Third sector skills based application

[wonderingwhatsnext]

So I've been a childminder for ten plus years and loved it, but I feel as though soon the time will be right for a change. I am organised, practical, good at prioritising/juggling. I do paperwork, accounts, health and safety stuff as well as care and teaching of the children.
I've seen a job is like to apply for and they use a skills based assessment. When I read the criteria I know that I can do it but I'm not confident at all about completing the application. I feel that generally people consider childminders quite negatively. I'd appreciate any advice or encouragement on how to approach a skills based assessment.
I suppose I just need to be brave and give it a go.

Definitely give it a go. We use skills based applications rather than CVs as don't believe CVs are a good indicator of what you can do in a role. Skills based apps are better able to highlight your transferable skills - I'm thinking with Childminding, this could be the extensive reporting, problem solving, dealing with difficult parents/customer success tactics - and all the stuff you mentioend too.

(and PS I've nothing but admiration and respect for the childminders in my life so please don't let some imposter syndrome get in your way from trying something new.)

Thanks for replying@iontheprize
I am going to give it a go. If nothing else it will give me the experience. I'm not sure I'm good enough at selling myself but, as I tell the children, practice makes perfect.
I do feel like that childminders are often thought lazy/only want to stay with their own kids etc and so I wonder if what I consider an example of skills would not be considered seriously. For example, I have written reports and liaised with multiple services to support a child in LA care. But on the other hand they might think, oh she got a referral for a baby, big deal. Is that my lack of confidence or is it likely?

I think most third sector organisations will appreciate the challenge of dealing with the web of services around a child in care! I also think you can be very proud of your ability to keep on top of all
the shifting legislation and statutory obligations around childcare, AND around running a small business. What kind of role is it? A skills based application sounds ideal to tease out all of your really very wide ranging experience!

I'd use chatgpt for some pointers. You could ask "how would a childminder role use the skill of" and it may jig your mind into some scenarios where you have shown competency in the skill which you can use in the application.

Also a childminder is a job with massive responsibility and no one I know would think lazy or downplay the importance in your tasks. Don't doubt yourself. Good luck

Thanks @ScratchedSkirtings it's a mission between a charity and the community groups they fund. I really feel I would be great at it! It's in my community, working for the benefit of children in a different way. Your really making me feel like I could have a chance.
@greyandwindy I had never used chat got before your suggestion. I just tried it, asking about how a childminder could provide a great service, and it gave me some good ideas! It feels like it could be very helpful, but would it be considered cheating I wonder. Thank you for your encouragement. The closing date is Sunday so guess what I'm doing this weekend?

Did you apply @wonderingwhatsnext ?? Rooting for you!!!

be careful about using chatgpt as we checked for that as best we could. Definitely use it for prompts/idea generation, but then rewrite as you want to tie your answer specifically to your own experiences or the activities of the charity. the generics of ChatGPT could be quickly caught out.

Yes at @ScratchedSkirtings but got a thanks but no email. I was a bit sad but basically I've got a decent up to date CV now so I'm thinking of it more as a catalyst and keeping my eyes open for other opportunities.

Bother. But well done you for getting it in- the next one will be easier.
Apparently 6-10 applications per interview is normal (more if changing sectors…). I’m on 6 flat no, 4 awaiting a decision, sigh.