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Turns out careers really wants me to type in a personal statement. I agree with it and think its really important.... but lack inspiration at the moment.

Would you have some ideas for some cool personal statements I could draw inspiration from?

"I like waffles" is just not going to cut it.

I really like this question, so I will share a tip.

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  • My sticking point is how long the personal statement should be. A sentence or two? One paragraph? Two paragraphs? – gnostradamus Nov 23 '09 at 20:20
  • I have no idea, thats why I need inspiration, I guess the recruiters will be reading this so it can not be too long... – waffles Nov 23 '09 at 20:22
  • I have always heard that you want to keep it short and to the point. One small paragraph I would assume is what most want to see. – Troggy Nov 23 '09 at 20:23
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    Make it short and sweet, like "Two waffles with syrup." – mmyers Nov 23 '09 at 21:32
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    I think you ruined this question by using "I like waffles" as your example. haha – Troggy Nov 23 '09 at 22:47
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    @troggy, I blame Iceland – waffles Nov 23 '09 at 23:21
  • You can't really avoid waffles though with a name like that. ;) – Troggy Nov 23 '09 at 23:22
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    waffles is here to stay .... – waffles Dec 11 '09 at 5:24
  • Isn't Careers a proper noun? – P.Mort. - forgot Clay Shirky_q Aug 5 '20 at 9:59
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Some interesting public CVs:

The prize for the best waffle out there goes to:

Tips to make it awesome:

Keep it short

Formatting is super dooper important
You love to code, find a way to say it
bold but don't use too much bold
Make somebody smile, keep it chirpy

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  • 1
    +1, good tips, good links. -1, not a haiku. – quack quixote Dec 11 '09 at 5:38
  • is using bold a good idea for a personal statement (and in general in written text)? Perhaps italic? None? – nilon Feb 1 '17 at 13:28
  • Three links are obsolete, invisible to users with <10K. – Mari-Lou A Aug 5 '20 at 11:03
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My personal statement is rather long. Too long to quote here. You would starve to death before reaching its end.

My personal statement is rather deep. The revelations contained within it are too profound for any reader to comprehend in a single reading.

My personal statement is rather magnificent. Its magnificence would blind you, burning a hole deep into your brain and leaving you unfit for employment of any sort.

My personal statement begins like this:

I like applesauce on my pizza.

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    What a coincidence! Mine starts with "Shog9 likes applesauce on his pizza." – Welbog Nov 23 '09 at 20:55
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    You've been copying Jon Skeets personal statements haven't you? – Skizz Nov 24 '09 at 9:41
  • The main question is: did you get any interest from prospect employers? – Robert Koritnik Dec 17 '10 at 8:38
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Mine talks about riding the subway without pants.

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  • +1 Thanks for the link Tom, that is really helpful – waffles Nov 23 '09 at 23:26
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    "I judge people by what they're produced, then by what they teach, then what they know." I think you meant "they've"? – Troggy Nov 23 '09 at 23:44
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"I am awesome, I have xxxxx stackoverflow reputation!"

Haha, had to say it because people get so worked up over reputation, so a serious answer:

I think your personal statement should sum yourself up in a few sentences. People are not looking for an autobiography here. Mention some of your best personal qualities, diversity (as in activites/personal/professional life), your desire to continually improve yourself and work with others.

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  • Only good if you can link to the site and live update your rep. – womble Nov 23 '09 at 20:16
  • @womble: Well in that case you can just say "I am awesome." – Troggy Nov 23 '09 at 20:17
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    Stop stealing my personal statement! – Welbog Nov 23 '09 at 20:37
  • Ok ok, jokes over. Serious answer added. haha – Troggy Nov 23 '09 at 21:45
  • You weren't exactly loving those downvotes, were you? Love them, Troggy! Love them and set them free! – Pollyanna Dec 11 '09 at 5:04
  • @Pollyanna: People were doing what they should. I deserved every single one for my original answer. – Troggy Dec 11 '09 at 8:05
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"I like providing simple solutions to perplexing puzzles to people."

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Hey, man, do you like lasers?

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    Hell yeah, but I am not looking jokes here :p. I am looking for some serious – waffles Nov 23 '09 at 21:08
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    Oh, then you'd best stick with the other answers about pants and applesauce. – user27414 Nov 24 '09 at 4:02
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Here's mine:

Software development as the DRY KISS of YAGNI

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