Analysing job advertisements
Make sure you extract the information you need for your application
Job advertisements can give you a great deal of information.
- Make sure to identify the requirements outlined in the job specification
- Check that your CV or your application form shows how you match these requirements
- Provide evidence based on your study or any relevant work experience, paid or unpaid.
Example
Have a look at the example advertisement below, select the linked text to see the points noted by the person who analysed it.
Graduate opportunities
Greater Glasgow Health Board serves a population of 1 million people, [1] treating over 21,000 in-patients and dealing with 2.25 million out-patient attendances annually. As one of the UK's largest Health Authorities we regard our on-going [2] commitment to the training of graduates as crucial to our future success.
[1] Proud of being a large organisation, I should reflect this when I say why GGHB appeals to me
[2] Find out about their training programme and mention this as a further attraction.
Management Trainees
Salary to £19,426
You will be a graduate with a [3] relevant degree, be [4] able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing and possess good interpersonal, statistical and analytical skills. You will also be able to demonstrate the potential to manage physical and human resources in the pursuit of achieving the [5] Board's Organizational Goals.
[3] What do they have in mind and why? Any degree could be relevant. Demonstrate relevance of mine
[4] Give good evidence of my skills.
[5] Find out about these.
For our part we will give you a comprehensive two year training in [6] one of the most progressive and innovative organisations in the country which will emphasize 'hands-on' management experience and the [7] application of sound business techniques in the delivery of Health Care. There will also be an opportunity to develop a special interest in [8] Supplies Management. You will be supervised personally by one of the Board's Unit General Managers, and will be assisted with [9] further study, tailored to suit your needs.
[6] What do they mean?
[7] Note changed view of NHS as a business. Any relevant Department of Health publications that might put this in context?
[8] What does this mean? What skills are required? Show that I have them.
[9] What might this involve? Will my degree qualify me for any exemptions?
If you have the capacity and ability to make a success of the training we are offering, write for further details to the Appointments Section, Greater Glasgow Health Board, 112 Ingram Street, Glasgow G1 1ET.
[10] Great Glasgow Health Board (presented within a Charles Rennie Mackintosh motif).
[10] Greater Glasgow Health Board is enclosed in a Charles Rennie Mackintosh type motif. Subliminal messages in the use of this motif, new image for NHS, proud to be in Glasgow.
[11] A significant statement about change in NHS; as (7) above. What connections should I be making with regard to the NHS as a whole or Department of Health initiatives and management styles?