How to write and publish a scientific paper - Barbara Gastel, Robert A. Day 2022

Writing a personal statement
How to prepare a curriculum vitae, cover letter, and personal statement
Other topics in scientific communication

Applications for some opportunities require personal statements. For example, you may need to write a personal statement if you are applying to professional school or seeking some types of fellowships.

A personal statement is a brief essay that describes your professional development as it relates to the opportunity being sought. Often, it is best structured mainly in chronological order. You may begin with a paragraph providing a brief overview, then summarize how your interests have developed thus far, describe your main current activities, and finally discuss directions that you anticipate taking. If feasible, show that your decision to seek the opportunity is well informed (for example, by discussing related experience).

If you have a nontraditional background—for instance, if you pursued a different career before—or if you experienced a delay during your education, you generally should address the matter in your personal statement. Do not leave readers wondering why, for example, the dates in your CV do not seem to add up. If you discuss problems you have overcome, do so positively and without defensiveness, and show that you addressed the problems maturely and thoughtfully.

Be confident, but not arrogant. In keeping with principles of good writing, show rather than tell. For example, to show that you have leadership abilities, you could state that you have held several leadership roles, note the main such roles, and mention a leadership award that you received. Do not emulate the medical-residency applicant who wrote, “First, I have a great bedside manner.… Second, I have excellent technical skills.… Third, and most important, I have a humble spirit.”

In a personal statement, generally avoid or minimize discussion of aspects of your background that are not professionally related. In particular, do not discuss your political or religious views. Not only may doing so alienate readers whose views differ from yours; even if readers agree with your views, you may seem unprofessional or unfocused.

Finally, word your personal statement readably, in keeping with advice in this book. Those who review applications containing personal statements tend to be busy. Help them to understand quickly where you are coming from, where you are now, and where you are going. You will then be more likely to receive their support in obtaining the opportunity you seek.