I’ve been in senior roles in the ‘youth sector’ for over 15 years now so have done a HUGE amount of recruitment for roles spanning volunteers, youth workers, social workers, specialist practitioners etc.
I want to share some tips to help those applying for roles 🧵:
I want to share some tips to help those applying for roles 🧵:
Start by looking at the description of the job - is it something you want to do? Does the location work? Are you able to commit to the hours? Does the salary work?
If you have questions, get in touch early & ask, especially if you need flex. Save effort if there really is none.
If you have questions, get in touch early & ask, especially if you need flex. Save effort if there really is none.
Focus on the person spec - this is your template for every step!
The perfect person spec will tell you what you need to evidence at each stage of the recruitment process. You don’t need to guess - it’s all there for you so use it.
The perfect person spec will tell you what you need to evidence at each stage of the recruitment process. You don’t need to guess - it’s all there for you so use it.
Whether it’s an application form, a portal or a cover letter ask you need to include how you meet all essential criteria being assessed at application stage.
Use the points in the spec as your headings & respond to each, sequentially, and in full.
Use the points in the spec as your headings & respond to each, sequentially, and in full.
Don’t just say ‘I can do this….’ give an example of where/how. If you haven’t done it but really feel you could, describe how experience you do have is relatable/transferable & how you see yourself developing that skill/experience in the role.
If the person spec broadly asks for understanding of theory/legislation/policy - cite it & say how you relate it to your work. Google is your friend, use it! Include examples of theory or policy you think are relevant even if new to you. It shows the ability to research.
Don’t assume that people can infer your skills from your CV/job history if you’ve not specifically included your tasks/skills/experience within role headlines. If you can, highlight words in your CV that correlate with the person spec.
If you think you have key skills or experience that is relevant to the role but isn’t specified on the person spec then add a final section that includes it. Don’t be shy about bigging yourself up from the start.
Write clearly, in sections & use a spell checker. Avoid all acronyms even if you think they’re obvious & where you’re referring to something unique to a previous role/sector then explain it. Assume the person shortlisting knows nothing.
Before you start, research the org as best you can. Look at their website, social media content, published reports, strategies etc. Weave in language they use & highlight how your experience correlates to their values/ambitions/ways of working.
Repeating myself but never assume the shortlisters know anything about you or your experience. Spell it all out! State the obvious. Eg if you’ve been a safeguarding lead: explain what that involved, how you approach safeguarding, your principles, what issues you dealt with etc.
If this is remotely helpful for anyone & you’d like follow up threads on interviews/presentations/other recruitment issues such as DBS etc then let me know!
This may be useful for your networks & those you support @timeservedapp @RichARowley @Mr_Burin @MistaGoode - sure you know it all already but do share if you think helpful.
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