2000 words on why I want the job!

deedee71

I've just given up trying to complete an online application for a job. As well as 2,000 words on my personal skills, they wanted 1,500 words on my technical ability and 500 words on my leadership skills.

I guess it's a good way to whittle down applications but personally I find it completely bonkers! :eek:

I should point out the job wouldn't include report writing and is only a couple of k higher in salary than the post I'm in now.

Has anyone else come across this??

scheming_gypsy

they want that many or it's a maximum character count on the text box?

Personally I'd tell them to sling it as I'm no longer at school and handing in essays.

eesh_2

I suspect that the word count on the online application will be the maximum number you are allowed to use in a a given section, rather than a mandatory minimum.

emsywoo123

Have you got a link for the job?

Always_Harassed

You need to put in your experience that is relevant to the job. Look through the job description and highlight everything that you have done and write it out in an essay.

I have applied for this job as it will allow me to build on my experience gained in my current role. While at XXXX I have done xxxx and have always wanted to expand my role. This has allowed me to XXXX etc

Try not to make a list but make it a story of your work experience and don't start every sentence with I. Do the While at I did

If you are put off so will lots of others so there will be less applicants.

KiKi

Are you sure it's not a maximum word limit rather than what they're asking for? I can't imagine anyone wanting to go through all that to shortlist people from.

Just write the amount that works for you and submit it.

KiKi

deedee71

They are expecting that amount (words not characters and there was even a word count on the page). The explanatory notes went into great detail about what they expect you to put, how you must keep below the max words etc

I don't feel comfortable putting up a link as it's a goverment job.

I did do the "while i was ..." etc but only came up with 250 words lol but found my personal abilities and technical skills blurb was overlapping too much.


I came across the job too late as the closing date is actually today. Shame I didn't have more time to think about it as I guess they will have very few applicants and there are actually 8 posts.

KiKi

deedee71 wrote: »

They are expecting that amount (words not characters and there was even a word count on the page). The explanatory notes went into great detail about what they expect you to put, how you must keep below the max words etc

But surely that's the point - keep below the maximum. You don't have to write 2000 words. The word count on the page is there to help you not go over, not to make you worried that you haven't written enough! The explanatory notes are also there to help you.

If the job interests you - apply!!

KiKi

Acc72

If you can't be bothered to fill out an application form then why should a company be bothered to offer you a job ?

deedee71

Acc72 wrote: »

If you can't be bothered to fill out an application form then why should a company be bothered to offer you a job ?

It's not a case of can't be bothered, it's I don't have time to write 4,000 words by close of business today.

Despite Kiki's disbelief applicants are expected to write in great details about every aspect of their character and technical ability. My career has always been in the private sector and I was curious if this is the norm in the public sector.

westv

deedee71 wrote: »

My career has always been in the private sector and I was curious if this is the norm in the public sector.

I can imagine it's miles more bureaucratic.