Summary

Most job application forms include a personal statement, identifiable as a free text box to describe to the employer why and how you meet the requirements for the job. The employer will use this to decide if you are a suitable candidate for interview. Often described as a “Supporting Statement” or “Supporting Information” within an online application form, this is your opportunity to evidence your skills, aptitudes and experience tailored to the job role.

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Fully understand the role you are applying for by making sure you have read the job description and Person Specification carefully. Also don’t forget to research the company you are applying to.

Always read any application instructions that are included as processes may vary across different employers.

Add some style and flair into the opening and closing paragraphs. Use these to get your passion across and sell your personality, showing how keen you are on that specific job and organisation.

Address all the points on the Person Specification. Longer, more detailed specifications will indicate which points are being assessed in the application, so you can focus on writing about these.

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Use examples specific to you and your experience “I did” not “We did”.

Use STAR. It is a great way to structure your answers and will help prepare you for interviews.

Use positive and powerful words that add impact and make a professional impression

Keep the examples as relevant as you can. If you have more than one example to choose from, then pick the one that is in the most similar environment to the job you are applying for.

Check the word count before you start. Draft on a separate Word document, proofread and send to your Faculty Employability Advisers for feedback if you are unsure.

Look out for our supporting information on a range of subjects on CareerConnect - our Careers and Opportunities platform, our Intranet pages and in our recorded webinars.

If you require more in-depth one-to-one guidance, please do not hesitate to contact one of the Faculty Employability Advisers at the University or email careers@winchester.ac.uk.

Contact the Careers Team

Visit us in the Careers & Opportunities Hub Use the Careers Intranet pages Find jobs, advice and book appointments through CareerConnect

 @_UoWcareers  @uowcareers  @universityofwinchestercareers  01962 827310  careers@winchester.ac.uk