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another application form question
Former Member
Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
in Work & Study
The personal statement bit where it asks you say why you're suited to the job and says you can continue on separate sheets if necessary. How long can the statement be? Mine is VERY long atm, as in two extra sheets long. Thing is, the guidance notes say they want you to show you meet all of the 'essential' criteria and preferably show how you meet all of the 'desirable' criteria too, as if there are a lot of applicants, it will come down to that.
But there are about 20 essential/desirable things at least - that's why my statment is so long. Should I leave it long or try and cut it?
But there are about 20 essential/desirable things at least - that's why my statment is so long. Should I leave it long or try and cut it?
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Equally, there will always be some Essential Criteria that are built into the standard Job Spec template as being relevant to all jobs in the organisation, e.g. those referring to Health & Safety, Equal Opportunities and Physical Ability. You can probably cover those with one short paragraph.
how many extra pages do you think it's ok to attach? one, a couple? i'm trying to cut it down but it's hard when there are so many points they expect you to cover.
also can't bullet point because the application form is locked - only lets you write in the font and size they have set.
E.g. If it says they want to see say, evidence of team work, design skills and written skills would it best to write: TEAM WORK: I worked in a team when I did xxx. DESIGN SKILLS: I have designed xxx WRITTEN SKILLS: I did xxx
Or just do a statement with no headings that includes everything?
Wondering if headings will make it clearer so they can see straight away I match what they are asking for. Or if they would like one statement that flows?
However, it does sound as if you may be writing too much. This is, after all, just an application form. By all means, write a little more about achievements that you are particularly proud of, but remember the panel just want to see that you have relevant experience. You don't want to risk 'reader fatigue' by including multiple examples for each criterion. And, depending on the job you are applying for, sometimes things like 'writing skills' can be inferred from the quality of the statement itself. So it is important to be succinct where you can be.
You want your application to generate interest, while leaving the panel something to ask at interview.
sounds like its coming on well, though if you are unhappy about it being really long then maybe it does need shortening as i bet interview panels dont appreicate reading near on books of people achievements (lol)
hope that helps:)
In situations like these I tend to get all worried and stressed out and I feel the need to write a long essay that goes on for pages and pages. Is there a way to write down everything I want to say, in a presentable fashion without having to write an essay? Will a brief statement be enough?
As you can see there is a lot of advice about this above, so I hope some of these answers to Kat_B's original question will help. You don't say what you are writing the statement for, is it for a job or UCAS application?
The main thing to remember is that unless specified there is usually no word limit to a personal statement. However, you need to remember that someone will have to read it (along with many others) and you need to stand out, if it is too long they may lose interest
It's important to include all the relevant experience and attributes you have, and if it is for a job application you need to refer back to the job specification. Make sure you don't ramble too much but at the same time don't make it too brief so any of the important information you need to tell them gets lost.
To stop it becoming an essay (or too brief) it might be good to start thinking about it in three sections:
Who you are / your experience
What you can bring to the role
What are your ambitions / career goals
For more information have a look at these articles: Completing an application form and Covering Letters (the same principles apply here).
I hope this helps,
LauraO