Stepping StonesStepping Stones Programme Stepping Stones Effective Job Applications Diane Grosvenor Learning and Development Officer 29 May 2014

Stepping Stones Preparing to complete your application Useful documents / information Your current job description and person specification Advert, job description and person specification for the job you are applying for Your PDR document Past experiences and examples from previous job roles / time as a student / involvement with external activities

Stepping Stones What to consider When completing your additional information you need to: Tailor the information you provide to the essential and desirable criteria in the person specification For each competency provide a specific example / evidence to demonstrate how you meet each of the criteria Your examples should show that you have the skills and know how to apply them

Stepping Stones The person specification A typical Teesside University Person Specification will include details of: Competency Role Specification Evidence of meeting specification Essential / Desirable criterion

Stepping Stones For example Competency Knowledge and Experience Role Specification Demonstrate an understanding of managing budgets Evidence of meeting specification Describe your experience of budgetary management Essential / Desirable Essential

Stepping Stones Presenting the evidence I am great with money and adding it up I’ve been in charge of the stationary budget for two years and have been responsible for cash handling and maintaining the petty cash for the office I’ve been in charge of the stationary budget for two years and have been responsible for cash handling and maintaining the petty cash for the office. This has taught me the importance of prioritising, planning ahead and keeping accurate records

Stepping Stones What if you feel you don’t have the evidence? Provide as much information as you can and provide any information which may demonstrate transferable skills (from previous experience) Describe what you think you would need to develop to progress to the level outlined in the criteria Show your enthusiasm

Stepping Stones For example Competency IT Skills Role Specification Use of Management Information Systems Evidence of meeting specification Demonstrate your knowledge and experience of using Management Information systems Essential / Desirable Desirable

Stepping Stones Presenting the evidence In my current role I don’t use a Management Information System Although within my current role I don’t have cause to use a Management Information System, I understand that this is a computerised database system, used for the input, storage, retrieval and analysis of information. I have spoken to a member of staff in the Learning and Development Team and have been advised that training and support can be provided to assist me to develop the skills I would need in this area of the job role

Stepping Stones The University’s on-line application process

Stepping Stones The University’s Shortlisting Process Shortlisting panel Shortlisting Matrix / Person Specification All application forms received for the job role

Stepping Stones Getting through the sift The additional information section is the most important part of the application form It allows you to show the shortlisting panel exactly what you have done and can do to fulfil the requirements of the role

Stepping Stones How can you do this? Your application form and additional information should be free from spelling errors and all sections should be fully completed Give yourself plenty of time to prepare and complete your application Your additional information should be presented so that it is clear and easy for the shortlisting panel to be able to see at a glance that you meet the person specification Your additional information should cover all the essential and desirable criteria

Stepping Stones Before submitting your application Read it over a few times to check for spelling and grammatical errors Check that you have completed all the information which is required Make sure you print and store a copy