When applying for a job in the non-profit/charity sectors, employers will often request you send a 'supporting statement' along with a CV or application form. This is very similar to a cover letter and gives you the opportunity to expand on your skills, experience, and qualifications and really 'sell yourself' as the best person for the role. A supporting statement should never simply repeat information from your CV and needs to be written specifically for a job application.
Before you begin, make sure you have read the instructions (if any) for the supporting statement so you know exactly what to include. If you have not been given any specific guidelines for the supporting statement, we suggest using the template below.
Also, make sure you read the person specification for the role very carefully, if there is one, as this document will be key in putting your supporting statement together.
The first paragraph should introduce you and give a brief summary of who you are and why you are best for the role, e.g. 'I am an award-winning fundraiser with strong corporate experience.' It is important to give a strong and positive impression of yourself right from the start.
Don't forget to include your name and address on the supporting statement, as well as on your CV. They may become separated, and you want to make it as easy as possible for the employer to tell who you are.
You need to explain why you want this specific role and to work for this particular organisation, which will involve doing some background research about them. Explain how you match their objectives, methods, and values and what impresses and attracts you to the organisation.
You then need to go through all the requirements and desirables mentioned in the person specification and explain how you meet each one, giving examples from your experience. Provide concrete examples and solid numbers wherever you can, e.g. 'increased efficiency by 25% while saving over £10k from the original budget'.
Ensure the supporting statement conveys your personality and shows how motivated and enthusiastic you are. Use positive statements about yourself, e.g. by saying 'I have...' rather than 'my last employer has...'. Bullets and strong, active verbs can also give your application punch.
Your closing sentence should reaffirm your enthusiasm and emphasize that you are the best candidate for the role.
Recruiters do not want to wade through pages of copy, so keep your supporting statement as brief as possible while still including all the requested information. Once you have finished, go back and remove anything redundant. Also, make sure you get a friend or colleague to proofread the statement before you send it.
Good luck, and remember your TPP Consultant is there to assist you and answer any questions you may have.
