Construct a Skills Inventory

Most employers require demonstration of the same or similar skills in their application forms e.g.

• Communication/presentation skills
• Teamwork or interpersonal skills
• Organising and planning (including self-management) skills
• Intellectual and creative skills

By beginning an inventory of these skills you will have a ready-made resource from which to draw examples and cut and paste onto your application forms. Remember to:

• List concrete, specific examples under each skill.
• Update your skills inventory each time a new skill is required by an employer or when new examples of your skills occur.
• Learn to be concise.
• Focus on the quality of the content- employers will be scrutinizing your application.
• Use the language or jargon belonging to the profession or industry that you are applying to. This will identify you with the group you are hoping to join.
• Make sure you check that this information is tailored to the employer you are applying to each time you cut and paste – this means researching the employer. Most employers have websites containing useful information about their operations and organisational aims.

For example: Team Work -

• participated in group work projects in my studies including a final year project entitled “…...” where we achieved excellent results.
• class representative for second year course where I was responsible for discussing issues of concern with classmates and representing these to the academic staff.
• club secretary of the University’s Chocolate Appreciation Society where I was responsible for the organization of membership drives, annual choc eating festival and administration of meetings.
• active member of the University Social Basketball team.