Personal Statement

This paragraph should help someone reading think: “They know what this job really involves.”

Focus on:

• What the work actually looks like

• Why this department fits how you think or work

• A real moment where the job became clear to you

Good signs:

• You talk about tasks, pace, or responsibility

• You show respect for the craft

Red flags to avoid:

• Talking about “the industry” without naming the craft

• Talking about creativity without talking about work

• Making it sound glamorous or easy

Ask yourself:

• Could someone from this department recognize their job in what I wrote?

This paragraph matters a lot.

It should show:

• What you were taught

• What you didn’t know before

• How you responded to correction or feedback
  
  

You should include:

• At least one concrete skill or workflow you learned from a union member

• At least one moment where you had to adjust how you showed up 

• Mention of all the instructors, mentors, or IATSE member who influenced you once you started the program BY NAME
  
  

Important:
You are not praising them.
You are showing that you listened.

Ask yourself:

• Did I explain what actually changed about how I work after training with HCPR?

• Did I show learning, not just confidence?

This paragraph should show:

• You understand that people hire people they trust

• Trust comes from consistency, not asking

• Your actions affect other people’s reputations
  
  

You can talk about:

• Showing up prepared or early

• Supporting someone else without credit

• Learning when to observe instead of speak

• Understanding that recommendations are earned slowly
  
  

Ask yourself:

• Did I show responsibility, not entitlement?

• Would someone feel safe recommending me after reading this?

This paragraph should show:

• You respect the process

• You understand there are levels and commitment to working in this craft

• You want to carry standards forward, not cut corners
  
  

Focus on:

• What kind of crew member you want to become

• How you plan to keep learning

• How you want to contribute to the department long term
  
  

Avoid:

• Timelines that sound rushed

• Big claims about changing the industry

Ask yourself:

• What would my craft instructor think? Then share it with them for feedback!