To be losing my mind over this job application?

[cpshopeful]

Please be gentle as I'm in somewhat of spiral of despair!

I'm not happy in my current job and my physical health is declining from being in a very active role on my feet for up to 12hrs a day.

I've always working in low paid catering type roles, to start it was what I could get and now it seems I'm stuck in a cycle of only getting those kinds of jobs. I did go back to uni a few years ago and got a foundation degree in a law-related field but never really pursued it as I applied and applied but got turned down for even the most basic admin/reception jobs so I gave up.

Now a job has come up working for the CPS and I'm DESPERATE to get it. It would be perfect for me in so many ways but I'm now crippled with the fear that I won't even get past the application form as it's so long and complex and I have zero clue how to do any of it. Even re writing my CV has me in a complete state. The application has so many supporting documents (which I know are there to help) but it's making me even more lost, including STAR formats, Behaviour profiles etc etc.

Where do I start? How do I ensure my application doesn't just go straight in the bin when I have no experience in these kind of jobs? I've looked at about a million CV/cover letter websites and read everything I can find on the CPS website but it all seems to assume you are already a professional with XYZ transferable skills and I just feel like a loser. I'm having trouble eating and sleeping as I'm so nervous!

Does anyone have any advice about how to do this as a complete career change?

I don't know anything about the CPS so can't help with specifics but honestly the STAR technique is soooo helpful, not only in interviews but also in structuring my cv to ensure what I include is relevant and succinct.
So for example if I was describing working in a professional kitchen, I wouldn't just list my duties but highlight a specific example that shows transferable skills, eg "one of the ovens broke down the day that we had a birthday party booked: I spoke to contacts at local hotels and found two with some capacity available so we could send staff there to prep the food that could be done early: we were able to cater for the party with no change to the menu."

It's a crap example completely made up, but it shows that you can think on your feet, cope with change, can maintain relationships with others who like/respect you enough to jump in and help, etc etc. It's just to give a vague idea of how it helps you to make sure that every single point highlights a positive result/impact due to your actions/skills, etc.

Can you see if one of your tutors from university would read through your application?

OP - you can do this. Break it down, one bit at a time. Post for help with specific sections maybe. Agree STAR model is also your friend not enemy.

Does it help to say I interview a lot of people. I want them to succeed as it solves my problem. Most (good) hirers are not looking to trip you up.

Use something like chatgpt to give you an answer. If you give it your cv amd the job description then ask it to give you answer using the star model. Do NOT just use the answer it gives you. It will give you something you can work to adapt
It's much easier then staring at a blank page. Once you get started you will realise you have lots of transferable skills

The civil service has online webinars on how to make an application.

Is it the Civil Service recruitment website?

If it is I'd really suggest you get help writing it and watch any video you can on the application process. Read everything you can and look at civil service example answers.

If I was you I'd repost on Employment, you'll get better advice on what and how to write a Civil Servant application.

Thank you for the reassurance! After many, many re readings of the STAR method I think I'm finally starting to get it. Now I understand a bit better I think it is actually helpful, gives some structure to my ramblings!

There's just so much. I had watched every relevent video on the website and read every extra document but I feel deeply silly giving catering examples when all the given examples are vaguely professional. Feel like I have no business even applying.

Having said that, I know I do have transferable skills and it's entry level so I can do this job! I just need to show them that..

Unfortunately I'm working on both the days the webinars are being held so I'll have to do without.

I use STARR. The second R is for Reflection. So what would I have done better/what have I learned from this. It just takes things a bit deeper.

Email the webinar organisers and ask if you can see a recording?

Good luck