How to Write a postgraduate personal statement

How to Write a postgraduate personal statement by Michael Cheary Not sure what to include in your personal statement? Don’t panic. A well-written personal statement could make or break your postgraduate application. But with a few key differences to the one you sent over for your undergraduate degree, knowing what (and what not) to include isn’t always easy.To help get you started, here are some of our top tips on how to write your postgraduate personal statement:What is a postgraduate personal statement?A personal statement is a document submitted with your postgraduate application.It provides a brief summary of your skills, grades and relevant experience, which will help sell yourself to the university you’re applying for and set yourself apart from the competition.Why do I need a personal statement? You’ll generally be expected to include a personal statement with every application you make.Not only is it a great way to stand out and get your personality across, it also gives you the chance to include your rele vant credentials and tailor them to the course you’re applying for.How long should a postgraduate personal statement be?Ideally, your personal statement should be no more than 500 words (or between half a page and one page of A4).However, certain universities may differ in their requirements, so it’s always worth checking with each institution before you start writing.What should it say?The most effective postgraduate personal statements include the following:Why you want to pursue a postgraduate qualificationWhy you feel you can successfully transition from undergraduate to postgraduate studyWhy you want to study at this universityWhat you can offer the university (including your grades, skills, experience, awards, extracurricular activities etc.)Why you are more deserving of a place than other applicantsIf you’re struggling for inspiration, try using bullet-points to answer each individual question. That way you’ll make sure you’ve ticked all the boxes for what to includ e.How should I structure my personal statement?You should use a series of short, succinct paragraphs to set out your personal statement.It should also include an introduction, main argument and conclusion covering who you are (intro), why you’re right for the university (skills, experience, etc. for the main body), and concluding with why you feel you deserve the place.Above all else, it should be clear, concise, and to the point.Remember: Most unsuccessful personal statements are too long, not too short.How long should I spend writing my personal statement? Your personal statement is one of the most important parts of your postgraduate application.And, as a new one should be written every time you apply, it should be specifically tailored to the university and course you’re applying for. Which, unfortunately, also makes it one of the most time-consuming parts of the whole process.Think of it this way: the longer you spend on it, the more chance it will stand out to the reader. So take as long as you can to answer the questions above, and quantify each answer with relevant achievements.If you really want the place, all the extra effort will be worth it in the long-run.Top tips for writing your postgraduate personal statementThings to remember:Tailor every applicationBe professionalBe enthusiasticDemonstrate you’ve researched the course, the university, and it’s USPBack up attributes and skills with your achievementsAlways check spelling and grammar before sendingThings to avoid:Negative languageLyingRamblingSending the same personal statement to each universityTelling the reader what they already know from your applicationClichésReady to find your course? View all available university qualifications now.Find a job What Where Search JobsSign up for more Career AdviceSign up for moreCareer Advice Please enter a valid email addressmessage hereBy clicking Submit you agree to the terms and conditions applicable to our service and acknowledge that yo ur personal data will be used in accordance with our privacy policy and you will receive emails and communications about jobs and career related topics. Personal statements Postgraduate advice Postgraduatesfeatured

The Basics in Writing Keywords in Resume

The Basics in Writing Keywords in ResumeWriting keywords in resume is very important. But it is not as easy as it sounds. You may not be familiar with the terminology for keywords, and this is why you need to learn the details of resume writing in order to avoid mistakes. Here are a few tips that you should keep in mind when you are about to write a resume for yourself.Know Your Words - You should always be aware of your words and always be able to use them. If you are writing an educational resume, be able to define the terms that are used in your field of study. Always make sure that the key phrases are as descriptive as possible. They should also be appropriate and sensitive to the position. In addition, there are so many words that you may not be familiar with.Focus on Keywords - You should know what the most effective keywords are for you. You should choose those that will best serve your purpose. That means that you have to make sure that you know what your content is about. Th us, you should know what is relevant to the job and what can be effectively used.Pay Attention to Rhetoric - Do not forget to pay attention to the rhetoric that you are using. This is because you want to ensure that the words that you use are true and they will be convincing. Thus, you need to focus on the terms that you will use. Do not forget to add proper punctuation, too.Use Effective Sentences - Makes sure that the sentences you use are long enough. You do not want to make them too short. There are also certain rules that you need to follow. You must be able to write in an effective manner. Use proper grammar, as well.Stop Using Stereotypes - You should never be using stereotypes. Make sure that you are not lumping all women together. You should be able to write in an effective manner that can attract men as well as women. Additionally, you need to think of your audience. They should be able to read your resume and understand your message.Proper Keywords - Remember that there a re different ways in which you can use keywords in resume. You just need to know how to go about it. Keep in mind that you need to pick out your words carefully so that you will not be taken advantage of. When you are using keywords in resume, you just need to be able to use it appropriately.Resume writing for that matter is not a tough thing to do. This is because you just need to have the proper ideas and the proper tools for the job. Thus, you can easily follow the above mentioned steps. With these tips, you will be able to create a strong resume that will be impressive to the hiring managers.

Free Teleseminar Tonight! How to Get Ahead in your Career This Year!

Free Teleseminar Tonight! How to Get Ahead in your Career This Year! I just planned an awesome free teleseminar this evening and I want to make sure you are signed up! It is called, How to Get Ahead in Your Career This Year Simple Actions For Big Success Before the End of 2013! How much time are you spending each week on your own career goals and dreams? If you arent working on your goals, you are working on someone elses (your boss, your parents, your boyfriend, etc).  If you are feeling comfortable in your current job but know you need something bigger and better, join me for my free call TODAY at 7pm EST where I will teach you how to get ahead in your career this year. Make sure you get your coffee, tea or water ready and shut the door so you have some quiet time for the LIVE call with me!  Also, make sure you sign up soon so you have time to download and print the worksheet for tonights call. Get the details and sign up here: http://freegift.classycareergirl.com/how-to-get-ahead-in-your-career-this-year/ P.S. If you cant make it, the recording will be sent out after! In this teleseminar, you will learn: How to Create More Opportunities For Yourself In Your Current Job What You Must Know About Relationships and Networking to Get Ahead How to Get Paid More For What You Do Mindsets You Need In Order To Move Your Career Ahead What to Do If You Feel Stuck In Your Current Career How to Communicate When You Want to Move Forward And much more! Get the details and sign up here:  http://freegift.classycareergirl.com/how-to-get-ahead-in-your-career-this-year/ See you on the call tonight!

Boosting Employee Productivity by Learning to Relax

Boosting Employee Productivity by Learning to Relax You expect your team to work hard, work smart, and to enjoy their work through the week. But when somebody in your crew doesn’t know how to relax after work, you are unlikely to see the best of them in the office. An employee that continues to think about work even when they’re ‘off the clock’ may sound ideal, but the truth is their productivity and well-being may suffer. We need downtime. We need distance and objectivity. We also need our health. “Inadequate psychological recovery, or poor disengagement from work, is associated with a range of health problems,” as Professor Mark Cropley, a psychologist at the University of Surrey, told The Telegraph, “including cardiovascular disease, fatigue, negative mood, and sleep disturbance.” Unfortunately, it’s harder than ever to switch off that inner work voice â€" particularly since it is often prompted by an outer cue, such as smartphone notifications that continue through the evenings and weekends. As an HR pro, how can you facilitate a culture of ‘switching off’ â€" not just devices but that inner work voice â€" in your office? The shutting-down routine It may sound odd, but people don’t know how to work. They know how to get a certain set of tasks done to achieve their goals. But in terms of ergonomics, communication, and routine, they tend to make it up as they go along. This is why it is worth setting up a session to encourage your employees to unwind properly. It can be arranged around another training session, or as part of the onboarding process. But what should you tell them? Well, it’s all about shutting down at the end of the day. Encourage your team to take their time to leave work, so as to leave work properly. Shortly before the end of their workday, they should create an ‘exit list’ of things they need to do the next day. They might use an app, a Word doc, or a Post-It. The point is to externalize that to-do list so that it doesn’t spin around their head the whole evening. Next is to start shutting down the tech. If they expect non-urgent emails to arrive over the evening or weekend, encourage them to set up an out-of-work auto-reply so they’re not worried about having to acknowledge each message as it comes in. Then they should switch off the notifications on their phone for anything work-related. And finally, click that little ‘x’ on each browser tab for the satisfaction of closing down their day. Computers should be shut down properly, whatever the inconvenience of having to wait for them to boot the next day. It’s good for the environment, it’s good for the electricity bill, and it’s good for emotional closure. Each employee’s exit routine from here may depend on their personal preferences and situation. But here are some good ideas to integrate into an individual’s departure from the office: Get a change of shoes and/or clothes for the journey home (or at least change the moment they arrive at home). Make a ‘meaningful commute’ by walking or cycling, or taking a pleasant but slower route, to get home. Another option is to arrange a post-work coffee with a friend. Exercise before relaxing in the evening. Make a plan in the morning for what to do in the evening so as to avoid getting stuck on the couch â€" or in late-night work emails. Learning to really leave work at leaving time helps employees to be happy, healthy, and more productive. Guide your colleagues to relax properly on their downtime, and you will soon see the benefits around the workplace. About the author:  John Cole  writes on behalf of NeoMam Studios. A digital nomad specializing in leadership, digital media, and personal growth topics, his passions include world cinema and biscuits. A native Englishman, he is always on the move, but can most commonly be spotted in the UK, Norway, and the Balkans.

Personal Development How to Improve Your Personal Brand At Work

Personal Development How to Improve Your Personal Brand At Work Todays article is written by Kobie, a Classy Career Girl reader and writer of another great career blog ~  wannabe | employee. Kobie works in HR and lives in South Africa (which I think is really cool!) Welcome Kobie! How do your co-workers see you? What is the first thing that comes to mind when they talk about you? Every company has to decide what they would like their corporate brand to look/feel/sound like, why not try it on a personal level? While companies brand themselves using logos, business cards and advertisements, you can brand yourself by fine tuning  your behavior and appearance. Here are few factors to consider about your personal brand What does my outfit and style say about my personal brand?   First impressions go a long way, but after youve aced the interview, do you make a continuous  effort to show your colleagues that you take your role seriously by putting some thought into your everyday presentation? What is their impression of you? Positive: She always looks well put-together, He is so well-groomed or She never wears anything that would put the companys name in a bad light. Negative: When was the last time he had a shower?, Her low necklines always draw a lot of attention or He looks like he doesnt own a razor. [Related Post:  What To Wear To Work: The Top 5 Most Trendy and Affordable Stores] What does the way I speak say about my personal brand?   People pick up trends in the way you communicate very quickly. What are the things people will pick up in your communication after working with you for a while? Positive: He always keeps things relevant and to-the-point in meetings, She is always friendly or She knows how to express herself well. Negative: She is usually very negative, She is always the first one to spread a rumor or He is always criticizing people around him. What does your work ethic say about your personal brand?   Even if you are constantly pleasant and look  smashing in your professional wardrobe, if your work is sloppy or you are unreliable, you might as well kiss your personal brand goodbye. What are  you known for? Positive: Her work is always on time, You can always count on his accuracy or Her spreadsheets are always so neat. Negative: He tends to wait until the last minute to do what I ask of him, I always need to make corrections to her documents or His paperwork always has coffee stains all over them. [Related Post:  5 Ways to Ensure Your Attitude Isn’t Hindering Your Career] Thinking About Personal Brand The goal of this exercise is not to advertise ourselves as being without flaws, but instead to set aside a little time to evaluate the kind  of message you are sending on a regular basis, and see if there is room for improvement. Remember, your personal brand is often about the features people notice first. What  does your personal brand say about you?  

4 Steps To Take To Make Sure You Are Not Wasting Resources - CareerMetis.com

4 Steps To Take To Make Sure You Are Not Wasting Resources Running a company can be one of the most challenging tasks to be able to fulfill successfully. There are countless variables that calculate into the equation that’s ultimately responsible for the consistent increase of your bottom line.As with everything today, technology makes up an integral pillar in the processes and everyday function of any entity, and to make sure that it’s run at the best of it’s ability, there have to be guidelines for quality control.To ensure that your company avoids wasting precious resources that can be allocated to further the growth of your company, here are four key fundamentals to think about to avoid unnecessary waste in precious assets.1. Implementing ProcessesFor a company to function well on a daily, monthly and yearly basis, its attention is well invested in implementing processes. Strong guidelines in the top functioning areas of any company are crucial for the ability to control quality and hold a deliverable standard that is hopefully unm atched.evalProcesses eliminate the need for time consuming revisions in the hiring process, data entry, and production process as well. Accurately outlined processes enforced and put to practice also allows a company to save not only time but funds as well. Which takes us to our next point.2. Delegating FundsAllocating the necessary funds with a spending cap for each department of your company can prove beneficial for more optimized spending. If there is a set budget for each department to work with, there is less time wasted in proposals, or over reaching decisions made hurriedly.Instead, by providing a capped budget, you allow each department to be creative, frugal when needed, and it allows them to delegate spending within the means outlined in a more steadfast way.3. Purposeful HiringPhoto Credit â€" Pexels.comThe hiring process is yet another department where it’s easy to waster precious company resources without a process or budget set in place. As a functioning entity, you naturally strive to hire not only the best talent you can find but personnel that is consistent, responsible, and ethical.To avoid hiring personnel that do not meet your company standards you can use a variety of test, including the Samsha certified labs drug test, which guarantees painstakingly accurate results due to high standards and rigorous quality control.Besides the traditional interview process, tests or trials allow the prospect to showcase their skills and knowledge in action and gives the hiring company a better glimpse into what hiring their next employee will look like in terms of training and investment.4. Long-term Equipment InvestmentHiring quality team members only goes so far if they aren’t equipped with the technology to excel. Strategically being intentional about equipping your personnel with the best technology possible or within reach of the company makes for a better work environment, faster production turnaround, and faster company growth.evalPurchasing e quipment while strategically thinking long-term can turn out to be a greater strategy with a greater ROI as opposed to short term thinking.This can especially be true in the IT department, which is integral to the handling of sensitive company data, responsible for accurate data entry, and beneficial to each department of a given company.While there are many more variables that go into ensuring companies maximize their assets and minimize their unnecessary waste, time, equipment, hiring, and processes are crucial fundamentals to audit. Taking the time to ensure that you don’t waste assets and instead allocate them strategically in each department is likely to prove lucrative in the long-run.eval

How One Bad Hire Can Affect Your Business

How One Bad Hire Can Affect Your Business If you’re going to take your business to the next level, then sooner rather than later you’ll need to bring employees on board. While this might seem like an easy enough task, in practice it can turn out to be quite tricky. Depending on your industry, you might find that there’s a skills shortage, or that it’s difficult to develop a hiring process that results in a stellar employee. It’s worthwhile taking the time to find the process that works for you, however, as there can be big consequences to hiring the wrong person, as we’ll see below. Source: Pexels.com Cost of Rehiring Your employee should eventually end up making you money, once they’re up to speed with their duties and responsibilities. But what if it quickly becomes clear that they’re not going to be up to the job? Then you’ll have to fund the cost of a replacement. Keep in mind that the costs of hiring aren’t limited to just putting an advert online. There’s also the matter of training, lost productivity as they get to grips with the job, and any finders fee you have to pay if you go through an employment agency. Legal Problems No matter what industry your business is in, there’s always a chance that your employees can do you harm. And that’s why it’s imperative that you don’t just ask for background checks, but that you follow up with them. In some cases, a criminal background check might be merited too. The issues can become particularly problematic if they have access to your customers private data. As Ivrnet outline, credit card fraud is a big problem that can cost companies their customer’s trust, as well as money they need to spend on settlement fees. It doesn’t take an army of employees to do this damage; just one rogue employee. Bad Energy A happy workforce is a productive workforce. But as with most things in life, the enjoyment of the environment can be easily compromised by a single person. If they’re bringing bad energy to the team and otherwise making it a less enjoyable place to work, then you might soon find that morale begins to take a downward turn. This will, in the best case, reduce your worker’s output, at worst, invite people to jump ship and head to work for another company. Reduced Customer Service You already know how important your customer service is to the success of your business. As such, it’s imperative that all of your employees have your customer’s needs at the forefront of what they do. If you find that that one of your employees isn’t quite as hot when it comes to customer service, then you might find that you’re losing customers, all because one of your staff members didn’t understand the memo. Getting Around It To get around these issues, hire properly. Employ people you can trust, and who fit in with your overall company culture. Your hiring process may take time to become watertight, but you’ll get there eventually.

How To Maximise Your Earning Power Its Not All About Your Skills Experience IM HIRED

How To Maximise Your Earning Power â€" It’s Not All About Your Skills Experience Boosting your pay pack Theoretically speaking, the formula for career success should be pretty simple. Education and experience within your chosen field should guide you along the pathway to maximised profit. After all, the best jobs should naturally go to people with the greatest expertise. Right? Spoiler alert: life doesn’t work like that. The harsh reality is that there are several other factors that will influence your earnings throughout your career. By acknowledging and appreciating them, you can unlock a brighter tomorrow.   It’s Who You Know That Counts Is it possible to achieve success without strong connections? Certainly. Nevertheless, you’d be very naïve to think that knowing the right people wouldn’t give you an advantage. Finding out more about how LinkedIn and other networking platforms can get your foot in the door. This will help you discover more about your chosen industry. Attending local events and getting your face out there can work wonders. Showing a willingness to take on added responsibility can enhance an employer’s view of you. This can open up several internal opportunities. If you allow yourself to become pushed out to the peripherals, you’ll be looked over time and time again.   Image Matters First impressions count for a lot, and those sentiments extend to personal appearances. Whether it’s fair or not, attractive and professional looking people are naturally seen to reflect companies in a better way. This encourages employers to naturally look more favourably upon them. The significance of image is more noticeable in some industries than others. The truth of the matter is that looks do matter to some degree in most sectors. While you dont need to look like Beyonce or Channing Tatum. Its vital that you promote a positive personal image. Good organisation ties in nicely to your appearance too.     Your Salary Is Only Half The Battle A good paying job is the most satisfying reward of all. Then again, you should never overlook the significance of staff perks including paid travel costs and gym memberships. While it may not technically increase your earnings, it will boost your financial health. Employer contributions to the pension fund is another vital aspect. On a separate note, investments can play a huge role in your financial future. Learn more about how to take advantage of investments with the best tax implications. When spearheaded by your salary, success is assured. Location Influences Everything Two people could do the exact same job but earn vastly different wages simply due to the location and the company that they work for. Some businesses are known to pay well while others dont. Unsurprisingly, it’s the former that have far lower staff turnover rates and see greater production. From your perspective, research is vital. The world has changed somewhat due to digital advancements. You cannot ignore the London weighting and the fact that city workers are likely to earn more. You will need to consider living costs to paint a truly clearer picture. Still, taking all of these elements into account is the only way to make the best decision. Make sure that you do.