Writing the personal statement

Howdy

Well, the application date has been pushed back by three weeks and now won't open until the 21st November. For those of us who have their personal statement ready to go and referees informed, it's a little annoying. However, for those who are still working on the personal statement, it's probably a relief and a chance to get that statement done!

The personal statement is very similar to the one you may have written when applying for your undergraduate degree. It will have a character and/or line limit and is your chance to put, in not many words, the reasons why they should pick you for interview and, ultimately, teacher training.

Remember to include the reasons why you want to teach and be truthful, citing experience that you have had that made you realise teaching was for you. Also include why your undergraduate degree is relevant to the subject or age range that you want to teach. You will have space on the application form to put your work experience details - this will be things such as dates and places. On your personal statement, however, you will need to reflect upon this experience. What did you learn from it? What skills did you develop?

You have to sell yourself, so don't be shy ;)

Don't forget that you should be asking your referees if they will write you a reference, and inform them of the date you will need it by. You will need a reference from the headteacher where you have worked or volunteered and, if you have graduated within the last five years, one from your personal tutor. If you graduated over five years ago, then a work reference will suffice.

Finally, get someone to look your statement over for errors or anything that doesn't make sense!

Mine is all done, although I'm sure I will go over it a few more times before the 21st.

Good luck!