Advice please on application form for support staff in schools!

[boythengirl]

After 7 years as a SAHM I am trying to re-enter the workforce. At the moment I am focusing on vacancies in schools and currently trying (!) to complete a person specification form. The form is divided primarily into 3 sections:

1. Skills and abilities
2. Experience
3. Knowledge

Can anyone provide any guidance on what is supposed to go into each section. I have completed the skills and abilities section by providing examples of my key skills with reference to work that I have done previously.......but what goes in the experience and knowledge sections (as I feel that I have covered that off already).

I would really really appreciate any guidance from anyone that's been there done that!

Anyone help?

Are they separate boxes or is it all part of the same personal statement? There will be overlap between those things so I think it's okay to repeat yourself if necessary. Are there any clues in the application or job description? Eg the type of knowledge expected for the role

Thanks VashtaNerda! There are 2 forms to complete. The first - Job application form - is fine, just the usual factual information about school, exams, work etc.
Then the second - person specification form - has the 3 boxes to complete. (1. Skills and abilities, 2. expereince, 3. knowledge).

there is a job spec of bullet points but not sorted into any headings. I mean what are you supposed to put under knowledge? My OH helpfully tells me to stop over analyzing! helpful!

They might be wanting to find out what you know about school policies eg safeguarding, health & safety, SEN, confidentiality etc. are anyof these things mentioned anywhere? The school should have all relevant policies listed on their website and you could read up on them.

Good luck with the application.

It sounds like the application's badly written, it's not you! When they shortlist they'll be ticking off whether you meet their specifications for the ideal candidate. If they haven't explicitly told you what that is, you just have to do your best! Put something in each box and don't worry about overlap too much.