Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world. – Nelson Mandela Here are a few useful tips which will help you to write an effective personal statement. Follow all the steps and you will succeed.
Why do Employers Ask to Write a Personal Statement? Most employers will ask you to write a personal statement to get additional information about you, i.e. information which was not mentioned in your CV and to make a decision about your suitability for the position you are applying for. A personal statement is a prologue to a selection team. It decides whether you are invited for an interview or not. If you are invited for an interview - interview questions are usually based on your personal statement.
A personal statement helps your potential employer to answers the following questions:
1. How do you write? 2. What kind of person are you? 3. What do you really want to do? 4. Do you understand everything about the job you are applying for? 5. What can you do? 6. Why do you want to do it? 7. How do you think?
There are two types of personal statement, general and specific. General personal statement usually gives you freedom in writing. There are no strict indications how you should write it, however, it is better to keep to the rules of conventional format: interesting introduction, supporting paragraphs and logical conclusions. Specific personal statement requires you to answer specific questions given to you by your potential employer.
How to Write a Personal Statement? The purpose of a personal statement is to show your potential employer what makes you unique and different from other applicants. You need to provide facts that confirm your skills, passion, drive, and desire for the job you are applying for. Go through the following stages.
Preparation Stage 1. Place on your desk copies of documents such as your diploma, academic transcripts, certificates, CV and a cover letter. 2. Make a list of jobs and names of your former employers, addresses of institutions you have worked for, dates of work experiences, achievements, participation in conferences, workshops and seminars, duties and responsibilities, publications, teaching materials, etc. 3. Refer to the above materials while writing your personal statement.
Writing Stage 1. Write an attractive introduction. 2. Make the first paragraph authentic and impressive. 3. Supporting paragraphs should underline your strengths. 4. Answer the questions that are asked. 5. Use the first person singular. 6. Do not repeat facts from your CV. 7. Write concisely in about three hundred words. 8. Pay attention to content, logic, structure, and style. 9. Conclusion should sum up your suitability for the position. Proofread your personal statement a few times. Use the language that professionals usually use in your field. Do not use worn-out statements, e.g. an applicant for an ESL teaching position writes that she is applying for the job because she loves children and wants to help children learn English - because it is very important for the future of her country. Instead, think of something original and specific to your personality. Look at some beautiful examples of successful personal statements.
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