Job Applications

[sophie_1003]

What do people actually put in the 'Personal Interests' sections? Whatever I write sounds like I'm lying!

[joggerjayne]

Too many people put "Reading".

You're better saying what it is you actually read.

So, instead of reading, put ...

"SciFi novels"

"Crime fiction"

"Biographies"

"Historical fiction"

"The Daily Mirror"

... or whatever.

Then, instead of the usual "Yeah, yeah, they all say that", you've actually thrown in a topic that you might be able to chat about (which will also help to prove that you actually DO enjoy reading).

[sophie_1003]

Good thinking jj; that's always one of the ones where it sounds like I'm lying; not sure of the genre I like though; enjoy stories about people and families; what does that come under?

[jno]

actually, I'd be tempted not to mention the Daily Mirror....

[AlBags]

What you put in yours JJ?
Part-time buzzie tester.

[jno]

is it historical sagas? Romantic fiction maybe? (That one sounds a bit fluffy.)

[sophie_1003]

Lol; no wouldn't like to mention any newspapers I don't think!

[boxtops]

"Current affairs", then!

[jno]

don't mention current affairs unless you're prepared to be asked how you think we're doing in Libya, or what's up with Labour... Fine if you truly can tell one Miliband from another, of course.

[Nummy]

I've seen a few jobsearch/CV websites that suggest not putting personal interests down unless they're relevant to the position you're applying for, e.g. voluntary work, captain of your local five-a-side (shows leadership qualities) - but you need to word to fit your application.

TBH, if your work experience doesn't make them want to offer you an interview, a fondness of gardening/dancing/crosswords is hardly going to make a difference, and there are some interests that might put them off. So it's safer staying clear all together.

If they are that interested, they can ask in the interview - but make sure you have something prepared in case they ask.

[sophie_1003]

Errm, wouldn't say either of those accurately desribe the books I like ones I have enjoyed recently are: The Secret Life of Bees, One Day, Short History of Tractors in Ukranian and Salmon Fishing in the Yemen

[jno]

"keeping up with current fiction" perhaps.

[sophie_1003]

In the case of teaching positions I think it's like sherrard says nummy; it lets them know any interests which might support after school clubs they run or could run.

[joggerjayne]

"stories about people and families" ?

How about ...

"I enjoy novels, especially novels about society and relationships."

[sophie_1003]

Brilliant ideas jj and jno!

[jno]

Nummy, I suspect if there is a section for 'personal interests', then leaving it blank might lead them to think you haven't got any, or just that you don't read forms properly. If they ask, it's probably because, at least to some extent, they want to know.

[joggerjayne]

BTW ... if you enjoy books about people and families, then the book you should read (if you haven't) is

The World According To Garp by John Irving.

[jno]

well, I think Kinflicks by Lisa Alther is much more fun.

However, I may be wandering off-topic.

[DaisyNonna]

Why do they want to,know this? Morris dancing or nuclear physics?

[ClareA]

Isle of Man Govt seems to want applicants to re-draft their CV for each and every post applied for. For example, the 'guidance notes for applicants' say that the CV must indicate why the applicant has an aptitude for the post. Surely this is unreasonable? Who has time to tailor a CV (which is surely an overview of past experience) to each and every position?
I would think it reasonable f they asked for the CV plus a covering letter detailing the above. Any thoughts about this?

[sophie_1003]

I am applying for teaching posts Clare and they all require an application form (definitely not CV) including a personal statement which should ideally be tailored to the school; I am re-using parts of a generic statement but am careful to make some of what I say specific to the school; it's just what you have to do if you want to stand out from other applicants and get the job!