Career planning and making applications The selection process
How will you be selected for an interview? All an employer, training manager or college will know about you is what you have put on your CV and accompanying letter or application form. It is not much to go on, which is why it is so important that your CV and letter or application form shows you at your very best.
The job specification (job spec) You should be provided with this when you apply. You will ‘tailor’ your CV or job application to the job spec. All companies should supply one. It gives details of the type of person they are looking for. It will also contain essential and desirable criteria. Essential Desirable Qualifications LGV Class III Basic food hygiene certificate Knowledge and skills Literate Communication skills Knowledge of UK roads and towns Experience Large goods vehicle: two years Retail customer contact Multi-drop work
Applying for college or training If you are applying to go to college or into training: The prospectus/course information sheet or training brochure will tell you what you will need in order to be considered for the course or training. This might be previous qualifications and experience.
Desirable and essential criteria Skills and qualities you must have in order to be considered for the job. It is probably not worth applying if you do not have these. Desirable: Skills and qualities they would like you to have. If you have these it may put you ahead of some of the other candidates.
Decisive factors What might make an employer say ‘no’? If there are mistakes on your CV or application form. If you submit a dirty or untidy CV or application form. If the CV or form is submitted after the final deadline date. If you do not meet one or more of the essential criteria.
Shortlisting After all CVs have been reviewed, a handful of the leading candidates are pulled together into what is called a shortlist. These shortlisted candidates will meet all of the essential criteria and are likely to meet a number of the desirable criteria as well. The shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview.
Types of interview There are several different types of interview: Individual – you and one interviewer Panel – you and several interviewers Telephone – you will be interviewed over the telephone Group – you and a group of other applicants being interviewed together Skype – you will be interviewed on Skype Test- or task-based – you will be asked to do something related to the job Presentation – you will be asked to prepare a presentation to give as part of the interview.
Preparing for the interview You should be told which type of interview you will be attending. If you are nervous about interviews, it is a good idea to practise with someone else first. There is lots of help online too.