Applying for uni admin post- qualifications advice

[daughterofanarchy]

Hello all,

I’m posting this in the hope that someone will be able to advise me on what I should do.

A few administrative posts have become available at local Universities and colleges. I have the relevant customer service, targets and problem solving experience to apply for these posts. However where I fall down is my own academic qualifications.

I have a 2.1 degree, which would be acceptable to them, but they require three A-levels (no grades specified). I gained a grade B (English language), C-(English literature) and a rather shameful E (History).

I also don’t have a C in GCSE Maths (some of the available posts put this as a requirement and others haven’t).

Should I still apply? I’m capable of doing these roles as per my previous work experiences but is it even worth trying considering my grades?

I wold appreciate any advice. Thank you in advance.

Still apply - they may be interested in your degree to know you've reached a certain level of education, but the relevant customer service etc and exeprience will all be more helpful in your application.

Still apply- I did uni admin for years. All posts asked for a GCSE in maths, which I don't have; and my CV specified I had 3 A Levels but I didn't include grades.

It's definitely worth a go!

When you write your supporting statement, refer really closely to the job spec. Clearly demonstrate how you meet the 'essential' criteria and as many of the 'desirable' ones as possible.

At our uni, we shortlist those who meet all the essential criteria, and then we look at the desirable. We would struggle to short someone for interview who hadn't shown how they meet the job spec. (Not HR btw, but work in a department).

By the way, my A level grades are shocking . Having taken them over 20 years ago and lots of relevant work experience since, I simply said I had 2 passes and left it at that! No one has ever questioned it ...)

Yep don't specify the grades, just 'A levels in English Lang, Eng Lit and History'. And yes - address the essential, and desirable if possible, criteria as clearly as you can. Use their phrasing. What sort of roles? Course admin? Library? Finance?

Thank you all, that’s given me a boost of confidence for applying. I’m going to give it a go now after reading your advice.

Titchy, they are course administration roles.

You may have to consider getting your Maths GCSE. It seems pretty essential for most jobs these days.

Good luck!

In that case show awareness of the link good and helpful admin and how it helps NSS scores. Good luck!

Definitely lay out your supporting statement using the criteria in the job description/person spec and give examples demonstrating how you meet each one (show, don't tell).

Good luck!

Jeanne 16, i am considering this as something I need to do in the near future- as you say it seems a requirement for most jobs. I’ve been putting it off due to sheer embarrassment, it may be time for me to bite the bullet.
Thank you all for your kindness and support. There really are some amazing people on here.

The fact you have the relevant oractical experience will over-ride the specific grades you achieved in A Levels many years ago - the fact is that you do have 3 A Levels and also a degree.

Regarding Maths, if some don't specify it as essential, then you might get away without it. I guess that if 3 A levels are required or a degree,nit might just be assumed such people also have GCSE maths and therefore they do t specify or check. Perhaps again, the higher A Level and degree qualifications effectively trump a GCSE and perhaps it only tends to be lower grade jobs which specify a GCSE in maths and English to ensure a certain calibre of applicant, when it is assumed most candidates won't have A levels or a degree.

We dont know how long ago you left education yourself - it might be possible to take GCSE maths and all these years later with good teaching, help and determination to pass, you might not find it so difficult - perhaps consider looking into this regardless of whether it is needed for a specific job, just for your own peace of mind so you know you have all of the standard required qualifications and something annoying like this won't hold you back from a job you're you're perfectly capable of doing well.