University Job Application form

edrushuk

Hi ya everyone,

Basics - Female/42/ 18+ years of administrative work experience, mainly in Media & Recruitment sectors. I got these roles via my CV or through agencies.

I am now looking for a new role within an University, so having to apply for positions using an application form. They are all very straightforward, but not very good at selling myself on paper. Because I have no Higher Education experience, it is even more important I make this application the best I can.

So I am looking for tips on how to create an effective job application, especially the section “Why do you want this job”? It is just a more creative covering letter? How long is appropriate, more than 2 paragraphs, less than a page.

Any words of wisdom would be gratefully received, especially from those who are already working in that field or recruit for the HE sectors.

Thank you

Susanna

fengirl_2

I would think that most universities would be recruiting on the basis of the criteria listed in the person spec. If this is the case, you need to address each item on the person spec and describe how you meet that criteria giving examples, eg if it asks for ability to write clear reports, then given an example of a really important report which you did well, and so on. I reckon no more than 2 sides of A4. 2 paragraphs would not even be read.

edrushuk

Thanks Fengirl,

Would you make a response to listed requirement on the job description or may be pick out 3/4 key requirements? On the job descriptions I have seen so far they can run in 2 pages.

Ta very much

Susanna

mumcoll

The more you can match to the JD, the better. List each one as they are on the JD. Each one you can 'match' will be given points. The ones with the most points will be shortlisted for interview.

*emsj21*

I work for, and deal with recruitment in, a Russell Group University. Depending on the level of the job you're going for I would say I'd be looking for up about 1 A4 page as part of the 'why do you want this job' section. As other posters have said, pick out parts of the job description and write about those. If the University has separated the criteria into essential and desirable, I'd make sure you cover at least some of the desirable. It's shocking how many people simply write "because I'd be good at it" or a short paragraph to that effect on their application forms. As you've pointed out, this section is even more important if you don't have any previous HE experience. Many Universities are receiving a high number of applications per position as they are generally seen as 'safe' jobs, so I would say make sure you cover the main areas in the job description (if it's a rambling job description) or every bit if the job description is fairly short, even if you don't meet particular criteria, tell them why they should still interview you. Is the position you're going for closely related to your experience or would it be a big change of direction for you?

Savvy_Sue

Spelling and well written English are even more important in this kind of job than usual. It's a fair chance the selection panel will all be literate!

edrushuk

Thanks for the info, it is clarifying things in my mind

Mumcoll, thanks for that, it is interesting that is the way that some companies will interrupt applications form. Short, sharp bullets points, which show they way you have personally dealt with the requirements seems a good way of putting yourself across.

Emsj21, you have given me some great pointers, thanks for that. In response to your question at the end, I have always been an administrator/receptionist/pa/jill of all trades in mostly small music companies, where your flexibility and willing to get involved at all levels, has been a great requirement. So while I have a vast amount of experience, I feel it is a little to media specific. Now I am out of the industry, I am looking for a field where can grow, develop and hopefully have the opportunity to study. Ideally I would like to get involved with HR but willing to start at any admin role while the salary is suitable. I think HE will be great for that, and also it is a sector that you can find roles all over the country.
I hope that explains a little more. Please tell me if I am totally on the wrong track.

Savvy_Sue, You have found my weak point, I do find it very easy to overlook my English in the rush to get my point across. The closing date for the role I am looking for is at the end of the month, unfortunately I am moving at the weekend to will start working on my application next week. Also I am not ashamed to give my application to my colleagues at work to check over for me! Luckily their English is far better than myself.

Susanna

fengirl_2

Ref your point about wanting to use your skills in another sector, this is the beauty of this method of recruitment. The employer is looking at your skills rather than where you have worked.
This is how I jumped from being an Inspector of Taxes (using judgement) to being an assessor for the Lottery (using judgement) in one step.

Savvy_Sue

edrushuk wrote: »

Savvy_Sue, You have found my weak point, I do find it very easy to overlook my English in the rush to get my point across. The closing date for the role I am looking for is at the end of the month, unfortunately I am moving at the weekend to will start working on my application next week. Also I am not ashamed to give my application to my colleagues at work to check over for me! Luckily their English is far better than myself.

Actually, your English is pretty good, and your spelling, just a couple of minor things which jarred slightly in your way of phrasing things so I thought it worth mentioning it. And one of them was ...

edrushuk wrote: »

it is interesting that is the way that some companies will interrupt applications form.

... where I think you must have meant interpret!

Obviously on t'internet we don't take quite as much care as we do on an application form, and I only mention it because of the kind of work you are interested in. I'm glad you let other people look your forms over, it's so easy to miss your own mistakes! :rotfl: And of course you don't know what your own blind spots are with regard to spelling until someone else points them out! I was misspelling 'acoustic' in a university for quite a long time, I was SURE it must be 'accoustic', but I was wrong.