Finding your first post as an occupational therapist

Having found a job you would like to apply for, take the time to read all the relevant documents they provide. There will be information on the organisation, and the role itself. There’s likely to be a job description and person specification provided. Read each document carefully and be clear on what the organisation is requesting is submitted within your application.

Be clear on the deadline date and time.

Make sure you’ve filled in every section using the format requested by the potential employer.

Detailing every qualification might take time, or using a set font might cramp your style, however following instructions, attention to detail etc are likely to be a skill the organisation is looking for, so don’t cut corners.

Check and double check there are no errors. Give yourself plenty of time. Its often worth downloading an editable version of the form so that you can prepare responses and then just cut and paste these when you are ready.

Have all the documents ready to upload before you commence the application – you don’t want to be timed out due to hunting for a GCSE certificate in the garage!

Allow plenty of time – days even – to submit the form. Sometimes documents can take ages to upload, or the server is down. You don’t want to miss out on the perfect job because of a last-minute application

This website may also be useful to you:

NHS Jobs

Most job applications require an up-to-date CV. It is important to consider amending the CV for each post highlighting the skills you have that are pertinent to each role.

There are many places on the web that give good advice regarding CV writing. Here’s a couple:

Prospects

NHS Health Careers

Additionally, do utilise the career guidance and resources that your university offers. Often this guidance is available beyond the completion of your studies, so do check how long they are able to support you for.

Be clear, relevant, succinct, accurate and positive! Proof-reading is essential and it is often easier for someone who has not written the text to spot mistakes, so ask a friend to check it for you. It is better to have a draft or skeleton CV prepared before you begin to search for vacancies and look at advertisements. Each stage of the process is time-consuming and there is often not long between finding a vacancy that appeals to you and the deadline for completing the application. When you find a job that appeals to you, where you know that your skills match what the employer is asking for, you will need to edit and tailor your CV so that it matches the employer's specific requirements.

This is your chance to tell your potential employer exactly why you are the perfect person for the job!

Make sure that, while you might have a generic statement, you amend it for each application to demonstrate the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed for each role. Use the job description and person specification to assist in this.

When you identify a skill you have, provide an example of how you have used this in an impactful way

In my final placement, my practice educator was redeployed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. I successfully continued my practice placement in this new area utilising my ability to be flexible and a ‘can do’ approach.

Use placement reports, feedback from practice educators, tutors and colleagues to help identify skills that you have and how you have utilised these and how they will be valuable within the job role you are applying for.

Be clear, relevant, succinct, accurate and positive.

If possible, ask someone you trust to give you feedback on the statement to ensure it reads as you intended.

You may find this approach useful:

National Careers Service, The STAR Method