I am brilliant (though I say so myself) at interview.... But I cannot write job applications to save my life!

[headfairy]

I've got to write a 200 word essay about why I'm right for a promotion. I know I need to say why I'm right, what I can bring to the role etc etc, but I haven't the foggiest how to start, how to structure it... gah! I can't even write the first sentence!

Help please, I need this promotion so much, I've been back cycling on my career so long my family look in me with so much pity at me with my stalled career while my sister keeps getting promoted, by this time next year she'll be bloody PM if we're not careful

I'm exactly the same!

Write a list of your strengths. Look at job description and write notes on it in terms of examples you can give to show you meet the criteria. Then using both the above, Write paragraphs on your skills etc and start forming it from there.

Sorry this is quite basic- hopefully someone better will come along and give advice. Good luck!

Could you give us an idea of what the job is and why you are right for it?
You might find you've written it already

200 words is not much at all. So you need to forget long intro's and cut out all words that are irrelevant. Concentrate on the three main aspects of the job and give examples of how you already excel in these areas. Maybe sign off with a one hope of what you wish to accomplish in the role. No waffling!

agree no waffling/redundant words or general statements which aren't backed up by proof and examples.
action words.

start with what you would bring to the role
followed by what you'd get from the role developmentally.

this website document below is quite a good refresher on how to demonstrate your competencies
[PDF]
Guidance on writing competency statements for a job application
www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/competency-guidance.pdf