Job application form - any tips?

jobbingmusician

Alfietinker wrote:

Looking at the paper work again I understand now. The PS must be all the "behaviours" and "requirements" sheets. The JD tells me what I'd be doing, and that training is provided. So I need to focus mainly on the PS as these are the skills I have.

That's much clearer now! Thanks

Absolutely right! And the fact the JD includes things like firearms which you couldn't POSSIBLY have had experience in reinforces the need to focus on the PS. But what you could do (which is suggested by one of the other posters ) is to think about what's in the JD and what personal qualities would be required to do this part of the job, and then relate this to the PS. So the previous poster (Fran) has given a good example:for firearms you could maybe demonstrate that you have a cool head, are willing to learn new skills, and are responsible.

I am slightly mystified by the sheet which has "behaviours" and "requirements" again, this time laid out as a table. You say 'In 1 column there is a heading (e.g. "personal responsibility"). Column 2 has a letter, either A, B or C. Column 3 has an explanation of the first column (e.g. Takes pride in his/her work).' I have a sneaking suspicion that they may have included a scoring sheet by mistake maybe???? It surprises me that the letters are A, B or C - sometimes a sheet like this is coded A, I and T to show whether they are going to assess your skills/strengths by your Application form, Interview or Test. Anyway, they have given you what they are looking for in each of the personal qualities they want, which should help you! Can you use this to help you in demonstrating that you meet their PS in the way they want?

Dora_the_Explorer_5

I agree with jobbingmusician - the sheets with tables for behaviour and requirements look suspiciously like scoring sheets. You have a great opportunity to demonstrate your honesty if they've been sent to you by mistake! Your choice as to whether you let them know or not ;-)

Savvy_Sue

Although they seem to be less and less relevant as the years go by (and I certainly can't remember my grades, not even sure I can remember all the subjects I took!), I think it's vital to confirm that you have passed both Maths and English Language at GCSE grade C or above (or O level if you're old like me!) It will almost certainly be one of the boxes the selectors will want to be able to tick.

If you haven't got those two, then you need to show how you can meet their basic standards of literacy and numeracy, so if you've done an equivalent then say what it is and confirm its equivalence, eg I know someone who got a CEE (Certificate of Extended Education) in English, Grade 3, and this is equivalent to CSE Grade 1, which is equivalent to an O level in old money.

Alfietinker

Thanks for all your help everyone. :T

I spent all evening writing a draft - takes up 3/4 of an A4 page in my handwriting so I hope this is acceptable. I've done exactly what you all said (I hope) and have kept my answers to the point. I've cut out loads of waffle!

I was planning to post it today but have decided to sleep on it, show it to my mum (a whiz at English), and re-read it again tonight.

There is just one problem. I don't have access to a printer at home so the additional sheet would have to be hand-written if I do it over the weekend.

The closing date is Friday 9th. Would it be best to hand-write the whole application and post on Saturday, to arrive on Monday. Or wait until I can get a printout, which means they won't get it until Wednesday? And should I use recorded delivery or would this seem strange.

A little detail I know, but don't want to create the wrong impression straight away

And Aroma44. Congratulations on your new job!!!! :T :T :T

Dora_the_Explorer_5

I think a printed sheet would be better if you can manage it, shows off your IT skills and makes the shortlisters' life easier - they may have to plough through dozens and dozens of applications. The interviewer(s) will appreciate it too as it's usually easier to find a place in a printed script than a handwritten one to check back on something.
Usually applications are logged but not looked at by anyone until after the deadline so you don't need to worry about them not getting it until Wednesday. I've never come across an application sent by recorded delivery however if you're worried about it being delayed or lost in the post could you hand deliver it? Good luck

Jen_Jen_5

type it, there are no points for getting it there days before the deadline so use the time you have to make the best impression. i would send recorded if you are worried about it being late, perfectly understandable near christmas and royal mail.

Fran

You could use your local library if you havn't got a printer at home.

Recorded delivery sounds like a good idea, it only costs a few pence and as it's coming up to christmas you want to be sure it arrives.

Good luck.

jobbingmusician

Don't forget to let us know how you get on!

Alfietinker

After checking, re-checking, sealing the envelope, opening envelope to re-check again (twice) :rolleyes: I finally sent it recorded delivery yesterday lunch. Then had to resist the urge to go back to the Post Office so I could check again!!!

If I don't hear in 14 days I know I've failed.....

Fingers crossed, and thanks for all your help guys! :T :T :T

Alfietinker

Just thought I'd let you all know the outcome of this thread.

Nothing, no reply. I left it a couple of weeks after the "if you don't hear from us" date and assumed I was unsuccessful.

I wrote a letter asking for some feedback, with an SAE and they haven't bothered even replying.

Very depressed as I spent so long on that form and showed other people who thought it was a good application, so I don't know where I went wrong.