MATURE STUDENT'S EXAMPLE APPLICATION FORM

 

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HOUSEMAN PRESS APPLICATION FORM
Preferred Job Function(s): Desk Editor
Surname Title (Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms/Other)
Jenner Ms
Forename Name by which you prefer to be known
Susan Elizabeth Sue
Home Address Term Address
2 Bredon Close,
Alfreton,
Kent
CT6 4PQ		 Same as home address
Dates at this address Dates at this address
Date of Birth Nationality
27.2.74 British
Date you are available to join us Geographic Location (Please give any preferences here)
28.7.2007 I am seeking employment in Kent as I have a house here and my two children are settled at their school.
Do you have a current Driver's Licence?   YES   Do you need a work permit   NO

EDUCATION                                            Examinations taken
Before University      
Access to the Humanities course at Canterbury College of Further Education, completed with Merit, 2001

Subjects taken: Drama, History of Art, Literature.
University/College Dates Main Subjects Results
University of Kent 2004-2007 BA (Hons.) English Literature Subjects included: The Age of Chaucer; Shakespeare; Jacobean Tragedy; Contemporary British Theatre; Women's Writing since 1918  

Dissertation: "Adapted Screenplay - the adaptation of  novels into film"

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EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
Dates Employer Position Held/Duties Achievements
Aug 1991 - May 1994 Waterfields Estate Agents Receptionist - assisting clients in the office and over the phone Gained skills in working with people, time management, diplomacy.
Sept.2001 - Sept 2004 Cardies Sales Assistant in knitwear shop: assisting and advising customers; control of cash and stock; security Often in sole charge of store and so needed to take responsibility and make decisions.
Explain how you managed to resolve a difficult problem. What solution did you reach?
In 2001 I separated from my husband. This was a difficult decision to take, as I was left with responsibility for our two children, then aged 4 and 7, and was only reached after much discussion and consideration of the issues. In many ways, it would have been easy to continue in a marriage that offered stability and financial security, if little else, but I finally decided that a separation would be in the best interests of all involved, particularly the children. I therefore analysed my financial position, sought legal advice and obtained a part-time job that I could combine with bringing up the children alone. I had to adjust to taking all the day-to-day household decisions, learning new skills (such as DIY), managing limited personal finances and attempting to ensure that the children maintained a good relationship with their father. This has been a struggle at times, but I feel that I have succeeded in all these tasks and gained enormously in self-confidence and independence
How have you used your communication skills to persuade others to follow your lead?
I have been involved with the Parent-Teacher Association at the local primary school since my elder son first started there. The PTA organises a number of fund-raising events which have involved me in persuading people to buy raffle tickets, display posters in shop windows, donate prizes, etc. Three  years ago, the PTA produced a book to mark the school's 25th anniversary and, as a member of the editorial committee, I helped to decide on the content and format of this book. The school governors wanted an "official" history, but I represented the PTA in arguing that a collection of reminiscences of past pupils would be more readable and saleable. This was agreed and we then contacted ex-pupils through mailshots based on old school registers and features in the local newspaper and on local radio. The response was excellent and the only problem was in sifting and editing the letters we were sent. I then negotiated with local printers to find the best quote and persuaded local shops of all kinds (not just booksellers) to stock the publication. This resulted in a profit of over £ 1500.

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Specific Evidence
When have you risen to a challenge? Describe your role and any outcomes.
I believe that the greatest of the many challenges I have faced in recent years was to undertake my degree. The Access course was a gentle introduction to study but, once I started full-time study at university, I had to adapt not only to the demands of academic work, such as meeting essay deadlines, but to fitting this in around my family responsibilities. Although I had worked out a study plan before commencing my course I found that rigid study plans could rarely be adhered to due to the ever changing demands of my children. I therefore adopted a flexible, rather than highly structured, approach to study, fitting it in whenever and wherever I could - this included  taping lectures so that I could listen to them in the car on my way to the University. This worked well during most of the term, although when revising for exams I had to return to a more organised approach, and emphasise to my children how important it was that I should be allowed to complete my study periods in peace. I have obtained good results in my exams so far and, if I continue to make progress at the rate I have done so far, hope that I will be able to achieve a 2:1 in my final exams.
Extra-Curricular Activities and Interests
Give any evidence of organising, leading, and initiative
As well as my ongoing work with the PTA I have co-operated with other parents at the university to put on half-term playschemes so that we could combine study and childcare when schools closed during university terms. My contribution to these schemes was to organise reading and word games.   I am a member of the university Literary Society and Film Society   I go swimming regularly and attend aerobics classes at the university  

Most of my free time is occupied with my children - this involves everything from producing costumes for school plays to helping with maths homework. When I have the occasional free moment at home I enjoy reading biographies and catching up on films released on video, especially those of Jane Campion and Gillian Armstrong.

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Other Qualifications/Skills/Experience.
(e.g. foreign languages, computing skills, driving licence)
1. I studied French at school although my knowledge of the language is very limited

2. Good working knowledge of Word for Windows (used for all essays)

3. Experience in correcting proofs and preparing bibliography for a course dissertation.
Why have you chosen to apply to our organisation and the functions for which you have applied? Why should we take you rather than other applicants?
My experience in producing the "Alfreton Primary Silver Jubilee" commemorative booklet first gave me the idea of a career in publishing. This will use my interest in literature and the written word together with my skills in working with people, planning, organising and persuading. The editorial function requires all these abilities plus attention to detail and the ability to work under pressure. My studies have been focused on this aim and, although I have been unable to obtain any work experience in commercial publishing, I have read widely around the subject and am a member of the Society of Young Publishers.
Health
Excellent Health
Additional Information
I would like to stress that I am a very flexible and adaptable person and relate well to people in all age ranges, from young children through to the "typical" university student, my thirtysomething contemporaries and older friends and family.
Where did you find out about us? (e.g. newspaper advert)
Local Newspaper
Referees (Please give two referees including one academic referee)
Prof. Aloysius Zebidee, Head of Department
University of Kent Canterbury CT2 7SD
email az@kent.ac.uk
Telephone  01227 764000 ext. 34		 Mrs Shauna Sheep (Previous employer)
Cardies, 324 High Street, Canterbury CT1 6KC
email ws@coldmail.com
Telephone  01227 450678

 

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