Start early: Give yourself enough time to research, plan and write your personal statement. This will allow you to reflect on your experiences, articulate your goals, and ensure that your statement is well-crafted.
Research the programme: Before you start writing, research the programme and the university to which you are applying. This will help you tailor your statement to the specific requirements of the programme.
Focus on your strengths: Highlight your academic achievements, relevant work experience, and other strengths that make you a good candidate for the programme. Emphasise your unique qualities that make you stand out from other applicants.
Be specific: Avoid general statements and cliches. Use specific examples to illustrate your points and demonstrate your qualifications for the programme.
Use a clear structure: Structure your personal statement so that it has a clear beginning, middle, and end. Use headings or subheadings to help the reader navigate your statement.
Be concise: Keep your statement to the required length, usually 500-1000 words. Be concise and use clear, simple language to convey your ideas.
Show your passion: Demonstrate your passion for the subject by discussing your relevant interests, experiences, and research projects.
Explain why you are a good fit: Explain how the programme aligns with your career goals, and how you will contribute to the programme’s academic community.
Be aware of, and compliment, the course’s reputation: show that you have a good knowledge of what the course has achieved over the years.
Publications anyone? If you think you might be interested in having your research published at a later date, flag that to them now. Colleges like publications.
Get feedback: Have someone you trust read your statement and provide feedback. This can help you identify areas where you can improve your writing or clarify your message.
Edit, edit, edit: Finally, proofread your statement carefully for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors. Make sure your statement is polished and error-free before submitting it.
Teachers, remember to read the question by Liam July 24, 2023 Q: “I am a qualified and experienced teacher looking for a permanent teaching post. I have subbed, filled-in and temped for two years now. I know I am a good teacher; I love my job and my students, but am…
New career programme will help migrant women access career… by Liam May 26, 2023 A new career programme entitled Build Your Future: Helping Migrant Women Access Career Opportunities is being launched to assist nine migrant women and three non-migrant women in the Ballinrobe / south Mayo area to access the workforce. The programme is…
AUDIO: Firing the big shot in the application form by Liam April 21, 2023 Q: “I am filling out an application form for an Assistant Principal 11 (AP11) position in my school. I've been asked to give one example of where I showed excellence in Leading Teaching & Learning, Managing an Organisation, Leading School…
How to handle the conflict question in job interviews by Liam November 16, 2022 A question that regularly comes up in job interviews for teachers, assistant principals, deputy principals and principals is ‘how do you deal with conflict?’ It can really throw candidates so it is important to be prepared beforehand, writes Patricia Maloney,…
Webinar will outline range of further education and training… by Liam November 12, 2021 Anyone over the age of 16 thinking of continuing or returning to education or training in Co. Mayo will get invaluable insights at a special webinar on Wednesday next. ‘Welcome to FET! – Further Education and Training Opportunities in Mayo’…
