Applications & Personal Statements

Answer the actual opportunity

A strong application is adapted to the specific programme, internship, course or role.

Before writing, identify:

• what the organisation is looking for
• which experiences are relevant
• which qualities you can demonstrate
• why this particular opportunity interests you

Show rather than claim

Weak: I am a very responsible person.

Stronger: As coordinator for a school event, I managed the schedule for twelve volunteers and contacted participants when plans changed.

The second version gives the reader evidence from which responsibility can be inferred.

Motivation

Avoid generic statements that could be sent anywhere.

Weak: I have always wanted to work for a great organisation.

Stronger: I am particularly interested in the programme's focus on sustainable urban design because it connects my interest in architecture with environmental questions.

Relevant experience

Experience does not have to mean paid employment.

Relevant examples can come from:

• school projects
• clubs and associations
• volunteering
• part-time work
• sports or cultural activities
• independent projects

Structure

A useful structure is:

• purpose and motivation
• relevant experience and evidence
• what you can contribute or hope to develop
• focused closing

Weak

I am hardworking, social, creative and good at teamwork. I think your programme seems interesting and would be good for me.

Stronger

I am applying to the summer media programme because I want to develop my experience of visual storytelling. During a recent school project, I planned and edited a short documentary in a four-person team. The project taught me how to organise material, respond to feedback and adjust a final product to a deadline. I would like to build on those skills in a setting where I can work with students who share an interest in media production.

The stronger version connects motivation to the opportunity and supports personal qualities with concrete experience.

1. Read the description of the opportunity carefully.
2. Highlight the qualities, skills and interests it asks for.
3. Choose two or three experiences that demonstrate those qualities.
4. Explain why the opportunity specifically interests you.
5. Use concrete evidence instead of lists of adjectives.
6. Connect past experience to what you could contribute or learn.
7. Remove information that does not help the reader assess your application.
8. Proofread for tone, accuracy and repetition.

Listing adjectives

Weak: I am ambitious, creative, organised and friendly.

Better: Show one or two relevant qualities through examples.

Repeating a CV

Do not simply list what you have done. Explain why selected experiences are relevant.

Generic motivation

If the same paragraph could be sent to ten completely different programmes, it probably needs more specific detail.

Overstatement

Confidence is useful, but unsupported claims such as 'I am the perfect candidate' are less convincing than relevant evidence.

Which sentence best demonstrates teamwork rather than simply claiming it?

• A. I am excellent at teamwork.
• B. Everyone says that I work well with people.
• C. In a group research project, I divided tasks with three classmates, coordinated our deadlines and combined the final sections into one presentation.
• D. Teamwork is one of my best qualities.

Answer: C. It provides specific actions that demonstrate the skill.

• Adapt the text to the specific opportunity.
• Support qualities with concrete examples.
• Explain motivation rather than simply stating interest.
• Choose relevant experience instead of including everything.
• Show what connects your past experience to the opportunity.