[holland]

Hello,

I wonder if anyone can help...I have started applying for jobs, most of which require application forms ( not very detailed), sending CV and covering letter. I thought a covering letter would just be a quick letter to support documents, however, one NZ employer sent me a person specification with a hint of Ive forwarded it incase you want to refer to it in covering letter'. I spent hours and hours doing the letter...and I was just wondering if this is the norm? Has anyone else experiencing this? There is a job that I really really want, closing date next week, and I dont want to mess up application.any advice for covering letters greatfully recieved....

If its any help, I feel my CV is really detailed

Thanks

j x

[Cardy]

I think you just got an awkward one. i just did normal cv and covering letter or applied on seek and had no problems. just keep plugging away , i applied to one company for a job 4 times and the first three they said no the 4th they offered me a job !! but i was here then.I found once i said i was flying out for a recce i got a lot more interest .

Cardy

[Cardy]

Forgot to ask !! what kind of work are you looking for?

Cardy:)

[holland]

Thanks for reply Cardy I'm looking for employment with the ministry of education...fingers crossed!!

Jade

Ill keep plugging away!!!

[KerryS]

Thanks for reply Cardy I'm looking for employment with the ministry of education...fingers crossed!!

Jade

Ill keep plugging away!!!

I've worked for them indirectly (they were paying me via the University to do some research), and applications for Govt jobs are quite different to normal ones - in my experience that is.
They will want quite a detailed CV, and a letter that addresses the person spec and how you fulfill the criteria. I just went through each point and briefly explained how I possessed each skill and an example to illustrate.

[eternalkiwi]

Government Departments do have an extensive 'paper war' for applicants, I know in my case I was required to complete a Cover Letter, Competency profile (similar to what KerryS mentioned), and a detailed CV.

Shawn

[Trigirl]

not all depts are the same. i gave the govt dept i now work for my cv, they did a video conference interview with me back in the uk and offered me a job on the spot. so i guess it depends on the dept and on how in demand your skills are.

[holland]

Thanks for all replies, ill just keep my fingers crossed.

j x