A personal supporting statement on an online application will help an employer work out if they should shortlist you for interview.

A well-written one stands out a mile and will get your application noticed for all the right reasons!

A personal supporting statement should show how you meet the skills and qualification and experience an employer is looking for. Don't be put off by the large blank space, this is an opportunity for you to really market yourself to the reader, so they're persuaded to invite you for interview!

How to approach writing a supporting Personal Statement

Only include relevant information referencing the keywords and phrases from the job description and person specification. Back up anything you say with mini stories as examples using the STAR method. Keep within the word or character count and use short examples.

Layout your statement following the criteria they are looking for, use headings so it flows logically, is easy to read and builds a really powerful impression.

You could include some of the following:

• Why do you want to work for that employer? Highlight your enthusiasm and knowledge about them.
• What attracts you to the role and why do you believe you would be successful in it? Show how motivated you are and how this will stretch you.
• Give specific and relevant examples of how your skills and experience and qualifications are relevant to each criterion for the role using STAR
• If you are missing specific skills or experience, show what you're doing to upskill or get experience.
• What personal qualities do you bring?
• How does this role fit in your future career goals?
• End with a call to action

Don't forget to review it and refine it several times checking you have relevant and complete examples that have impact. Then get someone else to review it before you submit it!

Suggested Reading

> How to write a supporting statement

> What to include when writing a supporting statement

> Writing Applications

By Anna Gordon - Certified Business Coaching Psychologist ABP CBCP