In personal statements you have to demonstrate that you have the qualities required in the specific vacancy you’re targeting, i.e. the skills, commitment, knowledge and experience.
For example, if teamwork skills are required, outline how you work in a team by listening and encouraging… If experience is required, relate what you’ve done in the past to that specific role.
The most common mistake people make is trying to prove what they think they have to offer without relating it to what’s actually required.
A full example personal statement is provided in The Graduate Career Guidebook.
Further resources
There are numerous web resources on job applications. On the whole, it’s probably better to look for advice on university websites or well-respected graduate career websites such as Prospects or TARGETjobs. The following sites are particularly useful:
