How to write a pharmacist personal statement (with example)

A personal statement reinforces the contents of a job application or CV and provides further details about why you may be suitable for a role. A professionally written personal statement can help to set you apart from other applicants. If you're applying for a pharmacist role, the employer may ask you to include a personal statement with your application, so knowing how to write one can persuade them to interview you. In this article, we explore what a pharmacist personal statement comprises, why it's important to write one and how to write your own with an example to help you.

What is a pharmacist personal statement?

A pharmacist personal statement is a document that provides the employer with information on why you're suitable for the role. When employers compare candidates with similar qualifications and experiences, they may use personal statements to help select the best candidate for the position. You can include your qualifications and experience in your personal statement. Use your personal statement to highlight other soft skills that provide more holistic information about you. You could also consider including why you want to work in the health care sector as a pharmacist.

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What to include in your personal statement

There are a few points you may want to include that employers look for in a personal statement. Employers typically look for additional details to support the information you include in your application or CV. The information you typically provide in a personal statement is your unique view of your qualifications and experience. You can use it to demonstrate your soft skills, including empathy, problem solving, adaptability and communication. You could also talk about your beliefs, values and morals. Including your ideal career vision and your career goals can also be of value to the employer.

Use the personal statement to explain what motivates you to take the role. Show your enthusiasm and passion for pharmacy and health care in general in your statement. Where applicable and relevant, you may want to include extra information that gives the employer a better understanding of your strengths and ideals by providing your interests and hobbies outside the workplace. Be sure that anything you add highlights your suitability for the role.

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What employers want to see in your personal statement

You want your personal statement to be engaging and persuasive for the employer but not to appear arrogant or boastful. Be careful to make statements that express only your experience, ideals and goals. Let the employer read the information you have provided to make their own decision about your suitability for the role.

Keep your personal statement brief and include details relevant to the role. Lengthy, irrelevant statements can detract from your application and CV and result in a less encouraging outlook for the employer. Make sure that your writing style is personal but still professional.

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How to write a personal statement

Follow these steps to writing a personal statement when applying for a role as a pharmacist:

1. Carefully read the employer's instructions

Ensure you carefully read the job application instructions and become familiar with them. They typically note what to include in your application, CV and personal statement. They may also include a word limit for your personal statement.

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2. Reread your application form and CV

It's good practice to reread your application form and CV once you complete them. Reading the documents helps you understand how they would appear to the employer. Use your personal statement to emphasise aspects you feel are most valuable for your employer to know which you haven't included in detail in your application and CV. This also helps to ensure that the content of your personal statement is relevant and unique.

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3. Determine your approach

Good planning can help you to structure your statement and keep it brief. Ensure your personal statement mentions your qualifications, experience, strengths, skills and why you want the role. Make sure that you touch on each of these points in your personal statement.

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4. Write your personal statement

With all the information and a plan at hand, begin to write your personal statement. Be sure that you write your statement from the first-person viewpoint. Start by summarising your suitability for the role. Follow this with your qualifications and experience and then the skills you have for the role. Finally, outline your reason for applying for the position.

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Tips for writing your personal statement

Here are some tips that may help you write a strong personal statement to give you the best chance of getting the job:

• Emphasise your enthusiasm. Try to show the employer reading your statement your enthusiasm about working as a pharmacist in the health care sector.

• Keep your statement brief. Aim to keep your statement as brief as possible while ensuring it covers all the points you wish to make and keep your statement to no longer than one page. Reread your article and make it concise without detracting from the main points you're trying to emphasise.

• Be open and honest. Being honest prevents you from exaggerating your statement and over-emphasising details. Employers can usually determine exaggerations and incorrect information.

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Why is it important to include a personal statement with a CV?

A personal statement is important to include because it helps to provide the employer with a holistic view of your accomplishments and helps to reinforce your suitability for the role. It gives you an opportunity to showcase your soft skills, beliefs and morals. Some job specifications might even require a personal statement.

Example personal statement

Here's an example of a personal statement that may help you write your own:

I am an Oxford-educated pharmacist who earned my degree with first-class honours. I found infectious diseases extremely interesting and decided to specialise in infectious disease pharmacy. After university, I went to work at a local pharmacy in the neighbourhood I grew up in.

I remember the pharmacist there treating me for flu many times, and it was always a dream for me to be able to do the same. Helping people was something that I had aspired to do all my life, and the moment I got the job, it was like a dream come true. Unfortunately, due to some unfortunate circumstances, the pharmacy had to close after six years of working there and now I am looking for a new position as a pharmacist.

I would consider myself to be empathetic and a good communicator. I enjoy working with people of all ages and can work well in a team. I am adaptable at work and have strong problem-solving skills. I consider myself to be reliable and dedicated to my work. I am very punctual and have never been late to work. I believe that all humans are equal and entitled to access to basic medicine. This is a passion of mine, so much so that I chair a local charity that tries to assist those who can't afford medical health care.

I have applied for this role because I feel that I can benefit the pharmacy and, at the same time, I can help more people than I did at my smaller, local pharmacy. I feel I can add value to the pharmacy and the role can benefit my goals. I trust that you can give my application due consideration.

Disclaimer: The model shown is for illustration purposes only, and may require additional formatting to meet accepted standards.