Personal Statements

A personal statement is a professional short story about you paired with a résumé, explaining why you want to work somewhere and how they would benefit from your skills. It is your chance to expand on your résumé to give more depth to your qualifications.

How do I draft a personal statement?

Prepare to tailor every single statement specifically to the place you are applying. While you may be able to create a rough template, one generalized personal statement will not be strong enough for any institution.

First, review the institution's requirements for the personal statement.

• Sometimes they ask you to answer a specific question or follow a certain theme, and they usually have a word or character limit.

Second, research the institution's mission statement, values, and staff.

• Keep notes on their keywords and phrases.
• Graduate School: Research your department and find one or two professors you would be excited to work with and why.

Third, brainstorm unique/unusual and motivated stories that are related to you.

• Be personal and detailed.
• Feel free to bring up your résumé for a couple of ideas. Maybe there is something in your résumé that you want to expand on.
• What experiences, jobs, and people inspired you to succeed in your career? Why have you chosen this institution to apply to? Have you worked at a place like this before?

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