I have been unemployed now (due to health reasons) for over four years so filling out applications is not going to be easy for me, so I really need help with one question/s everyone seems to dislike: "Give your reasons for applying for this post and additional information which shows how you match the person specification. This can include relevant skills, knowledge, experience, voluntary activities and training etc." No qualifications are necessary for the position I'm applying. Applicants should describe in their application how they meet these criteria. These are the minimum requirements; Minimum one years experience in the public, private or voluntary sector, working directly with people with mental health problems Use of computer systems Competency in literacy and numeracy Good keyboard skills Accurate record keeping Good verbal and written skills Able to work within a multi disciplinary context Understanding of the welfare benefits system Awareness of Health and social care issues Appreciation of the problems encountered by people with severe and enduring mental health problems and their carers Good interpersonal skills Commitment to service users, combined with a professional approach Sensitivity and empathic I don't have previous working experience with working with vulnerable adults, however I have suffered Mental Health problems. I was told that this would also be considered as experience which would refer to the top one of the criteria. Now for the others; All I ever done was contract cleaning, obviously with that comes responsibilities and was also full-time supervisor (and all that comes with that position). I also started a small cleaning business (10 clients) when I lived abroad, this also included house and pet sitting for expats when they had to be away from home. I know most of my working experience and life experience would cover most, if not all, that is required but I just don't know how best to write this and get it across in a positive way so it simply stands out......rather than looking a little tired and drab. I would like to stress, I'm not asking for anyone to write this for me. I realise I have to do this myself but I just need some good starting points or the odd simple sentence that I could expand on......I guess just anything to help with the creative juices flowing, but obviously sticking to what they simply want to hear. Sorry if this is long and thanks so much in advance of any comments/suggestions etc.

Last year my house was repossessed. June of this year (2010) I received a letter from Lloyds stating the house had been sold in January and that I have a mortgage shortfall of 23142.72. Although I responded to their letter I did not make them an offer. I simply asked them to write off the debt due to ill health and in no financial position to ever pay off the debt - obviously they refused this. In their second letter they suggested I make repayments of £100 per month which is more than I could ever afford. I wrote to them again - I claimed that the repayment was unreasonable and unmanagable I also threw in a few questions: Have they made a claim on any mortgage indemnity insurance - they stated these had ceased in 2005 - is this true? They also told me the property was sold under private treaty - what does this mean in plain english? I also asked in my last letter if the property had been let since repossession - they stated that letting is not allowed during possession and subsequent sale. However, they claim the house was sold in January 2010 yet I know people had moved into the property in Nov/Dec 09 - So unsure of this situation.....ideas, advice? This was a joint mortgage - I asked if they were also pursuing my ex partner for the shortfall but they have failed to answer this question....advice? They now have said that they will meet me half way and will accept £50 per month. Again this would mean I would be paying out more than I receive in a month....I do have other debts. Another thing that concerns me is that with their last letter they have attached another letter stating that that THEY refer to my offer to make repayments etc, etc and (they) would confirm the following, You (meaning myself) have agreed to make 12 payments of £50 per month and 12 months thereafter........... ........the letter goes on to suggest I had made an offer. Anyways, any advice on what to do next and answers to the above would be great. Thanks for your time in reading and look forward to all your replies.