Job application help please!

[Rubic]

I have found a job as a trainee agricultural consultant... sounds interesting. I'm just going through the application form and one of the questions is "why do you want to leave your current job".

Now I hate my current job. Ok hate is maybe too strong a word and it isn't just that I dislike the job. Mainly it is the fact that there is no career progression where I am. I've tried to move up the ladder but I don't have the experience that most employers seem to want now-a-days. I've been looking for a change of scene and I enjoy talking to people. One of the few things I do like about my job is talking to the sales reps and I bask in the glow I get when I've secured a good deal for my company or I've solved a difficult problem for someone (something else I have to do often). I don't feel challenged in my current job. I like learning and sharing my knowledge. I think this job would be really good for me and I also think that I could do it well!

Can you help me word a brief explanation as to why I want to leave that will sound good to a prospective employer who will have to train them. I have to sounds really good on this application so that they don't just want me but they need me I just don't know what to write!

 

[eml]

I think you have said a lot of what you need yourself..not feeling challenged, but positive bits too about communication, negotiating and problem solving. Think also why you would be a great agricultural consultant, keen interest in ....knowledge of... etc

 

[squidsin]

Most of what you say is good. Take out any negatives about your old work, and not having enough experience, although it's fine to say something along the lines of you feel you've taken your current role as far as it will go, and you're looking for a new challenge (although that's a bit of a cliche.) The examples of transferable skills you give are great I think.

 

[Rubic]

Ah forget it. The original advert says you need a degree in agriculture for the consultant job (they are advertising for trainee consultants in the same advert). I took that to mean the trainee consultants wouldn't need quite the same qualifications however their "personal specification" for the job says otherwise and some really.... back to the drawing board. What the hell was I thinking when I picked my degree... I'm an idiot!

 

[Jane&Ziggy]

Phone them up and ask. You have a science degree, don't you? I'd be surprised if they were so specific. Can't hurt to ask.

 

[juliecwuk]

What's the harm in applying? You never really know who else may apply and how keen they are to fill the position.....

 

[Kite_Rider]

Go for it Rubic, what do you have to lose? To a lot of companies a degree is a degree, you never know they may see your experience as far more important to them than say a graduate just out of uni. If nothing else comes of it it's good practise

 

[Rubic]

I don't suppose I do have anything to lose. I'm just constantly frustrated by the fact I'm not "good enough" for most of the jobs out there that I want to do, it makes me feel like I'm never going to get out of this dead-end job and that uni was a waste of time!

 

[Kite_Rider]

I don't suppose I do have anything to lose. I'm just constantly frustrated by the fact I'm not "good enough" for most of the jobs out there that I want to do, it makes me feel like I'm never going to get out of this dead-end job and that uni was a waste of time!

How do you know you are 'not good enough' you got to be in it to win it I used to discount any job that I didn't have exactly the right experience/qualifications for but OH persuaded me to try a few I liked the look of, ok most I got no reply from but of the two I did I got job offers from both, had no experience/qualifications for either but they liked my attitude and loads of transferable skills. Either that or they were really desperate! So you never know.

 

[Rubic]

How do you know you are 'not good enough' you got to be in it to win it I used to discount any job that I didn't have exactly the right experience/qualifications for but OH persuaded me to try a few I liked the look of, ok most I got no reply from but of the two I did I got job offers from both, had no experience/qualifications for either but they liked my attitude and loads of transferable skills. Either that or they were really desperate! So you never know.

I've applied for two jobs internally, I've had the degree and minimal experience required for the job but both times they've picked someone with more experience/masters/PhDs etc. It has put me off, if I met the minimum requirements for those jobs yet the employer turns round and says I don't have enough experience I just feel like there is no point in even trying to get one where I don't think I meet the requirements. Looking for jobs just becomes so depressing!

 

[squidsin]

Apply anyway. You've got nothing to lose, and sometimes they ask for such specific qualifications and experience for roles that actually seem quite general, you wonder if they actually get any applicants that fit the bill!

 

[squidsin]

I've applied for two jobs internally, I've had the degree and minimal experience required for the job but both times they've picked someone with more experience/masters/PhDs etc. It has put me off, if I met the minimum requirements for those jobs yet the employer turns round and says I don't have enough experience I just feel like there is no point in even trying to get one where I don't think I meet the requirements. Looking for jobs just becomes so depressing!

It's really depressing. I don't really want a new job at the moment but out of curiosity I've applied for a couple of editor jobs I could do with my eyes shut, and not heard anything back - not even a rejection! Hunting for jobs is a strange business.

 

[Rubic]

Well I got an email from another possible employer this afternoon to say I have been unsuccessful. At least they let me know I suppose.

So, after being a bit depressed over that and eating a slice of cake, I phoned this potential job up and the man on the phone was very encouraging so I will finish my application over the next few days. Fingers crossed!

 

[Kite_Rider]

So, after being a bit depressed over that and eating a slice of cake, I phoned this potential job up and the man on the phone was very encouraging so I will finish my application over the next few days. Fingers crossed!

Good for you Rubic... go get em girl

 

[Cortrasna]

Go you! I sometimes think that a lot of these types of jobs are just looking for someone who has shown the aptitude and attitude
to study at university, no so much what they actually specialised in, if that makes sense?

I have swung a few jobs I really wasn't qualified for on the interview alone - and interviewed and employed people who didn't have the
expected qualifications and bits of paper to go with them - their attitude and willingness to really get stuck into the job was often much
more important IMO.

Good luck - remember what I used to always tell myself...'They will be lucky to have you!' repeat it over and over as you walk through the door
to the interview room!

 

[Jacob Wright]

I'd say go for it! When I applied for my current job I had the bare minimum that was asked for, and absolutely no experience working at sea. Most of my classmates have either got family at sea, or have been on tall ships or power boating. But the reason I got the job is because I showed I was willing to learn for the interview and turned up with a great attitude.

Good luck!

 

[Jane&Ziggy]

I don't know if you are aware that (broadly) 80% of men who apply for jobs are NOT qualified for the job they are applying for, while 80% of women are OVER qualified for the job they are applying for.

Go for it! I will cheer you!

 

[PePo]

Good for you I shall keep my fingers firmly crossed!

I've recently got a new job & I didn't meet all the criteria, but I rang them up to discuss it, did loads of research about the organisation and role & took examples of my work where I did meet the criteria, asked lots of questions and ended up being offered the job. So, it is possible - just make sure you really highlight where you ARE qualified & give examples of transferable skills where you may not be qualified. I'm sure you knew that though

Good luck

 

[mystiquemalaika]

Good for you and good luck

 

[Rubic]

Well I've just finished my application. I'm going to check it over tomorrow lunchtime before I click submit (closing date is Sunday 9th). Now for a glass of wine and a second chocolate bar (it's ok, I've got 2 gym classes in the morning). I'm just so desperate for a good career that I enjoy as much as I can and that will give me a good life! The more I think about it the more I think that this is my opportunity. I hope I get it.