Completing your application
When applying for a role with us we may ask you to apply by either, submitting a CV and cover letter or an application form. The method of applying will be clearly stated on the job advert.
Your application is a key part of the recruitment process; it gives you the opportunity to provide us with key information about your:
- skills
- qualifications
- experience
This will inform our decisions on how to shortlist applications for interview.
Cover letter and personal statement tips
When you find a job you'd like to apply for, take some time to prepare, as this will make the task much easier. Study the job description and person specification so that you can refer back to the specific skills and qualities that are required for the role when writing your cover letter or personal statement.
Remember this is the first impression that you create with the hiring manager. Draft your examples and refine them carefully until you’re sure that you have chosen the right examples. Ensure you match the requirements of the person specification your examples as well as possible.
Use the STAR method help you structure your examples:
Situation: Set the scene. Describe it in as few words as possible to make the position clear.
Task: Describe what your responsibility was in that situation.
Action: Explain what you personally did to address the situation that demonstrates your ability and competence. Make sure you focus on 'I' and not 'we' or 'the team'. It is you that is applying for the job.
Result: Share the outcomes that your actions achieved. Describe how you know the action has been a success.
You should also consider:
- the use of power verbs such as transformed, delivered, achieved and inspired
- choose descriptive words like effective, consistent, determined and adaptable