How to write a meaningful Statement of Purpose (SoP) - Decision Tree
- On: November 19, 2015
- By: web-dec
Before you even try writing your SoP, let’s find out what do you want to convey on the paper:
(1) Passion for your field
(2) Cohesiveness in thought-process
(3) Academic and co-curricular prowess
(4) Readiness for the corporate environment
(5) Ability to work in a team
An ideal flow of your SoP should be:
The Hook
The first few lines of your SoP can make the reader smile or pass a sigh of boredom. The hook should take care of the first field, passion for the field.
So, if you are a computer engineer with an MBA in HR, you may write something to the effect that you have always been good at people management and can create software to add value to their lives, while making the organization more efficient.
Supplement this with evidence – A project, maybe – Something that you have created or co-created at a previous workplace.
Scholastics
Briefly mention your scholastics as well as any award or accreditations that you may have earned in your field.
Enrich the profile through stories and wins
Enrich your SoP further with stories or instances from previous experience or college projects – these stories should be brief and should subtly highlight your skills in areas such as team management, client management, financial management, interviewing, employee surveys, exit interviews, taxation, company law etc.
Use appropriate trade words, but avoid using heavy jargons or business slangs. Also, if possible, add quantifiable achievements.
Why do you want to join the company?
Do a little research. Find out unique initiatives taken by the company’s HR function. Try to gauge the company’s philosophy pertaining to its employees.
For example, you could showcase your readiness and genuine interest in the company’s affairs by suggesting areas where the company’s sustainability or CSR efforts could find a direct link with the services / products offered by the company.
For example, you could showcase your readiness and genuine interest in the company’s affairs by suggesting areas where the company’s sustainability or CSR efforts could find a direct link with the services / products offered by the company.
If someone asks me in an interview – “Why do you want to join us for the HR opening?” – I would respond that I am really impressed by the way your organization has emerged as one of the best places to work in the country. And then I would go on to add the example of CSR as I mentioned above.
This is exactly what you need to convey through your SoP. The reader is mentally interviewing you.
Closing
Conclude the SoP by briefly recounting specific points you want to highlight and a sum it up in a line stressing on why you would be the right fit for the company.