by Courage Nyamhunga
Firstly, many people confuse the personal statement with the curriculum vitae (CV). The following are tips on how to write your personal statement, not your CV.
- Avoid repeating what is on your CV.
- It really helps to be original when writing. Remember that you are up against many other applicants and originality will help you to stand out. Be genuine about what you are writing and make the reader feel your personality.
- You are selling yourself but do not sound arrogant or so self-involved. It’s about why you and not the other person should be selected for the position you are applying for.
- When bringing in personal examples, by all means, avoid sob stories. We all have sad stories to tell about our lives so if you have to tell yours, be realistic and tangible. Don’t be glum.
- The selection committees are not interested in how hard your life has been, but rather how you have overcome the challenges that you have been faced with, and what you have accomplished despite them.
- Make sure the reader gets a sense of your positive attitude towards life. Enthusiasm is what makes organizations excited about taking you on board to pursue your passion and possibly changing the world while doing so.
- When writing the letter, make sure that you stay on topic! Do not get caught up in the points you are trying to make, so you do not give the reader a definitive answer at the end.
- Have other people within your circles proof read your work.
- Your tone when writing the letter should be personal yet professional, visualize the audience that will read your letter. That is someone you respect and someone you want to share your story with. Remember that the person reading your letter does not know you!
- Also bear in mind that your letter might be discussed further with you in the interview if you are shortlisted, so be well informed.
“I was inspired by the Adam Sandler motion picture Spanglish. The whole movie is centered on a motivational letter for a college scholarship… morale of the story; never use those internet templates for motivational letters rather pour your thoughts and EMOTIONS into it.” T.L. DIRWAI
