Important Differences Between a Personal Statement and a Cover Letter

One is personal, the other is professional. One is abstract, the other is concrete. A personal statement is a succinct essay where you tell your prospective employer about yourself. For example, you can say that you're a good worker. On the other hand, a cover letter highlights your professional experience. Also known as a letter of intent, a cover letter tells an employer that you are the best person for the job because you have this number of years of experience or you led that team to unprecedented success.

Another important difference is how you use these. Place your personal statement in a prominent space on your resumé. Tweak it according to the values and culture of the company you are submitting your resumé to. Conversely, submit your cover letter as a document separate from your resumé.

Both documents relay the value you can bring to a company. However, knowing the distinction between the two can be advantageous so you can use either or both to really show off your skills. Learn how to write a personal statement letter that can perfectly complement your cover letter. Let JobStreet show you how.

A personal statement focuses on you; a cover letter focuses on the job.

The main topic for your personal statement must be yourself in relation to the company you are pursuing. Write about how your educational background shaped you into who you are today. Share general experiences that will show your employer your values and skills Your goal is to show the employer who you are as a person and as a worker.

For example:

"Six months ago, I graduated with a degree in Communications. Now, I am eager to begin a career using what I've learned. In my senior year, I worked as our university paper's editor-in-chief, which we printed and also published online. My work there sharpened my writing, editing, and people skills."

Your cover letter, on the other hand, must focus on how well-suited you are to the position you are applying for. Specify which of your top-tier professional experiences make you the best candidate for the job.

For example:

"I am interested in the position of content writer for your company. Currently, I am a writer for Scidev.com; my tasks include monitoring the news daily in developing countries and submitting weekly story pitches to my editor. In just six months, I published 75 articles; 25 of those were shared widely on social media.

I believe this has prepared me to be an efficient and effective content writer."

Read: 5 Ways to Highlight Your Best Personal Qualities in Your Resumé

A personal statement is short; a cover letter, longer.

Keep your statement down to a concise paragraph of five or six sentences. Make sure you include the following:

• Where you currently stand in your career—"Currently, I am an IT professional specialising in cybersecurity. I began my career as a white hat hacker. I hold four certifications in ethical hacking."
• The value you'll bring to any company—"I conduct security assessments on different operating systems, cloud networks, computer systems, and wireless networks. My experience gives me a well-rounded knowledge of various platforms."
• Your career goals—"Looking for a career in cybersecurity where I can apply my skills, and learn more to also be able to develop security software."

Since your cover letter will talk about more specifics about your career goals and qualifications, it can be half a page to a page long; no more. Remember to mention the following:

• The position you are applying for—"I am interested in the position of pre-school English teacher, which you advertised for on JobStreet."
• How your skills match the skills required by the position—"I hold a bachelor's degree in early childhood education. In the past two years, I have worked directly with toddlers at a pre-school. I adhere to an inquiry-based teaching method, and have excellent written and oral English communication skills."
• Why you are the best person for the job—"I believe my natural connection with children and desire for continuous learning along with them make me well-suited for this job."

Read: CV vs Resumé: Knowing Which One to Use Can Boost Your Chances

A personal statement concludes with a summary of your skills and goals; a cover letter wraps up with a note of thanks.

Let your statement begin and end with why you are an ideal candidate. Stay with this topic—do not introduce the story of a new passion in your conclusion.

For example:

"My two years working as an ER intern have not only sharpened my trauma skills. It has also trained me to be self-motivated, compassionate, and reliable. My goal is to use these skills and learn much more as an ER resident."

Conclude your cover letter by thanking your potential employer for their time and consideration. Then include a call to action.

For example:

"Thank you for taking the time to consider my application. Your trauma programme is above par, and I hope to be able to contribute to it as a member of your trauma team. My resumé is attached, and I would be happy to share with you any other information you may need."

A personal statement is inherently vague about any job applications since it focuses on you and your work. It gives any potential employers a peek into your persona. On the other hand, a cover letter mentions specifics, and it answers how you fit within the company.

Update your JobStreet profile today so you can begin composing your personal statement and cover letter. Put #WorkNow in your profile to let employers know you are ready to work. Then visit JobStreet's Career Resources Hub for more expert career advice.

At JobStreet, we believe in bringing you #JobsThatMatter. As a Career Partner, we are committed to helping all jobseekers find passion and purpose in every career choice. And as the number 1 Talent Partner in Asia, we connect employers with the right candidates who truly make a positive and lasting impact on the organisation.

Discover Jobs That Matter. Visit JobStreet today.

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