So many skills, so little evidence…

Dear Employer,

I am applying for the position advertised on your website.

I think that I would be a suitable candidate for this position due to my positive attitude and commitment to the workplace. I am a self-motivated and driven individual who works well under pressure. I have great customer service skills alongside the ability to present in front of large crowds. I am diligent and have great attention to detail and I am 100% a team player. I also work well as an individual. I am perceptive and approachable whilst being assertive and confident and I am sure that all of my skills will make me a successful candidate.

Wow. You have all the skills. So many skills, so little evidence.

If I told you I was a backing dancer for Beyonce would you believe me? You would probably ask me to prove it. I’m asking you to do the same. When you tell a recruiter that you are perceptive and approachable they aren’t always going to take it on face value – after all, we can all find lists of positive adjectives that make us sound wonderful. An employer wants proof.

You may have been lucky enough to have an English teacher who was so cool and ‘down-with-the-kids’ that they told you to PEE all over the page. (Point, Example, Explain). Well, they weren’t wrong.

Make your Point: “I am a perceptive and approachable member of a team.”
Give an Example: “When working as a youth leader I regularly had to manage conflict between attendees. I was able to recognise tensions within the group and address them before they escalated which meant that students felt comfortable approaching me with problems.’
Explain: “This will support me in my role as (X) as I will be able to quickly understand team dynamics.”

Your application will have more impact if you pick three skills and provide examples than if you reel off a long list of adjectives with no substance.

Your application will have even more impact if those skills that you choose are tailored to the job you are applying for.

Remember – we can check your application for you too!