How to Write a Compelling Professional Statement

You heard it here first: professional statements are in!

This may come as a surprise, but, at Shaw Search Partners, we do not ask our clients for cover letters. The combined duo of a resume and cover letter have become standard practice in many internal hiring processes. From entry-level jobs to c-suite executive positions, the cover letter has become many applicants' initial opportunity to set themselves apart from other candidates and a hiring team’s first impression of a candidate’s qualifications and potential.

Yet, our team of experienced, high-touch recruiters works a bit differently.

When we first introduce our clients to the Shaw Search Partners strategy, we ask for professional statements as the foundation of our work ahead. A resume serves as a recruiter’s first introduction to a potential hire, covering a candidate’s basic experience, education, and hard skillset -  but not much else. The rule of thumb for most resume writing is that it should not exceed one page, leaving little room to elaborate on your qualifications.

Traditionally,  a cover letter would expand upon a resume and offer candidates an opportunity to pitch themselves for the hiring position. Yet, cover letters often feel impersonal and, when written by an inexperienced applicant, a more verbose summary of the information already presented in a resume. While written incorrectly, a cover letter can sound like a reiteration of what has already been presented in a resume.

A professional statement seeks to go behind the qualifications and data points shared in a resume and reveal a candidate's more intimate characteristics, such as their personality, goals, leadership capabilities, and soft skillset. Ultimately, a recruiter or internal hiring team is seeking a candidate that will go beyond a job description’s qualifications and responsibilities. For long-term success, an ideal candidate demonstrates characteristics that complement a company’s existing team and culture. Nearly all the candidates that apply for a job will be qualified - but only some have the potential for success. 

Before you write your next professional statement, be sure to follow Shaw Search Partners’ tried and true tips for writing a professional statement worth reading:

Skip the basics

By asking a candidate for both a resume and a professional statement, there is an innate understanding that a recruiter is going to review both. Yet, many professional statements include the same information presented in a resume - just with a few more added details. 

This is not the route to take to writing a compelling professional statement.

When writing your next professional statement, remember the basics of your career trajectory -  including your most recent and relevant work experiences, your responsibilities, the skills your most honed or relied on, and your successes and milestones - are already accounted for. While recruiters want to ensure you meet the required qualifications, remember that your qualifications are not the only factors in securing your next professional opportunity.

Writing is important

Writing well is a critical skill in most professions. When working with a Shaw Search Partners recruiter, the editing process for professional statements is a critical step. Beyond grammar and spelling, we want to ensure your statement is fluid, true to your voice, and captivating. For a professional statement to make an impactful impression on a recruiter or HR professional, impeccable writing and storytelling are a must. 

Infuse your personality

Any recruiter will tell you: professional statements can be dry. While it’s always encouraging to see candidates who are well qualified for the position at hand, any form of hiring collateral - from Linkedin pages to a standard resume - can be repetitive and boring. 

The tone of a professional statement is critical. While all candidates should remain professional and honest, infusing your personality and tone of voice is an important element in capturing the interest of your reader. Ultimately, your statement should sound as if you are speaking directly to a recruiter. Avoid using words or phrases that you would not typically use or a tone that sounds robotic and devoid of emotion. Rely on your personal voice while remaining professional and polished. Your personality is what will set you apart!

Include your professional values

A professional statement offers candidates the opportunity to share values that are not immediately apparent based on one’s past professional experience, education, or skillset, all of which are covered within a resume. For many modern recruiters, a value-match between a client and candidate is essential to ensuring a successful hiring process wherein both parties are satisfied with the end result. According to Michael Page, millennials are seeking employers with a strong brand and culture that offers a sense of meaning to their employees. A professional statement allows candidates to immediately be upfront about their values and how they want those characteristics to be reflected in their workplace. Be thorough and direct to avoid misinterpretation or misunderstanding.

Don’t hesitate to share your goals

Companies are seeking employees that are committed to their company’s growth. Candidates that demonstrate a history of jumping from opportunity to opportunity typically raise concerns. Conversely, candidates that can clearly define their long-term professional goals speak to a company’s desire to hire passionate, driven, and committed employees. Do not be afraid to share your professional goals - and the reasons behind those aspirations.

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The hiring process can feel impersonal at times. With many offices remaining remote following the height of COVID-19, the candidate pool for any given position has increased exponentially. Shaw Search Partner candidates are encouraged to rely not just on their qualifications, but on what defines them as an individual in and out of the office. Our best advice is to be yourself and tell your story with honesty and individuality. 

Need help navigating the ins and outs of the hiring process? Shaw Search Partners offers individualized support and guidance for candidates seeking their next big job opportunity. Contact us today to learn more!