Dkodo
Personal Statements
THE PURPOSE OF A PERSONAL STATEMENT Many application processes include a requirement to state why you believe that you are suitable for the job or course in question. This section of the application form is often referred to as a ‘personal statement’. It is your opportunity to convince the reader that you are interested in the position and that you have all the necessary skills and aptitudes to be successful in the role. WHAT SHOULD A PERSONAL STATEMENT COVER? The requirements for what you include in your personal statement can be very specific or quite general, for example: Specific: ‘Please use the space below to indicate why you feel that you are suitable for this post, including details of relevant experience and evidence of your ability to meet the selection criteria.’ General: ‘Please provide any additional information in support of your application in the space below. Continue on additional sheets if necessary.’ Whether you have been asked to address specific points in your statement or to write more generally, the underlying principle of a personal statement remains the same: to demonstrate that you have the right skills, knowledge and attitude to meet the requirements of the role. WHAT DO RECRUITERS LOOK FOR IN A PERSONAL STATEMENT? A good indication of what an employer is looking for in a personal statement is what they have identified as the key requirements of the role and the type of skills and experiences that are important. These are often identified in the ‘person specification’ for the job, which is a comprehensive list of all the criteria against which candidates will be measured.
Sample person specification
Criteria Qualifications & Experience A relevant professional qualification &/or at least three years‘ experience in a related field Relevant postgraduate qualification Personal Skills Ability to prioritise tasks and information appropriately Ability to communicate effectively with both clients and colleagues Good
THE PURPOSE OF A PERSONAL STATEMENT Many application processes include a requirement to state why you believe that you are suitable for the job or course in question. This section of the application form is often referred to as a ‘personal statement’. It is your opportunity to convince the reader that you are interested in the position and that you have all the necessary skills and aptitudes to be successful in the role. WHAT SHOULD A PERSONAL STATEMENT COVER? The requirements for what you include in your personal statement can be very specific or quite general, for example: Specific: ‘Please use the space below to indicate why you feel that you are suitable for this post, including details of relevant experience and evidence of your ability to meet the selection criteria.’ General: ‘Please provide any additional information in support of your application in the space below. Continue on additional sheets if necessary.’ Whether you have been asked to address specific points in your statement or to write more generally, the underlying principle of a personal statement remains the same: to demonstrate that you have the right skills, knowledge and attitude to meet the requirements of the role. WHAT DO RECRUITERS LOOK FOR IN A PERSONAL STATEMENT? A good indication of what an employer is looking for in a personal statement is what they have identified as the key requirements of the role and the type of skills and experiences that are important. These are often identified in the ‘person specification’ for the job, which is a comprehensive list of all the criteria against which candidates will be measured.
Sample person specification
Criteria Qualifications & Experience A relevant professional qualification &/or at least three years‘ experience in a related field Relevant postgraduate qualification Personal Skills Ability to prioritise tasks and information appropriately Ability to communicate effectively with both clients and colleagues Good