How To Write A Personal Statement
WHAT IS A PERSONAL STATEMENT?
A personal statement is a short personal summary about yourself and what you bring to the job or course you are applying for. It highlights your relevant skills, strengths, and experience.
It can accompany a CV when applying for a job (if the company asks for one).
It can also accompany an application form such as when students apply for a university place through UCAS. Many universities ask for personal statements as part of their UCAS application and entrance procedure.
LINK TO OUR L.I.P HELP GUIDE FOR HIGHER EDUCATION – UCAS
LINK TO WEBSITE FOR UCAS – HOW TO WRITE A PERSONAL STATEMENT
A personal statement is also called a statement of purpose, executive summary, opening statement or personal profile.
WHAT SHOULD A PERSONAL STATEMENT CONTAIN?
The content of a personal statement accompanying a CV for a job is:
- What job are you applying for?
- Your relevant experience makes you a candidate for the job.
- Your future goals, ambitions and objectives.
- Brief detail on your relevant accomplishments, skills, talents, and education attainment.
- Brief detail on your hobbies, ambitions and objectives.
The content of a personal statement accompanying a UCAS application for a university place is:
- What course are you applying for?
- Why you want to apply for the job or course.
- Your relevant experience makes you a candidate for the course.
- Your accomplishments, skills, talents, and education attainment.
- Your hobbies, extra-curricular activities, and interests.
- Your future goals, ambitions and objectives.
HOW LONG SHOULD A PERSONAL STATEMENT BE?
It is generally suggested that a personal statement that accompanies a CV is about 600 characters long (150 words).
A personal statement that will be sent to UCAS should be a maximum of 4000 characters long.
IMPORTANT NOTES ABOUT YOUR PERSONAL STATEMENT
- Write your personal statement in paragraphs.
- Check spelling and grammar.
- Keep sentences short, concise and to the point.
- Only include relevant information.
- Try to make it stand out for all the other personal statements.
- Be honest.
- Stick to the word or character count.
- Do not include your personal details that are in your CV or application form.
FURTHER INFORMATION
LINK TO GOVERNMENT WEBSITE – HOW TO WRITE A PERSONAL STATEMENT FOR A TEACHING JOB
LINK TO GOVERNMENT WEBSITE – CAREERS IN THE CIVIL SERVICE – HOW TO WRITE A PERSONAL STATEMENT