How to Succeed at: Writing Applications
The University of Sheffield © 2014 Page 1 of 2 How to Succeed at: Writing Applications
Key skills
Here are some of the skills most commonly sought by recruiters, although be aware that every recruiter may u a slightly different definition of such skills.
Admissions tutors may be mostly interested in your academic achievements and academic interests; however they will also need reassurance that you have the right mix of skills and personal qualities.
Communication
Ability to communicate clearly and succinctly both orally and in writing.
Willingness to question and listen to others to aid your own understanding and that of others.
Ability to convey complex information at the right level so it is understood by others.
Teamwork
Ability to form relationships at all levels and motivate and support other team members.
Willingness to ask others for advice or help when solving a problem.
Ability to work fairly and productively alongside others.
Organisation and time management
Setting objectives and planning activities and resources to achieve a goal.
Ability to manage time effectively to prioriti activities and meet deadlines.
Achieving a productive and satisfying work-life balance.
Problem solving
Ability to understand information quickly and accurately.
Appreciation of all the variables affecting an issue.
Ability to evaluate and choo workable solutions to problems.
Motivation
Energetic and enthusiastic approach to work/tasks.
Desire to continuously learn and develop and evaluate own performance.
Perverance in the face of obstacles.
Leadership
Having a clear vision that can be translated into action through effective communication.
Ability to enthu and influence others by gaining their trust and support.
Ability to listen, share and delegate when appropriate.
Creativity, flexibility and openness to change
To be original and express different views, ideas or solutions.
Willingness to challenge the status quo when appropriate and consider change.
An openness to others' ideas with a willingness to adapt.
Confidence / asrtiveness
Willingness to express needs, views and feelings clearly, confidently and courteously.
Appreciation of the value of one's own abilities and role.
Willingness to put forward ideas and stand firm on a minority or unpopular view when appropriate. Interpersonal, intercultural and global awareness
Awareness and tolerance of the diver needs, feelings and views of others.
Willingness to support, help and share information with others.
Ability to communicate and work with people from across different social and cultural backgrounds and from across different countries.
Numeracy
Ability to interpret statistics and numerical data.
Ability to solve numerical problems.
Familiarity with the ways in which numerical information is gathered and prented.
Information and IT literacy
Confidence when using information technology with an ability to learn new packages.
Ability to identify how IT can be applied to improve efficiency and solve problems.
Knowing where and how to find relevant information.
Business / commercial awareness and professionalism
Understanding of the need for high quality customer rvice and innovative approaches.
Awareness of how economic and political issues can affect organisations and their products or rvices. Recognition of the importance of a professional and responsible approach to your own role within an organisation. The University of Sheffield © 2014 Page 2 of 2 How to Succeed at: Writing Applications
