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Writing Personal Documents

These are not strictly business documents but we do get a lot of inquiries for this topic.

To write an effective application letter, you need to understand what the course, job or
programme you are applying for is about, and what it requires of you. Once you know that, you
can demonstrate in your letter/ application that you can fulfil the requirements, addressing them
individually in the letter or application.

Our sister website http://www.whatisacareer.com covers writing CV and cover letters in detail,
and has templates for you to download

Please go to this page and read all the lessons

This page has samples and checklists for you

There is usually lots of information available on the website of the


institution you are applying to, so start there. If you know anyone on the course, or anyone else
who does, and can put you in contact, try to speak to them. Prepare a list of questions before
you do so. But listen first to what they have to tell you, before you go through your question list
to check everything has been covered.

Look at all the paperwork you will be asked to complete before you start. For example if there is
a standard application form that requires you to list your education and qualifications, you won’t
need to list them again in your application letter. But if there is something you particularly want
to draw attention to, you might mention it in your letter, and explain the significance of it.

Write in the first person “I am interested in this programme because … “

Look at the length of essay that is specified and work to that specification, even if you have to
edit your first draft to get close to it.

If there is something negative in your history, and you have a good explanation for it, it may be
worth mentioning and explaining. Sometimes if you can show you have learnt from a difficult
experience that will count in your favour. If you are not sure whether to mention it, write it up and
show it to someone whose judgement you trust –a parent, teacher, or tutor –and get their
opinion on it.

Read the brief very carefully to decide what the content of the letter should be. Are they asking
you to discuss your educational and career targets? Or do they want you to tell your story so
far? Do they want you to focus on your past or your future? Maybe they want both, with reasons
why you are interested in their programme, and want to hear what in your past has influenced
you to select this route.

Take your lead from the instructions, and ensure your letter or essay has a beginning, middle
and end and is written in clear language with no spelling, grammar or punctuation errors. Get
someone else to proofread it for you, and check your formatting and font. Follow the submission
instructions carefully.

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