I updated my post to include the STAR method.

Could you give me a clue on what your job application is for?

The job I just put in an application was an executive assistant. The first selection criteria (SC) was "Demonstrated high-level secretarial and administrative skills". I opened up with:

I pride myself on my first rate secretarial and administrative skills and work to ensure everything can be found and retrieved easily throughout the effectively maintained office.

I am highly motivated, responsive and take personal responsibility for meeting objectives set before me. I apply a methodical approach to ensure the timely completion of my work and that follow up on any outstanding issues occurs within an appropriate timeframe. I work proactively and continuously seek ways to revise or improve procedures to facilitate more productive outcomes.
I then set out an example to display what I have done to "demonstrate" those high-level secretarial & admin skills. I did this with a short paragraph. To keep my whole answer for that SC succinct I basically said that I did "BLAH paragraph". I also provided support by: dot point, dot point, dot point.

I was advised by our HR section to try and keep each answer to half a page (or at least under one page). Remember that the selection panel will most likely read A LOT of applications and honestly .... some people just go on (look at my post for example). Bullet points are a great way of putting things down that you want to include and you can expand on them at interview.

With standard questions like "must have a drivers licence" I would put just a short: I have a current drivers licence - no need to put in the licence number, I'm sure they can get that off you at interview or, on your first day. If you have a sparkly clean drivers licence with no speeding/infringements you might want to mention that.

A lot of applications are lodged on the web now and you have a restricted number of words that you can put in. I always attach a current CV (updated to reflect the position I'm applying for) and a covering letter.

In my covering letter I usually put in something along the lines of:

FIRST PARA I refer the position of BLAH as advertised in/on the WEB/NP on DATE.

SECOND PARA (put in whatever they are asking for here, for example) I am a consistent and reliable worker who is committed to furthering my career as a senior executive assistant. Through past employment, I have gained invaluable experience and knowledge relevant to achieving this goal.

I do like to finish it off with

Submitted for your consideration.
or
I look forward to exanding on my claims at interview.
or
I believe that through self motivation and initiative I can achieve any goals set before me. With my past experience I believe that I would be a valuable asset to XYZ.

With your CV (sorry - this is a marathon post) tailor it to the job. Only include your relevant work experience. On my current CV I have several titles with short paras or bullet points after them. It includes:
  • Objective (what you want to be)
  • Career summary (a paragraph outlining your relevant experirence)
  • Current position (including my current title and duties as per my own job description)
  • Key strengths (I'll share these with you because I stole them from someone else: Strong work ethic; Highly motivated; Initiative; Ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines; Excellent communication skills; Resilience and commitment; Excellent word processing/computer skills)
  • Relevant experience (bullet points of previous job titles)
  • Computer packages (duh!)
  • Certificates obtained (duh!)
  • Referees (two)


My CV is two pages, printed back to back.

Lastly - pay attention to what they want when submitting your application. Too many applications have ended up on the do not read pile by simply not following simple instructions.

GOOD LUCK!!!