Application tips
Five things to consider when completing your application
1. Read before you write
Start by thoroughly reading through the advert and the job description. The person specification (found via a link at the top of each advert) is how we measure applications, so you will need to demonstrate that you meet all of the criteria.
Make a note of the essential and desirable criteria from the person specification and make sure you relate your experience, skills and qualifications to these criteria focusing on the essential criteria within the advert. We have compiled a list of commonly used terms, so please check this if there is anything you don't understand.
The best applications are often structured to make clear how you meet each of the individual criteria. Make sure your application is tailored to the job you are applying for.
Use examples from your experience to demonstrate you have the required skills, knowledge and qualifications. You can use examples of your experience and knowledge gained from your current and previous employment, voluntary work, education, leisure interests and any other activities you consider relevant to the position.
Make a note of the essential and desirable criteria from the person specification and make sure you relate your experience, skills and qualifications to these criteria focusing on the essential criteria within the advert. We have compiled a list of commonly used terms, so please check this if there is anything you don't understand.
The best applications are often structured to make clear how you meet each of the individual criteria. Make sure your application is tailored to the job you are applying for.
Use examples from your experience to demonstrate you have the required skills, knowledge and qualifications. You can use examples of your experience and knowledge gained from your current and previous employment, voluntary work, education, leisure interests and any other activities you consider relevant to the position.
2. Use scenarios when giving your examples
Your application will be scored against each item in the essential criteria shown in the advert, so it is important that you demonstrate each point clearly with examples of how you meet the criteria. Statements are not enough. Examples of how to demonstrate you meet the requirements are shown below.
Example 1: 'Good customer service skills'
Read this as 'Give an example of when you used your good customer service skills either at work or personally'
Good response - "I possess good customer service skills and have extensive experience in customer service roles. This has involved handling customer complaints which required remaining calm under pressure, dealing with incoming phone calls as well as emails. An example of this was in my previous role at name of organisation where I was responsible for customer returns and refunds. Often customers would come into the store unhappy however it was my responsibility to rebuild the relationship in order for them to leave with a satisfactory resolution"
Poor Response - "I have good customer service skills and have worked in customer service roles for the last ten years"
Example 2: 'Experience of working in an IT department within a local authority'
Read this as 'Give an example of your experience of working in an IT department within a local authority and provide some outcomes of situations that you have encountered'
Good Response - "I have worked in IT in another local council and was responsible for dealing with regular IT issues involving a number of computer systems, for example Microsoft Teams, Power BI and Mobile Devices. The issues included answering calls and resetting passwords, logging IT issues with the technical team, creating new user accounts for employees and updating operating systems on mobile platforms."
Poor Response - "I have experience of working in IT at another local council"
Example 1: 'Good customer service skills'
Read this as 'Give an example of when you used your good customer service skills either at work or personally'
Good response - "I possess good customer service skills and have extensive experience in customer service roles. This has involved handling customer complaints which required remaining calm under pressure, dealing with incoming phone calls as well as emails. An example of this was in my previous role at name of organisation where I was responsible for customer returns and refunds. Often customers would come into the store unhappy however it was my responsibility to rebuild the relationship in order for them to leave with a satisfactory resolution"
Poor Response - "I have good customer service skills and have worked in customer service roles for the last ten years"
Example 2: 'Experience of working in an IT department within a local authority'
Read this as 'Give an example of your experience of working in an IT department within a local authority and provide some outcomes of situations that you have encountered'
Good Response - "I have worked in IT in another local council and was responsible for dealing with regular IT issues involving a number of computer systems, for example Microsoft Teams, Power BI and Mobile Devices. The issues included answering calls and resetting passwords, logging IT issues with the technical team, creating new user accounts for employees and updating operating systems on mobile platforms."
Poor Response - "I have experience of working in IT at another local council"
3. Take your time
Give yourself time to complete the application. Make a note of the closing date and ensure that you don't miss the deadline.
Rushing the application could mean that you don't give as much information as you should.
Read the person specification carefully. Think about what you need to cover.
The application doesn't need to be completed in one sitting. You can save it and come back later. Look out for an email from no-reply@pinpoint.email confirming your saved application. A link will be included to allow you to complete it. You'll have seven days or until the closing date if that is less than seven days.
But remember, any vacancy could close sooner than expected so don't wait until the last minute.
Rushing the application could mean that you don't give as much information as you should.
Read the person specification carefully. Think about what you need to cover.
The application doesn't need to be completed in one sitting. You can save it and come back later. Look out for an email from no-reply@pinpoint.email confirming your saved application. A link will be included to allow you to complete it. You'll have seven days or until the closing date if that is less than seven days.
But remember, any vacancy could close sooner than expected so don't wait until the last minute.
4. Be positive
Have a 'can do' attitude and tell us about the good things you've done so we can see what an asset you'll be to us.
Remember to include relevant skills, experiences and qualifications from outside of work.
Do not exaggerate or devalue your skills and experience. Try to 'sell' your best attributes and focus on the positives.
Remember to include relevant skills, experiences and qualifications from outside of work.
Do not exaggerate or devalue your skills and experience. Try to 'sell' your best attributes and focus on the positives.
5. Check it before you submit it
Double check the details provided to make sure you get that interview!
Check for spelling and punctuation and ask someone to check it for you.
Check for spelling and punctuation and ask someone to check it for you.
Finally
Do
- Make clear what you did – use ‘I’ not ‘we’
- Ensure your examples are relevant and provide evidence which meets the essential criteria found in the Person Specification.
- Make your responses specific.
- Describe your actions and your reasons for them.
- Review spelling and punctuation.
Do Not
- Provide a copy of your CV as these will not be taken into consideration.
- Provide unnecessary detail.
- Include generalisations, for example ‘I am always considerate to my colleagues’
- Paraphrase the criteria, for example ‘I speak and write effectively’
- Theorise, for example ‘I would always deal with a complaint by…’
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