Making an Application
How do you make an application?
There is no one right answer for the method of how you with submit an application for work or training. This is because all employers will have different methods that they will use to recruit new staff! How you will get a job for in one sector will be different for another, and even from business to business.
You will need to do your application in the right format to be considered - never assume that you're doing the right method, always double check how they want you to apply. The main types of application are:
Filling in an application form online or in person
An application form is a different way to capture essential information about you and very common in the workplace. This method may ask you to reflect on your skills and experience, and how they may you suitable for the job.
Submit a CV (with a cover letter) for a vacancy
CVs are still common application methods for some jobs but most have moved now into application forms. Your CV is still important! Make sure your CV is up to date with our helpful guide below:
Make a speculative application (face to face or digital)
Jobs in certain sectors can still be found by speaking to someone either in person or online, usually giving them a copy of your CV or filling in an application form to apply for a vacancy that may or may not exist (yet!) More on these below.
Speculative Applications
A speculative application is when you apply for an opportunity that has not been publicly advertised. You might have made contact with an employer or a company through networking or attending a careers or jobs fair and want to follow up on your conversation. Or maybe you have heard about a company with interesting opportunities.
Speculative applications involve you contacting a company, either in person or through letters/emails, to ask if they could offer you a chance to work within their organisation. Even if they can't currently accommodate you they may consider you again if your CV is good. On the other hand, if your application or approach isn't good they might remember you for the wrong reason!
Top tips:
Make sure that your CV and cover letter are up to date and look professional. We have some help for that right here.
Ensure you use a professional email address - no one will take gamerboi95 seriously!
Direct your contact to the manager as they will be able to make the decisions
It does help if you actually walk in and try to speak to people, as an email or letter might easily be overlooked in a big company. Remember- you're asking them for help, not the other way around. Don't pester them for a response.
Not all companies will recruit in this way, so don't expect a response every time. Make sure to thank them for their time, even if they say no.
If it's not just a CV, what do I need to write about?
An application form can be seen as a daunting prospect if you've never written one before but there are a few things to keep in mind as you fill the form in. The application form is ultimately a place for you to reflect on what you have done in the past and should be a positive reflection of you and your suitability for the job.
Things to keep in mind:
Have the job description to hand when you fill in the form so you can cross-reference your application with what they are looking for.
Make sure you use correct spelling and grammar, it is a formal document and should be treated professionally.
Fill in every part of the form and read the small print, some forms need you to submit additional evidence or statements.
You will likely be asked to answer some questions about the role, your interest and how your experience links to it. Make sure you're writing more than one word or sentence when you could be giving lots of clear examples that should be tailored to the job description.
Structuring your examples
If you have to write about yourself and your skills, you could use a structure common in personal statements. The ABC method (Activity, Benefit, Connection to the opportunity) allows you to concisely evidence what you have done and how this links to your application. It avoids you just making a list which is less effective.
For example, if the question was asking you about how you have contributed to a team you could structure it like:
(Activity) In my volunteering experience I was involved in working in a team during an open event where we had over 1000 visitors. (Benefit) In this role, I was able to work with others to provide a fantastic experience for our customers by communicating orders to my team and supporting others where needed. (Connection) In this way I have prepared to work in a fast paced team environment.
Don't sell yourself short! Make sure you tailor your application form to the job description and keep in mind some of these other essentials
Are you worried that you don’t have enough relevant work experience? Don’t worry, you can demonstrate that you have developed a number of the skills that employers are looking for in other activities that you have done such as college work, volunteering, responsibilities at home, or other extra-curricular activities.
Some of the common skills that employers look for are:
Communication
Time management
Decision making
Ability to set and reach targets and deadlines
Organisation
Listening
Leadership
Negotiation
Motivating people
Problem solving