# Personal statements  --- A personal statement is something you can use in different contexts: a CV, a LinkedIn or GitHub profile, or in conversation. --- ## Some suggestions --- #### 1. Briefly articulate what drew you to software development as a career path. ###### If you have a previous career, say why you are making this switch and what in your employment history is relevant to your future career. --- #### 2. Emphasise what sets you apart as a candidate, not what you want from a future employer. ###### Avoid bland statements about *"working well in teams"* or *"thriving under pressure"* and so on, which say nothing interesting or specific about you. --- #### 3. Keep it short. --- 1. What drew you to software development 2. What sets you apart 3. Keep it short --- ## Individual exercise A draft personal statement --- ## 👥 Small Group Discussion #### In groups of 3/4: - Each person shares their personal statement - Group helps refine it - Write it down in a shared document --- ## 🗣️ Large group feedback Pick one person from your group to share: - Any questions that came up - Any interesting feedback --- ## ✅ Wrap-Up Before you leave: - Submit your persional statetement in [this form](https://airtable.com/appWtDT26F38ZnUbh/pagn7Sn7Ut0tIiE2q/form) - Next session: CVs - Homework: Have you got a CV? Review it, add your personal statement to it and bring it next time. It you don't have one, then make a start.