Purpose of a personal statement

• The purpose of a personal statement is to help an organisation find out about you and your suitability for the job or course they have to offer.
• It is an opportunity for you to present your goals, experiences and qualifications in the best possible light as well as to demonstrate your writing ability.
• A personal statement provides scope for you to distinguish yourself from the other applicants.

This section includes:

• Preparation
• Writing a personal statement
• PGCE personal statement
• Tips on writing a personal statement
• Personal statement resources

Questions to ask yourself when writing a personal statement

Your answers to these questions may help you to decide what to include in your personal statement:

• What in your life story makes you special, unique or impressive?
• What interests you about the field of work/study for which you are applying and how did you learn about it?
• What are your relevant work experiences?
• What are your career goals?
• What skills do you have (e.g. problem solving, willingness to learn, leadership, communication skills) and can you provide evidence to back up your claims?
• What personal characteristics do you possess (e.g. integrity, compassion, persistence) and, again, can you provide evidence to back up your claims?
• What responsibilities have you undertaken?
• What difficulties have you overcome?
• Why should you be chosen above the other applicants?

When you have thought about enough examples and have the appropriate evidence to back them up you can then write your personal statement.

Writing out your personal statement

Opening section

Start with a strong opening paragraph that will grab the reader's attention.

Middle section

This should be used to provide details of your interests, knowledge and experience of your particular field.

You may also include information about your qualifications and previous relevant work experiences. Give recent and relevant examples. What you select to include in your personal statement and the choices you make will help the reader form a judgement about you so it would be wise to give considerable thought to this.

End section

Finish by tying together the various issues you have already raised and reiterate your interest in the job or course.

Referees

You may be asked to supply the names of referees in support of your application:

• Your principal referee would normally be your academic/personal tutor.
• Make sure that you have your referees' permission prior to giving their names.
• Provide your referees with information about yourself and what you are applying for. You may wish them to mention, for example, your academic achievements, predicted grades if appropriate, jobs, travel experience, etc.
• Providing a copy of your CV and/or your application form to your referees may also be useful.

Remember: If your referees are well informed about your background and aspirations it will help them to write a more focused and personal reference.

>>Read our tips on writing a personal statement 
>>Personal statement resources