Job application advice : Personal statements

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1. What do employers want…
2. Your application
3. Online applications
4. Example questions
5. Personal statements
6. Speculative applicatio…
7. Analysing job adverts
8. Common mistakes
9. Power words

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Sometimes, you are asked to complete a personal statement which outlines your reasons for applying and/or promotes your relevant knowledge, skills and experience.

To outline your reasons for applying, describe what attracts you to the organisation and the specific role. Your statement should enthusiastically demonstrate the following:

• a clear understanding of the organisation’s motives, values and ethos and how they match yours;
• a sound appreciation of the role and why it suits your specific interests and motivations.

The more research you do to identify attractive features of the job and organisation - the better, as it demonstrates real motivation.

To promote your relevant attributes you should address all the points on the job advert/personal specification in the order in which they appear - you may even want to use them as headings. Imagine the specification is being used as a checklist by the person short-listing.

Address each point on the job specification in a clearly themed paragraph.

• In your first sentence summarise how you meet the specific requirement.
• In the next few sentences provide a recent example of how you have successfully demonstrated that specific attribute. Work experiences are especially popular with employers. Remember to focus on how you successfully carried out the activity, not just on what you did. 
• In your final sentence outline a positive outcome and reflect on how the experience helped you develop the attribute you are describing.

Example - To show your commitment to equal opportunities:

‘Throughout my personal and work life I have always demonstrated a commitment to equal opportunities by being sensitive to, and inclusive of, the cultures and circumstances of other people. In 2009, I worked as a mentor/facilitator to a group of students on the Aim Higher project to encourage pupils from non-traditional backgrounds to consider university. I designed projects and activities that recognised and focused on the diverse experience within the group to ensure participation. The programme was successful for the pupils and a rewarding learning experience for me. The experience showed me that working together with mutual respect is both productive and rewarding.’