i am in job essay

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• Job Application Documents

How to Write a Job Application Essay

Last Updated: April 9, 2024 References

This article was co-authored by Shannon O'Brien, MA, EdM and by wikiHow staff writer, Jennifer Mueller, JD . Shannon O'Brien is the Founder and Principal Advisor of Whole U. (a career and life strategy consultancy based in Boston, MA). Through advising, workshops and e-learning Whole U. empowers people to pursue their life's work and live a balanced, purposeful life. Shannon has been ranked as the #1 Career Coach and #1 Life Coach in Boston, MA by Yelp reviewers. She has been featured on Boston.com, Boldfacers, and the UR Business Network. She received a Master's of Technology, Innovation, & Education from Harvard University. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 197,835 times.

Many employers now require a writing sample, or job application essay , to accompany all applications or résumés — even if writing is not a significant part of the position. The goal of the job application essay is to ensure that applicants have the right communication skills for the position offered. Sometimes, potential employers will provide a specific topic or series of questions for your essay to respond to. However, you may also be asked to provide an essay with no guidance whatsoever. Either way, approach the essay seriously so that it highlights the skills and assets you could bring to the company. [1] X Research source

Outlining Your Essay

• If you don't know much about the company, do a little research on it before you start writing. You might look at their website or do a general internet search with the name of the company to see if any news articles or other reports come up. Go beyond the four corners of the job listing so that you understand who will likely be reading your essay.
• If there's anything in the job listing or essay requirements that you don't understand, contact the employer and ask about them. Employers are often impressed by applicants who clarify the employer's intent rather than making assumptions.

• For example, if you're applying for a position in sales, you might want to write an essay about your ability to tailor your pitch to specific clients and close the deal. If you have the ability to be more creative, you might tailor your essay to "sell" yourself directly to the employer.

• For each of your points, think of a specific example you can relate briefly that illustrates the point. For example, if you've described yourself as a "team player," you might include an example of how you came in on your day off to complete some of the more monotonous tasks that no one else wanted to do so a project could be completed ahead of schedule.
• It's a good idea to have more than one example in your outline for each point, even if you only end up using one. That way, if you start writing something and it ends up not working as well as you thought it would, you'll have a back-up handy.
• Brainstorming can be difficult. If you find yourself churning over the same thoughts, stand up and take a break for a few minutes. Step outside or go for a walk to clear your head, then come back to it.

• For example, if you want to describe how you increased sales in a specific quarter, you would want to state specifically how much you increased sales. Your former employer may have sales figures that you could ask them for. You might also have that information in your records.
• Wherever possible, use specific numbers and dates rather than making general statements. It's okay to estimate, but make sure your estimate is conservative. Saying you led your sales team to the highest sales in a quarter is impressive — but only if it's true.

Completing Your Rough Draft

• Think of this paragraph as telling the hiring manager what you're going to tell them in the essay. Outline the points you're going to elaborate on in the essay that back up your theme or thesis statement.
• Sometimes it's best to go back and write your introduction after you've written the body of your essay. That way, you can make sure the introduction provides an outline that matches the body.

• If the employer listed specifically what should be included in your essay, follow their order, since that's what they'll be looking for when they read the essay.
• Write in the first person and make yourself the star of any anecdote you include as an example. Use action verbs to focus on what you did rather than focusing on what happened and how you reacted to it. [7] X Trustworthy Source University of North Carolina Writing Center UNC's on-campus and online instructional service that provides assistance to students, faculty, and others during the writing process Go to source

• For example, if you're writing about your skills as a team player, you might note that you discuss doing routine work that others found monotonous so they had time to work on other parts of a project. You could use that detail to move on to a section describing how you're detail-oriented.

• For example, you might write "My business school education, skills as a team player, and focus on detail make me the best candidate to lead your sales team."

Finalizing Your Essay

• For example, you might start by looking solely at punctuation, then read through again focusing on spelling.
• If you find that you tend to repeat a particular error, go through your essay looking for that error specifically.
• If your grammar isn't particularly strong or you're writing in a language other than your native language, have someone else read over your essay as well.

• If you find that you stumble over a sentence while reading aloud, that's a sign that your writing could be clearer. Work with your text until you have something that you can read aloud with ease.

• If the prospective employer did not specify a length, try to keep your essay under 2 double-spaced pages. Remember that hiring managers are busy and don't have a lot of time to read a long, rambling essay.
• Eliminate all unnecessary words or sentences that aren't relevant to the subject of your essay. The majority of your sentences should be short, declarative sentences with action verbs.
• Apps such as Hemingway ( http://www.hemingwayapp.com/ ) or Grammarly ( https://app.grammarly.com/ ) can help you identify portions of your essay that are more difficult to read. Both of these apps have a free version that you can use to edit your text.

• Working backward is particularly helpful for noticing spelling mistakes, especially hard-to-catch homophone errors, because you're seeing the word out of context.

• It may also help to print your essay in a different font or font size than what you used to type it. This breaks your brain's familiarity with the text, which can make typos and other errors more noticeable. Just remember to change the font back after you print it.

Job Application Essay

Expert Q&A

• Give yourself plenty of time to work on your essay. Ideally, you should plan to work on it over the course of at least two days, so you have the time to set it aside after writing before you move to the editing and proofreading stage. [15] X Research source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

• Unless you're applying for a position in a political or religious organization, avoid including anything in your essay that identifies your political or religious preferences or beliefs. [16] X Research source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Avoid using humor, especially sarcasm or ironic humor, as it can be misconstrued in text. Additionally, humor may lead the hiring manager to believe that you aren't serious about the position. [17] X Research source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://www.monster.com/career-advice/article/writing-sample-job-application
• ↑ https://www.insidehighered.com/advice/2012/04/30/essay-how-write-good-applications-jobs-or-grants
• ↑ Shannon O'Brien, MA, EdM. Life & Career Coach. Expert Interview. 25 May 2021.
• ↑ https://www.govloop.com/community/blog/government-job-application-essays-made-easy/
• ↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/application-essays/
• ↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/editing-and-proofreading/
• ↑ https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/education/grammar/proofreading-tips
• ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/career-transitions/200906/the-dreaded-writing-sample

About This Article

Job application essays can seem scary, but they’re really just an opportunity for you to highlight your skills and explain why you’re suitable for the role. Read the job listing to find out what traits and skills the company is looking for, like time management, working under pressure, and leadership. If you don’t know much about the company, read through its website and do an online search to find articles about its work. In your introduction, you’ll want to to describe yourself and introduce the main points you’ll be making. Then, write a paragraph for each trait or skill. Use real life examples from previous jobs, your recent studies, or extracurricular activities to support your points. For example, you could highlight your leadership skills by talking about a time you led a group project that exceeded your targets. For more tips, including how to write a compelling conclusion for your job application essay, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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10 Personal Statement Essay Examples That Worked

What’s covered:, what is a personal statement.

• Essay 1: Summer Program
• Essay 2: Being Bangladeshi-American
• Essay 3: Why Medicine
• Essay 4: Love of Writing
• Essay 5: Starting a Fire
• Essay 6: Dedicating a Track
• Essay 7: Body Image and Eating Disorders
• Essay 8: Becoming a Coach
• Essay 9: Eritrea
• Essay 10: Journaling
• Is Your Personal Statement Strong Enough?

Your personal statement is any essay that you must write for your main application, such as the Common App Essay , University of California Essays , or Coalition Application Essay . This type of essay focuses on your unique experiences, ideas, or beliefs that may not be discussed throughout the rest of your application. This essay should be an opportunity for the admissions officers to get to know you better and give them a glimpse into who you really are.

In this post, we will share 10 different personal statements that were all written by real students. We will also provide commentary on what each essay did well and where there is room for improvement, so you can make your personal statement as strong as possible!

Please note: Looking at examples of real essays students have submitted to colleges can be very beneficial to get inspiration for your essays. You should never copy or plagiarize from these examples when writing your own essays. Colleges can tell when an essay isn’t genuine and will not view students favorably if they plagiarized. 

Personal Statement Examples

Essay example #1: exchange program.

The twisting roads, ornate mosaics, and fragrant scent of freshly ground spices had been so foreign at first. Now in my fifth week of the SNYI-L summer exchange program in Morocco, I felt more comfortable in the city. With a bag full of pastries from the market, I navigated to a bus stop, paid the fare, and began the trip back to my host family’s house. It was hard to believe that only a few years earlier my mom was worried about letting me travel around my home city on my own, let alone a place that I had only lived in for a few weeks. While I had been on a journey towards self-sufficiency and independence for a few years now, it was Morocco that pushed me to become the confident, self-reflective person that I am today.

As a child, my parents pressured me to achieve perfect grades, master my swim strokes, and discover interesting hobbies like playing the oboe and learning to pick locks. I felt compelled to live my life according to their wishes. Of course, this pressure was not a wholly negative factor in my life –– you might even call it support. However, the constant presence of my parents’ hopes for me overcame my own sense of desire and led me to become quite dependent on them. I pushed myself to get straight A’s, complied with years of oboe lessons, and dutifully attended hours of swim practice after school. Despite all these achievements, I felt like I had no sense of self beyond my drive for success. I had always been expected to succeed on the path they had defined. However, this path was interrupted seven years after my parents’ divorce when my dad moved across the country to Oregon.

I missed my dad’s close presence, but I loved my new sense of freedom. My parents’ separation allowed me the space to explore my own strengths and interests as each of them became individually busier. As early as middle school, I was riding the light rail train by myself, reading maps to get myself home, and applying to special academic programs without urging from my parents. Even as I took more initiatives on my own, my parents both continued to see me as somewhat immature. All of that changed three years ago, when I applied and was accepted to the SNYI-L summer exchange program in Morocco. I would be studying Arabic and learning my way around the city of Marrakesh. Although I think my parents were a little surprised when I told them my news, the addition of a fully-funded scholarship convinced them to let me go.

I lived with a host family in Marrakesh and learned that they, too, had high expectations for me. I didn’t know a word of Arabic, and although my host parents and one brother spoke good English, they knew I was there to learn. If I messed up, they patiently corrected me but refused to let me fall into the easy pattern of speaking English just as I did at home. Just as I had when I was younger, I felt pressured and stressed about meeting their expectations. However, one day, as I strolled through the bustling market square after successfully bargaining with one of the street vendors, I realized my mistake. My host family wasn’t being unfair by making me fumble through Arabic. I had applied for this trip, and I had committed to the intensive language study. My host family’s rules about speaking Arabic at home had not been to fulfill their expectations for me, but to help me fulfill my expectations for myself. Similarly, the pressure my parents had put on me as a child had come out of love and their hopes for me, not out of a desire to crush my individuality.

As my bus drove through the still-bustling market square and past the medieval Ben-Youssef madrasa, I realized that becoming independent was a process, not an event. I thought that my parents’ separation when I was ten had been the one experience that would transform me into a self-motivated and autonomous person. It did, but that didn’t mean that I didn’t still have room to grow. Now, although I am even more self-sufficient than I was three years ago, I try to approach every experience with the expectation that it will change me. It’s still difficult, but I understand that just because growth can be uncomfortable doesn’t mean it’s not important.

What the Essay Did Well

This is a nice essay because it delves into particular character trait of the student and how it has been shaped and matured over time. Although it doesn’t focus the essay around a specific anecdote, the essay is still successful because it is centered around this student’s independence. This is a nice approach for a personal statement: highlight a particular trait of yours and explore how it has grown with you.

The ideas in this essay are universal to growing up—living up to parents’ expectations, yearning for freedom, and coming to terms with reality—but it feels unique to the student because of the inclusion of details specific to them. Including their oboe lessons, the experience of riding the light rail by themselves, and the negotiations with a street vendor helps show the reader what these common tropes of growing up looked like for them personally. 

Another strength of the essay is the level of self-reflection included throughout the piece. Since there is no central anecdote tying everything together, an essay about a character trait is only successful when you deeply reflect on how you felt, where you made mistakes, and how that trait impacts your life. The author includes reflection in sentences like “ I felt like I had no sense of self beyond my drive for success, ” and “ I understand that just because growth can be uncomfortable doesn’t mean it’s not important. ” These sentences help us see how the student was impacted and what their point of view is.

What Could Be Improved

The largest change this essay would benefit from is to show not tell. The platitude you have heard a million times no doubt, but for good reason. This essay heavily relies on telling the reader what occurred, making us less engaged as the entire reading experience feels more passive. If the student had shown us what happens though, it keeps the reader tied to the action and makes them feel like they are there with the student, making it much more enjoyable to read. 

For example, they tell us about the pressure to succeed their parents placed on them: “ I pushed myself to get straight A’s, complied with years of oboe lessons, and dutifully attended hours of swim practice after school.”  They could have shown us what that pressure looked like with a sentence like this: “ My stomach turned somersaults as my rattling knee thumped against the desk before every test, scared to get anything less than a 95. For five years the painful squawk of the oboe only reminded me of my parents’ claps and whistles at my concerts. I mastered the butterfly, backstroke, and freestyle, fighting against the anchor of their expectations threatening to pull me down.”

If the student had gone through their essay and applied this exercise of bringing more detail and colorful language to sentences that tell the reader what happened, the essay would be really great. 

Table of Contents

Essay Example #2: Being Bangladeshi-American

Life before was good: verdant forests, sumptuous curries, and a devoted family.

Then, my family abandoned our comfortable life in Bangladesh for a chance at the American dream in Los Angeles. Within our first year, my father was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. He lost his battle three weeks before my sixth birthday. Facing a new country without the steady presence of my father, we were vulnerable — prisoners of hardship in the land of the free. We resettled in the Bronx, in my uncle’s renovated basement. It was meant to be our refuge, but I felt more displaced than ever. Gone were the high-rise condos of West L.A.; instead, government projects towered over the neighborhood. Pedestrians no longer smiled and greeted me; the atmosphere was hostile, even toxic. Schoolkids were quick to pick on those they saw as weak or foreign, hurling harsh words I’d never heard before.

Meanwhile, my family began integrating into the local Bangladeshi community. I struggled to understand those who shared my heritage. Bangladeshi mothers stayed home while fathers drove cabs and sold fruit by the roadside — painful societal positions. Riding on crosstown buses or walking home from school, I began to internalize these disparities. During my fleeting encounters with affluent Upper East Siders, I saw kids my age with nannies, parents who wore suits to work, and luxurious apartments with spectacular views. Most took cabs to their destinations: cabs that Bangladeshis drove. I watched the mundane moments of their lives with longing, aching to plant myself in their shoes. Shame prickled down my spine. I distanced myself from my heritage, rejecting the traditional panjabis worn on Eid and refusing the torkari we ate for dinner every day. 

As I grappled with my relationship with the Bangladeshi community, I turned my attention to helping my Bronx community by pursuing an internship with Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda. I handled desk work and took calls, spending the bulk of my time actively listening to the hardships constituents faced — everything from a veteran stripped of his benefits to a grandmother unable to support her bedridden grandchild.

I’d never exposed myself to stories like these, and now I was the first to hear them. As an intern, I could only assist in what felt like the small ways — pointing out local job offerings, printing information on free ESL classes, reaching out to non-profits. But to a community facing an onslaught of intense struggles, I realized that something as small as these actions could have vast impacts. Seeing the immediate consequences of my actions inspired me. Throughout that summer, I internalized my community’s daily challenges in a new light. I began to stop seeing the prevalent underemployment and cramped living quarters less as sources of shame. Instead, I saw them as realities that had to be acknowledged, but could ultimately be remedied. I also realized the benefits of the Bangladeshi culture I had been so ashamed of. My Bangla language skills were an asset to the office, and my understanding of Bangladeshi etiquette allowed for smooth communication between office staff and its constituents. As I helped my neighbors navigate city services, I saw my heritage with pride — a perspective I never expected to have.

I can now appreciate the value of my unique culture and background, and of living with less. This perspective offers room for progress, community integration, and a future worth fighting for. My time with Assemblyman Sepulveda’s office taught me that I can be a change agent in enabling this progression. Far from being ashamed of my community, I want to someday return to local politics in the Bronx to continue helping others access the American Dream. I hope to help my community appreciate the opportunity to make progress together. By embracing reality, I learned to live it. Along the way, I discovered one thing: life is good, but we can make it better.

This student’s passion for social justice and civic duty shines through in this essay because of how honest it is. Sharing their personal experience with immigrating, moving around, being an outsider, and finding a community allows us to see the hardships this student has faced and builds empathy towards their situation. However, what really makes it strong is that they go beyond describing the difficulties they faced and explain the mental impact it had on them as a child: Shame prickled down my spine. I distanced myself from my heritage, rejecting the traditional panjabis worn on Eid and refusing the torkari we ate for dinner every day. 

The rejection of their culture presented at the beginning of the essay creates a nice juxtaposition with the student’s view in the latter half of the essay and helps demonstrate how they have matured. They use their experience interning as a way to delve into a change in their thought process about their culture and show how their passion for social justice began. Using this experience as a mechanism to explore their thoughts and feelings is an excellent example of how items that are included elsewhere on your application should be incorporated into your essay.

This essay prioritizes emotions and personal views over specific anecdotes. Although there are details and certain moments incorporated throughout to emphasize the author’s points, the main focus remains on the student and how they grapple with their culture and identity.  

One area for improvement is the conclusion. Although the forward-looking approach is a nice way to end an essay focused on social justice, it would be nice to include more details and imagery in the conclusion. How does the student want to help their community? What government position do they see themselves holding one day? 

A more impactful ending might look like the student walking into their office at the New York City Housing Authority in 15 years and looking at the plans to build a new development in the Bronx just blocks away from where the grew up that would provide quality housing to people in their Bangladeshi community. They would smile while thinking about how far they have come from that young kid who used to be ashamed of their culture. 

Essay Example #3: Why Medicine

I took my first trip to China to visit my cousin Anna in July of 2014. Distance had kept us apart, but when we were together, we fell into all of our old inside jokes and caught up on each other’s lives. Her sparkling personality and optimistic attitude always brought a smile to my face. This time, however, my heart broke when I saw the effects of her brain cancer; she had suffered from a stroke that paralyzed her left side. She was still herself in many ways, but I could see that the damage to her brain made things difficult for her. I stayed by her every day, providing the support she needed, whether assisting her with eating and drinking, reading to her, or just watching “Friends.” During my flight back home, sorrow and helplessness overwhelmed me. Would I ever see Anna again? Could I have done more to make Anna comfortable? I wished I could stay in China longer to care for her. As I deplaned, I wondered if I could transform my grief to help other children and teenagers in the US who suffered as Anna did.

The day after I got home, as jet lag dragged me awake a few minutes after midnight, I remembered hearing about the Family Reach Foundation (FRF) and its work with children going through treatments at the local hospital and their families. I began volunteering in the FRF’s Children’s Activity Room, where I play with children battling cancer. Volunteering has both made me appreciate my own health and also cherish the new relationships I build with the children and families. We play sports, make figures out of playdoh, and dress up. When they take on the roles of firefighters or fairies, we all get caught up in the game; for that time, they forget the sanitized, stark, impersonal walls of the pediatric oncology ward. Building close relationships with them and seeing them giggle and laugh is so rewarding — I love watching them grow and get better throughout their course of treatment.

Hearing from the parents about their children’s condition and seeing the children recover inspired me to consider medical research. To get started, I enrolled in a summer collegelevel course in Abnormal Psychology. There I worked with Catelyn, a rising college senior, on a data analysis project regarding Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). Together, we examined the neurological etiology of DID by studying four fMRI and PET cases. I fell in love with gathering data and analyzing the results and was amazed by our final product: several stunning brain images showcasing the areas of hyper and hypoactivity in brains affected by DID. Desire quickly followed my amazement — I want to continue this project and study more brains. Their complexity, delicacy, and importance to every aspect of life fascinate me. Successfully completing this research project gave me a sense of hope; I know I am capable of participating in a large scale research project and potentially making a difference in someone else’s life through my research.

Anna’s diagnosis inspired me to begin volunteering at FRF; from there, I discovered my desire to help people further by contributing to medical research. As my research interest blossomed, I realized that it’s no coincidence that I want to study brains—after all, Anna suffered from brain cancer. Reflecting on these experiences this past year and a half, I see that everything I’ve done is connected. Sadly, a few months after I returned from China, Anna passed away. I am still sad, but as I run a toy truck across the floor and watch one of the little patients’ eyes light up, I imagine that she would be proud of my commitment to pursue medicine and study the brain.

This essay has a very strong emotional core that tugs at the heart strings and makes the reader feel invested. Writing about sickness can be difficult and doesn’t always belong in a personal statement, but in this case it works well because the focus is on how this student cared for her cousin and dealt with the grief and emotions surrounding her condition. Writing about the compassion she showed and the doubts and concerns that filled her mind keeps the focus on the author and her personality. 

This continues when she again discusses the activities she did with the kids at FRF and the personal reflection this experience allowed her to have. For example, she writes: Volunteering has both made me appreciate my own health and also cherish the new relationships I build with the children and families. We play sports, make figures out of playdoh, and dress up.

Concluding the essay with the sad story of her cousin’s passing brings the essay full circle and returns to the emotional heart of the piece to once again build a connection with the reader. However, it finishes on a hopeful note and demonstrates how this student has been able to turn a tragic experience into a source of lifelong inspiration. 

One thing this essay should be cognizant of is that personal statements should not read as summaries of your extracurricular resume. Although this essay doesn’t fully fall into that trap, it does describe two key extracurriculars the student participated in. However, the inclusion of such a strong emotional core running throughout the essay helps keep the focus on the student and her thoughts and feelings during these activities.

To avoid making this mistake, make sure you have a common thread running through your essay and the extracurriculars provide support to the story you are trying to tell, rather than crafting a story around your activities. And, as this essay does, make sure there is lots of personal reflection and feelings weaved throughout to focus attention to you rather than your extracurriculars. 

Essay Example #4: Love of Writing

“I want to be a writer.” This had been my answer to every youthful discussion with the adults in my life about what I would do when I grew up. As early as elementary school, I remember reading my writing pieces aloud to an audience at “Author of the Month” ceremonies. Bearing this goal in mind, and hoping to gain some valuable experience, I signed up for a journalism class during my freshman year. Despite my love for writing, I initially found myself uninterested in the subject and I struggled to enjoy the class. When I thought of writing, I imagined lyrical prose, profound poetry, and thrilling plot lines. Journalism required a laconic style and orderly structure, and I found my teacher’s assignments formulaic and dull. That class shook my confidence as a writer. I was uncertain if I should continue in it for the rest of my high school career.

Despite my misgivings, I decided that I couldn’t make a final decision on whether to quit journalism until I had some experience working for a paper outside of the classroom. The following year, I applied to be a staff reporter on our school newspaper. I hoped this would help me become more self-driven and creative, rather than merely writing articles that my teacher assigned. To my surprise, my time on staff was worlds away from what I experienced in the journalism class. Although I was unaccustomed to working in a fast-paced environment and initially found it burdensome to research and complete high-quality stories in a relatively short amount of time, I also found it exciting. I enjoyed learning more about topics and events on campus that I did not know much about; some of my stories that I covered in my first semester concerned a chess tournament, a food drive, and a Spanish immersion party. I relished in the freedom I had to explore and learn, and to write more independently than I could in a classroom.

Although I enjoyed many aspects of working for the paper immediately, reporting also pushed me outside of my comfort zone. I am a shy person, and speaking with people I did not know intimidated me. During my first interview, I met with the basketball coach to prepare for a story about the team’s winning streak. As I approached his office, I felt everything from my toes to my tongue freeze into a solid block, and I could hardly get out my opening questions. Fortunately, the coach was very kind and helped me through the conversation. Encouraged, I prepared for my next interview with more confidence. After a few weeks of practice, I even started to look forward to interviewing people on campus. That first journalism class may have bored me, but even if journalism in practice was challenging, it was anything but tedious.

Over the course of that year, I grew to love writing for our school newspaper. Reporting made me aware of my surroundings, and made me want to know more about current events on campus and in the town where I grew up. By interacting with people all over campus, I came to understand the breadth of individuals and communities that make up my high school. I felt far more connected to diverse parts of my school through my work as a journalist, and I realized that journalism gave me a window into seeing beyond my own experiences. The style of news writing may be different from what I used to think “writing” meant, but I learned that I can still derive exciting plots from events that may have gone unnoticed if not for my stories. I no longer struggle to approach others, and truly enjoy getting to know people and recognizing their accomplishments through my writing. Becoming a writer may be a difficult path, but it is as rewarding as I hoped when I was young.

This essay is clearly structured in a manner that makes it flow very nicely and contributes to its success. It starts with a quote to draw in the reader and show this student’s life-long passion for writing. Then it addresses the challenges of facing new, unfamiliar territory and how this student overcame it. Finally, it concludes by reflecting on this eye-opening experience and a nod to their younger self from the introduction. Having a well-thought out and sequential structure with clear transitions makes it extremely easy for the reader to follow along and take away the main idea.

Another positive aspect of the essay is the use of strong and expressive language. Sentences like “ When I thought of writing, I imagined lyrical prose, profound poetry, and thrilling plot lines ” stand out because of the intentional use of words like “lyrical”, “profound”, and “thrilling” to convey the student’s love of writing. The author also uses an active voice to capture the readers’ attention and keep us engaged. They rely on their language and diction to reveal details to the reader, for instance saying “ I felt everything from my toes to my tongue freeze into a solid block ” to describe feeling nervous.

This essay is already very strong, so there isn’t much that needs to be changed. One thing that could take the essay from great to outstanding would be to throw in more quotes, internal dialogue, and sensory descriptors.

It would be nice to see the nerves they felt interviewing the coach by including dialogue like “ Um…I want to interview you about…uh…”.  They could have shown their original distaste for journalism by narrating the thoughts running through their head. The fast-paced environment of their newspaper could have come to life with descriptions about the clacking of keyboards and the whirl of people running around laying out articles.

Essay Example #5: Starting a Fire

Was I no longer the beloved daughter of nature, whisperer of trees? Knee-high rubber boots, camouflage, bug spray—I wore the garb and perfume of a proud wild woman, yet there I was, hunched over the pathetic pile of stubborn sticks, utterly stumped, on the verge of tears. As a child, I had considered myself a kind of rustic princess, a cradler of spiders and centipedes, who was serenaded by mourning doves and chickadees, who could glide through tick-infested meadows and emerge Lyme-free. I knew the cracks of the earth like the scars on my own rough palms. Yet here I was, ten years later, incapable of performing the most fundamental outdoor task: I could not, for the life of me, start a fire. 

Furiously I rubbed the twigs together—rubbed and rubbed until shreds of skin flaked from my fingers. No smoke. The twigs were too young, too sticky-green; I tossed them away with a shower of curses, and began tearing through the underbrush in search of a more flammable collection. My efforts were fruitless. Livid, I bit a rejected twig, determined to prove that the forest had spurned me, offering only young, wet bones that would never burn. But the wood cracked like carrots between my teeth—old, brittle, and bitter. Roaring and nursing my aching palms, I retreated to the tent, where I sulked and awaited the jeers of my family. 

Rattling their empty worm cans and reeking of fat fish, my brother and cousins swaggered into the campsite. Immediately, they noticed the minor stick massacre by the fire pit and called to me, their deep voices already sharp with contempt. 

“Where’s the fire, Princess Clara?” they taunted. “Having some trouble?” They prodded me with the ends of the chewed branches and, with a few effortless scrapes of wood on rock, sparked a red and roaring flame. My face burned long after I left the fire pit. The camp stank of salmon and shame. 

In the tent, I pondered my failure. Was I so dainty? Was I that incapable? I thought of my hands, how calloused and capable they had been, how tender and smooth they had become. It had been years since I’d kneaded mud between my fingers; instead of scaling a white pine, I’d practiced scales on my piano, my hands softening into those of a musician—fleshy and sensitive. And I’d gotten glasses, having grown horrifically nearsighted; long nights of dim lighting and thick books had done this. I couldn’t remember the last time I had lain down on a hill, barefaced, and seen the stars without having to squint. Crawling along the edge of the tent, a spider confirmed my transformation—he disgusted me, and I felt an overwhelming urge to squash him. 

Yet, I realized I hadn’t really changed—I had only shifted perspective. I still eagerly explored new worlds, but through poems and prose rather than pastures and puddles. I’d grown to prefer the boom of a bass over that of a bullfrog, learned to coax a different kind of fire from wood, having developed a burn for writing rhymes and scrawling hypotheses. 

That night, I stayed up late with my journal and wrote about the spider I had decided not to kill. I had tolerated him just barely, only shrieking when he jumped—it helped to watch him decorate the corners of the tent with his delicate webs, knowing that he couldn’t start fires, either. When the night grew cold and the embers died, my words still smoked—my hands burned from all that scrawling—and even when I fell asleep, the ideas kept sparking—I was on fire, always on fire.

This student is an excellent writer, which allows a simple story to be outstandingly compelling. The author articulates her points beautifully and creatively through her immense use of details and figurative language. Lines like “a rustic princess, a cradler of spiders and centipedes, who was serenaded by mourning doves and chickadees,” and “rubbed and rubbed until shreds of skin flaked from my fingers,” create vivid images that draw the reader in. 

The flowery and descriptive prose also contributes to the nice juxtaposition between the old Clara and the new Clara. The latter half of the essay contrasts elements of nature with music and writing to demonstrate how natural these interests are for her now. This sentence perfectly encapsulates the contrast she is trying to build: “It had been years since I’d kneaded mud between my fingers; instead of scaling a white pine, I’d practiced scales on my piano, my hands softening into those of a musician—fleshy and sensitive.”

In addition to being well-written, this essay is thematically cohesive. It begins with the simple introduction “Fire!” and ends with the following image: “When the night grew cold and the embers died, my words still smoked—my hands burned from all that scrawling—and even when I fell asleep, the ideas kept sparking—I was on fire, always on fire.” This full-circle approach leaves readers satisfied and impressed.

There is very little this essay should change, however one thing to be cautious about is having an essay that is overly-descriptive. We know from the essay that this student likes to read and write, and depending on other elements of her application, it might make total sense to have such a flowery and ornate writing style. However, your personal statement needs to reflect your voice as well as your personality. If you would never use language like this in conversation or your writing, don’t put it in your personal statement. Make sure there is a balance between eloquence and your personal voice.

Essay Example #6: Dedicating a Track

“Getting beat is one thing – it’s part of competing – but I want no part in losing.” Coach Rob Stark’s motto never fails to remind me of his encouragement on early-morning bus rides to track meets around the state. I’ve always appreciated the phrase, but an experience last June helped me understand its more profound, universal meaning.

Stark, as we affectionately call him, has coached track at my high school for 25 years. His care, dedication, and emphasis on developing good character has left an enduring impact on me and hundreds of other students. Not only did he help me discover my talent and love for running, but he also taught me the importance of commitment and discipline and to approach every endeavor with the passion and intensity that I bring to running. When I learned a neighboring high school had dedicated their track to a longtime coach, I felt that Stark deserved similar honors.

Our school district’s board of education indicated they would only dedicate our track to Stark if I could demonstrate that he was extraordinary. I took charge and mobilized my teammates to distribute petitions, reach out to alumni, and compile statistics on the many team and individual champions Stark had coached over the years. We received astounding support, collecting almost 3,000 signatures and pages of endorsements from across the community. With help from my teammates, I presented this evidence to the board.

They didn’t bite. 

Most members argued that dedicating the track was a low priority. Knowing that we had to act quickly to convince them of its importance, I called a team meeting where we drafted a rebuttal for the next board meeting. To my surprise, they chose me to deliver it. I was far from the best public speaker in the group, and I felt nervous about going before the unsympathetic board again. However, at that second meeting, I discovered that I enjoy articulating and arguing for something that I’m passionate about.

Public speaking resembles a cross country race. Walking to the starting line, you have to trust your training and quell your last minute doubts. When the gun fires, you can’t think too hard about anything; your performance has to be instinctual, natural, even relaxed. At the next board meeting, the podium was my starting line. As I walked up to it, familiar butterflies fluttered in my stomach. Instead of the track stretching out in front of me, I faced the vast audience of teachers, board members, and my teammates. I felt my adrenaline build, and reassured myself: I’ve put in the work, my argument is powerful and sound. As the board president told me to introduce myself, I heard, “runners set” in the back of my mind. She finished speaking, and Bang! The brief silence was the gunshot for me to begin. 

The next few minutes blurred together, but when the dust settled, I knew from the board members’ expressions and the audience’s thunderous approval that I had run quite a race. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough; the board voted down our proposal. I was disappointed, but proud of myself, my team, and our collaboration off the track. We stood up for a cause we believed in, and I overcame my worries about being a leader. Although I discovered that changing the status quo through an elected body can be a painstakingly difficult process and requires perseverance, I learned that I enjoy the challenges this effort offers. Last month, one of the school board members joked that I had become a “regular” – I now often show up to meetings to advocate for a variety of causes, including better environmental practices in cafeterias and safer equipment for athletes.

Just as Stark taught me, I worked passionately to achieve my goal. I may have been beaten when I appealed to the board, but I certainly didn’t lose, and that would have made Stark proud.

This essay effectively conveys this student’s compassion for others, initiative, and determination—all great qualities to exemplify in a personal statement!

Although they rely on telling us a lot of what happened up until the board meeting, the use of running a race (their passion) as a metaphor for public speaking provides a lot of insight into the fear that this student overcame to work towards something bigger than themself. Comparing a podium to the starting line, the audience to the track, and silence to the gunshot is a nice way of demonstrating this student’s passion for cross country running without making that the focus of the story.

The essay does a nice job of coming full circle at the end by explaining what the quote from the beginning meant to them after this experience. Without explicitly saying “ I now know that what Stark actually meant is…” they rely on the strength of their argument above to make it obvious to the reader what it means to get beat but not lose. 

One of the biggest areas of improvement in the intro, however, is how the essay tells us Stark’s impact rather than showing us: His care, dedication, and emphasis on developing good character has left an enduring impact on me and hundreds of other students. Not only did he help me discover my talent and love for running, but he also taught me the importance of commitment and discipline and to approach every endeavor with the passion and intensity that I bring to running.

The writer could’ve helped us feel a stronger emotional connection to Stark if they had included examples of Stark’s qualities, rather than explicitly stating them. For example, they could’ve written something like: Stark was the kind of person who would give you gas money if you told him your parents couldn’t afford to pick you up from practice. And he actually did that—several times. At track meets, alumni regularly would come talk to him and tell him how he’d changed their lives. Before Stark, I was ambivalent about running and was on the JV team, but his encouragement motivated me to run longer and harder and eventually make varsity. Because of him, I approach every endeavor with the passion and intensity that I bring to running.

Essay Example #7: Body Image and Eating Disorders

I press the “discover” button on my Instagram app, hoping to find enticing pictures to satisfy my boredom. Scrolling through, I see funny videos and mouth-watering pictures of food. However, one image stops me immediately. A fit teenage girl with a “perfect body” relaxes in a bikini on a beach. Beneath it, I see a slew of flattering comments. I shake with disapproval over the image’s unrealistic quality. However, part of me still wants to have a body like hers so that others will make similar comments to me.

I would like to resolve a silent issue that harms many teenagers and adults: negative self image and low self-esteem in a world where social media shapes how people view each other. When people see the façades others wear to create an “ideal” image, they can develop poor thought patterns rooted in negative self-talk. The constant comparisons to “perfect” others make people feel small. In this new digital age, it is hard to distinguish authentic from artificial representations.

When I was 11, I developed anorexia nervosa. Though I was already thin, I wanted to be skinny like the models that I saw on the magazine covers on the grocery store stands. Little did I know that those models probably also suffered from disorders, and that photoshop erased their flaws. I preferred being underweight to being healthy. No matter how little I ate or how thin I was, I always thought that I was too fat. I became obsessed with the number on the scale and would try to eat the least that I could without my parents urging me to take more. Fortunately, I stopped engaging in anorexic behaviors before middle school. However, my underlying mental habits did not change. The images that had provoked my disorder in the first place were still a constant presence in my life.

By age 15, I was in recovery from anorexia, but suffered from depression. While I used to only compare myself to models, the growth of social media meant I also compared myself to my friends and acquaintances. I felt left out when I saw my friends’ excitement about lake trips they had taken without me. As I scrolled past endless photos of my flawless, thin classmates with hundreds of likes and affirming comments, I felt my jealousy spiral. I wanted to be admired and loved by other people too. However, I felt that I could never be enough. I began to hate the way that I looked, and felt nothing in my life was good enough. I wanted to be called “perfect” and “body goals,” so I tried to only post at certain times of day to maximize my “likes.” When that didn’t work, I started to feel too anxious to post anything at all.  

Body image insecurities and social media comparisons affect thousands of people – men, women, children, and adults – every day. I am lucky – after a few months of my destructive social media habits, I came across a video that pointed out the illusory nature of social media; many Instagram posts only show off good things while people hide their flaws. I began going to therapy, and recovered from my depression. To address the problem of self-image and social media, we can all focus on what matters on the inside and not what is on the surface. As an effort to become healthy internally, I started a club at my school to promote clean eating and radiating beauty from within. It has helped me grow in my confidence, and today I’m not afraid to show others my struggles by sharing my experience with eating disorders. Someday, I hope to make this club a national organization to help teenagers and adults across the country. I support the idea of body positivity and embracing difference, not “perfection.” After all, how can we be ourselves if we all look the same?

This essay covers the difficult topics of eating disorders and mental health. If you’re thinking about covering similar topics in your essay, we recommend reading our post Should You Talk About Mental Health in College Essays?

The short answer is that, yes, you can talk about mental health, but it can be risky. If you do go that route, it’s important to focus on what you learned from the experience.

The strength of this essay is the student’s vulnerability, in excerpts such as this: I wanted to be admired and loved by other people too. However, I felt that I could never be enough. I began to hate the way that I looked, and felt nothing in my life was good enough. I wanted to be called “perfect” and “body goals,” so I tried to only post at certain times of day to maximize my “likes.”

The student goes on to share how they recovered from their depression through an eye-opening video and therapy sessions, and they’re now helping others find their self-worth as well. It’s great that this essay looks towards the future and shares the writer’s goals of making their club a national organization; we can see their ambition and compassion.

The main weakness of this essay is that it doesn’t focus enough on their recovery process, which is arguably the most important part. They could’ve told us more about the video they watched or the process of starting their club and the interactions they’ve had with other members. Especially when sharing such a vulnerable topic, there should be vulnerability in the recovery process too. That way, the reader can fully appreciate all that this student has overcome.

Essay Example #8: Becoming a Coach

”Advanced females ages 13 to 14 please proceed to staging with your coaches at this time.” Skittering around the room, eyes wide and pleading, I frantically explained my situation to nearby coaches. The seconds ticked away in my head; every polite refusal increased my desperation.

Despair weighed me down. I sank to my knees as a stream of competitors, coaches, and officials flowed around me. My dojang had no coach, and the tournament rules prohibited me from competing without one.

Although I wanted to remain strong, doubts began to cloud my mind. I could not help wondering: what was the point of perfecting my skills if I would never even compete? The other members of my team, who had found coaches minutes earlier, attempted to comfort me, but I barely heard their words. They couldn’t understand my despair at being left on the outside, and I never wanted them to understand.

Since my first lesson 12 years ago, the members of my dojang have become family. I have watched them grow up, finding my own happiness in theirs. Together, we have honed our kicks, blocks, and strikes. We have pushed one another to aim higher and become better martial artists. Although my dojang had searched for a reliable coach for years, we had not found one. When we attended competitions in the past, my teammates and I had always gotten lucky and found a sympathetic coach. Now, I knew this practice was unsustainable. It would devastate me to see the other members of my dojang in my situation, unable to compete and losing hope as a result. My dojang needed a coach, and I decided it was up to me to find one.

I first approached the adults in the dojang – both instructors and members’ parents. However, these attempts only reacquainted me with polite refusals. Everyone I asked told me they couldn’t devote multiple weekends per year to competitions. I soon realized that I would have become the coach myself.

At first, the inner workings of tournaments were a mystery to me. To prepare myself for success as a coach, I spent the next year as an official and took coaching classes on the side. I learned everything from motivational strategies to technical, behind-the-scenes components of Taekwondo competitions. Though I emerged with new knowledge and confidence in my capabilities, others did not share this faith.

Parents threw me disbelieving looks when they learned that their children’s coach was only a child herself. My self-confidence was my armor, deflecting their surly glances. Every armor is penetrable, however, and as the relentless barrage of doubts pounded my resilience, it began to wear down. I grew unsure of my own abilities.

Despite the attack, I refused to give up. When I saw the shining eyes of the youngest students preparing for their first competition, I knew I couldn’t let them down. To quit would be to set them up to be barred from competing like I was. The knowledge that I could solve my dojang’s longtime problem motivated me to overcome my apprehension.

Now that my dojang flourishes at competitions, the attacks on me have weakened, but not ended. I may never win the approval of every parent; at times, I am still tormented by doubts, but I find solace in the fact that members of my dojang now only worry about competing to the best of their abilities.

Now, as I arrive at a tournament with my students, I close my eyes and remember the past. I visualize the frantic search for a coach and the chaos amongst my teammates as we competed with one another to find coaches before the staging calls for our respective divisions. I open my eyes to the exact opposite scene. Lacking a coach hurt my ability to compete, but I am proud to know that no member of my dojang will have to face that problem again.

This essay begins with an in-the-moment narrative that really illustrates the chaos of looking for a coach last-minute. We feel the writer’s emotions, particularly her dejectedness, at not being able to compete. Starting an essay in media res  is a great way to capture the attention of your readers and build anticipation for what comes next.

Through this essay, we can see how gutsy and determined the student is in deciding to become a coach themselves. She shows us these characteristics through their actions, rather than explicitly telling us: To prepare myself for success as a coach, I spent the next year as an official and took coaching classes on the side.  Also, by discussing the opposition she faced and how it affected her, the student is open and vulnerable about the reality of the situation.

The essay comes full circle as the author recalls the frantic situations in seeking out a coach, but this is no longer a concern for them and their team. Overall, this essay is extremely effective in painting this student as mature, bold, and compassionate.

The biggest thing this essay needs to work on is showing not telling. Throughout the essay, the student tells us that she “emerged with new knowledge and confidence,” she “grew unsure of her own abilities,” and she “refused to give up”. What we really want to know is what this looks like.

Instead of saying she “emerged with new knowledge and confidence” she should have shared how she taught a new move to a fellow team-member without hesitation. Rather than telling us she “grew unsure of her own abilities” she should have shown what that looked like by including her internal dialogue and rhetorical questions that ran through her mind. She could have demonstrated what “refusing to give up” looks like by explaining how she kept learning coaching techniques on her own, turned to a mentor for advice, or devised a plan to win over the trust of parents. 

Essay Example #9: Eritrea

No one knows where Eritrea is.

On the first day of school, for the past nine years, I would pensively stand in front of a class, a teacher, a stranger  waiting for the inevitable question: Where are you from?

I smile politely, my dimples accentuating my ambiguous features. “Eritrea,” I answer promptly and proudly. But I  am always prepared. Before their expression can deepen into confusion, ready to ask “where is that,” I elaborate,  perhaps with a fleeting hint of exasperation, “East Africa, near Ethiopia.”

Sometimes, I single out the key-shaped hermit nation on a map, stunning teachers who have “never had a student  from there!” Grinning, I resist the urge to remark, “You didn’t even know it existed until two minutes ago!”

Eritrea is to the East of Ethiopia, its arid coastline clutches the lucrative Red Sea. Battle scars litter the ancient  streets – the colonial Italian architecture lathered with bullet holes, the mosques mangled with mortar shells.  Originally part of the world’s first Christian kingdom, Eritrea passed through the hands of colonial Italy, Britain, and  Ethiopia for over a century, until a bloody thirty year war of Independence liberated us.

But these are facts that anyone can know with a quick Google search. These are facts that I have memorised and compounded, first from my Grandmother and now from pristine books  borrowed from the library.

No historical narrative, however, can adequately capture what Eritrea is.  No one knows the aroma of bushels of potatoes, tomatoes, and garlic – still covered in dirt – that leads you to the open-air market. No one knows the poignant scent of spices, arranged in orange piles reminiscent of compacted  dunes.  No one knows how to haggle stubborn herders for sheep and roosters for Christmas celebrations as deliberately as my mother. No one can replicate the perfect balance of spices in dorho and tsebhi as well as my grandmother,  her gnarly hands stirring the pot with ancient precision (chastising my clumsy knife work with the potatoes).  It’s impossible to learn when the injera is ready – the exact moment you have to lift the lid of the mogogo. Do it too  early (or too late) and the flatbread becomes mangled and gross. It is a sixth sense passed through matriarchal  lineages.

There are no sources that catalogue the scent of incense that wafts through the sunlit porch on St. Michael’s; no  films that can capture the luminescence of hundreds of flaming bonfires that fluoresce the sidewalks on Kudus  Yohannes, as excited children chant Ge’ez proverbs whose origin has been lost to time.  You cannot learn the familiarity of walking beneath the towering Gothic figure of the Enda Mariam Cathedral, the  crowds undulating to the ringing of the archaic bells.  I have memorized the sound of the rains hounding the metal roof during kiremti , the heat of the sun pounding  against the Toyota’s window as we sped down towards Ghinda , the opulent brilliance of the stars twinkling in a  sky untainted by light pollution, the scent of warm rolls of bani wafting through the streets at precisely 6 o’clock each day…

I fill my flimsy sketchbook with pictures from my memory. My hand remembers the shapes of the hibiscus drifting  in the wind, the outline of my grandmother (affectionately nicknamed a’abaye ) leaning over the garden, the bizarre architecture of the Fiat Tagliero .  I dice the vegetables with movements handed down from generations. My nose remembers the scent of frying garlic, the sourness of the warm tayta , the sharpness of the mit’mt’a …

This knowledge is intrinsic.  “I am Eritrean,” I repeat. “I am proud.”  Within me is an encyclopedia of history, culture, and idealism.

Eritrea is the coffee made from scratch, the spices drying in the sun, the priests and nuns. Eritrea is wise, filled with ambition, and unseen potential.  Eritrea isn’t a place, it’s an identity.

This is an exceptional essay that provides a window into this student’s culture that really makes their love for their country and heritage leap off the page. The sheer level of details and sensory descriptors this student is able to fit in this space makes the essay stand out. From the smells, to the traditions, sounds, and sights, the author encapsulates all the glory of Eritrea for the reader. 

The vivid images this student is able to create for the reader, whether it is having the tedious conversation with every teacher or cooking in their grandmother’s kitchen, transports us into the story and makes us feel like we are there in the moment with the student. This is a prime example of an essay that shows , not tells.

Besides the amazing imagery, the use of shorter paragraphs also contributes to how engaging this essay is. Employing this tactic helps break up the text to make it more readable and it isolates ideas so they stick out more than if they were enveloped in a large paragraph.

Overall, this is a really strong essay that brings to life this student’s heritage through its use of vivid imagery. This essay exemplifies what it means to show not tell in your writing, and it is a great example of how you can write an intimate personal statement without making yourself the primary focus of your essay. 

There is very little this essay should improve upon, but one thing the student might consider would be to inject more personal reflection into their response. Although we can clearly take away their deep love and passion for their homeland and culture, the essay would be a bit more personal if they included the emotions and feelings they associate with the various aspects of Eritrea. For example, the way their heart swells with pride when their grandmother praises their ability to cook a flatbread or the feeling of serenity when they hear the bells ring out from the cathedral. Including personal details as well as sensory ones would create a wonderful balance of imagery and reflection.

Essay Example #10: Journaling

Flipping past dozens of colorful entries in my journal, I arrive at the final blank sheet. I press my pen lightly to the page, barely scratching its surface to create a series of loops stringing together into sentences. Emotions spill out, and with their release, I feel lightness in my chest. The stream of thoughts slows as I reach the bottom of the page, and I gently close the cover of the worn book: another journal finished.

I add the journal to the stack of eleven books on my nightstand. Struck by the bittersweet sensation of closing a chapter of my life, I grab the notebook at the bottom of the pile to reminisce.

“I want to make a flying mushen to fly in space and your in it” – October 2008

Pulling back the cover of my first Tinkerbell-themed diary, the prompt “My Hopes and Dreams” captures my attention. Though “machine” is misspelled in my scribbled response, I see the beginnings of my past obsession with outer space. At the age of five, I tore through novels about the solar system, experimented with rockets built from plastic straws, and rented Space Shuttle films from Blockbuster to satisfy my curiosities. While I chased down answers to questions as limitless as the universe, I fell in love with learning. Eight journals later, the same relentless curiosity brought me to an airplane descending on San Francisco Bay.

“I wish I had infinite sunsets” – July 2019

I reach for the charcoal notepad near the top of the pile and open to the first page: my flight to the Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes. While I was excited to explore bioengineering, anxiety twisted in my stomach as I imagined my destination, unsure of whether I could overcome my shyness and connect with others.

With each new conversation, the sweat on my palms became less noticeable, and I met students from 23 different countries. Many of the moments where I challenged myself socially revolved around the third story deck of the Jerry house. A strange medley of English, Arabic, and Mandarin filled the summer air as my friends and I gathered there every evening, and dialogues at sunset soon became moments of bliss. In our conversations about cultural differences, the possibility of an afterlife, and the plausibility of far-fetched conspiracy theories, I learned to voice my opinion. As I was introduced to different viewpoints, these moments challenged my understanding of the world around me. In my final entries from California, I find excitement to learn from others and increased confidence, a tool that would later allow me to impact my community.

“The beauty in a tower of cans” – June 2020

Returning my gaze to the stack of journals, I stretch to take the floral-patterned book sitting on top. I flip through, eventually finding the beginnings of the organization I created during the outbreak of COVID-19. Since then, Door-to-Door Deliveries has woven its way through my entries and into reality, allowing me to aid high-risk populations through free grocery delivery.

With the confidence I gained the summer before, I took action when seeing others in need rather than letting my shyness hold me back. I reached out to local churches and senior centers to spread word of our services and interacted with customers through our website and social media pages. To further expand our impact, we held two food drives, and I mustered the courage to ask for donations door-to-door. In a tower of canned donations, I saw the value of reaching out to help others and realized my own potential to impact the world around me.

I delicately close the journal in my hands, smiling softly as the memories reappear, one after another. Reaching under my bed, I pull out a fresh notebook and open to its first sheet. I lightly press my pen to the page, “And so begins the next chapter…”

The structuring of this essay makes it easy and enjoyable to read. The student effectively organizes their various life experiences around their tower of journals, which centers the reader and makes the different stories easy to follow. Additionally, the student engages quotes from their journals—and unique formatting of the quotes—to signal that they are moving in time and show us which memory we should follow them to.

Thematically, the student uses the idea of shyness to connect the different memories they draw out of their journals. As the student describes their experiences overcoming shyness at the Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes and Door-to-Door Deliveries, this essay can be read as an Overcoming Obstacles essay.

At the end of this essay, readers are fully convinced that this student is dedicated (they have committed to journaling every day), thoughtful (journaling is a thoughtful process and, in the essay, the student reflects thoughtfully on the past), and motivated (they flew across the country for a summer program and started a business). These are definitely qualities admissions officers are looking for in applicants!

Although this essay is already exceptionally strong as it’s written, the first journal entry feels out of place compared to the other two entries that discuss the author’s shyness and determination. It works well for the essay to have an entry from when the student was younger to add some humor (with misspelled words) and nostalgia, but if the student had either connected the quote they chose to the idea of overcoming a fear present in the other two anecdotes or if they had picked a different quote all together related to their shyness, it would have made the entire essay feel more cohesive.

Where to Get Your Personal Statement Edited

Do you want feedback on your personal statement? After rereading your essays countless times, it can be difficult to evaluate your writing objectively. That’s why we created our free Peer Essay Review tool , where you can get a free review of your essay from another student. You can also improve your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays. 

If you want a college admissions expert to review your essay, advisors on CollegeVine have helped students refine their writing and submit successful applications to top schools. Find the right advisor for you to improve your chances of getting into your dream school!

Next Step: Supplemental Essays

Essay Guides for Each School

How to Write a Stellar Extracurricular Activity College Essay

4 Tips for Writing a Diversity College Essay

How to Write the “Why This College” Essay

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How To Answer Why Are You Interested In This Position? (Sample Answers Included)

Mike Simpson 0 Comments

By Mike Simpson

Updated 6/21/2022.

When you’re applying for a job, you likely have a few reasons why you’ve decided to pursue the opportunity. However, that doesn’t mean you always know how to answer “Why are you interested in this position?” when the hiring manager asks.

In some cases, it’s because your motivations aren’t something you should discuss, like wanting a steady paycheck. Sometimes, it’s because you didn’t spend time really figuring out what “why.” Instead, it just seemed like a good idea at the time.

Fortunately, no matter your motivations, it’s possible to talk about what interests you about this position in a way that’ll impress. Here’s how.

Why Are You Interested in This Position vs. Why Do You Want to Work Here?

Alright, before we dig into how to answer this question – and ones like “What interests you about this position?” or “Why are you interested in this job?” – let’s take a step back. It’s critical to understand how this question stands apart from another you might be asked: Why do you want to work here?

We’ve covered “ Why do you want to work here ?” in-depth before. When you answer that question, your goal is to explain what about the organization stands out to you. Maybe it’s the company’s culture, mission, or values that really resonate. Perhaps the products or services the business offers mean something special to you.

With “Why do you want to work here?” it’s all about the organization. It’s a big picture kind of question, and you need to treat it that way.

Alright, you’re probably wondering, “Then, what about ‘Why are you interested in this position?’”

In the simplest terms, “Why are you interested in this position?” is all about the job, not the company. It’s a question designed to help the hiring manager figure out why you want to take on the associated duties and responsibilities, and to make sure that you actually understand what the job entails.

The same goes for variants like “What interests you about this position?” and “Why do you want this job?” These are narrow questions. They are all about the role, and you need to make sure your answer is, too.

Why Does the Hiring Manager Ask This Question?

While why you are interested in this job may seem obvious to you, it isn’t always clear to the hiring manager. Candidate motivations can vary dramatically. Some job seekers might focus on income, while others may see a position as a skill-building opportunity. A candidate might use a job to get their foot in the door at an employer of choice, while others apply purely to satisfy the conditions of unemployment, as many states make actively seeking out work a requirement. That’s just the tip of the iceberg.

Hiring managers ask this question because they need to know which boat you’re in. By asking this question, they can find out.

Additionally, this question lets them find out how much you know about the job. If you can talk about specific duties, skills, or responsibilities, it shows you did your due diligence.

In the eyes of a hiring manager, that makes you look like a stronger candidate, as only passionate job seekers will go that extra mile. Hiring managers want to find candidates who actually find the role enticing. As Work It Daily puts it, “You can teach someone almost anything except enthusiasm.” That’s another reason why they ask this question.

Common Mistakes When Answering This Question

There are certain mistakes that candidates make over and over when answering. Luckily, they are easy to avoid. Let’s take a look at them.

First, whatever you do, don’t reply by saying, “I need a job.” One, that’s obvious. If you didn’t need a job, you wouldn’t have applied.

Two, it makes it seem like there’s nothing about this role that excites you. The hiring manager is going to assume that you’re just trying to land anything you can possibly find instead of focusing on opportunities that align with your skills and ignite your passion. That’s a great way to get sent right to the discard pile.

Another huge misstep is not getting specific. If you want to stand out to the hiring manager, you need to explain which duties and responsibilities really caught your eye. And, just like when you answer, “Why are you a good fit for this position?” you need to explain how your skills make you the perfect candidate. If you give general reasons, it makes it seem like you don’t understand what the job really involves, and that’s no good.

Also, don’t mention anything about money. While compensation is the most important factor for 63 percent of candidates, talking about money here isn’t a smart move. If you mention that the salary is what stood out, it makes it seem like you’re only about the money. That won’t endear you to the hiring manager.

Just remember, this is just one question the hiring manager could ask you in your interview! That’s why we created an amazing free cheat sheet that will give you word-for-word answers for some of the toughest interview questions you are going to face in your upcoming interview.

Click below to get your free PDF now:

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What Interests You About This Position? How To Form Your Answer Step-By-Step

So, let’s talk about how to create a standout answer for questions like “What interests you about this role?” and “Why are you interested in this job?” Luckily, it’s pretty easy to get headed in the right direction if you use the proper strategy.

Here’s a quick step-by-step process for answering, “Why are you interested in this position?”

1. Get to Know the Job

With questions like that and its alternatives – like “Why do you want this job?” – your focus needs to be on the nuances of the role. This is a nitty-gritty question. You really want to dig in and get specific.

Spend time reviewing the duties and responsibilities listed in the job description. Also, go over the must-have skills list several times. Learn as much as you can about what this job is about, and make a list of aspects that really pique your interest. That’ll become your starting point.

2. Research the Company

Next, you want to spend a little time getting to know the company. However, this isn’t about finding reasons to be impressed with the organization. Instead, you want to focus on how the company culture impacts the role and the employee experience, as those will can also become part of your answer.

Usually, you’ll want to start with the company website. After that, head to its social media profiles for additional details.

3. See What Others Are Saying

Once you’ve done some initial research into the company, it’s time to get some other perspectives. Look for media coverage discussing the organization. Also, see what current and former employees have to say.

If a member of your network either currently or formerly worked for the company, see if they’ll participate in an informational interview. That way, you can get insights from someone you know and trust, too.

4. Consider Your Career Trajectory

Taking a moment to reflect on your career trajectory might not seem necessary for this question, but that isn’t the case. If you can see how this job fits into your broader plan, you can share that with the hiring manager, making it easier to answer this question.

5. Gather Some Specifics

As you get ready to start forming your own answer, you’ll need to gather together some details. A few specifics help make your response more compelling, so find things you can directly reference or quote whenever possible.

6. Bring It All Together

Now that you have all of that information, it’s time to come up with an excellent response. You’ll focus on areas of alignment between your capabilities, what the job offers, and how it aligns with your goals. By doing that, you’ll nail this question with ease.

Sample Answers

1. entry-level – software developer.

My main goal as I look to put my newly-earned degree to work is to land a position with long-term growth potential where I can also put my Python skills to work. Based on the job description, I see that Python programming is a significant part of the role. Additionally, this team has a reputation for being highly skilled and collaborative, which facilitates learning. Couple that with the company’s reputation for supporting the development of its workforce, and it seems like the perfect fit.

2. Entry-Level – Machine Operator

After completing the machining and manufacturing technology program at the local community college, I knew I wanted to put my skills to work with an employer of choice. ABC Company is known not just for being at the cutting edge of the industry – as marked by its recent award – it’s also widely recognized for going the extra mile for its workforce. As a result, I think this job isn’t just the foundation for a great career but a chance to learn, grow, and advance with a company that’s a hallmark in the industry.

3. Mid-Career Individual Contributor – Marketing

Currently, I’m looking to take the next step in my career. In my past role as a marketing assistant, I had the opportunity to provide support during the development of exciting campaigns for a few leading beverage brands. While that experience has been incredibly valuable, I know it’s time to move forward. In this job, I wouldn’t just put my wealth of knowledge to work, based on the job description, I’d have a chance to spearhead a project within the first 30 days, something that I greatly look forward to doing.

4. Middle Management – Human Resources

Over the past ten years, I’ve honed my skills in the field of human resources. Along with acquiring knowledge and skills relating to training, recruitment, and onboarding, I’ve had a chance to coach others entering the field and support large projects where I oversaw teams of skilled professionals. Based on that, I feel it’s time to make a transition into management. That’s why this job is particularly appealing. Along with the company’s solid reputation and its dedication to diversity and inclusion, I’d be overseeing a skilled team, giving me a chance to coach others toward success while I worked to ensure the company’s larger goals are met.

3. Executive – Finance

During my career in finance, I’ve worked for companies of all sizes. While there is some appeal to large enterprises, I’ve found that mid-size organizations are the ideal option. My experience with strategic planning can make a significant difference, but the company is still small enough to maintain that family feel. Leaders get to not just make a difference but see their impact first-hand in the growth of their teams and departments. That really speaks to my desire to not just steer a company toward success but to support every employee in my area. That’s why this job felt like such as strong match, as it brings together my goal of building talented teams with my expertise in forwarding grander financial missions.

Putting It All Together

Ultimately, answering, “Why are you interested in this position?” doesn’t have to be a challenge. Use the tips above, and you’ll be able to craft a standout answer that’ll increase your odds of landing the job.

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• What Is Your Greatest Weakness?
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How to Address a Cover Letter When the Name Is Unknown

How to send a letter of intent for a possible job, good salutations for cover letters.

• Alternative Approaches to Cover Letters
• How to Upload a CV for Jobs

In an age of instant communications, job applicants are often surprised -- perhaps even overwhelmed -- by requests for a writing sample during the search process. Whether you are writing a cover letter for your resume or an actual essay, the skills you learned in your high school or college composition class will get you through the process painlessly, with a few “tweaks” to pitch to your intended audience.

Typically, a job essay is actually a letter sent to introduce yourself when submitting a resume or an application. Business letters should include your return address, the date, and the address to which the letter is being sent at the beginning, with a 2-inch top margin. Traditionally, if you do not know the name of the person receiving the letter, the salutation should be “Dear Sir or Madam,” followed by a semi-colon, although taking the time to get the name is better. A simple “sincerely,” followed by a comma, works best as the closing.

Appropriate Language

Again, this is a business document, so it should not read like a letter to your best friend. Write more formally, rather than being overly familiar or casual. Avoid all slang terms or idioms, as well as most industry jargon. You may use a few “insider” terms to indicate an understanding of the job, but don’t lard the letter to impress. Phrase sentences to avoid the use of second-person pronouns.

Conciseness and Efficiency

Human resources personnel are often inundated with applications, along with many other responsibilities. Respect their time restraints by getting to the point quickly and concisely. Cut vague phrases, replacing them with tight, specific words. Combine sentences whenever possible. Instead of saying, “I worked in the research department. I provided information about the XYZ event. I wrote about the facts of the event,” try “While employed in the research department, I wrote a briefing about XYZ.” Also, if it isn’t relevant to the job, leave it out.

Attention Command

With the flood of applicants for many positions, your letter needs to set you above the crowd. Start with a common issue or concern for someone in the position, and continue to explain how your skills or experience make you uniquely qualified to address that issue. For example, hook the reader with “When resolving customer service complaints, the ability to remain calm is critical, and my experience as an air-traffic controller has provided me the opportunity to practice that skill,” instead of “I am applying for the customer complaint position in your call center.”

Specificity and Relevance

Always address the responsibilities of the position specifically, matching yourself to the needs of the job. Rather than writing “I can use a computer,” describe how your skills at creating multimedia slide shows will allow you to provide stellar sales presentations. Describe examples of your creativity, reliability or team spirit, rather than regurgitating your resume. Keep the points directly related to the position, though. This isn’t the time to mention your medals for cycling, unless the job description includes riding your bicycle.

Grammar and Syntax

Errors in spelling, word choice or other grammar or syntax rules tells a potential employer about more than just your education and writing skills. With that apparent lack of attention to details, the reader could assume that you won’t bother to check work done for the company carefully either. Don’t rely only on the spell checker in your word processing program, either. Read your letter aloud, preferably to someone else, to be sure that it flows smoothly and makes good sense. Proofread from the last word to the first, from bottom right to top left, to force your eyes to see what is -- or isn’t -- there, rather than what you expect to see. Finally, make sure that the essay is visually appealing, with an easy-to-read font and size, in clear, black ink on clean, white paper.

• Purdue Online Writing Lab: Appropriate Language
• Purdue Online Writing Lab: Conciseness
• Purdue Online Writing Lab: Quick Content Tips for Cover Letters
• Purdue Online Writing Lab: Quick Formatting Tips for Cover Letter
• Purdue Online Writing Lab: Writing the Personal Statement
• Purdue Online Writing Lab: Model for Follow-Up to an Interview Letter

Pamela Martin has been writing since 1979. She has written newsletter articles and curricula-related materials. She also writes about teaching and crafts. Martin was an American Society of Newspaper Editors High School Journalism Fellow. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Teaching in elementary education from Sam Houston State University and a Master of Arts in curriculum/instruction from the University of Missouri.

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• Career Counselling /

Free Samples To Introduce Yourself in an Essay

• Updated on  
• Dec 13, 2023

Have you ever wondered what is the reason behind introduction essays? We can give a speech or self-introduction on ourselves. Then why write a self-introduction essay? Introducing yourself in an essay allows the audience or reviewer to understand your writing skills and self-awareness about yourself. However, how you introduce yourself can set the tone for the rest of your essay and leave a lasting impression on your readers. Further, a good introduction will also ensure you can hold the attention of the reader. This blog will explore some good ways to introduce yourself in an essay.

This Blog Includes:

Start with a hook, provide some background information, state your thesis, explain the purpose of your essay , conclude with a call to action, personal narrative essay, persuasive essay.

Also Read: Self Introduction Samples for Master’s Degree

How to Introduce Yourself in an Essay?

A strong introduction can grab your reader’s attention and make them interested in reading more. Here are some tips to introduce yourself in a good way for an essay: 

The first sentence of your essay should grab your reader’s attention and make them want to keep reading. You can achieve this by starting it with a hook, which can be a surprising fact, an interesting quote, or a provocative statement. 

After you have hooked your reader, you can provide some background information about yourself. This can include your name where you are from, your educational background, or any relevant experiences that relate to the topic of your essay.

Also Read: Best Way to Start an Introduction About Yourself

Your thesis statement is the most important part of your essay and should be introduced early on in your introduction. Your thesis statement should clearly state your main argument or point of view on the topic you are writing about.

After you have introduced yourself and stated your thesis,  you should explain the purpose of your essay. This can include why you are writing the essay, what you hope to achieve with your writing, and what your readers can expect from your essay. 

Finally, you can conclude your introduction with a call to action. This can be a sentence or two that encourages your readers to take action or think about your topic in a new way.  

Samples 

Here are some sample introductions for different types of essays:

Growing up, I never imagined that a single moment could change the trajectory of my life. But that’s exactly what happened on a hot summer day when I was twelve years old.

Imagine a world where everyone had access to clean drinking water. It’s a simple concept, yet millions of people around the globe are still without this basic necessity. 

Here is a sample of how to introduce yourself in an essay.

Hello! My name is [Your Name], and I am delighted to have the opportunity to introduce myself to you.

I was born and raised in [Your Birthplace], a place that holds a special corner in my heart for its rich cultural heritage and warm community. Growing up, I was surrounded by a loving family that instilled in me the values of honesty, perseverance, and kindness.

From an early age, I developed a keen interest in [Your Passion or Hobby], which has become a significant part of my life. Whether it’s [describe a specific experience or achievement related to your passion], I find immense joy and fulfilment in pursuing my passion.

In terms of education, I completed my [Your Degree] at [Your University]. During my academic journey, I not only gained valuable knowledge in my field but also cultivated essential skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication.

On the professional front, I have had the privilege of working in [Your Industry or Field] for the past [Number of Years]. My experiences have allowed me to collaborate with diverse teams, tackle challenging projects, and continuously learn and grow. I am particularly proud of [mention a specific accomplishment or project], which showcased my ability to [highlight a skill or quality you possess].

In my leisure time, you can often find me [Your Hobbies or Interests]. Whether it’s [specific activities or hobbies], I cherish these moments as they allow me to recharge and maintain a healthy work-life balance

At last, I would like to say that I am someone who values integrity, embraces lifelong learning, and seeks to make a meaningful difference in the world. I am eager to connect, collaborate, and learn from the diverse experiences and perspectives that others bring to the table.

Thank you for taking the time to get to know me a little better. I look forward to the exciting journey ahead and the chance to learn more about you as well.

Related Articles

Your introduction should be long enough to introduce yourself, provide some background information, state your thesis, and explain the purpose of your essay. However, it should not be too long and should not contain any unnecessary information.

Yes, using a quote can be a great way to start your essay, especially if it relates to the topic you are writing about. Just make sure to cite the source of the quote properly.

No, a call to action is not necessary in every essay. However, if your essay is meant to inspire action or change, including a call to action can be a powerful way to end your introduction.

By following these steps, you can create a strong introduction that will grab your reader’s attention and set the stage for the rest of your essay. We hope you can implement the tips provided here and set the tone for your next essay.

For more information on such related topics to level up your interview preparations, visit our  interview preparation  page. Check out our  career counselling  blogs and follow  Leverage edu.

Simran Popli

An avid writer and a creative person. With an experience of 1.5 years content writing, Simran has worked with different areas. From medical to working in a marketing agency with different clients to Ed-tech company, the journey has been diverse. Creative, vivacious and patient are the words that describe her personality.

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9 Smart Answers to “Why Are You Applying for This Position?”

By Status.net Editorial Team on June 22, 2023 — 14 minutes to read

During a job interview, employers often ask, “Why are you applying for this position?” to understand your motivation for seeking the job. Your answer can showcase your enthusiasm, reveal how well you’ve researched the company, and express your compatibility with the role. Since this is a common interview question, it’s essential to be prepared with a well-thought-out response that effectively communicates your suitability for the job.

Employer’s Perspective

When interviewers ask this question, they want to make sure you have a clear idea of why the position interests you and your understanding of the job responsibilities. They also want to assess if you’ll be a good fit for the company culture and if you’re genuinely interested in working with them. Employers often invest substantial time, money, and effort into training new employees, so they want to ensure you’re not only qualified but also motivated to excel in the role.

Decoding the Language

To properly address the question, you should first break it down into smaller components. Here’s how you can do that:

• Why are you interested in the position? Explain what draws you to the role. Be specific about the aspects of the job that inspire or excite you. For example, you could be attracted by the opportunity to apply your skills, face new challenges, or work within a specific industry.
• Why did you apply to this company? Research the company and find out what makes it stand out from its competitors. Consider the company’s values, goals, culture, product line, or industry reputation. When discussing your interest, align your values and ambitions with the company’s.
• What makes you a good fit for the role? Mention your professional skills, experiences, and accomplishments that uniquely qualify you for the position. Provide examples of how you’ve applied similar skill sets in the past and had success, explaining how your expertise can be beneficial to the company.

Remember to keep your response focused and relevant, highlighting how your qualifications and background align with the job description and the company’s values. Preparing a well-crafted answer demonstrates your confidence, knowledge, and commitment, which can resonate with your interviewer and increase your chances of success in the job interview.

Preparation for the Answer

Research the company.

Dive deep into the company you’re applying to by visiting their website, reading news articles, or exploring their social media presence to better understand their mission, values, and overall organization. This knowledge will allow you to speak passionately about why you want to work there and tailor your answer to perfectly match the company’s vision and goals.

Align with Company Values

Learn about the company culture and their core values. You can then confidently discuss how your own personal values align with theirs, demonstrating that you’re a great fit for the team and company culture. Draw on specific examples that embody these values, such as working collaboratively or a commitment to excellence.

Match Skills and Experience

Take time to thoroughly review the job description and identify the required skills and experience. When preparing your answer, think about how your own skills and experience match the role. Consider mentioning specific projects or work experiences that demonstrate your expertise and knowledge in the field.

Know the Industry

Finally, get familiar with the industry that the company operates in to understand key trends, challenges, and market dynamics. This will enable you to discuss how your experience is relevant and your understanding of the industry, providing additional context to why you are applying for the position. Use this research to display your enthusiasm for the industry, making a strong case for why you’re an ideal candidate for the job.

Constructing Your Answer

Show passion for the role.

When crafting your answer, emphasize your passion for the role. Explain what excites you about it, and how it aligns with your interests. For example, if you love working with numbers and solving financial puzzles, a position as a financial analyst would fuel your passion.

Demonstrate Professional Goals

It’s essential to illustrate how the position fits into your overall career goals. Explain how this job will help you achieve both short-term and long-term objectives. For instance, if you’re a recent marketing graduate looking to gain experience in digital marketing, joining a marketing team that’s known for their online presence can help you grow in that particular field. By connecting the role to your long-term aspirations, you show the employer that you’re serious about your career journey.

Connect Personal Reasons

Personal reasons can also be a strong motivator for why you’re applying for a position. Maybe you’ve admired the company’s culture, or you’re fond of the positive impact their products have on the world. Connecting your personal values to the organization demonstrates that you’re a great fit and share their values. Just be sure to keep it professional and focused on the role.

Explain Motivation for Position

Lastly, it’s important to explain your motivation for the position itself, beyond passion and career goals. You might be drawn to it because of a unique challenge it presents or the opportunities for growth and success it offers. Maybe you’ve researched the company and found that they have a history of promoting from within or providing excellent employee training. By highlighting the motivating factors for the role, you’ll show that you have a clear understanding of what the position entails and are committed to long-term success.

Sample Answers in Different Industries

Tech industry.

Before answering this question in the tech industry, think about the specific company and role you’re applying for. You could say:

“I’m excited by emerging technologies and innovative ways companies like yours are using them. I think my experience in software development and my ability to adapt quickly to new languages make me an ideal candidate for this position.”

Sales Industry

In the sales industry, you should highlight your ambition and focus on targets:

“I’ve always been a competitive person, and I see the sales industry as the perfect place to challenge myself. I’m impressed by your company’s growth and commitment to excellent customer service, and I want to contribute my energy and skills to help maintain and improve your reputation.”

Creative Industries

When applying in the creative industries, you can emphasize your passion and creative vision:

“I’ve always been drawn to the world of design, and I’m impressed by your agency’s diverse portfolio. I believe my unique style and experience in collaboration will make a positive impact on your team and clients.”

Hospitality Industry

In the hospitality industry, service quality is a top priority. A potential answer could be:

“I’ve always had a passion for providing outstanding customer experiences. I think my previous experience in the restaurant business and my friendly, people-oriented personality make me a perfect fit for this hotel front desk position.”

Healthcare Industry

Highlight your dedication to patient care when applying for healthcare positions. You might say:

“I want to work in the healthcare industry because I care deeply about helping others and making a difference in their lives. I was inspired by the level of patient care your facility offers, and I believe my skills as a nurse will align with the high standards you maintain.”

Tailoring Answers to Specific Roles

Let’s explore some common types of roles and how to adjust your reply accordingly:

Management Positions

For management positions, you’ll want to emphasize your ability to lead teams, manage resources, and drive overall performance. Speak to your past experiences in managing others and highlight any successes you’ve had. For example:

“As a manager, I’ve successfully led a team of 12 in increasing sales by 25% year-over-year. I’m applying for this position because I believe my skillset aligns well with the job description and your company’s values.”

Leadership Roles

When applying for leadership roles, focus on your vision, strategic thinking, and ability to inspire and motivate others. Showcase examples of your past accomplishments and how you’ve positively influenced others. You could say:

“I have a passion for leading and inspiring others towards a common goal. In my previous role, I played a key part in developing a new marketing strategy that increased brand awareness by 40%. I am excited about the potential growth opportunities within this organization and believe my strengths align well.”

Individual Contributor Roles

For individual contributor roles, the focus should be on your expertise and specialized skills. Show the interviewer that you understand the technical requirements of the position and how you can contribute to the team’s overall success:

“I’m very excited about this role as it aligns with my past experience working in data analytics and my passion for helping businesses make data-driven decisions. In my previous role, I collaborated closely with cross-functional teams, providing insights that helped improve operational efficiency.”

Customer Service Positions

In customer service positions, demonstrate your commitment to excellent service and your ability to create positive experiences for clients or customers. Be sure to mention your patience, active listening skills, and ability to resolve issues effectively. You might say:

“I’m applying for this customer service role because I strive to ensure every customer leaves satisfied, and I believe my communication skills and dedication to problem-solving are a great fit for this position. My experience working in retail has honed my ability to handle difficult situations in a professional and empathetic manner.”

Emphasizing Your Value and Fit

Showcasing relevant skills.

When answering the “Why are you applying for this position?” job interview question, make sure to emphasize your relevant skills. Think about the specific abilities the hiring manager is looking for and how your skills align with their needs. For example, if the job requires strong communication and leadership abilities, explain how your experience in team projects or leading a group demonstrates these qualities. Be sure to offer concrete examples, such as accomplishments or recognition you have received, to support your claims.

Highlighting Previous Experience

Discussing your previous experience is a great way to demonstrate your value and fit for the position. Start by mentioning any past roles or projects that align with the job you’re applying for. Then, focus on the successes and lessons you gained from those experiences. This can help the hiring manager understand the depth of your background and your potential to excel in the role. When possible, quantify your achievements with data or metrics to make a stronger impression.

Mention Benefits You Bring

Remember that your goal is to convince the hiring manager that you are the best candidate for the position. One way to do this is by highlighting the unique benefits you bring. Think about what sets you apart from other candidates, such as specialized knowledge, a unique perspective, or a commitment to the company’s values. Be confident in your ability to contribute positively to the team and company, and explain how your strengths will help the organization achieve its goals. By focusing on the value you can provide, you will make a compelling argument for your suitability for the position.

Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Unfamiliar with the company.

Not knowing much about the company can be a challenge when answering the “Why are you applying for this position?” question. To overcome this, do thorough research on the company before your interview. Look into their mission, values, products, services, and recent news. This knowledge will help you tailor your response to show how you align with the company’s culture and goals.

For example, mention specific aspects of the company’s mission that resonate with you and highlight how your skills and experience can contribute to achieving their objectives.

Changing Industries

Switching industries can present difficulties when explaining why you are applying for a particular position. To tackle this challenge, focus on the skills and experiences that are transferable between industries. Emphasize how your previous experiences have prepared you for this new role, even if it’s in a different industry.

For example, if you previously worked in sales and are now applying for a marketing position, discuss how your ability to build relationships, understand customer needs, and communicate effectively can strengthen their marketing efforts.

First Job or a Career Change

Entering the workforce for the first time or making a significant career change can be intimidating. When asked why you are applying for the position, concentrate on your passion for the field, willingness to learn, and any relevant skills or experiences that have led you down this career path.

For example, if you are a recent graduate pursuing a job in graphic design, talk about your passion for design, how your coursework has prepared you, and any internships or freelance projects you have completed. Even if you lack extensive professional experience, showing enthusiasm and eagerness to grow can make a positive impression.

After you’ve answered the “Why are you applying for this position?” question during your job interview, it’s a great opportunity to ask questions about the role and company. This demonstrates your genuine interest in the position and your eagerness to learn more.

For example, you might ask about the day-to-day responsibilities of the role and how it connects to the organization’s overall objectives. You could also ask about upcoming projects or initiatives that the role will be involved in, to show your enthusiasm for contributing to the company’s goals. Or, you can bring up questions related to career growth, such as opportunities for professional development or how the role might evolve over time. This shows that you’re considering a long-term commitment to the company and are interested in growing as a professional within their organization.

Follow-Up with a Thank You Note

Don’t forget to send a thank-you note after your job interview. This simple gesture can leave a lasting impression on the interviewer and could potentially make the difference between getting the job or being passed over for another candidate.

Your thank-you note should be brief but thoughtful. It should express your gratitude for the opportunity to interview and reinforce your interest in the position. Make sure to mention specific points from the interview, such as a particular aspect of the role that really excites you or a topic that you enjoyed discussing with the interviewer. Learn more: How to Write a Perfect Thank You Email After an Interview

10 Best Examples & Templates of An Interview Thank You Email

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some examples of a strong response.

A strong response to “Why are you applying for this position?” should highlight your skills and experience related to the job, showcase your genuine interest in the company and role, and demonstrate your motivation to grow and succeed. For example: “I am applying for this position because I have five years of experience in managing marketing campaigns, and I am confident in my ability to help your company reach its sales goals. I am particularly drawn to your mission of promoting sustainable practices and products. This aligns well with my personal values, and I am excited to contribute to the success of your team while working on something I am passionate about.”

How can I emphasize my skills for this position?

To emphasize your skills, identify the key requirements mentioned in the job description, and then use specific examples to show how you meet those requirements. For example: “In my previous role as a project manager, I successfully oversaw a team of 20 people where we completed several projects within tight deadlines and under budget. This experience has given me excellent organizational and leadership skills, which I believe are essential for this position as a team lead. Additionally, I have strong communication abilities that have been invaluable in fostering collaboration and resolving conflicts.”

What points should I avoid when answering this question?

Here are some points to avoid when answering this question:

• Giving a generic response or universal statement
• Focusing too much on job perks or personal gains like salary, benefits, or work-life balance
• Talking negatively about a previous employer or experience

How to tailor my answer to the company and job?

Research the company’s values, culture, and mission, and highlight aspects of the role or company that truly excite or resonate with you. Link your skills and experiences to specific requirements of the job and how they will benefit the company. For example: “While researching your company, I discovered that workplace diversity and inclusion are vital to your culture. I have been an active participant in my previous organizations’ diversity initiatives and am excited to continue contributing to this important work. Plus, I am proficient in the use of the software tools listed in the job description for this role, which will allow me to get up to speed quickly and add value to your team.”

What ways can I showcase genuine interest in this position?

To showcase genuine interest in the position, be enthusiastic, and demonstrate knowledge about the company, its industry, and the specific role. Mention any personal experiences that have led you to be drawn to the opening. For example: “My personal passion for sustainable living aligns perfectly with your company’s mission. I have been a customer of your products for years and was excited when I discovered this opportunity to join your team. With my experience in marketing, I am eager to contribute to growing your brand and promoting sustainable practices within the industry.”

How to convey my motivation and enthusiasm effectively?

To convey your motivation and enthusiasm effectively, use positive language and share relevant experiences that showcase your passion for the field, company, or role. Be authentic and sincere in your expressions, highlighting how the opportunity will enable both personal growth and contributions to the company’s success. For example: “Working on a team that’s at the forefront of innovation in the healthtech industry is truly exciting for me. I believe that your company is an ideal environment for me to grow as a software engineer while contributing to the development of cutting-edge solutions that can have a considerable positive impact on people’s lives.”

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• 30 Smart Answers to "What Is Your Greatest Weakness?"
• “What Sets You Apart”: 5 Smart Answers

Sample Essays on “Who Am I?” How to guide, with Outlines

Published by gudwriter on November 23, 2017 November 23, 2017

How to Write an Essay About Yourself

Many students, from high school to college level, do not know how to describe themselves. They mix up ideas as they do not really know what they need to include in their writing. The main aim of a who am I essay is to make the reader understand who you are and what you believe in. Remember, the essay doesn’t have to be always about the positive side- you can include your weak points as well in a creative way. You can also write about what makes you unique (unique skills, character, etc). If you need help, college admission essay writing services is available to assist you.

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Striking the balance makes your essay realistic and convincing.

Character : What are your character traits? Which habits define you?

Values : What is your value system? Here, you need to include things that inspire you. It is here that you state your beliefs, motivations, principles, and inspirations. The reader expects you to have either staunch stands on certain things and this is the part where you make them know. Do not highlight radical points, though.

Skills : What aptitudes do you have? And, what is the level in each skill? This may include communication, computer, education, languages, leadership, or anything else you find worthy.

Achievements :

Life experiences that influenced your life

Perhaps you would like to read an essay sample on what makes you unique ?

Who Am I Essay Example 1 Outline

Below is a layout you should follow when writing a personal essay to impress your professor.

• Hook – The Question – who am I?
• Brief summary: Well, I know quite much about myself: I am a social, kind, respectful, and principled young man.
• Thesis : I am a kind, friendly, respectful, and principled young person.
• Point : Social
• Illustration : Meeting new friends
• Logic : Makes me dynamic
• Thesis relation: A cheerful, social and accommodative person is how many people know me.
• Point : Respectful and law abiding
• Illustration : Want to get along with everyone- both juniors and seniors. Car seats, polite character
• Explanation : I know the limits
• Thesis relation : Every day, I want to be known as a person who is respectful even to those who least deserve it.
• Point : Hobbies
• Illustrations : Sports, chess, music
• Explanation : Clear my mind, get healthier.
• Thesis relation : Sportsmanship has taught me to be fair other people, diligent and focused.
• Point : I am not perfect- when I don’t hit my targets, obvious opposition from people who don’t love progress. My love for novelty makes me uncomfortable with normal rules.
• Illustrations : My mum says I am selfish and that I always want everything to go my way. Yet, I’m still the person you will find in doing voluntary community work to help people.
• Explanation : I guess my self-esteem is too high for people to put down. This rubs feathers with people who stand my path to success.
• Thesis relation : I’d be a liar to say I am a genius, flawless or immortal- and that’s who I am.
• Restatement of thesis
• Summary of essay
• Signing out

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Who Am I Essay Example 1

Who am I? Describing oneself is one of the most complicated tasks. In most cases, we always define ourselves using institutions, other people, or activities. Well, I know quite much about myself: I am a kind, friendly, respectful, and principled young person.

First, I am a sociable person. I love to meet people and make new friends. It’s not that I am an extrovert. However, I always work towards getting along with people. Of course, there are times I enjoy being alone for meditation . However, being around people makes me feel comfortable. I like to utilize every chance I get to make new friends. Interacting with people from different parts of the world makes me a diverse person. I am one of those people who believe that there is richness in human diversity. I am not quite selective of who I socialize with. A cheerful, cordial, and accommodative person is how many people know me.

Second, I am kind and respectful. Well, I appreciate that there is a thin line between being social and respectful. I want to treat everyone – junior or senior- with utmost reverence. In this regard, I am quite a listener. This didn’t start yesterday- I have always loved to give up my seats to elders in the train since I was young. Again, I am firm and at the same time polite. I love to make my points in a way that won’t hurt those around me. I always desire to be respectful even to those who least deserve it. Being respectful does not subtract anything from me after all.

Third, I have a great affection to team play. Well, I probably got this trait from my life as a sportsperson. I have been a school captain in Team Handball and Badminton. Today, I still participate in these games as a coach. I’m adherent to chess and I could become a grandmaster in the next few months. Sports and competitions have trained me to be fair, diligent, hardworking, and focused. As my hobby, chess clears my mind while athletics make me healthy. I’d definitely not tell who I am without mentioning sportsmanship. Actually, sports largely define me.

I am not perfect, though. I can be moody when I don’t hit my targets. My love for novelty makes me uncomfortable with normal rules. My mum says I am selfish and that I always want everything to go my way. Yet, I’m still the person you will find doing voluntary community work to help people. I guess my self-esteem is too high for people to put down. This rubs feathers with anyone who stands on the path to success. I’d be a liar if I said that I am a genius, flawless or immortal- and that’s who I am.

Anyway, it may be a little difficult to explain who I am. However, there are qualities that are an outright depiction of me. Respect, principles, sportsmanship, and leadership are some of them. As a quick learner, I love to change every behavior that doesn’t make me a better person. The desire to be good to everybody has made me who I am today and I intend to keep it that way.

Personal Essay Example 2 Outline

Introduction.

I give a description of myself in relation to my family background, personality, and how I view life.

Paragraph 1:

Family background

• Revolves around strong Christian faith since my parents are staunch Roman Catholic faithful
• I was born in Chicago, Illinois 21 years ago and I am the third born in a family of four children.
• I am a female of African American origin and I am very proud of my cultural background and family values

Paragraph 2:

My personality

• I am outspoken and like socializing and making new friends
• I value respect and believe it is two way
• I am hard working

Paragraph 3:

My view of life

• All humans are equal regardless of their cultural, racial and religious backgrounds as well as gender
• I am liberal in that I am open to learning new things such as new cultures, religions, and even languages
• Divergent views should be tolerated

I can summarize myself as someone who is respectful, accommodating, and open minded. I appreciate that as a human, I need others for my life to be complete. I believe my personality and world views are matching and thus I find life more sociable and interesting.

Personal Essay Example 2

My family background revolves around strong Christian faith since my parents are staunch Roman Catholic faithful. I was born in Chicago, Illinois 21 years ago and I am the third born in a family of four children. I am a female of African-American origin and I am very proud of my cultural background and family values. Like my parents, I have developed the habit and routine of going to church every Sunday in line with Christian doctrines. As a matter of fact, all the members of my family value attending Sunday masses wherever they may find themselves. I grew up in a working-parents family and I have grown to live in harmony with my siblings.

Regarding my personality, I am one person who is outspoken and likes socializing and making new friends. The number of friends I have in college is uncountable because I have no boundaries when it comes to building relationships. That notwithstanding, I value respect and believe it is two way. I expect that anybody I interact with should show me the same level of respect I show them irrespective of their background or status in the society. I am hard working because my parents taught me to loathe laziness since it is the beginning of poverty and miserable life. To me, respect and hard work go hand in hand. Working hard respectfully has opened many doors for me so far in my life.

My view of life is that all humans are equal regardless of their cultural, racial, and religious backgrounds as well as gender. This is why I have friends whose cultural and other backgrounds are diverse. I am also liberal in that I am open to learning new things such as new cultures, religions, and even languages. For instance, I can speak fluent French and Spanish yet I am American. I also believe that divergent views should be tolerated because this is part of enhancing human diversity. My parents had once tried to stop me from being too open minded but I persisted with it. Being open to new things, in my view, amounts to being accommodative to human diversity.

In conclusion, I can summarize myself as someone who is respectful, accommodative, and open minded. I appreciate that as a human, I need others for my life to be complete. When I show that I care for and accommodate different views, I find it easy working with others. I have thus managed to evade suffering any form of racial or cultural profiling because people find me easy to deal with. I believe my personality and world views are matching and thus I find life more sociable and interesting. It is my intention to continue leading this fulfilling life.

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Personal Essay Sample 3 Outline

I am a faithful Christian who is open-minded, friendly, and action-oriented.

Paragraph1:

In spite of being a staunch Christian, I am open to other people’s ways of worship and generally to other people’s way of life and opinions.

• I can listen to and understand what other people say and treat it as their opinion to which they are entitled whether or not I agree with it.
• I am able to live amongst people of various cultures.
• However, I do not let other people’s views or cultures affect my own.

I am a friendly person who highly values friendship.

• I have the habit of forming strong friendships both in our neighborhood and at school.
• I have quite a number of friends from various backgrounds because I do not choose friends based on their cultural backgrounds.
• I believe in genuine friendship and as soon as I detect that one is not a true friend, I drop them.

I follow my decisions and promises with actions as I believe that it is through actions that one can solve their problems and meet their life goals.

• I keep to my decisions once I make them.
• I have been able to accomplish many of my life’s endeavors especially in my academic life.
• I also know that keeping promises is one of the best ways of keeping relationships alive and healthy.
• I normally do all it takes to keep a promise irrespective of who I make it to.

I am an open-minded Christian who values relationships and I act on my decisions and promises. I am accommodative to diverse views and opinions even when they sharply contrast with mine. I pursue my life goals and keep relationships through action.

Personal Essay Sample 3

As a person, I feel growing over the years has significantly changed who I am. I have had to see and experience many things that I did not get to see in my childhood. I have also met many different people and visited many places. Some of the perspectives I held about people and certain things have certainly changed. In addition, I have undergone significant personal growth which has seen my personality transform as well. I have also become more decisive in my actions and in my relationships with others. I am a faithful Christian who is open-minded, friendly, and action-oriented.

In spite of being a staunch Christian, I am open to other people’s ways of worship and generally to other people’s way of life and opinions. I can listen to and understand what other people say and treat it as their opinion to which they are entitled whether or not I agree with it. This way, I have been able to learn a lot from others and widen my view of life and humanity. I am also able to live amongst people of various cultures. However, I do not let other people’s views or cultures affect my own as much as I may be accommodative to them. This is because I believe that the world has enough space for everyone to practice their own cultures and share their opinions without interfering with others.

I am also a friendly person who highly values friendship. From my childhood, I developed the habit of forming strong friendships both in our neighborhood and at school. I have carried this habit to my adulthood and I have quite a number of friends from various backgrounds because I do not choose friends based on their cultural backgrounds. However, I believe in genuine friendship and as soon as I detect that one is not a true friend, I drop them. To me, a friend should be like family that is always there for one in their better and tough days and moments. Out of this belief, I have helped a number of friends both in and out of school and shared with them some of my innermost secrets. I too have benefited from the loyalty of these friendships.

Further, I follow my decisions and promises with actions as I believe that it is through actions that one can solve their problems and meet their life goals. This virtue has helped me accomplish many of my life’s endeavors especially in my academic life. For example, since my middle school level, I decided that I would not consume television content during examination periods but maximally concentrate on the exams. I have kept to this decision and have thus posted good grades all through because I always have enough time to prepare for exams. I also know that keeping promises is one of the best ways of keeping relationships alive and healthy. I normally do all it takes to keep a promise irrespective of who I make it to. I do keep even as simple a promise as that of sharpening my younger sister’s drawing pencil every morning before she goes to school.

I am an open-minded Christian who values relationships and I act on my decisions and promises. I am accommodative to diverse views and opinions even when they sharply contrast with mine. I pursue my life goals and keep relationships through action. I also have many friends since I believe that genuine friendship is highly beneficial to humans. This personality and values enable me to live a fulfilling life as I am capable of accomplishing my goals and at the same time live harmoniously with others.

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Essay on Why I am Interested in this Job

All of us have some hobbies and we feel happy and more concentrated when we are doing something interesting. Similarly, when you start loving your job it automatically makes you happy and helps you to show your best. People read different articles to improve their performance at their workplace but the very simple trick to be one of the best is to love your work and you can see the difference.

Short and Long Essay on Why I am Interested in this Job in English

Essay on Why I am Interested in this Job for students of class 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and class 12 in English in 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 500 words. Also find short Why I am Interested in this Job essay 10 lines.

Why I am Interested in this Job Essay 10 Lines (100 – 150 Words)

1) I’m interested in this job because I’m passionate about this industry.

2) It also helps me in being updated with the world.

3) I’m interested in this job as I always wanted to do the same work.

4) My job helps me in enhancing my personality.

5) The high salary and offered facilities increase my interest in this job.

6) Appreciation at every stage of my work generates more interest.

7) New tasks in this job always increase my interest to know more.

8) My job encourages me to explore further and gain more knowledge.

9) I’m interested in my job because it maintains my good social reputation.

10) I chose this job because it gives me internal joy and happiness.

Short Essay (250 words)

Introduction

Everybody in this world wants to live a happy and comfortable life. The dream of a good life can only be possible if we have a good carrier and do the work that we love to do. We need to attain good skill and efficiency in our work to make a bright carrier.

The love for our job makes it interesting

We all attain good education to make a good future. Job is something that we do to earn our living and fulfill our requirements. It is very important to develop an interest in the job that we are doing. We are hired in any of the organizations on basis of our skills and qualities. They desire good work and conduct from us. The act of doing our work with interest will make us feel light and easy. It will help in bringing our best from us. Moreover, it also helps in improving our skills.

Priority to work rather than money

We all aspire to do the job or work in a place that we desire in our life. Many times it happens that people give more importance to money rather than giving importance to their work. They just do their work to get a good amount of money. When we consider our work more important than the money we can achieve both a good career and money in our life. A good carrier is impossible when we just do our job for money. It is necessary to develop love and interest in our work rather than just concentrating on money that is good for long-term working. It will also help us getting successful along with a good salary.

We must try to love the work that we do as it makes us skilled and this can surely help us in earning a good amount of money.

I have brought here a long essay on this topic and hope it will be helpful for you.

Why do I Like this Job – Long Essay (1000 Words)

A platform we choose to earn, to fulfill our lively hood we call it as our job. Since a child is born; his parents start assuming what he will become in the future. Jut to know how much he will earn and learn from the world. Doing a job not only means visiting your duty on a daily basis and completing your target. It also means to do things properly whatever you do. Cooking is not a job for those who have someone in their home to cook but it is a job for those who want to earn in that way. Similarly, there are many professions in this world and you cannot be perfect in all of them but you can master one of them and choose that as your job.

What Kind of Job I Like the Most?

There is a lot to learn in this world but really not possible for us to learn everything, but you can experience it. Think about a job where you could be allowed to do whatever you like, it will definitely be the best one and you will also perform well. Similarly, I love learning and exploring new things and I work as a writing professional.

This profession helps me to learn different things by being at the same place. It helps me to research a particular topic that makes it one of the best. If I would be an engineer or doctor I would defiantly never justify the job, because they have a very busy schedule and although they would love exploring, due to lack of time it would be never so easy for them to learn various aspects of life.

How Interesting is My Profession?

I know I can’t force someone to like a particular profession but I can carve the beauty and show you the best part of my profession. The way a musician feels thrilled when he moves his hands on his favorite instrument is the same way I feel the enthusiasm when I learn something new and frame those feelings in words.

I would like to quote a famous line ‘The pen is mightier than the sword’ by Edward Bulwer-Lytton. That means a pen holds more power than a sword because a sword is only used to kill someone and killing is not a solution whereas, a pen holds the power to say, to advocate, to express individuals’ thoughts, and is more powerful than a sword.

The way a moviemaker has an eye on details to make a perfect short, similarly a writer adds a lot of details in this creation to make it decent and popular. It needs research and learning then a book or article becomes interesting.

I daily learn new things at my job, and it is really interesting, suppose I have to write on a wood painting then I have to search all like what it is? Where did it start from? In which part of the world do people perform this art? Etc. and really it helps me to gain more knowledge.

What is the Best Part of My Job?

I feel free to write anything that I feel, I see, and think is correct. I have the freedom to express my views and this is one of the best parts of my profession. Apart from writing for others, you can also enhance your vocabulary and knowledge.

I don’t advocate a particular profession but I am simply justifying the main reasons behind my satisfaction with my job. There are multiple reasons and learning is a never-ending process and my profession encourages me to learn. It enhances my knowledge and although I am not a doctor still I know about various diseases and surgeries. I am not an engineer but I know some engineering terms, just because of my research. I never feel airheaded when I stand between some knowledgeable people discussing something serious either regarding our economy or about a new research program, all because of my job.

Is it Worth being in a Writing Business in the Scientific Age?

Yes, of course, the way a sports person also needs some entertainment similarly either you are a scientist or an advisor you need to write and let people know about it. Although some people feel it is an easy task and anyone can do it, but there is a word called experience and if you are one of those who are writing for the first time, you will find it difficult.

For publishing their work people visit writing professionals to describe their work in an articulated manner. The way all of us know how to make a wall but when professionals do the same they have a different finish and look quite more appealing.

Apart from helping others in their business, nowadays some famous bloggers like Moz, Copyblogger, Smashing Magazine, etc. earn more than simply an engineer or doctor. So, it will be not wrong to say that every profession is best in its own way. Just don’t follow the crowd follow your interest and passion and it will make you definitely successful one day.

Can Money make a Job Interesting?

It sounds quite interesting to some people but frankly speaking ‘No’ because money attracts that is true but it can’t attract you for a long time. When we do something we like and something we are asked to do, there is a difference between both.

Generally, nowadays students focus on some of the tending professions either they like or dislike. They either like to follow the trend or take this decision in family pressure and they also get good money making jobs but they never feel the inner peace and happiness while doing their job, all because of their lack of interest in their job. So, it is advised to concentrate on your interest rather than money and once you know what you are good at and what you love doing, just go for it and trust me no profession is small just have patience because ‘Rome was not built in a day’.

There are multiple reasons for me to love my job and I am happy with it. Whatever profession you belong to just be the best and work hard to polish your skills as much as you can and this will help you everywhere. Don’t ever run behind money run for learning and learning more and more and this will automatically attract money.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions

Ans . The work you love to do and you feel passionate about it is the best work for you.

Ans . The work you like doing will never be a burden for you and you will enjoy doing it and always choose a job you like the most, this will help you to perform well and grow.

Ans . Apart from your daily work you should also try other things like if you are a business professional you should attend some seminars to make your job interesting, if you are a teacher you should try learning new things this will make your work effective, similarly, you can try different things to make your job interesting.

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Why Ivy League And Top Colleges Value Your Summer Job Experience

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High school student summer job

With summer break on the horizon, high school students across the country will soon start working summer jobs to earn extra money and build their resumes. While many students assume that scooping ice cream or walking dogs will contribute little to their college applicant profiles, summer jobs are what students make of them. Ivy League and other top schools want to admit students who are motivated self-starters, leaders in their communities, and industrious and conscientious members of society. A summer job—whether prestigious or seemingly insignificant—is often a student’s first foray into the professional world, offering them the opportunity to practice their networking acumen, develop teamwork and leadership skills, and build connections with potential recommenders for their college applications. Students who choose to coast and collect a paycheck may get little out of their summer jobs, but those who have Ivy League aspirations should take their summer work seriously—the colleges they apply to certainly will.

Here are five ways you can maximize your summer job to enhance your professional skills, develop networking opportunities, and level up your college admissions profile:

1. Start with a Professional Mindset

The first step to making the most of your summer job is adopting a professional mindset. Take your job—no matter how small it may seem—seriously and dedicate yourself to it. It may not be the vocation you ultimately wish to pursue, but focus on how the skills you can develop in your position will contribute to your future career goals. Show up on time, dress appropriately, and be enthusiastic about your tasks. Your attitude towards your job will not only impress your supervisors but also set a strong foundation for your professional reputation.

2. Network with Colleagues and Supervisors

Networking is not just for seasoned professionals; it’s a valuable skill for high school students. First and foremost, students should seek to make their presence known at their job rather than clocking in and out without building relationships. Take the time to learn about your managers’ career paths and seek their advice about how to navigate your own. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and show genuine interest in their experiences. These connections can provide valuable insights and potentially open doors for future opportunities.

Maintaining these relationships after your summer job has ended is just as important as building them in the first place. You never know how a connection may benefit you in the future as you build your resume, and recommenders with whom you have a longer history will offer great insights in your college letters of recommendation.

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Forbes asia 100 to watch 2024: nominations are open, the problem with elitism in corporate america, 3. develop your professional skill set.

No matter what your summer job is, you will have opportunities to hone valuable skills that will serve you throughout your career. If you are working a job in which you interact with clients (whether retail, food industry, child or pet care), you can develop your professional persona: speaking politely with clients, learning how to handle negative feedback with grace, solving problems creatively, and representing the company well. If you’re in an internally facing role, you can be diligent about showing up on time, being a team player, communicating effectively with peers and superiors, and creating an organized and effective workflow.

4. Seek Opportunities for Growth

One of the keys to maximizing any professional opportunity is setting measurable goals and taking proactive steps toward reaching them. Particularly if you return to the same job for multiple summers (which you should consider in order to demonstrate commitment and build lasting professional connections), be proactive in seeking opportunities for growth—doing so will demonstrate initiative and a willingness to learn, qualities that are highly regarded by employers and college admissions officers alike. For example, if you are working in a retail store, offer to help with inventory management or marketing efforts. If you are in a food service job, learn about the business side of the restaurant industry and offer to take on extra responsibilities. By taking on these extra tasks, you can gain a broader understanding of the business and demonstrate your commitment to professional growth.

5. Reflect on Your Experiences

One of the best things high school students can do to maximize their summer job experience on college applications is to keep a journal or written log of their experiences. Writing down the responsibilities you had and lessons you learned will help to jog your memory when it comes time to compile your activities list, help you articulate the qualities and duties you would like your supervisor to highlight in a letter of recommendation, and could even provide inspiration for your personal or supplemental essays!

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Why I quit Goldman Sachs

I became a VP in six years. Then the 'boys only' culture drove me out.

Goldman Sachs has a problem.

Only 29% of the 2022 partner class was women — just slightly more than the previous two classes — and a flood of women leaders have recently taken their talents elsewhere . Dina Powell McCormick, head of sovereign business and sustainability efforts, left last year. Beth Hammack, a longtime partner, exited after she was passed over for the CFO role. Stephanie Cohen , once a likely CEO successor, left in March after 25 years. The Wall Street Journal recently reported that two-thirds of female partners had left or lost the title since 2018. The same was true for only 50% of male partners.

Two years ago, I joined the ranks of the women leaving Goldman. My career propelled me from an intern to a vice president in just six years, but it wasn't a walk in the park. I didn't feel like my innately feminine, sensitive self could cut it at Goldman, so I stashed her aside and stepped into an alternate persona. Under my desk, I would keep a pair of black pumps that I called my "Hollywood heels." When I put them on every morning, I channeled a thick-skinned character who thrived in a man's world.

It worked, but it was draining. Eventually, I decided I'd had enough; I left to write novels and build my own coaching and consulting business. It's been liberating to work in my authentic style, and it's made me realize how much of myself I was keeping small while at Goldman.

The lack of female leadership in the financial industry is nothing new, but many companies have been making strides. Citi has a female CEO and surpassed its 2022 goal to increase the number of women in leadership positions. Morgan Stanley has steadily increased its share of women in senior management. And two women are likely candidates to succeed JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon. But at Goldman, the problem has only gotten worse.

In 2023, Goldman paid $215 million to settle a lawsuit filed in 2010 that alleged it had discriminated against thousands of female employees. Earlier this year, CEO David Solomon told the Journal: "Advancing women into our most senior ranks is an area where we have not accomplished our goals." But as I watch senior women continue their exodus from Goldman, I'm not sure the company actually wants to change.

Bringing women in the door isn't Goldman's problem — in its most recent hiring report, 50% of its entry-level analysts were women. The problem is that it can't keep women, especially those in leadership roles, around.

In my first role, I was the only woman on a team of 20 investors. Without role models to reflect different ways to be a leader, I felt like I had to mimic the masculine way to succeed. I wore a pantsuit and muted my personality; I played golf, talked football, and cried in the bathroom stall so I wouldn't be seen shedding tears at my desk. My out-of-the-box ideas were discouraged. I was told to stick to the Excel templates and precisely formatted PowerPoint decks, and to stop using exclamation points in my emails. My schedule was whatever the male leadership pushed: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. during the week and long hours most weekends.

Many financial firms have a rigid culture, but Goldman's takes it to the next level — and women tend to bear the brunt.

When I took my first week of vacation after being at Goldman for over a year, my manager lectured me for not replying to emails or updating financial models during my personal time off. I told him that I had been hiking off the grid with my mom and hadn't had much cell service. "Next time, choose a vacation spot with better reception," he told me. Jaw clenched, I agreed.

Many financial firms have a rigid culture, but Goldman's takes it to the next level — and women tend to bear the brunt. Take the firm's strict return-to-office policy as an example. While many companies have modernized to embrace hybrid and remote work , Goldman has not. This disproportionately hurts women, as research has found women are more likely to thrive and stay at companies longer when they have hybrid and flexible working environments. In a 2023 survey by International Workplace Group, 72% of women polled said they would look for a new job if their company took away their option for hybrid work. And a recent McKinsey survey found that two of the top priorities for the women in the poll when picking a job were the ability to work remotely and control when they work.

Rather than changing its "be in the office every day and grind it out" culture to better suit women, Goldman puts the onus on us to change ourselves to fit the model.

Jacki Zehner, a former Goldman partner turned CEO of the women's networking platform ShePlace, recently wrote about the company on LinkedIn. The biggest reason women leave, she said, is "not feeling valued."

This resonated with me. Feeling — and being — undervalued means women miss out on promotions. McKinsey calls this the "broken rung": For every 100 men promoted from an entry level role to manager in 2023, only 87 women were promoted, according to their survey of 27,000 workers in the US and Canada. This disparity out of the gate creates a leadership-pipeline problem down the road.

While leadership styles vary from person to person, research suggests that women and men tend to lead differently. In her book, "When Women Lead," the CNBC reporter Julia Boorstin says women are more likely to lead with empathy, vulnerability, gratitude, communal leadership, and a greater sense of purpose. Boorstin's reporting found that women were more likely than men to invest in mentorship and have more diverse teams. The differences translate to financial results: In a recent study, McKinsey found that companies with at least 30% female leaders tended to outperform financially.

Goldman says it understands the importance of female leadership. "When women lead, everything changes," its corporate site says. The company offers a women's network, encourages male allyship, and talks a big game about diversity. But Goldman leadership seems to want the benefits of gender diversity without the hard work of supporting diverse leadership styles. For all the talk, I never noticed it trickle down to how it actually felt to work there. My female coworkers and I talked about it frequently — Goldman was squandering our talents by making us conform to the small box of how finance was supposed to be done. It felt like they were glad to have recruited such bright, multidimensional women but had no interest in empowering our gifts.

When we contemplated what it would take to rise into the senior ranks, we knew we would be compromising too much.

As I moved up at Goldman, I tried to incorporate more of my true self at work, whether that meant letting out my bubbly laugh or writing a "Goldman Sachs joy newsletter" to boost morale. Many colleagues appreciated my style, especially when I worked for a year in the London office. But in New York, I met resistance. When colleagues found my poetry on Instagram, they made negative comments to me about how emotional the poems were. When I brought in cookies for my team, I was told I should have been building financial models instead of baking.

These are small examples, but that's where bias often lives — in the million little ways women are told to tweak themselves to be more like men. The implication is that our way is lesser. I became a VP at 28, but I was burned out — not from the work itself but from the parts of me I had to dim along the way. The internal balancing act pushed me out.

Nearly two dozen of my women friends at the VP and managing-director levels have also left Goldman to join companies — or start companies — where they have more freedom, whether that means hybrid work, greater autonomy, or the ability to be promoted based on the quality of their work, rather than who they knew.

Goldman was a great place for us to start our careers, but when we contemplated what it would take to rise into the senior ranks, we knew we would be compromising too much.

From what I've seen, the C-suite men who reinforce Goldman's culture generally have good intentions. They assume that because their way worked for them, everyone else should follow suit. But when a woman doesn't fit the typical pattern or mold for CEO or partner, she's passed over.

As more women leave Goldman, the business itself suffers. Data shows that companies in the top 10% financially have more women in leadership positions. These companies excel because their women leaders act differently. Sometimes they see things that others miss. Just look at the 2008 financial crash .

If Goldman can manage to grow its ranks of women leaders, more women will follow. Deloitte found that for each woman added to a financial firm's C-suite, there's a positive, quantifiable impact on the number of senior women in levels just below the C-suite. We all need role models to show us what's possible. Women like Asahi Pompey and Yassaman Salas, Goldman partners whose commitment to being themselves radiates like a superpower, and Rebecca Anderton-Davies , a managing director who also shines as an author and yogi, show me there's hope.

Since I left two years ago, Goldman has been good to me. They bought copies of my book and hosted me to speak with interns. But when one intern asked how I "brought my full self to work" — one of Goldman's favorite slogans — I sidestepped the question. The truth was, I didn't bring my full self. Most of the time, I kept my feminine side tucked away, and I was rewarded for it.

Since leaving, I've been able to let my full self shine. I delivered a TEDx talk comparing Wall Street dealmaking to modern dating — something I would not have had the autonomy to do if I were still at Goldman. And rather than matching my schedule to Goldman's rigid model, I'm able to honor the natural ebbs and flows of my productivity. My feminine side is no longer a liability; it's an asset. I lead creativity and breathwork workshops, write women-centered novels, and mentor clients to help them build their dream careers.

I'm grateful to Goldman for launching my career, but it has a lot of room for improvement. And until it turns things around, don't be surprised when talented women keep walking out. We know there are other places we can go.

Lindsay MacMillan is an author, speaker, and coach.

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Steakhouse customer accused of pulling teen’s skirt down at restaurant is fired from job at utah ag’s office: report.

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The irate steakhouse customer accused of pulling down a teen’s skirt in public last month has been fired from her job with the Utah Attorney General’s Office, according to a report.

Ida Ann Lorenzo, 48, was hired as a legal secretary with the AG’s office on March 4, but was relieved of her duties on April 25 — the same day she was hit with criminal charges stemming from the steakhouse incident, the termination letter obtained by KSL read.

“I am writing to inform you that you have not passed your probationary employment period successfully and today, April 25, 2024, you are being separated from state employment with the attorney general’s office,” the letter stated.

“Your noncompliance with policies and standards related to performance contributed to this decision.”

Lorenzo was charged with sexual battery, a class A misdemeanor, for allegedly yanking down a 19-year-old girl’s skirt in the lobby of Sakura Japanese Steakhouse on April 20.

The aftermath of the incident was captured in a viral TikTok video in which Lorenzo was heard telling the alleged victim her “ass cheeks” were hanging out and threatening to call child services.

During the 36-second video, the young woman’s friends yelled at Lorenzo after the alleged altercation .

“You do not get to touch her,” the group said.

Lorenzo appeared to flash a badge at the group of girls and told them she was a Utah state employee.

The TikTok has been viewed over 13 million times since being posted last month.

Following mounting backlash online from the viral altercation, Lorenzo contacted police, saying she felt a “threat on her life” after being accused of sexually harassing the teen in the St. George restaurant.

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In the body camera footage taken inside the police station on April 22, Lorenzo claimed she saw the teen’s “entire (vagina) and butt cheeks” while in the packed restaurant’s lobby with children around — adding that a young boy allegedly pointed out the girl’s short skirt. 

She admitted to tugging on the teen’s skirt, but alleged that her hands never touched the girl’s skin.

The officer she was seen speaking with told her it wasn’t “her job” to physically take matters into her own hands and that she should have called the police.

Police said the teen whose skirt was allegedly pulled down by Lorenzo also contacted them to report that “she was sexually assaulted while in the lobby” of the restaurant.

The now-canned state employee “approached the woman and pulled her skirt down and told her to be aware of what she was showing, especially with small kids around; this caused all the people with her to accuse (Lorenzo) of sexually assaulting the female,” according to a police booking affidavit obtained by the outlet.

Other witnesses also filed police reports about the incident at the steakhouse.

Lorenzo was arrested at the St. George police station on April 24 after officers went to talk with the alleged victim to get her side of the story.

She told police she allegedly felt Lorenzo’s “cold hands against [her] skin” while in the lobby, the outlet reported, citing the affidavit.

The teen said aside from the “physical side of things,” she’s “mentally struggling” with what happened, in bodycam footage released by the department.

Lorenzo was booked into the Purgatory Correctional Facility in Hurricane and released after posting bail.

She is scheduled to appear in court in June.

In Utah, sexual battery is a Class A misdemeanor and can be punished by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. 

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SBI PO Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2024, Check Prelims and Mains Syllabus

SBI PO Syllabus 2024 and Exam Pattern have been shared in the article below. Check the SBI PO Syllabus and Exam Pattern for prelims and Mains exam here.

Table of Contents

Candidates who are preparing for the SBI PO Exam should go through the SBI PO Syllabus 2024 and the exam pattern. Having a better and deeper understanding of the syllabus helps candidates prepare for the SBI PO exam better way.

There are 3 major sections in the SBI PO Syllabus- Quantitative Aptitude, English Language, and Reasoning. The SBI PO exam will be conducted in 3 different stages Prelims, Mains, Interview & Group Discussion. Candidates can go through this article to get the details of the SBI PO Syllabus and detailed Exam Pattern for both Prelims and Mains.

SBI PO Syllabus 2024

The SBI PO Syllabus for the Prelims and the Mains Exam is almost the same. There is only a slight change in the Mains Section with two extra sections added i.e. General and Banking Awareness . However, the level of difficulty of the SBI PO Mains Paper is a little higher than the Prelims.

The time has come that the candidates aspiring for SBI PO should boost their preparation with the SBI PO Syllabus as SBI has released over 2000 vacancies for the SBI PO 2024 recruitment. If you want to excel in the SBI PO exam, then prepare according to the latest SBI PO Syllabus and Exam Pattern.

SBI PO Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2024: Highlights

The details of the SBI PO Syllabus and Exam Pattern have been tabulated below. Check the stage-wise details for the upcoming SBI PO Exam here.

SBI PO Prelims Exam Pattern 2024

The SBI PO Prelims Exam will have 3 sections:

• Quantitative Aptitude

English Language

The following points are the highlights of the SBI PO Prelims Exam:

• There will be three sections.
• Category-wise merit list will be drawn based on the aggregate marks scored in the Preliminary Exam.
• There will be no sectional cut-off . However, there will be an overall cut-off.
• There will be a negative marking of 0.25 marks for every incorrect answer.

SBI PO Prelims Syllabus 2024

The preliminary examination of the SBI PO exam comprises Reasoning Ability, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Language. The complete details of the heading and sub-heading of the sections asked in the Preliminary Exam of the SBI PO exam are discussed below:

SBI PO Mains Exam Pattern 2024

Candidates meeting the required cut-off in SBI Prelims will be eligible to appear for the Mains Exam. There are changes in the Mains Section with an increase in the weightage of General Economy/ Banking Awareness and the duration of the test will be 3 hours.

The  Descriptive Test has a duration of 30 minutes with a score of 50 marks . This test is conducted to test the writing skills of candidates via Letter Writing and essay Writing.

The following points are the highlights of the SBI PO Mains Exam:

• All the questions will be objective.
• This main paper will have four sections for a total of 200 marks.
• The duration of the SBI PO Mains Exam will be 3 hours.
• The objective test will have separate timing for every section.
• There will be no sectional cut-off . There will be only an overall cut-off.
• There will be a penalty of 0.25 marks for every incorrect Multiple Choice Question.
• The Descriptive Paper of 50 marks is compulsory to attempt.

Note: The descriptive  paper of a candidate will be checked only if they qualify in the Objective test as per the qualifying marks decided by the Bank.

SBI PO Mains Syllabus 2024

The Mains Examination of the SBI PO exam comprises 4 sections:

• Data Analysis & Interpretation
• Reasoning & Computer Aptitude
• General/Economy/Banking Awareness
• The SBI PO Mains syllabus comprises a descriptive test as well. The descriptive test consists of two questions, one letter writing and one essay each of 25 marks making a total of 50 marks.
• Candidates need to score passing marks in the descriptive test as well to qualify for the SBI PO mains exam.

The complete syllabus is discussed below:

Data Analysis

The following topics are covered under the Data Analysis section:

• Tabular Graph,
• Line Graph,
• Radar Graph Case-let,
• Missing Case DI,
• Let it Case DI,
• Data Sufficiency,
• Probability,
• Permutation and Combination

The following topics are covered under the Reasoning section:

• Verbal Reasoning,
• Circular Seating Arrangement,
• Linear Seating Arrangement,
• Double Lineup,
• Scheduling,
• Input-Output,
• Blood Relations,
• Directions and Distances,
• Ordering and Ranking,
• Coding and Decoding,
• Coded Inequalities,
• The course of Action,
• Critical Reasoning,
• Analytical and Decision Making

The following topics are covered under the English Language section:

• Reading Comprehension,
• Vocabulary,
• Verbal Ability,
• Word Association,
• Sentence Improvement,
• Para Jumbles,
• Cloze Test,
• Error Spotting,
• Fill in the blanks

General Awareness/ Economy/ Banking Awareness

The following topics are covered under the Economy section:

• Financial Awareness
• Current Affairs
• General Knowledge
• Static Awareness
• Banking and Financial Awareness

Computer Aptitude

The following topics are covered under the Computer Aptitude section:

• Keyboard Shortcuts,
• Computer Abbreviation,
• Microsoft Office,
• Computer Hardware,
• Computer Software,
• Operating System,
• Networking,
• Computer Fundamentals/ Terminologies,

SBI PO Interview 2024

Psychometric Test- The Bank may conduct a Psychometric test for personality profiling, of those candidates who will be shortlisted for Phase III. The findings of the test may be placed before the Interview panel to have a thorough perspective on the candidates.

This is the final stage of selection for successful candidates who qualify for the first two phases of the SBI PO exam. The Group Discussion accounts for 20 marks while the Interview is for 30 marks.

• The aggregate marks of all the candidates clearing both the Objective Tests and Descriptive tests will be arranged in descending order in each category.
• The decided number of candidates in each category, as governed by the Bank will be called for Group Exercises and interviews.
• The qualifying marks in Group Discussion & Interview will be as decided by the Bank.

SBI PO 2024 Final Selection

The final score for the  SBI PO Exam  is calculated keeping the below points in mind:

• Marks secured in the Preliminary Exam (Phase-1) will not be considered for selection
• Candidates must qualify for Phase-2 and Phase-3 separately to be eligible
• Marks secured by the candidates in the SBI PO Mains Exam (out of 250 marks) are converted to out of 75 and marks secured in Group Exercises & Interview (out of 50 marks) are converted to out of 25. This makes the new total score (Mains + GD/PI) to be 100
• The aggregate score out of 100 is used for the final merit list for each category. Candidates with top merit rank in each category are finally selected.

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Q1. What is the marking scheme for SBI PO Syllabus 2024?

Ans. There will be three sections: Prelims, Mains, GD, and PI. Prelims will be of 100 marks, Mains of 250 marks including the Descriptive Test while GD & PI will be of 20 and 30 marks respectively.

Q2. Is there a negative marking in SBI PO 2024 Exam?

Ans. Yes, 1/4th of the marks assigned to that question will be deducted as a penalty to arrive at a corrected score.

Q3. What is the structure of the SBI PO Descriptive Test?

Ans. The description test is based on the English Language, in which a candidate has to write a Letter and an Essay for 50 Marks.

Q4. What are the criteria for final selection as an SBI PO?

Ans. The final selection will be made based on the marks secured in the SBI PO Mains and GD & PI.

Q5. What kind of topics will be asked for SBI PO GD and PI?

Ans. The topics will cover the issues of burning issues of national and international interest. The topics can be related to NPI, Natural Calamity, Women Empowerment, Digitization, etc.

Q6. How can I prepare for SBI PO Exam Online?

Ans. You can study online by visiting adda247.com You will get video lectures, E-books, Books, and other materials as well.

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Neighbors sue Ramapo ZBA for approving larger houses in Albert Drive neighborhood

MONSEY - The Albert Drive neighborhood has long been a fixture of Ramapo's single-family home character.

But neighbors argue their comfort zone is threatened by the Zoning Board of Appeals approval of two higher-density housing projects they claim in nearly identical legal actions are illegal and will alter their neighborhood.

The ZBA has approved variances allowing the construction of two-family buildings with accessory apartments on undersized parcels at 15 and 21 Albert Drive. The properties are half the allowable size under zoning, according to two Article 78 legal actions looking to block the approvals.

The legal actions argue town zoning mandates 20,000 square feet of land for two-family housing with an accessory apartment, with room for parking and recreation. The ZBA approved the re-developments on just more than 10,000 square feet.

ZBA rejected initial requests

Attorney Kevin Conway, representing neighbors in both legal actions, said the ZBA has routinely denied variances involving parcels of 16,000 square feet.

"Both parcels are grossly undersized for what's been proposed," Conway said. "What would happen is the buildings take over the entire area of the sites. There would be parking in the front yard, not permitted under the town code, and no recreation space for kids. These will be mini apartment buildings crammed into a single-family residential area."

One of the issues cited by the legal action is the ZBA rejected the redevelopment of 15 Albert Drive in 2023 but in March approved variances for the same project. The ZBA also had rejected a similar proposal for 16 Albert Drive, Conway said.

The difference between the two proposals at 15 Albert Drive is the second one reduced the percentage of the inside floor area, compared to the total lot area, from 72% to 69%. The board approved a similar redevelopment of 21 Albert Drive in recent weeks.

The legal actions state that the ZBA turned down the first redevelopment of 15 Albert Drive because it would "otherwise alter the character and usage of the neighborhood of single-family homes." They say the new application offered no new information.

So Conway said that in both cases, the ZBA members reopened the public hearing for the developer of 15 and 21 Albert Drive to provide additional information but improperly declined to hear a rebuttal from the residents.

The ZBA approval was illegal and unduly influenced by the developer, according to the legal actions filed on May 13 with the New York State Supreme Court in New City.

Neighbors say homes would be too big

Conway filed the Article 78 actions on behalf of neighbor Rochel Weinfeld against the ZBA members and developers David Slomiuc of 15 Albert Drive and Yosef Kohn of 21 Albert Drive.

Ramapo Supervisor Michael Specht referred questions on the legal actions to Alyssa M. Slater, the town's first assistant town attorney. Specht and the four other Town Board members appoint the ZBA and other land-use board members, while the Town Attorney's Office represents the boards and can offer advice on zoning and planning matters.

Slater said Tuesday in an email response that the construction of a two-family house with an accessory apartment is a use permitted by right under the town's zoning laws. The ZBA decides variances from the code.  She said several two-family and multifamily homes exist on Albert Drive and in the area.  

She rebuffed suggestions the town is allowing overbuilding on parcels, and the ZBA exists to consider requests from variances from the code.

"The Zoning Board of Appeals is an independent body that makes independent decisions," Slater said. "The ZBA conducts a balancing test to determine if a variance should be granted."

According to court papers, the ZBA members found that the variances sought for Albert Drive houses were not substantial and would not produce an undesirable change to the neighborhood.

Neighbors disagree on the effect on the neighborhood

Neighbor George Amsel wrote the ZBA chair, Charlene Weaver, that he questioned the legality of the board's vote and decision. He said the board approved variances based on the developer using photos to show the project would not affect the neighborhood but did not allow the public to see the photos.

"Doesn’t the ZBA have the responsibility to protect the neighbors before granting an investor, not a resident, the permit to build a building ... grant so many variances that were denied by the building inspector?" Amsel wrote.

Weinfeld felt the ZBA members disregarded the concerns of the neighbors.

"The ZBA knows our opposition very well yet they let this pass," she said in an email. "We feel like there is no justice; citizens are not heard."

According to court papers, the developers and residents testified before the ZBA before approval.

"This is an aging neighborhood," Weinfeld said. "As people age, accommodations need to be made so that they can continue to function in their lives. There is no justification for compromising the lives of the majority of the neighborhood to support this project that would change the character of our neighborhood."

Developer: 'I am no different than my neighbors'

The developer, David Slomiuc, of 230 Remsen Ave. in Monsey, said he bought 15 Albert Drive with his partner, Joshua Spitzer. He said Spitzer plans to live in the house with his family.

"I'm asking the board to approve the property according to the law and according to other affordable projects on the same lot," Slomiuc said, according to court papers.

Spitzer, a resident of Edison Court, said that when he spoke to neighbors before buying the property, they approved.

"My family needs more room to live," Spitzer told the board. "I am not asking for anything less or anything more than what is already on the block. I am no different than my neighbors."

Neighbors said the developers bought the houses knowing the zoning so they can't claim a financial hardship to get variances.

Earnest Schlesinger of Sylvan Lane said, "We have only single-family homes on this block and all the surrounding houses along where we live and we want to keep it that way. We want to keep the neighborhood a beautiful neighborhood."

Ramapo has approved other higher-density projects despite some opposition

Other single-family neighborhoods including in several Orthodox Jewish areas, have rebuked the town for allowing redevelopment of higher-density housing. Town officials have supported large housing complexes, voting for higher density zoning projects like Patrick Farm, Pascack Ridge, Viola Estates, and Miller's Pond , the former Minisceongo Golf Course.

The Pascack Ridge and Patrick Farm developments are stalled by legal actions, while neighbors went to court to force the Viola Estates developers and Ramapo to close illegal apartments added after approvals.

Steve Lieberman covers government, breaking news, courts, police, and investigations. Reach him at  [email protected] Twitter:  @lohudlegal

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Brynne Frauenhoffer sets her play 'Pro-Am' in the Miami porn scene: 'It’s a hustle all the time'

Playwright intrigued by the dynamics and the day-to-day of certain jobs — in this case, sex work..

Amanda Fink (from left), Jenni Hadley, Angelica Grace, Brenna DiStasio, Kaylah Crosby and David Stobbe appear in “Pro-Am,” set in a Miami home shared by young women recruited to the adult film industry.

Michael Brosilow

Brynne Frauenhoffer has a thing for dramatic workplaces. The Chicago-based playwright has set previous plays in a vape shop and a Pizza Hut.

Frauenhoffer’s new play, “Pro-Am,” produced by First Floor Theatre and premiering at The Den Theater in Wicker Park through June 15, is another workplace drama. But this time, the co-workers at the heart of her story are a group of sex workers renting rooms in a shared house in Miami.

Sex work — emphasis on the “work” part — is a closely examined topic in American culture right now. Advocacy around the country has called attention to exploitation in the adult film industry. Meanwhile, Donald Trump’s hush money trial features testimony from adult-film star Stormy Daniels, raising questions in the national media about how we view sex work in contemporary society.

In an interview, Frauenhoffer explains why she decided to center sex work in her new drama and what it is about workplaces that makes them fit for the stage.

Q. Can you tell me a little bit about your new play?

A. “Pro-Am” is an accidental period piece. I started writing it in 2017, although the idea originally happened after seeing a documentary about the adult entertainment industry in Miami about the women who go there looking to get a start in that kind of a career.

Q. What was the documentary?

A. The documentary was “Hot Girls Wanted.” I just happened to watch it on Netflix and was fascinated with the amateur porn industry. How people would get started in Miami specifically, where it was just girls who’ve never done that kind of work before. A lot of them. And these agencies would just give them a plane ticket to fly them out to Miami from all over the country, and they would just get started.

Brynne Frauenhoffer says the inspiration for “Pro-Am” was a documentary called “Hot Girls Wanted.”

First Floor Theater

Q. How does “Pro-Am” explore these stories?

A. I think the play explores their different relationships to this kind of job and also how people outside of the industry perceive performers — vs. what the day-to-day of that life is actually like. And how those performers exist in such a specific career. It’s a job play. So, it’s almost like a workplace dramedy. It’s about how they navigate this job and how they interact with a world that has assumptions about this job that may or may not match their experience of it.

Q. What draws you to tell stories about workplaces?

A. Specifically, I just love the inside baseball of how co-workers talk to each other about their work and gossip about each other, their customers and their bosses. Those relationships are so juicy and specific.

Q. But this play is about the adult film industry. It feels different than a workplace drama set in a pizza joint. People can relate to working in a restaurant, but how will you get them to relate to working in the porn industry?

A. I get what you mean; there’s a difference. But there are so many assumptions about what working in porn could be like. I think about the ways I used to hear people talk about a variety of sex work, including stripping, like, ‘Oh, it’s like such easy money,’ and like, ‘Wow, I wish I could do that, just be hot and people give you cash.’ There’s so many different judgments and also assumptions that it’s straightforward and that it’s not labor. ...

Kaylah Crosby (from left), Jenni Hadley, Angelica Grace, Amanda Fink and Brenna DiStasio are in the cast of “Pro-Am.”

MICHAEL BROSILOW

I was just really motivated to get into how much work there is in it, the ambition that it requires and the administrative side of it. The way people can be innovative and the way that you have to balance time. Often, you’re doing some scenes of porn where it’s like, you go on set, you shoot for a number of hours and then someone else edits and produces and distributes that content. But also, most of these models are also doing cam work, or they’re stripping or they’re even doing club appearances. You’re never just doing one thing. It’s a hustle all the time. I relate to it as someone who works in the arts. I have had two different part-time jobs while trying to write plays, and assisting directors and auditioning to act. I don’t know many people these days just have one source of income.