Whether you’re applying to university or looking for work, having a good personal statement is vital. So if you’re struggling, take a look at our top tips!
1. Know the Requirements
A personal statement must suit its purpose. After all, there’s a big difference between a statement for a CV (usually a summary of who you are and your professional ambitions) and a personal statement for a university application (a mini-essay outlining your qualities as a student).
The first step in writing a good statement is therefore checking whether the job/course you’re applying for has specific requirements you need to meet.
2. Make It Personal
Your application should already cover the basics of your past experience and qualifications, so your personal statement should focus on other things, like your skills and character.
(Photo: Christopher Aston/wikimedia)
In a personal statement for a CV, set out who you are and what you can offer as a worker. In a statement for a university application, explain why you’re applying for the course and include any relevant experience you have from outside of the classroom.
3. The Importance of Editing
It’s easy to get hung up on the word count, especially with the 4,000 character limit placed on UCAS personal statements. But you’re better off ignoring this for the first draft. Once the important information is in there, you can edit it down to a suitable length.
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In a personal statement for a CV, keeping things brief is even more crucial. Think of it as a short introduction to your CV rather than a complete summary of your career. You can expand upon the important points in a cover letter.
4. Look to the Future
Setting out your long-term ambitions is essential in a personal statement, especially when applying to university. It might seem weird to write about your plans for life after university before you’ve even started, but it will demonstrate that you’re organised and motivated.
And don’t worry! Nobody will force you to stick to the plans in your personal statement. It’s just to show the reader that you’ve thought about the future.
(Image: JavierRodriguez)
5. Proofread It!
Your personal statement may be the first contact you have with a recruiter or university admissions officer, so you need to make a strong first impression. Part of this is making sure your writing is free from spelling or grammar errors.
Before sending anything off, then, proofread it carefully. Even better, have a professional proofread it! Try our free sample service to see how it can help.