Cover Letter

Write an introduction that reflects you and your personality. It should include why you are interested in the job and, if appropriate, your recent experience with the job type. Starting a personal statement with sentences that show who you are can help encourage the recipient to read further.

In a job application, consider addressing what first interested you in the position’s listing. Use a single, strong sentence to mention the most relevant aspects of your personality and interests in the role or organization.

The body of your personal statement lets you share more about your relevant skills, knowledge, experience and interests. Include personal details that relate to the job you are applying for. You could write about the following elements, where relevant, in the body of your personal statement:

Your achievements and experience: Write about your degrees, certifications, awards, years of industry experience and positions you have held that relate to the job’s responsibilities.

Your relevant skills and talents: Describe the talents you have developed and the skills that you have learned during university or on your career path. Try to address specific skills listed in the job ad.

What you would bring to the organization: Discuss why you feel you would be an asset to the organization. You can mention your experience or eagerness to learn specific skills, perform tasks or earn credentials in a field.

Your professional goals: Write about how the job you are applying for fits into your future dreams. Consider mentioning a specific goal the job can help you achieve.

Two paragraphs should be sufficient for the body of your personal statement. You may choose two or three of the previously listed elements to discuss in those paragraphs to keep it comprehensive while also being brief.

A strong conclusion will leave a lasting impression on a prospective employer. It should be a clear restatement of why you applied and what you hope to achieve with the experience. It should also persuade the reader to take your application to the next stage by reading through the rest of your resume and reviewing your academic credentials. In this final section of your statement, you could include the following elements:

Extension of your professional goals: Some statements for job applications may include specific reference to your goals and how the position can help you achieve those goals. Consider discussing relevant short- and long-term goals, such as what you hope to achieve in the position and where you see yourself in 5-10 years.

Summary of your personal statement: A brief summary of the main points in your statement can be an effective strategy for a one-sentence conclusion or one sentence of a larger conclusion. Be sure to connect your achievements, experiences and skills directly to your future contributions within the organization.

Link back to your introduction: Revisit your introduction and what interested you in the position. Consider extending this idea by combining your desire with your qualifications. A personal statement that ends by stressing your enthusiasm for the position can influence an organization to consider your candidacy seriously.

The conclusion of your personal statement for a job should be a single sentence, so consider selecting only one of the above strategies.