After reviewing the ‘Applying for a job with us’ section then you can review this section for more comprehensive guidance should you need it:

First job?
Not filled in a job application for a while?
Can’t remember the last interview you attended?

Read on...

Applying for jobs is not always easy. If you have recently left school, graduated or been out of the job market for a while then it can be a daunting prospect to have to start your job hunt let alone complete application forms and attend interviews.

The first thing is don’t worry; just review the following information to prepare yourself.

Some things you might want to know....

What is a job description?

It describes the main duties of the job (mind you it probably won’t list everything!) what kind of things you would be doing and what your responsibilities would be.

What is a person specification?

This details the kind of person we are looking for to be able to do the job. It will list the essential and sometimes desirable requirements (e.g. skills, knowledge, abilities and qualifications) for the job.

What is short-listing?

This is the process that will be gone through to see who we invite to the next stage of the selection process e.g. an interview. Applications are reviewed and matched up against the person specification.

The application form

This is the first chance we will have to assess whether we think you would be the right type of person with the right type of skills and abilities to do the job. We ask you to provide personal details such as your name and address and then information regarding your qualifications/education history, work experience and how you think you match our requirements of the job. There is a section to provide details of your present job...you might not have a job at present you may not have had a job for a while, if you are leaving school chances are you may never of had a job! Don’t worry! If this section does not apply to you write N/A (not applicable).

You will then be asked to detail your education and training. You may not have many formal qualifications and the person specification might not even ask for any specific ones but put down what you have achieved and any additional training you may have completed recently even outside of work e.g. first aid training.

Next up...your reasons for applying. This is a very important section along with the additional information section because it is here that you must detail what makes you someone we want to interview for the job! Review the job description and person specification and try and explain how you meet each of the requirements.

If you have just left school, college or university then you might think you stand no chance – you might have the qualifications but no experience.
Think again....we appreciate that experience can be gained through a number of different areas you just have to think a bit harder and make sure you tell us.

TOP TIP

Get a spare piece of paper and jot down all your thoughts about what makes you think you’ve got what it takes to do the job. Keep referring back to the person specification- think about any voluntary work you have undertaken, school activities and college or university societies.

TOP TIP

Try to give practical examples of times when you have demonstrated the things listed on the person specification or detailed in the job description. If you have no work examples then use personal ones and think of other activities which you have undertaken that might demonstrate them e.g. you might put down that you were in the a sports team at school. If you have been out of the job market for while because you have been raising a family you might be able to use examples where you have been involved in parents groups e.g. helping to organise children’s activities, fundraising events etc that could demonstrate your ability to organise resources or work with others.

Interviews

Should you be invited to attend interview, then there will usually be a panel of two or three people who will ask you questions. Depending on the job you are applying for the interview will normally last between 30 and 45 minutes and you will get chance to ask any questions you have at the end.

TOP TIPS

  • Be prepared; re-read through any information that was sent out to you.
  • Check out the website, find out about us and the area you are applying for.
  • Note down any questions you have and take them in with you in case you forget.
  • Think about questions you might be asked, questions like why do you want the job? What makes you think you would be good at the job?
  • Make sure you know where you are going for the interview and leave plenty of time to get there.
  • If you get really nervous before the interview then try and do something that might help to calm you down. Take a walk or listen to a favourite CD.
  • Remember, everyone gets nervous at interviews (sometimes even the people interviewing you might be nervous).
  • You will probably be offered a drink of water but if not don’t be afraid to ask for one before you start.
  • Take deep breaths.
  • Listen carefully to the questions you are asked. Give yourself time to respond.
  • Think carefully back to the information you gave on your application. Now is the time to expand on this information and develop it but in doing so try and answer the questions that you are asked.

Other assessment types


You might be asked to do some sort of test as part of the selection process e.g. aptitude, typing or psychometric testing or you might be asked to give a short presentation. You will be told if there any additional stages to the recruitment process in the letter inviting you to attend and any information you should need regarding these will be detailed along with the contact details of the person to ring should you have any questions about it.

What if I am unsuccessful?

Competition for jobs is often fierce and getting invited to attend an interview should be considered a success in itself! You should also remember that every interview you attend will help you to gain both confidence and interview experience e.g. the different type of questions that you are asked. Don’t give up the very next interview you attend could be the job you are offered.

TOP TIPS

  • Be proactive, keep looking out for jobs and don’t be afraid to keep submitting applications.
  • If you are applying for jobs with the Isle of Wight Council make sure that you review all the guidance information before completing your next application to ensure you don’t miss anything.

  • If you attend an interview but are not successful then think back to it jotting down any questions you found tricky to answer. Think how you might answer that question differently next time.


  • Are there areas you feel you need to improve your skills? Learn direct at Libraries could be great place to start for example if you wanted to improve your computer skills.
http://www.iwight.com/living_here/libraries/Learning_with_your_library/Learndirect__Libraries/default.asp

for more information.




Page last updated on: 08/11/2005