iDEA Inspiring Digital Enterprise Awards
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building a personal statement

We have explained what makes a personal statement shine, given you some techniques to help you stand out from the crowd and helped you discover how to identify your transferable skills. Now it is time to see if you can spot a great narrative to suit different situations.

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The statement should follow a thoughtful structure to ensure key points are covered.The three elements to remember are:

Tennie T

Tennie is applying for a place on a Law course at a renowned university.

Read through the two personal statements below. Select the statement that will impress the universities he is applying for the most.

Personal statement by Tennie T

A career in law would give me the opportunity to pursue an intellectually challenging field of study which will give me a strong foundation to support my ambition of working in law.

I believe that studying law will provide me with a continuous and stimulating learning experience in a subject that matters to the values and ethics of society.

The appreciation of other cultures and society will certainly count in my favour in the study of law. As an international student having lived in many countries, I have been inspired to learn about different cultures and their perspectives and frame arguments that adapt in different situations.

Studying the Theory of Knowledge has helped me gain greater awareness of our world and to conduct rational and logical approaches to complex questions and their uncertainties. Additionally, in history, my experience analysing a variety of biased sources and striving to substantiate points with historiography, I believe would help me in the study of law.

In participating in the model united nations, I was pleased to be voted most diplomatic delegate. I was able to achieve my goal of developing my skills in public speaking and debate. I was challenged with the issue of international property rights, passionately arguing and often siding for countries whose views differ from my own.

I developed strong communication skills by taking an active role in resolving differences of opinion during monthly Rugby Society meetings.

I have research and analysis skills demonstrated by my application of business analytical models during my second-year modules, where I was awarded a first in my exams.

I have undertaken community services which have shown me first-hand the social challenges in Sao Paulo. The discrepancy between the poor and the rich made me determined to try and make a difference with the skills acquired in the study of the Law.

I teach English on a voluntary basis. Through these rewarding experiences, I’ve learned that language barriers can be overcome by non-verbal communication and that human connections can still be achieved.

After qualifying as a solicitor, I intend to secure a placement at a law firm specialising in international patents.

Submit Statement Number 1

Personal statement by Tennie T

Having a law degree will help me in my career options in the future. A law degree is my back-up plan since I still don’t know fully which subject to pursue.

Ever since I was a kid, law was my passion and I do like to argue.

I believe that having studied theatre studies will contribute to my life as an attorney and the chemistry classes I took are helping me to understand the world around me and I can help people to make much more educated choices. By practicing pool diving, I considerably improved my swimming technique.

As a violinist, I won prizes in various competitions and performed on numerous occasions both in the UK and abroad.

I carried out work experience in the Department of Chemistry of the university working very close to top-level researchers and inspirational scientists.

After graduation in Law I would like to retake my music practice and carry on performing as a violinist.

Submit Statement Number 2

That's not quite right...

This is not the most suitable statement: it does not fully justify a true interest for studying Law and the activities and experiences described relate very little with the carreer Tennie T is applying for. Furthemore, a university application should contain around 4,000 characters (about 500 words).

On the other hand, the Personal Statement Number 1 depicts very well his interest for the subject and demonstrates how his experiences have helped him to develop skills to succeed at the course and in a future career.

Continue

We have great news!

Tennie T's Personal Statement was successful, well done!

Continue

Sharon T

Sharon is applying for the position of Hotel Manager at a luxury hotel.

Now let's help Sharon to submit a personal statement that will impress. Once more, read through both Personal Applications below and submit the one that best fits her overall job application.

Personal statement by Sharon D

I am a highly-motivated and results orientated manager within the luxury hotel sector.

As recent graduate from Durham University, with a 2:1 honours degree in Hospitality Management, I have undertaken several internships in local hotels.

I have a proven track record of providing exemplary levels of service to a broad range of guests, including VIPs and high-profile individuals.

Having graduated in Hospitality Management, I see my career progressing to managing a chain of hotels, in the future.

Submit Statement Number 1

Personal statement by Sharon D

I am a highly motivated and experienced PA, currently looking to resume my professional career after dedicating the last five years to raising a family. Excellent admin skills, thorough knowledge of all Microsoft Office programs, as well as proficiency in minute-taking and extensive experience liaising with clients.

I hold excellent admin skills, thorough knowledge of all Microsoft Office programs, as well as proficiency in minute-taking and extensive experience liaising with clients.

I am looking to secure a position in a media organisation, where I can bring immediate and strategic value and develop my current skillset further.

I plan to eventually progress into a more senior PA or EA role within your organisation.

Submit Statement Number 2

That's not quite right...

This is not the most suitable statement: it does not demonstrate any experience related to the role Sharon D is applying for.

On the other hand, the Personal Statement Number 1 showcases very well her experience for the role she's applying for, her achievements and her plans for the future. And remember: a personal statement for a job application is usually between 50 and 200 words.

Continue

We have excellent news!

Sharon D's application was successful, well done!

Continue

Both Tennie T and Sharon D were called for interviews as result of their successful applications. During the interviews there is a probability that the interviewers will ask them both questions regarding their transferable skills.

Can you help both Sharon and Tennie to prepare for their interviews by selecting which transferable skill is being checked in each of the possible interview questions?

1/17

Describe a situation when you had to change the way you worked because of changing circumstances.

  • Commercial Awareness
  • Analytical
  • Teamwork
  • Adaptability
2/17

Describe a time when you had to co-ordinate the work of other people.

  • Negotiation
  • Networking
  • Leadership
  • Flexibility
3/17

There are times when no-one is prepared to listen to or agree with your point of view. Give an example of when this happened to you.

  • Negotiation
  • Problem Solving
  • Organisation
  • Flexibility
4/17

Describe the last time you had to investigate a lot of information or data. What sort of information did this involve?

  • Commercial Awareness
  • Analytical
  • Teamwork
  • Decision Making
5/17

Why did our competitor decide to undercut our prices?

  • Commercial Awareness
  • Digital Skills
  • Teamwork
  • Research Skills
6/17

Your manager asks you to find two new customers, what is your strategy?

  • Negotiation
  • Networking
  • Organisation
  • Flexibility
7/17

Give an example of when you had to coordinate a piece of work, project or event.

  • Time Management
  • Research Skills
  • Organisation
  • Flexibility
8/17

We all must make unpopular choices that may affect others from time to time. Describe a situation when you have had to make such a decision and what you learnt from this experience?

  • Initiative
  • Digital Skills
  • Flexibility
  • Decision Making
9/17

Tell me about your social media profile – how did you manage to get so many followers?

  • Leadership
  • Digital Skills
  • Teamwork
  • Decision Making
10/17

Give me an example of when you used good judgment and logic in solving an issue.

  • Organisation
  • Research Skills
  • Problem Solving
  • Decision Making
11/17

Give me an example of when you have had to discover information on a new topic. How did you approach this, and what obstacles did you need to overcome?

  • Time Management
  • Research Skills
  • Problem Solving
  • Decision Making
12/17

How do you balance your time between your studies and your spare time?

  • Time Management
  • Decision Making
  • Problem Solving
  • Flexibility
13/17

Tell me about a time when you had to get people to work together more supportively.

  • Communication
  • Hard Working (Work Ethics)
  • Teamwork
  • Decision Making
14/17

Tell me about a time when you spotted an opportunity to suggest a change. How did you put this forward and what was the outcome?

  • Initiative
  • Analytical
  • Time Management
  • Digital Skills
15/17

What experience have you had of designing and delivering presentations or writing reports?

  • Communication
  • Teamwork
  • Listening
  • Networking
16/17

Describe a situation when you needed to manage your time effectively due to multiple priorities.

  • Initiative
  • Digital Skills
  • Flexibility
  • Commercial Awareness
17/17

In your statement you have mentioned that you ran an online business for a little while – tell me about that.

  • Digital Skills
  • Analytical
  • Teamwork
  • Research Skills