Advice on writing a Government job application!

[MtnBikeChick]

I currently work in the City in the financial/legal sector and went back to work a year ago after my first child. I love working and am happy I went back, but I feel differently about my job now. The long hours (I typically work a 12-15 hour day) and the unpredictability are getting to me a bit, and in all honesty, I am totally bored of the area of law I work in. I have been able to develop an excellent skill-set during my years in the City but I don't personally get anything out of it anymore. I am in the process of applying to join the Government Legal Services. However, I am finding it SO hard to write about myself. I haven't done a job application for over 10 years - I got my current job by being headhunted and my 'interviews' consisted of a couple of cups of coffee with various people. Has anyone completed a Government application form recently, or been through the recruitment process? Any thoughts and advice would be greatly appreciated! Thank you.

The key with public sector job applicaitons is to make sure you give edvidence for every thing they list as essential in the the job specification - if you do that odds on you will get an interview -

I would also advise getting some CV books either from amazon or your library - Killer CVs is good - and maybe getting sitting down with someone who knows your skills well and can help you get stuff down on paper
also if you have any contacts -friends of friends who work in the area they can give you a feel for the organisation as well

Thanks so much! I have spent ages on the application, making sure I show how my skills demonstrate the areas they describe as essential in the vacancy notice. Fingers' crossed!