how to write a career change personal statement

Interview Prep: crafting a compelling career change personal statement

Making a career change can be both exciting and challenging. Whether you're looking for a fresh start, pursuing your passion, or seeking new opportunities, the personal statement you present during an interview plays a crucial role in highlighting your motivations and qualifications for the new role. In this blog post, we will provide you with valuable tips and examples to help you ace the interview question,"Tell me about yourself," during a career change, and develop a career-change personal statement example.

Let’s begin with what an interviewer is looking for when you give a personal statement

An interviewer will typically ask a question like “tell me about yourself” at the beginning of an interview. Usually, candidates who have been working in their field a long time can answer this question with ease – for example, they got a software engineering internship in college, joined the company after graduation, and have been steadily receiving promotions in their career since.

But as a career switcher, your answer to this question won’t be as linear. You’ll need to come up with a framework on why you’re switching careers that the interviewer will find compelling and believable. If you don’t develop at least a few mental bullet points on a career-change personal statement example, you may find yourself grasping for ideas, or giving less than ideal answers, like “better pay and fewer hours.” Even if higher pay is a factor in your career change, it won’t be enough to sustain your interest in your new field over the long run, and your interviewer will need to know you have an interest in the work before making you any sort of offer.

It’s also wise to prepare for other variations of this question, like:

1.    "Walk me through your background."

2.    "Give me a brief overview of your professional experience."

3.    "Tell me your story."

4.    "Take me through your resume."

5.    “Tell me something that’s not on your resume.”

6.    "Describe your career trajectory."

7.    "Share a bit about yourself and your professional journey."

8.    "Explain how your background aligns with this position."

9.    "Help me understand your professional background and how you got here."

How to craft a career-change personal statement, with examples

Start with your current career and how you got started in that. Begin by introducing your current career and briefly discuss how you got involved in it. Highlight the skills and experiences you have gained so far, emphasizing any transferable skills that are relevant to the new role. This demonstrates your foundation and expertise in your current field.

Example:"Currently, I am working as a project manager in the IT industry. Over the past five years, I have successfully led multiple software development projects, honing my organizational and problem-solving skills.”

Next, explain how you became interested in your new career. Share the story of what sparked your interest in your new career path. This can include experiences, challenges, or encounters that inspired you to explore a different professional direction. Be genuine and show enthusiasm for the new field, highlighting any relevant skills or qualities you possess.

Example: "During my time as a project manager, I had the opportunity to collaborate closely with product design teams. I found myself drawn to their strategic thinking, creativity, and ability to understand and connect with audiences. Witnessing the impact of their work on our app, which helped keep our users interested and engaged, sparked a deep interest in pursuing a career in product design."

Discuss the steps you took to start your new career. Outline the proactive measures you have taken to transition into your desired field. This can include acquiring additional education, attending workshops or courses, gaining relevant certifications, or participating in volunteer work or side projects.Emphasize how these actions have equipped you with the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed in the new role.

Example: "To prepare for a career in software engineering, I enrolled in an engineering bootcamp and attended industry conferences to stay updated with the latest trends. I also took on freelance engineering projects to gain hands-on experience and build a solid portfolio. These experiences have provided me with a strong foundation in coding basics."

Explain why you're applying for the specific role. Lastly, tie your personal statement to the position you're interviewing for. Showcase your understanding of the role's requirements and how your background, skills, and newfound passion make you an ideal candidate. Connect the dots between your career change and the potential value you can bring to the organization.

Example: "I would be excited about the opportunity to join your team as a product manager. The role perfectly aligns with my passion for creating compelling user journeys and leveraging data to drive meaningful impact. With my engineering background and newfound expertise in product, I am confident that I can contribute to the team's success in delivering engaging product features that resonate with the target audience."

Tips on what not to do when making a career-change personal statement

Once you craft your career-change personal statement example, you likely won't make any of the below mistakes the job-seekers sometimes make when answering this question. But just in case, we recommend the following: 

Don't give an answer about wanting to change careers for money, or receiving more vacation, or another lifestyle factor. Look - aspiring to earn more money, or live a lifestyle that's more in line with your work-life balance, is great! But interviewers will want to hear that you're interested in their company or their role because of the work and because you're excited about it - not because of a personal factor.

Avoid making your answer overly personal. While it's important to show authenticity, refrain from sharing overly personal details or unrelated anecdotes. Keep the focus on your professional journey and how it aligns with the new career path.

Don't give too long or too short of an answer. Strike a balance between being concise and providing enough relevant information. Avoid rambling or giving an overly brief response that fails to convey your motivations and qualifications for the career change.

Don't feel awkward about wanting to switch careers - it's common! Remember that practice makes perfect and practicing this question with a friend or even alone will help you gain more confidence in your answer and avoid any long silences or awkward moments.

Career switchers – what’s been some of your best advice when giving career-change personal statement examples?

‍ Want more interview prep? Check out our posts on: 

Interview prep for Founding Engineers

How to answer the interview question, what do you bring to the company

How to talk about your long-term career goals

For other interview tips, check out our other posts on interviewing on the blog.  

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45 Strong Career Change Statement Examples

By Status.net Editorial Team on February 7, 2024 — 13 minutes to read

Crafting a strong career change statement is important because it serves as your introduction to potential employers. The statement conveys your motivations, relevant strengths, and commitment to transitioning into a new field. Given the competitiveness of job markets, clearly expressing your intent can set you apart.

• Clarity: Your statement illuminates the purpose behind your career shift, offering a clear narrative that explains the ‘why’ behind the change. It guides employers through your journey, linking past experiences to future aspirations.
• First Impression: As the opening of your resume or cover letter, it gives employers a first glimpse of who you are beyond a list of skills and job titles, creating a compelling and relatable image of your professional self.
• Transitioning Skills: Here, you highlight transferable skills. You may not have direct experience in the new field, but your statement can draw attention to how your existing skills apply to the new role.

Related: How To Change Careers (Steps and Examples)

Crafting Your Career Change Statement

Preparing to present your career change to prospective employers means reflecting on your past experiences, pinpointing your strong suits, and conveying your new career direction clearly.

Self-Assessment and Reflection

To start, ask yourself why you want to make this change and what you hope to achieve. Are you seeking greater job fulfillment, a new challenge, or alignment with personal values? For example, you might realize that your extensive experience in project management has sparked a passion for organizational development, signaling a change from IT to human resources.

Identify Your Transferable Skills

Your next step is to list the skills you’ve acquired that are relevant to your new field. You might be surprised to find how many skills are transferable. For instance, if you’re moving from education to corporate training, your curriculum development skills and public speaking experience could be your ticket in.

Articulating Your Value Proposition

Finally, you’re ready to articulate your value proposition. What unique combination of skills, experiences, and personal attributes will you bring to your new career field? You’ll want to be specific. Say you’re moving from sales to marketing; you can highlight your deep understanding of customer needs and experience in persuasion to show you’re well equipped for crafting compelling marketing strategies.

When you’re ready to leap into a new career, your statement should reflect a clear commitment to the new path and the skills you bring to the table. Here’s how you might articulate your transition:

• “After a decade of honing my project management skills in the construction industry, I’m excited to apply my expertise in a tech startup environment. I believe my background in leading diverse teams and managing budgets makes me a unique fit for this dynamic sector.”
• “As a former educator, I’m passionate about making a tangible difference in the world of health and wellness. My experience in curriculum design and mastery of communication will enable me to effectively promote health education.”
• “My extensive background in sales has equipped me with the negotiation, customer service, and strategic thinking skills necessary to thrive in a nonprofit fundraising role.”
• If you’re coming from a creative field: “I’ve spent the past five years as a graphic designer, where I’ve developed a keen eye for aesthetics and user experience. I’m eager to transfer these skills to the world of web development, where I can create visually appealing and user-friendly websites.”
• “Drawing on my previous career in hospitality, where I excelled at customer satisfaction and operations management, I am transitioning to a career in real estate to combine my people skills with my passion for the property market.”

Your career change statement should show your enthusiasm for your new path and how your previous experiences have prepared you for this transition. Be authentic, demonstrate your transferable skills, and you’ll make a compelling case for why you’re the perfect candidate for a career change.

Examples of Strong Career Change Statements

• 1. Skilled carpenter seeking to leverage my attention to detail and craftsmanship in a new role as a building inspector.
• 2. Accomplished educator transitioning to corporate training, bringing a wealth of experience in curriculum development and instructional design.
• 3. As a seasoned journalist, I am now seeking to apply my strong research and storytelling skills in a public relations role.
• 4. Transitioning from a career in law enforcement to private security, offering a strong background in risk assessment and crisis management.
• 5. After years as a professional chef, I am ready to apply my expertise in time management and creative problem-solving to the event planning industry.
• 6. Former military officer now pursuing a career in project management, bringing leadership, discipline, and a proven track record of managing complex operations.
• 7. IT professional transitioning to a career in cybersecurity, armed with a solid foundation in network infrastructure and a commitment to data protection.
• 8. As a bank manager moving into financial consulting, I bring extensive experience in client relationship management and strategic planning.
• 9. Dedicated teacher looking to shift into educational technology, offering a unique perspective on integrating digital tools into traditional learning environments.
• 10. Seasoned sales professional pivoting to a career in marketing, eager to apply my persuasive communication skills and customer insight to brand strategy.
• 11. Licensed nurse transitioning to healthcare administration, armed with hands-on patient care experience and a strong understanding of healthcare systems.
• 12. Eager to leverage my decade of experience in customer service to thrive in the human resources field, bringing exceptional interpersonal skills and a passion for employee development.
• 13. With a background in retail management, I am now targeting a career in supply chain logistics, bringing a keen understanding of inventory control and distribution.
• 14. Accomplished graphic designer transitioning to user experience design, offering a strong aesthetic sense and a user-centered approach to product development.
• 15. As an experienced accountant, I am seeking to apply my analytical skills and financial expertise in the field of financial planning.
• 16. Transitioning from a successful career in advertising to digital marketing, bringing a blend of creative thinking and data-driven strategy.
• 17. Former professional athlete looking to bring my dedication, teamwork, and leadership skills to a coaching or athletic administration role.
• 18. Skilled mechanic transitioning to automotive sales, where I can combine my technical knowledge with my passion for customer service.
• 19. As a biologist transitioning to environmental policy, I bring a scientific background and a commitment to sustainable development.
• 20. Moving from the hospitality industry to real estate, ready to provide exceptional client service and apply my expertise in property management.
• 21. Transitioning from the performing arts to arts administration, bringing a deep understanding of the creative process and organizational skills.
• 22. As a seasoned event planner, I am pursuing a career in non-profit program coordination, offering expertise in logistics and community engagement.
• 23. With a background in aerospace engineering, I am now targeting opportunities in renewable energy, bringing a passion for innovation and sustainability.
• 24. Transitioning from veterinary medicine to animal welfare advocacy, ready to leverage my medical knowledge and compassion for animals in a new way.
• 25. Experienced in the world of publishing, I am now seeking to apply my editorial skills and content management experience in the digital media space.
• 26. Skilled in commercial diving, I am seeking to transition into marine conservation, offering a unique skill set and a dedication to environmental stewardship.
• 27. Moving from the finance sector to non-profit fundraising, ready to apply my analytical abilities and relationship-building skills to support meaningful causes.
• 28. As a professional translator, I am now aiming to utilize my language skills and cultural competency in the field of international relations.
• 29. Former police detective transitioning to corporate security, offering investigative skills and a keen eye for detail.
• 30. With a background in pharmacy, I am now seeking to contribute my expertise in medication management and patient counseling to a clinical research coordinator role.
• 31. Transitioning from a career as a pilot to aerospace engineering, bringing a practical understanding of aircraft operation and a passion for technological advancement.
• 32. Professional musician seeking to apply my creativity and performance experience in the field of music therapy.
• 33. As a seasoned entrepreneur, I am now looking to leverage my experience in business development and strategic planning in a corporate innovation role.
• 34. Transitioning from a career in mining to environmental engineering, bringing a strong foundation in geology and a commitment to sustainable resource management.
• 35. Former professional dancer moving into dance education, eager to inspire the next generation with my passion and knowledge of the art form.
• 36. With a background in film production, I am now targeting a career in digital content creation, bringing storytelling expertise and technical skills.
• 37. As an experienced sommelier, I am transitioning to a career in wine sales, offering in-depth knowledge of wine and a proven ability to connect with clients.
• 38. Moving from the legal field to compliance, ready to apply my understanding of regulations and ethical standards to help organizations navigate complex legal landscapes.
• 39. Transitioning from the world of professional gaming to software development, bringing a user’s perspective and a passion for technology.
• 40. Experienced in the travel industry, I am now seeking to apply my planning and customer service skills in the field of corporate event coordination.
• 41. As a commercial pilot transitioning to aviation safety, I bring a commitment to excellence and a deep understanding of industry regulations.
• 42. Skilled electrician seeking to transition into electrical engineering, offering practical experience and a drive to expand my technical knowledge.
• 43. Transitioning from the fitness industry to physical therapy, eager to apply my knowledge of human anatomy and my passion for helping others achieve their wellness goals.
• 44. With a background in professional sports management, I am now aiming to leverage my negotiation skills and strategic thinking in a career in talent representation.
• 45. Experienced in the world of fine arts, I am now seeking to apply my curatorial skills and artistic insight to a career in art therapy.

Tailoring Your Statement to Different Industries

When changing careers, your statement should resonate with the specific industry you’re targeting. Experts emphasize the importance of customizing your career change statement to reflect an understanding of industry requirements and how your unique set of skills will benefit potential employers. For example:

Tech Sector Focus

In the tech industry, you need to demonstrate an aptitude for continuous learning and adaptability. For instance, if you’re coming from a non-tech background, highlight your problem-solving skills and any coding or software development experience you’ve gained, even if it’s through self-guided learning or courses. You should also emphasize your ability to work in agile environments and your passion for tech trends.

Healthcare Industry Adaptation

Transitioning into healthcare, you should convey a deep respect for patient care and medical ethics. If your previous work wasn’t healthcare-related, discuss your experiences with regulatory compliance or handling sensitive information. Your statement could mention volunteer work that illustrates your commitment to helping others and teamwork within a high-stakes setting.

Educational Transition Strategies

If education is your goal, focus on your skills in mentorship, knowledge dissemination, and curriculum development, even if your experience in these areas comes from outside a traditional classroom setting. An example might be managing a team and training new employees, which shows leadership and the ability to educate.

Finance and Banking Nuances

Entering the finance sector requires you to speak to your analytical skills and attention to detail. If you’ve managed budgets in previous roles or have experience with forecasting and reporting, these are vital to mention.

Dos and Don’ts in Career Change Statements

• You should focus on the strengths and skills you can bring to the new field. For example, if you’ve been in retail but are moving to sales, emphasize your customer communication and relationship-building expertise.
• Avoid drawing attention to experience you lack. Instead, you want to ensure your statement remains positive and forward-looking.
• Convey genuine interest and excitement about the industry you’re entering. You could say, “I’m eager to apply my problem-solving skills within the innovative tech sector.”
• It might be tempting to use industry-specific terms to fit in, but if you’re not comfortable with the lingo, it can come off as inauthentic. Stick to language you understand well.
• Your career change statement should include a brief explanation of why you’re making the shift. This could be a desire for new challenges, alignment with personal values, or interest in personal growth within the new field.
• It’s important to keep your statement positive. Any negativity about previous workplaces can be seen as unprofessional.

Overcoming Common Challenges

When you’re navigating a career change, you might face a few hurdles along the way. Understanding these challenges can help you tackle them head-on.

• Skills translation can be tricky. You have valuable skills from your previous experience, but it’s important to show how they apply to your new field. For example, if you’re moving from teaching to corporate training, highlight your communication skills and your ability to engage an audience.
• Another common issue is networking. You need to build a new professional network that aligns with your chosen industry. Start by attending industry events and connecting with professionals on LinkedIn to gradually foster relationships in your new field.
• Experience gaps can seem daunting. If you lack direct experience, consider volunteering or internships. These opportunities offer hands-on experience and sometimes lead to full-time positions.
• Lastly, dealing with resume gaps can be a concern. Use a functional resume format to focus on your skills rather than chronological work history, ensuring that you’re seen as a capable candidate despite any breaks in employment. Related: Confidently Explain Employment Gaps on Your Resume (Examples)

Measuring the Effectiveness of Your Statement

To establish how well your career change statement resonates, begin by assessing feedback from your network. If peers, mentors, or professionals in your desired industry understand your motivations and support your direction after reading your statement, that is a positive indicator.

Following are some measures to consider:

• Clarity: Your statement should make it obvious why you’re shifting careers. Use concrete examples like increased enthusiasm for the new field or sharper skills that align with the new role.
• Goals Alignment: Verify that your statement aligns with your long-term professional objectives. For instance, if you’re moving into marketing, highlight your passion for creative communication and strategy development.
• Persuasiveness: Does your statement convince readers that the change is a sound, well-thought-out decision? You could mention any preparatory steps you’ve taken, such as courses or volunteer work, that bolster your commitment.
• Authentic Voice: Ensure your statement sounds like you . This means reflecting your personality and values in the text.
• Brevity: Keep your statement concise but impactful. Aim for a brief overview that encapsulates your drive without wandering off-topic.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you craft a compelling personal statement when shifting careers.

Creating a compelling personal statement for a career change means focusing on your enthusiasm for the new field, your readiness to learn, and how your previous experiences have equipped you with a unique perspective. Illustrate this with specific examples from your past that align with the skills and capabilities valued in the new industry.

What should be included in a resume summary for those transitioning to a new industry?

Your resume summary should include your years of relevant experience, key skills, major achievements, and your career objective. It might read, “Experienced marketing strategist with over 10 years in the business sector looking to apply strategic analysis and communication skills in the non-profit space.”

How can I effectively highlight my transferable skills in a career change resume objective?

You should weave your transferable skills into your resume objective by connecting them directly to the requirements of the job. For example, “Customer service expert eager to leverage extensive conflict resolution and communication skills in a human resources role.”

What are the elements of a strong resume for individuals with no experience in their new field?

Your resume should spotlight your transferable skills, any relevant volunteer or project work, and your adaptability and eagerness to learn. Emphasize your capacity to quickly assimilate new information and environments.

What strategies can be used to feature transitional experience in a career change resume?

When showcasing transitional experience, focus on achievements and projects that demonstrate applicable skills and a capacity to take on new challenges. For example, if you’ve led a team, highlight your leadership and collaboration skills, tailored to the new role you’re pursuing.

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What is a career statement?

Why are career statements important, how to write a career statement, career statement examples.

Start writing

There’s value in living in the present. Checking off a list of to-dos. But when you take each moment as it comes, never turning your attention to the future, the days — and your career — grow stagnant.

Writing a career statement can help.

We know we’re throwing another assignment on your plate when it’s already full. But writing this statement isn’t time-consuming and will help you progress toward real growth.

And if you haven’t taken the time to write down your professional goals, a career goal statement is a good exercise to tackle before jumping in on your career statement.

This might sound like too much work, but it’s well worth it. Studies have shown people who write down their goals are 76% likely to achieve them versus 43% for those who don’t . Dedicating a little time to writing a goal statement today can go a long way toward bettering your tomorrow.

We’ll make it easier with a template. But first, let’s look at what exactly a career statement is — and why we think it’s a valuable tool for professionals.

Think of your career statement as an aspiration statement tailored to your professional goals. Aspiration statements express what you’re hoping to achieve in the future and describe your vision for the next chapter of your life. 

Think of them as the end of your life plan: your statement should highlight your dreams, encourage your ambitions, and provide an ideal outcome for your action plan. It’s a few sentences or a short paragraph outlining what you want to accomplish in the future.

Sounds simple enough, right? For career statements, you’re focusing those aspirations on your professional goals and intended career path. A career statement demands you to research what you need to accomplish those goals, as it depends on specific information. It needs specific dates, desired job titles or companies, locations, skills required, and more. 

Career statements keep your objectives top of mind. They never let you lose sight of your long-term goals and why you want to achieve them. Thanks to this focus, a career statement helps you visualize your career path, like a roadmap to success.

Writing a career statement can help you tackle three of the resources key to achieving your goals: 

• Motivation: What will make you spring out of bed and continue putting in a consistent effort? Increasing your motivation fuels your need to make your career aspirations a reality.
• Direction: How do you see yourself developing your career ? Do you need to go back to school, move to another city, or network more? Direction gives you a clear understanding of the moves you need to make to achieve your goals.
• Accountability: Goals are great, but who’s holding you to them? Fostering accountability will keep your professional development goals top of mind and help you stay dedicated to them. 

There’s beauty in this journey. Goal-setting can reveal things you didn’t know about yourself, teaching you new skills and helping your well-being along the way. It’s been linked to:

• Higher motivation and ambition to succeed
• Stronger resilience
• Higher self-esteem 
• Greater self-confidence
• More independence and autonomy

Career statements and goal setting go hand in hand. They build off each other to help you turn your dreams into your reality. 

You’re not likely to knock out your career statement in five minutes. It takes time — depending on how clearly defined your career goals are. Don’t rush the process.

If you run into writer's block or can't decide what goals you want to set , take a break. You might find time for a self-discovery journey to help you understand where you’d like your life to go.

Planning out your career doubles as a great self-discovery technique , too: you can ask yourself what you’d like your work-life balance to be, if you want to work remotely, where you want to live, if you want to be a manager, and more.  

When you’re ready to begin, follow these six steps:

1. Think about your passions and purpose

Your passions and purpose guide your life. The COVID-19 pandemic prompted two-thirds of US employees to reflect on their life’s purpose , with 70% of respondents reporting their purpose is tied to their work. Passions and purpose are a great place first place to look to help identify what goals you want to accomplish.

Example: “My passion is storytelling and writing.”

2. Do plenty of research

This step won’t take long if you’re already clear on what you want. But if you have no idea what professional aspirations will enrich your life, dedicate time to research.

Reach out to people in your network for a chat. Expand your knowledge about your industry, learn the requirements for the jobs that interest you, and familiarize yourself with potential roadblocks. Research will give you the knowledge you need for the planning and execution stages.

Example: “I’m interested in writing a fictional novel and working with a local publisher.”

3. Test the waters 

This is a time for curiosity, intentionality, and reflection. Put your research to the test. If you want to change careers, go to a seminar about your target industry. You might be bored to tears, which could indicate you need to modify your plans.

Ask yourself questions along the way — are you staying engaged with the topics you’re learning about? How do your body and mind feel as you turn in this new direction?

Example: “I’ve written a storyboard, and it’s made me feel excited and motivated, so I’d like to continue and take the next step.”

4. Use the SMART goal template

The SMART goals model will help you set realistic goals . SMART stands for specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound. This model provides a template that keeps you organized and lets you visualize your goals more clearly.

You should have a pretty good handle on your goals by now. And if you find that your initial goal doesn't work well after listing the different elements, don’t be afraid to make changes — without adaptability, you’ll be setting yourself up for failure. As you grow and move down your career path, your goals might shift. That’s perfectly fine. 

Example: “I plan on pitching a 300-page novel by the end of this month to three different publishers in my community. I’ll pitch my novel to their fiction team and take notes when they provide any feedback.”

5. Solidify your action plan

So you’ve explored the things that matter to you, spent time researching and experimenting, and defined your goals. Now, it's time to make a solid action plan. Take a moment to think about each step you'll take. Do you need to further your education, work on your communication skills, or find a mentor?

Planning ahead has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety and make responsibilities feel less overwhelming . Mapping out your steps will eliminate potential stressors and procrastination. 

Example: “I’m going to create a timeline for myself to write the novel, including the brainstorming, writing, and revising process. This will help keep me on pace and focused on each section as it comes.”

6. Make adjustments when needed

You've put tons of effort into creating an actionable, well-thought-out career statement. But sometimes life throws a curve ball. Challenges arise, obstacles you may have no control over.

Adopt a growth mindset that welcomes learning from your mistakes and changing your plan when necessary. Adapting to change will help you achieve your goals, not hinder them. 

Example: “My pitch hasn’t been picked up by any of the publishers I’ve pitched my story to, so I’m widening my circle to publishers from other communities. I’ve learned from my network to be more specific with my pitches and to explain more about myself.”

Career statements differ depending on your goals, industry, and lifestyle. Your life purpose could be tied to working with nonprofit organizations or climbing the ladder in the tech industry. Whatever your professional aspirations, your career statement should reflect them.

Here are three career statement examples to inspire you:

• I’ll be a full-time writer in two years. I'll start as a freelance writer and build up my portfolio, expand my network, and tune in to workshops and seminars about writing. I'll dedicate 30 minutes each week to reading great pieces of writing, and I'll be ready to do some problem-solving when editors give me feedback. 
• I'm going to be my own boss and open a café next year. I’ll create a welcoming new culture within my café that values kindness, compassion, and respect. I'll further my existing business knowledge by taking marketing classes and talking to people within my industry about the financial costs of entrepreneurship.
• I'll be promoted to sales manager within two years. I'll focus on improving my leadership and communication skills by listening to feedback from my manager. I'll also continue to learn more about sales since it's my big interest and passion and become familiar with my soon-to-be managerial responsibilities.

Start writing 

We’ve outlined the steps and benefits of writing a career statement. Now it’s time to invest in your future and start writing. 

When you’re happy with your career statement, put it somewhere you'll notice each day. If you wrote it up by hand or printed out a copy, stick it on your fridge or bathroom mirror, or hang it above your desk.

If you went digital, set your statement as your phone’s lock screen. Keep it close. It'll remind you of what you're working toward — and what you’ve already achieved by putting your goals and plans into words.

Give your statement another read when you're feeling down or unmotivated. They're yours for the taking.

Elizabeth Perry, ACC

Elizabeth Perry is a Coach Community Manager at BetterUp. She uses strategic engagement strategies to cultivate a learning community across a global network of Coaches through in-person and virtual experiences, technology-enabled platforms, and strategic coaching industry partnerships. With over 3 years of coaching experience and a certification in transformative leadership and life coaching from Sofia University, Elizabeth leverages transpersonal psychology expertise to help coaches and clients gain awareness of their behavioral and thought patterns, discover their purpose and passions, and elevate their potential. She is a lifelong student of psychology, personal growth, and human potential as well as an ICF-certified ACC transpersonal life and leadership Coach.

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Crafting a Career Changer Summary Statement (Guide + Examples)

If you’re considering a career change, one of the most important things to include in your resume is a career changer summary statement. This short passage will introduce you to potential employers and showcase your skills and experience in a new field.

In this article, we’ll discuss what a career changer summary statement is and provide some tips for crafting one that will help you make the switch. We’ll also provide some examples to help you get started.

Table of Contents

What is a summary statement?

A summary statement is a part of the resume that gives an overview of your professional experience and highlights your skills and accomplishments.

It is also sometimes called a career summary or profile . The summary statement should be placed at the top of the resume , beneath the contact information.

For career changers, a summary statement is an important tool for highlighting your transferable skills and explaining why you’re interested in making a career change.

The summary statement should be tailored to each job you apply for and should address any concerns the employer might have about your career change.

What is the purpose of the summary statement?

The career changer summary statement has two main purposes:

• To introduce yourself to the employer and explain your career change
• To showcase your skills and experience that are relevant to the new position

By following these tips, you can craft a career changer summary statement that will help you successfully make the transition to a new career.

When done correctly, the summary statement will pique the employer’s interest and encourage them to read the rest of your resume. They may even contact you for an interview if your summary statement catches their attention.

What is the difference between summary statement and objective statement?

Objective statements were popular in the 1990s, but have since fallen out of favor with career experts. An objective statement is a brief sentence that states what you hope to achieve in your career.

For example, “To secure a position in XYZ field where I can use my skills and experience to make a positive impact.” Objective statements are often seen as outdated, and career changers should avoid using them.

In contrast, summary statement is a modern way to introduce yourself to potential employers and explain your career change or other circumstances.

Is summary statement necessary for career changers?

Absolutely! The career changer summary statement is one of the most important parts of your resume. It’s your opportunity to explain your career change and showcase your transferable skills .

Without a strong summary statement, employers may be hesitant to consider you for the position, since you are a novice in their industry.

However, if you write a summary statement, you get the chance to explain why you’re interested in the position and prove that you have the skills and experience required to be successful.

Do recruiters even read summary statements?

This is actually a good question. As you may have heard, busy recruiters spend an average of only six seconds reviewing a resume. So, the question is: do they even read summary statements?

Well, it depends. If the summary statement is formatted well, placed properly, has an engaging beginning, and is relevant to the position, then the answer is yes, recruiters will read it. However, if the summary statement is poorly written or does not address the employer’s needs, then the chances of recruiters reading your summary statement are probably low.

Keep in mind that even if the recruiter does not read your summary statement, it is still an important part of your resume. The career changer summary statement is one of the first things employers will see when they review your resume, so it’s important to make a good impression.

How long should a summary statement be?

Career changer summary statement should be 2-4 sentences or 3-5 lines long. Making your summary statement longer than that will likely result in the employer skipping over it.

However, if you can succinctly and effectively communicate your career change and showcase your skills in 2-4 sentences, then that is all you need.

You may feel the need to make your summary statement longer and include more relevant facts and details about your background; however, this will only result in the employer getting lost in the details and forgetting your main points.

You should aim to be clear and concise in your career-changer summary statement.

What should you include in a career changer summary statement?

When crafting your career changer summary statement, there are a few key things you should include:

• A brief explanation of your career change
• The skills and experience you have that are relevant to the new position
• Why you’re interested in the new career
• Any relevant accomplishments or awards

You may also want to mention any relevant coursework, volunteer experiences, or internships you have that can help fill any gaps in your work history.

By including these things in your career changer summary statement, you can show employers that you are serious about making a career change and that you have the skills and experience necessary to be successful in the new role.

Career changer summary statement tips

Now that you know what to include in your career changer summary statement, here are a few tips to help you write an effective one:

• Start with a bang: The first sentence of your career changer summary statement is the most important. This is your opportunity to grab the employer’s attention and make them want to read more. Start with a strong opening that will pique the employer’s interest and make them want to learn more about you.
• Focus on your transferable skills: When writing your career changer summary statement, be sure to focus on the skills and experience you have that are relevant to the new position. This is your opportunity to show employers that you have what it takes to be successful in the new career.
• Highlight your accomplishments: Be sure to mention any relevant accomplishments or awards in your career changer summary statement. This will show employers that you are a high achiever and that you have a track record of success.
• Keep it short and sweet: As we mentioned earlier, your career changer summary statement should be 2-4 sentences or 3-5 lines long. This is not the time to get lost in the details; instead, focus on being clear and concise.

Templates for writing a career changer summary statement (+examples)

Now, let’s look at some templates and examples of career changer summary statements.

Template 1: Focus on action

• Introduce the career change
• Emphasize relevant and transferrable skills learned in the previous industry
• Steps you have taken toward the career change
• Vision of the future and goals

Example of template 1

I am a career changer with 4 years of experience in the customer service industry. In my previous career, I developed excellent communication and problem-solving skills that I plan to utilize in a career in software development. I am currently enrolled in an intensive coding bootcamp and have completed several personal projects using various programming languages. My goal is to become a software developer who creates user-friendly and innovative applications.

Template 2: Focus on passion

• Explain what passion sparked your career change
• Steps you have taken toward career change
• Emphasize transferrable (past) and new skills
• Connect passion with goals and future aspirations

Example of template 2 of a business analyst changing career to software engineering

I am a business analyst who is passionate about making a difference in the world through technology. I am excited to make a career change into software engineering and utilize my skills in data analysis, problem-solving, and communication to help create innovative applications that make people’s lives easier. I have taken several steps toward this career change, including completing a Master’s degree in computer science and completing several personal projects using various programming languages. My goal is to become a software engineer who creates user-friendly and innovative applications.

More examples of career changer summary statements

After years of working in the fast-paced world of sales, I made the decision to switch careers and become a software engineer. I was drawn to the challenge of learning a new skill set and the satisfaction of seeing my work have an immediate impact on people’s lives. In just two years, I’ve gone from zero experience to being one of the top performers on my team. My success is due to my willingness to put in extra effort, ask for help when, and maintain a positive attitude even when things get tough.

After five years of working in the customer service industry, I made the career switch to software engineering. With no prior experience in coding or programming, I self-taught myself using online resources and landed my first job as a Junior Software Engineer. In my current role, I have been able to contribute to new product development and achieve significant improvements in system performance. With this application for a Mid-Level Software Engineer at your company, I hope to utilize my skills in software development and problem-solving to achieve similar success for your team.

After a decade of experience in the banking industry, I am now career-changing into web development. My background in finance and customer service has given me strong problem-solving skills, which I hope to use in my new career. I am passionate about learning new things and excited to enter a field that is constantly evolving.

I have experience in both the public and private sector, and I am now career-changing into project management. I have a proven track record of successful project delivery, and I am passionate about helping organizations achieve their goals. I am excited to enter a new field and use my skills to make a positive difference.

I am a career changer with experience in marketing and sales. I am passionate about helping organizations grow and reach their goals, and I believe that product management is the perfect career for me. I am excited to enter a new field and use my skills to make a positive difference.

I am a career changer with experience in human resources and administration. I am passionate about helping organizations run smoothly and efficiently, and I believe that project management is the perfect career for me. I am excited to enter a new field and use my skills to make a positive difference.

Career changers often have a lot of skills and experiences that can be transferred to a new career. The key is to connect your passion with your goals and future aspirations, and then craft a career changer summary statement that showcases your unique qualifications.

We’ve provided several examples of career changer summary statements to help get you started. Use these as inspiration, and then tailor them to fit your own individual experience and qualifications.

Remember, the most important thing is to be clear, concise, and specific about what you bring to the table. By highlighting your skills and passions, you’ll increase your chances of making a successful career change.

Elmar Mammadov is a software developer, tech startup founder, and computer science career specialist. He is the founder of CS Careerline and a true career changer who has previously pursued careers in medicine and neuroscience.

Due to his interest in programming and years of past personal experience in coding, he decided to break into the tech industry by attending a Master’s in Computer Science for career changers at University of Pennsylvania. Elmar passionately writes and coaches about breaking into the tech industry and computer science in general.

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• How to Write Your Personal Statement | Strategies & Examples

How to Write Your Personal Statement | Strategies & Examples

Published on February 12, 2019 by Shona McCombes . Revised on July 3, 2023.

A personal statement is a short essay of around 500–1,000 words, in which you tell a compelling story about who you are, what drives you, and why you’re applying.

To write a successful personal statement for a graduate school application , don’t just summarize your experience; instead, craft a focused narrative in your own voice. Aim to demonstrate three things:

• Your personality: what are your interests, values, and motivations?
• Your talents: what can you bring to the program?
• Your goals: what do you hope the program will do for you?

This article guides you through some winning strategies to build a strong, well-structured personal statement for a master’s or PhD application. You can download the full examples below.

Urban Planning Psychology History

Table of contents

Getting started with your personal statement, the introduction: start with an attention-grabbing opening, the main body: craft your narrative, the conclusion: look ahead, revising, editing, and proofreading your personal statement, frequently asked questions, other interesting articles.

Before you start writing, the first step is to understand exactly what’s expected of you. If the application gives you a question or prompt for your personal statement, the most important thing is to respond to it directly.

For example, you might be asked to focus on the development of your personal identity; challenges you have faced in your life; or your career motivations. This will shape your focus and emphasis—but you still need to find your own unique approach to answering it.

There’s no universal template for a personal statement; it’s your chance to be creative and let your own voice shine through. But there are strategies you can use to build a compelling, well-structured story.

The first paragraph of your personal statement should set the tone and lead smoothly into the story you want to tell.

Strategy 1: Open with a concrete scene

An effective way to catch the reader’s attention is to set up a scene that illustrates something about your character and interests. If you’re stuck, try thinking about:

• A personal experience that changed your perspective
• A story from your family’s history
• A memorable teacher or learning experience
• An unusual or unexpected encounter

To write an effective scene, try to go beyond straightforward description; start with an intriguing sentence that pulls the reader in, and give concrete details to create a convincing atmosphere.

Strategy 2: Open with your motivations

To emphasize your enthusiasm and commitment, you can start by explaining your interest in the subject you want to study or the career path you want to follow.

Just stating that it interests you isn’t enough: first, you need to figure out why you’re interested in this field:

• Is it a longstanding passion or a recent discovery?
• Does it come naturally or have you had to work hard at it?
• How does it fit into the rest of your life?
• What do you think it contributes to society?

Tips for the introduction

• Don’t start on a cliche: avoid phrases like “Ever since I was a child…” or “For as long as I can remember…”
• Do save the introduction for last. If you’re struggling to come up with a strong opening, leave it aside, and note down any interesting ideas that occur to you as you write the rest of the personal statement.

Once you’ve set up the main themes of your personal statement, you’ll delve into more detail about your experiences and motivations.

To structure the body of your personal statement, there are various strategies you can use.

Strategy 1: Describe your development over time

One of the simplest strategies is to give a chronological overview of key experiences that have led you to apply for graduate school.

• What first sparked your interest in the field?
• Which classes, assignments, classmates, internships, or other activities helped you develop your knowledge and skills?
• Where do you want to go next? How does this program fit into your future plans?

Don’t try to include absolutely everything you’ve done—pick out highlights that are relevant to your application. Aim to craft a compelling narrative that shows how you’ve changed and actively developed yourself.

My interest in psychology was first sparked early in my high school career. Though somewhat scientifically inclined, I found that what interested me most was not the equations we learned about in physics and chemistry, but the motivations and perceptions of my fellow students, and the subtle social dynamics that I observed inside and outside the classroom. I wanted to learn how our identities, beliefs, and behaviours are shaped through our interactions with others, so I decided to major in Social Psychology. My undergraduate studies deepened my understanding of, and fascination with, the interplay between an individual mind and its social context.During my studies, I acquired a solid foundation of knowledge about concepts like social influence and group dynamics, but I also took classes on various topics not strictly related to my major. I was particularly interested in how other fields intersect with psychology—the classes I took on media studies, biology, and literature all enhanced my understanding of psychological concepts by providing different lenses through which to look at the issues involved.

Strategy 2: Own your challenges and obstacles

If your path to graduate school hasn’t been easy or straightforward, you can turn this into a strength, and structure your personal statement as a story of overcoming obstacles.

• Is your social, cultural or economic background underrepresented in the field? Show how your experiences will contribute a unique perspective.
• Do you have gaps in your resume or lower-than-ideal grades? Explain the challenges you faced and how you dealt with them.

Don’t focus too heavily on negatives, but use them to highlight your positive qualities. Resilience, resourcefulness and perseverance make you a promising graduate school candidate.

Growing up working class, urban decay becomes depressingly familiar. The sight of a row of abandoned houses does not surprise me, but it continues to bother me. Since high school, I have been determined to pursue a career in urban planning. While people of my background experience the consequences of urban planning decisions first-hand, we are underrepresented in the field itself. Ironically, given my motivation, my economic background has made my studies challenging. I was fortunate enough to be awarded a scholarship for my undergraduate studies, but after graduation I took jobs in unrelated fields to help support my parents. In the three years since, I have not lost my ambition. Now I am keen to resume my studies, and I believe I can bring an invaluable perspective to the table: that of the people most impacted by the decisions of urban planners.

Strategy 3: Demonstrate your knowledge of the field

Especially if you’re applying for a PhD or another research-focused program, it’s a good idea to show your familiarity with the subject and the department. Your personal statement can focus on the area you want to specialize in and reflect on why it matters to you.

• Reflect on the topics or themes that you’ve focused on in your studies. What draws you to them?
• Discuss any academic achievements, influential teachers, or other highlights of your education.
• Talk about the questions you’d like to explore in your research and why you think they’re important.

The personal statement isn’t a research proposal , so don’t go overboard on detail—but it’s a great opportunity to show your enthusiasm for the field and your capacity for original thinking.

In applying for this research program, my intention is to build on the multidisciplinary approach I have taken in my studies so far, combining knowledge from disparate fields of study to better understand psychological concepts and issues. The Media Psychology program stands out to me as the perfect environment for this kind of research, given its researchers’ openness to collaboration across diverse fields. I am impressed by the department’s innovative interdisciplinary projects that focus on the shifting landscape of media and technology, and I hope that my own work can follow a similarly trailblazing approach. More specifically, I want to develop my understanding of the intersection of psychology and media studies, and explore how media psychology theories and methods might be applied to neurodivergent minds. I am interested not only in media psychology but also in psychological disorders, and how the two interact. This is something I touched on during my undergraduate studies and that I’m excited to delve into further.

Strategy 4: Discuss your professional ambitions

Especially if you’re applying for a more professionally-oriented program (such as an MBA), it’s a good idea to focus on concrete goals and how the program will help you achieve them.

• If your career is just getting started, show how your character is suited to the field, and explain how graduate school will help you develop your talents.
• If you have already worked in the profession, show what you’ve achieved so far, and explain how the program will allow you to take the next step.
• If you are planning a career change, explain what has driven this decision and how your existing experience will help you succeed.

Don’t just state the position you want to achieve. You should demonstrate that you’ve put plenty of thought into your career plans and show why you’re well-suited to this profession.

One thing that fascinated me about the field during my undergraduate studies was the sheer number of different elements whose interactions constitute a person’s experience of an urban environment. Any number of factors could transform the scene I described at the beginning: What if there were no bus route? Better community outreach in the neighborhood? Worse law enforcement? More or fewer jobs available in the area? Some of these factors are out of the hands of an urban planner, but without taking them all into consideration, the planner has an incomplete picture of their task. Through further study I hope to develop my understanding of how these disparate elements combine and interact to create the urban environment. I am interested in the social, psychological and political effects our surroundings have on our lives. My studies will allow me to work on projects directly affecting the kinds of working-class urban communities I know well. I believe I can bring my own experiences, as well as my education, to bear upon the problem of improving infrastructure and quality of life in these communities.

Tips for the main body

• Don’t rehash your resume by trying to summarize everything you’ve done so far; the personal statement isn’t about listing your academic or professional experience, but about reflecting, evaluating, and relating it to broader themes.
• Do make your statements into stories: Instead of saying you’re hard-working and self-motivated, write about your internship where you took the initiative to start a new project. Instead of saying you’ve always loved reading, reflect on a novel or poem that changed your perspective.

Your conclusion should bring the focus back to the program and what you hope to get out of it, whether that’s developing practical skills, exploring intellectual questions, or both.

Emphasize the fit with your specific interests, showing why this program would be the best way to achieve your aims.

Strategy 1: What do you want to know?

If you’re applying for a more academic or research-focused program, end on a note of curiosity: what do you hope to learn, and why do you think this is the best place to learn it?

If there are specific classes or faculty members that you’re excited to learn from, this is the place to express your enthusiasm.

Strategy 2: What do you want to do?

If you’re applying for a program that focuses more on professional training, your conclusion can look to your career aspirations: what role do you want to play in society, and why is this program the best choice to help you get there?

Tips for the conclusion

• Don’t summarize what you’ve already said. You have limited space in a personal statement, so use it wisely!
• Do think bigger than yourself: try to express how your individual aspirations relate to your local community, your academic field, or society more broadly. It’s not just about what you’ll get out of graduate school, but about what you’ll be able to give back.

You’ll be expected to do a lot of writing in graduate school, so make a good first impression: leave yourself plenty of time to revise and polish the text.

Your style doesn’t have to be as formal as other kinds of academic writing, but it should be clear, direct and coherent. Make sure that each paragraph flows smoothly from the last, using topic sentences and transitions to create clear connections between each part.

Don’t be afraid to rewrite and restructure as much as necessary. Since you have a lot of freedom in the structure of a personal statement, you can experiment and move information around to see what works best.

Finally, it’s essential to carefully proofread your personal statement and fix any language errors. Before you submit your application, consider investing in professional personal statement editing . For $150, you have the peace of mind that your personal statement is grammatically correct, strong in term of your arguments, and free of awkward mistakes.

A statement of purpose is usually more formal, focusing on your academic or professional goals. It shouldn’t include anything that isn’t directly relevant to the application.

A personal statement can often be more creative. It might tell a story that isn’t directly related to the application, but that shows something about your personality, values, and motivations.

However, both types of document have the same overall goal: to demonstrate your potential as a graduate student and s how why you’re a great match for the program.

The typical length of a personal statement for graduate school applications is between 500 and 1,000 words.

Different programs have different requirements, so always check if there’s a minimum or maximum length and stick to the guidelines. If there is no recommended word count, aim for no more than 1-2 pages.

If you’re applying to multiple graduate school programs, you should tailor your personal statement to each application.

Some applications provide a prompt or question. In this case, you might have to write a new personal statement from scratch: the most important task is to respond to what you have been asked.

If there’s no prompt or guidelines, you can re-use the same idea for your personal statement – but change the details wherever relevant, making sure to emphasize why you’re applying to this specific program.

If the application also includes other essays, such as a statement of purpose , you might have to revise your personal statement to avoid repeating the same information.

If you want to know more about college essays , academic writing , and AI tools , make sure to check out some of our other language articles with explanations, examples, and quizzes.

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Key to Writing Better Career Change Personal Statements

Table of Contents

A  career change personal statement  outlines an individual’s reasons for wanting to transition from their current career into a new one. It typically includes details of the person’s skills, qualifications, and relevant experience that would make them suitable for the desired role. 

In addition to summarizing an applicant’s credentials, it should also explain their interest in switching and how it aligns with their professional aspirations.

The Importance of a Career Change Personal Statement

A  career change personal statement  is essential in a cross-career job application because it helps quell a recruiter’s doubts regarding qualifications. Career shifters are typically disadvantaged because of the initial perceived lack of experience. Moreover, you’ll also need to contend with the presumption that you’re shifting careers because things didn’t work out.

This is particularly true among applicants with few transferable skills or experience. The main point of a career change statement is to showcase your value and also your willingness to excel in the new field.

The most crucial function of a personal statement is to help recruiters understand and appreciate your unique experience and skill set . It’s a way for applicants to provide meaningful evidence of their transferable skills, knowledge, and achievements.

Not all recruiters will immediately see the value of your transferable skills. There are many times applicants will have to point them out.

A more significant change of career statement can elucidate to a reader how your cross-career skills can benefit your success in your new role. The following section describes how best to write them.

Writing a Change of Career Statement

Use Vivid Language

Anecdotes rely heavily on imagery. Therefore, it’s only perfect sense that you use strong descriptors to share your story. Painting a vivid picture will attract and grasp your reader’s attention, keeping them invested until the end.

Explain Your Decision to Shift Careers

Explaining your career shift will give recruiters insight into your decision and clarify any questions they might have. Nobody just shifts careers on a whim. Quelling this point of curiosity can set a strong background for you. Make sure to demonstrate how your career shift aligns with your long-term goals.

Include Concrete Evidence

Use concrete experiences to showcase your ability. Even when you may not have experience in your new career, try to research key skills. Use this information to show how you were able to use key skills in your previous role or company. Focus on transferable skills.

Use Your Emotions

A powerful letter can sway hearts and minds. We can say the same for expressive personal statements . The point of leveraging emotion is that people are more likely to remember their feelings during an experience. If your personal statement evokes their emotions, they are more likely to remember you.

Use a Broad Vocabulary

A broad vocabulary is essential because it helps keep your sentences fresh and unique. A repetitive personal statement is the quickest way to bore your reader. Moreover, expansive vocabularies give off the impression that you are intelligent and communicative.

The best part is the simplicity of using this tip. You need only use a thesaurus to find other and better words to represent your ideas.

Career Change Personal Statement Examples

After a decade of working as an engineer, I have realized that my true passion lies in teaching. As such, I am eager to transition from engineering and devote myself to helping others learn and grow through education. I can utilize my experience in technology to enhance learning opportunities. With this, I possess the requisite patience, empathy, and enthusiasm to thrive as an educator. 

Having worked in my current field for over a decade, I have gained extensive experience and knowledge. Although it has been an immensely gratifying journey to hone my expertise, I now feel the urge to pursue something new. I am well-versed in the challenges that lay ahead, yet, I look forward to facing them with enthusiasm and ambition. 

Throughout my professional life, I have remained passionate about problem-solving and creative collaboration. I consistently seek out unique opportunities to bolster my capabilities and test myself. Shifting into a different field will be stimulating and allow me to expand on my existing skill set. 

I am confident that my multidisciplinary outlook will allow me to quickly become proficient in any vocation. Being self-motivated, tenacious, and having a penchant for innovating solutions, I can meaningfully contribute to any organization or team. 

By embracing novel approaches and drawing from tangible and intangible resources, I thrive in dynamic work environments that foster growth. Most importantly, I’m invigorated by obstacles making them stepping stones instead of stumbling blocks.

After spending nearly a decade as a highly successful software engineer, I have decided to pursue a career shift into the finance sector. My years of coding and programming experience have equipped me with a plethora of technical understanding I can use in this new industry. 

My familiarity with complex data analysis and problem-solving will enable me to quickly become an invaluable asset to any financial services company. Furthermore, my familiarity with stochastic processes and high-level mathematics proves that I am uniquely qualified for success. 

I understand that transitioning into finance may not come without its challenges. Yet, having the capacity to exercise nimble adaptability is a salient reminder I am more than capable of overcoming any hurdles. 

I am poised to make an immediate impact on any organization willing to take me on.

Personal statements are essential in applications because they give recruiters a clear idea of your values and character . They are also an opportunity to create a good impression. If you want to stand out from the applicant pool despite shifting careers, this is the way.

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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How to write a personal statement if you’re changing fields

Your personal statement must answer the crucial question of any graduate school application: Why are you a perfect fit for a program? To demonstrate that fit, many students craft an academic arc that traces their undergraduate experiences to their current application. But what if your path is more jagged? After switching from an undergraduate major in History to graduate degrees in Science and Technology Studies and now Art History, I know it’s possible to craft a compelling academic narrative, even if you’re changing fields.

To make the most of the thousand-word personal statement, keep these ideas in mind:

Tip 1: emphasize the continuities.

Think back to your previous research experiences or jobs. Is there a salient connection to your intended field of study? When I wrote applications to Art History graduate programs, I mentioned an undergraduate paper that touched on visual culture and aesthetics, two central concerns of my new field. 

If you can’t think of something this direct, try to draw a connection between the methodologies or themes between the two disciplines; maybe both areas of studies emphasize ethnographic research or quantitative reasoning. You want to show that you have engaged with the research of your new field, even before you started officially studying it.

Tip 2: Embrace the Pivot

If you spent four years dedicating your studies to a certain subject, why do you want to switch? Finding a compelling answer to this question is key. Perhaps you had a life experience that underscored the importance of your new field, or you are drawn to the specific methodology a discipline uses to answer a social question you’re passionate about. A sharp explanation about your switch should go near the top of your statement.

This is also a good place to make your essay stand out: how might a different background improve your application? If you’re applying to an Economics program as a Math major, for example, you could highlight how your training will help you adapt to new trends in mathematical economics.

Tip 3: Practice Humility

At the end of your statement, it’s ok to reference that your path was not linear. In fact, academic flexibility can translate into an asset: completing research over an extended period of time often means adapting to multiple twists and turns. As a young scholar, it’s your job to embrace this iterative process with a willingness to learn. Your statement should convey an open curiosity with the your new field and the research of faculty members in your chosen department. 

Alex earned her BA in History from Brown University, and her MA in Science and Technology Studies from Oxford University, where she was a Baker Scholar. Currently, she is a Master's student at NYU's Institute of Fine Arts.

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How to Write a Strong Personal Statement

• Ruth Gotian
• Ushma S. Neill

A few adjustments can get your application noticed.

Whether applying for a summer internship, a professional development opportunity, such as a Fulbright, an executive MBA program, or a senior leadership development course, a personal statement threads the ideas of your CV, and is longer and has a different tone and purpose than a traditional cover letter. A few adjustments to your personal statement can get your application noticed by the reviewer.

• Make sure you’re writing what they want to hear. Most organizations that offer a fellowship or internship are using the experience as a pipeline: It’s smart to spend 10 weeks and $15,000 on someone before committing five years and $300,000. Rarely are the organizations being charitable or altruistic, so align your stated goals with theirs
• Know when to bury the lead, and when to get to the point. It’s hard to paint a picture and explain your motivations in 200 words, but if you have two pages, give the reader a story arc or ease into your point by setting the scene.
• Recognize that the reviewer will be reading your statement subjectively, meaning you’re being assessed on unknowable criteria. Most people on evaluation committees are reading for whether or not you’re interesting. Stated differently, do they want to go out to dinner with you to hear more? Write it so that the person reading it wants to hear more.
• Address the elephant in the room (if there is one). Maybe your grades weren’t great in core courses, or perhaps you’ve never worked in the field you’re applying to. Make sure to address the deficiency rather than hoping the reader ignores it because they won’t. A few sentences suffice. Deficiencies do not need to be the cornerstone of the application.

At multiple points in your life, you will need to take action to transition from where you are to where you want to be. This process is layered and time-consuming, and getting yourself to stand out among the masses is an arduous but not impossible task. Having a polished resume that explains what you’ve done is the common first step. But, when an application asks for it, a personal statement can add color and depth to your list of accomplishments. It moves you from a one-dimensional indistinguishable candidate to someone with drive, interest, and nuance.

• Ruth Gotian is the chief learning officer and assistant professor of education in anesthesiology at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York City and the author of  The Success Factor . She was named the world’s #1 emerging management thinker by Thinkers50. You can access her free list of conversation starters . RuthGotian
• Ushma S. Neill is the Vice President, Scientific Education & Training at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City. She runs several summer internships and is involved with the NYC Marshall Scholar Selection Committee. ushmaneill

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Personal Statement for Career Change

What is a personal statement, and why do you need one when looking for a job? A job search personal statement is a type of paper where you can share why you’re interested in a position and why you’re a good fit. In your statement, you can get a little personal. Our essay writing service uses it as an opportunity to share details and insights about yourself, and forge a connection with potential employers. Here are some recommendations on how to write a successful personal statement that will help your job search.

Change of Career Personal Statement Basics

A personal statement can be included in your resume or CV. Much like an in-person elevator speech or the summary section in an abstract, a resume personal statement highlights your goals and abilities. Since a resume can span several pages, this allows you to present details to see in the document. You will want to write a few sentences for a personal statement in a resume.

Or, you may need to write a personal statement as part of a job application. This allows hiring managers to separate candidates applying for each job in a category (e.g., Apply for a “Production Manager” position) from more motivated candidates who are interested in the company.

Write a career change personal statement text that matches the word count requested by the application; if not, aim for 250-500 words. No matter where it appears, your goal in a personal statement is the same: try to connect your background and goals with the job at hand.

What You Should Include in Personal Statement for Career Change

In your personal statement for career change, you need to make a connection between you and the position. Think of it as a three-part process:

Share some details about yourself. Who are you? You can say things like “highly experienced production manager” or “recent graduate with honors.”

Highlight your most relevant experience and talents and share what you will bring to the company. Think: “strong, fast writer able to design advertising copy that engages and delights.” or “In my years as a project manager, I’ve never dropped a detail, won international awards for best team player. My projects come out on time and meet requested specifications.”

Provide a little information about your career goals. For example, “Seeking a position as a copywriter”; “Wanting to be placed in a mid-sized company as an audit supervisor” or “Seeking a production assistant position to develop my TV skills and testing.”

While this is called a personal statement, avoid oversharing. Only include information that is relevant to the job at hand. That’s if you’re applying for a job as an accountant, no need to mention your goal of becoming a staff writer in a magazine. Remember, the main purpose of your personal statement for a career change is to further your job search.

Tips for Writing a Job Search Personal Statement

Your change of career personal statement should always be personalized. It’s a mistake to reuse the same personal statement for every job you apply for. You don’t need to write a personal statement every time. Just make adjustments to reflect the company’s needs and the qualities requested in the job description.

Here are some other tips that our personal statement writing service follows:

• Know your audience. Target your personal statement to a specific position and company. Spend some time researching the company to get an idea of what they are looking for in a candidate. Decode the job description to understand the company’s needs in a candidate. Take notes on where your qualifications fit the position.
• Make some lists. What have you done that employers should know? Make a list of your accomplishments (and keep in mind that while splashy rewards are important, so is reorganizing a chaotic system that allows everyone in the family to make the experience friendly). Brainstorm a list of your talents as well as your soft, communication, and general skills.
• Go long on your first draft, then cut it. Hopefully your time spent thinking about the needs of the business and what you have to offer has given you plenty of fodder to start writing your personal statement. At this point, don’t worry about length; write as much as you want. Then, go back and edit-get a few sentences for a resume and about 250-500 words in an application. Cut out unnecessary words and clichés that add no meaning. Instead, use action verbs. While it’s fine to write in the first person, avoid using the “I” word.
• Make it focused. You have many skills and interests and work experience. What you want to emphasize in one position is not necessarily what you want to emphasize in another. If you are both a writer and an editor, choose which talent to name in your personal statement and make it the most relevant to the position you are seeking.
• Ask people who don’t know you to review your personal statement and comment (at least 5 people). This is not a matter of taking everyone’s comments into account. This is your personal statement and should reflect what you want to say, but it’s always helpful to get advice from people with different backgrounds, writing styles, etc.

Career Change Personal Statement Example

You can use any career change personal statement example below:

I am a seasoned accountant with X and X certifications and over 10 years of experience in large companies. Supervisory audits and a department. My positive attitude and detail-oriented mindset help make month-end financial recaps run smoothly without inaccuracies or miscalculations. Looking for a leadership role in my next aspiration.

Recent college graduate with freelance writing experience in major print magazines as well as online outlets and the college newspaper. A strong writer who consistently meets deadlines and matches the tone and voice of the company. Seeking a personal editor position and am eager to learn the magazine business from scratch.

I am an award-winning designer in children’s apparel looking to transition into the adult sports year. At Company X, I developed a new line for toddlers and traveled to Asia to oversee production. I am a quick learner and look forward to a new challenge in the growing field of athleisure.

Career Break Personal Statement Example

There might also appear a need for you to write a statement concerning your taking a long break from your work. It might be connected to your personal challenges like having a kid or being obliged to take care of your mental health. Regardless, you need the plan to go back into action, as your HR might not want to take in someone with a huge gap. This is not the end of the world, as you can still masterfully write a proper statement that highlights your positive moments, that motivates them to accept you in the team.

Start with picking the prominent roles that you’ve had experience with before. The important piece of advice here is not to get discouraged. Don’t think that you are worthless only because you took a break for a year or two. Show your confidence, insisting that past events led you to have lots of experience with a particular sphere. It’s always best to find the required documents that can confirm this experience, showing your acknowledgements properly. It’s essential to be exact with your dates, indicating that it’s true. Interestingly enough, you can include information on any kind of job, including volunteering. The only thing that matters is that it has to be connected with the position you are aiming for, especially if this is a recent activity.

Stating Your Positive Moments

In this career break personal statement example you can create two separate sections, stating your unique abilities and what you’ve attained throughout your career. You can find 100 reasons to be the most useful worker. It should be something that you enjoy about yourself. It can be a situation when you’ve helped your boss with cost-effective plans. Then you can go for the second section, stating the abilities that helped you overcome those obstacles, stating that you are more than ready to prove your worth. You can also talk more about your training and certificates that led you to be a decent worker.

It’s also worth reconsidering your strategy on explaining the gaps in your resume. First, try to show that your reason for leaving your previous position is a respectable one. You can refer to your family situation as a noble cause, but it is not always granted to work. Instead, try to pose it as a time you took for personal enrichment, seeking more experience for the sake of increasing your chances to succeed in a particular career. Also, you should remove smaller gaps in your CV. If you worked somewhere for a couple of months, then it doesn’t grant you a huge advantage. Instead, it shows your weakness, proving that you didn’t last there for long. HR might be scared of the possibility of you leaving within a month, as they need individuals who are ready to work there for years, so mind that.

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CV Personal Statement:  Examples and Actionable Tips

Fact: recruiters spend only 6 seconds reviewing each CV. So poorly organized CVs inevitably get discarded. 

Having an effective CV layout is the first step to attracting their attention. And the second step is topping that CV with a compelling personal statement (also known as a personal profile, personal summary, or executive summary).

What is a Personal Statement in a CV? 

A personal statement for a CV is a short and compelling paragraph that summarizes why you’re the most qualified person for the offered role. It tells the reader who you are and what valuable qualifications you will be bringing to their company.

NB : Opening statement, personal profile, personal summary, or executive summary are the other common names for a personal statement. 

Many believe that the work experience section is the most important element of a CV. Yet, it is your personal statement that can end up making or breaking the success of your job application. 

Because it provides the reader with a quick answer to one question they have on their mind: Are you qualified for the job or not? 

Remember: You’ll be directly competing with numerous other applicants with similar skills and work experiences. A compelling CV statement sets you apart by giving the reader a condensed snapshot of who you are as a person. 

Do I Need To Include a Personal Statement On My CV?

The short answer is YES! A personal statement entices the reader to read your entire CV by giving them a preview of your most valuable skills. It also helps you differentiate from other candidates by explaining your background, motivation, and personal character traits concisely. 

In essence, a personal statement helps you express why you are the right choice for the job in one condensed paragraph.

Where Should a Personal Statement Go in a CV?

A personal statement goes into the header area of your CV. Include it right under your name and contact details as a separate, highlighted area. A good personal statement is about 3-4 sentences long and occupies not more than 1/4th of the page. 

Alternatively, you can design a two-column CV and allocate the upper sidebar area for your personal statement. As a recent survey found, 77% of recruiters prefer two-column CVs to single-column ones.

Sample personal statement placement on a CV template

What Do You Write in a CV Personal Statement?

A compelling personal statement summarizes your professional and educational background; highlights the main skills and accomplishments. It can also express your career objectives and/or interest in the particular industry or subject if you’re a current student or recent graduate.  

Personal Statement Examples for CV 

To give you an idea of how to write your statement, let’s look at some examples.

Remember: You need to write a unique personal statement for your CV. Simply copying and using these examples may not be the best move because the sample CV statements won’t reflect your unique experiences and personality. 

Good CV Personal Statement Examples

Employers want to see experts. Therefore, your personal statement must speak directly to your most marketable skills. 

You should never come off sounding desperate or diminish your worth (even if you have been recently laid off ). Use a confident tone with first-person implied and strong verbs to describe your core competencies and other benefits you can bring to the workplace. 

General Jobseeker Personal Statement Example

Highly motivated, fully trained engineer with 15 years of experience in the telecoms industry. Worked with XYZ Telecoms Ltd, Cool Mobile Carrier, and Acme Telco as a field engineer and project team leader. Successfully managed large commercial telecom infrastructure installations. Currently unemployed due to the relocation of the company. Open to new opportunities in NOC. 

Personal Statement CV Example For an Administration Position 

Adaptable and resourceful facilities manager with experience in supporting enterprise-sized organizations in real estate, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing industries. Strong organizational skillset: Six Sigma, standardized method of procedure (MOP) policies implementation. Was responsible for facilities operations on 2.4 million square feet in a 20-building chemical manufacturing campus, serviced by a 20+ people team of building engineers, electricians, HVAC technicians, and cleaners.

Accountant Personal Statement CV Examples

Below are two samples for a senior and a junior accountant. 

Chartered Accountant 

ACCA-certified accountant for mid-market and enterprise-sized companies. Conducted due diligence and tax audits for FTSE 500 companies. Commenced for a 100% accuracy track record in financial reporting, as well as fast turnaround on complex analytical reviews. Provide on-demand advisory on trust setup, company incorporation, and tax deferrals. 

Account Assistant 

Detail-oriented, certified accounting assistant with experience in payroll administration. Familiar with Gusto, Xero, and Intuit software. Effectively process payroll, benefits, taxes, and social contributions for over 1500 employees per month. Possess a strong foundation in employee classification,  tax reporting, and financial management. 

CV Personal Statement Examples for Students

Whether you’re applying for an internship or looking for a part-time job , a compelling personal is a must-have for a student CV. 

Since your work experience history may be a bit “thin”, you need to persuade the employer via other means — your transferable skills, academic interests, and personal traits. A personal CV allows you to spotlight all of these. 

Remember that you are bringing your energy, dedication, enthusiasm, and willingness to learn to the table. As you will not have any employment history, you need to make sure to get your personality and your soft skills over in your statement.

CV Statement for a Student Looking for a Full-Time Summer Job 

Junior copywriter, enrolled in a BA Writing Program at the University of Manchester (graduation date: fall 2025). Alumni of the 2022 Copywriting Bootcamp program from Matters Agency. Well-versed in target audience analysis, brand positioning, and editorial campaign planning. Writing clips for eCommerce and SaaS brands are available in my portfolio.  

CV Statement for an Internship 

Second-year mechanical engineering student at the University of Leeds, seeking to apply theoretical knowledge in safety system design. Proficient in AutoCAD and completed a series of blueprints for fire and water safety systems as part of my coursework. Fast learner, self-starter, and team player, I’m excited to contribute my technical expertise to a dynamic engineering team.

CV Statement for a Student Looking for a Part-Time Job 

Junior front-end developer (React, Angular JS), seeking a part-time programming position in the Great London area. Current availability is 10-15 hours per week, preferably with hybrid work arrangements. Solid understanding of design systems and UX/UI best practices. Past work experience in finance and eCommerce sectors. 

CV Personal Statement Examples for 16-Year-Olds

Joining the workforce straight after high school makes sense if you want to take a gap year or pursue trade education later on. The wrinkle, however, is that most employers may be wary of your age and lack of experience.

The goal of a personal statement is to dispel those doubts by showing that you’re a serious, mature, and hard-working candidate, eager to learn and hone your craft. 

Personal Statement for a Barista Position 

Genuine coffee lover and frequent guest at Maddie’s Cafe, I would love to join the barista team. As a former head of the prom planning committee, I understand the importance of good teamwork, efficient planning, and following instructions. My main objectives are to learn more about beverage prep and deliver exceptional experiences to customers. 

CV Personal Statement Examples For A Graduate

Your personal statement should focus on your main educational attainments and experiences. If you are applying before you have had your degree results, it is fine to give a projected grade. You can also mention any specific modules you have studied that are relevant to the job on offer and how much you enjoyed working on them.

Remember: Your goal is to explain why you’re interested in this role and what you could bring to the table. 

Graduate Personal Statement Example

Business administration graduate with a 1:1 honors degree from XYZ University. Interested in an entry-level merchandising position within your Commercial Sales Department to expand my knowledge in retail merchandising, procurement, and inventory management. Looking to apply my analytical and data modeling skills for merchandising strategy optimization. 

Personal Statement for High School Graduate 

Energetic and enthusiastic high school graduate (June 2023) with top A-levels grades in English, Maths, and French. Seeking an entry-level role in sales, where I can make use of and develop my language skills. My long-term career goal is to further my language qualifications and position myself as a European sales manager living and working overseas for a global company.

Personal Statement Examples for CV With No Experience

Lack of experience in a particular role or industry should never discourage you from applying. Although you may not tick all the criteria boxes, you still have transferable skills and unique work experiences to showcase.

Moreover, ongoing talent shortages are prompting employees to reconsider their hiring criteria, plus invest more in new hire training and upskilling. Four in five companies now struggle to fill in open vacancies, which is the highest number in the past 17 years. 

So take your chances and apply even if you don’t have sufficient work experience. 

Personal Statement Example with No Relevant Work Experience 

Former front-desk hotel employee, looking for an opportunity to leverage strong service orientation and organizational skills in new roles (Customer Success or Customer Support). Familiarity with appointment booking software, digital chat apps, and CRM software. With my strong commitment to personal growth and my adaptable nature, I believe I could be a valuable asset to customer-centric teams.  

Personal Statement Example with No Industry Experience 

Self-starter with a BA degree in Communication and experience in corporate event management seeking a transition to music festival management. Experienced in organizing off-site events for 100+ people (including location scouting and travel coordination). I thrive in fast-paced environments and am eager to build a strong network of new partners. 

Discover even more personal statements from our collection of CV examples . 

CV Personal Statement For A Career Change

Career change is a big decision, but it can lead to a more fulfilling professional life. Besides, you’re not completely starting anew. Many of the hard and soft skills are quite universal. There is any number of different jobs that need the same set of skills that you have developed, so always try to lead with these and use real-life examples of your experience.

Career Change Personal Statement Example:

Working for the past 10 years as a regional sales manager has allowed me to develop keen skills in building strong working relationships and lucrative networks. Communication skills I developed during my time at my current employer enabled me to win vital contract wins that increased sales revenue by 20% over three years. I am now ready to take on a new challenge and want to work in the charity sector so that I can use my skills to give something back for the direct benefit of others.

How To Write A Strong Personal Statement for a CV 

An effective personal statement summarizes your skills and experience in a relevant way i.e., it indicates how you can be of help to the employer. 

In short, a compelling CV personal statement: 

• Lists your most marketable skills and qualifications 
• Highlights your industry knowledge and work experiences 
• Mirrors some of the key phrases, used in the job description 

And here’s how to write a personal statement that makes a mark.

1. Review the Job Description Once Again 

As you go through the role description, pay attention to the words, used by the employer, to describe the candidate’s requirements, duties, and personality. Keep those in the back of your head. 

These are the keywords you’d want to use all around your CV — in the personal statement, work experience, education, and skills areas. 

2. Do a Mental Tally of Your Skills 

Try to remember the times in your previous work roles when you accomplished notable objectives, went above and beyond expectations , or otherwise did better than your peers.  

Note down everything that springs to mind including your years of experience in a similar role, challenges you took on and the positive results achieved, new projects you kick-started – anything that has close relevance to this new position.

3. Make a Draft Personal Statement 

Write down a sample personal statement. Don’t worry about the length – just put as many details as you’d like on paper. Once you’re done, revisit the job description. See how your personal statement compares to the description. Does it paint a picture of someone who would fit the role? 

4. Edit for Clarity and Briefity 

A good CV personal statement shouldn’t be longer than 3-4 sentences. Take a critical look at your draft version and condense it to the bare essentials: 2-3 main skills, a major accomplishment, and a note on your motivation and/or personal traits. 

Other things that don’t belong in your personal statement are:

• Explanation of employment gaps or present unemployment status 
• Information about hobbies or personal interest 
• Any mention of references or recommendations 
• Irrelevant skills or work experiences 

Want to stand out even more? Add a persuasive opening statement that highlights your strengths as a candidate. 

A compelling personal statement can be the key between your CV making the ‘yes’ pile or the reject bin. Take some time to get your statement right and always write a new one for each job you apply for by mirroring the employer’s language. 

Finally, to give your CV a polishing touch, try out one of our fancy, but free CV templates , coming in multiple styles: professional, modern, simple, and creative!

Elena runs content operations at Freesumes since 2017. She works closely with copywriters, designers, and invited career experts to ensure that all content meets our highest editorial standards. Up to date, she wrote over 200 career-related pieces around resume writing, career advice... more

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Purdue Online Writing Lab Purdue OWL® College of Liberal Arts

Writing the Personal Statement

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This handout provides information about writing personal statements for academic and other positions.

The personal statement, your opportunity to sell yourself in the application process, generally falls into one of two categories:

1. The general, comprehensive personal statement:

This allows you maximum freedom in terms of what you write and is the type of statement often prepared for standard medical or law school application forms.

2. The response to very specific questions:

Often, business and graduate school applications ask specific questions, and your statement should respond specifically to the question being asked. Some business school applications favor multiple essays, typically asking for responses to three or more questions.

Questions to ask yourself before you write:

• What's special, unique, distinctive, and/or impressive about you or your life story?
• What details of your life (personal or family problems, history, people or events that have shaped you or influenced your goals) might help the committee better understand you or help set you apart from other applicants?
• When did you become interested in this field and what have you learned about it (and about yourself) that has further stimulated your interest and reinforced your conviction that you are well suited to this field? What insights have you gained?
• How have you learned about this field—through classes, readings, seminars, work or other experiences, or conversations with people already in the field?
• If you have worked a lot during your college years, what have you learned (leadership or managerial skills, for example), and how has that work contributed to your growth?
• What are your career goals?
• Are there any gaps or discrepancies in your academic record that you should explain (great grades but mediocre LSAT or GRE scores, for example, or a distinct upward pattern to your GPA if it was only average in the beginning)?
• Have you had to overcome any unusual obstacles or hardships (for example, economic, familial, or physical) in your life?
• What personal characteristics (for example, integrity, compassion, and/or persistence) do you possess that would improve your prospects for success in the field or profession? Is there a way to demonstrate or document that you have these characteristics?
• What skills (for example, leadership, communicative, analytical) do you possess?
• Why might you be a stronger candidate for graduate school—and more successful and effective in the profession or field than other applicants?
• What are the most compelling reasons you can give for the admissions committee to be interested in you?

General advice

Answer the questions that are asked

• If you are applying to several schools, you may find questions in each application that are somewhat similar.
• Don't be tempted to use the same statement for all applications. It is important to answer each question being asked, and if slightly different answers are needed, you should write separate statements. In every case, be sure your answer fits the question being asked.

Tell a story

• Think in terms of showing or demonstrating through concrete experience. One of the worst things you can do is to bore the admissions committee. If your statement is fresh, lively, and different, you'll be putting yourself ahead of the pack. If you distinguish yourself through your story, you will make yourself memorable.

Be specific

• Don't, for example, state that you would make an excellent doctor unless you can back it up with specific reasons. Your desire to become a lawyer, engineer, or whatever should be logical, the result of specific experience that is described in your statement. Your application should emerge as the logical conclusion to your story.

Find an angle

• If you're like most people, your life story lacks drama, so figuring out a way to make it interesting becomes the big challenge. Finding an angle or a "hook" is vital.

Concentrate on your opening paragraph

• The lead or opening paragraph is generally the most important. It is here that you grab the reader's attention or lose it. This paragraph becomes the framework for the rest of the statement.

Tell what you know

• The middle section of your essay might detail your interest and experience in your particular field, as well as some of your knowledge of the field. Too many people graduate with little or no knowledge of the nuts and bolts of the profession or field they hope to enter. Be as specific as you can in relating what you know about the field and use the language professionals use in conveying this information. Refer to experiences (work, research, etc.), classes, conversations with people in the field, books you've read, seminars you've attended, or any other source of specific information about the career you want and why you're suited to it. Since you will have to select what you include in your statement, the choices you make are often an indication of your judgment.

Don't include some subjects

• There are certain things best left out of personal statements. For example, references to experiences or accomplishments in high school or earlier are generally not a good idea. Don't mention potentially controversial subjects (for example, controversial religious or political issues).

Do some research, if needed

• If a school wants to know why you're applying to it rather than another school, do some research to find out what sets your choice apart from other universities or programs. If the school setting would provide an important geographical or cultural change for you, this might be a factor to mention.

Write well and correctly

• Be meticulous. Type and proofread your essay very carefully. Many admissions officers say that good written skills and command of correct use of language are important to them as they read these statements. Express yourself clearly and concisely. Adhere to stated word limits.

Avoid clichés

• A medical school applicant who writes that he is good at science and wants to help other people is not exactly expressing an original thought. Stay away from often-repeated or tired statements.

For more information on writing a personal statement, see the personal statement vidcast .

Academic Personal Statement Guide + Examples for 2024

You have a bright future ahead of you in academia and you’ve already found the program of your dreams.

The only problem? 

You have to write an impressive academic personal statement that sets you apart from a sea of applicants.

We know that writing about yourself might not come naturally. And when the academic program you have your sights set on is on the line, it doesn’t make it any easier.

But there’s no need to worry!

We’ve prepared this guide to help you write your academic personal statement and secure your spot in your program of choice.

In this article, we’re going to cover:

• What Is An Academic Personal Statement?
• 7 Steps to Writing the Best Academic Personal Statement
• An Example of a Stellar Academic Personal Statement

Let’s dive in.

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What Is an Academic Personal Statement?

A personal statement is an essential part of the academic application process.

Much like a motivation letter , your academic personal statement serves to demonstrate why you’re the right candidate for the course and sell yourself as a capable student.

Your goal is to show the admissions committee that they’ll benefit from having you in their university as much as you’ll benefit from joining the program.

Academic Vs CV Personal Statement

The term ‘personal statement’ can mean different things depending on your field.

In the world of job hunting, a personal statement usually refers to a few sentences that go at the top of your CV . This paragraph is meant to convey your top skills, relevant experiences, and professional goals to a hiring manager from the get-go and increase your chances of getting an interview.

However, in the world of academia, a personal statement refers to a more in-depth description of you as a candidate. 

In a nutshell, an academic personal statement shows the admissions committee your academic achievements so far, as well as what motivated you to apply and pursue this position.

Personal statements are also often required when applying for certain jobs, much like writing a cover letter . If you’re looking at a position as a faculty member in a university or other academic institution, for example, you might be asked to provide an academic personal statement.

7 Steps to Write an Academic Personal Statement

Preparation is the key to success and this is exactly where our guide comes in handy.

So just follow these steps and you’re sure to secure your spot:

#1. Read the Brief (Carefully!)

Academic personal statements aren’t necessarily a one-size-fits-all piece of writing. 

Typically, every institution has its specific requirements on what candidates should include in their academic personal statement.

To make sure you’re on the right track with your academic personal statement, read the brief carefully. Consider taking notes and highlighting important points from your program’s brief as you go through it.

Pay attention to any specific question the university wants you to answer. If you don’t address everything the admissions board expects, your personal statement will look sloppy and you’ll be considered an inattentive candidate.

Be sure to re-read the brief after you’ve finished writing your academic personal statement, too. This way you can make sure you’ve answered everything adequately and you’ll have the opportunity to correct any slips.

#2. Research the Program

Make sure you do your homework on the academic program you’re applying to.

You can’t write a good academic personal statement without research, let alone a great one. Much like researching your employer , taking the time to learn more about your desired school and personalizing your application can make a huge difference.

For example, you can dive into how your values align with that of the school you’re applying to, and how your experience and interests relate to specific things about the program. The more you focus on how you’re the right fit for this specific position, in this specific program – the better.

Carefully read through the school and program’s official pages since everything you would need to know is probably on the school’s official website. You can also ask current and former students for help but remember that whatever they say should never replace official information when crafting your academic personal statement.

#3. Plan Your Statement

An academic personal statement is meant to explain your academic interests and shouldn’t contain irrelevant details about your personal life.

Focus on why you want to study the course you’ve chosen and provide any information about your achievements so far.

Ask yourself the following questions to get the ball rolling on what to write:

• Why do you want to study (or work) in this program? How will it benefit you?
• How do your skills match the position?
• What makes you stand out from other applicants?
• What are your exact career aspirations?
• How can you and your work benefit the institution you’re applying to?
• If you changed fields, how did you decide to apply in this direction?
• What insight can you bring thanks to your different experiences?
• How will this change of field help your future career?

Write down your answer to these questions in the first draft of your academic personal statement.

#4. Look at Example Statements

Don’t hesitate to read other people’s academic personal statements online. They’re a great source of inspiration and can help get rid of any remaining writer’s block.

If you’re struggling to understand how to meet the language and formatting requirements for your academic personal statement, seeing actual examples is the best way to learn.

But be careful – don’t copy any lines you read, no matter how impressive you think they are. 

Most universities run every academic personal statement through intensive plagiarism checking, and even a paraphrased sentence could lead to your application being rejected for plagiarism.

So pay more attention to the overall structure of the academic personal statements you read, rather than copying the exact wording.

#5. Structure the Contents

There should be a cohesive argument that your entire essay follows. Each sentence and paragraph should complement and build on the one that comes before it.

The structure of your personal statement should include:

An intriguing introduction to you as a candidate

The introductory paragraph should grab the admission committee’s attention and keep them engaged.

Here you should be sure to avoid cliches like saying how you’ve “always dreamt” of graduating from this university or of studying this exact program. Instead, give an example of what really influenced you to pursue this dream.

Here’s an example:

• I’ve always loved reading and since I was a child, it’s been my dream to graduate from Oxford University and contribute to the world of literary analysis. That’s why I spent the past year volunteering at my local writers’ society and giving constructive feedback during workshops and book discussions.
• It wasn’t until I failed my first essay assignment in secondary school that I realized the depth that lies beneath each sentence in a given text. I began to delve into the rich layers of literary texts and the intricacies of literary analysis became my passion. Although initially challenging, the depth of understanding that this field offers about human emotions, cultural contexts, and narrative structures enthralled me. I found myself questioning the narrative structures and character motivations that I had previously taken for granted, and I was eager to understand how the subtle and often overlooked elements within a text could have a profound impact on its overall interpretation. This need to fundamentally understand a given author’s work has stayed with me since and led me to pursue literary analysis as a postgraduate student.

An engaging body

The main part of your academic personal statement should detail your interests, experience, and knowledge, and how they make you suitable for the position.

This is where you should expand on your motivation and use the following tips:

• Why this university? Provide strong reasons for your choice, related to your future career or the institution’s reputation.
• Mention your relevant studies and experience. This includes projects, dissertations, essays, or work experience.
• Give evidence of key skills you have, such as research, critical thinking, communication, and time management, and explain how you can contribute to the department with them.
• Say what makes you unique as a candidate and provide an example.
• Explain who have been the main influences who put you on this path and why they’ve influenced you.
• Mention other relevant experiences, such as memberships in clubs related to the subject, awards you might have won, or impressive papers you’ve written.
• Talk about your career aspirations and how the program ties into your goal of achieving them.

Depending on the guidelines of the specific university, you could also divide your academic personal statement’s body with subheadings, such as:

• Academic background
• Research interests
• Methodological approaches
• Research experience
• Personal experience
• Extracurricular activities 
• Relevant skills
• Career aspirations

A logical conclusion

Your academic personal statement needs a conclusion that ends on an enthusiastic note.

Make sure the conclusion reiterates the main points from the body of your text.

Your relevant accomplishments and desire to attend this specific program should be clear to any reader.

#6. Pay Attention to the Language

When writing the first draft of your academic personal statement, pay attention to the language and tone you’re using.

An academic personal statement is also a formal text, so your writing should reflect that. Colloquialisms aren’t appropriate, as they would take away from the well-mannered impression you want to give the admissions committee.

However, you also want your personal statement to be straightforward and avoid any complex jargon from your field of study.

For example, your opening sentence shouldn’t be overly complicated. You should communicate everything as clearly as possible, and be inclusive to those outside of your field of study since they might be on the admissions board that’s reading your academic personal statement.

Make sure that the tone throughout your text is positive and conveys your enthusiasm for the program. Your academic personal statement should show the admissions committee that you really want to be there, and why that’s beneficial to everyone involved.

#7. Proofread Your Statement

This step probably isn’t surprising to you but it’s worth paying attention to.

Your academic personal statement is a very formal document and it should be spotless. 

So, make sure it adheres to academic writing conventions . For example, contractions like “I’m” instead of “I am” are informal, and should be avoided.

Mistakes like these are very common when writing about yourself, particularly when you’re used to describing yourself in informal environments.

Carefully proofread your academic personal statement, then run it through a grammar checker like Grammarly or Quillbot, then proofread it again.

The tiniest grammar mistake or typo could make the admissions board reject your application.

Academic Personal Statement Example

Ever since my first encounter with the enchanting worlds spun by Flaubert, Balzac, and Proust, my intellectual pursuits have gravitated toward French literature. With an undergraduate degree focused on French Language and Literature, I have been fortunate to explore my passions both theoretically and empirically, embedding them within broader themes of cultural theory and comparative literature. It is with great excitement that I apply for the postgraduate research position in the French Literature program at Kent University, with the aim of contributing novel scholarly perspectives to this captivating field.

Academic Background and Research Interests

During my undergraduate studies, I delved deeply into the realms of 19th-century Realism and Naturalism. My senior thesis, which examined the dialectics of morality and social structures in Balzac's "La Comédie Humaine," was not merely an academic exercise; it served as a crucible where my theoretical understandings were rigorously tested. This research experience intensified my interest in the complex interplay between literature and societal norms, a theme I am eager to further explore in my postgraduate work.

Methodological Approaches

My academic approach is fundamentally interdisciplinary. I strongly believe that literature should not be studied in a vacuum; rather, it should be contextualized within historical, sociological, and psychological paradigms. During a semester abroad in Paris, I took courses in cultural anthropology and French history, an enriching experience that complemented my literature-focused studies. This holistic approach will enable me to contribute a multifaceted perspective to the research endeavors at Kent University.

Previous Research and Scholarly Engagements

My scholarly activities have also extended beyond the classroom. Last summer, I participated in an international conference on French Literature and Post-Colonial Theory, presenting a paper on the depictions of colonial landscapes in Dumas' adventure novels. The opportunity to engage with academics from various disciplines provided me with fresh insights and underscored the importance of collaborative research. Further, I've had the honor of having a review article published in the Sheffield Journal of Contemporary Literary Explorations, where I critiqued a groundbreaking new translation of Verne's works.

Extracurricular Contributions and Skills

In addition to my academic achievements, I have sought to enrich my department’s intellectual community. I served as the editor of our departmental journal and organized a series of seminars featuring guest speakers from the worlds of academia and publishing. My strong organizational skills, combined with proficiency in both written and spoken French and English, make me a versatile candidate capable of adding value to the French Literature program’s broader objectives.

To summarize, my deep-rooted passion for French literature, fortified by rigorous academic training and interdisciplinary methodologies, makes me an ideal candidate for the postgraduate research position in your esteemed program. The prospect of contributing to academic discourse at Kent University is an opportunity I find deeply compelling. I am especially excited about the potential for collaborative research and interdisciplinary inquiries, which aligns perfectly with my academic philosophy. I am fully committed to leveraging my skills, experiences, and enthusiasm to make a substantive scholarly contribution to the study of French Literature. Thank you for considering my application; I am keenly looking forward to the possibility of furthering my academic journey in this vibrant intellectual community.

FAQs on Academic Personal Statements

If you’re wondering anything else about academic personal statements, check out the answers to the most frequently asked questions related to them here:

#1. How do you start a personal statement for an academic job?

Applying for an academic job is different from applying for a position as a student. First, you need to establish your qualifications and enthusiasm for the role immediately.

Start by explaining your current status, for example, as a postdoctoral researcher or an experienced member of the faculty, and specify the position you are applying for. Then follow up with your research interests or personal philosophy towards teaching.

You can add a personal anecdote or compelling fact that summarizes your academic journey so far, or your passion for the field. After that, your academic personal statement can go deeper into the qualifications from your academic CV and how you’re a great fit for the position.

#2. How do I introduce myself in an academic personal statement?

The introduction of your academic personal statement is the key to grabbing the attention of the admissions committee.

Start by stating the field or subject that interests you, and why. You can share a specific personal anecdote or observation that led you to this academic pursuit and set the stage for the detailed explanation in your main body.

The goal of your introduction is to give the reader a sense of who you are, what drives you, and why you would be a valuable addition to their department.

#3. Is an academic personal statement like an essay?

Yes, an academic personal statement can be considered a type of essay.

Both essays and academic personal statements are structured forms of writing that are meant to deliver a coherent argument and are divided into an introduction, body, and conclusion. They provide supporting evidence to prove the point and maintain a logical flow to guide the reader to the final conclusion.

However, essays tend to be objective and explore a specific topic or question in depth. Academic personal statements use similar techniques but they present the candidate’s qualifications, experiences, and aspirations in a way that’s meant to persuade the admissions committee.

#4. How long is an academic personal statement?

Typically, an academic personal statement is between 500 and 1000 words long.

The exact length of the text varies depending on the university and program you’re applying to. You should always check the specific requirements for your desired program, and stick to the guidelines you find.

However, if the university you’re applying to doesn’t specify a word count, you should aim for one to two pages.

#5. What do I avoid in an academic personal statement?

Since your personal statement is a crucial part of your academic application, it’s important to avoid any common mistakes.

Make sure the content of your academic personal statement isn’t too generic. Its goal is to give insight into you as an individual, beyond what can be read in your CV . 

You should also avoid cramming too many points in your text. Your academic personal statement should follow a logical flow, and focus on the relevance of what you’re sharing about yourself and how it relates to the academic program you’re pursuing.

Key Takeaways

And that concludes our guide to writing an academic personal statement!

We hope you feel more confident when crafting your application for that academic program or faculty position you have your sights set on.

Now let’s recap what we talked about so far:

• Academic personal statements are very different from CV personal statements. While CV personal statements are brief paragraphs at the top of the page, an academic personal statement is an in-depth text that details why you’re interested in a given position, and what makes you a good candidate.
• The guidelines on academic personal statements vary according to the institution you’re applying to. Read the brief very carefully, and pay attention to what it says about word count and questions your personal statement should answer. Any mistakes here could result in rejection.
• There are differences between applying for a postgraduate program and applying for a faculty position. But in both cases, you should research the exact place you want to apply to and adjust your application accordingly to match the institution’s values.
• Always proofread your academic personal statement before sending it, even if you’re sure there are no errors.

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Residency Personal Statement – Guide for 2024

April 1, 2024

Crafting your residency personal statement requires careful planning and strategic thinking. Your personal statement is more than just a document; it’s your opportunity to convey your passion, experiences, and aspirations to residency program selection committees. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the intricacies of writing a compelling personal statement that effectively highlights your unique qualities and suitability for your chosen specialty. We’ll also provide you with invaluable insights and practical tips to navigate the writing process with confidence and clarity.

Whether you’re a seasoned writer or approaching this task for the first time, this guide will equip you with the tools and strategies needed to create a standout personal statement. You’ll be one step closer to becoming the doctor or surgeon you’ve always dreamed about.

How Long is a Residency Personal Statement?

Generally, the residency personal statement should be between 500 to 800 words in length, roughly equating to one page. This statement is a critical part of your residency application, allowing you to communicate your personal and professional background, career goals, and reasons for pursuing a particular specialty, such as plastic surgery . In addition, it’s your chance to showcase your unique experiences, skills, and motivations that make you a strong candidate for your chosen specialty and residency program.

While it’s important to be concise, make sure your statement effectively conveys a compelling narrative that highlights your strengths and aligns with the values and objectives of the program you’re applying to. Crafting a concise yet impactful personal statement is crucial for making a memorable impression on selection committees. However, unlike the medical school personal statement , which tends to be longer, your residency personal statement is on the shorter side. In essence, it should focus specifically on your experiences and aspirations within your chosen specialty.

What Should You Write About in a Residency Personal Statement?

When writing your residency personal statement, consider incorporating the following topics to effectively convey your qualifications and motivations:

1) Passion for the Specialty

Discuss what initially drew you to the specialty and why you’re passionate about pursuing it as a career. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that highlight your interest and commitment.

2)  Clinical Experiences

Reflect on significant clinical experiences that have shaped your understanding of the specialty and reinforced your decision to pursue it. Also, describe memorable patient interactions, challenging cases, or research projects that have influenced your career path.

3) Skills and Attributes

Highlight specific skills, attributes, and qualities that make you well-suited for the specialty. This could include problem-solving abilities, communication skills, empathy , resilience , or teamwork . Furthermore, provide examples that demonstrate how you’ve demonstrated these qualities in clinical or academic settings.

4)   Career Goals

Clearly articulate your short-term and long-term career goals within the specialty. Explain what you hope to achieve professionally and how you envision making a meaningful impact in the field. Additionally, discuss any specific areas of interest or subspecialties you’re passionate about exploring.

5)  Fit with the Program

Explain why you’re interested in the residency program you’re applying to and how it aligns with your career goals and interests. Specifically, highlight specific aspects of the program, such as its curriculum, clinical opportunities, research resources, or faculty expertise, that appeal to you.

6) Unique Experiences and Contributions

Showcase any unique experiences, perspectives, or strengths that set you apart from other applicants. This could include cultural or linguistic diversity, research achievements, leadership roles, community involvement, or overcoming significant challenges. Also, discuss how these experiences have shaped you as a candidate and how they will contribute to the residency program’s diversity and excellence.

What Should You Avoid When Writing a Residency Personal Statement?

  As you compose your residency personal statement, it’s common to encounter pitfalls along the way. If you haven’t previously tackled a similar writing task, such as a medical school personal statement , you may inadvertently stumble into errors without recognizing them. Hence, it’s essential to acquaint yourself with potential missteps before diving into the writing process. By recognizing these common mistakes, you can ensure that your residency personal statement effectively communicates your qualifications and aspirations.

Content to Avoid in Your Residency Personal Statement

1)  Generic Statements

Instead of resorting to generic phrases, focus on highlighting unique experiences, skills, and aspirations that specifically align with the residency program and specialty you’re applying to. For example, rather than stating a broad interest in helping people, discuss a particular patient encounter or clinical experience that ignited your passion for the specialty.

2)  Irrelevant Details

When discussing your experiences and qualifications, ensure they directly relate to your interest in the specialty and your suitability for the residency program. Avoid including extraneous information or unrelated anecdotes that may distract from your main narrative. Instead, each detail should serve to strengthen your candidacy and provide insight into your motivations and capabilities as a future resident.

3)  Negative Experiences without Reflection

While it’s important to acknowledge and discuss challenges or setbacks you’ve faced, it’s equally important to reflect on how these experiences have shaped you as a candidate. Merely listing difficulties without demonstrating resilience or growth may leave a negative impression on the selection committee. Therefore, use these experiences as opportunities to showcase your ability to overcome obstacles and adapt in the face of adversity.

4)  Overly Technical Language

While demonstrating medical knowledge is essential, avoid using overly technical language that may be inaccessible or alienating to readers outside your specialty. Remember that selection committee members may come from diverse backgrounds, so aim for clarity and simplicity in your writing. Use layman’s terms when possible and explain complex concepts in a way that is understandable to a general audience.

5)  Plagiarism

Integrity is paramount in the residency application process, so never plagiarize content from online sources or sample personal statements. Your personal statement should be an authentic reflection of your own experiences, insights, and aspirations. Plagiarism not only undermines your credibility as a candidate but also violates ethical standards expected of medical professionals.

Styles and Tones to Avoid in Your Residency Personal Statement

1)  Arrogance

  Although it’s important to present yourself confidently, avoid crossing the line into arrogance. Instead of making sweeping declarations about your abilities or achievements, focus on providing concrete examples and letting your accomplishments speak for themselves. Humility and self-awareness are valued traits in prospective residents.

2)  Overly Formal Tone

While professionalism is essential, aim for a tone that is approachable and engaging. Avoid overly formal language that may come across as stiff or impersonal. Your personal statement should feel like a genuine expression of your personality and motivations, so don’t be afraid to inject some warmth and authenticity into your writing.

3) Inappropriate Humor

Humor can be a valuable tool for connecting with readers, but it’s important to use it judiciously and appropriately. Avoid jokes or anecdotes that could be construed as offensive or insensitive. Instead, opt for light-hearted anecdotes or observations that showcase your personality without detracting from the seriousness of your application.

4) Excessive Self-Promotion

It’s natural to want to highlight your strengths and accomplishments, but avoid coming across as overly self-promotional or boastful. Instead of simply listing achievements, provide context and insight into how these experiences have shaped your aspirations and prepared you for residency. Focus on demonstrating your potential as a future resident rather than simply listing accolades.

5) Lack of Proofreading

  Careless errors or typos can detract from the professionalism and impact of your personal statement. Before submitting your application, thoroughly proofread your statement for grammatical mistakes, typos, and inconsistencies. Consider asking trusted mentors, colleagues, or peers to review your statement for feedback and suggestions for improvement.

When Should You Start Writing Your Residency Personal Statement?

Writing your residency personal statement is a significant task that requires careful consideration and ample time. Ideally, you should start the writing process several months before the application deadline to allow sufficient time for brainstorming, drafting, revising, and polishing your statement. Starting early enables you to craft a compelling narrative that effectively communicates your qualifications, experiences, and motivations to the selection committee.

The timeline for starting your residency personal statement may vary depending on individual preferences and circumstances. However, a good rule of thumb is to begin the process at least three to six months before you plan to submit your residency applications. This timeframe allows you to gather your thoughts, reflect on your experiences, and develop a cohesive narrative that showcases your strengths and fit for your chosen specialty.

Starting early also provides you with the opportunity to seek feedback from mentors, advisors, or peers throughout the writing process. Sharing your draft with trusted individuals allows you to receive valuable insights and suggestions for improvement, helping you refine your statement and ensure that it effectively highlights your qualifications and aspirations.

Moreover, beginning the writing process early gives you the flexibility to iterate and revise your statement multiple times. By allowing for ample time between drafts, you can step away from your writing and return with a fresh perspective, making it easier to identify areas for improvement and fine-tune your message.

Personal Statement Residency – What’s Next?

  After completing your residency personal statement, the next steps involve refining and finalizing your application materials before submission. Take the time to review your personal statement carefully, ensuring that it effectively communicates your qualifications, experiences, and motivations. Consider seeking feedback from mentors, advisors, or peers to gain valuable insights and suggestions for improvement. Additionally, make sure to thoroughly review all other components of your residency application, such as your CV, letters of recommendation, and transcripts, to ensure they are accurate and compelling.

As you prepare to submit your application, take confidence in the knowledge that you have put forth your best effort in crafting a personal statement that reflects your dedication and passion for your chosen specialty. Trust in your abilities and the experiences you have shared, knowing that you are well-prepared to embark on the next phase of your medical career .

• Medical School Admissions

Emily Schmidt

Emily is currently a professional writer in the healthcare industry. As a former journalist, her work focused on climate change, health disparities, and education. She holds two bachelor's degrees in English and Spanish from Stanford University, and a master's in journalism from Arizona State University. Her first published novel debuted in 2020, and she hopes to finish her second novel by the end of this year.

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