Dumb cv question

[Poiuytrewql]

I know it’s terrible for me to use mn as my own personal advice website but I’ve always find mumsnetters collectively always pretty much know best.

I took voluntary redundancy after leaving my grad scheme well the role after the grad scheme (3 months in). Anyway, I’ve just spoken to a recruiter and he’s asked me to send in my cv.

What should the personal statement element bit be on if I have no specific job in mind? I know this should be obvious. My last role? The sort of role I want?

If you're applying for a specific role, you should tailor it to highlight why you're a good fit for that role. You're going to have to go a bit generic in your case but you should at least tailor it to the sort of environment/sector you're looking to work in. Highlight key skills with examples of achievements and keep it concise, less is more.

Did they ask for a personal statement? I would say it is not necessary to write one unless they specifically asked for it. Just send them your CV with usual information like education and work history. Maybe include some core skills.

Oh I just always have a little intro/statement at the very top of my cv. I thought that was normal. Happy if it’s not!

Think about your strengths and basically highlight them there. Don't include anything you don't actually like doing. You could also ask ChatGPT to help (obviously don't copy anything it spits out verbatum) - it can be very helpful if you e.g. put in your existing personal statement and your skills and then explain that you want something more generic.

I think it is probably not necessary (but double-check with the recruiter). Nobody really pays much attention to them. As someone who used to recruit for a small business I just want to see what the person's skills and experience is. I am not massively interested to read a cookie-cutter schpiel about how they "work well as individual as well as part of the team". It's dreadful most of the time and you will be asked to write something for a specific role if they need it as part of the recruitment process.
Most graduate roles will come with specifications which the employer would want you to address in your application. The CV is just for recruiter to narrow the pool of candidates.

The thing is, a lot of companies now use AI to screen CVs, and if your CV doesn't have all the relevant sections, it can be rejected without a human ever seeing it... And even when humans are doing the screening, having a personal statement that someone can scan to decide if its worth reading the rest can make a big difference in a world where jobs often have over 1,000 applicants.