HOW TO CREATE A GOOD
PERSONAL STATEMENT
Very often it is the quality of your personal statement that determines if you get an interview for a job, apprenticeship or
training opportunity or an offer of a place at university. Most candidates will have very similar qualifications and so the
personal statement is an opportunity to really sell yourself and highlight the factors that make you a more appealing
applicant than others! Don’t be shy (other people won’t), but do try to put information across in a personal, interesting and
consistently positive way.
What follows are some general guidelines to help you produce your personal statement. Write in paragraphs with
complete sentences and make sure that your personal statement looks good.
WHY DO YOU WANT TO DO THE COURSE OR GET THE JOB?
Things you could include…
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How you first became interested in the course or job
What aspects of the course or job you think you would enjoy and why
Things you have read and personal experiences that relate to your application
Think about any courses, coursework, work experience or voluntary work that is relevant
SKILLS AND QUALITIES
Make sure you mention everything relevant to the course or job for which you are applying. Communication, number and
interpersonal skills are almost always considered positively. Make sure you give examples of when you have
demonstrated any relevant skills. Mention, and provide evidence of, skills such as problem solving, managing your own
learning, being creative and innovative and working as a team member.
Think about…
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Using information and useful phrases from the What Next booklet
Examples of using skills in your Post 16 courses
Skills developed during your Extended Project work
Taking part in visits, conferences, field trips or other events
Supporting other students or hosting visitors to school
Music or drama productions in which you have been involved
RELEVANT EXPERIENCES
Include things such as paid and unpaid employment as well as any enrichment activities in which you may have been
involved or travelling you may have done. You do, however, need to show how any of these things are relevant – for
example, a long-term part-time job shows reliability, commitment and an ability to work with others.
EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Include mention of any clubs, sports teams or musical activities in which you have been involved to help show you are a
rounded individual. Describe any personal interests, hobbies and leisure activities. You could include things like learning
to drive or helping with organising the Year 13 Strawberry Tea. Be clear and specific, making everything relate to the
opportunity for which you are applying. Link your interests and activities to the skills you have developed.
CLOSING PARAGRAPH
Conclude by summarising of the type of person you are, your suitability for the post and your longer-term career
aspirations.
Getting a personal statement right will take several drafts. It is a good idea to look at examples of personal
statements, but be very careful not to copy them - lots of organisations (including UCAS) routinely scan and
check all personal statement to root out plagiarism.
GET YOUR PERSONAL STATEMENT CHECKED AFTER EACH DRAFT
Your first draft should be completed and discussed with your Personal Learning teacher or tutor by the end of June
Make any necessary changes and improvements so that you can hand a second version to your tutor before 15 July
MORE INFORMATION AND GUIDANCE…
http://www.studential.com/guide/write_personal_statement.htm
http://www.ucas.com/students/applying/howtoapply/personalstatement/
http://www.studento.com
http://www.getintouni.com/Free/WritingGuide/