Writing a letter about yourself means composing a first-person narrative that introduces who you are, your background, and your goals to a specific reader. The most common forms are personal statements for college or graduate school, cover letters for jobs, and biographical letters for introductions or applications.
Why Write a Letter About Yourself
Letters about yourself are requested when a form or resume is not enough. A college admissions committee wants to see how you think, not just what you scored. An employer wants to know how your experience fits their team. A scholarship panel wants to understand your ambitions. In each case, the letter is your chance to speak directly, in your own voice, and to connect facts into a coherent story.
Unlike a resume, which lists achievements, a letter explains why those achievements matter. It can address gaps, highlight turning points, and convey personality. It is also a test of communication: can you organize your thoughts, write clearly, and stay on topic? That is why many applications require one.
Parts of a Letter About Yourself
Most letters follow a standard structure, though the emphasis shifts depending on the purpose. A typical outline includes:
- Opening: State who you are and the purpose of the letter. Mention the position, program, or opportunity you are applying for.
- Background: Give a brief summary of your education, work, or life experience relevant to the reader.
- Key story or example: Provide one or two concrete instances that illustrate your skills, values, or growth. Avoid listing; tell a short narrative.
- Goals: Explain what you plan to do next and why this opportunity fits that plan.
- Closing: Thank the reader, restate your interest, and provide contact information.
For a personal statement, the story may take up most of the space. For a cover letter, the background and fit are central. For a biographical letter (such as for a conference speaker or an introduction), the tone is more factual and less persuasive.
How to Choose What to Include
Not everything about you belongs in the letter. The reader has a specific need: they want to know if you are a good fit for their program, job, or audience. So you must select details that serve that purpose.
Start by listing your top three to five achievements or experiences that are most relevant. Then ask: what does each one show about me? A volunteer stint might show leadership; a failed project might show resilience; a research paper might show analytical thinking. Choose the ones that align with the values of the organization or institution. If the prompt asks for a challenge you overcame, pick a real obstacle and explain what you learned, not just what happened.
If you are writing a general letter about yourself (for a personal website or a biography), the focus shifts to your identity and interests. Still, keep it coherent: a reader should finish with a clear sense of who you are, not a list of random facts.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Many people struggle with the same issues when writing about themselves. Here are the most frequent problems and practical fixes:
- Being too generic: Phrases like “I am a hard worker” or “I am passionate about learning” do not distinguish you. Replace them with specific evidence.
- Listing instead of telling: A list of accomplishments is a resume in paragraph form. Instead, choose one or two stories that show those accomplishments in action.
- Ignoring the audience: A letter to a poetry fellowship should not focus on your accounting internship. Tailor every paragraph to the reader.
- Overly humble or overly boastful: Aim for a confident, factual tone. Acknowledge weaknesses only if they are relevant and show growth.
- Forgetting the prompt: If the application asks a specific question, answer it directly. Do not write a generic letter and hope it fits.
- Not proofreading: Typos and grammar errors signal carelessness. Read aloud, use spell-check, and ask someone else to review.
Letter About Yourself Template
Below is a generic template you can adapt. Replace the bracketed placeholders with your own details. The blanks are left as underscores for you to fill in.
Dear _______________,
I am writing to express my interest in _______________. I am currently _______________ (e.g., a student at X University, a marketing specialist at Y Company, a recent graduate).
My background includes _______________ (e.g., three years of customer service, a degree in biology, volunteer work with a local shelter). One experience that stands out is _______________. In that situation, I _______________ and learned _______________.
Looking ahead, I hope to _______________. This opportunity appeals to me because _______________. I believe my skills in _______________ and _______________ would allow me to contribute to _______________.
Thank you for considering my application. I would welcome the chance to discuss my qualifications further. I can be reached at _______________ or _______________.
Sincerely,
_______________
Sample (fictional): “Dear Admissions Committee, I am writing to express my interest in the Master of Public Health program. I am currently a research assistant at a local nonprofit, where I analyze community health data. One experience that stands out is organizing a free vaccination clinic last fall. In that situation, I coordinated with five local pharmacies and learned how logistics affect access. Looking ahead, I hope to design health programs for rural communities. This opportunity appeals to me because of the program’s focus on community-based research. I believe my skills in data analysis and event planning would allow me to contribute to your cohort. Thank you for considering my application. I can be reached at jane.doe@email.com or 555-123-4567.”
Length and Format
Length depends on the context. A cover letter is usually one page (300–500 words). A personal statement for graduate school is often 500–700 words, but some programs ask for 1,000 or more. A biographical letter for a website might be 150–300 words. Always follow the instructions given. If no length is specified, aim for one page.
Formatting matters: use a standard font (like Times New Roman or Arial) at 11 or 12 points, with 1-inch margins. If sending by email, include a clear subject line. If sending by mail, use a formal salutation and closing. For online applications, paste the text into the field and check that line breaks are preserved.
Safety and Accuracy in Your Letter
While writing about yourself, you must be truthful. Do not exaggerate your achievements, invent experiences, or claim skills you do not have. Admissions officers and employers often verify claims. A false statement can lead to rejection, revocation of an offer, or dismissal later. If you are unsure about a specific fact (like a date or a title), check it. If you are writing about a sensitive personal topic, you do not need to disclose more than you are comfortable with. You can frame a challenge without giving all details.
If your letter involves legal, tax, financial, or medical information about yourself (for example, a scholarship that asks about disability or financial need), be aware that you are not receiving professional advice here. For such matters, ask a qualified professional to review your letter before submitting it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I start a letter about myself? Start with a clear sentence that states who you are and why you are writing. For example: “I am a third-year biology student applying for the summer research fellowship.” Avoid clichés like “I am writing to introduce myself” if you can be more specific.
What should I avoid writing in a personal letter? Avoid negative statements about others, overly personal details that are not relevant, and any false information. Also avoid repeating your resume word-for-word and using overly complex language to sound smart.
How long should a letter about myself be? For a cover letter, one page. For a personal statement, follow the prompt—often 500–700 words. For a short bio, 150–300 words. When in doubt, ask the organization or check their website.
Can I use the same letter for multiple applications? You can reuse a base, but you must tailor it to each reader. Change the opening, highlight different experiences, and adjust the tone to match the organization’s culture. A generic letter is easy to spot and less effective.
Should I mention weaknesses or failures? Only if they are relevant and you can show what you learned. A brief, honest reflection can strengthen your letter, but do not dwell on it. Focus on growth and how you changed.
Do I need to include my contact information? Yes, in a formal letter. Put your name, email, and phone number at the top or in the closing. This makes it easy for the reader to respond.