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Creating Strong Job Applications
Creating Strong Job Applications
Many employers use an application form instead of, or alongside, a CV. Application forms allow employers to collect the same information from every applicant and assess candidates against the requirements of the role.
Treat an application form just as seriously as a CV.
Before you start
Before you start
Read the whole form and the job description before writing your answers. Make a note of:
Essential and desirable criteria.
Key skills and qualities.
Qualifications or experience required.
Word or character limits.
Questions that require specific examples.
Prepare some examples from your experience before you begin. The STAR approach can help you structure answers to competency-based questions:
Situation – What was happening?
Task – What did you need to achieve?
Action – What did you personally do?
Result – What happened as a result?
The most important part is usually the Action. Explain what you did rather than only describing what the team or organisation did.
Common mistakes to avoid
Common mistakes to avoid
Leaving sections blank when they are relevant to you.
Copying and pasting the same answer into different questions.
Giving vague answers without evidence.
Ignoring the person specification.
Exceeding word or character limits.
Rushing the final checks.
Using informal language or text-message abbreviations.
Check that any attachments are included and open correctly.
Always review your completed form before submitting it. Check your spelling, grammar, dates and contact details, and make sure you have answered every question.
CV structure and tailoring
CV structure and tailoring
A Curriculum Vitae (CV) is a brief summary of your skills, experience, qualifications and achievements. You can use a CV when applying for a job or when contacting an employer to ask whether they have any vacancies. This is known as a speculative application.
Employers often use your CV to decide whether you have the skills and experience they are looking for, so it is important to make a good first impression.
A good CV should:
A good CV should:
> Be clear, concise and easy to read.
> Usually be no more than one or two sides of A4, depending on your experience.
> Include your contact details, personal profile, education, experience, skills and relevant achievements.
> Use clear headings and consistent formatting.
> Focus on information that is relevant to the role.
> Use examples and achievements rather than simply listing duties.
> Be checked carefully for spelling, grammar and formatting errors.
TAILOR YOUR CV
TAILOR YOUR CV
Avoid sending exactly the same CV to every employer - A strong CV is tailored to the particular role you are applying for.
Start by looking at the job description and ask:
Start by looking at the job description and ask:
> What skills are they looking for?
> What experience or knowledge do they require?
> What personal qualities are important?
> Which of my experiences demonstrate these requirements?
> Which qualifications or achievements are particularly relevant?
For example, if an employer is looking for someone who can work effectively as part of a team, don't simply write "I have good teamwork skills." Give evidence:
Worked as part of a team on a college project, sharing responsibilities, meeting deadlines and supporting other team members to complete the project successfully.
Your examples can come from college, part-time work, work experience, volunteering, clubs, sports, projects or other activities.
Instant Feedback on Your CV
Instant Feedback on Your CV
Get instant, detailed feedback so you can optimise your CV and significantly boost your chances of getting to interview.
Why not try:
Why not try:
Your three strongest and best personality qualities.
Your three strongest and best personality qualities.
Your strongest and best skills, with examples to prove them. Remember to use your ePass to help you!
Your strongest and best skills, with examples to prove them. Remember to use your ePass to help you!
Your experience in any work environment or your key transferable skills.
Your experience in any work environment or your key transferable skills.
When creating your CV...
When creating your CV...
> Research the employer – check their adverts, see if they have a website.
> Analyse the job adverts – what are they really saying they want?
> Research the career or occupation – what sort of CVs are the norm?
> Try to match yourself against what the career/employer is demanding – check what your particular selling points will be.
> Consider carefully how layout/word-processing tricks and uniqueness can make your CV stand out from the pile.
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