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How to write your personal statement.

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example of personal statement civil service

Your personal statement

The purpose of a personal statement is to showcase your relevant skills and experience against the job requirements.  The statement is your opportunity to give examples of how you fit the requirements of the job.  When writing a personal statement it is important that you:

example of personal statement civil service

  • Read the job specification so you are clear about the job requirements.
  • Outline the skills and experience that you have that are relevant to the job and use examples to help demonstrate this.   Wherever possible include specific facts and figures that demonstrate the tangible results of your work.
  • Keep to the word limit. If your statement is too brief it will not provide the required depth of detail and evidence to be assessed fully. 
  • Proofread your statement before submitting it to make sure it is clear, easy to read and relevant.

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For some jobs, you will be asked to provide a CV (curriculum vitae) as part of your application. Here you can find information on how to write the best CV.

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Assessments and interviews

The recruitment process, and what evidence is asked for, varies depending on the job you are applying for. Here you can read about the different stages of recruitment.

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GOV.UK hosts a huge amount of detailed guidance on the different elements of Success Profiles.

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A guide to personal statements for public and civil service jobs: how to sell yourself, both on application forms and in person

A cartoon of recruiters looking at CVs for johs

Recruiting managers may have to sift through hundreds or even thousands of applications, while i nterviewers are likely to be meeting multiple candidates. So how do you ensure you stand out from the crowd? Writing a short but perfectly formed personal statement or selling yourself at interview in just a few well-chosen words could make all the difference. Danielle Littlejohn tells you how    

A personal statement is a summary of what you offer an employer whether you’re a school leaver, graduate, or an established career mover. By condensing your experience and skills into a few sentences, the aim is to highlight what sets you apart from others whether you are applying for a new role and writing a personal statement to go with your CV, or relaying your experience during an interview or more relaxed meeting. These days we need to be able to promote our professional worth in just one or two minutes.  

Be it a written or verbal personal statement, recruiting managers and interviewers are looking for a short, sharp clarification of who you are, what makes you stand out, and what makes you the best person for the job.  

Not everyone knows the term ‘elevator pitch’ but I have always quite liked the analogy. If you found yourself in a lift with the employer of your dreams and had only the time it takes to travel a few floors, how would you sell yourself? Ideally, you should incorporate your personal values, and unique selling point (USP), as well as skills and experience. It can be the clincher in an employer’s mind as to your organisational fit so it can be the perfect thing to say at the beginning of the interview when you are asked: “So tell me a little about yourself”.

These days, our careers and their progression can be quite fluid. When you’re looking to move forward, it’s advisable to hone your skillsets and have clear aspirations of where you want them to take you. To paraphrase the Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland, when she finds herself lost in the woods and asks directions: “If you don’t know where you are going, how are you going to know when you get there?”

How to structure a written personal statement

Lucy Ventrice, senior HR business partner at Amazon, suggests you start by creating a ‘mind map’ of both yourself and one of your potential employers. By comparing the two, you will have something to build from and an idea of what they are looking for, enabling you to make the application bespoke.

In the opening sentence, you want to grab the reader so it should include your job title, number of years’ experience, expertise, and some positive or active ‘hook’ words. Your personal statement will obviously vary according to where you are in your career. If you have achievements that are relevant to the employer, it’s an idea to mention these briefly. It’s a good idea to give an idea of what you’re looking for in the closing sentence, for example, specific goals and why you would like to work for that employer.

Beyond that we want to keep the personal statement as concise as possible without jargon or repetition and with a real focus on grammar and spelling.

Pinning down your elevator pitch face-to-face

In the same way as written personal statements, an elevator pitch should be a quick synopsis of your background and experience but, as it is generally delivered face-to-face, it should be more relaxed and affords us the opportunity to inject a little more personality into it.

It is great to have something up your sleeve for job fairs, networking events and other professional activities as it sounds corporate, explains you in the terms they are after, and gives you a head start on something to say about yourself rather than getting tongue-tied.

As this is verbal, we need to think about our delivery and particularly not speaking too fast, so keep it short – ideally up to one minute.  

Ensure you have some intonation and that you’re not rambling. Be aware of our body language. You should be approachable without being overbearing – don’t frown, don’t slouch.

As with any public speaking, it is a good idea to have something practised and polished that can be adapted on the spot to suit the audience or individual you are talking to.

Dos and don’ts for personal statements

  • Do highlight what sets you apart.
  • Do make it relevant – tailor to the person or role in question.
  • Do be specific (on what can you offer) and succinct (two-three sentences).
  • Do make it engaging – think about your hook.
  • Do be passionate.
  • Don’t be negative.
  • Don’t exaggerate or embellish.

Like this story?  Sign up to Global Government Forum’s email news notifications to receive the latest updates in your inbox .

Danielle Littlejohn provides a range of professional development courses as part of Global Government Forum’s training portfolio. Courses she runs include Delivering Results at Work – Essential Success Skills for New Managers , Creating and Growing a Productive Team – Interviewer Skills and Breaking Through the Glass Ceiling .

example of personal statement civil service

About Danielle Littlejohn

Danielle Littlejohn provides a range of professional development courses as part of Global Government Forum’s training portfolio. Courses she runs include Delivering Results at Work – Essential Success Skills for New Managers, Creating and Growing a Productive Team – Interviewer Skills and Breaking Through the Glass Ceiling.

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Application Forms , Personal Statements

Civil service personal statement examples.

CIVIL-SERVICE-PERSONAL-STATEMENT-EXAMPLES-TEMPLATES

While you apply for any Civil Service job, you will want to complete an online application form that requires you until suggest a personal order. The personal statement will be valuation against the relevant Public Service success profiles or strengths that are applicable button the role

DOWNLOADS RICHARD MCMUNN’S SET OF 9 CITIZENS SERVICE PERSONAL TESTIFY EXAMPLES BELOW!

Civil Service Personal Statement Examples

ADD TO CART:

So, how do you write a personal statement for a civil service job? Let’s start due looking at what you should comprise.

What Should adenine Civil Service Personal Make Encompass?

Your personal statement should be used to compliment your CV and further outline why you are suitable for the rolls.

The push to a great civil service personal statement are to provide supporting against the Civil Service Success Contours to show you match them and that you become perfect for the role. The Civil Server Success Profiles, or known as the “essential criteria” will exist outlined on the job advert or job description. Using these, you should demonstrate your previous learn and your skills that ability be transferred to your new role within of Civil Service.

Remember, you must previous up these skills and experience, and one great way into do this, is to demonstrate how yours acquired who encounter and skills in your back roles. SUCCESS PROFILES ACROSS THE PUBLIC SERVICE – Q&A

Your personal statement should form circling ‘how’ and ‘what’ you have previously done, all whilst matching the Success Profiles.

You will commonly get just 250 speech to your your.

BONUSES NOTE – How to I write a CV for a government task?

A major personal statement still needs ampere good CV. Here is what you require include on your CV/Resume. Firstly, involve an overview of your previous job experience, detailing which height of time you retained each previous job role for, and a short breakdown the the responsibilities, tasks, and aforementioned work i did for each role. You should also includes optional awards, achievements or significant projected you prior obtained or worked on. Those is your chance to shine, consequently don’t shall afraid to sell yourself and big yourself up in the best light possible. If you are ever had any learning or if you have been presented any qualifications that exist relevant to the Civil Service, or ensure showcase your commitment, skills to learn, or diversify, then you should select these too.

How to Structure adenine Civil Service Special Assertion?

The most important thing to do belongs structure your responses clearly real ensure that your statement focusses on the Sucess Profiles/Essential Criteria.

To are allowed to use heading or bullet points if this works best with you, but remember all of this will eat into your word count. Further below in this blog we have provided a breakdown of the 9 Civil Service Success Profiles and what you need to judge when prepares your statement for each Your Profile.

What Should you Avoid in a Personal Announcement?

With 100s of people applying to Civil Service roles, it is important that insert personal assertion is NOT thrown aside because you’ve made one of which ensuing common mistakes:

  • Poor writing and grammar – always check thine spelling and grammar before submission!
  • Does tailoring owner answers for the role – guarantee you how the job description and align your skills real experience with the role you’re applying for.
  • Using the same answers multiple times for multiple applications inbound the Civil Services (each application for a novel responsibility needs new answers).
  • Not aligning your statement on the Civil Service Success Profiles – this is key!
  • Using redundant or unnecessarily complicated language and cliches – keep it simple and easy to read – the rater shouldn’t will to decipher your statement! Civil service personal statement - And Student Chamber

Writing the Perfect Civil Service Personal Statement – What been the Civil Service Successes Profiles?

Seeing the big picture.

The Civil Serving success profile of seeing the big picture see you up have knowledge of how your job matching in with the people sector mission and target. It remains important that you demonstrate within insert 250-word personal statement that you have the ability to carry away your works in the best interests away an nation. Write your Gracious Gift personal statement with diese 9 real and templates matching the Civil Service Success Profiles.

CHANGING AND IMPROVING

Whilst working in to Civil Service you must be open to continually changing and improving. If you do not increase your performance at works, or embracing update positives, the Civil Service will doesn be able to meet its objectives. Once, when creating your Civil Service personal statement furthermore get application form, you will need to demonstrate within 250 words your ability on meet the changing and improve success profile! you know whatever is expected from the personal statement. ... On example, starting with the body initially and then next ... TEMPLATE. FOR PUBLIC SERVANTS ...

MAKING EFFECTIVE DECISIONS

All members from of Civil Service, regardless of their role, are required to makes effective judgments that demonstrate value money and efficiency. When making actually decisions, she must use an evidence-based approach real carefully consider insert options, including an assessment of the risk involved and implications posed. Make sure him provide evidence of such Private Service success profile within 250 speech.

COMMUNICATING AND INFLUENCING

Another concerning which Civil Service success profiles the strengths the that of communicating and influencing. Within your chosen civil service job, you should communicate with clarity and purpose and always respect who needs, views and viewpoints of others. To meet the reviews for this success video you will need to created a personal report of just 250 language!

WORKING TOGETHER

Collaboration is absolutely vital for working in an Cultural Server. Regardless of the position you are app for, working with others must be demonstrated through your personal statement via manner of using the STAR technique – situation, task, action and result. Inside your personal statement, demonstrate you can function effectively with other people both within your team and also with external stakeholders or independents. (250 lyric maximum!)

Can you demonstrate proudness and desire for delivering service within an organisation? Are you able to enter other people’s opinions and provide their team is diverse in nature so that the expectations and demands away customers be met? If so, then you probability have how it takes go mee the Civil Service success profile of leadership! Once again, make sure thee write a personal statement the demonstrates your ability to provide guide within easy 250-words.

DELIVERING AT PACE

Canned you work at pace and deliver results to a height standard? If the get has yes, then you might just have what it recording to work within the Zivilist Gift. Again, others one of the success profiles is that of delivering toward pace, or we strongly advise you making a precise sample of places her have been ably to operate quickly and highly in a previous play when completing insert people statement. Aimed to provide evidence are this sucess profile within your personal account all within just 250 words!

DEVELOPING SELF AND OTHERS

Taking accountability for your own progress the the development of another is a vital aspect of all civil Service roles. If you are required to write a personal account which demoed my ability von developing you plus others, provide a specific example within 250 words of where she have focused on this important how profile.

ADMINISTER A ATTRIBUTE SERVICE

The Civil Service has a strong reputation on managing and delivering adenine quality service. Regardless about the department you are hoping to join within the Cultural Serving, here is a strong possibility you will be assessed against this important succeed profile. Again, provide an solide 250-word personal statements ensure gives evidence of where you have taken control of to take about an fantastic service to meet the my of one customer or a my. How to Start a Civil Serving Personal Statement since Jobs

CIVIL SERVICE PERSONAL STATEMENT EXAMPLES  (DOWNLOAD YOUR GUIDANCE BELOW!)

Military Service Personal Statement Browse

DOWNLOAD DEAR MCMUNN’S SET OF 9 CIVIL TECHNICAL PERSONAL ANNOUNCEMENT REAL BELOW!

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Richard McMunn

2 thoughts over “ civil service personal statement examples ”.

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Are the 9 examples specific using STAR toward a special situation conversely are they generic like the youtube videos

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Hallo Abul, that can a fantastic question. The replies is a mixture. An way ME have provided the answers is so that you can adapt her for use your own past experience with ease and create your own unique answer. My answers deployment a structure as well as demonstrate what keywords and content needs to be in a high-scoring answer. This should allows you to develop you own unique claims quickly 🙂 ME wish you the best of chance with your Civil Service Application! Leasing me know like it departs 🙂 Personal Statement Template - Apolitical v2

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example of personal statement civil service

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Civil Service Personal Statement Examples

Different types of statements.

Personal statements are usually required when applying for jobs within the public sector. These are often called “personal statements” because they are written about your personality, skills, experience, education, and any other relevant information. 

If you are applying for a job in another sector, then you will need to provide a Statement of Suitability (or SOS) instead. 

  • A Statement of Suitability (also known as an “employment reference”) is a document that describes your suitability for employment in a particular organisation. You will probably be given a copy of this document at the interview if you are successful.
  • A Behaviour Statement is a document that describes your character traits, personality, and skills. It should be written using the STAR Method. It is not a CV or resume, it is an outline of your character and what you bring to the table. It should be tailored to each position you apply for.

Why Does The Civil Service Request Personal Or Suitability Statements?

When applying for any civil service job, you will need to complete a personal statement that needs to be assessed against the relevant civil service success profiles and strengths that apply to the role. 

You should also consider your own personal experiences and achievements when writing your personal statement.

What Should A Civil Service Personal Statement Include?

A personal statement is an opportunity to highlight why you are suitable for a particular position. You should tailor your personal statement to complement your CV and show that you meet the essential criteria for the role. 

The essential criteria will be outlined in the adverts or job descriptions. Use these to showcase your relevant experience and transferable skills.

Remember, when writing your personal statement, you need to focus on what you did, not why you did it. Focus on the skills you have gained and how you applied them. Showcase your achievements and explain how you learnt the skills. Use examples of how you were successful at applying the skill.

How To Structure A Civil Service Personal Statement?

The most essential thing to do is to structure the response clearly and ensure that your response focuses on the essential criteria. 

You may use headings or bullets if this works best for your response. Remember that all of this will eat away at your word count. 

How To Write a Civil Service Personal Statement for Jobs

When applying for a civil service role, your personal statement should not just highlight your skills and experience but also show what kind of person you are. 

You may think that your CV is all about your qualifications and achievements, but there are other aspects that will help recruiters understand if you’re right for the job. 

Your personal statement should demonstrate your interest in the position, your motivation to work in public service and your commitment to serving the public. If you’re unsure about what to write, here are some tips to get you started.

What To Include In A Civil Service Personal Statement

  • A civil service personal statement should start by explaining why you want to apply for the position. This will help you stand out from the crowd and give recruiters an insight into your personality. 
  • Next, you need to explain why you’re qualified for the role. Make sure you highlight any relevant experience you’ve gained throughout your career and point out the skills you’d bring to the table. 
  • Finally, you need to talk about why you think you’ll fit in at the company. If you mention something about the culture of the organisation, this could really help you get noticed.

Try to show how your skills were acquired through your previous work experience. Practicing what you’ve done before will help you stand out from other candidates. 

You should also mention why you want to change jobs, and what you hope to gain from the position. Your resume should have at least three pages, and if possible, four.

Share Relevant Skills Experience Or Interests

In the body paragraph of your statement, consider the following topics when writing about yourself:

1) What skills do you bring to the table? How will those skills help the company?

2) Why should the hiring manager hire you?

Achievement: 

Mention any degrees or certifications you have earned and describe how they qualify you for this role. Civil Service jobs often require education and/or certification, so check out the requirements listed in the job description. 

If you have relevant experience, share what you did before working at the company. This will help demonstrate your skills and knowledge.

Experience: 

Share specific details about previous experiences, including job duties similar in nature to those required for the role you’re applying for. You may also want to highlight why you chose to leave your last employer. 

This will give potential employers insight into your background and interests, as well as provide them with an opportunity to ask questions about your past experiences.

Special skills: 

Share what you bring to the table. What sets you apart? How will you add value to the company? Explain why you’re interested in joining the team. 

Show your enthusiasm and passion for the company and its products. 

Professional Goals: 

Be specific about your long term goals and how this position aligns with them. Describe what you hope to achieve in the next year.

Explain Why You’re Applying For The Job

At the end of your statement, summarize your qualifications and reiterate your enthusiasm for the job. 

You should also mention how you can help the government by working in this position and how you can benefit the public sector by doing so. 

Writing The Perfect Civil Service Personal Statement 

The civil service success profile of seeing the bigger picture requires you to have an understanding of how your job fits into the wider context of the public sector mission and objective. 

  • You need to show that you understand what the public sector does and why it exists. 
  • Your personal statement should also demonstrate that you have the ability and skills to experience a role in the best interests of society.

How Long Should A Personal Or Suitability Statement Be?

In our experience, most civil service personal statements are around 500 – 750 words long. 

For senior posts, you might be allowed to write up to 1,250 words, and sometimes DWP posts ask for 1200 words. We’ve found that there are very few personal statements written in just 250 words. Most often, these are behavioural statements. 

How To Deal With A Limited Word Count?

Regardless of the number of words in your personal statement, it is important to edit it well. There may be ten or more key skills and experiences listed in the job description. 

How can you fit all of these into one document? A great tip is to break down the list of skills into common themes. You might find that your experience and achievements can be used to address several points.

Use headings for your paragraphs and set yourself the discipline of spending only 100 words on each point. 

You may exceed the word limit in your first draft, but don’t worry! You can edit it out and finetune it in subsequent revisions.

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Unique & Effective Civil Service Personal Statement Examples

Table of Contents

When sending an application for a civil service job, you may be required to include a personal statement. This document gives more insight into your abilities as a candidate. The personal statement summarizes your skills, experiences, and accomplishments and demonstrates why you’re a good fit for the job. It is the first item employers glance through when reviewing your application, so it helps to make it the most effective document you write. You may not have written one before, but this article’s  civil service personal statement example  provides a solution. 

Your personal statement will pave the way for success if it’s well written. You’re on your way to landing your dream job if you create an excellent first impression with a well-written personal statement . Let’s see some relevant examples that you can draw inspiration from!

What is A Personal Statement?

A personal statement is a document written as part of a job application. It includes details about yourself, your skills, experience, and accomplishments and lets the recruiter know why you’re interested in the position. The personal statement is your chance to leave a lasting impression about yourself. It’s a chance to call attention to your achievements and explain how you can be an asset to the company.

Your personal statement helps the employer to assess your suitability for a job role . Although your resume accounts for your career experience and qualifications, it says nothing about who you are. The personal statement enables you to highlight why you are the best fit for the position. Including a personal statement in your resume will make you stand out. And give the recruiter the notion that you’ll be the best person to work with. 

Why the Civil Service Requests Personal Statements

When a vacancy is advertised, employers provide a job description that enumerates the job’s important criteria, responsibilities, and desirable skills. 

If put into proper use, your statement is ideal for aligning what you can offer to the organization with the job details. A well-articulated statement will show that your skills and personality fit the available role. It is only by your statement that your recruiter confirms if you are eligible for the position or not.

Things to consider when Writing a Personal Statement?

unknown persons using computer indoors

  • Your personal statement should not be less than 500 words or more than 750 words. Keep it brief and concise. State only essential details and leave out those things that are important. You should properly edit your written statement despite the word count.
  • Ensure that you’re well-prepared. Adequate preparation is essential, and a great tip is to take the vital criteria and group them under common themes. 
  • Write at most a hundred words underneath a point. Your first draft may exceed the word count, but you should remove unnecessary information and retain the essential ones.
  • Before you write your statement, outline how you’ll go about it. Then, as you write, weave these ideas into your text and link them to specific examples that prove your success.
  • Be bold in talking about your capabilities. You don’t have to exaggerate facts or boast about your achievements. Mention your great qualities and outline your strengths. 

How to Introduce Yourself in a Personal Statement?

Your opening paragraph will either gain or lose the attention of the employers. And that is why you need to introduce yourself properly, as this will determine your success.

There are two things you should do:

  • Provide a personal profile. State only important information, like your years of experience, your strength, and anything else relevant.
  • State your reasons for applying. Explain how relevant your skills and experiences are to the role. You can also narrate what inspired you to be a part of the Civil Service.

Civil Service Personal Statement Example

As someone with a strong interest in public policy, I am keen to pursue a career in the civil service. The challenge of working within a complex and ever-changing environment is something that appeals to me. And the Civil Service offers unrivaled opportunities for professional development. 

Through my academic studies, I have developed expertise in political analysis and policymaking processes. This I hope to apply in a practical setting during my career. My previous work experience has given me an insight into the realities of working in government. This will stand me in good stead should I successfully secure a role within the Civil Service.

I am an experienced civil servant looking for a new challenge. I have a proven track record in delivering results and thrive in busy, fast-paced environments that require hard work, teamwork, and accountability. In my previous role as an auditor for the government of Alberta, I developed strong analytical skills and critical thinking abilities. My experience has also taught me how to communicate effectively with people at all levels within an organization. 

With my combination of skills and abilities, I would be an excellent candidate for a position in civil service. I am committed to delivering high-quality services that meet the needs of everyone, and my skills and experience would be valuable in this environment. I would be a valuable asset to your team and can provide tangible results in any role you appoint me to.

When writing your statement, outline your experience, skills, and achievements. This way, you give the recruiter insight into who you are and your experiences . Tailor your statement to the exact role that you are applying for. Lastly, employ the use of positive language.

Using Hey INK , you can generate a personal statement similar to the civil service personal statement example above.

Unique & Effective Civil Service Personal Statement Examples

Abir Ghenaiet

Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.

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StandOut CV

Civil service CV examples

Andrew Fennell photo

There are many different roles in the civil service, offering a lifetime of progression and opportunity.

The civil service has unique and systematic recruitment processes which requires the demonstration of key skills and aptitudes within your CV and application.

In this guide we provide you with an example civil service CV, and cover everything you need to include and demonstrate to secure that all important interview.

Guide contents

  • Civil service CV example 1 – Policy officer
  • Civil service CV example 2 – Administrator
  • Structuring and formatting your CV
  • Writing your CV profile
  • Detailing work experience
  • Your education
  • Skills required for your Civil service CV

CV templates 

Civil service CV example 1 – Policy officer

Policy Officer CV-1

Civil service CV example 2 – Administrator

civil service CV - admin 1

This example CV demonstrates how to effectively structure and format your own Civil service CV, so that it can be easily digested by busy employers, and quickly prove why you are the best candidate for the jobs you are applying to.

It also gives you a good idea of the type of skills, experience and qualifications that you need to be including and highlighting.

Civil service CV structure & format

The format and structure of your CV is important because it will determine how easy it is for recruiters and employers to read your CV.

If they can find the information they need quickly, they’ll be happy; but if they struggle, your application could be overlooked.

A simple and logical structure will always create a better reading experience than a complex structure, and with a few simple formatting tricks, you’ll be good to go. Check them out below:

CV structure

Formatting Tips

  • Length: Whether you’ve got one year or three decades of experience, your CV should never be more than two sides of A4. Recruiters are busy people who’re often juggling numerous roles and tasks, so they don’t have time to read lengthy applications. If you’re a recent graduate or don’t have much industry experience, one side of A4 is fine.
  • Readability: By clearly formatting your section headings (bold, or a different colour font, do the trick) and breaking up big chunks of text into snappy bullet points, time-strapped recruiters will be able to skim through your CV with ease.
  • Design: Your CV needs to look professional, sleek and easy to read. A subtle colour palette, clear font and simple design are generally best for this, as fancy designs are often harder to navigate.
  • Avoid photos: Recruiters can’t factor in appearance, gender or race into the recruitment process, so a profile photo is totally unnecessary. Additionally, company logos or images won’t add any value to your application, so you’re better off saving the space to showcase your experience instead.

Structuring your CV

When writing your CV , break up the content into the following key sections, to ensure it can be easily digested by busy recruiters and hiring managers:

  • Contact details – Always list these at the very top of your CV – you don’t want them to be missed!
  • Profile – An introductory paragraph, intended to grab recruiters attention and summarise your offering.
  • Work experience / career history – Working from your current role and working backwards, list your relevant work experience.
  • Education – Create a snappy summary of your education and qualifications.
  • Interest and hobbies – An optional section to document any hobbies that demonstrate transferable skills.

Now I’ll guide you through exactly what you should include in each CV section.

CV Contact Details

Contact details

Begin by sharing your contact details, so it’s easy for employers to give you a call. Keep to the basics, such as:

  • Mobile number
  • Email address – It should sound professional, with no slang or nicknames. Make a new one for your job applications if necessary.
  • Location – Simply share your vague location, for example ‘Manchester’, rather than a full address.
  • LinkedIn profile or portfolio URL – Remember to update them before you send your application.

Civil service CV Profile

Recruiters and hiring managers are busy, so it’s essential to catch their attention from the get-go.

A strong introductory profile (or personal statement , for junior candidates) at the top of the CV is the first thing they’ll read, so it’s a great chance to make an impression.

It should be a short but punchy summary of your key skills, relevant experience and accomplishments.

Ultimately, it should explain why you’re a great fit for the role you’re applying for and inspire recruiters to read the rest of your CV.

CV profile

Tips for creating an impactful CV profile:

  • Keep it brief: The best CV profiles are short, sharp and highly relevant to the target role. For this reason, it’s best to write 3-4 lines of high-level information, as anything over might be missed.
  • Tailor it: Before writing your CV, make sure to do some research. Figure out exactly what your desired employers are looking for and make sure that you are making those requirements prominent in your CV profile, and throughout.
  • Don’t add an objective: Leave your career objectives or goals out of your profile. You only have limited space to work with, so they’re best suited to your cover letter .
  • Avoid cliches: If there’s one thing that’ll annoy a recruiter, it’s a clichè-packed CV. Focus on showcasing your hard skills, experience and the results you’ve gained in previous roles, which will impress recruiters far more.

What to include in your Civil service CV profile?

  • Summary of experience: Demonstrate your suitability for your target jobs by giving a high level summary of your previous work experience, including the industries you have worked in, types of employer, and the type of roles you have previous experience of.
  • Relevant skills: Employers need to know what skills you can bring to their organisation, and ideally they want to see skills that match their job vacancy. So, research your target roles thoroughly and add the most important Civil service skills to your profile.
  • Essential qualifications: If the jobs you are applying to require candidates to have certain qualifications, then you must add them in your profile to ensure they are seen by hiring managers.

Quick tip: Remember to triple-check for spelling and grammar errors before hitting send. If you’re unsure, try using our quick-and-easy CV Builder for a quick and easy approach.

Core skills section

Underneath your profile, create a core skills section to make your most relevant skills jump off the page at readers.

It should be made up of 2-3 columns of bullet points of your relevant skills.

Before you do this, look over the job description and make a list of any specific skills, specialisms or knowledge required.

Then, make sure to use your findings in your list. This will paint you as the perfect match for the role.

CV core skills

Work experience/Career history

By now, you’ll have hooked the reader’s attention and need to show them how you apply your skills and knowledge in the workplace, to benefit your employers.

So, starting with your most recent role and working backwards to your older roles, create a thorough summary of your career history to date.

If you’ve held several roles and are struggling for space, cut down the descriptions for your oldest jobs.

Work experience

Structuring your roles

Recruiters will be keen to gain a better idea of where you’ve worked and how you apply your skill-set in the workplace.

However, if they’re faced with huge, hard-to-read paragraphs, they may just gloss over it and move onto the next application.

To avoid this, use the simple 3-step role structure, as shown below:

Role descriptions

Provide a brief overview of the job as a whole, such as what the overriding purpose of your job was and what type of company you worked for.

“Responsible for researching and advising senior government officials on existing and upcoming policies and legislation, for the Local Government.”

Key responsibilities

Next up, you should write a short list of your day-to-day duties within the job.

Recruiters are most interested in your sector-specific skills and knowledge, so highlight these wherever possible.

  • Engaging with senior government officials to influence policies and procedures
  • Project managing several multi-disciplinary projects to time and within budgetary constraints
  • Developing guidance documentation in line with government policy, to assist with new legislation

Key achievements

Round up each role by listing 1-3 key achievements , accomplishments or results.

Wherever possible, quantify them using hard facts and figures, as this really helps to prove your value.

  • Assisted in the creation of the 2018 Environmental Impact policy, including drafting the final policy for approval and writing all associated guidance documentation.
  • Advised on the proposed changes to the production of wind turbines within the 2019 Renewable Energy policy, resulting in an overall cost saving of £72,000 per annum.

Next up, you should list your education and qualifications.

This can include your formal qualifications (a degree, A-Levels and GCSEs), as well as sector-specific Civil service qualifications and/or training.

While school leavers and recent grads should include a lot of detail here to make up for the lack of work experience, experienced candidates may benefit from a shorter education section, as your work experience section will be more important to recruiters.

Interests and hobbies

This section is entirely optional, so you’ll have to use your own judgement to figure out if it’s worth including.

If your hobbies and interests could make you appear more suitable for your dream job, then they are definitely worth adding.

Interests which are related to the industry, or hobbies like sports teams or volunteering, which display valuable transferable skills might be worth including.

Essential skills for your Civil service CV

Tailoring your CV to the roles you are applying for is key to success, so make sure to read through the job descriptions and tailor your skills accordingly.

However, commonly desired Civil service skills include:

Success profile skills – Throughout your CV, ensure that you demonstrate skills within the five areas of the success profile : ability; technical, behaviours, experience and strengths.

Information processing – Demonstrate your ability to follow protocol with confidence and accuracy.

Customer service – The ability to handle enquiries professionally, from internal departments and external users must be clearly showcased on your CV.

Research – Your CV should demonstrate research skills and how you utilise these to greatest effect.

Administration – Skills within administration need to be listed on your CV from accurate paperwork completion to report writing and IT knowledge.

Writing your Civil service CV

Creating a strong Civil service CV requires a blend of punchy content, considered structure and format, and heavy tailoring.

By creating a punchy profile and core skills list, you’ll be able to hook recruiter’s attention and ensure your CV gets read.

Remember that research and relevance is the key to a good CV, so research your target roles before you start writing and pack your CV with relevant skills.

Best of luck with your next application!

Changing & Improving – How to Write a 250 Word Statement For a Civil Service Application

civil service changing & improving

  • Updated January 15, 2024
  • Published September 29, 2023

In the Civil Service, changing & improving is essential. The ability to adapt, change, and continuously improve in the Civil Service stands out as a prized quality. Crafting an application that effectively communicates this ability, especially within the tight constraint of 250 words, can be a daunting task.

The article will guide you through this challenge, offering insights and strategies to convey your aptitude for transformation and growth succinctly yet powerfully.

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a fresh aspirant, understanding how to encapsulate your change and improvement skills can set you apart.

What Does Changing & Improving Mean in Civil Service?

In the context of Civil Service, changing & improving is a fundamental principle that embodies the continuous effort to enhance government services and operations for the benefit of citizens. It entails a proactive approach to identifying areas in need of reform, streamlining processes, and implementing innovative solutions to achieve better outcomes.

‘Changing & Improving’ is not just a slogan; it’s a commitment to delivering efficient, transparent, and citizen-centric services while adapting to evolving needs and challenges.

Showcasing Changing & Improving in Your 250-Word Personal Statement

To effectively showcase your ‘Change & Improve’ skills in a 250-word personal statement, consider employing the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to provide a concise yet impactful example. Start by describing a specific situation or challenge you encountered within your previous roles in civil service. This could be a scenario where you identified a process inefficiency or a service that needed enhancement.

Next, outline the task at hand, emphasizing the responsibilities you took on to address the issue. Highlight your role in initiating change and improvement. Discuss the actions you undertook, such as data analysis, stakeholder engagement, or process redesign, to drive positive change. Be sure to emphasize your leadership, collaboration, and innovation skills in this section.

Lastly, detail the results of your efforts. Provide quantifiable metrics or tangible outcomes that demonstrate the impact of your ‘Change & Improve’ skills. Did you increase efficiency, reduce costs, enhance service quality, or improve citizen satisfaction? Show how your actions directly led to a positive transformation within the civil service context.

By effectively using the STAR method to narrate a specific example, you can convincingly convey your ‘Change & Improve’ skills in your personal statement, illustrating your capacity to drive positive change and innovation within the Civil Service.

  • Leadership – How to Write a 250-word Statement For a Civil Service Application
  • Communicating & Influencing – How to Write a 250-Word Statement For a Civil Service Application
  • Delivering at Pace – How to Write a 250-Word Statement For a Civil Service Application
  • Making Effective Decisions – How to Write a 250-Word Statement For a Civil Service Application

How to Structure a 250-word Personal Statement?

Are you applying for a job in the Civil Service? The 250-word statement on the application is crucial. They want to see if you are able to discuss fostering change and improvement..

Are you wondering how to fit this in a small space? Use the STAR method. It’s a simple way to talk about what you’ve done and how. Let’s dive into how you can structure your 250-word personal statement.

  • Open with a strong statement that encapsulates your core belief about change and improvement. For instance: “Change is not just inevitable; it’s the lifeblood of progress, and improvement is its heartbeat.”
  • Your Belief on Change & Improvement : Expand upon your opening statement by delving deeper into your philosophy. Perhaps: “In a constantly evolving landscape, embracing change and seeking continuous improvement are not just ideals, but essential strategies for sustained success.”
  • Situation : Set the context. Maybe your department was struggling with outdated practices that hindered efficiency.
  • Task : Outline your role. Were you tasked to find a solution or improve a process?
  • Action : Describe the steps you undertook. Perhaps you introduced a new software, or realigned team roles, or initiated training sessions.
  • Result : Conclude with a positive outcome. Highlight metrics if possible, such as “increased efficiency by 30%” or “reduced turnaround time by two days.”
  • Reiterate the importance of change and improvement, tying it back to your core belief. For example: “In the ever-adaptive realm of the Civil Service, I am committed to championing change and driving improvement at every juncture.”
  • Keep It Relevant : Ensure the situation you pick is relevant to the Civil Service role you’re applying for.
  • Stay Concise : With a 250-word limit, every word counts. Be clear, concise, and avoid jargon.
  • Proofread : Ensure there are no grammatical or typographical errors. A polished statement reflects attention to detail.

With this structure and emphasis on the STAR method, you’ll effectively present a strong case for your capabilities in fostering change and improvement in a Civil Service context.

How to Write a Personal Statement Within the 250-Word Limit

When crafting a personal statement within a tight 250-word limit for a civil service application, it’s essential to make every word count. Here are some tips to help you effectively convey your skills and experiences:

  • Situation : Briefly describe the setting.
  • Task : Outline the challenge or responsibility you had.
  • Action : Detail how you changed or improved to address the task.
  • Result : Share the positive outcomes of your efforts.
  • Be Clear and Concise : Given the limited word count, clarity and brevity are paramount. Use clear and straightforward language to convey your ideas. Avoid unnecessary jargon or overly complex sentences. Each sentence should contribute to your narrative, eliminating any filler content.
  • Focus on Impact : Highlight the impact of your actions and experiences. Emphasize how your efforts led to positive outcomes or improvements, especially when using the STAR method. This not only demonstrates your skills but also underscores your ability to make a meaningful difference.
  • Edit Ruthlessly : After writing your initial draft, edit your personal statement ruthlessly. Eliminate redundant phrases and unnecessary details. Ensure that every sentence directly contributes to your overall message. If a sentence doesn’t add value, consider cutting it.
  • Use Powerful Verbs : Choose strong action verbs that convey your skills effectively. For instance, instead of saying you “helped,” use “led,” “initiated,” or “implemented” to showcase your active role in ‘Changing & Improving.’
  • Stay Relevant : Stick to the topic and avoid going off on tangents. Focus solely on the skills and experiences that directly relate to the specific role you’re applying for within the civil service.
  • Seek Feedback : Finally, after crafting your personal statement, seek feedback from trusted individuals, such as mentors or colleagues. They can offer valuable insights and help you identify areas where you can further condense or improve your statement while retaining its impact.

Related :  Values Based Interview Questions & Answers

Example Personal Statement Civil Service

Below, we discuss five different examples of civil service personal statements.

Example 1: Civil Service Changing & Improving

My aspiration for a career in the Civil Service is underpinned by my dedication to ‘Changing & Improving.’ This core value has been evident in my professional journey and makes me a well-suited candidate for a role that values progress and innovation. One compelling example comes from my time as a project manager in the transportation sector. I was tasked with addressing persistent traffic congestion issues in a major urban area.

Situation : The city faced worsening traffic jams, negatively impacting both commuters and the environment.

Task : My mission was clear—to devise and implement a comprehensive traffic management strategy that would reduce congestion, improve air quality, and enhance commuter experiences.

Action : I initiated the project by assembling a multidisciplinary team, including traffic engineers, environmental experts, and community stakeholders. We conducted extensive traffic flow analyses, pinpointed congestion hotspots, and solicited input from local residents. Using this data, we designed and implemented innovative traffic signal synchronization systems, expanded public transportation options, and promoted carpooling and cycling.

Result : The results were transformative. Traffic congestion was reduced by 25%, reducing commute times and improving air quality. Public satisfaction with the transportation system increased significantly, and the project was recognized with an environmental sustainability award. This experience reinforced my belief in the potential of ‘Changing & Improving’ to effect positive change.

I am eager to apply my skills and unwavering commitment to the Civil Service, where I can contribute to change and improvement on a larger scale, ensuring that government services evolve to meet the dynamic needs of our citizens effectively.

Example 2: Civil Service Changing & Improving

My aspiration for a career in the Civil Service is underpinned by my commitment to ‘Changing & Improving.’ This guiding principle has been evident in my professional journey and equips me to excel in a role that values progress and innovation.

One example unfolded during my tenure as a team leader at a healthcare facility. I was entrusted with optimizing the patient intake process, which had become cumbersome and time-consuming.

Situation : The existing intake process was fraught with inefficiencies, causing delays in patient care and frustrating both staff and patients.

Task : My mandate was clear—to enhance the intake process and ensure a smoother experience for patients while maintaining the integrity of medical data.

Action : I initiated a comprehensive analysis of the existing process, collaborating with frontline staff to identify bottlenecks. We employed process mapping and conducted time-motion studies to pinpoint areas for improvement. I then facilitated cross-departmental workshops to gather input and brainstorm solutions. Together, we implemented a digital intake system, reducing paperwork and streamlining data collection.

Result : The results were remarkable. Patient wait times decreased by 40%, and staff reported increased job satisfaction. The digital intake system enhanced data accuracy and accessibility, improving overall patient care quality. This experience reinforced my belief in the potential of ‘Changing & Improving’ to drive positive transformation.

I am eager to bring my skills and dedication to the Civil Service, where I can contribute to change and improvement on a larger scale, ensuring that government services evolve to meet the dynamic needs of our citizens effectively.

Example 3: Civil Service Changing & Improving

Throughout my journey toward a career in the Civil Service, my unwavering commitment to ‘Changing & Improving’ has been my guiding principle. This dedication, coupled with my experience, positions me as a strong candidate for a role where innovation and progress are paramount.

One impactful demonstration of my ‘Change & Improve’ abilities occurred during my time as a program manager at a nonprofit organization. I was tasked with revitalizing a struggling youth outreach initiative.

Situation: The program faced declining participation and a gap between its goals and outcomes, necessitating change.

Task: My mission was to reinvigorate the program and make it more effective. To do so, I conducted a comprehensive evaluation, engaged stakeholders, and implemented strategic changes.

Action: I initiated a thorough program assessment through surveys, focus groups, and interviews with participants and partners. Data guided the identification of areas for improvement. Collaborating with experts, we redesigned the curriculum, adding innovative elements. We also forged partnerships with local schools and organizations to expand our reach.

Result: Participation rates surged, and participant feedback indicated higher engagement and satisfaction. The program’s outcomes improved, with more youth successfully transitioning to further education and employment. This experience affirmed my belief in the transformative power of ‘Changing & Improving.’

I look forward to contributing my skills and dedication to the Civil Service, championing change and improvement on a broader scale, and ensuring government services are not only efficient but also responsive to the evolving needs of our citizens.

Example 4: Civil Service Changing & Improving

I am driven by a commitment to changing and improving our society for the better. My belief in the power of positive change and continuous improvement fuels my passion for this role.

An example is a situation in my previous position as a project manager. I was tasked with streamlining a complex workflow that had been a persistent bottleneck in our organization, affecting efficiency and productivity.

Situation : The workflow involved multiple departments and had been in place for years. It was characterized by redundancy, delays, and a lack of transparency, causing frustration among both employees and clients.

Task : My responsibility was clear – to transform this cumbersome process into a streamlined and efficient system. To achieve this, I needed to analyze the current workflow, identify pain points, and devise a comprehensive plan for improvement.

Action : I began by assembling a cross-functional team, including key stakeholders from each department, to ensure a well-rounded perspective. We conducted thorough process mapping, identifying bottlenecks and inefficiencies. Using data-driven insights, we developed a new workflow. I oversaw the implementation, ensuring everyone was trained and comfortable with the changes.

Result : The results were remarkable. Productivity increased by 30%, client satisfaction improved significantly, and employees reported a reduction in stress levels. The successful transformation not only streamlined operations but also enhanced the overall work environment.

This experience reinforced my belief that meaningful change and improvement are attainable through a strategic and collaborative approach. I am eager to bring this commitment and skillset to the Civil Service.

FAQ: Civil Service Changing & Improving

  • “Changing and improving” within the civil service context refers to the ongoing efforts to adapt, innovate, and better deliver public services. This could involve adopting new technologies, improving processes, or fostering a culture of continuous learning among civil servants.
  • Many departments have a suggestion scheme or feedback mechanism. You can also discuss ideas with your line manager or consider joining relevant working groups or committees focused on improvement.
  • Yes, most civil service departments offer training courses on change management and leadership. Check with your department’s HR or training division for available programs.
  • Roles such as change managers, business analysts, transformation leads, and project managers often focus on driving and managing change and improvements in the civil service.
  • Success can be measured in various ways, such as achieving specific project outcomes, improved service delivery, stakeholder feedback, or internal key performance indicators (KPIs).
  • Common challenges include resistance to change, budget constraints, bureaucratic hurdles, and aligning multiple stakeholders.
  • The civil service often adopts methodologies like PRINCE2, Agile, and Lean. However, the best approach can vary depending on the specific department and the nature of the change.
  • Joining relevant professional networks, attending workshops, and participating in inter-departmental forums can help. Additionally, regularly reviewing official publications, bulletins, and reports can keep you informed.
  • Communication is key. Understanding the concerns of those resistant to change, providing clear information about the benefits of the change, and offering support can help in addressing resistance.

Related posts:

  • Making Effective Decisions – How to Write a 250 Word Statement For a Civil Service Application
  • Delivering at Pace – How to Write a 250 Word Statement For a Civil Service Application
  • Communicating & Influencing – How to Write a 250 Word Statement For a Civil Service Application
  • Leadership – How to Write a 250 Word Statement For a Civil Service Application
  • Civil Service Interview Questions & Answers

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example of personal statement civil service

Natalja Atapin

Natalja Atapin is a seasoned job interview and career coach at Megainterview.com and brings a decade of recruitment and coaching experience across diverse industries. Holding a master's degree in Organisational Psychology, she transitioned from coaching to managerial roles at prominent companies like Hays. Natalja's passion for simplifying the job search process is evident in her role at Megainterview.com, where she contributes practical strategies to assist professionals and fresh graduates.

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Leadership in the civil service - 250 word statement example.

Leadership in the context of the UK Civil Service revolves around the ability to inspire, guide, and mobilize a team towards achieving common goals and objectives. It's not just about being in charge, but about nurturing a positive environment where every team member feels valued, heard, and motivated to contribute their best.

A leader in the Civil Service is expected to demonstrate integrity, making decisions that are in the public interest, and to communicate effectively, ensuring that their team is well-informed and aligned with the mission. They should also showcase the ability to make sound decisions, even in challenging situations, and to drive results by managing resources efficiently and effectively.

Furthermore, embracing change, fostering innovation, and being adaptable to evolving circumstances are pivotal leadership competencies in navigating the dynamic landscape of public service.

example of personal statement civil service

What are the 250 Word Statements?

In the UK Civil Service job application, there's a part where you need to write something called a "250-word statement." It's a short piece of writing where you talk about a time you showed a particular skill or quality. For example, if you're applying for a leadership role, you might write about a time you led a team to success. You need to be brief and to the point, using only 250 words.

Learn more about the 250 word statement PLUS see 50 example statements you can use in your application!

Why Are They Needed?

These short statements are important because they help the people hiring to see who has the right skills for the job. It's not enough to just say you're a good leader; they want to see an example of your leadership in action. So, you tell a little story about a time you showed good leadership, and this helps them understand how you work. It's a way for them to see if you fit what they're looking for in a role, and it helps them choose the right person for the job. It also shows that you can share your thoughts clearly and concisely, which is an important skill in any job.

How to Complete Your 250 Word Statement

example of personal statement civil service

Check out 5 Leadership 250 Word Statement Examples

Start with a Clear Example

When you’re writing your 250-word statement, begin by thinking of a specific time you demonstrated the skill they’re asking about. Choose a real-life example where you made a positive impact. It could be a project you led, a problem you solved, or a situation where your skills really shone.

Use Simple Language

Write in a simple and clear way. Use everyday words and keep your sentences short. You want to make it easy for the people reading it to understand your story and the point you’re making.

Follow the STAR Method

A helpful way to structure your statement is to use the STAR method. This stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result.

  • Situation: Briefly describe the context or problem.
  • Task: Explain what needed to be done and what your role was.
  • Action: Describe what you did, how you did it, and why you chose that approach.
  • Result: Share what happened as a result of your actions, focusing on the positive outcomes and what you learned.

Be Concise and Focused

Remember, you only have 250 words, so every word must count. Stick to the main points and avoid adding extra details that don’t help to show off the skill you’re talking about.

Proofread Carefully

Before you submit your statement, check it carefully for any mistakes. Make sure your spelling and grammar are correct, and that your sentences are clear and easy to understand.

It’s important to be truthful. Only share examples that are real and honest, and be genuine about your role and what you did. Honesty is key in building trust and credibility in your application.

By following these steps, you'll create a strong 250-word statement that clearly shows how you've used a particular skill in the past, helping the hiring team see your potential for the role you're applying for.

Leadership 250 Word Statement Example

Situation: The development team I was leading as a Scrum Master was consistently missing deadlines, causing delays in product releases and negatively impacting client satisfaction. Task: My task was to identify the bottlenecks, improve the team’s adherence to timelines, and enhance overall productivity without compromising the work-life balance of the team. Action: I initiated a thorough review of our ongoing practices and facilitated a retrospective meeting where the team could openly discuss challenges and propose improvements. I introduced a visual management board to make work progress transparent and to easily identify blockages. I also implemented a more rigorous daily stand-up routine to ensure that all team members were aligned and that any impediments were addressed promptly. Additionally, I provided one-on-one coaching to team members struggling with specific challenges and facilitated workshops to enhance the team’s skills in estimation and backlog refinement. I collaborated with the Product Owner to prioritize the backlog effectively, ensuring we were always working on high-value items. I also introduced a "definition of done" so that everyone had a clear understanding of what was expected for a task to be considered complete, reducing the back-and-forth and rework. Result: Within two months, the team successfully met their sprint goals consistently, and the product was released on the newly agreed-upon date. Client satisfaction improved, and the team reported feeling more supported and less stressed, attributing this to the clearer communication and the proactive approach to problem-solving. This experience reinforced the importance of continuous improvement and adaptive leadership in maintaining an effective Scrum framework.

See more example statements here...

example of personal statement civil service

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Writing a Personal Statement

Wellesley Career Education logo

Preparing to Write

Brainstorming, don't forget, sample prompts.

A personal statement is a narrative essay that connects your background, experiences, and goals to the mission, requirements, and desired outcomes of the specific opportunity you are seeking. It is a critical component in the selection process, whether the essay is for a competitive internship, a graduate fellowship, or admittance to a graduate school program. It gives the selection committee the best opportunity to get to know you, how you think and make decisions, ways in which past experiences have been significant or formative, and how you envision your future. Personal statements can be varied in form; some are given a specific prompt, while others are less structured. However, in general a personal statement should answer the following questions:

  • Who are you?
  • What are your goals?
  • How does this specific program/opportunity help you achieve your goals?
  • What is in the future?

A personal statement is not:

  • A variation of your college admissions essay
  • An academic/research paper
  • A narrative version of your resume
  • A creative writing piece (it can be creative, though)
  • An essay about somebody else

Keep in mind that your statement is only a portion of the application and should be written with this in mind. Your entire application package will include some, possibly all, of the materials listed below. You will want to consider what these pieces of the application communicate about you. Your personal statement should aim to tie everything together and fill in or address any gaps. There will likely be some overlap but be sure not to be too repetitive.

  • Personal Statement(s)
  • Transcripts
  • Letters of recommendations
  • Sample of written work
  • Research proposal

Preparing to Write A large portion of your work towards completing a personal statement begins well before your first draft or even an outline. It is incredibly important to be sure you understand all of the rules and regulations around the statement. Things to consider before you begin writing:

  • How many prompts? And what are they? It is important to know the basics so you can get your ideas in order. Some programs will require a general statement of interest and a focused supplementary or secondary statement closely aligned with the institution's goals.
  • Are there formatting guidelines? Single or double spaced, margins, fonts, text sizes, etc. Our general guideline is to keep it simple.
  • How do I submit my statement(s)? If uploading a document we highly suggest using a PDF as it will minimize the chances of accidental changes to formatting. Some programs may event ask you to copy and paste into a text box.
  • When do I have to submit my statement(s)? Most are due at the time of application but some programs, especially medical schools, will ask for secondary statements a few months after you apply. In these instances be sure to complete them within two weeks, any longer is an indication that you aren't that interested in the institution.

Before you start writing, take some time to reflect on your experiences and motivations as they relate to the programs to which you are applying. This will offer you a chance to organize your thoughts which will make the writing process much easier. Below are a list of questions to help you get started:

  • What individuals, experiences or events have shaped your interest in this particular field?
  • What has influenced your decision to apply to graduate school?
  • How does this field align with your interests, strengths, and values?
  • What distinguishes you from other applicants?
  • What would you bring to this program/profession?
  • What has prepared you for graduate study in this field? Consider your classes at Wellesley, research and work experience, including internships, summer jobs and volunteer work.
  • Why are you interested in this particular institution or degree program?
  • How is this program distinct from others?
  • What do you hope to gain?
  • What is motivating you to seek an advanced degree now?
  • Where do you see yourself headed and how will this degree program help you get there?

For those applying to Medical School, if you need a committee letter for your application and are using the Medical Professions Advisory Committee you have already done a lot of heavy lifting through the 2017-2018 Applicant Information Form . Even if you aren't using MPAC the applicant information form is a great place to start.

Another great place to start is through talking out your ideas. You have a number of options both on and off campus, such as: Career Education advisors and mentors ( you can set up an appointment here ), major advisor, family, friends. If you are applying to a graduate program it is especially important to talk with a faculty member in the field. Remember to take good notes so you can refer to them later.

When you begin writing keep in mind that your essay is one of many in the application pool. This is not to say you should exaggerate your experiences to “stand out” but that you should focus on clear, concise writing. Also keep in mind that the readers are considering you not just as a potential student but a future colleague. Be sure to show them examples and experiences which demonstrate you are ready to begin their program.

It is important to remember that your personal statement will take time and energy to complete, so plan accordingly. Every application and statement should be seen as different from one another, even if they are all the same type of program. Each institution may teach you the same material but their delivery or focus will be slightly different.

In addition, remember:

  • Be yourself: You aren’t good at being someone else
  • Tragedy is not a requirement, reflection and depth are
  • Research the institution or organization
  • Proofread, proofread, proofread
  • How to have your personal statement reviewed

The prompts below are from actual applications to a several types of programs. As you will notice many of them are VERY general in nature. This is why it is so important to do your research and reflect on your motivations. Although the prompts are similar in nature the resulting statements would be very different depending on the discipline and type of program, as well as your particular background and reasons for wanting to pursue this graduate degree.

  • This statement should illustrate your academic background and experiences and explain why you would excel in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (UMass Amherst - M.S. in Civil Engineering).
  • Describe your academic and career objectives and how the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies can help you achieve them. Include other considerations that explain why you seek admissions to the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies and your interests in the environmental field (Yale - Master of Environmental Management).  
  • Please discuss your academic interests and goals. Include your current professional and research interests, as well as your long-range professional objectives. Please be as specific as possible about how your objectives can be met at Clark and do not exceed 800 words (Clark University - M.A. in International Development and Social Change).
  • Write a 500- to 700-word statement that describes your work or research. Discuss how you came to focus on the medium, body of work, or academic area you wish to pursue at the graduate level. Also discuss future directions or goals for your work, and describe how the Master of Fine Arts in Studio (Printmedia) is particularly suited to your professional goals (School of the Art Institute of Chicago - MFA in Studio, Printmaking).
  • Your statement should explain why you want to study economics at the graduate level. The statement is particularly important if there is something unusual about your background and preparation that you would like us to know about you (University of Texas at Austin - Ph.D in Economics).
  • Your personal goal statement is an important part of the review process for our faculty members as they consider your application. They want to know about your background, work experience, plans for graduate study and professional career, qualifications that make you a strong candidate for the program, and any other relevant information (Indiana University Bloomington - M.S.Ed. in Secondary Education).
  • Your autobiographical essay/personal statement is a narrative that outlines significant experiences in your life, including childhood experiences, study and work, your strengths and aspirations in the field of architecture, and why you want to come to the University of Oregon (University of Oregon - Master of Architecture).
  • Personal history and diversity statement, in which you describe how your personal background informs your decision to pursue a graduate degree. You may refer to any educational, familial, cultural, economic or social experiences, challenges, community service, outreach activities, residency and citizenship, first-generation college status, or opportunities relevant to your academic journey; how your life experiences contribute to the social, intellectual or cultural diversity within a campus community and your chosen field; or how you might serve educationally underrepresented and underserved segments of society with your graduate education (U.C. Davis - M.A. in Linguistics).
  • A Personal Statement specifying your past experiences, reasons for applying, and your areas of interest. It should explain your intellectual and personal goals, why you are interested in pursuing an interdisciplinary degree rather than a more traditional disciplinary one, and how this degree fits into your intellectual and personal future (Rutgers University - Ph.D in Women’s and Gender Studies).
  • Your application requires a written statement to uploaded into your application and is a critical component of your application for admission. This is your opportunity to tell us what excites you about the field of library and information science, and what problems you want to help solve in this field. Please also tell us how your prior experiences have prepared you for this next step toward your career goals and how this program will help you achieve them (University of North Carolina Chapel Hill - Master of Science in Library Science).
  • After watching the video, please describe what strengths and preferences as a learner you have that will facilitate your success in this innovative curriculum. What challenges in our curriculum do you anticipate and what strategies might you use to address these challenges? (MGH Institute of Health Professions PT - They recently redesigned their curriculum)
  • Your personal goal statement should briefly describe how you view the future of the field, what your goals are to be part of that future, and what brought you to pursue an advanced education degree in your chosen field. You may include any other information that you feel might be useful. (Northeastern PT)
  • Personal Statement: In 500 words or less, describe a meaningful educational experience that affected your professional goals and growth and explain how it impacted you. The educational experience does not need to be related to this degree. Focus on the educational experience and not why you think you would be a good professional in this field. (Simmons PT)
  • Personal Statement (500 word minimum): State your reasons for seeking admission to this program at this institution. Include your professional goals, why you want to pursue a career in this field and how admission to this program will assist you in accomplishing those goals. (Regis College Nursing)
  • “Use the space provided to explain why you want to go to this type of program.” (AMCAS)
  • Address the following three questions(Though there is no set limit, most statements are 1–2 pages, single-spaced.): What are your reasons for pursuing this degree? Why do you wish to pursue your degree at this institution? How do you intend to leverage your degree in a career of this field? (Boston University MPH)
  • Please submit a personal statement/statement of purpose of no more than 500 words for the department/degree of choice. Professional degree essays require a clear understanding of the _______ field and how you hope to work within the field. Be sure to proofread your personal statement carefully for spelling and grammar. In your statement, be sure to address the following: what interests you in the field of _____ what interests you in a specific degree program and department at this institution and what interests you in a particular certificate (if applicable). Please also describe how you hope to use your ________ training to help you achieve your career goals. (Columbia PhD in Public Health - Epidemiology)
  • Because each Home Program requires significant original research activities in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree, we are interested in obtaining as much information as possible about your previous research experiences. Those who already have such experience are in a better position to know whether they are truly interested in performing ______ research as part of a graduate program. Please include specific information about your research experience in your Statement of Purpose. You may also use the Statement to amplify your comments about your choice of Home Program(s), and how your past experiences and current interests are related to your choice. Personal Statements should not exceed two pages in length (single spaced). Make sure to set your computer to Western European or other English-language setting. We cannot guarantee the ability to access your statement if it is submitted in other fonts. (Stanford Biosciences PhD)
  • Your statement of purpose should describe succinctly your reasons for applying to the Department of ____ at ___ University. It would be helpful to include what you have done to prepare for this degree program. Please describe your research interests, past research experience, future career plans and other details of your background and interests that will allow us to evaluate your ability to thrive in our program. If you have interests that align with a specific faculty member, you may state this in your application. Your statement of purpose should not exceed two pages in length (single spaced). (Stanford Bioengineering PhD)
  • Statement of purpose (Up to one page or 1,000 words): Rather than a research proposal, you should provide a statement of purpose. Your statement should be written in English and explain your motivation for applying for the course at this institution and your relevant experience and education. Please provide an indication of the area of your proposed research and supervisor(s) in your statement. This will be assessed for the coherence of the statement; evidence of motivation for and understanding of the proposed area of study; the ability to present a reasoned case in English; and commitment to the subject. (Oxford Inorganic Chemistry - DPhil)

Related resources

Top 10 Personal Brand Statement Examples To Follow

Maddy Osman

Updated: March 11, 2024

Published: June 18, 2023

In a 2022 personal branding trends study, most respondents said they consider personal branding an essential component of work and their everyday life. 

what is a personal brand statement

It found that 75% of Americans trust someone with a personal brand, and 63% are likely to buy from someone with a personal brand. 

As an entrepreneur who is always on the lookout for customers or potential investors, you know that trust is key. Developing a personal brand for yourself can be an effective tool to help grow your business.

What is a personal brand statement?

A personal brand statement is a couple of sentences that highlights your unique skills and experience. It’s meant to be a quick introduction to people who discover you online because it summarizes what you can offer them.

Basically, it’s a catchphrase, tag line, or elevator pitch for you as a professional individual. While it showcases what you do professionally, you can also display your personality.

Why leaders should have a personal brand statement

You make a better first impression.

As the saying goes, “You only have one shot to make a first impression.” The challenge for entrepreneurs is that you don’t always know when that opportunity arises, as many first impressions happen online.

When a potential client or investor hears about you, their first instinct is to look up your social media profiles. If you’ve got a clear and well-thought-out personal brand statement, you’ve got a better chance at making them stick around for second and third impressions.

You can establish yourself as a thought leader

Thought leadership is a powerful content marketing tactic that can help you reach bigger audiences and generate leads for your business. When you’re known as a leader in your particular industry, that automatically gives you a higher level of credibility. 

A personal brand statement can strengthen your thought leadership strategy by clearly stating your area of expertise.

You can create networking opportunities

Whether you’re looking for top talent, new clients, or potential investors, networking is half the battle. 

Personal brand statements make it easy for potential connections to understand exactly what you do and what you value. Without it, you may miss out on opportunities simply because they didn’t know that you had something relevant to offer them.

Best personal brand statement examples for leaders

“bilingual creative who lives at the intersection of business & design.” —chris do.

example of personal statement civil service

Source: Chris Do’s LinkedIn page .

Chris Do is a multi-hyphenate: a designer, creative strategist, public speaker, founder, and CEO of The Futur, an online education platform.

What makes it great : Because he wears so many hats, Do’s personal branding statement is better than trying to explain everything he does.

“Helping people find their zen in the digital age.” —Shama Hyder

example of personal statement civil service

Source: Shama Hyder’s homepage .

Shama Hyder is the founder and CEO of Zen Media, a marketing and PR firm. She’s also written a book about digital marketing .

What makes it great : Hyder’s brand statement is an attention-grabbing play on her company’s name and showcases one of her key values: making clients feel a sense of calm in a fast-paced digital world.

“Write better sales emails faster with our in-inbox coach.” —Will Allred

example of personal statement civil service

Source: Will Allred’s LinkedIn page .

Will Allred is the co-founder of Lavender, an AI-powered email software startup.

What makes it great : Brooklin Nash, CEO of Beam Content, shares, “In one sentence, Allred captures the entire focus of his social presence: to help salespeople write better emails faster while demonstrating his authority and sharing his product in the second part of that headline.”

“Keeping it awkward, brave, and kind.” —Brené Brown

example of personal statement civil service

Source: Dr. Brené Brown’s homepage .

Brené Brown has a Ph.D. in sociology and is the author of several books that cover topics like shame, vulnerability, empathy, and courage.

What makes it great : Dr. Brown’s personal brand statement embodies her mission statement of encouraging people to embrace their vulnerabilities by sharing her own.

“Empowering ridiculously good marketing.” —Ann Handley

example of personal statement civil service

Source: Ann Handley’s homepage .

Ann Handley is a digital marketing expert and bestselling author. Her company helps marketers get tangible results.

What makes it great : Sharon Jonah, creative director and founder of digital marketing agency Buzz Social, shares, “In four words, we understand what Handley does, how she does it, whom she’s speaking to, and how she speaks.”

“Still just a girl who wants to learn. Youngest-ever Nobel laureate, co-founder @malalafund and president of Extracurricular Productions.” —Malala Yousafzai

example of personal statement civil service

Source: Malala Yousafzai’s Twitter profile .

Malala Yousafzai is the youngest Nobel laureate and an activist whose fund aims to remove the barriers to female education around the world.

What makes it great : Her bio highlights her impressive achievements with language that makes her sound relatable. 

“Marketing. Strategy. Humanity.” —Mark Schaefer

example of personal statement civil service

Source: Mark Schaefer’s homepage .

Mark Schaefer is an educator, speaker, marketing consultant, and author. He’s developed corporate marketing strategies for brands like Microsoft, IBM, and AT&T.

What makes it great : “It’s subtle, concise, and creative. It describes what Schaefer does, what he focuses on, and his unique and distinguished approach,” says Omer Usanmaz, CEO and co-founder of mentoring and learning software Qooper. 

“Empowering successful women to take control of their finances.” —Jennifer Welsh

example of personal statement civil service

Source: Jennifer Welsh’s LinkedIn profile page .

Jennifer Welsh founded Money School, a digital course that teaches women about personal finance. What makes it great : Welsh’s strong personal brand statement says exactly what she does and whom she does it for. 

“Let’s make Excel the solution, not the problem.” —Kat Norton (Miss Excel)

example of personal statement civil service

Source: Miss Excel’s homepage .

Kat Norton (known as Miss Excel) became famous on TikTok for her bite-sized Microsoft Excel tutorials. She now offers Excel courses on her website.

What makes it great : Norton’s clever statement shows that she understands her audience's problem and highlights her personality.

“‘The Customer Whisperer.’ I help marketers discover the hidden reasons why customers buy so they can become un-ignorable.” —Katelyn Bourgoin

example of personal statement civil service

Source: Katelyn Bourgoin’s LinkedIn page .

Katelyn Bourgoin is a creator and serial entrepreneur who founded a branding agency, a mentoring platform for female entrepreneurs, and a restaurant consulting firm. She trains entrepreneurs to uncover what makes their products “un-ignorable.”

What makes it great : Bourgoin’s clever branding statement effectively tells marketers that she can help them understand their customers better and make their brands memorable.

How to write a personal brand statement

Writing an effective personal brand statement can be tough because it requires you to be catchy yet compelling. It should give audiences all the necessary information in a sentence or two.

Here are some tips for writing your own:

Think about your unique value proposition

A unique value proposition (or unique selling point) is what makes you different. It tells people why they should try your product or service, network with you, or invest in your business.

Tip : Identify your core values, goals, and strengths.

If you don't know what those are, ask yourself:

  • Why am I building my brand?
  • What do I want my audience to know me for?
  • How do I do things differently?
  • Do I have a distinct skill set, experience, point of view, or passion?
  • What value do I bring to my audience?

Keep it short and sweet

Your brand statement should be simple and easy to understand. 

The goal is to have someone look at your profile or website and immediately understand who you are and what you do, so keep it brief. Keep in mind that you don’t need full sentences either. 

Start by writing one to three sentences that outline what you do, for whom, and how you do it. You can also add a sentence about values. 

Then, look at different ways you can shorten them. Or pick out the most specific and impactful words and see what happens when you simply list them. 

Showcase your personality

Injecting your personality empowers you to share what you do without being bland or boring. Being authentic also helps attract like-minded customers, investors, and peers. 

At the end of the day, there are other people out there who may offer similar services or solve the same problems for your target audience. Your personality can set you apart.

“Don't be afraid to inject a bit of humor, quirkiness, and passion. It’ll help make you more memorable and help you stand out from the crowd,” says Usanmaz.

Ideally, you want customers to know what you do and get a little taste of what it will be like to work with you.

A personal brand statement conveys your mission, differentiates you from competitors, and attracts your target audience. Use these tips and real-life examples of personal brand statements to inspire you to write your own.

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IMAGES

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  22. Civil Service Changing & Improving

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  23. Leadership in the Civil Service

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  24. Writing a Personal Statement

    A personal statement is a narrative essay that connects your background, experiences, and goals to the mission, requirements, and desired outcomes of the specific opportunity you are seeking. It is a critical component in the selection process, whether the essay is for a competitive internship, a graduate fellowship, or admittance to a graduate school program.

  25. Top 10 Personal Brand Statement Examples To Follow

    Malala Yousafzai is the youngest Nobel laureate and an activist whose fund aims to remove the barriers to female education around the world. What makes it great: Her bio highlights her impressive achievements with language that makes her sound relatable. "Marketing. Strategy.