advice on letter of application please

[sofia31]

I am applying for a job which asks for a letter of application to address the points on the person spec. Then the application form also asks for personal statement and to describe how person spec is met. Just seeking any advice for what to put in the personal statement when I have already met all the criteria in my letter. Thanks

[Asleeponasunbeam]

Strange to be asked to do both as they're the same thing. Check out the great advice on the TES website (find 'jobseekers' in Community) about executive summaries.

[MatchsticksForMyEyes]

For the post I just got I put a summary of my skills in bullet point firm in the letter of application, then summarised why I was leaving my current post not the actual reason , then covered how I met the person spec and what I have achieved in my current role in more detail on the form.

[CiderLolly]

Put an executive summary in the application form. Do that first as it helps you to organise your letter of application. Definitely look at Theo Griff's advice on TES as mentioned previously. Good luck with your application!

[sofia31]

Thank you, will check out TES as advised. Just felt a bit like the 2nd section was waffle!

[Asleeponasunbeam]

If it really does ask for both, I would write a one page 'letter of application', with my general philosophy and experience, what I could offer the school etc. Then a one page Executive Summary as my 'personal statement' to directly address the points in the person spec.

[CharlesRyder]

I would not write 'please see attached'. I agree with the idea of an executive summary on the form and then full detail in the letter. Or maybe a bullet point for each entry of the person spec on the form- in areas where there are still lots of applicants this would help get you onto the 'read properly' pile.