How do I apply for a job vacancy?

Both formal and informal job application systems exist in the UK. An informal system is less common and exists mainly for low-paid or casual work. You may meet with the manager for a quick talk and make arrangements quickly. A formal job application process is much more common. The job advert is likely to ask you to send a CV and covering letter or to telephone or write to the organisation for an application pack. The application pack will tell you the deadline for the application and normally include job description, person specification, application form or request for CV, equal opportunities monitoring form and request for references.

	Job description
	Person Specification
	Personal Statement
	CV and Covering Letter
	Interviews

 

 

 

 

 

Job description

What is a job description?

The job description will lay out the duties and responsibilities of the position. It will tell you what is expected of the person in the organisation. It should tell you the job title, who is responsible for or manages the position, the purpose of the job and list all the duties and responsibilities. It is important that you read this carefully so that you are applying for the right job for you.

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Person Specification

What is a person specification?

The person specification is linked to the job description. It sets out the criteria for the person that the organisation is looking for. The person specification may look at skills, experience, qualifications, abilities and personal qualities. The person specification will tell you what you must have and at what level. Some criteria are described as essential, in other words you must have them to be able to do the job. Other criteria are described as desirable. This means that these are not vital to the job but it will help your application if you can meet some or all of the desirable criteria. When the organisation is deciding who to interview, or ‘short listing’, they will look at your application and see how you have demonstrated that you meet the person specification.

How do I complete an application form?

The application form will be divided in several sections. These will include your personal information (such as name and address), your qualifications and your work history. Remember that if you have voluntary experience this is valued by employers and it is important to include it in your application. Your application is likely to be photocopied so type or word process it, or use clear handwriting. If you run out of space on the form attach another piece of paper but make sure it is clearly labelled.

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Personal Statement

What is a personal statement?

Your personal statement is the most important part on the application form. This is your opportunity to demonstrate that you meet the person specification and that you are the best person for the job. Some useful tips are:

• Draft your personal statement before writing on the application form
• Spend time on the personal statement to make it a quality application
• Make sure you address each point on the person specification
• Give evidence of meeting the criteria and use brief examples
• Write a new personal statement for each job you apply for
• Make your personal statement interesting and distinctive
• Ask an adviser to look at it before you send it
• Keep a copy of your personal statement as it may be used at an interview

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CV and covering letter

How do I write a CV and covering letter?

A CV, or Curriculum Vitae, is a document that summarises your qualifications, skills, experience and interests. A covering letter is one that you send along with your CV to make the person reading it interested in you and explains why you would be ideal for the job. It is important that you do not repeat what is on your CV but expand on your skills, experience and qualities. For advice on how to structure your covering letter visit:
www.get.hobsons.co.uk/advice/applications_covering It is important that you seek advice when producing a CV. You can find some help on writing your CV at: www.learndirect-advice.co.uk/featured/writecv/ You should tailor your CV for every job that you apply for. You can start with a basic CV that shows all your skills, qualifications and interests. You can then adapt your CV to show your strengths and qualities relevant to the opportunity.A CV can be written in many different ways. The most commonly used are:

• Functional CV – these emphasise your relevant skills and strengths, rather than your work and education history. They are often very good for asylum seekers and refugees, especially if you have been out of work, are changing career or have had several short-term jobs. An example of a functional CV of a refugee can be found on the Prospects website: www.prospects.ac.uk/downloads/sis/bgissues/CV3.pdf
• Chronological CV – these puts your information in date order. It can show how you have advanced in your career and how you have gained skills and qualifications. It may not be the best type of CV to use if you have changed jobs a lot or have gaps in your career history.
• Targeted CV – these are specifically written to meet the requirements of a particular employer. It should show that you understand the needs of the organisation you are applying to.

It is an advantage to speak many languages. You should mention the languages you speak on your application form or CV. It is best not to include English in a 'languages spoken' section as the person reading your application will assume that you speak this.

What is a reference or referee?

A referee is someone who knows you well and can support your application for paid employment or volunteering. They may be asked to say if you can do the job or volunteering well or not. The organisation you are applying to may contact them by telephone or in writing. You will normally be asked to give 2 referees.For paid employment you usually have to provide references from people you have worked with, your teacher or adviser. You should choose people who know you well enough to comment on your skills, abilities, experience and character. If you are applying for a voluntary job, you may be asked to provide 'character' references. These are people who can explain that you are reliable and trustworthy. They could be someone from your local drop-in centre, or your community or faith group. Volunteering is a good way to get a UK reference for later paid work

.How do I explain my qualifications from overseas?

You need to explain overseas qualifications so that the organisation understands them. Remember that the employer is interested in what you know and what you can do.Your application should give an English translation of your qualification. If you think it will help you could include the NARIC equivalent. You could also include some of the relevant skills you learned when doing the qualification.

How do I explain gaps in my career history?

If you leave gaps on a CV or application form an employer may think you are hiding something. If there is only a few months missing from your career history you may be able to date work or education in whole years, rather than months. For example you could write:

• Secretary, 1998-2001
• PA to Director, 2002-2004

Instead of:

• Secretary, September 1998 – October 2001
• PA to Director, March 2002 – November 2004

If the gap is longer than a few months then try to explain it in a positive way. You may have been involved in volunteering or raising children. Make sure you include any experience you have had or skills you have developed, such as learning English.

How do I explain time in prison or detention?

You should speak to an adviser if possible to discuss this. Organisations working with refugees should be sympathetic to this issue. Other employers may not understand the situation in other countries where detention is used more frequently.If you were imprisoned for only a few months you may decide not to mention it in your application.

If you were in prison for a long time it is difficult to leave a gap. You could give the dates that you were in prison and explain the reasons why, for example, "I was imprisoned for my political beliefs."

How do I explain my involvement in political activities?

It is not appropriate to issue a general statement which could equally apply to all applications. Your circumstances and the potential employers or educational institutions that you approach differ significantly. Therefore you are the best person to make a decision as to how you refer to your political activities and the level of detail. Your involvement can be an opportunity to demonstrate relevant skills, experience and knowledge. You may decide to present your activity openly or to present them in a non-specified format.  Examples of the latter could include: 

• volunteering activity for human rights organisations, trade union rights,

democracy, environmental issues, women’s issues, rights for national minorities and minority languages,etc.

• voluntary work for organisations tackling poverty
• campaigns against child labour, female circumcision etc. 

Please note that the above is not an exhaustive list. If you are in doubt whether to refer to your political activity openly or use indirect methods to highlight your acquired skills and knowledge, please consult an adviser.You can demonstrate the wide range of skills and competencies that you have developed as a result of your political activity. Examples include:

• organising events,
• managing people,
• team working,
• administration,
• financial management,
• managing projects with very limited resources,
• developing innovative projects,
• providing support for marginalised groups,
• rapid response to change,
• developing strategies to deal with difficult circumstances,
• negotiating skills,
• proven commitment to equality and diversity,
• community work,
• conflict resolution,

Again, you may be able to add more to this list but remember, it is always useful to use real examples to provide evidence for your claims.You can also refer to the knowledge and understanding that you have developed as a result of your political activity, such as knowledge about:

• human rights issues,
• broader political contexts, economic, social, cultural and civic issues, globalisation, global and national environmental issues,
• equality and diversity issues as they affect individuals and communities,
• how societies change and respond to radical upheavals,
• the short and long-term impact of occupation wars and civil wars on societies,
• women’s equality

You should consider carefully the culture of the employer before you apply for a position. Try to make sure that you are happy to work within that culture on a long-term basis and that it does not contradict your system of beliefs and values fundamentally. As a general rule, it is always recommended to consider those employers who have ‘Equality and Diversity’ policies and claim that they adhere to them, but bear in mind that the policies on their own cannot guarantee their practice. 

What should I do if I am over-qualified for the position I am applying for?

Focus on the job description and person specification. Show the employer that you can do the job well and that you are interested in working for them in particular. You need to demonstrate that you are motivated to do the job you are applying for.

 

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Interviews

What do I need to know about interviews?

An interview is your opportunity to show the organisation what you can offer them and to find out more about them. You will meet one or several staff from the organisation and be asked some questions. These will be related to the job description, person specification and your application. If you are applying for a paid job the interview will be formal. For a volunteer position it is likely to be a more relaxed, informal interview. Remember to:

• Prepare yourself practically and mentally
• Give examples of your skills and experience
• Ask for a question to be repeated or rephrased if you have not understood

Can I ask for feedback after an interview?

It is normal to ask for 'feedback' about an interview. This involves a member of the interview panel telling you what you did well and how you can improve. This might be done over the telephone or in writing. If you do not do well at interview you may need to prepare more. You may also need to practice your 'interview technique'. To do this you could ask a careers adviser to give you a 'mock' interview.

What should I do if I am not offered an interview?

• Look at your application again. Does it show that you have the skills the organisation is asking for?
• Remember that many positions are very competitive. Make sure that you research the job, the company and the industry before applying.
• Focus your applications on the positions that you really want.

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