Competency Questions

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Competency questions are a common part of application forms. For more information about answering competency questions, see this article.

Examples of competency questions used on application forms include:

• Describe a situation in the past when you have worked as part of a team. Explain the role you played.

• Describe a time when you have explained something complicated to a group or individual and show how you helped them understand this concept.

• Describe a time when changes in your life or living situation meant you had to do something new or different. Say what you did and how you coped.

Types of application letter

• Speculative letters are sent as part of a speculative application, together with a CV.

• Covering letters accompany an application form or CV for an advertised job vacancy.

• A letter of application is sometimes sent, rather than an application form or CV, in which case the letter should include the information you would put in a CV but presented in sentences and paragraphs.

Speculative letter

A speculative letter should sound positive and enthusiastic. It should be clearly structured to cover

• the kind of work you're looking for

• why you want to work for that organisation in particular

• why you are suitable - emphasise your relevant skills, experience and personal qualities by highlighting particular information in your enclosed CV.

• tailored to the specific organisation rather than a standard letter used for a number of speculative applications

• addressed to a named individual. Telephone the organisation and ask if you're not sure who to send it to.

Try to offer a number of options in your letter. If they have no vacancies, could they keep your details on file? Are you interested in unpaid work experience or an information interview as well? If so, say so.

Covering letter

Your covering letter is as important as the CV or application form it accompanies. It's your opportunity to sell yourself to the employer and say why your CV or application is worth reading. Use it to highlight your enthusiasm and suitability for the job and emphasise your strengths.

It should be clearly structured to cover

• what you're applying for - the job title and where you saw the advert

• why you're applying to them, why the job interests you and why you want to work for that organisation in particular

• why you are suitable - emphasise your relevant skills, experience and personal qualities by elaborating on the information in your CV or application form. Make sure you match your skills to the person specification, and use the same key words where possible. If you have a disability or a criminal record, you may want to use your covering letter to disclose this to an employer. You can find more information on theEquality and Diversity page or our Career Planning and Jobseeking workbook.

Your letter should

• be typed and no more than one side of A4

• refer to the job title and reference, as given in the application information

• refer to the most relevant parts of your CV, but not repeat general detail to be found there.

Your CV and cover letter are most likely the first contact you will have with a prospective employer. Therefore it is vital that you make a strong first impression by tailoring your documents to the individual requirements of the job and the company. Following is some practical information that will enable you to do this.