Filling out a job specification tips
Here a few tips on what you need to do when you fill out a Job Person Spec
Employers often ask for your CV and a cover letter or for you to fill out an application but others will as you to do all three and also fill out a Job Person Specification (Job/Person Spec). This is where you detail how you reflect the role they are advertising and have all the skills qualifications the employer requires or desires you to have to carry out the role.
a Job Person Spec is often downloaded from the company website site and will have with it the advert, a form for your personal details and follow up email address to return the completed form and if you can’t email there will be a send to address (If not and you need an address call and ask.) The information detailed will have been produced by the staff members in the department which is offering the position and if they have a HR team they will have had input too.
Essential skills, qualifications/equivalent qualifications or relevant experience:
If you have the qualification/s that the employer is asking for share it here such as 4-6 GCSE’s or A Level or a degree. If you don’t have these but have level one foundation NVQ’s, Level 3 Higher Apprenticeship or a Level 6 Advanced Apprenticeship share that information. If you don’t have the qualification but they offer the opportunity for you to demonstrate relevant experience do so here.
Desirable skills, qualifications/equivalent qualifications or relevant experience:
If you don’t have the qualifications asked for in the first instance or you do and can offer those and more here is your opportunity to show case these skills, qualifications or experience. always making it relevant to the job Secp and short and snappy to keep the employer reading.
Why do you have to make it completely relevant:
At this stage the employer needs to see that you have the ability to carry out the role they need filling. With this in mind always make the information you share totally relevant to the role. If you know that this is the job for you, you have all everything that is required to do the job tell the employer in this document. It is a straight forward process at this point, showcasing hidden talent that they did’t know they needed within their work place has no place in this document. It is about matching what you have to offer to the role and demonstrating that you the skills they need you to have.
Should you make the format creative?
Quite simply no, but do think of ways to present your information that proves you do match the job criteria. Not all employers have the ability to hire a team to sort through job applications. The person who receives your Job Spec may be doing this in addition to their job role. Always keep in mind that you have a limited time to capture their interest to read past your name. You can do this by keeping the format simple and clear use bold titles, don’t make the information too text heavy, break it up with bullet points and always keep relevant to the title. Doing this will attract the reader’s eye and keep them interested.
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