Application Form Help

[gazzae]

Hi All,

I'm thinking of leaving my current job, I've been doing it for 8 years so its been a long time since I filled out an application form!

Any way the form asks me to... "detail how you meet each of the criteria as outlined in the personnel specification."

Two examples of the criteria are...

Ability to stay calm and work under pressure.
Use of initiative to solve problems.

So when filling out the form should I simply put...

I used my initiative to solve problems when xyz happened. An example of when I was able to stay calm under pressure was abc.

Or should I be phrasing it in a different way?

Thanks

[Graham M]

I think they might be looking for a bit more imagination when answering ubiquitous questions like that, try and impress them!

[punky]

How many lines space do they give you?

I'd also say you should be a bit more prose-y. Explain what happened, the thoughts at the time, and how it was sorted.

[gazzae]

So something like..

In my current job we had a failure with xyz. This is a critical piece of equipment and therefore placed a lot of pressure on me to fix the problem quickly. I worked through my standard troubleshooting routine, taking care not miss a simple problem, and solved the problem which was caused by abc.

---------- Post added at 10:15 ---------- Previous post was at 10:13 ----------

Originally Posted by Gavin

How many lines space do they give you?

Its an online application form so space isn't limited. Though I'd want it to be short and to the point.

[danielf]

Originally Posted by gazzae

I worked through my standard troubleshooting routine

Generally along the right lines, though I doubt they will be impressed by the bit I quoted (especially considering the other question).

[gazzae]

Originally Posted by danielf

Generally along the right lines, though I doubt they will be impressed by the bit I quoted (especially considering the other question).

Why not?

To me that says remaining calm and going though the standard routine of common faults. Not jumping in and pulling the machine apart only to find someone kicked the plug out.

[danielf]

Originally Posted by gazzae

Why not?

To me that says remaining calm and going though the standard routine of common faults. Not jumping in and pulling the machine apart only to find someone kicked the plug out.

That's alright. I would just word it differently, as 'standard routine' doesn't sound very imaginative. You just need to give it the right spin. Being calm in an imaginative sort of way, that sort of stuff.

Edit: Perhaps try something like: 'In a logical and consistent manner'? This sounds less like you were following a script.

[gazzae]

Originally Posted by danielf

That's alright. I would just word it differently, as 'standard routine' doesn't sound very imaginative. You just need to give it the right spin. Being calm in an imaginative sort of way, that sort of stuff.

Edit: Perhaps try something like: 'In a logical and consistent manner'? This sounds less like you were following a script.

Sounds good, thanks.

[gazzae]

Hopefully this isn't a stupid question, but, as the question says "detail how you meet each of the criteria" does that mean I need to reference my qualifications in the answer even though they are detailed elsewhere in the form?

Like I said I can't remember the last time I filled out a job application form!

[foreverwar]

Probably, but it may help if you listed the criteria, to help us make an informed judgement (if you wish).

[gazzae]

The education criteria that applies to me are...

Minimum of 5 GCSEs at Grade C or above, to include English, Maths and a Science subject;

Which is why I wasn't sure to include them in that answer as the education part of the form has them all listed.

[Delta Whiskey]

"detail how you meet each of the criteria as outlined in the personnel specification"

I think they are asking you how you meet the job criteria they've set out. Given the job requirements, state why you think you are suitable for this position.

Simply stated: This is the job, now tell us why we should give it to you.

[gazzae]

Thanks for your help everyone, only its been a waste of time

I thought the driving Categories C1 and D1 were the standard ones but on checking my license they aren't!

Damn the job would have been a good opportunity oh well.

[foreverwar]

Originally Posted by gazzae

Thanks for your help everyone, only its been a waste of time

I thought the driving Categories C1 and D1 were the standard ones but on checking my license they aren't!

Damn the job would have been a good opportunity oh well.

Gazzae, re-check your licence, buddy.

Just checked mine, and it states "B,BE,C1,C1E,D1,D1E,f,k,l,n,p" - and I haven't passed anything except the standard driving test (unless, of course, these are just provisional for those categories).

How old is your licence (have you had it renewed since before you were 21)? - a lot of the categories you have to be over 21 (and your sig says you are).

Linky for driving tests passed after 1 January 1997, which may explain it (I passed mine waaaaay before that date).

Just found this page Minibus
"If you had entitlement to drive cars prior to 1 January 1997 you can drive a minibus provided you are 21 or over and the minibus has a maximum of 17 seats including the driver's seat and is not being used for hire or reward."

[gazzae]

Originally Posted by foreverwar

Gazzae, re-check your licence, buddy.

Just checked mine, and it states "B,BE,C1,C1E,D1,D1E,f,k,l,n,p" - and I haven't passed anything except the standard driving test.

Mine just says B1, B fkp

---------- Post added at 16:48 ---------- Previous post was at 16:48 ----------

Originally Posted by foreverwar

How old is your licence (have you had it renewed since before you were 21)? - a lot of the categories you have to be over 21 (and your sig says you are).

Linky

It was renewed this year.