In order to write a good personal statement, you must be prepared with a crisp and precise short paragraph, comprising 3-4 lines, to fit into the cover letter for the job you’re applying for.

Prospective employers and hiring managers are always looking for potential candidates with relevant experience, relevant skills, and a constant hunger for learning and improvement. Fortunately, anybody can showcase their potential and catch the attention of a hiring manager, with a proper personal supporting statement.

Read ahead to learn more about what is a personal statement and how to write a personal statement for a job, which will catch the attention of your employer with the most precise and crisp description.

1. How to Write a Personal Statement for a Job

1.1 What is a Personal Statement

A Personal Statement is a brief personal summary of your personal attributes, relevant skills like soft and technical skills, academic achievements, and career goals. The same personal statement stand is attached to the top of the cover letter for the job application.

Personal statements are generally used to display the key points and share details about your personal profile, to present why and how you are the perfect candidate for the job description they’ve given. The word count of a personal statement is normally 150-200 words.

Sometimes, employers ask for only a personal statement of 500-100 words instead of an entire CV or Cover Letter. In those cases, you can write a bit more, but always use the valuable space for writing a crisp and strong statement that solidifies your skills and how you’re suitable for the job advert.

Whatever the word limit may be, divide the words evenly with consistent paragraphs of 2-3 lines, if 150 words, or 4-5 lines if the word range is even more. In the exciting online world of job searches, the attention span of humans has reduced as they have gotten busier with so many job applications.

To stand out from the bulk mass of candidates, it is crucial to present a precise, neatly structured supporting statement which only speaks to the point when it comes to your skills. It has been confirmed that employers barely give 10 seconds to each personal statement, so it is indeed needed to catch the attention within those first seconds.

2. Do’s Before Writing Your Personal Statement

2.1 Create an Outline or a Structure

In order to write a good personal statement, you must create the outline or structure of your personal statement. For this, you need to watch out for the word range asked of you in the job advert. It is always important to carefully read the job description and prepare the outline according to the needs of the job advert.

Read the criteria and specific skills they are looking for in their candidates in the particular role you’re applying for. When you’ve already identified what your employer wants from an ideal candidate, it would be easier for you to group your paragraphs accordingly.

Suppose you’re writing about your skills in your supporting statement. It is cleaner and more well-organized if you divide your skills into technical and soft skills. You use the first paragraph to describe your skills regarding the role and why you’d be a great fit for the company.

In the next paragraph, you may add your soft skills, which are not directly involved with the particular role but are precious qualities that one can look for in an employee. A few of the most demanded soft skills are problem-solving, listening skills, team player, and analyzing skills.

2.2 Collect the Important Information

Once you’ve decided on a structure, it is time to collect and arrange all the information you want to add to your personal statement for the job application. Many candidates make the mistake of researching less on this part, while it is the exact part that needs the most attention.

You must brainstorm and collect all the group activities, personal projects, workshops, courses, internships, or even jobs that are relevant to the job you’re applying for. Suppose you’re applying for Graphic Design, but you do not have experience in that field.

At times like these, it’s best to avoid the part lacking experience and emphasize the workshops or courses you’ve attended to sharpen your knowledge and skills in Graphic Design. Make sure to present only true and relevant information to the employers. Faking a skill or an experience would not help you, rather without solid evidence, your application may get bypassed.

2.3 Start Writing Your Personal Statement

Once you’ve prepared the structure as well as collected the pieces of evidence to refer back to your resume, it is time to hold your pen and start writing the first draft of your personal statement. To hold the attention of the employers in the first second, you must begin your opening sentence with a twist.

The same goes for the closing paragraph and sentences; they must be used to re-emphasize your suitability for the particular role and how you could be the right candidate and a good match for their company.

You may also include your future plans and professional goals you’re aiming to achieve to solidify your dedication and commitment to the company. It would land a great impression on the employers for candidates who mention their company and why they are motivated to work there.

3. How to Write Your Personal Statement in 4 Easy Steps

3.1 Start a Strong Opening Sentence by Introducing Yourself

People struggle with this part a lot. Writing a crisp and short introduction about yourself is definitely a bit tricky, especially when you do not know what to mention at the beginning. You can start the opening sentence with who you are, why you’re applying for this role, and where you work currently or simply your work history.

Please refrain from making your introduction too lengthy or descriptive. It is best to wrap up your introduction with the first 2-3 lines. If the word limit range is vast, then you take 4-5 lines for the introduction.

This is a very neat and straightforward way to begin your personal statements. Employers will know you’re serious and not willing to beat around the bush. A short and precise opening sentence also takes less time to read, so employers will likely read the next paragraph as well.

3.2 Focus on Presenting Your Main Skills

For clearer personal specifications, straight up begin naming your main key skills while referring to your collected evidence, such as projects, internships, or workshops. Quote your relevant experiences and skills, both technical and soft, that are essential for the job post you’re applying for.

Do mention where and how you gain and put your relevant skills into practice in real-life situations or projects. For example, suppose you’re citing as being a problem solver. In that case, you can refer to your university projects where you handled a team on your own and solved disputes and communication gaps between the members.

It would come across as reliable and more convincing if you cite actual examples with proper evidence. Do not make up a pretentious story about organizing an event or handling a team. Present only true and relevant information when applying to the job post.

3.3 Explain your Suitability for the Role and your Interest in the Company

After you’ve mentioned your skills, summarize a little and discuss why you think you are the right candidate for the role and what you could bring new to their table. Mention the abilities that set you apart from the crowd and your enthusiasm for the company.

Hiring managers and employers prefer motivated candidates even over experienced ones. So, even if you have the skills and experience, show your interest and excitement for the role and how you would follow the company to learn and improve in the process of working.

A learning mindset oozing with energy for the new company will always be the savior at the end of your personal statement. You can also mention the name of the company and what part of their work culture you respect and look forward to. This will certainly leave a lasting impact on your application.

3.4 Wrap up your Statement with a Re-Emphasis

For the ending part, write a short paragraph in concise detail to mention your suitability for the role once again. Do not show any hesitation or doubt when it comes to your set of skills. Sound confident and enthusiastic about the role.

Avoid writing any negative statement at the end of the paragraph, whether it is a lack of experience or a lack of potential skills. Even if you lack at any, instead of mentioning it, explain how you’re willing to learn any new skills that you’ll be required of.

4. Final Note

Take time when you’re gathering references to prove your skills and avoid the mistakes that candidates usually make. Introduce yourself with a vibrant and catchy sentence and confidently state your suitability for the role at the end.

Now that you know how to write a personal statement for a job be assured -you’ll definitely grab the attention of your potential company or organization.

Last Updated on February 23, 2024 by Apeksha Soni