Personal Statement Examples & Templates(Civil Service, NHS, Public Sector)
See what strong personal statements look like — then build your own with AI.
Available on Standard plan
View pricing →Why Personal Statements Matter
Personal statements are crucial in Civil Service and public sector applications. They're your opportunity to demonstrate how your experience, skills, and achievements directly address the role's essential and desirable criteria. A well-crafted personal statement can be the difference between securing an interview and being overlooked.
Essential Criteria
The minimum requirements you must meet to be considered for the role. These are non-negotiable and must be addressed with specific evidence and examples.
Desirable Criteria
Preferred qualifications or experience that can strengthen your application. Address these after covering all essential criteria thoroughly.
Real Personal Statement Examples
See how successful candidates structure their personal statements and address essential criteria effectively.
Civil Service Admin Officer Personal Statement Example
What this shows:
Demonstrates how to address essential criteria with specific examples and quantify achievements effectively.
NHS Healthcare Assistant Personal Statement Example
What this shows:
Shows how to balance personal motivation with professional experience while addressing healthcare-specific criteria.
Local Government Project Officer Personal Statement Example
What this shows:
Illustrates how to connect project management experience with public sector values and community impact.
Teaching Assistant Personal Statement Example
What this shows:
Demonstrates how to showcase educational experience while addressing safeguarding and inclusion requirements.
Personal Statement Templates
Use these structured templates to guide your personal statement writing and ensure you cover all essential elements.
Civil Service Role Template
Structured template for Civil Service applications focusing on essential criteria and public service values.
Introduction & Motivation
- •Why are you interested in this specific role?
- •What attracts you to the Civil Service?
- •How does this role align with your career goals?
Essential Criteria Evidence
- •Provide specific examples for each essential criterion
- •Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result)
- •Quantify your achievements where possible
- •Show progression and development in your skills
Desirable Criteria (if applicable)
- •Address any desirable criteria you meet
- •Provide evidence of relevant experience
- •Show how these skills add value to the role
Conclusion
- •Summarise your key strengths
- •Reiterate your motivation for the role
- •Express enthusiasm for the opportunity
Graduate Scheme Template
Comprehensive template for graduate scheme applications highlighting academic achievements and potential.
Academic Excellence
- •Highlight your degree classification and relevant modules
- •Discuss your dissertation or major projects
- •Show how your academic background relates to the role
- •Mention any academic awards or recognition
Leadership & Initiative
- •Describe leadership roles in university societies or clubs
- •Provide examples of taking initiative in projects
- •Show how you've influenced positive change
- •Demonstrate your ability to motivate others
Relevant Experience
- •Include internships, work experience, or placements
- •Describe voluntary work or extracurricular activities
- •Show transferable skills from part-time jobs
- •Highlight any industry-specific experience
Career Vision
- •Explain your long-term career goals
- •Show how this scheme fits your development plan
- •Demonstrate understanding of the industry/company
- •Express genuine enthusiasm for the opportunity