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Application forms and covering letters Blackburn College CEIAG Team

Application forms and covering letters Blackburn College CEIAG Team. Session Aims. Understand the different sections of an application form and how to complete them. Understand the importance of the Person Specification.

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Application forms and covering letters Blackburn College CEIAG Team

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  1. Application forms and covering letters Blackburn College CEIAG Team

  2. Session Aims • Understand the different sections of an application form and how to complete them. • Understand the importance of the Person Specification. • Include and give examples of their own skills within their application form. • Pull together an effective covering letter. • In addition, students will have had an opportunity to complete a practice application form including a personal statement

  3. Activity – Spot the difference. • Working in pairs discuss the differences between an application form and a covering letter.

  4. Why do jobs require an application form and covering letter?

  5. Types of application forms Some employers prefer you to fill in an application form rather than send a CV. Forms are easier to compare because, unlike CVs, they follow the identical format. Paper applications On-line applications

  6. What information is often found on an application forms? Personal information (name, address, telephone, email) Qualifications References Work experience Employment history Hobbies and interests Previous roles and responsibilities Additional information in support of application

  7. Employer requirements Employers usually request specific skills or “competencies” in the Person specification, which they believe are needed to do the job. It is very important that you address them in the application form. Additional information section allows you to talk about your skills and experience that is relevant to the job.

  8. Evidencing criteria – back yourself up Empty statement from an application form: “I am the perfect person for the job and would fit in brilliantly with your team” Link all your statements with facts. Linked statement from an application form: “I am the perfect person for the job. I have a variety of skills which include (X,Y & Z) These skills have been demonstrated during my previous role where I…

  9. Use the STAR approach Begin by giving context and describing the situation Describe the task you were working on. What was your goal? What did you do? What were YOUR specific actions? HINT - This is the most important element! What was the end result? Be reflective. What have you learned that you will use in the future?

  10. Competency based questions Real “competency based question” from an application form… Using the STAR approach helps with content and structure of your answers. “Tell us about a time you have had to think on your feet and solve a problem under pressure?” TASK: Using the star approach please answer the question in the speech bubble and discuss in pairs.

  11. Here is an example from an application form: Person specification criteria with strong customer service focus.

  12. Here is an example from an application form: Person specification criteria with - Ability to work effectively as part of team. “I recently planned and delivered a Powerpoint presentation as part of a marketing module on my course. I worked closely with 2 other students to create and present a pitch for a fictional product to a panel of tutors and marketing professionals. Our team received the highest mark and this experience really helped me to develop my teamworking skills and my ability to delegate tasks with the groups

  13. Finding examples and where to start: • Brainstorm some ideas for when you have demonstrated the following skills - Use the Star approach to structure your answers

  14. Application form checklist • Check application form for spelling mistakes and get someone to check • Save a copy of your application to refer back to • Leave plenty of time before closing date. Some forms are long and tricky to complete • Do a practice form first – create a rough draft in word if online application

  15. TASK: Complete an application form. Complete the application form selected by your tutor.Try to match your experiences to those required on the person specification as much as you ca. come back and reflect your answers with other peers to get different ideas. Closing date:…………………………

  16. When to use a covering letter -

  17. Covering Letter What to include -

  18. David's covering letter for an advertised vacancy David's story: David's currently working as an assistant hospitality manager. He's worked in hospitality for seven years, four of which were in management roles. Career goal: David's looking to take the next step up the ladder so he's applying for the post of hospitality manager. The situation: David's responded to many jobs with his CV and covering letter, but he's not having much success. He's convinced he has the right experience, and his CV is up to scratch. He’s wondering if it's his covering letter that's letting him down.

  19. Covering letter Makeover - David Letter 1 Discuss the following covering letters in groups

  20. 1:1 Appointments available each day Book via Main Reception – 01254 292929 Drop-in Advice without an appointment available: Monday – Friday 11-1pm (Careers & Student Finance) Thursday – 4-6pm (Careers & Student Finance) For e-advice contact us on careers@blackburn.ac.ukstudentfinance@blackburn.ac.uk thehub@blackburn.ac.uk

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