Job applications with lists of skills/attributes

[hexsnidgett]

Lots of applications in my line of work are like this and I am not confident or very successful in filling them in. Does anyone from the recruitment side have any advice. For instance, should I parrot back the phrases used or am I better using my own words?

Are you struggling to get started writing, or making it to interview based on what you do write?

I'm not being offered interviews, despite having all the relevant experience.
I find it difficult to promote myself, it feels fake. <cringe>

There's not a lot of information there for us to go on. But when I'm looking for skills or experience, I'm looking for examples. So I guess my answer would be neither.

Neither?
Jeeps! I am obviously explaining myself badly.

It makes it easy for the recruiter to shortlist you for interview if you parrot back phrases from the person spec within the job application but it's important to give examples as pp says rather than just saying eg "I'm a good team player" without giving evidence to prove it.

is the "Functional cv" approach? I have adopted that, basically 3 highlights at top of my cv, in the format of STATEMENT: EVIDENCE like (am not a nurse, just a random example)

"Experienced in critical care, especially renal unit" and then like... 50 words to explain more specifically what I'd done

And after those highlights I have all the boring stuff, employment history, qualifications, etc.

I am giving examples, but not necessarily using the exact phrasing.
I will try doing that, my instinct is to demonstrate my writing, as well as giving the required examples.

Do you mean job descriptions with lists of skills/attributes? In which case yes, one or two sentences either in your CV or the supporting statement to describe how you meet that requirement.

Yes, I am writing supporting statements based on job descriptions that list essential skills or experience. These kind of applications take me a long time and I am never confident that I have shown myself to the best advantage.

The best advice I’ve ever been given is:

So what?

remember that. People want to know HOW you did it. Not just what you did. So yes, using their list of required skills and then give your examples - so they can see how it benefits them

After having a crisis of confidence at the weekend, I have been invited to interview!
Now I need to worry about that
Ithink mabelmoon's tip sounds good. I will be using it as a mantra.

If you can, rather than using new wording, mirror the job adverts/description. That makes you easier to put into the "yes" pile.

So they are looking for "Ability to prioritise workload" do not put just your examples "I risk assess tasks, including assess the length of time to complete, dependencies and so that I can establish which are most urgent" make sure you include the phrase "prioritising workload".

On first sift, applications are not read in detail, so if they have to "translate" your wording in order to give you a tick for that point you may miss the cut. Make it easy for them to give you the tick.

There's a formula to this kind of application, for example...

I have strong communication skills, I can demonstrate this through my experience where I did X Y Z in my last role.

I am an experienced report writer. For example I recently wrote ABC reports for different audiences.

My organisation skills are excellent, I keep myself organised by doing XYZ and I always meet my deadlines.