Writing an essay ( 8 pages) on my accomplishments

[Anonymous]

I need tips! I an finishing my PhD next semester. I have a masters degree and bachelors degree in statistics. My PhD is in this subject as well. I have been a teachers assistant throughout my masters and PhD. This has been my only job. I came to the US from Bangladesh on a teachers assistant scholarship. My family isn't wealthy back home and I still send money back. Should I include this info? The fact that my parents didn't attend college? Does it matter? I don't know how to make this essay 8 pages! Please give tips. Thank you!

[Anonymous]

What are you writing this for?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What are you writing this for?

For a job application.

[Anonymous]

Use large font size! Like font 20 or larger. Good luck op.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Use large font size! Like font 20 or larger. Good luck op.

Lol !

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What are you writing this for?

For a job application.

What kind of job is this? This is the first time I've ever heard of a job application asking for an 8 page essay on the applicant's accomplishments.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I need tips! I an finishing my PhD next semester. I have a masters degree and bachelors degree in statistics. My PhD is in this subject as well. I have been a teachers assistant throughout my masters and PhD. This has been my only job. I came to the US from Bangladesh on a teachers assistant scholarship. My family isn't wealthy back home and I still send money back. Should I include this info? The fact that my parents didn't attend college? Does it matter? I don't know how to make this essay 8 pages! Please give tips. Thank you!

Op here: The essay has to be 2000 - 3000 words. I am thinking in terms of double spacing 2000 words = 8 pages.

[Anonymous]

Are you sure that's not a typo? Could it be 200-300 words? I don't know how it goes in your field, but in science, PhDs never have to write thousands of words about themselves.

[Anonymous]

I can't imagine a job that is soliciting 3,000 word essays.

[Anonymous]

You sure it's not 2000-3000 characters? I can't think of anywhere that solicits that much text about personal accomplishments. And no one double spaces any more. You're looking at 2-3 pages, tops (which is still high). Keep it about your professional experience and qualifications.

[Anonymous]

This sounds like a barrier to entry. They probably already have a candidate lined up but wanted 'open' req.

[Anonymous]

It sounds like they're checking your ability to communicate in English. My eyebrow went up the moment you said Bangladesh. Additionally, statisticians need to be able to summarize findings in ways that are accessible. Lots of poor writing skills in the sciences, so they may be screening for that as well.

Of course you double-space. That's not cheating.

Take a step back and first decide how you define "accomplishment." Structure your paper accordingly. Draw from your life experience in keeping with the definition you determine for yourself. Being one of ten children would have allowed my XH to discuss his teamwork ability, for example. Having transitioned from another country would allow you (and him) to convey your ability to adapt. There may be some stats thing you grasped with great difficulty in the early years of your program that taught you the value of tenacity.

Use what you've got. Read it aloud. Check for any and all grammatical or stylistic errors. Good luck to you!!

[Anonymous]

If you haven't published in your field, this requirement makes sense. When asked for writing examples, I've always sent citations.

If you have, perhaps, co-authored something, be sure to mention it. Or, if you've been on a team that supported a publication and are not listed among the authors, note that as well.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
It sounds like they're checking your ability to communicate in English. My eyebrow went up the moment you said Bangladesh. Additionally, statisticians need to be able to summarize findings in ways that are accessible. Lots of poor writing skills in the sciences, so they may be screening for that as well.

Of course you double-space. That's not cheating.

Take a step back and first decide how you define "accomplishment." Structure your paper accordingly. Draw from your life experience in keeping with the definition you determine for yourself. Being one of ten children would have allowed my XH to discuss his teamwork ability, for example. Having transitioned from another country would allow you (and him) to convey your ability to adapt. There may be some stats thing you grasped with great difficulty in the early years of your program that taught you the value of tenacity.

Use what you've got. Read it aloud. Check for any and all grammatical or stylistic errors. Good luck to you!!

What is this suppose to mean?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This sounds like a barrier to entry. They probably already have a candidate lined up but wanted 'open' req.

This is a requirement for every candidate. The job was posted yesterday.