How to Write an Effective Personal Statement
When applying for a job, an academic scholarship, a post-graduate opportunity or even a volunteer position, you may be asked to provide a personal statement. This is an essay that responds to the popular interview request, "Tell us something about yourself." It is not your resume in essay form; nor is it a diary entry. It is a personal but focused group of paragraphs that tells the reader who you are now and who you want to become. No template exists to guide you---each personal statement is unique. Instead of letting this freedom frustrate you, follow the guidelines below to craft your unique personal statement effectively.
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Instructions
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Follow any directions you are given by the person or institution requesting a personal statement. This includes limiting the number of words, using headings or sections and highlighting something specific to the opportunity.
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Choose a focus if you are not given one. Consider an observation, an experience or a value that has shaped you and brought you where you are today--make your personal statement revolved around that to give it a focus. It should be something you are passionate about, a conviction you hold or, at the very least, something you can write enthusiastically about.
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Draft an outline using section headings (either given or created) to guide you. Consider a) why you chose this area of study, organization or career; b) why you are well-suited for the position, department or role to which you are applying; c) your goals for the future and d) how the experience(s) you're likely to have if given the opportunity you're applying for will help you achieve them.
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Outline a summary of what you have to offer.
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Write a first draft of your personal statement that follows the outline from Step 4. Don't worry about how many words you have used at this point. Just write.
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Edit and refine your essay through subsequent drafts until it adequately reflects you and, if necessary, contains the prescribed number of words. Don't forget that summary you outlined earlier, and thank your reader for considering your application.
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Have someone else read your personal statement before submitting it. Ask your reader to look for spelling and other grammatical errors; then fix any mistakes found and heed any advice given.
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Tips & Warnings
Use the pronoun "I." A personal statement is not a piece of academic writing. What you choose to say in your personal statement will communicate your priorities. Keep this in mind as you write. Consider your personal statement to be a snapshot of you as a student, employee, volunteer, citizen or neighbor. Your personal statement will not only determine if you get an interview, but it will also shape the questions you are asked during the interview if you get it.
Do not simply list accomplishments or achievements. You may have already submitted (or will submit with your personal statement) your resume or curriculum vitae, which lists those things. Do not make your personal statement sound like a journal entry. Though you want to make the reader feel comfortable and bridge the gap between the two of you, share only what is relevant. Having a focus will help you do this.
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Resources
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