1. Personal Statements and Statements of Intent

2. How do Course Directors (CDs) use the Personal Statement/ Statement of Intent
Help select applicants
Check if you meet the requirements
Invite to interview- like what they read
Questioning for interview
Understanding nature of course
Borderline cases

3. What do CDs like to see? Check before you prepare!!
Why do you want to do the course?
Well rounded personality *
A well-presented statement (pride)
Start it well
A well-written statement
Relevant work experience *
Evidence of Transferrable Skills and Competencies key skills e.g. Teamwork * think about the skills you will need to get through the postgraduate course.
Anything distinctive about degree results, thesis? Final yr. project?
Evidence of being a hard worker
*especially if taught programme

4. Planning the PS Plan structure...have it ` chunked` into key sections
Brainstorming key aspects... Could start with `Exploring Types of Job` and the entry requirements of a particular job / area
Plan structure...have it ` chunked` into key sections
Five key attributes which best describe you ...get feedback from others
Conscientious, dedicated, mature, motivated, leader, team player, ambitious, diligent, listener, scholar... Give examples of relevant ones

5. Possible outline... Brainstorm
Section 1 – This Course + College – Why?
Section 2 – Academic qualifications and attributes...how has college life led you to this? Have it achievement focussed.
Relevant subjects/modules/projects that you have completed...if you are missing something, what can you offer as a substitute? –Related work experience?

6. Section 3
Personal qualities + achievements that make you suitable...and
clarify that you know
what you want form the course.
NOTE: its is not an autobiography.
Every sentence is important and should convince the reader that you have the academic ability,
skills and attribute to complete the programme successfully.

7. What to Avoid Swallowing a dictionary!
Waffle
Swallowing a dictionary!
Absence of evidence...seen = lying!
Writing at length about results
Ordinary interests...show your involvement
Rushing, thinking you can write it without research or advice
Copying a PS from the internet

8. Words to use include... Active Developed Evidence Experience Impact
Achievement
Active
Developed
Evidence
Experience
Impact
Individual
Involved
Planning
Skills

9. ....and not to use Awful Bad Fault Hate Mistake Never Nothing Panic
Always
Awful
Bad
Fault
Hate
Mistake
Never
Nothing
Panic
Problems

10. Word processed or Handwritten?
Electronic format more common
Don`t use less than 12 front

11. Writing about your choice of course
Enjoy the subject
Enjoy particular aspects of subject
Work experience confirmed interest
Process skills required for course
Career in mind
Other reasons
State why
State which aspects...why in greater depth?
How did it help?
What did you learn?
Which skills?
Which career and why?

12. Relevance of experience
“Being involved in a busy office enabled me to...”(briefly describe task). These duties developed skills in...
Working part-time in (state type of company e.g. Large retail store)...
I gained valuable knowledge of/ learned....and experience in (state area of work e.g. Solicitor`s office)... During (quantify time...two hours observation is not the same as two weeks!)
Working voluntarily as a ....(provided a rewarding and valuable experience in...(experience and skills).

13. Writing about work experience
State skills AND MATCH THEM TO DUTIES WHICH DEVELOPED THE SKILL e.g.
Communication ....dealing with customers
Listening
Working independently
Team work
Managing others
Diplomacy
Problem solving
Using initiative

14. Writing about college experience
Only WRITE IF ITS OF INTEREST TO THE READER....you don`t have to write about all areas of college life
Examples include drama productions, music, library assistant, voluntary work, helping staff, class representative, Fancy Dress Ball event organiser......
AND what you have gained – communication skills, trust, independence
CONNECT EXPERIENCE & WHAT YOU HAVE GAINED/LEARNED

15. Interests and experience outside college
Identify and outline key activities or experiences which you`ve gained...
Give pursuits e.g. Reading...then outline the extent to your pursuit briefly e.g. business management such as Laurie Mullin`s `Management and Organisational Behaviour`
and relevance... “found the chapters on teamwork particularly interesting”
Only give information on interests and experience outside college if you have something to say...make it relevant!

16. Writing about sport involvement
Only relevant if you want to inform reader about your `wider` talents and give them a `flavour` of you...only required if relates to course – mostly interested in your academic ability
State the sport e.g. Gaelic football, give details e.g. Siegerson team 2013, and acquired abilities e.g. teamwork

17. Concluding Statement
Store one idea or experience until end...that will catch attention/maintain interest
Examples: include a relevant experience you have not mentioned, an experience which related to your suitability for the course or/and area you have mentioned already and where you find a way to build on it to conclude on your suitability for the course.

18. The basics Draft answers: fit the space available
Check your grammar, spelling and punctuation
Keep a copy of the completed application for future reference
Bring draft answers to your academics /careers centre for feedback
Get proofed by at least 2 people

19. The basics Read it thoroughly before you start to fill in
Take a copy of your bank application form
Read it thoroughly before you start to fill in
Follow instructions carefully
Answer questions
Consider why the question is being asked

20. Have STAR Quality for behaviour questions
Situation – has the applicant described a suitable situation and it is clear?
Task – what was the objective of the situation or task?
Action - how did the applicant go about tackling the situation and what was their role in this?
Results - what was the outcome, was the objective met?

21. These are usually about one side of A4 on an application form
These are usually about one side of A4 on an application form. Some forms give you precise topics to cover on the form itself or in guidance notes, whilst others will give you a general statement like ”please use this space to support your application".

22. The statement should include the following information:
Why you are interested in the particular subject of study?
Why you are suitable for the course e.g. skills and relevant knowledge/experience?
Why you have applied to this department and College?
What are your strengths?
What is your career aim?

25. Video Clip