Many job application forms include a section where you asked to detail what makes you a suitable candidate for the job. This is a key section and one that you should spend time on but what should you include?
It’s all about the person specification
This should be your first port of call. Go through the “person specification” point by point, and illustrate concisely what evidence you have for each point. When I say illustrate I don’t mean one-line sentences that effectively parrot the job spec. You need to provide detailed but concise descriptions with specific examples of something you have done with evidence of your contribution and the benefit of your actions of what you did and what the outcome was as a result of your actions an easy way to remember this is STAR – Situation Task Action Result.
Communicate who you are
As with many aspects of the application process you are trying to get the tricky balance of communicating who you are combined with what an employer is looking for. This isn’t an easy thing to do but take time to write something that captures something of who you are and your enthusiasm for the job you are applying for.
Keep it concise
Many supporting statements are limited to a maximum number of words. Where you have been provided with a box and additional space on another sheet we recommend that the statement is somewhere between 800-1200 words, written in font size 11 with single line spacing.
Proofread
It’s very difficult to proofread something you have written yourself. Get as many people as you can (within reason!) to proofread your statement. Read the statement out loud to yourself and if you’re tripping over sentences then edit them.
If you want a professionally created supporting statement contact CK Futures. Whatever the job specification, I can prepare a compelling and targeted read for the employer that exactly matches their criteria for the post. Get in touch with me today!