Application form tips
It takes time to do an application form well. Do it as soon as you hear about the job.
The information you get from an employer or their website about a job will tell you what the job involves and it will also say what skills, experience and abilities the employer wants from their employee. This is very important. It is sometimes called a ‘person specification’ or ‘selection criteria’.
When you apply you must look at every point of the ‘person specification’ or ‘selection criteria’ and say what your experience is for each point.
For example – if the person specification says that computer skills are desirable, you should say what you have used computers for. It is not enough just to say ‘I am good at computer skills’ .
Remember to use examples from all your work experience. What you did before you came to the UK is important. You can also include unpaid work.
If there is an application form, put your information about the person specification in the space where the form asks for ‘Other information to support your application’. If there is no application form, put these details in the letter you send with your CV.
The employer will interview the people who have given the best evidence on their application that they meet the ‘person specification’ or ‘selection criteria’.
Refugee Resource can check your application form or covering letter before you send it. You can telephone or drop in to arrange a time for us to do this.