When applying for certain jobs, you may be required to include a supporting statement. This is a part of a resume that allows you to expand on your qualifications, experiences, and skills. It allows you to sell yourself to potential employers, so it’s important to know how to write a supporting statement that’s polished. Follow these five steps to help you craft a solid supporting statement to include with your resume.

Review the Job Description

Start
by reviewing the job description. It might help to print out a copy
that you can write on. Then, highlight keywords related to the role and
skills required to perform the job.

Consider Personal Examples

With
the keywords from the job description, start brainstorming personal
examples that demonstrate those skills. Try to get specific, but
consider a wide range of examples that cover several skills you possess.
The examples should also show your personal actions and the results you
achieved.

Introduce Yourself

As you plan how to write a
supporting statement, start by introducing yourself. Let the hiring
manager know who you are and why you are the top candidate for the job.
Remember that this introduction is going to create the company’s first
impression of you. You want a positive impression right from the start.
Start your supporting statement in a way that will catch their attention
while introducing yourself as an employee.

Draft Your Statement

Now you’re ready to work on the rest of your supporting statement. Although some companies may specify how long to make the statement, it’s a good idea to keep it under two pages. You should aim to keep your ideas brief and succinct. Also, use headings, bullet points, and other formatting techniques to make your statement easy to scan.

Revise Your Work

Before submitting your supporting statement, be sure to proofread your work. Look for spelling, punctuation, grammar, and formatting errors. And don’t be afraid to ask for help. Have several people read through your supporting statement to check for any errors. You could also ask these people to critique your writing, ensuring that your examples do a good job demonstrating why you’re the best candidate for the job.

After following these steps and completing several rounds of revisions, you’re ready to submit your supporting statement with your application documents. Knowing how to write a supporting statement, along with the best practices of applying for a job, can increase your odds of getting an interview and hopefully landing the job you want. Best of luck!

Culled from Magoosh