I get quite a few questions about the format of applications - although there seem to be fewer now that we have amalgamated the Responsibilities and Personal Achievements sections in CM that seemed to cause endless confusion on what went where.  A method that I recommend - and most of my candidates like - is to list the key responsibilities of the particular role at the start of the Responsibilities and Personal Achievement section (I think the latter might have been better in the plural - but I digress!) as bullets, but then to "tell the story" in prose, so very similar to your technique, Andy. 


So far as the length of application is concerned, I completely support the 12-page limit, although this does get a bit corrupted at times by the amount of white space that the PDF compiler creates, and I tend to counsel applicants to take this into account if they need to.  Quite a few of my applicants come in one of two flavours - either a) They produce an application that barely makes 6 pages total (one recent application had an employment section that didn't even make one page!) or b) they have trouble getting under the 12-page limit.  Unlike you, Andy, I get quite a few applications that are desperately short.  Having coached quite a few applicants through requests for further evidence of UK&U/full evidence statements, etc., (none of whom were given advice by me originally, I hasten to add!!), the page/word limits on these are quite tough and I encourage all of my applicants to make as full an application as possible, to try to avoid these requests.  I tend to advise that an Employment section for someone with an exemplifying qualification and several years of experience should span at least 4 pages, to ensure that they are providing evidence of all competencies.  For the more mature candidates with a lot of experience, I normally recommend 5-6 pages - giving an application length of around 10-11 pages depending on training details, etc.. For those without an exemplifying qualification, I suggest that they also try to include some evidence of mathematical/engineering methodologies that equate to the exemplifying level, to demonstrate their UK&U, so I expect these applications to be somewhat longer.


To those who have difficulties getting under the page limit, I have one piece of advice - remember that D competencies are aimed at demonstrating clear, concise communication!  This overlaps to something Roy said earlier.  There are few things more daunting to a reader than to see a whole page of text without a single paragraph break - I've had several of these recently and from my viewpoint, this does not give an impression of a clear communicator.

Hi Guys


Just a quick word on the "D" competences: most of this comes out at interview - if you can speak, converse and discuss in English, your presentation should sort out D1 and D2. If you do any sort of volunteering a short paragraph on how you coach the school's football team (other sports are available), get involved with STEM activities or help out in your area to ensure the elderly are being cared for in a variety of ways, will resolve D3. There no need to take up what might be valuable space needed for the technical issues.


Regards Jim W

Hi Jim,  That is a good point about non-technical voluntary work satisfying D3.  I, for one, usually think of things like STEM activities, STEM Ambassador and so on under this heading, but you are right - D competencies can be evidenced in many different ways.  I certainly agree with you that the PRI should provide plenty of D evidence, but I like to ensure that my candidates demonstrate enough competence in all of the categories to earn their right to an interview and not get mired down with full evidence statements, etc., which in my experience, cause some individuals difficulties.  No need to devote paragraphs and take up valuable space as you say, but at least demonstrate some knowledge and practice!