personal statement ta job

Special Education and Inclusive Learning

Writing a Personal Statement for a Teaching Assistant Post

Introduction..

A key part of the application process for a Teaching Assistant job is the personal statement. A personal statement is a document that tells the panel who are doing the shortlisting about your motivations for wanting to become a Teaching Assistant. This guide will teach you how to write an effective personal statement for a Teaching Assistant job in a UK mainstream or special school. We will discuss the different components of a personal statement, provide tips for writing a persuasive application, and give you a couple of sample personal statements for a teaching assistant role in a special school. By following this guide, you will be prepared to write the perfect personal statement for a teaching assistant vacancy.

1. What is a Teaching Assistant?

A Teaching Assistant is an essential role for supporting the educational provision in any school. I would argue it is a vital role in any school but especially in special schools The responsibilities of a Teaching Assistant can vary depending on the school, but generally include assisting teachers in the classroom, leading small group or 1:1 interventions, such as phonics or maths. There will probably be times where a TA will take the whole class for short periods. When writing a personal statement for a Teaching Assistant job, it is important to be honest and upfront about your skills and experience. Even now schools may receive multiple applications for each advertised post so it is important to provide compelling reasons why you are the best candidate for the position.  If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you might consider hiring professionals to write my essay with best writers to ensure your statement shines.

To help you write a personal statement that will stand out, we have created this teaching assistant personal statement guide. This guide contains tips on how to write a personal statement that will be both interesting and informative, as well as tips on how to make your candidacy stand out.

If you like this post and want to know more we have an in-depth e-book with more examples, templates and information about writing a personal statement.

Teaching Assistant Recruitment Articles

I would recommend having a read of these articles that discuss other elements of the Teaching Assistant recruitment process.

• Teaching Assistant Interview Questions – Read Here
• How Teaching Assistants can motivate pupils to learn – Read Here
• What are the most important qualities of a Teaching Assistant – Read Here
• The Teaching Assistant Guide – Read Here

2. What qualities are necessary for a successful Teaching Assistant application?

There are a few qualities that are necessary to include for a successful Teaching Assistant application. First and foremost, you must be a highly motivated individual who is looking for a new opportunity to use their skills and knowledge. Secondly, you must be a team player who is able to work well under pressure and be positive. Finally, you must have excellent communication and organisational skills.

We have written a whole article on answering the question on the qualities of a great teaching assistant – here . If you can demonstrate all of these qualities, then you are well on your way to being a successful Teaching Assistant applicant. However, if you don’t have any teaching experience or experience working with SEN students, it will be difficult to show that you are the right candidate for this position. In order to make a strong application, you will need to gather as much information as possible about the school and the position.

3. What should be included in a Teaching Assistant Personal Statement?

When writing a personal statement, you will want to include information that will help the school make an educated decision about hiring you. This includes your educational and work experience, your motivations for wanting to be a teaching assistant, and your skills. Most schools will include a Job Description and Person Specification with the advert. Use these to your advantage. Try and mention each of the elements in the person specification in your personal statement. When writing your personal statement, be honest and concise. Try to be specific about why you would be a good fit for the position and what you can bring to the table. You should also be sure to list any teaching experience you have and any workshops or courses you have taken that relate to special education. I would recommend an absolute maximum of 1 sides of A4. Try to stick to 1/2 side or about 200 words. This is because the admin and leadership team shortlisting need to be able to quickly see who fits the criteria. You can fill in the details at interview.

List your Experience

List any volunteer work you have done in the field of SEN or teaching. This may include supporting playgroups, running a sports club or even parent groups. This will help to demonstrate your dedication and interest in the field. Be sure to include your references when submitting your application. These have to include your last and current employers. You can usually request that they are not contacted before the interview if you haven’t told them you are looking for another job.

When writing your statement, be sure to focus on your reasons for wanting to teach in that specific school. This will show that you are passionate about the field and have a good understanding of the students and the school. It will also show that you are committed to helping the school achieve its goals. Read their website, look at their tweets or facebook posts. This will give you an insight into what they value and are proud of. You can mention some of these nuggets of information in your personal statement i.e “It is clear from the pictures of your Sports Day that the school’s values of inclusion align with my own.”

Summary Of What to Include in Your TA Personal Statement:

Here is a summary of the key points you want to include when writing a teaching assistant personal statement:

• The personal statement highlights your achievements, experience, and interests. It allows you to showcase your personality and motivation.
• The opening paragraph briefly introduces yourself, your years of experience, and your accomplishments.
• Next, describe your relevant education and how it aligns with the role. Mention academic achievements.
• Detail your professional experiences such as tutoring, sports coaching or teaching, that relate to the teaching assistant role.
• List hard and soft skills that will make you effective as a teaching assistant.
• Conclude by explaining your motivations for wanting the position and how you can contribute. Thank them for considering your application.
• Align your statement with the job description and provide examples of fulfilling similar needs.
• Keep it succinct – under two pages using bullet points rather than long paragraphs.
• Create an impactful, concise opening paragraph to hook the reader.

4. Tips for writing a High Impact Personal statement for a Teaching Assistant

Having read hundreds of application forms and personal statements there are a few things to keep in mind when writing a personal statement for a Teaching Assistant post.

• Sell your skills – word things in ways that show you are proud of what you can bring to the role. “I am adept at finding ways to support pupils to engage with learning”. They may then follow this up with questions such as “Give me an example…” at interview.
• Sleep on it. If you are struggling to think of things to include read the Teaching Assistant job description then take a break. You will come up with better ideas sleeping on it rather than staring at the page.
• Make sure you have used capital letters correctly especially in the Information bits of the form. This seems to be a common error on online forms.
• Name the school you are applying for in the body of the text. This shows you are not just copy and pasting the same form to multiple schools.
• Personal experience is valuable – what makes you want to support teaching and learning in a school? Your own experiences? I know many TA’s who went into the job because of family members with SEN.
• Put spaces between paragraphs – it really helps the people reading.
• Fill out every box on the form
• Get a sensible email address – especially if your is um… a little edgy. GMail and outlook are free.
• Finally, be sure to proofread your statement carefully. This will help you catch any errors and make sure that your statement is easy to read and understand.

5. Key points to remember.

When you are applying for a Teaching Assistant role in a special school, the personal statement is one of the most important components of your application. You want to make sure that you present yourself in the best possible light. When writing your personal statement, you want to focus on why you are the perfect candidate for the job. What qualities do you bring to the table that make you the best candidate for this position? How can you describe your strengths and weaknesses? What are your goals for the future? Be sure to outline your teaching experience, what you are specifically good at and why, and how your teaching experience will benefit the students in the school.

There are a number of books that can help guide your thinking and gain insight into the role. Including How to be an Outstanding Primary Teaching Assistant by Emma Davie.

The newly released (2023) Working Effectively With Your Teaching Assistant by Sara Alston is currently on offer via the Bloomsbury website .

6. 2 Example Teaching Assistant Personal Statements

Don’t just copy and paste these add some of your own personality!

I am an enthusiastic graduate seeking a teaching assistant position at Park Primary School where I can apply my knowledge of child development and experience engaging young learners. During my undergraduate studies in Education at Durham University, I discovered my passion for fostering student growth. 

My practical experiences allowed me to develop skills in scaffolding instruction, managing behaviour, and boosting student confidence. Drawing on my strong interpersonal abilities and creativity, I am committed to supporting students’ diverse needs. 

Park Primary’s dedication to making learning enjoyable resonates with me. I would be honoured to join a team that nurtures students’ curiosity and emotional growth alongside academic skills. 

With 2 years of experience as a one-to-one tutor for pupils with special educational needs, I am eager to expand my skills as a teaching assistant at Swan Academy. I studied Childhood and Youth Studies at the University of Manchester and relished modules on inclusive environments and differentiated learning. 

My tutoring role enabled me to gain expertise in adapting lessons for neurodiverse students and employing sensory integration techniques. I built a strong rapport with pupils by incorporating their interests into activities. At Swan Academy, I would apply my expertise in personalised learning and collaboration to promote equal access, confidence, and achievement amongst students. 

Supporting Swan’s diverse student body is perfectly aligned with my values and aspirations as an educator.

Template Statement to Adapt

I am a [your experience level] teaching assistant currently seeking a position at [school name]. With [number] years of classroom experience and a [degree] in [subject], I am committed to supporting impactful learning experiences as a teaching assistant. 

During my studies at [university name], I [note any relevant experiences, courses, extracurriculars] which allowed me to develop key skills in [list relevant hard and soft skills]. [Optional: As part of my degree, I undertook teaching placements at X school, where I gained first-hand classroom experience]. 

In previous teaching assistant roles at [school names], my responsibilities included [list 2-3 main duties]. Through this experience, I gained expertise in [list skills gained]. At [school name], I am eager to leverage my background in [subjects/specialities] and my strengths in [strengths] to help students thrive. 

The teaching assistant opportunity strongly appeals to me due to [school name’s] reputation for [positive qualities] and commitment to [mission or values]. I would welcome the chance to support such a [collaborative/student-focused/high-achieving] learning community. Please accept my enthusiastic application for this role which is perfectly aligned with my dedication to student development and education.

7. Useful websites and resources for Teaching Assistants

There are many websites and resources available to a prospective Teaching Assistant, but the most important thing is to use the right ones for your specific situation. Facebook groups can be brilliant for sharing ideas. Some groups are used by staff to vent and can be really demotivating so find one that suits you. Some helpful websites and resources for teaching assistants include:

Free Courses for TAs – This article has lots of free, short courses suitable for teaching assistants. Undertaking and mentioning these in your personal statement or application may be a good way to get noticed if you have limited experience. the courses include, child development, SEN and subject specific courses.

Lots of schools engage with the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) research. They have released a guidance report on effective use of Teaching Assistants . I would recommend reading this if you are looking at applying for a role as a TA. The poster is visual and easy to read.

NASEN are a brilliant organisation for those working in schools and supporting SEN learners. They have a range of mini-guides that are accessible, including Identifying and Supporting Children with SEND in the Early Years: PVI and governing body-led early years settings Mini Guide. All free.

In addition to all these free online resources, do not forget about the importance of protecting your online activity. Consider using a dual VPN   for an additional level of security when working in an online environment

8. Conclusion

In conclusion, writing a personal statement for a Teaching Assistant job in a school can be a daunting task. By following the tips outlined in this guide, you will be able to produce a statement that will have a good chance of securing the interview.

We hope you enjoyed our article about writing a personal statement for a Teaching Assistant job in a school. A Teaching Assistant role is a great opportunity to gain experience in a specific field and to learn more about the school that you are applying to. By following these steps, you will be sure to stand out from the other applicants and make the Teaching Assistant selection process simle for you and those shortlisting. Thank you for reading, and we wish you the best of luck in your job hunt.

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Teaching Assistant Personal Statement

• CV Templates & Advice

Are you seeking advice to improve your chances of landing your dream teaching assistant role? Fish4jobs is here to help! Follow our expert advice and guidance to create a teaching assistant personal statement for your CV that helps you to shine.

We recommend that you use this 100-150 words to successfully present your knowledge, skills and past experience, as well as your great personality, to create a fantastic first impression on a prospective employer.

You can also check out our complete guide on how to write a personal statement .

What to include in your teaching assistant personal statement

Why you’re applying for the specific role:.

• Mention why have you applied for that specific role - what appealed to you in the job description?
• Highlight any past experience that relates to the role.
• Provide information on your previous education – School/University/Courses attended or completed.
• Highlight any relevant qualifications.

Your teaching experience:

• Mention what year groups have you assisted in teaching in the past.
• What subjects you have taught, or specialised in assisting with.
• Any use of assessment strategies or special features of the practices, for example, open-plan, multi-ethnic, team teaching.
• Provide examples of assistance to teachers.

Short Example:

A kind, friendly, passionate and highly experienced teaching assistant. I am an enthusiastic and motivated assistant, who has a passion for supporting children with all aspects of school life. In previous teaching assistant roles my daily tasks included encouraging students, assisting with learning, and providing support to the class teachers. This role has appealed to me as I have a keen desire to continue learning, as well as assisting students and teachers in all aspects inside and outside the classroom. With my previous experience, responsibility, dependability and enthusiasm for education I feel that I would be a great asset to your team.

Check out our guide on how to become a Teaching Assistant for more details on the role and requirements. Alternatively, check out the latest Teaching Assistant jobs on Fish4jobs today.

Related links

• How to Become a Teaching Assistant
• Teacher CV Template
• How to Write a Personal Statement

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Guide to Writing a Unique Personal Statement for a Teaching Assistant

Table of Contents

Are you looking for a personal statement for a teaching assistant job? Writing a good personal statement is essential to your job application and can make the difference between being invited to an interview or not. 

In this blog, we’ll provide some top tips on writing a standout personal statement. As well as some practical examples you can use when writing yours. Read on to find out more! 

What Is a Personal Statement for a Teaching Assistant?

 A personal statement is a short paragraph in your CV or job application that outlines who you are, why you’re applying . And also, why you are the ideal candidate for the job based on your skills and abilities. It should be to each position you apply for – this way, employers can quickly see how well-suited you are to the job. 

Steps to Writing Personal Statements for Teaching Assistant Jobs

1. highlight your experience.

 Focus on the experience that makes you the best candidate for this position. It’s important to show employers how your previous job roles, qualifications, and extracurricular activities have prepared you for a teaching assistant role. 

2. Show Your Enthusiasm

Use positive language to demonstrate your keenness and commitment to the role. Employers want to see that you’re genuinely passionate about teaching and helping others learn and develop. 

3. Demonstrate Relevant Skills

Consider what skills make you an ideal candidate for this role (e.g., communication, problem-solving, organization), and include examples of when you’ve used these skills. 

Writing Tips for a Teaching Assistant’s Personal Statement

• Keep it concise – don’t exceed two pages, but ensure you include all the necessary information about yourself. Make every word count! 
• Focus on why you want the role. Be specific about why you chose this particular job. And what skills or experience you have that makes you the perfect candidate.
• Demonstrate your commitment – explain how you’re prepared to go the extra mile for this job and why it is essential to you. 
• Show your personality – let your unique qualities shine through to stand out from other applicants.
• Proofread -read your message until you are satisfied that there are no typos or grammatical errors.

Personal Statement Examples for Teaching Assistant

I recently earned a degree in primary education, and I’m enthusiastic about changing the lives of kids. My experiences are working in an educational environment, teaching assistant roles, and leading my classroom activities. I am a patient and kind instructor with strong organizational abilities and the ability to get things done under pressure. I possess the skills needed to become a successful teaching assistant and can bring enthusiasm, dedication, and energy to this role. 

I am an experienced teaching assistant with five years experience in primary schools. During this time, I have developed excellent communication skills when working with teachers, parents, carers, and other professionals. I have also worked on various projects within the school. Such as developing new resources for use in class, helping children with special needs, and leading activities outside the classroom. My biggest strength is building relationships with all pupils, regardless of their background or ability level. This has enabled me to form strong bonds with them, which has helped me to support their learning better. 

1. What Is a Teaching Assistant?

Teaching assistants help teachers with children’s learning. They gain experience of supporting children as part of their learning. This enables them to plan lessons and work effectively in different schools.

2. What Is the Training Course Like?

The training is a combination of classroom support and classroom management. The classroom support aspect has been designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge required to support children’s learning in the classroom. The classroom management aspect prepares you in case you are asked to assist in the classroom.

We hope this blog has provided valuable tips and examples of writing a standout personal statement for teaching assistant jobs. Remember – make sure your personal statement is tailored to the specific role and showcases why you are the perfect candidate! 

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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Teaching assistant CV examples & guide

If you’re looking to land a top teaching assistant (TA) role, it’s vital that you have a quality CV.

A strong teaching assistant CV needs to be well formatted, and contain the right content to impress recruiters and teaching employers.

This guide tells you everything you need to know about writing a first-class CV for teaching assistant roles, and even contains a teaching assistant CV example , to show you exactly how your CV should look.

CV templates 

Teaching assistant CV example

Build your CV now 

SEN teaching assistant CV example

Early years teaching assistant CV example

Teaching assistant CV example (no experience)

See also : Our teacher CV example 

How to write your teaching assistant CV

Now that you’ve seen how your CV ( curriculum vitae ) should look – the following guide will tell you how to write your CV step-by-step and what content should be going into it.

Guide contents

• Format & structure your CV
• Work experience 

Teaching assistant skills

• Education & qualifications
• Hobbies & interests

CV structure and Format

Before you type one word on your CV, it’s important to understand how it should be laid out and formatted .

This diagram gives you a very high-level view of how your CV should be structured.

Try to stick to this layout as closely as you can.

Key CV structure points

Personal/contact details

Make sure recruiters can contact you easily by placing your contact details at the top of your CV.

Profile/Personal statement

Grab recruiter’s attention with a catchy paragraph selling your most valuable skills.

Core skills

A bullet pointed list of your skills split over two columns will give readers a great snapshot of your value.

Work experience

Show employers the impact you make in the workplace by detailing your previous roles thoroughly.

Round your CV off with a detailed list of your education to prove you are qualified.

Remember to keep your CV at around 2 pages in length  – anything longer and you risk losing readers’ attention.

Keep your CV style very simple with a clean font and muted colours – don’t be tempted to jazz it up with wacky colours or pictures, this can look unprofessional and messy.

Now let’s take a look at those sections in detail, and see what content needs to go into each one.

Contact details

At the very top of your CV, add your name and contact details, using up minimal space on the CV.

You want to make it extremely easy for recruiters to contact you – after all, that is the purpose of your CV!

Be sure to include…

Your phone number (mobile ideally so you can answer calls about jobs 24/7)

Your email address (Use a professional looking email address and not a nickname)

Your location (Just a rough area such as London/Leeds/Oxford)

Do not include…

Your full address – it’s not needed at this stage and will take up too much space

Your date of birth – Your age shouldn’t have any effect on a hiring decision

A photograph – Employers are only interested in what skills and knowledge you can bring to their school, they aren’t concerned with how you look.

CV profile / personal statement

To hold the attention of recruiters and school staff reading your CV, it’s essential to sell yourself with a quick punchy paragraph at the top.

Your profile or personal-statement should give a nice summary of your skills , experience, qualifications and knowledge.

(You can see more CV profile examples here )

The idea is to sell yourself, and encourage readers to continue reading your CV.

So, what kind of info should you put into your teaching assistant CV profile?

At this stage in your CV, schools will want to know these types of details…

• Types of schools you have worked in
• Ages of children you work with
• Teaching related qualifications
• Subjects or curriculums you have knowledge of
• Skills related to teaching – Classroom management, supporting teachers etc
• Anything else that could be relevant to the jobs you are applying for.

Avoid writing too many cliché phrases like, “ works well in a team or individually ” because they don’t tell readers anything factual about you.

Quick tip:  If you worry that your spelling and grammar might not be correct, try using our quick-and-easy CV Builder  to eliminate the risk of making mistakes.

Core skills section

If you really want to make sure that you grab recruiters’ attention in those vital first few seconds of them opening your CV – you need to add a core skills section.

Like this one.

All you need to do is list your most vital skills and knowledge in a bullet pointed list.

By adding this section, anybody who opens your CV can get a very good idea of your abilities from just a quick glance – perfect for creating a big impact.

Your work experience

To show recruiters and potential employers that you can contribute plenty of value in the workplace, you need to give a detailed account of your work experience.

If you have experience working within schools or other educational settings, that’s great – and you should focus on it within your CV.

If you don’t have any direct education experience – that’s OK. You just need to focus on drawing out transferable skills from your previous work (I’ll talk about what those skills are later in this post) or even consider getting some voluntary experience first.

To start with, order your roles in reverse chronology, which means start with the most recent job, and work down to your older roles – like the diagram below.

Structuring your role descriptions

To ensure that your roles are easy to read and show recruiters how you contribute to employers’ success, it’s important to structure your roles properly.

Use this simple but effective method to structure your roles.

• Responsibilities
• Achievements

This annotated example shows you how it works in practice

Start by detailing the start and finish dates of your roles (month and year) along with the name of your employer and job title

Jan 2013 – Nov 2016                 Long Lane Primary School | Primary Teaching Assistant

Then head the role with an outline which tells readers, who you work for (school, year group etc.) and what the overall goal of the role is.

Then list your responsibilities for the job in a series of short sharp bullet points to explain your input, show who you interact with, and showcase your skills.

Typical responsibilities could look like this:

• “Designing and creating classroom displays to aid students in learning ongoing topics”
• “Supporting class teacher in classroom management and keeping students focused”

Once you’ve listed your responsibilities, throw in some impressive achievements to really wow recruiters.

Achievements should give examples of times where you have gone the extra mile to help your employer, students or colleagues

For example…

• Ran after school revision workshops and all attendees achieved 80% + exam scores
• Introduced new reward system which greatly improved classroom behaviour

See our  best CV templates  for more examples of role structures.

When writing your CV roles (and the rest of your CV) it’s important to know exactly what recruiters are looking for, so you can reflect relevant skills.

So here is a quick list of some important skills and knowledge that recruiters will be expecting from a teaching assistant.

Some of these will require direct experience previously working in a teaching related role, whereas some of these skills can be gained in other workplaces or even study – so be creative if you don’t have the exact experience.

• Working with children – Teaching assistant work involves constant interaction with children of varied ages, so it helps to have some previous experience working with young people. This could be gained in a school, or perhaps in youth centres, sports clubs etc.
• Communication – Communication skill are vital in the classroom, so it pays to pack your CV with examples of your written, spoken and visual communication talents.
• Supporting teachers – The TA role revolves around supporting the class teacher so be sure to include this on your CV, or at least occasions where you have supported other senior staff.
• Behaviour management – Ensuring students are well-behaved and focused on work.
• Reading, writing and numeracy – An educational role will require you to have high standards across all three of these areas.
• Planning – Helping students to make progress requires long-term planning , which TA’s will likely support their class teacher with.
• Administration tasks – Admin is a vital part of many roles, and within a TA’s role it could involve photocopying class work, or filing attendance records.
• Creating displays – Teaching assistants need a healthy dose of creativity and artistic flair to create engaging classroom displays.
• Teaching qualifications – Whilst teaching qualifications aren’t necessarily needed for TA roles, it can be helpful to have them. GCSE’s in maths in English are an entry requirement though.

Round your CV up by listing your education at the bottom, including GCSE’s, A-levels, vocational qualifications etc.

Format the roles by listing:

• School/college attended
• Attendance dates
• Qualifications

Any qualifications that are highly relevant to teaching assistant roles (such as Maths GCSEs or teaching qualifications) should also be mentioned at the top of your CV in the profile to ensure they aren’t missed.

Hobbies and interests

Hobbies are an optional section, but you can add them if you think they will add value to your applications.

For example, if you don’t have much school experience, but you volunteer at local kid’s clubs in your spare time, then it would certainly be worth mentioning that in your CV.

Conclusion – create an impressive teaching assistant CV

If you’re looking to land a top teaching assistant job, use the above outlines to ensure you attract recruiters and impress employers.

Start by doing some research and looking at teaching assistant roles online to find out more about what your target employers are looking for.

Create an easy-to-read structure for readers, kick your CV off with an eye-catching profile, and cram your roles full of highly relevant skills and knowledge.

Once you’ve perfected your CV, proofread it and remove any typos before sending it out to plenty of recruiters and employers.

Good luck with your job search

HOW ON EARTH DO I WRITE

MY PERSONAL STATEMENT?

So, there you are, filling in your TA job application form.  You've got to write your personal statement and your brain is HURTING trying to fathom out how to do it!  Well, never fear...

THE KEY TO WRITING YOUR PERSONAL STATEMENT IS TO:

1.  Start by writing a draft first.  If you have Microsoft word or something similar, type it in there because it will make adding and taking away sections much easier.  It will also alert you to any spelling or grammar mistakes. 

2.  Write a short opening paragraph introducing yourself.  How long you've been a TA, your qualifications and the age range of the children you've worked with...that sort of thing.

3.  Now look at the job description and choose a statement to write about.  It might be a statement about special educational needs, behaviour, confidentiality, safeguarding.  Just choose one and write briefly about it to demonstrate your understanding.  A great way to demonstrate this, is to give a brief account of an actual experience at school (choose a positive experience). 4.  Then choose another statement and in a new paragraph, write about that.

5.  Continue in this way until you have covered the main areas of the Teaching Assistant role.

6.  Then you can start filling in any bits you might have missed.

Here's an example to help clarify all this for you. The first sheet is a personal statement. The second and third sheets are that statement again with explanations regarding how they fulfilled the remit of the job description...

PERSONAL STATEMENT 

WITH EXPLANATIONS

Read the above example 2 or 3 times along with the explanations, in blue, so that you understand the process.  Your personal statement may well be longer than my example and that's okay, most schools will expect up to 4 sides of A4, but don't make it any longer than that. It goes without saying that you should follow the instructions of the school concerned because, not doing that, could see your application form going straight to the shredder! Next we'll move on to the more detailed version of a personal statement...

Below, is the job description I used to create the more detailed personal statement above.  To make it easier for you to relate each section of the statement to the job description, I have highlighted the paragraphs in corresponding colours. All I have done, here, is read each statement on the job description and thought about how that translates to my day-to-day work routines.  Using the job description has created a very detailed personal statement.  If you are sent a Job Specification document in your interview pack, use that to create your personal statement instead, it's the same process. I have included an example of a Job Specification document below, download it from the button provided.  

If the above images are difficult to read, you can download the pdf files from the buttons below! Print them out to enable you to easily compare them.

If you've not written your personal statement before, just follow my instructions and know that once you get writing, it will all start to fall into place.  Yes, you'll probably need to create it in several sessions; doing something new takes a lot of creative brain power!  So, give yourself time and, I promise, you'll be pleased with the result. I also have a book 'Smashing Your TA Personal Statement', that shows you how to write an interview-worthy personal statement AND it includes FREE BONUS MATERIAL of personal statement examples that you can customise with your own information!

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT IT AND SEE SOME MORE IMAGES!

THIS IS ONE OF MY MANY FREE RESOURCES CREATED BY ME TO ENABLE YOU TO BE A TA WORKING AT YOUR MOST CONFIDENT BEST!

IF YOU'D LIKE TO SHOW YOUR THANKS IN SOME WAY, i'D LOVE IT IF YOU'D...

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How To Write A Teaching Assistant Personal Statement

12 December 2022

Personal statements are often overlooked as a crucial element in the recruitment process, but they can be incredibly rewarding when conducted correctly.

Including a balanced blend of various sections, bringing together the perfect teaching assistant personal statement can enhance your application and give your potential employer an ideal glimpse into your professional and personal background. 

What is a Personal Statement for a Teaching Assistant?

A personal statement is a professional document that details your achievements, experience and interests. Personal statements are usually written as part of a job application to showcase the positive qualities of an applicant to a potential employer. 

In a personal statement, information such as the applicant’s work experience as well as previous education should be included. Goals and aspirations are also beneficial to include as it proves to an employer that you are focussed on working towards something.

Additionally, the personal statement should include any other relevant information that may apply to the desired position. By doing so, the employer can see how the applicant is the correct fit for the role and will gain an understanding of their personality and interests. 

What Should a Teaching Assistant’s Personal Statement Include?

There are many different combinations of aspects to include in a personal statement. Below are the five key elements we believe you should include to get the best out of your personal statement. 

A Brief Opening

A brief opening is an ideal way to introduce your personal statement to the employer. It should be descriptive and give the reader the opportunity to understand more about yourself, including your experiences and why you are right for the job. 

You should also include in this section the reasons for applying to work in this particular company and why they should offer the position to you. This brief opening is the perfect chance to express your personality, and it’s crucial that you do this before continuing on the remainder of your personal statement. 

Next, you should include an education section to align the position’s duties with your previous education. 

The education section of your personal statement isn’t just the chance to inform the employer of the school you attended. The section is designed to describe accomplishments and academic awards you may have achieved throughout your time in education.

Any significant achievements are key to include as it shows the employer how you strive to achieve the best and are willing to go the extra mile for success. 

The experience section of your personal statement should detail your professional experiences and how these would benefit you in your ideal role. 

For example, for a personal statement written for the position of teaching assistant, you should include any previous work experience that will demonstrate your competence in this sector.

By including these experiences, you can prove to your potential employer that you have the professional background to succeed in the chosen role. 

In your skills section, you should aim to include any skills that will help you in your role as a teaching assistant.

You could begin with your own educational skills and develop this to explain how this will help when interacting with students. 

Why You Want the Position

Finally, you should aim to detail exactly why you want the position offered at the conclusion stage of your personal statement. 

Explain to the employer how this position would assist you in developing your career should you be successful in the hiring process and when this opportunity would take you in the future. Including this near the end of your personal statement will force the reader to remember it as the last thing in their mind. 

Last but not least, finish your personal statement by thanking the recipient for their time. Doing so demonstrates that you are thankful for the opportunity and shows awareness of the importance of their time in considering you as an applicant. 

Teaching Assistant Roles from Always Flourishing.

At Always Flourishing, we are experienced in landing individuals in their perfect teaching roles. 

Whether you are looking to become a fully qualified teacher, a teaching assistant or a supply teacher, we have every opportunity for you. If you would like more information on the job roles we can offer, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

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How to Write a Personal Statement for an SEN Teaching Assistant Role

• June 27, 2022

A personal statement (usually placed near the top of your CV beneath your contact details) is your chance to summarise your qualifications, experience, and key skills to highlight what you can offer to a prospective employer. 

Ideally, you should tailor your personal statement to each job that you apply for. This should be relatively easy to do since the jobs you’ll be applying for will probably be similar if they’re all in an SEN (special educational needs) environment. However, we advise that you always read the job description every time you apply for a new role. This is to ensure that you can provide relevant information in your personal statement which will help demonstrate the qualities a prospective employer is seeking in order to fill the role. For example, if you’re applying for an SEN teaching assistant job, then you’ll need to highlight your experience of working with SEN students and the key skills you acquired.

To help you successfully gain a special educational needs teaching assistant job, you need to have a personal statement that stands out. Your personal statement should be professional, but the key word here is personal; make it distinctive by providing the facts, such as the where and when (where did you teach and in what year), and then infuse your characteristics by detailing the how and the what (how you went about the day-to-day tasks and what you achieved). 

The start of a good personal statement should look something like this:

An empathetic, patient, and extremely dedicated teaching assistant, with experience and particular enthusiasm for working in special educational needs. In my previous role, as an SEN teaching assistant, I supported students in their learning, helping them to achieve their individual goals by adapting my teaching methods accordingly.

To create a personal statement that will make you stand out to a prospective employer, there are a few key pieces of information that you must include. With this in mind, we have put together a small list that should hopefully assist you when you come to write your personal statement for an SEN teaching assistant job.

What to include in an SEN teaching assistant personal statement:

1. mention any top achievements you’ve had.

Hopefully, these are relevant to the position you are applying for. However, even if your top achievement isn’t related to special educational needs, it is worth still mentioning it as employers like to see you have other passions in life. But you should also try to add another achievement or something that you’re particularly proud of, which you can relate to SEN.

2. Describe yourself using attributes needed for the role you are applying for

An example of this would be:

An empathetic, patient, and extremely dedicated teaching assistant, with experience and particular enthusiasm for working in special educational needs.

SEN teaching assistants need to be empathetic, patient, and very dedicated in order to effectively achieve their day-to-day tasks and, ultimately, help their students meet their learning goals. But there may be other personal qualities a prospective employer is seeking, which is why you should always check the job description so that you can tailor your personal statement to suit. 

3. Highlight any previous experience you have and the skills you acquired

You should link these skills to the job you are applying for. For example, you may be applying for an SEN teaching assistant position within a school, whereas your only previous experience could be from working voluntarily at a community centre where you supported children with SEN.

Although the previous role wasn’t within a school, the skills gained while working in a community centre will still be very relevant; you would have been exposed to children of various ages with numerous needs and you would have had to adapt your communication skills and your method of support.

This level of commitment and adaptability is exactly what prospective employers are looking for. This is also your opportunity to mention any qualifications you may have gained which will further demonstrate your dedication to the sector. 

4. Think about your aspirations for the future

Explain how the job you are applying for fits in with these future goals. A prospective employer wants to see that you have a genuine interest in pursuing a career within a special educational needs environment. So, to get an idea of what you’d like to be doing further down your career path, do some research into the sort of jobs that are available, and to where/how you can progress from the job you are applying for.

This will give you further insight into the SEN sector to enable you to establish your goals. You’ll then be able to include these goals in your personal statement which means a prospective employer will, hopefully, see longevity if they were to hire you.

5. Demonstrate you know what the job entails

If you have covered all of the above four areas in your personal statement, then you should have successfully demonstrated that you know what’s expected of an SEN teaching assistant. But, again, make sure you have thoroughly read the role description of the job you’re applying for, and include a couple of short examples from your previous experience that can prove you have exactly what it takes to be an SEN teaching assistant.

Now that you know how to successfully write a personal statement, take a look at the SEN teaching assistant jobs currently available.

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How to write a great teaching assistant covering letter and CV

Teaching assistant, tes editorial.

You’ve decided to apply for a teaching assistant (TA) job. Now you just need to nail that covering letter and CV.

Most job adverts will either ask for a CV or for you to fill out an application form. They will also expect either a covering letter or they will leave space on the application for a “personal statement”. This is your opportunity to allow your personality to shine through and let the HR manager know exactly why you are the perfect person for this role.

• How to become a teaching assistant
• TA interview: potential questions
• How to move from TA to teacher

1. Make it personal

Hannah Wilson, headteacher of Aureus Secondary School in Oxford, advises that you personalise your letter to the school you’re applying to.

“Do your research: you’ve got to visit the school, review the website, read the prospectus,” she advises. Then use this information to inform your application.

“You have to make it clear why you want to work at this school specifically,” says Wilson.

2. Don’t dwell on what you don’t have

Instead of wasting precious word count explaining why you don’t have experience, make the most of what you do have.

“Share your experiences looking after children, volunteering in your community, raising your own children. Show your understanding of child development and supporting children with additional learning needs,” Wilson says.

3. Any SEND experience is valuable

As an learning support assistant (LSA) or TA, you’re likely to be tasked with working with those students who have special educational needs and disability (SEND). Therefore, any experience you have of children who have additional needs is beneficial.

“You should mention all the experience you have, even if it is your own children or family members,” says Wilson.

“You can show you have read up on SEND issues, and you are willing to learn. If you have not had experience, you can still demonstrate your understanding and link to your own temperament and character, and how you are suited to this type of work.”

4. Cheque you’re spellign

“Make sure your statement is proofread, and that your application is grammatically correct,” Wilson warns.

Some applications won’t allow you to edit the form or submit online. In those situations, Wilson warns against writing straight on to the form.

“Write it in Word first, and then proofread it before you copy it on to the application form.”

Many teaching assistants go on to become qualified classroom teachers. With Tes Institute’s Straight to Teaching course you can train while working in your current school.

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This Example Teaching Assistant CV Will Help You Land Your Next Job

About over 2 years ago By Eloise Gladwyn

Download example teaching assistant CV here

When it comes to job hunting, a great CV is your best friend. With just a brief glance, a recruiter will decide if you are the right fit for the job. In fact, this glance can be so short, the chairman of the popular recruitment company REED stated that recruiters can spend as little as 7 seconds looking at a CV! With only a fraction of a minute to make an impression, your CV really needs to stand out.

Before we start, take a second to download the example teaching assistant CV we linked to above. We’re about to go each section in detail and discuss what you need to include in your CV to keep those eyes on the page!

1.     Personal Statement

The personal statement is the first part of your CV that a hiring manager will read, so you need to make it stand out and grab their attention. It should include a clear, succinct explanation of your experiences in the industry, or any relevant experience if you do not have direct experience from a school. You should highlight your key areas of strength here and show how you can fulfil the role of a TA. Things you can include are:

-       Ages of children you have worked with

-       Abilities of children you have worked with

-       Skills necessary for the classroom

-       Any subjects you have a particularly strong knowledge of

 You should finish your personal statement with a short summary of your personality and how it makes you a good fit for a role working with children in education. Avoid cliché, overgeneralised statements such as ‘I love working with children’ and think more granular – what about working with children do you like? Is it breaking down information into a digestible manner, or when children get that ‘eureka!’ moment when they finally get something you’ve been helping them learn?

You can finish this section by listing your core skills underneath to hook the recruiter into reading more about your experiences.

For example:

I am an able and supportive teaching assistant with over five years’ experience working with children of primary school age. I have proven experience of being able to develop effective and successful working relationships with school staff and students. I have a strong understanding of the primary school national curriculum and have tested experience of supporting teachers with lesson planning and classroom activities. I am empathetic and sensitive towards the varied needs of the students I assist, and I am passionate about working towards the collective goal of student independence.

CORE SKILLS

·       Relationship builder with teachers and pupils

·       Excellent team member with strong communication skills  

·       Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning

·       Supportive and patient disposition

2.     Employment history

This is where you list your previous work history. You can either make a list running from most recent to the least recent, or you can list by relevance to the role. Make sure to include what your job title was and list your key responsibilities. Always highlight what you did well there, and your stand-out achievements. Be sure to highlight any experience gained in behaviour management, special needs, planning, assessment, and supporting teaching staff.

Teaching Assistant

Reading Road Primary School, Epping

From MM/YY to MM/YY

Primary school of c.150 students, provided teaching assistance from reception level to Year 6 across a range of subjects.

·       Supporting the class teacher and individual needs of the students day-to-day

·       Participating in a range of lessons from classroom to games

·       Managing incidents and challenging behaviour

Achievements

·       Commended by headteacher for the continued progress of four Year 5 pupils in history

·       Asked to attend parents’ evening and provide feedback on individual pupil performance

3.     Education and Development

In this section, you should list all your educational qualifications and agreements. Schools will set their own educational requirements for applicants, but generally most schools ask for a grade 9-4 (A*-C) in GCSE Maths and English. If you are applying to teach at primary schools, GCSE Science will also be beneficial.

EDUCATION & QUALIFICATIONS

·       Teaching Assistant NVQ Level 2, Epping College July 2015

·       8 GCSEs including Maths (C), Science (C), English (B), Epping Secondary School July 2013

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

·       Teaching Assistant NVQ Level 2 (2015)

·       Clean UK driving license

·       Five day intensive First Aid course (2015)

4.     Personal interests

This section is optional, but letting your personality shine through could be the cherry on top of a winning application. Schools are incredibly social places, so a hiring manager might want to know a bit about your hobbies and interests to get a better idea of you as a person.

Standing out from the crowd is the name of the game, so if you possess a special talent you could utilise in your teaching that is perhaps hard to come by – for instance, if you are a confident instrument player or are good at a particular sport – then mention it. Your qualifications and employment history are the parts of a teaching assistant CV that will get you the job, but there is certainly no harm in letting your individuality shine through.

·       Swimming

·       Playing the flute

·       Spanish cinema

Top Tips for your CV writing

It is always good practice to check out the job description for the role you are applying for. It will contain a lot of key points and terms to respond to and weave into your CV. This will show the recruiter you have taken the time to consider what the school wants from the applicant and how you can fulfil those needs. Extra points if you provide examples of how you have fulfilled the needs in the past!

Keep your CV under two pages in length in order to keep the reader’s attention. Overloading your information with text can put recruiters off; keep your information in short, punchy bullet points.

If you’re looking to land a teaching assistant job, we hope these tips and tricks will help you get there. Follow these steps and you’ll be a teaching assistant before you know it!

Protocol Education can help you find your next role

As one of the UK’s leading educational recruitment agencies, we help hundreds of teaching assistants every year put their skills into practice in primary schools , secondary schools , special schools or as part of the National Tutoring Programme .

Even if you have no previous experience as a teaching assistant, our consultants will find you the right opportunities to get into the classroom and start changing lives. Browse our latest TA job listings or register with us to be the first to know about the best placements.

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How To Write a Personal Statement for Job Searching

Madeleine Burry writes about careers and job searching for The Balance. She covers topics around career changes, job searching, and returning from maternity leave, and has been writing for The Balance since 2014.

Different Types of Personal Statements

What you should include, tips for writing a job search personal statement, examples of personal statements.

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What's a personal statement, and why do you need one when you're job searching? A job search personal statement is a place to share why you're interested in a position and why you're a good match.

In your statement, you can get a bit personal—use the space to share details and insights about yourself, and forge a connection with potential employers. Here are some tips on how to write a successful personal statement that will further your job search.

A personal statement may be included in your curriculum vitae  or CV. Much like an in-person elevator speech or the summary section within a resume, a CV personal statement highlights your objectives and abilities. Since a CV may stretch over several pages, this allows you to showcase must-see details from within the document. You'll want to write just a few sentences for a personal statement in a CV.  

Or, you may need to write a personal statement as part of a job application. This helps hiring managers to separate out candidates applying for every job in a category (e.g., putting in applications for any "production manager" position) from more engaged candidates, who are interested in the company.

Write something that matches the application's requested word count; if one isn't provided, aim for 250 to 500 words. Regardless of where it appears, your goal in a personal statement is the same: try to connect your background and goals with the job at hand.

In your personal statement, you want to make a connection between yourself and the position. Think of this as a three-part process:

• Share Some Details About Yourself: Who are you? You may say things like "Highly seasoned production manager" or "Recent graduate with honors."
• Highlight Your Most Relevant Experience and Talents and Share What You'd Bring to the Company: Think: "Strong, speedy writer capable of crafting ad copy that engages and enchants." or "In my years as a project manager, I've never let a detail slip; I've won internal awards for the best team player. My projects release on time and match requested specifications."
• Provide a Bit of Information About Your Career Goals: For instance, "Looking for a staff writer position" or "Eager for placement in a mid-sized firm as an audit supervisor" or "Seeking a position as a production assistant to further develop my skills in television and put my time management abilities to the test."

While it's called a personal statement, avoid over-sharing. Only include information that's relevant to the job at hand. That is if you're applying for a position as an accountant, no need to mention your goal of becoming a staff writer at a magazine.

Remember, the main goal of your personal statement is for it to further your job search.

Your 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 the personal statement from scratch each time—just make tweaks so it reflects the needs of the company and the qualities requested in the job description.

Here are more tips for writing a successful job search personal statement:

• Know Your Audience: Target your personal statement to a specific job position and company. Spend a bit of time researching the company to get a sense of what they're looking for in a candidate. Decode the job description so you understand the company's needs in a candidate. Take notes on where your qualifications are a good match for the position.
• Make Some Lists: What have you done that employers should know about? Make a list of your accomplishments (and keep in mind that while splashy awards are important, so too is reorganizing a chaotic system that gives everyone hives to make it user-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 Down: Hopefully, your time spent thinking about the company's needs and what you have to offer has given you plenty of fodder to get started writing your personal statement. At this point, don't worry about length; write as much you want. Then, go back and edit—aim for a few sentences for a CV and around 250 to 500 words in an application. Cut unnecessary words and clichés that don't add meaning. Instead, use action verbs . While it's fine to write in the first person, avoid overusing the word "I." Try to vary the composition of sentences.
• Make It Targeted: You have lots of skills and interests and work experience. What you want to emphasize in one position is not necessarily what you want to highlight in another. If you are qualified as both a writer and an editor, choose which talent to call out in your personal statement—and make it the one that's most relevant to the job you want.

Here are some examples of personal statements to use as inspiration:

• I'm a seasoned accountant with CPA and CMA certification and more than 10 years of experience working in large firms. Oversaw audits and a department of ten. My positive attitude and detail-oriented spirit help ensure that month-end financial wrap-ups go smoothly and without any inaccuracies or fire drills. Looking for a leadership role in my next position.
• Recent college graduate with freelance writing experience at major print magazines as well as online outlets and the college newspaper. A strong writer who always meets deadlines, and matches the company tone and voice. In search of a staff writer position and eager to learn the magazine trade from the ground up.
• I'm an award-winning designer in children's clothes looking to make the transition to adult athletic year. At Company X, I developed a new line for toddlers and traveled to Asia to oversee production. I'm a fast learner and am eager for a new challenge in the growing field of athleisure.   

How to Write a Great Personal Brand Statement (With Examples)

Personal branding is a key tool in the digital age. It helps you stand out in your career, business, and relationships. One powerful tool for personal branding is the personal brand statement.

A personal branding statement focuses on your skills, strengths, values, and goals. It's a snapshot of who you are and what you can offer, showcasing your unique story, passions, and expertise.

Using a good personal branding strategy, you can present your true self, build trust, and make a lasting impression. A solid personal brand statement also guides your actions and decisions, aligning them with your values and goals.

In this article, we'll explore personal brand statements. We'll examine why they're important, their key parts, and how to create an impactful statement that shows off your unique personal brand. We'll also talk about tips and strategies for using personal brand statements to help you succeed professionally and personally.

What is a Personal Brand Statement?

Why is personal branding important, the pillars of a strong personal branding statement, strong personal brand statement examples, tips & techniques for creating strong personal brands, common mistakes to avoid when crafting a personal brand statement, integrating your successful personal brand statement into your professional life, updating and maintaining your personal brand statement.

To answer the question “What is personal branding?” you should know what a personal brand statement is. Likewise, it is also vital for you to know the answer to the question, ‘ Why is personal branding important ?'.

First of all, here is the personal branding definition. This succinct and compelling declaration encapsulates your unique attributes, professional goals, and values. It serves as a concise summary of who you are, what you excel at, and what sets you apart from others in your field.

So, what is the importance of personal branding ? A solid personal brand statement is like a spotlight on your career. It shows you're an expert in your field.

It's like a special tool that helps you stand out in a tough job market. It draws in potential bosses or customers and enables you to find great job opportunities.

Creating a clear and straightforward personal branding statement shows others who you are as a professional and what you can do. This can help people remember you and can lead to exciting new chances.

Personal branding helps you grow in your career. When you think carefully about your personal brand and share it with others, you can make yourself stand out from everyone else in your job field.

Standing out can help you get new opportunities, meet influential people, and get your desired jobs. Personal branding lets you show off what makes you special, like your unique skills, strengths, and knowledge. This helps employers, clients, or partners see you as valuable.

On top of that, your own personal brand affects how others see you. How you show yourself and your personal brand shapes what others think of you.

A well-thought-out personal brand can make people think well of you, trust you, and see you as a credible professional. This positive image can lead to more chances to advance in your career, work with others, and grow.

To sum it up, personal brands are important for career development because it helps you stand out and show your unique value. It also influences how others see you, giving you new opportunities and help you grow professionally.

By investing time and effort in personal branding, you can control how people see you professionally, shape your reputation, and set yourself up for success in your chosen field.

A strong personal branding statement is built upon several key pillars:

• Authenticity - This forms the core of your personal brand. You create a genuine, relatable brand that resonates with others by staying true to yourself and your values.
• Clarity - This means being able to show what's unique about you. Having a short and clear personal branding statement helps people see what makes you different.
• Relevance - This is about making your personal brand match what people expect from you. You can make a strong connection if you know what people need and shape your message to that.

Last is consistency . This is about always being the same and keeping your promises. This helps build trust and makes you seem reliable. This can make your personal brand stronger. If you keep clarity, relevance, and consistency in mind, you can make a personal brand statement that shows who you are and leaves a lasting impact.

Your personal branding statement is the foundation that sets you apart, defining your unique qualities, aspirations, and value proposition.

Here are ten successful personal branding examples for your reference.

• "I am a visionary leader passionate about driving social impact through technology innovation."
• "As a marketing strategist, I specialise in helping companies build powerful brands that captivate audiences and drive business growth."
• "I am a certified fitness coach dedicated to empowering individuals to achieve their health and wellness goals through personalised training and nutrition plans."
• "Combining my love for design and sustainability, I create eco-friendly and stylish home decor that brings beauty and conscious living together."
• "I am a sought-after keynote speaker who inspires and motivates audiences to unlock their full potential and embrace personal growth.
• "I am a creative problem solver passionate about crafting compelling brand stories that connect businesses with their target audiences."
• "As a financial advisor, I empower individuals and families to take control of their financial well-being through personalised strategies and sound investment advice."
• "I am a technology evangelist dedicated to simplifying complex concepts and helping others confidently navigate the digital landscape."
• "With a background in psychology and a passion for personal development, I guide individuals in overcoming limiting beliefs and unlocking their true potential."
• "As a seasoned project manager, I thrive in dynamic environments, collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver impactful results on time and within budget."

These examples provide us with key insights into effective personal brand statements. Firstly, they are concise and focused, conveying a clear and specific message.

Secondly, they highlight your unique skills, passions, and expertise. They also showcase your value to the respective fields and the audience it serves. Lastly, these examples demonstrate the power of combining personal authenticity with a clear value proposition to create memorable and impactful personal brand statements.

Here are some tips and tricks to make an effective personal brand statement .

Start with self-reflection . Think about what makes you unique, what you're passionate about, and what you value. This helps you create a personal brand that's true to you.

Next, try understanding your target audience. If you know what they need and expect, you can shape your statement to connect with them.

When crafting your strong personal brand statement , keep it short and clear. Focus on what makes you unique. Using a story can make your statement more interesting and connect with people on an emotional level.

Lastly, refinement is vital. Check it regularly to ensure it matches your brand and connects with your audience. Getting feedback from people you trust can help you improve it over time.

Using these personal branding tips and techniques can help you make a personal brand statement that captures who you are, connects with your audience, and sets you apart.

Crafting a strong personal brand statement is crucial for success, but it's easy to stumble into common mistakes that can weaken your impact. To avoid these pitfalls, take note of the following common mistakes in writing a personal branding statement.

• Lack of clarity: Your personal branding statement should be concise and to the point. Avoid using jargon or ambiguous language that might confuse your audience.
• Being too generic: Avoid using generic and clichéd phrases that don't differentiate you from others. Your statement should highlight your specific strengths, skills, and values.
• Overemphasis on job titles: Don't focus solely on your job title or current role. Instead, highlight the skills, expertise, and achievements that make you stand out.
• Overpromising: Be authentic in your statement. Avoid making grandiose claims or promises that you cannot deliver on.
• Neglecting your target audience: Tailor your personal branding statement to the audience you want to reach. Consider what they value and how you can meet their needs.
• Lack of consistency: Ensure that your branding statement aligns with your overall personal brand across all platforms and communications.
• Ignoring feedback: Be open to feedback from peers, mentors, or friends. They can offer valuable insights and help you refine your statement.
• Neglecting your unique qualities: Identify and highlight what distinguishes you. Your statement should reflect your authentic self and what makes you unique.
• Being too self-centered: While your personal branding statement is about you, focus on how your skills and expertise can benefit others and add value.
• Ignoring your online presence: In today's digital age, your personal branding statement should be consistent with your online presence and social media profiles.
• Being too lengthy: Keep your branding statement concise. Aim for a few sentences or a short paragraph that captures the essence of your brand. ⁠

Using your personal brand statement professionally can help you make a solid and lasting impression. Here's how you can do it:

• Online Presence: Put your personal brand statement on your social media platforms, website, or professional bio. This way, anyone who sees your online profiles will know what you're all about.
• Networking: Use your brand statement when meeting new people at events or meetings. It's a quick and easy way to introduce yourself and tell people what separates you.
• Actions: Make sure what you do matches what you say in your personal brand statement. This shows you're genuine and builds trust with your coworkers.

Using your personal brand statement in these ways can create a solid personal brand that helps boost your professional success and connects you with others in your industry.

Keeping your personal brand statement up-to-date is important. This makes sure it still fits your career path and values. As you grow in your career, your personal brand should change and grow too.

Make sure to check and update your personal brand statement frequently. This makes sure it still talks about your goals, values, and skills in the right way. Remember to include any new things you've learned or achievements earned.

By evolving your personal brand statement as you progress in your career, you can keep your personal brand powerful and put yourself in a good spot for future success.

An excellent personal brand statement is critical in today's work world. It's a strong and concise way to show people what makes you unique and what you can bring to the table.

As you work on your personal brand, remember four key things - being true to yourself, clear, relevant, and consistent. Understand who you are and your audience, and use effective writing techniques . This will help you make a compelling personal brand statement that sticks with people.

Lastly, stay away from things like being untrue about yourself, being unclear or too complicated, not thinking about your audience, and not being consistent. Instead, make sure your personal brand is genuine, clear, relevant, and consistent.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• How often should I update my personal brand statement? ⁠You should check and change your personal brand statement at least once a year or when big things change in your work, goals, or skills. Regular checks ensure your personal brand statement stays up-to-date with your work journey. ⁠
• Should my personal and professional brand statements differ? ⁠Your personal and work brand statements may overlap, but they can be different. Personal statements often share your interests and beliefs. Professional statements usually highlight your job skills and expertise. ⁠
• What is the ideal length of a personal brand statement? ⁠A good personal brand statement is short, usually one to three sentences. Aim for a clear, strong message that effectively shows and tells your unique value. ⁠
• How can I make my personal brand statement stand out? ⁠Discuss your special strengths, experiences, or viewpoints to make your brand statement stand out. Include specific examples or achievements that show your expertise and what makes you different from others in your work. Adding a touch of creativity or storytelling to your personal brand statement can also make it more memorable. ⁠
• Do I need a personal brand statement if I'm a student or a recent graduate? ⁠ Yes, having a personal brand statement is beneficial regardless of your experience level. As a student or recent graduate, your brand statement can highlight your educational background, relevant skills, internships, or projects demonstrating your potential and passion for your chosen field. It sets the foundation for building your professional identity and helps you stand out in a competitive job market.

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• How To Write Your Postgraduate Personal Statement

Choosing a university

• Fairs and open days
• Entry requirements
• What are the differences between an undergraduate and postgraduate personal statement?

What's on this page?

What is a personal statement, preparing to write your personal statement, opening your personal statement, work experience and future plans, ending your personal statement.

Your postgraduate personal statement is your chance to get noticed for your expertise and experience you’ve gathered. It’s an important part of the application process as it allows you to talk about yourself and your passions and prove the value you can bring to your chosen university.

In this article, we’re going to talk you through how to write a postgraduate personal statement that stands out and gives you the best chance of being offered a place on the master’s programme you’re applying for. 

Shona Barrie – Director of Admissions, University of Stirling

You’ll have already written a personal statement for your undergraduate study, so you’ll know the importance of preparation. There are two things to think about when you’re planning:

• The practical and factual information you need to get across.
• Then, the more emotional, human parts of you that make you different to everyone else. 

Before you start writing, take some time to think about the key things you’d want your chosen university to know about you, and get them down on paper.

Questions to focus your mind

• Why have you chosen this master’s programme?
• Why are you passionate about this subject matter? 
• How has your undergraduate study influenced your decision to apply?
• Have you got any work experience that might help you?
• What life experiences have you had that you could talk about?
• What achievements can you talk about to support your application?
• Why do you want to study at this particular university?
• What plans and ambitions do you have for your future career?

Three top tips

Be specific.

Remember that a postgraduate personal statement needs you to talk specifically about the university you’ve chosen.

Demonstrate experience

Universities will be looking for postgraduate students who are able to demonstrate expertise in a particular subject – so include that.

Show what you've learnt

Tell the university about your university life as an undergraduate and include any clubs or societies you were involved in.

Admissions tutors will be reading a lot of personal statements so it’s important to grab their attention right from the start. 

You can find a full guide on How to start a personal statement: The attention grabber but here are the main things for you to think about. 

• Don’t overthink the opening . Just start by showing your enthusiasm for the subject, showcasing your knowledge and understanding, and sharing your ambitions of what you want to achieve.
• Avoid cliches . Remember, this opening part is simply about introducing yourself, so let the admissions tutor reading your personal statement get to know you. 
• Keep it relevant and simple . You’re limited on how much you can include so avoid long-winded explanations. Why use 50 words when ten can make your point?

Talking about the course

Now you’re ready to start talking about the course and subject you’re applying for.

There are four main areas you’ll need to cover in this section of your personal statement. 

• Why are you applying for this master’s?  Think about your undergraduate study and how this master’s will develop your expertise further. Do you have career aspirations this course will help you achieve?
• Why does the subject interest you? This is your chance to show your passion and really demonstrate who you are. If you have work or volunteering experiences related to the subject, include them here.
• Why do you think you’ll be an asset to the university?  Your personal and practical skills combined together create a unique picture of who you are and why you’ll be a successful postgraduate student, so include both. 
• How does your previous undergraduate study relate to the course? Showcase your enthusiasm for your current study and take the opportunity to demonstrate your skills and knowledge now, and how you want to build on that. 

Next, you’ll need to write about your personal skills and achievements.

Universities like to know the abilities you have that’ll help you on the course, or generally with life at university. Don’t forget to include evidence to back up why you’re so passionate about the programme you’ve chosen.

Your personal skills and achievements

Be bold and talk about the achievements you’re proud of., include positions of responsibility you hold, or have held, both in and out of school., what are the things that make you interesting, special, or unique .

Your work experience and future plans are important to include in your personal statement. You should share details of jobs, placements, work experience, or voluntary work, particularly if it's relevant to your course. 

• Try to link any experience to skills or qualities that’ll make you successful on your course.
• If you know what you’d like to do after as a career, explain how you plan to use the knowledge and experience you’ll gain.

It’s always good to connect the beginning of your statement to the end and a great way to reinforce what you said at the start. You want to see the ending as your chance to end in a way that’ll make the university remember you. 

This final part of your personal statement should emphasise the great points you’ve already made and answer the question of why you should be offered a place on the course. 

Read our full guide on How to finish your statement the right way .

Aakriti Labra – MSc Occupational and Organisational Psychology, University of Surrey

Now you’ve written your postgraduate personal statement, you’ll need to do a couple of final things before you submit it. 

• Have you proofread your personal statement? Don’t just rely on spellcheckers. We’d recommend reading it out loud as that’s a great way to spot any errors as well as checking it sounds like you. 
• Have you asked for feedback? Ask friends, family or your undergraduate university tutors to have a read through your personal statement and take their feedback on board.
• Check out our personal statement dos and don'ts Have a look at the common pitfalls against your final draft to make sure you haven't made any obvious errors!

Postgraduate

More advice.

Use the UCAS’ personal statement tool alongside this guide to help you structure your ideas.

Do you want to understand the differences between an undergraduate and postgraduate personal statement? Take a look at our guide here.

Why study a postgraduate course? Find out here.  

What funding is there for postgraduate courses?  

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