Seven tips to help you write a cracking job application
Q: Can you give me some tips for completing a complex job application form, especially for someone who hasn’t done one in a while? That’s the boat I find myself in now. I’m at a loss wondering how I can complete all the sections without boring them – or, indeed, me – to death. (KL, […]
Should I use a cover letter in job application?
Q: I’m applying for my first job in eleven years – all that time I’ve been happy in my current role, but I’ve started to get itchy feet. I have put a lot of work into fine tuning my CV and am happy with how it portrays me. It’s just short of two pages. My […]
Five common application form errors
Q: I’m about to apply for a job in the public service and the process includes a lengthy application form. I’ve looked at it a few times and I’m almost afraid to start – are there common pitfalls to avoid as I set about this task? I’ve never completed one of these forms before, but […]
Long-winded spec shouldn’t always put you off the job
Q: I saw a job advertised last night that I’m very interested in. I know I can do it, but, to be honest, the job spec has almost put me off. I don’t actually understand some of the items listed and others are not really necessary for the role, I believe. Should I walk away […]
Good work experience can go a long way
Q: I have over 20 years’ work experience in an office administration and management role, but no formal qualifications. An opportunity to move to another company has come up to carry out a similar role, but I am afraid I will get overlooked. Does my broad range of work experience matter more than a degree? […]
Follow the leader
In a competency-based interview or application form, when you tell a story about how you lead, it is vital that you also show how others followed, writes John Moloney, Career Coach, Sli Nua Careers. Leaders without followers are not leaders. What I am getting at here is that you should not underestimate the importance of […]
Bad form as closing date passes by
Q: The closing date was today. Last night, after much procrastination, I finally opened the application form and started to fill it out. And I failed. Between competencies, experience, and exact number of months worked in jobs I held 20 years ago, and lots more besides, I just couldn’t get my head around it at […]
Form filling endurance tests take time
Q: The closing date is tomorrow. Last night, after much procrastination, I finally opened the application form and started to fill it out. I failed. Between the requests for examples of competencies, exhaustive previous experience, exact number of months worked, and a whole host of other questions, I just couldn’t get it done. Is this […]
Make it real, make it about you
Pic source www.pixabay.com The application form asks you to outline the characteristics of an effective school principal – your answer should go way further than just a generic list of attributes, writes Sean Browne, Career Coach, Sli Nua Careers, Ballinrobe. The answer should incorporate two key elements: The characteristics needed to be an effective principal […]
How’s the form? Not as bad as you might think [Application Form]
Q: An Assistant Principal position is coming up in our school. I want to go for it. But I hear it will be a competency-based application form that could run for pages and pages – I’m not sure I’ll have the staying power for it. Anything to soothe my frayed nerves? (DR, email). A: You, […]