CV help - personal statement

[shakeapoo]

I'm assuming this should be the first thing after basic info? Then followed by employment history. I want to keep it brief but have it stand out but not sure how. Also can someone confirm is it supposed to be written 'a passionate and hard working individual' rather than 'I am passionate and hard working' (this is just an example btw)

Yes, your personal statement/summery is who you are and usually follows the basics before job history, education, interests (if you want to share them) and referees if including.
Usually written 3rd person rather than first and about 10/15 lines long, both for reasons I still don't understand. Cover letters are more in depth and first person.
Good luck 😁

Thank you! That's helpful. Been out of the game for so long struggling to get my brain working!

Just to say, a personal statement isn’t compulsory and as a former recruiter the brutal reality is that often they are ‘skipped over.’ A cover letter is a much better description of your skills and interest in the role, so don’t worry about leaving a personal statement off your CV.

If you are going to have one, keep it short (I would say 10-15 lines is too long) and avoid generic statements such as ‘skilled accountant with good communication skills.’

Good luck with it!

Thank you Bella! I've just done one sentence then a skills sections further down (based on a template). Do references normally go on the CV?

I would do a sentence or maximum two. I wouldn't read anything longer. The key parts are in the employment section, where you can detail your experience and achievements that read as factual rather than wasting space with waffle giving your opinion on yourself.

I’d probably leave references off, as companies will ask for this at a later date. Unless of course you’ve got space to fill and you know in advance who might be prepared to be a referee for you.