Unit 3: Writing a personal statement

Read Jonathan’s personal statement for the zookeeper assistant job at the Wells
Brook Zoo. What are his (1) qualifications, (2) experience, and (3) goals? How
good of a candidate do you think he is?

Personal Statement
I am a recent college graduate with a BS in Animal Science and Management, I
have a lifelong interest in animals and birds. Summer jobs as an assistant animal
keeper at Rosco Wildlife Center gave me practical experience in observing
animals for signs of bad health, preparing their food and sleeping areas, cleaning
and repairing their living areas, and educating the public about the inhabitants of
the zoo. Interacting with children visiting the zoo was particularly rewarding. I
am able to work year-round and on weekends and am excited about helping
maintain the excellent standards of animal care at the Wells Brook Zoo. My goals
are to expand my knowledge and experience in order to become a full-time
zookeeper and to provide the animals with the best environment so that they can
enjoy their life in the zoo.
A.
1 Qualifications: He has a BA in Animal Science and Management.
2 Experience: He had summer jobs as an assistant animal keeper at Rosco
Wildlife Center, so he learned how to observe animals for signs of bad health,
prepare food and sleeping areas, clean and repair living areas, and educate the
public about the inhabitants of the zoo.
3. Goals: to expand his knowledge and experience in order to become a full-time
zookeeper; to provide the animals with the best environment so that they can
enjoy their life in the zoo

B.
lifelong interest: something you’ve been interested in all your life
expand: increase
maintain: continue to have
standard: a level of quality

c.
Jonathan’s personal statement is short. He avoids unnecessary words and doesn’t
use “I” often. His sentence structure is varied, and he uses one paragraph. He
describes briefly who he is and his experience. He mentions only what’s relevant
to the job. He says what he can contribute: he’s excited about helping maintain
the excellent standards of animal care. He avoids common expressions. He
mentions his two career goals. His personal statement is accurate.

Write your personal statement. Then look at the guide in exercise 2C. Have you
followed all the tips? Make any changes if necessary
Writing / A personal statement
I am a recent graduate with_____________________________________
_______________________________________________________
My job as a _______________________________________________
gave me practical experience in __________________________________
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
I am able to _______________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
My goals are ______________________________________________
_______________________________________________________