How To Write a Supporting Statement for Job Application

A supporting statement enhances a job application and can open doors for career opportunities. It is a chance to show not only what you have done, but who you are and why you should be the selected candidate which is why we have decided to walk you through “How To Write a Supporting Statement for Job Application”.

While the corresponding requirement in a CV or resume plays an unemotional game presenting qualifications, achievements, and awards along with names of companies and dates, the supporting statement breathes life into your story.

The wow factor of this letter gives an explanation to your drive, showcases the strong features in you and lastly proves that your ambitions lie on the same path as that of the company.

While crafting a strong statement needs to address and take time, it is well deserving of the stretch. With this guide, you will go through the process step by step — ensuring your statement is convincing, readable, and effective. Whether you are applying for your first job or are taking the next step in your career, a good statement letter will help you make a long-lasting impression.

Let’s dive in!

Source: Freepik

How To Write a Supporting Statement for Job Application: What Is A Supporting Statement?

It is a tailored document describing what makes you the ideal match for that job. Usually, it’s a part of job applications and is customized in response to the skills, qualifications, and experience mentioned in the job description.

Consider it a response-focused essay targeting the needs of the employer. A great supporting statement does not simply mirror your CV; it reflects the experiences in a way that will connect with the hiring manager.

Linking your skills and achievements to the job shows why you will be a great fit and how excited you are about this opportunity. Before you go on to create one, let’s look at key things you should take note of:

Research the role and the company: Understanding the role and where you are applying is the basis of a good supporting statement. Begin by gathering information about the role and employer
Job description: Individual characteristics or job competencies. Spot the phrases and keywords that come up more than once: these are likely what the employer cares about most.
Familiarize yourself with the company: Visit their website, and read about them and any recent projects. Find overlaps of your values and skills with what they are trying to accomplish.
Do not write – Understand the industry: For example, if you are coming into a new industry, equip yourself with trends, challenges and expectations and portray that you have done your homework. Arming yourself with all this information prepares you to write your statement correctly.

Writing Your Supporting Statement: Step-By-Step

#1. Start with a strong opening

An opening is a platform to catch attention and set up the tone. If you are going to start your letter with generic phrases like, “I am writing to apply for…”

Rather, start with an introduction statement that concisely describes your passion and experience and why you are the perfect fit for this role.

Example:

“As a marketing professional with five years of experience in digital campaigns, I am thrilled to apply for the Marketing Manager role at XYZ Corp. Your company’s commitment to innovation aligns perfectly with my passion for creative problem-solving.”

You have more than six years of experience managing thousands of projects with a focus on customers for this job role. Your drive to be awesome at all things customer-facing aligns with what I’m looking for in my career.

This immediately establishes your credentials linked to exactly what matters to the employer.

#2. Frame your statement based on the job criteria

An effective supporting statement speaks to the inherent requirement of an employer. Structuring your statement — use the job description as a template and divide your statement into parts matching each criterion; For example:

This could include taking the initiative to lead teams or working in a team on projects.

Technical proficiency:

Mention relevant skills for the specific job, such as knowledge of tools, systems, or methodologies.

Problem-solving:

Discuss challenges you encountered and examples of how to solve them — especially when they resemble situations in the position.

Each section should include:

Directly state the skill or quality: Project management is one of my top skills.

Example: “In my previous position I managed a team of ten to deliver a marketing campaign two weeks in advance.”

Result: “This led to an increase in customer engagement of 15%.”

Source: Freepik

Your achievements distinguish you from the other candidates. Be more results-oriented and relevant to the responsibilities of the position.

Example:

“In a Digital Marketing Specialist role, I created a content strategy to increase web traffic by 40% in six months. This increased the brand reach and also led to a 20% hike in lead conversions.”

Whenever possible and appropriate, quantify your results to provide context for the impact you have made.

#4. Prove your motivation

If genuine excitement for the role or company has not been expressed, then confidence in hiring will wane quickly. Demonstrate your interest by buzzing about the role and why it excites you.

Why this role? Connect how your career goals would relate to what the job entails.

Examples: “This job provides the perfect opportunity for me to use the skills I have built through my data analysis and apply them…,”

Why this company? Be specific about culture fit (and what makes you a perfect match!).

Such as: “I love how invested you are [in sustainability,] [as we saw in your last launch of zero-waste product line]”

#5. In tune with the company’s values

Employers want someone who has similar values to them. Take a look at their mission statement and incorporate those values into yours.

Example:

“I also saw that your emphasis on change and community outreach matches my own values. I helped youth learn important skills by launching a mentoring program that also allowed staff the opportunity to learn more about their communities in a previous position.

#6. Write a strong conclusion

A solid statement ties together your statement and ends on a positive note. Restate your enthusiasm about the position and your belief that you can add value.

Example:

“My vision is both technical and commercial, honing my leadership skills through years of being at the seat where decisions are made while pursuing a passion to bring innovation to XYZ company. My experience in [specific skill or field] is going to be an asset to your team — and I hope you agree. Thank you for your consideration and for looking into my application. I welcome the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute toward your ongoing success.”

How To Write a Supporting Statement for Job Application: Tips For Success

Be professional: Include only relevant skills, experience and achievements with the job.
Bold: Write short, clear sentences and do not confuse fluency with this cool Clarity.
Active voice: Bring life into your writing. Write “I sold more” rather than “There were more sales by me”.
Recheck: Typos and grammatical errors work against your credibility.
Seek feedback: Use a trusted friend, colleague or mentor to get their opinion on your statement..

Source: Freepik

How To Write a Supporting Statement for Job Application: Common Pitfalls To Avoid

In writing a supporting statement for a job application, there are some pitfalls that you ought to avoid. Let’s look at some of them;

Coming off as too generic: If you are using the same statement for several applications, employers can notice! Tailor each one to the role.
Ignoring the job description: Demonstrate what the company will receive from you and not vice-versa.
Too much stuff: Choose the most important information points
Employers are more likely to expect: Ensure you do not make the mistake of leaving your employer out of the picture. You need to consider what they want and then give it to them.
Using passive voice: Active voice makes your writing more direct and engaging. For example, say “I achieved X,” not “X was achieved by me.”

Sample Supporting Statement

“With eight years of experience designing scalable systems as a software engineer, I look forward to applying for the Senior Developer position here at ABC Tech.

My full-stack development skills aligned with innovation is a perfect match for your team. For example, my last job was leading a team that created a portal for customers — increasing overall user satisfaction by 30%.

I love your approach to focusing on user-centric solutions, which is something I also look for in my work. Excited to be able to contribute to your mission of changing digital experiences.”

Wrap-Up: How To Write a Supporting Statement for Job Application

A good supporting statement acts as the link between your CV and what the employer is looking for. It is a way to share a story about you, your skills, passions and how they align with the vision of the company.

Selling yourself to make a good impression is often part of any job interview with your statement having some specific impressions after moulding it according to the profile, providing relevant examples and showing genuine enthusiasm is all that you need! Set aside time to research, prepare and hone your statement—one that can lead to new adventures.

Finally, it’s not only that you should fulfil the requirement, but rocket-pass every criterion and makes it evident to the employer that the best-suited candidate is still up for grabs. A well-written supporting statement could help you to stand out from the crowd and win your place on a course that is a stepping stone towards your chosen career.