Any job application form super whizzes about?

[MrsMattie]

I am writing my first job application in nearly 5 years and it's like pulling teeth!

It's an event organiser role that I could do in my sleep, but I am finding it impossible to organise my thoughts.

I have to answer several questions (it's a nenormous application form, actually), and I am only on the first one and stuck already

The question is 'Demonstrate your understanding and experience of our target audience (500 words or less)

They're young, disadvantaged. I have had loads of experience - my whole career has been working directly with or on behalf of this group - but I cannot seem to structure my thoughts properly.

Argh! SAHM-dom has knackered my brain.

Can you do a rough draft first and use bullet points to enure you cover eveything (that way it doesn't matter if you don't remember things chronologically etc).

Once you've covered all of your experience in bullet points you can use them to construct a proper structured answer by joining them together.

Once you've covered one point cross it off your rough list and then you'll be sure not to repeat yourself.

Hope that helps

Firstly state your experience in the area to demonstrate the facts of your experience. Something along the lines of..... "I have worked with young people for 15 years. For seven years I was the team manager of a project for people aged 12 - 15 who had a drug or alcohol project. I have also had 18 months experience with severely disabled children."

Then give about 3 examples of events where you have demonstrated particular skills with this group. Structure it so you describe a particular issues or problem, identify what you did to resolve it, and then highlight the skills you demonstrated in doing that. Something along the lines of.... "Whilst working in xxx job, we faced a particular challenge with 2 young men who had xxx problem. As team leader I ensured that all staff in the unit were aware of the issue, and I arranged additional training for the key worker. etc, etc,. My management of this problem demonstrate my ability to anticipate xxx and to ensure effective communication between the staff and the young clients."

This gives you about 50 words to state your experience and 3 x 150 words to describe particular examples. 2 examples at 200 words would also be OK.

You don't need to write absolutely everything, because they will probably ask you more about these examples at interview.

Hope that helps.

Thank you for your help, ladies, and sorry for not coming back sooner. I have just sent the application off .
Followed all of your advice, btw. Thank you!