How to Write a Personal Testimonial About Yourself

culled from:wikihow.com

Writing Your Own Testimonial

1. 
   1
   Ask yourself some questions. Understand why you are applying and why you are writing this testimonial. Also, recognise and answer some of the unwritten questions.
   • What is special, unique, exceptional, and/or impressive about you?
   • What details of your life (personal or family, history, people or events that have shaped or influenced your goals) set you apart from other applicants.
   • When did you become interested in this area and what has motivated your interest and reinforced your belief that you are suited to this field?
   • How have you learned about this field? Was it through courses, journals, seminars, work or other experiences, or conversations with other professionals?
   • If you have worked a lot during your university years or recent work experience, what have you learned (leadership or managerial skills, for example), and how has that work contributed to your growth? What are your career goals?
   • Are there any gaps or discrepancies in your academic or employment record that you feel you need to explain?
   • Have you had to overcome any unusual obstacles (for example, economic, family, or physical) in your life?
   • What personal characteristics (e.g. integrity, compassion, persistence) do you possess that would improve your prospects for success in your field or profession? Can you demonstrate or document that you have these characteristics?
   • What skills (e.g. leadership, communicative, analytical) do you possess?
   • Why might you be a stronger candidate and more successful and effective in the profession or field than other applicants?
   • What are the most compelling reasons you can give to the interview panel for them to be interested in you?
   
   
   1. 
      2
      Answer the questions that are asked. If you are writing to several organizations, you may find questions in each application that are similar. Do not be tempted to use the same statement for all applications. It is important to answer each question asked of you. If slightly different answers are needed, write separate statements for each and make sure your answer fits the question being asked.
   2. 
      3
      Give a good account of yourself. Think in terms of showing or demonstrating through experience or stories if you can.
   3. 
      4
      Set yourself apart. If your statement is fresh, lively, and different, you will be putting yourself ahead of the pack. If you distinguish yourself through your account, you will make yourself memorable.
   4. 
      5
      Be specific. Do not, for example, simply state that you would make an excellent doctor/sales manager/management graduate etc. Instead, back it up with specific reasons. Your desire to become a lawyer, engineer, or whatever should be logical, the result of specific experience that is described in your statement.
   5. 
      6
      Find an approach that suits you. If you are like many people, your life story may seem to lack excitement, so figuring out a way to make it interesting becomes the big challenge. Finding an angle or providing a storyboard is vital.
   6. 
      7
      Focus on your opening paragraph. The opening paragraph is generally the most important. It is here that you grab the interview panel’s attention or lose it. This paragraph becomes the framework for the rest of the statement.
   7. 
      8
      Tell them what you know. The middle section of your statement might detail your interest and experience in your particular field, as well as some of your knowledge of the field. if appropriate. Be as specific as you can in relating what you know about the area and use language the professionals use in communicating this information. Refer to experiences (work, research, etc.) and conversations with people in a particular profession, books you have read, seminars you have attended, or any other source of information about the career you want and why you are best suited to it.
   8. 
      9
      Avoid including irrelevant information. For example, references to experiences or accomplishments in primary or high school or earlier are generally not a good idea. Do not mention potentially controversial subjects (for example, controversial religious or political issues). In general, don't include personal information such as your age, marital status, or race, either.
   9. 
      10
      Do your research. One common question is why applying to them rather than another organisation. For questions like this, do some research to find out what sets them apart from other organisations and make your writing reflect that research.
   10. 
       11
       Be meticulous. Type and proofread your personal statement very carefully. Many interview panels outline that good written skills and the correct use of the English language are important. Express yourself clearly and concisely. Adhere to stated word limits where outlined.