how to write personal statement for assistant psychologist job

How to land your first Assistant Psychologist post: Ten top tips

Assistant Psychologists provide clinical support under the guidance and supervision of a qualified Clinical Psychologist . The role can vary significantly depending on the service that the Assistant Psychologist is working in and the population they are working with: while some may be largely involved in delivering direct interventions and group work in inpatient ward settings, others may spend more of their time supporting audits or research. Assistant Psychologist roles are pitted at Band 4 or Band 5 on the NHS Agenda for Change pay scales and a general requirement for most posts is that applicants hold an undergraduate psychology degree which is recognised by the British Psychological Society .

While other jobs can also help aspiring Clinical Psychologists to gain the experience they need , Assistant Psychologist roles are often regarded as a first major step on the route to becoming a Clinical Psychologist and competition can be fierce. Dr Karen Hardwick, a Principal Clinical Psychologist I spoke to, told me that their most recent Assistant Psychologist post was open for just a week, in which time they received a total of 64 applications. Similarly, Dr Christopher Taylor*, a Clinical Lead and Principal Clinical Psychologist I spoke to, said they received 87 applications in 2 days for their most recently advertised Assistant Psychologist role. Despite the fierce competition, both Dr Hardwick and Dr Taylor told me that many of the applicants made some simple mistakes that could have easily been addressed. They also suggested there were some clear things that marked out the stronger applicants from those who were unlikely to be shortlisted. Here I summarise some of these tips to help you bag that first coveted Assistant Psychologist (AP) post:

• Read the job description and show an interest in that specific job. You may find that you are applying for a large number of Assistant Psychologist posts and truthfully, you may not mind which specific service you get your first job in. However, to have a successful application, you will need to show an interest in that specific job . As Dr Hardwick said, “Successful candidates had clearly written the job description and were applying their previous experience and learning to the particular role we were advertising”. Read the job description in order to understand 1) the type of work the service undertakes, 2) the nature of the population you will be working with and 3) the specific tasks you will be expected to undertake. Then, tailor your application to these factors. This will convey an interest and enthusiasm in the role and will help convince your prospective employers that you have accurate expectations of the work you will be undertaking. It will also help ensure that you don’t waste your time applying for a job that you wouldn’t enjoy. Similarly, before you attend your interview, find information about the wider organisation that the service is a part of and consider questions you may have about how the service relates to this wider organisation. For example, where does it receive its referrals from? Are there any relevant national policies or initiatives which may impact the service or how it works? It may also be helpful to search for information about the people who will be interviewing you to understand their role within the organisation and their interests. Dr Taylor said “If you have been shortlisted for interview, a further way to demonstrate your interest in the post is to contact the appointing manager via email and arrange a time for an informal conversation about the post. It gives you a chance to get sense of the context of the post and other factors which might not be in the advert or job description. It is also a chance ‘sell’ your existing experience in advance of coming for interview”.

• Communicate a sense of your personality . It is likely that the people who shortlist the applications for interview and who then subsequently conduct the interviews will be the same people who will be supervising you and working with you. They will be keen to hire someone that they think would be good to work with. As Dr Hardwick highlighted, “It’s important to convey yourself as someone who can fit into a team”. So in both the application and the interview show that you have good interpersonal skills. In the application, highlight work experiences that have enabled you to develop skills in communication, team-working and problem-solving and in the interview, show that you are personable, polite, friendly and able to respond to questions in a balanced way. For their most recent Assistant Psychologist post, Dr Hardwick said “The successful candidate managed to convey a sense of their personality by talking about how their experiences in other areas – hospitality and children’s work – had helped develop their communication skills and their ability to relate to a range of groups and populations”.
• Consider the structure and flow of your application . As an Assistant Psychologist, you will undertake a significant amount of written work – whether this is typing emails, completing letters, contributing to assessments or drafting sections of reports. For this reason, your prospective employers will be keen to see that you are able to complete written work to a high standard, and your first opportunity to show this will be in your application. As Dr Hardwick recommended, “Avoid repeating yourself or rewording the same thing. Structure your application and be clear in your writing style”. Dr Taylor suggested, “Subheadings in the main supporting statement can help break up longer, more dense text.”
• Proof-read your application. A common mistake highlighted by both Dr Hardwick and Dr Taylor related to typos and mistakes in applications. Your application is your first opportunity to make a good impression and basic errors can indicate a lack of attention to detail. Prospective employers may be concerned that you may carry this approach into the written work you complete in your job. A simple way to address this is to proof-read your application before you hit ‘submit’ or to ask someone else to do this for you. Dr Taylor said “NHS Jobs will let you print a full copy of your application before you submit, so this is a good chance to see what the shortlister will be working from when you have hit submit and to catch any formatting, spelling issues or typos”.

• If the panel isn’t friendly, don’t panic: you don’t have to take the job . When looking for your first Assistant Psychologist post, you may feel under pressure to take the first thing which is offered to you, and in truth, this is generally a positive expectation to have: it may take a few shots before you are able to land an AP role and being fussy won’t speed things up. However, it’s worth bearing in mind that once you finally bag a job, you will actually have to do it. If you find in the interview that the panel seem rude, unpleasant or you suspect there are some negative workplace dynamics at play, don’t panic: you don’t have to take the job. Remember that your own wellbeing is more important than the speed of your career progression. As Dr Taylor said “I turned down the offer of an Assistant Psychologist job once, when the lead interviewer was openly rude to me at the interview. I later learned that he had a reputation for such behaviour. I was glad to have trusted my instincts, even though it took a further three months to secure another AP post, in a much friendlier and more supportive department.”
• Keep your composure if it doesn’t work out. If you make it to interview but realise the job is not for you or if you are called and told that you have not been successful, don’t be rude. Clinical Psychology is a fairly small world: there are only around 12,000 in the whole of the UK . There is a good chance you may meet your prospective employers again in another setting or may even find the same people are on an another interview panel you are called to. As such, take the long view and remember that there will be other opportunities in the future. Aim to maintain a positive professional relationship as it could well pay off in the future. Furthermore, if you are called to interview but learn you have not been successful, you can use this as a learning opportunity. As Dr Taylor said: “If you are able to get some feedback on your performance, ask if you were ‘appointable’ – this is whether you performed well enough at interview to be offered the post, but another applicant gave stronger answers on the day. Where you had answers which weren’t appointable (i.e., scored 1/Poor), these would be the areas to focus on for improvement next time.”
• Consider other ways of boosting your CV. If you find that you are applying for numerous posts and following the tips above, but having little success, it may be worth reviewing your CV and seeing if there are ways that you could boost your overall experience. If you have completed an undergraduate degree but do not have a Master’s degree, this may be one thing worth considering. As Dr Hardwick said “All seven of our shortlisted applicants and also those on the reserve list had a Master’s degree”. Alternatively, it may be worth considering completing some voluntary work to increase your experiences in areas you have yet to explore, such as with different populations (e.g., with children or young adults, with individuals with learning disabilities, or with older adults) or in research, if your previous work has mainly been more clinically-focused. As Dr Taylor said “A nursing assistant or support worker post can be very valuable initial experience. The roles themselves can be very rewarding, I did one for 12 months after graduating and it helped me secure my first assistant post. Working in a non-psychology healthcare role, gives you a clear sense of how psychology is viewed by multi-disciplinary team colleagues, and this lens becomes more and more useful as you progress in your career.”

*I happen to be married to Christopher Taylor. It improved my chances of a lockdown interview!

Please note that unfortunately I am unable to offer personalised career advice.

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Assistant Psychologist Cover Letter Guide With Examples

Learn how to craft an effective cover letter for an assistant psychologist position with some sample cover letters (with and without experience).

Sanjoy Khan Choudhury

Read more posts by this author.

Do you aspire to make a difference in the lives of people struggling with mental health issues?

If you answered 'yes,' a career as an assistant psychologist might be the perfect fit for you.

An assistant psychologist is a super cool job where you get to help people feel better in their minds. You work with a team of smart people to help patients get better. It's like being a hero, but for mental health!

Isn't that exciting?

Just imagine, being a part of a team that helps people overcome their psychological struggles. Furthermore, you'll learn so much about the human mind and how to help others. And who knows, you might even discover something new that could change the world of mental health forever.

But before you set sail, you need a compelling assistant psychologist cover letter to catch the hiring manager's attention. That seems daunting, right?

Don't worry! That's exactly where this blog post comes into the picture.

Here we're going explore:

• The key tasks performed by assistant psychologists
• What to include in your cover letter
• And provide you with cover letter sample to help you get started

Who is an Assistant Psychologist?

An assistant psychologist is like a superhero sidekick; they work alongside licensed psychologists to help people feel better. Usually, they can work in a variety of settings, such as:

• And private practices.

To be an assistant psychologist, a bachelor's degree in psychology or a related field is the minimum requirement. However, having some experience working in a similar job or through related internships helps.

Hands-on experience working as an intern or in related fields is highly beneficial.

What does an Assistant Psychologist do?

From a broader perspective, an assistant psychologist handles patients with psychological disorders.

But if we break their responsibilities down, some of the important tasks that they need to do include:

• Conducting psychological evaluations and assessments on patients
• Assisting licensed psychologists in developing and implementing treatment plans
• Monitoring and tracking patient progress
• Coordinating with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care to patients
• Managing and organizing resources and materials for therapy sessions
• Communicating with patients and their families to address any concerns or questions they may have.
• Assisting in the emergency treatment of violent patients experiencing acute psychiatric distress

The above list is not exhaustive. An assistant psychologist's job duties can vary based on the place and people they work with.

Assistant Psychologist Cover Letter Template With Experience

[Your Name] [Address] [City, State ZIP Code] [Email Address]

[Today's Date]

[Ms. Hiring Manager's Name] [Company Name] [Address] [City, State ZIP Code]

Dear Ms. Hiring Manager,

I am writing to express my interest in the Assistant Psychologist position at [Company Name]. As a highly skilled and experienced Assistant Psychologist with [Number of years] experience, my skills and qualifications make me a strong candidate for the position.

In my current role at [Current Company Name], I have gained extensive experience conducting psychological evaluations, providing patient care, and collaborating with healthcare professionals to develop treatment plans. I have also honed my communication skills through regular interactions with patients and their families and other healthcare professionals.

I hold a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from [Name of University] and have completed hands-on experience working as an intern at [Name of Internship]. This internship gave me valuable experience working with patients with psychological disorders and handling emergencies.

I've included my resume and cover letter for you to look at. Thank you for considering my application and taking the time to review it. I am excited to discuss how I can help your team achieve great things.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

Assistant Psychologist Cover Letter Template Without Experience

I am writing to express my strong interest in the Assistant Psychologist position at [Company Name]. Although I do not have direct experience in the field, I have completed a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from [Name of University]. I am eager to apply my knowledge and skills to this role.

During my studies, I have gained a solid understanding of psychological concepts and theories and hands-on experience conducting research and working with individuals with psychological disorders. My academic achievements and communication skills make me a strong candidate for this position.

While I do not have direct experience as an Assistant Psychologist, I am excited to gain hands-on experience working with patients and collaborating with healthcare professionals. I am a quick learner and thrive in fast-paced, unpredictable situations.

I have attached my resume and cover letter for your consideration. Thank you for your time and consideration. I'm excited to discuss with you how I can help your team achieve their goals.

How to Write an Assistant Psychologist Cover Letter

Although templates are useful for reference, you shouldn't simply copy them. It is essential to frame your unique experiences and ideas in your cover letter to make it stand out.

Here are some useful tips to guide you in crafting a compelling cover letter that showcases your skills and qualifications:

1. Research the company

Before you start writing your cover letter, research your employer thoroughly. Look at their website, social media accounts, and any other resources you can find.

It will help you understand their culture and other aspects. Gather your insights and customize your cover letter accordingly.

2. Address the hiring manager by name

Address the hiring manager by name whenever possible. It will show that you've researched the position and are invested in it. It will also make your cover letter more personalized.

You should not use a generic salutation like "To Whom It May Concern."

3. Express your interest

In the beginning, express your interest in the position and the company. Explain why you're excited about the opportunity and what you will bring to the team.

For example, "I am excited about the opportunity to work with a team of experienced professionals who share my passion for helping patients with psychological disorders."

4. Highlight your skills and qualifications

Highlight your qualifications and skills in the body of your cover letter. Focus on the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the position, such as:

• Conducting psychological evaluations
• Developing and monitoring treatment plans
• And handling emergencies

It will help you tailor your credentials to fit the company's needs.

5. Provide specific examples

Simply listing your qualifications and skills might not be enough to notice you. Provide specific examples of your skills and qualifications to demonstrate your abilities. It will help provide context to the hiring manager while assessing your suitability for the role.

For example, mention when you successfully managed a patient in an unpredictable situation or collaborated with healthcare providers to develop a treatment plan.

6. Use keywords

Certain words appear more important in the job description for this assistant position. For example, psychological evaluation, communication skills, hands-on experience, or crisis management.

Incorporate those keywords from the job description into your cover letter according to their relevance. It will show that you've read the job posting and understand what the company seeks.

7. Close with a call to action

Finally, show some gratitude to the hiring manager and express your enthusiasm for the position. Close with a call to action, such as asking for an interview or offering additional information.

So, now you are almost ready to create a compelling assistant psychologist cover letter that showcases your qualifications and experience.

What Should You Include in Your Assistant Psychologist Cover Letter?

So, now you have a good idea of your cover letter's importance in the hiring process. But what should you include to ensure you stand out from the crowd?

Here are some examples of what you should include in your assistant psychologist cover letter:

• Introduction and interest in the position
• Relevant experience in conducting psychological evaluations and working with patients with psychological disorders
• Hands-on experience working as an intern in a clinical setting
• Strong communication skills and ability to handle unpredictable situations
• Knowledge of emergency treatment of violent patients
• Ability to monitor treatment plans and conduct psychological interventions
• Bachelor's degree in psychology or a related field
• Passion for helping patients with mental health issues
• Adaptability and flexibility in handling various tasks and responsibilities
• Strong ability to work in a team and collaborate with other healthcare professionals
• Contact information and availability for an interview

Discover more about the art of crafting cover letters by diving into our rich array of resources for diverse careers. Leverage this knowledge to produce impressive cover letters and leave a memorable mark on your potential employers.

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Assistant Psychologist Cover Letter

Key Takeaways

It is quite challenging to write an effective assistant psychologist cover letter. But with the right steps, you can easily draft one that catches the attention of hiring managers.

Now, keep in mind the following key points:

• Make sure to tailor your cover letter according to the job and organization you are applying for.
• Keep a professional and engaging tone throughout the cover letter.
• Emphasize your skills. Furthermore, provide context by including examples from your experience.
• Proofread your cover letter carefully to ensure it is free of errors and typos.

Remember, a well-crafted cover letter is your chance to make a great first impression. So take your time and effort to make it stand out. With these tips in mind, you'll land your dream job as an assistant psychologist in no time! Good luck!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. what are good qualities for an assistant psychologist.

Key qualities for an assistant psychologist include strong communication skills, empathy, patience, and adaptability. Other crucial traits are problem-solving abilities, good observational skills, an understanding of confidentiality and ethical considerations, and the ability to work well in a team.

2. What mistakes should I avoid in my assistant psychologist cover letter?

Avoid making errors such as typos or grammatical mistakes. Don't make the letter too long or overly complicated, and steer clear from using jargon or generic language. Always keep your cover letter concise, professional, and personalized to the job you're applying for.

3. Should I follow up after submitting my assistant psychologist cover letter?

A polite follow-up email or call a week or two after sending your application can show your continued interest in the position. It demonstrates your initiative and can help keep your application at the forefront of the hiring manager's mind.

This article has been written by Sanjoy Khan Choudhury . He works as a Content Marketing Specialist at Vantage Lens . His areas of interest include music, marketing, cuisine, and anime. When he’s not writing, he’s usually singing to the tune of his guitar or finding some weird way to cook his meal.

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Assistant Psychologist CV example

Assistant Psychologist jobs are engaging and rewarding, but competition to land one can be tough.

Check out this example Assistant Psychologist CV along with our simple CV writing guide, to help you create an impressive CV that will attract employers and land you plenty of job interviews.

Guide contents

Assistant Psychologist CV example

• CV layout and format
• Your CV profile
• Work experience

Education section

CV templates 

This is a good example of a Assistant Psychologist CV which contains all of the information that a hiring manager will need to know, and presents it in a well- structured, easy-to-read manner.

Take some time to study and understand this CV, and refer to it throughout the writing of your own CV for best results.

Assistant Psychologist CV layout and format

First impressions count, so a sloppy, disorganised CV may cause your CV to be overlooked..

Instead, perfect the format and structure of your CV by working to a clear logical structure and applying some simple formatting tricks to ease readability.

Don’t underestimate the importance of this step; if your CV lacks readability, your written content won’t even be seen.

Formatting advice

• Length: If you want to hold the reader’s attention and ensure your CV isn’t yawn-worthy, it’s best to stick to two sides of A4 or less. This is more than enough room to highlight why you’re a good match for the role – anything more can quickly become tedious!
• Readability : By clearly formatting your section headings (bold, or a different colour font, do the trick) and breaking up big chunks of text into snappy bullet points, time-strapped recruiters will be able to skim through your CV with ease.
• Design: Don’t waste time adding fancy designs to your CV. It generally adds no value to your application and may even end up distracting recruiters away from the important written content.
• Avoid photos: If your CV has photos, images or profile pictures, hit the delete button. They’re not needed and won’t add any value to your applications.

CV structure

For easy reading, write your CV to the following CV structure:

• Contact details – Make it easy for recruiters to get in touch with you by listing your contact details at the top of your CV.
• Profile – A short and snappy summary of your experience and skills, showcasing what makes you a good fit for the position.
• Work experience / career history – Note down all your work history, with your current position first, then working backwards.
• Education – A short list of your academic background and professional/vocational qualifications.
• Interest and hobbies – This is an optional section, which you can use to highlight any relevant hobbies or interests.

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

CV Contact Details

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

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

Assistant Psychologist CV Profile

Your CV profile is basically a short introductory paragraph, which summarises your key selling points and highlights why you’d make a good hire.

So, write a well-rounded summary of what you do, what your key skills are, and what relevant experience you have.

It needs to be short, snappy and punchy and, ultimately, entice the reader to read the rest of your CV.

Tips for creating an strong CV profile:

• Keep it concise: When it comes to CV profile length, less is more, as recruiters are often time-strapped. Aim for around of 3-5 persuasive lines.
• Tailor it: The biggest CV mistake? A generic, mass-produced document which is sent out to tens of employers. If you want to land an interview, you need to tailor your CV profile (and your application as a whole) to the specific roles you’re applying for. So, before you start writing, remember to read over those job descriptions and make a list of the skills, knowledge and experience the employers are looking for.
• Don’t add an objective: Want to talk about your career goals and objectives? While the profile may seem like a good space to do so, they’re actually much better suited to your cover letter .
• Avoid cliches: Focus on fact, not fluff. Phrases like “Committed and enthusiastic thought-leader” and “Dynamic problem solver” might sound fancy, but they’ll do nothing for your application. Not only do they sound cheesy, but they have no substance – stick to real skills and facts

What to include in your Assistant Psychologist CV profile?

• Summary of experience: Demonstrate your suitability for your target jobs by giving a high level summary of your previous work experience, including the industries you have worked in, types of employer, and the type of roles you have previous experience of.
• Relevant skills: Make your most relevant Assistant Psychologist key skills clear in your profile. These should be tailored to the specific role you’re applying for – so make sure to check the job description first, and aim to match their requirements as closely as you can.
• Essential qualifications: If the jobs you are applying to require candidates to have certain qualifications, then you must add them in your profile to ensure they are seen by hiring managers.

Quick tip: If spelling and grammar are not a strong point of yours, Use our quick-and-easy CV Builder to add pre-written content that has been created by recruitment experts, and proofread by our team.

Core skills section

In addition to your CV profile, your core skills section provides an easily digestible snapshot of your skills – perfect for grabbing the attention of busy hiring managers.

As Assistant Psychologist jobs might receive a huge pile of applications, this is a great way to stand out and show off your suitability for the role.

It should be made up of 2-3 columns of bullet points and be made up of skills that are highly relevant to the jobs you are targeting.

Work experience/Career history

Recruiters will be itching to know more about your relevant experience by now.

Kick-start this section with your most recent (or current) position, and work your way backwards through your history.

You can include voluntary and freelance work, too – as long as you’re honest about the nature of the work.

Structuring your roles

Your work experience section will be long, so it’s important to structure it in a way which helps recruiters to quickly and easily find the information they need.

Use the 3-step structure, shown in the below example, below to achieve this.

Start with a brief summary of your role as a whole, as well as the type of company you worked for.

Key responsibilities

Follow with a snappy list of bullet points, detailing your daily duties and responsibilities.

Tailor it to the role you’re applying for by mentioning how you put the target employer’s desired hard skills and knowledge to use in this role.

Key achievements

Lastly, add impact by highlight 1-3 key achievements  that you made within the role.

Struggling to think of an achievement? If it had a positive impact on your company, it counts.

For example, you might increased company profits, improved processes, or something simpler, such as going above and beyond to solve a customer’s problem.

Next up, you should list your education and qualifications.

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

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

Interests and hobbies

The hobbies and interests CV section isn’t mandatory, so don’t worry if you’re out of room by this point.

However, if you have an interesting hobby , or an interest that could make you seem more suitable for the role, then certainly think about adding.

Be careful what you include though… Only consider hobbies that exhibit skills that are required for roles as a Assistant Psychologist, or transferable workplace skills. There is never any need to tell employers that you like to watch TV and eat out.

Writing your Assistant Psychologist CV

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

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

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

Best of luck with your next application!

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How to Write a Personal Statement for Psychology: With [Examples]

In this article, we discuss how to write a personal statement for psychology courses with helpful tips and examples.

What do a volunteer in a program for homeless children, a future college lecturer, and a medical student with a passion for supporting high achievers with ADHD have in common? They all want to study psychology.

By the end of this guide, you will have everything you need to write an outstanding personal statement for psychology.

Table of Contents

What is a psychology personal statement, what are the different stages of writing a personal statement for psychology, psychology personal statement example #1, psychology personal statement example #2, psychology personal statement example #3, faq (frequently asked questions), more personal statement tutorials.

It’s a professional essay that outlines your interest and knowledge in the field, along with your relevant qualifications and career goals. You will also explain how you fit with the psychology program to which you are applying.

A well-crafted personal statement can help you stand out from other applicants and demonstrate your commitment to psychology and your enthusiasm for learning. The statement should provide insight into why you are interested in studying psychology.

Furthermore, the statement should highlight any skills and experiences you have, such as research experience or volunteer work.

For example,

“I also volunteered at a local after-school club for vulnerable teens, where I was able to witness first-hand the impact that psychological support can have on an individual’s well-being. I believe that I learned as much from the experienced, committed counsellors there as I did in my early classes in psychology. I am deeply committed to entering psychology and making a positive difference in the lives of others.”

1. Understand the Course and Application Requirements

Before you start writing, make sure you understand the specific requirements of the psychology course you’re applying for.

Ask your chosen university or college for any specific guidance they may have and read it carefully.

Make sure you familiarise yourself with any guidelines including word count, and list any information you should include in your personal statement.

2. Identify your interests

Writing a personal statement for a psychology course can seem daunting, but breaking it down into individual steps can be much easier.

Start by identifying your experience, interests and skills, including, work experience, conferences you have attended, and voluntary work.

“With this in mind, I have volunteered for the past three summers at Rainbow House, where counsellors and psychologists help support people struggling with a range of addictions access counselling, and practical training and prepare to re-enter the workforce. I believe that without counselling as an intrinsic part of the process, they would not see the levels of success that they have.”

Be sure to explain reasons for your interest in the branches of psychology that the course may cover, and provide examples from your own life when possible.

Let your passion for the subject and your natural curiosity shine through in your personal statement, and make sure it is original and specific to your experiences.

3. Write down your initial ideas

When writing a personal statement for psychology, it is important to plan properly by writing down your initial ideas.

This idea list should include your experiences, interests, and skills related to psychology and why you are applying to study psychology.

Use your initial ideas to create an outline for your personal statement that includes a brief introduction about yourself and why you want to study psychology. Choose the experiences that made an impact on you, particularly if they relate to your future career.

“…my ambition is to continue my studies and complete a PhD, in order to lecture in psychology at college level. I believe that every field of medicine should have experts who are passionate about academic excellence and I want to use my talent for coaching and tutoring my peers at a higher level.”

Think about how to make your opening sentences captivating and relevant, as this will be your first impression on the reader. Use short, punchy sentences to grab the reader’s attention.

4. Write your personal statement

Start with an engaging opening paragraph. Make sure to use a professional and formal writing style, avoid jokes, and make sure your personality comes through in your writing.

‘I am excited to apply to study psychology at postgraduate level as I have always been fascinated by how the mind works. My interest in this psychology was there from a very early age, when I tested in the 90th percentile as being very empathetic and supportive of other pupils at elementary school. During High School I was able to volunteer to work on homework with young children who were homeless and seeing them cope with challenging emotional issues filled me with admiration for their resilience while wanting to let them know that I was there to offer academic support also.’

Allocate one paragraph to each point on your list. Make sure your statement is specific and original, and avoid long-winded sentences.

Once you have your first draft, seek feedback from classmates as well as tutors. Incorporate any comments, feedback, and suggestions that improve your statement.

5. Revise your personal statement

• Wait 24 hours, then read over your final draft and check for grammar or spelling mistakes. Read it out loud or have someone else read it for you to ensure it is clear, informative and personal.
• Ensure your personal statement is original and specific to your experiences.
• Stay away from any negative content unless talking about how a difficult experience has made you stronger and more resilient, which will make you a better student.
• Keep redrafting until you feel it is as polished as possible.

I am excited to apply to study psychology at a postgraduate level as I have always been fascinated by how the mind works. My interest in this psychology was there from a very early age when I tested in the 90th percentile as being very empathetic and supportive of other pupils at elementary school. During High School, I was able to volunteer to work on homework with young children who were homeless and seeing them cope with challenging emotional issues filled me with admiration for their resilience while wanting to let them know that I was there to offer academic support also.

During my undergraduate degree in biology, I was the president of the psychology club, where I worked with graduate students to complete several independent research projects on topics relating to young learners. As a result, I am keen to become a child psychologist, focusing on supporting young people who are homeless and in the foster care system.

I also volunteered at a local after-school club for vulnerable teens, where I was able to witness first-hand the impact that psychological support can have on an individual’s well-being. I believe that I learned as much from the experienced, committed counsellors there as I did in my early classes in psychology. I am deeply committed to entering psychology and making a positive difference in the lives of others.

I am confident that my passion, curiosity, and dedication to psychology make me a strong candidate for this program, and I am excited to have the opportunity to continue my studies at a higher level and become part of a new learning community.

With every academic paper and publication, I read since beginning to study medicine and psychology, my interest in the subject has grown. In light of my fascination with behaviour and the mind, as well as my interest in helping patients, psychology is my chosen subject for further study. It is extremely important to me to continue learning and building upon my knowledge, and I am full of admiration for grassroots charities making sure that all patients can access high-quality, affordable care.

With this in mind, I have volunteered for the past three summers at Rainbow House, where counsellors and psychologists help support people struggling with a range of addictions access counselling, and practical training and prepare to re-enter the workforce. I believe that without counselling as an intrinsic part of the process, they would not see the levels of success that they have.

While I enjoy being involved in this type of community project and foresee my involvement continuing for many years, my ambition is to continue my studies and complete a PhD, in order to lecture in psychology at college level. I believe that every field of medicine should have experts who are passionate about academic excellence and I want to use my talent for coaching and tutoring my peers at a higher level. I maintain a 4.0 GPA and have taken three extra credit courses while acting as a research assistant for Professor Dimbleby one day a week.

I feel prepared for the challenges that lie ahead and am eager to join a world-class team at Cornell to become the best that I can be and support others to be their best.

I have long had an interest in better understanding psychopathologies and wish to pursue a psychiatry residency at Ramsey Hospital after graduating from Cold Springs University Medical School. It has been fascinating to see the societal change in terms of acknowledging and talking about mental and social issues such as depression and anxiety as well as the contribution and importance of the inclusion of neurodivergent people in our communities. As a future psychiatrist, I am committed to treating every patient with respect and dignity, ensuring I am treating the person rather than focusing only on the diagnosis.

My psychiatry rotation during medical school was an enriching experience and I became confident in taking patients’ psychiatric history and conducting mental status exams. My ability to build rapport with patients and question them directly but respectfully, improved over the six weeks and I look forward to focusing more on these skills as I gain a deeper understanding of effective psychiatric care.

Last year I volunteered with a charity supporting mental health and neurodivergence awareness in Hanoi, Viet Nam, as I feel a deep connection with that country, thanks to having Vietnamese-American relatives. I learned that there are very few psychologists and even fewer clinical psychiatrists who can prescribe medication and treatment. As increasing numbers of teenagers and adults as well as younger children are being diagnosed with ADHD, as in the US, there are often long waiting times, and challenges in accessing medication. There is much work to be done on the use of non-stimulants to treat ADHD where stimulants such as amphetamines are ineffective and I completed my final research paper on this topic.

In Vietnam it was interesting to me to encounter some of the same prejudices as my older sister encountered from relatives and her primary care doctor, who insisted that my sister could not have ADHD because she is a well-paid, successful accountant. The struggle to balance and often hide symptoms of her condition has left my sister battling anxiety and depression and I am particularly interested in developments in treating ADHD in combination with depression, severe anxiety and other psychiatric conditions.

Following my residency my goal is to qualify as a psychologist and practice locally in Arizona while offering continuing long-distance support via Zoom to the team in Hanoi. I am determined to become an outstanding psychiatrist, enhancing my patients’ emotional well-being while supporting them as individuals with the best and most professional care.

Some of these questions were already covered in this blog post but I will still list them here (because not everyone carefully reads every paragraph) so here’s the TL;DR version.

What format should I use for my personal statement for psychology?

Your personal statement should include a brief introduction about yourself, your experiences, any past knowledge and why you want to study this specific course. Also include details of your relevant hands-on experiences (research, internship, volunteer, work, etc.) and what you learned from them.

Additionally, if you are applying to a PhD program, make sure to mention the name of the faculty member(s) you are applying to.

How should I structure my personal statement for psychology?

A personal statement for psychology should begin with an introduction about yourself, such as your experiences and any past knowledge that relates to the field, as well as why you want to study psychology.

The body of your statement should go into depth on your relevant hands-on experiences, such as research, internships, volunteering, or work. Be sure to provide details about what you did, the names of any organizations or people you worked with, and what you learned from the experience.

The conclusion should show how you are a good fit for the school/program/faculty member you are applying to, such as how the experience you mentioned has solidified your interest in the field.

Finally, it is important to ensure your statement flows. Take time to edit and proofread your statement to make sure everything connects and is cohesive.

What topics should I focus on in my personal statement for psychology?

Consider the aspects of the psychology course that you enjoy the most and do some additional reading beyond what you’ve been taught.

Additionally, provide specific examples of how you’ve pursued your interest in the subject, such as writing about a topic you’ve studied that you find fascinating or discussing a book or blog post that made you want to learn more.

Finally, consider which field of psychology you would like to specialize in and why.

What level of detail should I go into for my personal statement for psychology?

It’s important to go into specific detail about your interests and skills.

Avoid sweeping generalisations (I always get high grades) and give focused details (I maintain a 3.9 GPA).

Research the course you are applying for so you have a realistic idea of what you will be doing on it, and make sure to articulate why you want to study psychology.

What should I avoid when writing my personal statement for psychology?

When writing your personal statement for psychology, there are a few things you should avoid in order to give yourself the best chance of getting onto your desired course.

• Firstly, avoid using an informal writing style or telling jokes. Use a professional and formal tone when injecting personality into your statement.
• Be mindful of not giving too much personal information in terms of speaking about your own life events, mental health challenges, or learning difficulties unless they have made you stronger.
• Finally, pay attention to your tone and avoid phrases such as “less fortunate people”. Stay away from using sophisticated language or phrases if you don’t understand them. Be honest and original.

How can I get feedback on my personal statement for psychology?

Ask trusted individuals, such as professors, mentors, and friends, to read over your statement and give feedback. This will help you to identify any errors or missing information that you may have overlooked.

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• Sep 27, 2020

#NewFaceofPsychology - Applying for Assistant Psychologist Posts Q&A with Dr Kiran Bains

Dr Kiran Bains is a qualified Health Psychologist who works within the NHS’ Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) initiative. Dr Bains has experience interviewing and recruiting aspiring psychologists for Assistant Psychologist positions.

Check out her invaluable advice and answers to questions on this topic below:

What made you choose Health Psychology and how did you put this across in your application?

I'll answer in relation to getting on my Stage 1 training. I was a support worker and interested in applying it to my work with people with learning disabilities as their physical health needs were overlooked. I also liked that health psychology was new and felt re inequalities. And I liked the idea of working with health promotion and chronic illness. I took a module in it as an undergraduate so it was easy to show enthusiasm for that and talk about my aspirations.

I also looked at specific modules of interest and mentioned my dissertation result (I got a first for that and universities love that). I also did a bit of volunteering re LGBT health (once a week) so drew on quite a few things really around my interests.

Regardless of whether you do or don't do well in your research project by the way, think about relevant experience (or elements of it that are) and evidence to show your abilities as we are all different.

Beyond an undergraduate degree, how else can one demonstrate psychological experience and knowledge relevant for AP roles - this is providing they have not sought experience during their studies.

Through your university-based learning, especially relevant modules and soft skills. Additional training courses help and some of them (e.g. future learn) are free and relevant.

AP positions are so competitive, how do you stand out from the crowd in applications & interviews?

It is really difficult, but tailoring and having a well prepped application helps. During interviews the people that stood out to me had good awareness of current social issues, understood the nature of the service, showed enthusiasm, good reflective practice, good attention to detail, willingness to learn and seek help, as well as showing they were proactive in doing things and general approachability (from the time they came in to reception, not unusual for an interviewer to ask a receptionist re impressions).

I would love to know what the differences between what a chartered health psychologist and what a chartered clinical psychologist do once qualified?

In some ways we overlap in others we really don't. Where we do so most in my opinion is working with people with chronic illness in therapy contexts. However a health psychologist may also work in physical health promotion, public health (physical), doctor patient relationship, help-seeking, access to health services, medication adherence. Whereas clinical psychologists tend to be pigeonholed as therapists, though I do know some that work in public health (with a mental health focus generally).

Do you have any advice or tips on tackling the trust values section of the application? Is it wise to make some links to personal life?

Ooh a good question. Concrete examples of how you demonstrate values are key, whether personal or professional. Would suggest using at least one or two clinically relevant, work/study examples if possible as easier to for an interviewer to see you in the role.

What sort of questions can be expected in the interview for Assistant Psychologist roles?

Generally, why you want the role and what you bring to it. But can depend on service and what they need. Likely a scenario question to test competencies, lone-working if that's involved, career plans? in ours we ask re ethics, attention to detail, accuracy, working across sites

How was your 1st Assistant Psychologist role and what did you do to secure it?

I actually did not have one. I recruit Assistant Psychologists in my current role and have been an application advisor. I had a Research Assistant role but got into health psychology where it wasn't as crucial. However, as many ethnic minorities do I worked as a support worker instead.

How does one practice psychological formulations?

Role-play using models can help and training if possible, to understand them and why you are asking what you are asking.

You need to have a clear understanding of models you are using and why I often combine Leventhal’s self-regulatory model with CBT/ACT to guide my questions (socratically) and formulation, 5Ps model can also be useful framework to guide questions and responding to client presentation.

Do's and Dont's of applying for Assistant Psychologist?

- Read the person specification particularly carefully and where the role is based (i.e. type of service)

- Use the person specification headings to guide your answers in supporting statement

- Use examples (clinically relevant where possible) to show how you demonstrate a skill

- Check STAR Framework for guiding answers, also useful for competency based questions)

- Mention relevant modules and any extra courses you may have taken (Futurelearn has free ones)

- Have short blurbs ready for different types of services you are interested in working in

- Be enthusiastic

- Mention any additional languages you know

- Be reflective about your learning (look up models e.g. Gibbs)

- Oh and definitely get your content proofread! And read it aloud to yourself, or paragraphs not in order as our brains fill the gaps when we read linearly, easier to spot mistakes

- Learn from interviews

- Re additional experience, do mention what you have and think about soft skills you have learned

- Re working with marginalised groups, this is often unpaid and someone like me will look for that and take that into account, but worth also including any paid work you've had too.

Don't:

- Make spelling mistakes

- Send a haphazard application.

- You may not get much time but this is why a template and planning are important

Also, everyone is different & this is where guidance gets tricky. I am actively looking to be affirmative in employing minorities, I don't care about your A level results. If a job description states wanting people who are multilingual or experience with a minority group that may be a good sign.

Does what grade you got for BSc or MSc matter when you are applying for Assistant Psychologist posts?

Unfortunately it matters more than it should just because it is more competitive. I would consider highlighting grades for modules you did particularly well with (especially if relevant to post). I am not allowed to consider people with 2:2s generally. However, experience also matters.

Stay up to date with the campaign activities on social media via the hashtag #NewFaceOfPsychology

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