This learning resource will provide you with insight into how to apply and present yourself positively for positions which you have identified as suitable.
Throughout this resource, you may be directed to other platforms such as the Learning and Development Toolkit, LinkedIn Learning, YouTube and external websites. If you require a LinkedIn licence please click here and apply for access.
On average, it takes 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete this self-guided learning resource.
Got any questions about this learning resource? Contact Hannah Gilpin, Staff L&D Co-ordinator (hannah.gilpin@manchester.ac.uk), or Gavin Deadman, Staff L&D Partner (gavin.deadman@manchester.ac.uk)
Welcome to Applying for Jobs your self-guided learning resource
Applying and interviewing for jobs can be a nerve-wracking experience, especially if you haven't taken part in the process for a while. Here are some words from Wayne Keating to keep in mind:
Application Forms
When applying for any role, internal or external, some sort of application form is used. This allows a series of specific questions to be asked that every candidate must answer. Aside from the sections that ask about your previous jobs, professional qualifications and the like, there is usually a section where you can highlight appropriate skills and experience for the job. This is where you can match your experience to what the job entails, and explain how you're a good match.
Showing your potential in these sections isn't always easy, but making a good first impression is worth the effort. A good place to start is by taking some time to prepare, as this will make the task much easier.
Getting started
A good place to start is by taking some time to prepare, as this will make the task much easier. Gather together all the information that you’ll need:
- Your current job description - Consider your current role and list the key skills and experience you have gained, including timescales. (e.g. 4 years’ experience of working in a busy office environment). Also, consider how your job role may have changed over the last few years. Have you gained any experience that isn't in your job description?
- Details of your employment history both at the university and external roles – list the key skills and experience gained.
- List of your professional qualifications and summarise any learning and development courses or opportunities which have further your development.
- Consider any other skills, knowledge or experience you have gained in your personal life that may be relevant (e.g. a position, such as treasurer, as part of a local interest group or perhaps being a School Governor.
- Research job opportunities within the university for which you feel you have the appropriate skills/experience and may in interested in.
Grab your notepad and pen and write down the bold text above as headings. Start to jot down the information you know at the moment, or actions you need to take in order to obtain the information you need.
Once complete you will have a rough draft of the information required to make your way successfully through the application process.
Transferable Skills
Transferable skills are skills and abilities that are relevant and helpful across different roles or areas of life. People usually think about their transferable skills when applying for a job or when thinking about a career change. Employers often look for people who can demonstrate a good set of transferable skills. The good news is that you already have transferable skills – you’ve developed such skills and abilities throughout your work life and in your social life. It is often important that you can identify and give examples of the transferable skills that you have developed.
What are your transferable skills?
Click the button below to download a file that contains a selection of transferable skills which are relevant across many different jobs.
- Read through the skills and place a checkmark on the six skills that you believe are your strongest. Mark in the column to the right where you acquired each skill (Work, Leisure, or Education).
- Then identify the one strongest overall skill.
- List your checked skills in the table and write down examples of how you have demonstrated each skill.
Once you have completed this exercise use these demonstrated skills in your application, referring back to the role requirements and person specification criteria.
Application hints and tips
Try following these dos and don’ts.
- Do make sure you read the person specification criteria for the job.
- Do list all the criteria and address each individually. If this is making your application look a bit repetitive, think about how to group criteria under headings and provide an example that evidences a few at once.
- Do check that you have addressed all the criteria before you submit your application.
- Don’t just say you meet the criteria (e.g. "I have great team-working skills"). Give an example of a time where you demonstrated that.
- Don’t make your examples too lengthy. A few sentences for each example should be enough. A good way to focus when giving your evidence is the STAR model, which we will look at next.
For further tips and FAQ's read this resource.
Match your skills to the job
Application forms often include an additional section where you give examples to show that you have the skills, experience and knowledge for jobs within the organisation for which you feel you are interested in. Workplace examples are preferred in this case. However, it is possible for you to examples from home, social activities or volunteering, as long as you highlight skills relevant to the job.
To help build your response, look at the job description, job requirements and person specification of the interested role and structure your examples using the STAR model.
The STAR Model
The STAR model allows you to provide concrete examples or proof that you possess the experience and skills for the job at hand. STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result.
STAR is an acronym for four key concepts. Each concept is a step you can utilise to answer application or interview questions. By employing all four steps, you can provide a comprehensive answer. The concepts in the acronym comprise the following:
Situation: Describe the context within which you performed a job or faced a challenge at work. For example, perhaps you were working on a group project, or you had a conflict with a co-worker. Be as specific as possible.
Task: Next, describe your responsibility in that situation. Perhaps you had specific tasks to perform in order to complete a project within a tight deadline, resolve a conflict with a co-worker, or hit a target.
Action: You then describe how you completed the task or endeavoured to meet the challenge. Focus on what you did, rather than what your team, boss, or co-worker did. Tip: Instead of saying, "We did [XYZ]," say "I did [XYZ]."
Result: Finally, explain the outcomes or results generated by the action taken. It may be helpful to emphasize what you accomplished, or what you learned.
Pro tip: this is an excellent way to prepare for your interview too.
How to use STAR on the application form
The STAR model makes you think clearly about identifying and describing what you have done whilst ensuring that you meet each criteria by explaining this in a structured way. Grab your notepad and pen and draw the below table or something similar.
- Start with a strong example which will support or match the job description, job requirements or person specification. Look back at your skills from the Transferable Skills exercise you did before. Do any of these match the job requirements?
- Keep your situation and task as brief and succinct as you can. You will want to focus more on what you did to address the problem and how you achieved a good outcome.
- Be clear about what your role and responsibility were, and what actions you took. If it was a team effort, say so, but you still need to say exactly what you did within the team.
- Increasingly we are expected to be outcome-focused and the outcome is the good result you achieved. Think about how you measured success. If you can show how your action contributed to the organisation’s goals and objectives, even better.
- Remember, everything in your application displays your written communication skills. Use plain English and short sentences, avoid jargon and try to use active rather than passive verbs.
Writing style tips
Refining your writing style will improve the quality of your application.
- Use action verbs such as transformed, delivered, achieved and inspired.
- Focus on answering the questions and avoid waffling or being too vague.
- Pay attention to your spelling, punctuation and grammar. Think about using a spell checker or asking a trusted friend to proofread your application before sending.
- First impressions count – so think about your tone in your application.
- Save a copy of your application for use with future applications, and in case you're asked about it at interview.
- Ask somebody else to read through your application form. A second pair of eyes will help pick out errors that you may not have spotted.
Read through the resource in the link below and select some powerful action verbs which match your experience. This may help to make your application more compelling and show off your accomplishments.
You have now completed your self-directed resource
For optional further learning see the resources below:
- Read: Transferable skills (9m)
- Read: Writing a successful CV (6m)
- Watch: Keywords (yes, they matter) (2m30s)
- Playlist: Personal Confidence (45m)
- Watch: Submitting an application (1m10s)
- StaffNet resources: Career Pages
Next Steps
This is an additional self-guided learning resource that focuses on the next stage of the selection process - your interview. The format is similar to this resource with exercises and learning material.
Interviewing for Jobs – Self-guided Learning Resource
To support the self-guided learning resources Applying for Jobs and Interviewing for Jobs, there is an opportunity to attend a workshop on Zoom. The content in the discussion-based workshops will be participant-led in order to address any areas that participants may want to work through. You will get the opportunity to discuss applying and interviewing for jobs in the context of SEP and discuss examples of best practice in virtual interviews - including the opportunity of practice if people want it.
TSLDSE11 Applying and Interviewing for Jobs - Workshop
The workshops are not meant to replace the self-guided learning and will not be going over the content in the resources provided.
Feedback
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Thank you for providing your feedback and all the best with your future careers.