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[scampster]

So I have successfully (in the sense that I get interviews) applied for jobs in Australia, which also seem to have this listing of specific criteria that you need to meet. So I thought I would be fine filling out a UK application. But the HR form has thrown me for a loop and I am not sure how to proceed. The application asks me to list how I meet the essential criteria, but all they give me is this little box! There are 12 essential criteria and some require at least a paragraph of explanation. My Aussie apps never forced me to write these on an online form, so I could expound upon them on the attached materials.

Do I:
A. Write 12 paragraphs in the little box HR provides and also provide a separate copy that also includes the "desired" qualifications that I meet with my application materials (if I am able)?
B. Just write "see attached" and include it elsewhere?

Writing 12 paragraphs in that box seems awkward. I am guessing this is not something I should bother the contacts that are listed (in the department) with? I don't want my app to get tossed by some HR type because I refused to write a long description in an unformatted text box. Thoughts from those on the hiring side?

[scotia]

So I have successfully (in the sense that I get interviews) applied for jobs in Australia, which also seem to have this listing of specific criteria that you need to meet. So I thought I would be fine filling out a UK application. But the HR form has thrown me for a loop and I am not sure how to proceed. The application asks me to list how I meet the essential criteria, but all they give me is this little box! There are 12 essential criteria and some require at least a paragraph of explanation. My Aussie apps never forced me to write these on an online form, so I could expound upon them on the attached materials.

Do I:
A. Write 12 paragraphs in the little box HR provides and also provide a separate copy that also includes the "desired" qualifications that I meet with my application materials (if I am able)?
B. Just write "see attached" and include it elsewhere?

Writing 12 paragraphs in that box seems awkward. I am guessing this is not something I should bother the contacts that are listed (in the department) with? I don't want my app to get tossed by some HR type because I refused to write a long description in an unformatted text box. Thoughts from those on the hiring side?

The first thing to say is that, in my experience, there is a lot less obsession in the UK about the perfect format for job applications. So it is not worth sweating about too much.

I can see two potential ways to do this. One would read something like this:

Essential
Demonstrated ability to teach Underwater Basket Weaving to both undergraduate and postgraduate students
While working at Very Spiffy U I developed and taught a core undergraduate module in Underwater Basket weaving to undergraduate students. I have also been involved in co-teaching 'Obscure Topic in Underwater Basket Weaving' to postgraduate students for two years at Another Very Spiffy U
International Publications
I have published 4 papers in internationally ranked journals (see CV for full details)

Desirable
Ability to teach Research Methods to Basket Weavers
Taught module in xxxxxxxxxxxxx to MEng students at Very Spiffy U.

If you can do this in a word processor and keep the formatting when pasting into the form, that might help, but based on my own experience the forms are usually formatted for plain text.

The alternative is to put something in a table and then simply write 'See attached table' in the box. I have seen both done.

[expatinuk]

Are you sure that the box doesn't expand? Most applications that I've completed have expanding boxes, and they also say, 'Include a second sheet if necessary'

[scampster]

The box does expand! I didn't notice that before! Thanks!

But it is plain text. Does that matter? I would prefer to be able to have some minimal formatting to keep the criteria straight (like scotia's example), just for readability. Should I just do it twice? Stick it in there to satisfy HR but have the nicely formatted version so someone can actually read it?

I'll try and take scotia's word to heart that there is less fussing about such things in the UK and that plain text won't sink my application if I take that route...

[scampster]

Yikes! A 5000 character limit in the box. For 12 essential criteria. Is it okay to not write out the criteria and just refer to them by number?

[expatinuk]

Don't worry about formatting. Just make sure that you put in a paragraph break when needed. Your best bet is to write the stuff in a separate document and then copy and paste when you're satisfied with your answer.

And yes many applications have a limit on characters or words. That's to keep things simple. Most also will allow you to attach a CV or a publications list so don't spend time in the application listing your publications. Instead do something like....

I am keenly aware of the challenges facing universities as they are required to do more with less. I even discussed this and other pedagogical challenges in my paper, 'Teaching underwater basketweaving in Moodle'.

 

[drspouse]

I ususually use dashes instead of bullet points when confronted with such boxes (saves on subjects/verbs too).

-Completed PhD in XXXX
-Managed laboratory team

etc...

[scampster]

I ususually use dashes instead of bullet points when confronted with such boxes (saves on subjects/verbs too).

-Completed PhD in XXXX
-Managed laboratory team

etc...

Ah! I didn't think of doing that!

The character limit makes sense - I unfortunately misread it as a word limit the first time around (and thought "Who writes 5000 words on their qualifications?!" - yes I was not thinking clearly), so it required a big old chopping session.

Another proofread this morning and it is off! On re-reading the ad to write my cover letter, I noticed it said they were hiring 3(!) positions on this ad, which I can't believe I didn't notice before. Fingers crossed!

Thanks everyone for the suggestions and putting up with my temporary application insanity (and to science_expat who put up with it over PM).

[monita]

May I borrow your thread, Scampters, to ask another simple question about UK applications?

I am applying for a Lecturer position (that looks awesome!).  Under educational experience, it asks for qualifications and grades.  We do not do a total grade for degrees in the US, so what would be the most useful information to put here?  GPA?  With honors/etc (for undergrad only)?

Thanks!

[scotia]

May I borrow your thread, Scampters, to ask another simple question about UK applications?

I am applying for a Lecturer position (that looks awesome!).  Under educational experience, it asks for qualifications and grades.  We do not do a total grade for degrees in the US, so what would be the most useful information to put here?  GPA?  With honors/etc (for undergrad only)?

Thanks!

I would suggest GPA plus any honors. It is probably not worth worrying too much about this: by the time you are applying for lecturer jobs it is the demonstrated research and teaching capability and potential that the SC is focussed on. I don't think my applications have ever included anything more than one line that states my undergraduate degree title and an indication of the grade, and this is true of most applications I see (which come from all over the world, so we at least are familiar with different systems. It would be wonderful if GPAs could at least standardize to one range).

[monita]

Thanks, Scotia!  That helps a lot!

[scotia]

Thanks, Scotia!  That helps a lot!

Glad it helps. I forgot to say that it also says which university I got the degree from.

[expatinuk]

Actually I find that it's just better not to even talk about GPA because that can differ quite a bit in American Universities. Some universities allow you to get rid of a bad grade completely if you retake the class and some will include both on your GPA calculation... so it's not really comparing much of much.

On a Brit application I just put N/A when asked about classification.

[monita]

Hmmm.... thanks, Expatinuk.  I'll think about that.  I didn't think about the huge variation in GPAs, and British universities may not have the same understanding of a US school's general reputation when comparing these.

At the moment, I'm still working on the application, especially the qualifications part.  The whole process is so different from US applications!

[monita]

Sorry for the double-post.  I have one more application question, if y'all will indulge me:

Do cover letters for UK positions follow the same basic format as those for the US?  My letters usually run about 1-1/2 pages, with a clear statement on both research and teaching.  This seems a little wordy now, since much of the material is covered on the application form, but I'm not sure where to cut.  Should I cut it?  Leave it alone?  (Is this a staple/paperclips question that doesn't matter anyway?)