Brooding hen has chicks in nesting box

[Ain't Nobody Here]

Timing isn't great what with my dad passing away and the closing date next Tuesday, the day after his funeral, but it seems such a good fit with my experience I can't pass it by.

 

I'm terrified though . I've not had a proper interview for 10 years (if ever, to be honest) and my last CV was written 20 years ago .

 

I'm currently a Learning Assistant in a Special School and this vacancy is for a Support for Learning Administrator in my boys' school (which they've both left now ) and is full-time which is probably a good thing as OH's job is potentially under threat every year. Still get school holidays though .

 

I've done my CV and a covering letter but have no idea if I've done it well or not . The letter is probably a bit long but I wanted to say everything that was relevant - and there's a lot! My s-i-l is going to run her eye over it and give me constructive criticism.

 

Positive vibes please and any advice gratefully received . (Any experts happy to run an eye over my application would be forever in my debt!)

Edited June 25, 2012 by Guest

[The Dogmother]

Good luck Vicki - I suspect that you'll surprise yourself at the interview.

[newcountrygirl]

Good luck.x

[Lavenders_Blue]

Good luck - it's always daunting applying for a new job. Fingers crossed here for you.

[Groovychook]

Fingers crossed here too!

[Egluntyne]

Best of luck. xx

[Bramble]

Excellent - go for it!

If you get the job, fantastic, if not, conisder it great experience for next time, win-win situation!!!!!!!

[Olly]

Good luck - always worth a try, and it sounds as if you're ready for a new start. As Bramble says, it's a win-win situation if you look at it as good experience. Fingers crossed for you.

[bluekarin]

Good luck! Go for it - you'll kick yourself if you don't

[keyhole kate]

Positive vibes winging there way to you

[ClaireG]

Good luck.

 

Having recently gone through the process myself for the first time in years, i know how scary it is! It's a great idea to get someone else to read everything through. Also don't sell yourself short. Try and match your experiences and knowledge to their person spec etc and give examples.

[freddie]

Good on you! Go for it, you'll surprise yourself!

[snowberry]

Best of luck

[soapdragon]

Sending positive vibes your way! Best of luck-keeo us posted!

[sparkysmum]

Oh Vicki, everyone at sparky's house will be keeping everything crossed for you. You have had such a lot a lot to deal with recently - I really hope the job has your name on it Alli x

[Ain't Nobody Here]

Thanks, everyone .

 

It's a great idea to get someone else to read everything through. Also don't sell yourself short. Try and match your experiences and knowledge to their person spec etc and give examples.

 

I've done just that - got my sister- and brother-in-law to read over my letter and CV. They've ripped them to shreds (in a very constructive way ) and have said exactly what you wrote in your second line .

 

I'm in the middle of trying to rewrite everything. I could be here a while .

[wannabe smallholder]

Go for it! Good luck xxx

[counturchickens]

Wishing you lots of luck. I interview people quite a bit, and often help with people new to interviewing and they are often as nervous as the interviewee!

[Duncan08]

Good Luck! It is hard writing CV's but important. I havent had to update one for a while, but do sit on the other side of the table receiving them (and often rejecting them!).

 

The difference in standards is huge, and I think many are just sent to meet the job centre/benefits criteria, don't want the job at all. If I had the time I would call them in and give them a scare

 

Also feel very sorry for the school leavers who no longer seem to have careers lessons, when we were at school we learnt how to write a CV and how to walk into a room. They don't seem to do that anymore which is a shame.

 

Tips from me - do try and keep it reasonably short and look for keywords in the job advert / description to duplicate and address in your application. Too much writing will put off the reader if they have a lot to go through and they will skim though a lot of what you want to say.

Use a different coloured paper and a binder of some description will make yours stand out in a pile, and include a photograph, this will give you a better personal presence in the eye of the reader and help make you memorable.

Don't try and hide anything that you think might go against you. Under the law you no longer have to show your age, sex etc and the person considering your application is not supposed to consider it.

But they will, its human nature, not only are they looking at your qualifications and experience they will also want to know you are going to fit in with their existing staff, you are only wasting your time if you dont fit what they have in mind.

 

Good Luck,

[Space Chick]

Good luck ANH

[mollyripkim]

Good luck from me too.

[Plum]

Go for it ANH. Sounds like you've got good support to get shortlisted.

[LolaLayla]

I'm rooting for you too.

[Seagazer]

Good luck from me too. I hope you get the job

[Cheeky Chooky]

Good luck! Go girl!