1. NCFE Level 1 Award in Employability Skills (601/4680/1)
Job Application Skills

2. Job Application Skills
What is the point of an application form?
To prove to employers that you are perfectly suited to the vacancy!

3. Job Application Skills
What type of information is usually asked for in job applications:
Personal information – name and address
Educational background – information on academic qualifications inc institutions attended, courses taken and qualifications gained
Work experience – employment history, describe your main duties, responsibilities in each role, emphasise those most closely related to the job you are applying for
Competency-based questions – give specific examples of times when you have demonstrated the skills required for the role
Personal statement/profile – write a well-structured and well-argued case for why you are the right person for the job, again referring to the person specification in the advert

4. Job Application Skills
Make a strong impression:
Use power verbs like transformed, delivered, achieved and inspired
Choose descriptive words like effective, consistent, determined and adaptable
Answer the questions
Do not waffle or be vague
Use appropriate examples of your achievements from past experience
Demonstrate enthusiasm for the role
Ensure your spelling and grammar are correct

5. Job Application Skills
You have completed the application form. What should accompany it?
An accompanying (covering) letter:
Use an appropriate format – what is formatting?
Address and date it appropriately
Use appropriate style of language – formal or informal?
Check the letter for mistakes and accuracy

6. Job Application Skills
Covering letter format
Basics – hiring manager’s name, address etc
Opening paragraph – short and to the point, the position applied for, where you found the vacancy
Second paragraph – Why are you suitable for the job
Third paragraph – What can you do for the company
Fourth paragraph – reiterate your interest in the role and why you are the right fit for the company
Closing – Thank the employer for their time and sign off. How?

7. Job Application Skills
Formal or informal?
Formal standard English –
Use correct grammar
Do not use any dialect or slang
Use sophisticated or technical words
Keep your writing impersonal