Personal Statement or Personal Details first in CV?

Smythe

What would be the preferred order at the beginning of a CV, the Personal Statement or the Personal Details?

Thanks!

Mrs OBumble

I'd recommend:

Personal details
References - just saying "Available on request"
Work history
(Optional: Releveant volunteer work, assocation memberships, publications)
Education


and leaving the personal statement right out. They're usually meaningless waffle anyway.

Only exception might by to explain why you were fit to make a total career change, in which case it should be supported by the volunteer work etc.

3DataModem

Mrs OBumble wrote: »

and leaving the personal statement right out. They're usually meaningless waffle anyway.

I don't agree (at least not in my industry). I believe a personal statement can give me a great sense of a candidates view of themselves, which is a great bozo filter. I know HR and recruiters don't like them, but actual hiring managers (like me) love them.

Creamy Goodness

Personal statement?

Sounds like something only people on this list would make up — http://valleywag.gawker.com/the-biggest-bull****-job-titles-in-tech-1521536472

Eoin

3DataModem wrote: »

I don't agree (at least not in my industry). I believe a personal statement can give me a great sense of a candidates view of themselves, which is a great bozo filter. I know HR and recruiters don't like them, but actual hiring managers (like me) love them.

I'm generally not mad about them (hiring manager too), but obviously it depends on the content. If it's a load of subjective self praise, then it's pointless. If it shows a particular interest in the industry or aspects of the role - or as Mrs O said, helps clarify a change in career direction - then it might be more valid.

Still, I think the cover letter / email is just as suitable a place for that, as it won't use up space better used by work experience (and can help reduce the number of CVs you have on the go).

Edit:

Creamy Goodness wrote: »

Personal statement?

Sounds like something only people on this list would make up — http://valleywag.gawker.com/the-biggest-bull****-job-titles-in-tech-1521536472

That article is brilliant!

Stheno

I wouldn't be mad about them either, just more waffle to have to read most of the time.

Itsallrelative

I quite like them personally, as long as they're short, concise and relevant. Don't start going on about your whole life history in there.

Personal details should go first imo, but should be minimal. Name, phone, email, location (full address is ok but not necessary).

Other than that, nothing else is needed. Avoid putting your age, marital status, number of children, colour of your socks etc.

Mentioning references is also unnecessary; it's a standard part of most recruitment processes so generally goes without saying.

Greenmachine

Itsallrelative wrote: »

I quite like them personally, as long as they're short, concise and relevant. Don't start going on about your whole life history in there.

Personal details should go first imo, but should be minimal. Name, phone, email, location (full address is ok but not necessary).

Other than that, nothing else is needed. Avoid putting your age, marital status, number of children, colour of your socks etc.

Mentioning references is also unnecessary; it's a standard part of most recruitment processes so generally goes without saying.

Don't write CV or Curriculum Vitae on top either. This should be obvious.