Job application writing training

[Masketti]

Where would be the place to look for training on answering job applications please? I'm highly qualified in my area, hit all the essential and desirable person spec but am not getting short listed. I'm not worried about my experience but I'm very worried about my ability to communicate it! All advice welcome.

training on answering job applications please?

Nowadays most job applications rely on the candidate putting forward a CV tailored to the vacancy being advertised, plus (sometimes) an accompanying letter.

There are masses of good websites out there with advice on applying for jobs and writing CVs. There are also industry/sector specific sites for job applications to meet the needs of your target sector.

Have you ever requested feedback on any unsuccessful applications to find out there are areas for improvement to make your CV stand out from the crowd?

It depends on the industry and the person recruiting.

Think of the ad like an essay question that you need to refer back to. Dont think something is obvious so if they want a communicator write I have excellent communication skills and then give an example.

A really sneaky way to get your cv past the algorithm is to write keywords from the ad in a header/footer and change the font colour to white.

I used STAR (MN tip) and used very relevant examples but the way I communicated them must have not been very compelling. What writing style makes you think 'Yes. This person. I like the sound of her?' I've only been involved in 3 recruitment processes and it was so blinking obvious who the best candidate was (relevant experience) it wasn't too hard to sift.

Have you ever requested feedback on any unsuccessful applications?

They say too many applied to give individual feedback at shortlisting.

I used STAR (MN tip) and used very relevant examples but the way I communicated them must have not been very compelling. What writing style makes you think 'Yes. This person. I like the sound of her?'

So just to clarify, are these online applications where you're given a text box to include the examples of experience?

It's good to use STAR to structure your responses, but I'm wondering if your responses are too wordy, or miss the point of what's being asked.

In principle, use short punchy sentences that stick rigidly to the point. Only ever use I, never "we" or the team did xyz. If you can cite any relevant stats that answer the "so-what" question that can help eg: I delivered my project 1 month earlier than forecast, and it resulted in £500k in tangible business benefits through efficiencies in 10 FTE over 5 years. Etc etc. Make it specific and targeted to give the recruiter a reason to see you.

When you give examples are you really specific? I know that on most applications that I have completed it wouldn't be enough to say 'on this project I solved problem A by doing B'. It would have to be 'in March 2019 whilst working on X project I solved problem A by doing B'. It does make it very clear on our application forms that specific examples, giving dates, are required, but my HR colleagues spend a lot of time on the phone listening to people shout at them about how dare they not shortlist them when in actual fact they have ruled themselves out by not reading the instructions.