This document provides guidance on competency-based application forms and interviews. It discusses developing compelling application forms by using specific examples and stories to demonstrate skills and experiences. The importance of selecting strong referees who can comment on competencies is also emphasized. For interviews, the document recommends preparing a pool of answers to common questions, focusing on competencies, and using stories to bring the interview to life. Thorough preparation, practice, and collaboration are presented as key to succeeding at interviews.

1. “Those Horrible Application Forms”
30 November 2015

2. “Those Horrible Application Forms”

3. Stand Out From the Crowd

4. Looking for Answers?
• Why competency based recruitment?
• How do you select and support your referees?
• How to develop compelling application forms?
• How you can prepare to succeed at
interviews?

5. Top Tip
Volunteer to short-list and/or interview for any
recruitment competition.

6. Recruitment
Qualities and Abilities
Competencies
What Counts Factors

7. JAB Scotland Competencies
1. Legal Knowledge Skills and Competence
2. Knowledge of the Law
3. Skills and Competence in the Interpretation and Application of the Law
4. General
5. Intellectual Capacity and Powers of Reasoning
6. Personal Characteristics
7. Case Management Skills and Efficiency
8. Communication Skills

8. Queen’s Counsel
1. Advocacy
2. Legal Ability and Experience
3. Professional Qualities

9. JAB - 6. Personal Characteristics
• Integrity
• Independence of mind and moral courage
• Fairness and impartiality
• Common sense
• Understanding of people and society
• Responsible attitude and sound temperament
• Courteous and considerate
• Ability to command respect

10. QC - Personal Qualities
“Successful applicants are expected to have the
highest professional standing, with the respect of
the Bench and the profession; a history of honesty,
discretion and plain-dealing with professional
colleagues, lay and professional clients and the
courts; independence of mind and moral courage;
and maturity of judgment and balance.”

11. Referees?!

12. Referees
• The requirements may vary with the post
• Ask yourself who else will approach them – are you their top
candidate?
• Essential your referees can comment on your competencies
• They have the inclination and ability to write a stunning reference
• Help them - refresh their memories – “talk to them”
• Beware of referee exhaustion!

15. The Secret to Success
Your Story
Telling

16. “The Angels Wanna Wear My Red Shoes”
http://asktim.org/2014/02/kickers/

17. Real Communication
“Communication is not about what you intend to communicate but more
importantly what people are willing, able and likely to pick up”

18. The Form

19. The Form
• Allow sufficient time
• Don’t use truisms or simply restate the competency
• Don’t give cut and paste answers
• Give specific examples – that demonstrate your skills, abilities or
experiences
• Tell stories – sizzle not sausage

21. A Bottle of Orange Squash – Balancing The Books
http://asktim.org/2013/10/a-bottle-of-orange-squash-balancing-the-books/

22. The Form
• Give a good variety of examples
• Draft in Word, check spelling and basic grammar
• Don’t be long winded
• White space sells
• Work on it in bite sized chunks a little and often
• Get someone you aren’t too close to but trust to read it for you

23. Top Tip
• Make a Note of Any Possible Examples/Stories and Keep a
File
• Start Building Your Story Bank Now!

24. Appealing to an Audience
Intellectual Content
Stylistic/Technical
Emotion

25. Capitalism + Marxism - A Brilliant Business Model Bred in Yorkshire
http://asktim.org/2013/11/radical-business/

26. Golden Rule
BE HONEST
BE YOURSELF

27. Designing My Website – Vienna by Ultravox
http://asktim.org/2013/10/why-developing-my-website-vienna-by-ultravox/

28. Interview Guidance
Most Important Parts of Interview
1st and Last impressions or Primacy and Recency
Suit Style – look sharp – feel good
86% of Communication is non-verbal
Body Language - Eye Contact Critical
Amy Cuddy – Ted Talk – MUST Watch!!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ks-_Mh1QhMc

29. Next Tango in Halifax – Luxury Skimming Stones
http://asktim.org/2014/02/halifax/

30. Interview Guidance
Panel of interviewers – treat the individuals as individuals – charm the
targets.
Pool of questions – develop a pool of answers - like PMQT
Listen carefully – clarify questions.
Communication skills – manage silence/pauses.

31. The Scottish £10 Note
http://asktim.org/2013/09/the-scottish-10-note/

32. Top Tip

33. Interview Guidance
Short stories – that demonstrate competence factors.
Bring people into the room.
Score with your first answer – sharp question/confident close.
Aim to enjoy the interview!
Review – make note of questions, try and put yourself in your interviewers’
shoes.

34. Preparation, Preparation, Preparation
Seek Help
Short-list and Interview if you get the Opportunity
Websites
Family & Friends
Mock Interviews
Invest Your Time & Resources Wisely

35. To Recap
• Always Address the Competencies
• Select Your Referees Wisely
• Start Today - Make Time
• Collect Your Stories
• Prepare Thoroughly
• Collaborate & Practice

36. Any Questions?

37. Have I shared a little
Why competency based recruitment?
How do you select and support your referees?
How to develop compelling application forms?
How you can prepare to succeed at interviews?

38. If You Knew You Couldn’t Sing - Would You Sing In Front of 71,000?
http://asktim.org/2013/09/sing-to-71000/

39. A Helping Hand
Tel: +44 (0) 796 999 7335
E-mail: tim@asktim.org
@wowthankyoutim