Personal statements... jobs

[Queenbee]

Ok so in advance Im preparing for my not so horsey post to be moved, but since there are way more viewers in here than in soapbox, I thought Id post here. Im currently fine tuning my personal statement for a job app (managerial) I generally don't have a problem getting an interview, but I always feel that my personal statements are too long by the time I have covered the essential and desirable qualities identified in the personal spec. How many words/pages would you write, or if you are an interviewer, want to read?

Many thanks

 

[Mad_Cow347]

I'm not sure about just a personal statement but they say that a CV shouldn't be more than 2 pages and that includes your personal statement type bit as well as all your qualifications, address etc. So probably not more than a page?

 

[Nicnac]

No more than a short paragraph at top of CV. CV should never be more than double sided A4.

I always prefer to have a personal statement type covering letter when recruiting.

Good luck!

 

[Applejuice]

I keep my personal statement on my C.V. concise, a paragraph max, but I do elaborate in my letter of application, picking out my skills that match the person spec. My C.V is double sided on A4 in 11pt I think, with my letter of application being no more than 1 side of A4, again 11pt.

However, if you don't have problems getting interviews, maybe you shouldn't change it?

 

[CLM]

I think the answer can be different if you are applying internally in a company or externally. If internally I think you can get away with a longer statement. There will be fewer applicants so more time can be dedicated to each one. If externally I would keep as short and concise as you possibly can. I certainly would not exceed 1 page. If there are specific experiences/qualities that you have to address then I would consider using bullet points.
Good Luck!

 

[Surreydeb]

Cvs need to be short and sweet but in applications generally you need to make sure you demonstrate you fulfil all the specs and give an example for each point as to how you do. I have seen some applications recently that say no more than about 6 x A4 pages. You do need to be thorough in these kind of applications and answers should be evidence based.

 

[Queenbee]

sorry guys, I should have been clearer,

Im not talking about applying with a cv, I mean when filling out details on a proscribed application form and having to write a full personal statement relating to a personal spec... where they list essential and desirable skills/experience etc, it demands a fuller statement than a paragraph as you need to tick every box they list and provide some examples of your experience and work that is relevant to the post.

 

[Batgirl]

My 'personal statement' has always been a structured answer to the essential/desirables and have always been told it is excellent. The personal statement at the top of a CV should be no more than a paragraph. The application 'letter'/personal statement should be comprehensive, we throw out management applications with insufficient statements.

 

[Queenbee]

I keep my personal statement on my C.V. concise, a paragraph max, but I do elaborate in my letter of application, picking out my skills that match the person spec. My C.V is double sided on A4 in 11pt I think, with my letter of application being no more than 1 side of A4, again 11pt.

However, if you don't have problems getting interviews, maybe you shouldn't change it?

I get what your saying, but the type of jobs I apply for... its looooong! my current application statement is running at 4 pages with lots of bullet points, but I normally aim for 3 and its a squeeze I just think that yes, it gets the interview, but it also is tres long, Id like to shorten it if poss without risking the chances of an interview

 

[Queenbee]

My 'personal statement' has always been a structured answer to the essential/desirables and have always been told it is excellent. The personal statement at the top of a CV should be no more than a paragraph. The application 'letter'/personal statement should be comprehensive, we throw out management applications with insufficient statements.

I never apply for jobs that require only a cv (not discriminating, just never get asked, mine always asks for a 'personal statement' seperatly with examples... to give you an idea, there are 23 individual aspects in the personal spec, these have to be covered and examples given... each is weighted and the people with the highest score get an interview so I have to cover them all... Im not sure people are quite getting the type of application Im making

 

[Queenbee]

Cvs need to be short and sweet but in applications generally you need to make sure you demonstrate you fulfil all the specs and give an example for each point as to how you do. I have seen some applications recently that say no more than about 6 x A4 pages. You do need to be thorough in these kind of applications and answers should be evidence based.

so 3/4 pages plus work history etc should be ok?