Motivational Statements
IEG workshop 2008

Why are we here?

To avoid pain...

Tone

I am really good at English having studied at
IEG, a top school in Sweden, and know a lot
about computers.

Although I am a native speaker of Russian, I
am used to studying in English from IEG and
wouldn’t have any problems studying in this
language at your school.

I would love to come over for an interview.
OR
I am available for interview, should this be

Please do not hesitate to contact me should
you wish to discuss my application.
OR
Please get in touch if there’s something you
don’t understand about my application.

key elements
the opening
topic
about
personal details
employment
key skills
communication skills
problem solving ability
achievements
team work
education
the close

Opening

My name is Jonathan Morris ...
I'm about to finish my course at IEG ...
I would like to tell you a bit about myself...
I will soon complete...

I should like to be considered for a place at
university to read Medicine. I have studied
the Natural Science Programme at senior
high school and would relish the
opportunity to continue my education at
an establishment of your calibre.

Why?
I am interested in studying Business Studies as
my ambition is to become an accountant. From
the look of your course outline your degree
programme would provide me with a solid
training in Economics and International Banking.
These are two areas that I am particularly
interested in pursuing.

About You
... I'm a positive, easy-going person
who, when not working, likes to
write poetry, visit museums and go
sailing with friends. I am
communicative, a team-player and
goal-orientated.

Show, don’t tell

Universities and employers tend to look for
achievements, experience and skills that
can be compared to other candidates.

\"I was involved in the organisation of a
charity fund raising event.\"
OR
\"I was responsible for the publicity for a
fund raising event, which involved
negotiating advertising with local
companies and arranging poster displays
on campus. We raised £1000 for charity
and nearly 800 students attended.\"

Team Work
emphasise what YOUR role
was
what YOU were responsible
for doing
what YOU actually did
how YOU affected any
outcomes (and quantify it)!

three golden rules
show, don’t tell
show, don’t tell
show, don’t tell