Personal statements
A personal statement is your chance to make a strong first impression, whether you’re applying for university or a new job. By showcasing your skills, experiences, and ambitions, a good personal statement will help you to stand out from the crowd and land a job you’ll love.
To help you with every stage of the personal statement writing process, we’ve put together a comprehensive collection of personal statement guides with tips, examples, and practical dos and don’ts.
From understanding what makes a statement stand out to avoiding common pitfalls, our resources are designed to give you the confidence and clarity you need to write a personal statement that reflects who you are and what you can offer.
How to write a postgraduate personal statement
Not sure what to include in your application? To help get you started, here are some of our top tips on how to write your postgraduate personal statement.
How to write a personal statement for university
Here’s everything you need to know about writing your personal statement for university, and a personal statement example to help you get started.
How to write a personal statement for job applications
Not sure how to write a personal statement? Here are some essential tips to consider when crafting personal statements for job applications.
How to write a postgraduate personal statement
Not sure what to include in your application? To help get you started, here are some of our top tips on how to write your postgraduate personal statement.
How to write a personal statement for university
Here’s everything you need to know about writing your personal statement for university, and a personal statement example to help you get started.
How to write a personal statement for job applications
Not sure how to write a personal statement? Here are some essential tips to consider when crafting personal statements for job applications.
FAQs
How can we help with your personal statement?
Your personal statement could make or break your application. We’ve got a range of helpful articles on Reed.co.uk, covering everything from how to write your personal statement, right through to personal statement dos and don’ts and some ready-made personal statement examples.
What do we recommend including in your personal statement?
The main points we recommend covering in your personal statement include who you are, what you can offer, and your career goals. If you’re struggling to get started, check out our personal statement examples for job applications, along with our personal statement excerpts for university applications.
Is a personal statement on a CV different from a university personal statement?
Although similar to a personal statement for your CV, personal statements for university are a lot longer and more detailed. They focus more on your academic and personal achievements, which help to form part of your UCAS application. There are also postgraduate personal statements, which we recommend looking at if you’re moving further into higher education.
What are the best examples of personal statements?
Your personal statement is not a one-size-fits-all document, meaning there are lots of great examples out there. We have a range of different personal statement examples on Reed.co.uk – whether you’re applying for university or a new job – which are all tailored to different industries. So whether you’re refreshing your CV or writing a new one, we’ve got you covered.
Can I use quotes in my personal statement?
While quotes can sometimes support your points, they often do more harm than good if overused or taken out of context. We’re looking at you: ‘you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take’. While the sentiment is valid, it’s best to steer clear of lines that could come across cliché and overused. Instead, focus on your own words and experiences to express your passion and suitability. If you do use a quote, make sure it directly relates to your application and adds clear value.
What if I’m unsure about my future career path?
If you haven’t got everything figured out yet, don’t worry. You can use your personal statement to reflect your curiosity, willingness to learn, and the skills you want to develop, instead of focusing on the unknowns. Highlight your interests and how the course or job will help you explore potential paths, and admissions tutors and employers will appreciate your self-awareness and proactive attitude.
Can a personal statement help me explore different career paths?
Writing a personal statement encourages you to reflect on your skills, interests, and goals, which can be a great way to solidify your career direction. If you’re unsure about where you want to go next, our Career Guides offer expert advice on a range of industries and job roles – with tips and advice to help you make informed decisions on your professional development.
How can I use my personal statement to support applications for courses or training?
A personal statement is a key part of many course applications, whether its for university, apprenticeships, or professional training. It helps admissions tutors understand why you’re interested in the course and how your background makes you a good fit. With a strong personal statement, you’ll stand out from the crowd and be more likely to get accepted onto your chosen course. Looking to start studying? Reed.co.uk advertises a wide range of courses, where you can search by subject, level, and location.
Should I tailor my personal statement for different job applications?
Yes, tailoring your personal statement to every job application you submit is essential. Not only will this demonstrate your suitability for the role, it’ll also show commitment and attention to detail. To do this, check the job description to find out what the employer is looking for in a candidate, and emphasise your relevant skills, attributes, and experiences in your personal statement. To find roles that fit your profile and ambitions, view all available job vacancies now, where you can filter by industry, location, and salary.