Leaving DH & applying for jobs

[AnyaDoesntLikeBunnies]

Sorry, I posted here mainly for traffic!

I am working on a plan to leave my controlling DH. I have some accommodation sorted for August but I need a job as I currently work for DH for the past 10+ years. My background is in admin/finance.

I've always been terrible at filling in job applications and I've had years now of DH telling me how rubbish I am at everything, my self esteem is really low but I know I meet all the requirements on the person specifications of the jobs I'm applying for, but I never get invited to interview.

At the minute there are a lot of admin roles coming up at schools, there's one that I'm in the middle of applying for now that I want so much, I know someone who works there and it just seems like a happy, friendly place to work which is just what I need after my current working situation, and I know I would be good at the job, but I'm convinced I'm going to mess it up.

AIBU to ask if you please have any advice or tips for when applying for jobs, or your experience of working as admin in a school, that you wouldn't mind sharing?

1. Don't write direct on the application form first off - write out all your answers first before putting them on the form.
2. Write the answers, leave for a bit and then go back and consider them. If you can get a nice friend to look over the questions and answers then do so.
3. Concentrate on what is a win for the school primarily i.e. talk about what you bring to the job, not why you personally want it. The latter is relevant, but not so important to the school.
4. Spelling and grammar are very important so ensure you get it right.

Good luck OP!

I’m an FM for an independent school OP.

Personally I’d be looking for someone with good core skills who can write well and explain why they want the job.

That sounds really basic I know but the number of people who can’t compose emails and letters is shocking especially as our finance roles require comms with parents.

I’d expect you to be able to reconcile a bank, understand the basics of double entry, have a bit of experience with external returns and be used to dealing with supplier queries.

If you want to PM me go ahead - I’m happy to offer any advice I can.

Check civilservicejobs too. There are loads of admin roles and there is a good pension. Not all of gov is London based and some depts are very open to remote workers anyway.

There's admin, business support, finance, corporate finance, audit, etc.

Make contact with the National Careers service - nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/. They will help with CV writing, interview practise that sort of thing.

Happy job hunting!

When you say you have "always been terrible at filling in job applications", what do you actually mean? Which aspects do you struggle with?

How thoroughly do you research the companies/institutions and jobs before sitting down to write your application? Do you use key words from their websites and mission statements? Do you look at the LinkedIn profiles of people with similar jobs?

Applying for jobs requires so much more than ticking the right boxes. You need to bring something extra to the table.

Good luck!

If the person you know who works there is approachable can you ask them to look at your form?
Or even just tell you what they think the head/manager is looking for, what are the students like, what problems does the office normally see so you can use some examples that are relevant eg you’re used to dealing with checking deliveries, managing anxious customers who don’t have English as their first language, or your current role means you deal with the website updates?

If you meet person spec but are not getting interviews what you may need is a work coach/mentor to update your approach.

Are you using the STAR model?

National Careers Service nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/about-us

Job Centre - I know you are not unemployed but if you tell them your situation I am sure they will provide advice.

Thank you for all the replies, sorry it's taken me a few days to get back on here. Thank you to those who suggested National Careers Service, I had no idea that existed, and I have been in touch with them.

@Merryoldgoat I PMed you, thank you for the offer

@BabyFartsDoStink thank you, I actually am going to apply for a couple of civil service jobs, there's one that looks like it would be really good for me.

@Margaritatime I only recently read about the STAR model, so I have been trying to use that for the applications I've been making recently, and is it true that you only really need to address what is listed on the person specification as the essential/desirable criteria?

Yes, focus on evidence against essential and desirable criteria and the competences.

For CS jobs the STAR model is key. Make sure you use most of the word count on the action you took, making clear “I did...”

It takes longer than you think to draft examples so start writing everything down then ruthlessly edit.

Good luck

Yes what Alpine said. We spend so much time in team endeavours but in an interview make sure it's about what YOU did and why that made a difference. And don't fall into the trap of giving too much background context about what the company or product or org is as that cuts into time about you.

Practice STAR as it feels awkward but remember the point of it is to make things clear and easy for the interviewer who has several people to listen to.

Thank you. @Alpinechalet yes it does, it's surprised me just how long it takes to get through them. I thought I'd be able to get loads done but in between working and DH being here it's taking me four days to complete one. I'm being mindful of the application deadlines though and leaving myself time to have a final read through so hopefully it will be okay.

I finished off and submitted a couple of applications today, so got my fingers crossed. I know that it might not just be my applications that are the problem, I imagine there are a lot of applications at the minute.