselves in, supported by a large group of community members who had gathered for a scheduled rally."

"For the last two weeks, I have consistently communicated that the encampment violated our policies but that the actions did not rise to the level requiring police intervention. My approach was consistent with the guidelines of UC's Robinson/Edley Report, which urges the UC to exhaust all possible alternatives before resorting to police intervention.

"I was prepared to allow a peaceful encampment to exist on the campus without resorting to police intervention, even though the encampment violated our policies and the existence of the encampment was a matter of great distress to other members of our community. I communicated that if there were violations of our rules we would address them through the normal administrative policies of the university and not through police action."

"And so after weeks when the encampers assured our community that they were committed to maintaining a peaceful and nondisruptive encampment, it was terrible to see that they would dramatically alter the situation in a way that was a direct assault on the rights of other students and the university mission.

"The latest campus-specific and systemwide demands made by our encampers and their counterparts across the University of California attempted to dictate that anyone who disagreed with them must conform to their opinions. They asserted the right to oversee many elements of university operations involving the administration, faculty, students, and staff, bypassing customary campus protocols and ignoring the function of the Academic Senate."

"Most importantly, their assault on the academic freedom rights of our faculty and the free speech rights of faculty and students was appalling. One can only imagine the response if people on the other side of these issues established an encampment to force me to censor all anti-Zionist academic and student programming.

"But my concern now is not the unreasonableness of their demands. It is their decision to transform a manageable situation that did not have to involve police into a situation that required a different response. I never wanted that. I devoted all of my energies to prevent this from happening.

"I'm sorry this campus I love so much had to experience this terrible and avoidable situation. I remain steadfast in my commitment to protecting the rights of all members of our community to express whatever viewpoints they believe are essential for others to hear and engage. And I remain steadfast in my commitment to defend our faculty and students from efforts to prevent them from having the same rights of academic freedom and free speech as everyone else on this campus.

"My hope is that we can find our way to a culture of peace, mutual respect, and shared commitment to addressing our differences through the norms of scholarly inquiry and debate."

Some protesters who were arrested and led away complained to media at the campus that they had done nothing wrong and were involved in a peaceful protest. Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer issued a statement on social media noting that failure to disperse after police declare an unlawful assembly is a crime.

Spitzer said "the right to peaceful assembly is a constitutional right and we encourage protesters to exercise their right to peaceful assembly; however, criminal activity which transcends peaceful assembly, including violence and vandalism of any kind, will not be tolerated. Any evidence of criminal activity, including failure to obey lawful orders to disperse, will be investigated and thoroughly reviewed to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that a crime was committed."

Orange County Board of Supervisors Chairman Don Wagner, a former Irvine mayor, praised law enforcement for their response to the unrest.

"I would urge the students to all stand down and respect the declaration from UCI that this is an unlawful assembly and go back to class," Wagner told City News Service. "I certainly hope nobody gets hurt. I would like to see this end quickly and peacefully, unlike what we saw at UCLA, and I'm watching to see what happens, but I understand and appreciate the Orange County Sheriff's Department's response and expect them to do it as gently and as professionally as possible."

Wagner said he did not have any "inside information" about what set-off the standoff, but he said if it was because some students negotiating with administrators were angry about being suspended, they should know, "You get free speech, but you don't get consequence-free speech."

Wagner said he has known Gillman "for 40-plus years, and I don't think he'd take this action lightly."

Supervisor Katrina Foley issued a statement saying, "I value the right to peacefully protest. However, we cannot enable the recent escalations, which include the disruption of classes and (vandalism) of campus property.

"UCI is a place of learning, research, and free expression. Maintaining this requires the situation surrounding these protests to remain peaceful. I reached out to the chancellor to encourage the administration practice restraint, peacefully disperse the protesters, and subsequently re-engage in negotiations with our students."

The University of California issued a statement April 26 noting that the system has "consistently opposed calls for boycott against and divestment from Israel. While the University affirms the right of our community members to express diverse viewpoints, a boycott of this sort impinges on the academic freedom of our students and faculty and the unfettered exchange of ideas on our campuses.

"UC tuition and fees are the primary funding sources for the University's core operations. None of these funds are used for investment purposes," the statement continued.

Related Topics

• ORANGE COUNTY
• COLLEGE STUDENTS
• PALESTINIANS
• COLLEGE STUDENT

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Karen Read murder trial Day 10 testimony featured tense cross-examination of Brian Albert

By Matt Schooley , Kristina Rex

Updated on: May 14, 2024 / 1:06 PM EDT / CBS Boston

DEDHAM - The Karen Read murder trial resumed Monday with tense  cross-examination of Brian Albert , the owner of the Canton, Massachusetts home where Read's boyfriend, Boston police officer John O'Keefe was found dead in January 2022.

Albert, a former Boston Police officer, began testifying in Norfolk Superior Court in Dedham last Friday . He described O'Keefe as a friend, but admitted he did not know him well.

Read, 45, is charged with second-degree murder in the case. Prosecutors say she hit and killed O'Keefe with her SUV. Defense attorneys say Read is being framed and O'Keefe was killed during a fight inside Albert's home. Albert said O'Keefe never entered his home that night. 

Albert, who recently retired, was drinking with a group that included Read and O'Keefe at the Waterfall Bar & Grille in Canton on January 28, 2022.   

Brian Albert's cellphone

Defense attorney Alan Jackson, without the jury present, accused Albert of destroying cellphone data . Albert was given a preservation order for his cellphone use from January 28 to February 28, 2022.

According to Albert, he had upgraded his cellphone before learning of the order.

After questioning without the jury present, jurors returned to the room and Jackson questioned Albert about what happened to his cellphone data.

Albert said he got a new phone around September 22, 2022, and the preservation was ordered on September 23, 2022.

"So according to you, you got rid of the phone that was the subject of a court-ordered preservation the day before it was ordered preserved? Right?" Jackson asked.

"September 4 was my birthday. The phone was broken and failing. I had planned on getting a new phone and that just happened to be the day I got it," Albert said.

Phone calls the night John O'Keefe died

Jackson showed Albert surveillance video from the Waterfall bar that appears to show him and ATF agent Brian Higgins play-fighting. 

Albert said the two were "fooling around," but Jackson has attempted to show that they were practicing fighting techniques.

Records show Albert and Higgins later exchanged calls around 2 a.m. on January 29, 2022. Albert said he "inadvertently" called Higgins, calling it a "butt dial." Higgins called Albert back, but Albert testified the two never spoke.

"That next morning, while everything was going on, I mentioned to Brian 'I may have butt-dialed you last night. Sorry about that,'" Albert testified.

"Did you two both agree to say that those were butt dials in order to cover up those calls?" Jackson asked, to which Albert replied, "We did not say that."

Cross-examination of Brian Albert

Several members of the group from Waterfall returned to Albert's Fairview Road home after leaving the bar. O'Keefe's body was found hours later on Albert's lawn. Read's attorneys argue that O'Keefe was killed during a fight inside the home, then dragged outside.

On Monday, Jackson peppered Albert with questions.

Jackson read a transcript from previous grand jury testimony Albert gave, when he said "I've never met or seen [Karen Read] before. Maybe once, but I've never had a conversation with her I don't think." Jackson said the statement was not true, because they had previously met. 

Jackson displayed a photo of Albert, O'Keefe and two others that was taken the week before O'Keefe's death. According to Jackson, Read took the photo.

Albert testified that the night at Waterfall in Canton, he did not talk to Read. Jackson played surveillance video that he said shows Albert talking to Read.

Jackson asked Albert if he was trying to "distance" himself from the fact that he knew O'Keefe and Read during his grand jury testimony. 

"Mr. Albert, you knew if you had a relationship with John O'Keefe or Karen Read, you knew you'd have a lot to answer for when his body ended up dead on your lawn six days later?" Jackson asked, to which the prosecution objected.

Jackson showed a video from Albert's backyard and asked if it was possible to move a large heavy object out of the basement and not bring it through the house. Albert answered yes. "There is a bulkhead door you can use," he said.

Brian Albert says Read, O'Keefe never entered home

On Friday, Albert first took the witness stand and testified about the night of O'Keefe's death. He said Read and O'Keefe never entered his home that night.

During cross-examination, Jackson asked Albert if O'Keefe came into the house. He said no, something he reiterated when cross-examination continued on Monday.

"John never came into my house that night. He would've been welcomed. And the defendant would've been welcomed if she had come," Albert said. "I wish they had come over that night, they would've been welcomed with open arms. I really do."  

Jackson asked Albert why he never went outside after seeing the police activity the morning O'Keefe died. Albert said he never noticed anything was happening until after O'Keefe's body had been taken from the scene to the hospital.

"At that time, there was no victim outside my house. There was no one who needed first aid. There was nothing I could do," Albert said.

Months after O'Keefe's death, Albert sold the home. He testified on Friday that the sale was not because of O'Keefe's death.

Who was inside Brian Albert's home?

Albert was questioned on who was inside his home the night O'Keefe died.

Specifically, Jackson asked Albert why he and his wife both left out their nephew, Colin Albert from the list.  

"Did both of you conveniently forget that Colin had been there?" Jackson asked. Albert said he did not mention Colin Albert because he left shortly after he returned home from Waterfall.

Brian Albert Jr. testifies he saw dark-colored SUV

Next on the stand was Brian Albert Jr., Brian Albert's son. He was the first witness who has testified to seeing a dark SUV outside 34 Fairview the night O'Keefe died. 

"There was another car that I didn't, I hadn't recognized before. It was a dark SUV," Brian Albert Jr. said. 

Albert said he was sitting at the family dining room table and looked out the window. He said he saw the SUV near the mailbox, then later looked again and it was closer to the flagpole with the passenger side towards the house.

Read was driving a black Lexus SUV at the time of O'Keefe's death.

Albert Jr. said he saw tire tracks in the snow. The defense pushed the 25-year-old about his vision.

"So you'd agree that visibility in front of the house was good enough that you could see tire tracks? But you did not see a 220-pound man lying in the snow in your front yard?" defense attorney Elizabeth Little asked. Albert Jr. said he did not.

Previous witness accused of perjury

Brian Albert's daughter, Caitlin Albert, took the stand after her father and brother. She testified that O'Keefe and Read never entered the Fairview Road home the night of his death.

The defense questioned Caitlin Albert about her relationship with Canton firefighter-paramedic Katie McLaughlin. "I can't think of a time possibly ever where her and I ever hung out one on one or individually," Caitlin Albert said.

Court ended for the day with Caitlin Albert still on the stand. She was dismissed for the day and cross-examination will resume on Tuesday.

After jurors left the room, Judge Beverly Cannone heard arguments from each side about prior testimony of McLaughlin .

While on the stand earlier in the trial, McLaughlin said she heard Read repeatedly say "I hit him" when she was on scene after O'Keefe's body was found. Yannetti argued Monday that McLaughlin changed her story "once she realized this was the Albert family."  

Defense attorney David Yannetti argued that McLaughlin committed perjury when she described herself as an acquaintance, not a friend, of Caitlin Albert.

Yannetti said he received a "deluge" of photographs following McLaughlin's testimony. Read's attorneys argue the photos show McLaughlin and Caitlin Albert are friends.

Prosecutor Adam Lally said Yannetti is being "intentionally vague" about where he got the photographs from. Lally also said Yannetti was mischaracterizing the testimony about what Read was heard saying at the scene.

Cannone did not rule on the issue Monday. She said she will look over her notes and decide on Tuesday.

Who is Karen Read?

Prosecutors said Read dropped O'Keefe off at Albert's home after a night of drinking in January 2022 and hit him with her SUV as she drove away, leaving him for dead in a snowstorm. In addition to second-degree murder, Read is also charged with manslaughter while operating under the influence of alcohol, and leaving the scene of personal injury and death.

Read has pleaded not guilty to all of the charges. 

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Matt Schooley is a digital producer at CBS Boston. He has been a member of the WBZ news team for the last decade.

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'That was a lie!': Trump's lawyer gets heated during questioning of former fixer Michael Cohen

Michael Cohen returned to the witness stand in Manhattan criminal court Thursday for a tense cross-examination with Donald Trump's defense attorneys, who have been trying to paint him as a dishonest and unreliable narrator whose claims cannot be believed.

In one heated exchange in the New York City courtroom, defense lawyer Todd Blanche pushed Cohen about the details of a phone conversation he said he had with Trump on Oct. 24, 2016, about the $130,000 hush money payment to porn actor Stormy Daniels . Cohen had testified he got hold of Trump through his bodyguard Keith Schiller to "discuss the Stormy Daniels matter and the resolution of it."

Blanche noted the call was at 8:02 p.m. and lasted 90 seconds and that at 8:04 p.m., Cohen texted Schiller the phone number of a 14-year-old he'd complained had been prank calling him. He shouted that Cohen's account of talking to Trump that night "was a lie!" The real conversation was about the teenager, Blanche insisted. Cohen said he “believed he was telling the truth, based upon the records and documents” he reviewed.

“We are not asking for your belief. This jury does not want to hear what you think happened,” Blanche snapped.

Prosecutors told state Judge Juan Merchan this week that Cohen, Trump's former personal lawyer , is their final witness in the often-sensational trial, which began April 15. Blanche had not finished his cross-examination by the end of the day Thursday, so Cohen will return to the witness stand Monday. There's no court Friday so Trump can attend his son's high school graduation.

Trump once again appeared with some high-profile allies in tow. His contingent Thursday included Republican Reps. Matt Gaetz of Florida, Lauren Boebert of Colorado and Bob Good of Virginia. Also spotted in the courthouse was Jeffrey Clark, an official in Trump's Justice Department who's one of his co-defendants in the state election interference case in Georgia. Both he and Trump have pleaded not guilty.

After Cohen first took the stand in the morning, Blanche questioned him about comments he made about his ex-boss on his "Mea Culpa" podcast, including that he hoped he'd end up "in prison."

“You better believe I want this man to rot in his cell and pay for what he has done to me and my family,” he said on the show. Blanche asked Cohen whether he ever boasted on his show that he was partly responsible for Trump getting indicted.

"I took some credit, yes," he replied.

Blanche also grilled Cohen about his 2018 guilty plea to tax evasion and other charges, some related to his work for Trump. Cohen took responsibility for those crimes at the time but has since maintained he was pressured to plead guilty by federal prosecutors and a judge who were "corrupt" — the same thing Trump has often claimed about the prosecutors and the judge in his case.

“Do you agree with me that when you plead guilty of a crime and you are lying, that’s not accepting responsibility, is it?” Blanche asked. “I accepted responsibility, and I am suffering the consequences as a result,” Cohen said.

Blanche noted that Cohen has blamed multiple people over the years for the various crimes he pleaded guilty to, including his accountant, Trump and the judge. "Yes, sir," Cohen responded.

He also pushed Cohen about his shifting answers about whether he ever sought a pardon from Trump while he was being investigated by the FBI in 2018. Cohen told Congress he'd never asked Trump for one but later acknowledged he'd asked his lawyer to "explore" the possibility of a pardon. He maintained his statement was accurate because he hadn't "personally" asked Trump for a pardon.

Later in the day, Blanche he asked Cohen questions that were geared to support some of the Trump legal team's characterization of the evidence. Cohen acknowledged telling the Manhattan district attorney's office he believed Daniels was "extorting" Trump, and he agreed with Blanche that Daniels' nondisclosure agreement was a “completely legal, binding contract.”

Referring to a separate hush money payment that Cohen was involved with during the campaign, the National Enquirer's $150,000 deal with former Playboy model Karen McDougal to keep her quiet about her alleged monthslong affair with Trump in 2006, Cohen agreed Trump was concerned about the impact the story could have on his wife and children. Trump has denied McDougal's claims.

Follow live updates on Trump's hush money trial

Blanche's c ross-examination began with a contentious start Tuesday.

"After the trial started in this case, you went on TikTok and called me a 'crying little s---,' didn't you?" he asked.

"Sounds like something I would say," Cohen responded.

Blanche then peppered Cohen with questions designed to show he has a documented history of lying — and a strong bias against his former boss. Blanche asked Cohen whether he'd said in the same April 23 TikTok post that Trump belongs in a "cage, like an animal."

"I recall saying that," Cohen said.

Cohen, 57, is a pivotal witness in Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg's case against Trump, the first criminal trial of a former president. It was Cohen who paid Daniels $130,000 in the closing days of the 2016 presidential election to keep her quiet about her claim of having had a sexual encounter with Trump a decade earlier after they met at a celebrity golf tournament. Trump denies her claim.

Prosecutors say then-President Trump reimbursed Cohen in a series of payments that were falsely recorded as legal expenses in a bid to hide what they were really for.

In testimony this week, Cohen said Trump had directed him to deal with Daniels' claims because he feared they could be a "total disaster" for his campaign. Cohen said Trump assured him he would pay him back and later told him to work out the details with Allen Weisselberg, then the Trump Organization's chief financial officer.

When news of his payment to Daniels became public in 2018, Cohen said Trump had encouraged him to take full responsibility for the hush money deal, which Cohen did.

Asked why he'd taken those actions and others aimed at suppressing scandalous Trump stories during the 2016 election, Cohen said he'd done so "at the direction of" and "for the benefit of Donald J. Trump."

Cohen is the only witness to directly tie Trump to the alleged falsifying business records scheme.

Blanche told jurors in his opening statement that Trump's payments to Cohen were for legal work and that Cohen “cannot be trusted” because he has a history of lying and an ax to grind against his former boss.

Cohen has acknowledged lying in the past — including to Congress , for which he pleaded guilty in 2018 — but maintains he was motivated by what was then his strong desire "to protect Mr. Trump."

It's unclear whether Trump will put on a defense case. Blanche told Merchan this week that he may offer some testimony from an expert if he determines it's necessary to do so. Court filings show that the expert is Bradley A. Smith, a former Federal Election Commission chair, who could testify about the FEC and its function, laws the agency is responsible for enforcing and definitions and terms that relate to the case. Trump's attorneys asked Merchan on Thursday to allow him to testify to more than that. The judge said he would review their submissions but isn't likely to change his decision.

Another possible witness is Trump himself. Trump said before the trial began that he would “absolutely” testify , but he has since said he'd do so if necessary . Blanche told the Thursday that he didn't know whether his client would take the stand.

If he doesn't, Merchan said, both sides should be prepared to deliver their closing arguments Tuesday.

Trump has  pleaded not guilty to 34 counts of falsifying business records. He faces up to four years in prison if he is convicted.

Adam Reiss is a reporter and producer for NBC and MSNBC.

Gary Grumbach produces and reports for NBC News, based in Washington, D.C.

Jillian Frankel is a 2024 NBC News campaign embed.

Dareh Gregorian is a politics reporter for NBC News.

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Trump defense grills Michael Cohen in hush money trial

By CNN's Kara Scannell, Lauren Del Valle and Jeremy Herb in the courthouse

Key takeaways from Thursday's cross-examination of Michael Cohen

From CNN's Jeremy Herb, Lauren del Valle and Kara Scannell,

Donald Trump  attorney Todd Blanche raised his voice and flailed his arms at Michael Cohen, wailing at the prosecution’s star witness and accusing him of making up a phone conversation with Trump just before he sent $130,000 to Stormy Daniels’ attorney in October 2016.

It was the most dramatic moment of the cross-examination of the key witness in the hush money case, and the clearest example yet of the defense’s effort to cast doubt on Cohen’s memory of phone calls and other significant interactions with Trump in 2016.

Here are some of the key takeaways :

• A heated confrontation over a key phone call: On Monday, Cohen testified to prosecutors that he reached out to Trump's former bodyguard Keith Schiller on October 24, 2016, to speak to Trump about Daniels. But on Thursday, Blanche read Cohen a text he sent Schiller minutes before that call about receiving prank phone calls. Blanche used the texts to challenge Cohen’s account of the call. “That was a lie, you did not talk to President Trump, you talked to Keith Schiller – you can admit it,” he pressed. Cohen responded, “No sir, I don’t know that it’s accurate.”
• Cohen navigates years of inconsistent statements: Trump’s lawyer spent hours tediously moving through inconsistent statements that Cohen has made to knock his credibility. Blanche questioned Cohen on a myriad of topics, including the recanting of his 2018 guilty plea on tax charges, whether he wanted to work in the White House and what he’s said about a pardon from Trump. Blanche suggested Cohen was unreliable and only acted like he’d taken accountability for the crimes when he pleaded guilty to get a reduced sentence.
• Cohen pressed on desire for a pardon: Blanche also challenged Cohen on his desires to be in Trump’s White House, as revealed in private communications with his daughter and people like Pastor Darrell Scott, whom Cohen asked to put in a good word with Trump. Still, Cohen maintained that he only ever wanted to be Trump’s personal attorney — the position he held until he became the subject of a federal investigation.
• Trump perks up for Cohen’s cross: For much of the week, while Cohen has been on the witness stand, Trump has been taking in the trial with his eyes shut. But Trump’s demeanor shifted on Thursday afternoon as the attention turned to Cohen and the media. He sat up in his chair facing directly toward Cohen as Blanche quizzed the witness about his conversations with New York Times reporter Maggie Haberman.
• Trial nearing an end? Before leaving for the weekend, Merchan told the lawyers to be prepared to give summations on Tuesday – meaning the jury could have the case as early as next week. Prosecutors told Merchan they have no other witnesses to call after Cohen is off the stand, and the defense said it plans to call one campaign finance expert, though that is not set in stone.

Here's what Michael Cohen has testified so far in the Trump hush money trial

From CNN's Aditi Sangal

Donald Trump's former attorney Michael Cohen took the stand this week to testify in the former president's historical criminal trial and the prosecution's key witness will likely wrap up Monday.

Cohen’s testimony ties together the prosecution’s allegations that Trump broke the law by falsifying business records to reimburse Cohen and conceal the hush money payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels that Cohen said he made at Trump’s direction. Trump has pleaded not guilty and denies having an affair with Daniels.

Here are the highlights of everything he has said so far in the trial:

Day 1 of Cohen's testimony (Monday):

Cohen implicated Trump :

• Under direct examination, Cohen described how he worked with former National Enquirer publisher David Pecker on Trump’s behalf during the 2016 campaign to kill negative stories; how he kept Trump apprised of his hush money negotiations with Keith Davidson, the attorney for Daniels and former Playboy model Karen McDougal; and how Trump approved and was aware of how Cohen would be falsely repaid in 2017 for the Daniels payment as legal services.
• The day before Cohen wired the money, he had two calls with Trump the morning in which he said he told Trump he was going to open the account for the LLC that would wire the money to Daniels. “Everything required Mr. Trump’s sign-off; on top of that, I wanted the money back.”

Cohen ties the hush money reimbursement to Trump:

• On Monday, jurors heard through Cohen for the first time evidence directly connecting Trump to those reimbursements. In 2017, Cohen said he went to Trump’s then-chief financial officer, Allen Weisselberg, about getting repaid for the $130,000 payment. “Let’s do it,” he said Weisselberg told him. The jury was then shown Cohen’s First Republic bank statement, which showed the $130,000 settlement payment.
• Importantly, Cohen said that after their meeting, he and Weisselberg went to Trump’s office to speak to him about it. Cohen said he was given the title of personal attorney to the president around the same time but wasn’t going to be paid for that title because it was meant as "reimbursement of my money.”

Day 2 of Cohen's testimony (Tuesday):

Cohen walks through his decision to stop being loyal to Trump:

• He explained that he lied on Trump’s behalf to Congress in 2017 during the Russia investigation and that he was “misleading” when he told the Federal Election Commission about the $130,000 payment to Daniels in a 2018 letter. He described how he was given reassurance by Trump’s allies – and Trump’s tweets – that his loyalty was appreciated and that he should not “flip” on Trump. After the FBI seized Cohen’s phones and records in a search warrant in 2018, he said Trump called him, which was the last time they spoke.
• Ultimately, Cohen described how a conversation with his family in August 2018 convinced him to change his tune, plead guilty and tell the truth about Trump. “I regret doing things for him that I should not have,” Cohen said. “I don’t regret working with the Trump Organization. As I expressed before, some very interesting, great times. But to keep the loyalty and to do the things that he had asked me to do, I violated my moral compass, and I suffered the penalty, as has my family.”

Defense tries to discredit him:

• Trump attorney Todd Blanche’s used a series of colorful quotes from Cohen to try to paint him as someone who hated Trump and who was hellbent on getting revenge while making money off the former president and trying to get his prison sentence reviewed. Blanche had plenty of material to work with. Cohen has written two books, “Disloyal” and “Revenge,” and has recorded hundreds of podcasts – confirming he mentions Trump in every episode of “Mea Culpa.”
• Cohen tried to put another spin on it. Asked what his goal was of putting out a TikTok nearly every night, he said: “Build an audience, to create a community, to really vent because I have a difficult time sleeping, so I found an outlet.”

Day 3 of Cohen's testimony (Thursday):

The biggest blow to Cohen's credibility over a key phone call:

• Cohen had told the prosecution on Monday that an October 24, 2016, phone call between him and Trump’s bodyguard was about discussing “the Stormy Daniels matter.” But on Thursday, Blanche used texts to challenge Cohen's account of the call, claiming it was a teenager prank calling him.
• In the afternoon, Cohen defended his memory of his calls – arguing that while he’s had thousands of calls and did not remember all of the circumstances surrounding them, he did remember the details of important ones. “Because these phone calls are things that I have been talking about for the last six years. They are and they were extremely important and they were all-consuming,” Cohen said. “So while I did not know that it took place at 8:02 p.m., what I did recall is the conversation that I had had.”

What to know about the 3 other criminal cases involving Donald Trump

From CNN’s Devan Cole, Amy O'Kruk and Curt Merrill 

The hush money criminal trial against former President Donald Trump is one of  four criminal cases  he faces while juggling his presidential campaign.

The former president faces at least  88 charges  over the four criminal indictments in Georgia, New York, Washington, DC, and Florida. Trump has pleaded not guilty to every charge in these cases. 

Here's a recap of each case: 

• Hush money:  Trump was first indicted in March 2023 by the Manhattan district attorney on state charges related to a hush-money payment to an adult film star in 2016. Prosecutors allege Trump was part of an illegal conspiracy to  undermine  the integrity of the 2016 election. Further, they allege he was part of an unlawful plan to suppress negative information, including the $130,000 payment. 
• Classified documents:  Trump was indicted in June 2023 by a federal grand jury in Miami for taking classified national defense documents from the White House after he left office and resisting the government’s attempts to retrieve the materials. The National Archives said in early 2022 that at least 15 boxes of White House records were recovered from the estate, including  some that were classified . The charges were brought by special counsel Jack Smith. However,  Judge Aileen Cannon  has  indefinitely postponed the trial , citing significant issues around classified evidence that would need to be worked out before the federal criminal case goes to a jury.
• Federal election interference:  Smith separately charged the former president last August with four crimes over his efforts to reverse the 2020 election results. The indictment alleges Trump and a co-conspirator "attempted to exploit the violence and chaos at the Capitol by calling lawmakers to convince them ... to delay the certification" of the election. That case is currently on hold  as the Supreme Court  weighs Trump’s claims of presidential immunity in the matter. The court held a hearing on the issue of immunity in late April. Every day the court doesn’t issue a decision will play into Trump’s strategy of delay, jeopardizing the likelihood that Smith can bring his case to trial before the November election. 
• Fulton County:  State prosecutors in Georgia brought a similar election subversion case against Trump and others. An Atlanta-based grand jury on August 14, 2023, indicted Trump and 18 others on state charges stemming from their alleged efforts to overturn the former president’s 2020 electoral defeat. A trial date has not yet been set in that case, and the Georgia Court of Appeals will consider an effort by Trump and his co-defendants to disqualify District Attorney Fani Willis from the case.

Read more about  the four criminal cases  Trump faces.  

Trump’s lawyers work to undercut Michael Cohen’s credibility. Here's what happened in court today

From CNN's Elise Hammond

Donald Trump’s defense team focused on challenging what Michael Cohen said in his direct testimony during cross-examination on Thursday. 

Trump attorney Todd Blanche sought to highlight inconsistencies with the aim of at least making jurors realize they shouldn’t want to make an important decision based on Cohen’s word alone. Cohen is the only witness who has directly tied Trump to the $130,000 payment made to Stormy Daniels and the allegedly falsified documents that described the repayment as a retainer. 

The court is off Friday so Trump can attend his son’s high school graduation. The defense will finish its cross-examination on Monday before the prosecution has an opportunity to conduct redirect questioning.

Here are the key things that happened in court:

• Attitude toward Trump and the trial: Blanche asked Cohen about various times he insulted Trump and called him names. Blanche played a clip from a podcast where Cohen said he hoped Trump would “get a taste of what I went through” and pointed to a social media post where Cohen disparaged Trump.
• Lying under oath: The defense pointed out times Cohen lied under oath . Cohen said he lied to the House Intelligence Committee in 2017 and to the special counsel in 2018. Cohen also confirmed he lied to a federal judge because the stakes affected him personally.
• Pardon possibility: Blanche challenged Cohen on past statements that he never asked for nor would ever accept a pardon from Trump. Cohen said he did explore a pardon from Trump with his lawyers, contrary to what he had testified to Congress. Blanche pointed out that his attorney issued a public statement to correct what Cohen said to Congress. Cohen said a pardon was “being dangled.”
• Cohen’s desire to work at the White House : The defense asked Cohen about his desire to work at the White House , specifically as chief of staff. When he didn’t get picked to be chief of staff, Cohen said he wanted to be the “personal attorney to the president,” but texted his daughter that Trump was "not happy with the title I wanted." His daughter also said she thought Trump and his new officials were “walking all over” him , Cohen confirmed.
• Defense hones in on key October 2016 phone call: Cohen had testified that he told Trump in a 90-second call in 2016 that the Daniels payment was funded and the issue was resolved. On cross-examination, he said he was receiving multiple harassing phone calls from a 14-year-old around the same time. The defense showed call logs and text messages to show Cohen was asking Trump’s former bodyguard Keith Schiller for help with harassment he was experiencing, as opposed to talking about the Daniels deal he testified about. Cohen said they talked about both topics.
• Challenging Cohen’s recollection: Blanche challenged Cohen’s memory about specific details in phone calls. Cohen confirmed that he got about 14,000 phone calls per year in 2016 and 2017. Because of the sheer number, the defense pressed Cohen about how he made specific recollections about calls with people like National Enquirer publisher David Pecker, former editor Dylan Howard and Trump.

The latest on the gag order: Trump's attorneys have filed court documents indicating they will ask New York's highest court to weigh in on the gag order against him in his hush money trial. On Tuesday,  a New York appeals court denied  Trump’s latest attempt to end the gag order. The next day, Trump's attorneys submitted court filings indicating they will appeal the denied motion to the state's highest court, the Court of Appeals. 

See courtroom sketches from Cohen's testimony today in the Trump trial

From Christine Cornell

No cameras are allowed inside the Manhattan courtroom where Donald Trump's hush money trial is underway, but sketch artists captured the scenes as Michael Cohen was cross-examined by the defense today while the former president listened nearby.

Analysis: The dramatic moment in Michael Cohen’s cross-examination that could be decisive

From CNN's Kara Scannell, Jeremy Herb and Lauren Del Valle

The moment when defense indicated that Michael Cohen’s call to Donald Trump's bodyguard Keith Schiller was for help with harassment he was receiving — not to speak with Trump about Daniels, as he testified Monday — “was the most dramatic” point of the cross-examination, CNN’s Kara Scannell said.

“It was the most dramatic moment of the cross examination. Cohen looks like he made up that one call after he saw some records form the prosecution and filled in the blank. It casts doubt on Cohen's memory of phone calls in 2016," Scannell said.

But, she added: "It's up to the jury to decide whether he made up this one call or all calls."

Here’s how Cohen explained it in the afternoon, according to CNN’s Jeremy Herb: “Even if he didn't recall the circumstances of every call, he remembers the calls themselves.”

Trump maintains he "didn't violate any law" after day in court

From CNN's Tori B. Powell

Donald Trump called Thursday another "interesting day" in court.

"I didn't violate any law," Trump said. "This is a scam."

The former president quoted commentary in various news outlets about his case, which he described as "political persecution" and a "joke."

"We're supposed to believe in equal justice under the law and this is not happening in America," he said.

Moments earlier, as the trial wrapped, Trump was seen looking at a white sheet of paper with the word "QUOTES" in all caps at the top.

The post was updated with more of Trump's remarks.

Court adjourns for the week and Cohen has wrapped today's testimony. Here’s the latest

From CNN's Christina Zdanowicz

The court is adjourned for the week. Michael Cohen wrapped up his testimony for the day saying that he thought the Stormy Daniels contract was legally binding and answered questions on an alleged campaign finance violation.

Here are the highlights of his end-of-day testimony:

Former Trump Tower doorman’s claim: Cohen confirmed American Media Inc. paid former Trump Tower doorman Dino Sajudin to suppress his false claim that Trump had an alleged love child with a maid. Trump “initially” didn’t think the story would hurt his campaign.

Stormy Daniels contract: Cohen confirmed the contract for adult film actor Stormy Daniels was a legally binding document. Earlier, Cohen recalled saying he believed Stormy Daniels was extorting Trump.

Concerns about AMI files on Trump: In a 2016 call with Trump, Cohen expressed about the files American Media Inc. had on Trump. He said he was worried someone beside David Pecker, the former National Enquirer publisher, could get control of the files.

Campaign finance allegations: Cohen’s attorney sent a letter in 2018 to the Federal Election Commission in response to a complaint from a watchdog group who alleged the hush money payment to Stormy Daniels was a campaign finance law violation . Cohen asserted the payment was a private transaction using his personal funds. In a statement to reporters about the complaint, Cohen said neither the Trump Organization nor Trump campaign was involved in the transaction.

Back on Monday : Cross-examination of Trump's former lawyer resumes Monday.

Blanche says defense could still call a rebuttal witness

Trump attorney Todd Blanche said the defense could still call a rebuttal witnesses, but if they do, they won't be long.

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