Various companies can tend to have different application processes, and can request different documents or tests from you at different times. In order to ensure you are not taken by surprise and are prepared for the application process, this page compiles a list of different steps and things to consider so that you are as organised as possible and are able to be as successful as possible. 

Before sending off your first application, there are a couple things to consider getting ready: 

• The first thing you will need is an up-to-date CV. This is a document that you can use to explain to the company who you are and what experience / skills you have. It is important that not only is this up-to-date, but that it is also accurate and highlights you in the best light possible.

• The second thing you will need is a cover letter draft. Some companies can require cover letters for the application process, and even though you can't use the same cover letter for every company, since they have to be company - specific, you can still build a solid foundation for it before applying so you have less work to do when it comes to actually applying. 

• You will need an excel tracker that you can use to keep on top of all of your applications. As this is a numbers game (since you are unlikely to get the first 1-5 companies you apply for), it is very important that you build a very simple tracker just to write down the companies you apply for and the stage you are at in the process, so that you don't miss any interviews, assessments or communication from them. 

• Finally, you will need an idea of what you would like to apply for, no matter how broad this may be, and knowledge of the ways to find companies to apply for. 

All 4 of the above will be covered in more detail further down below, alongside helpful tips and tricks to make the most out of this preparation stage. 

Sometimes a cover letter can be compulsory for an application. A cover letter is where you provide extra detail about why you want to work for the company you have applied for. 

The main aim of the cover letter is for you to explain your situation and why you want to apply for the role / company. Since your CV is entirely about you, this gives you a chance to show off that you have researched the company and that your values align with theirs. Key points to include in the cover letter are:

• Explaining how you are studying at university, participate in societies and extra curricular activities and how you have developed the perfect skills for the role and the company (tailor this to the skills in the job description)

• Discussing how you have the necessary knowledge and the necessary skills for the role you have applied for. Explain your passions and interests and how these align. 

• Showing you have researched the company, their missions and their values, and how these align with you and how you are the ideal candidate for the role. 

• Including any information you might have missed off your CV or that you want to show off and you want the company to know. 

The first bullet point and the structure for the second and third can be written in advance of your applications, with you then only needing to reword certain parts for the companies when you are applying. 

Click here for the "How to build a CV/Cover Letter" Page

So now you have your prep, you need to be familiar with where to go to apply. 

One easy way is to just go searching up companies you like; putting "[Company] [Role]" into google, e.g "Honda Finance Industrial Placement" would work by simply taking you to their careers page and applying through there. This is useful if you are going through the Big 4 Accountancy firms or the FTSE 100, for example. Otherwise, some websites can be useful in helping deliver the information to you:

Some websites tend to compile applications all in one place. Examples are:

• Gradcracker (making an account helps)

• Trackr (dont need to make an account)

• brightnetwork (making an account helps) 

• Career Connect (Log in with your Uni email)

• Target Jobs (making an account helps) 

• Prospects  (take the test to see what jobs you could fit)

Other websites send out emails that are filled with new job openings. Examples are:

• Career Connect

• Target Network 

• Target Jobs

Making the websites work for you is one easy way in getting a lot of applications out, if you don't have too much specific preference on where you work. 

All undergraduate bursary holders can apply for up to £300 towards employability opportunities like interviews, work shadowing, training courses and assessment centres. We can reimburse expenses such as travel costs, professional clothing or technical equipment. 

Further information about eligibility and how to apply is on the Discover Your Future webpage. If you’ve got any questions, please contact dyf@sheffield.ac.uk.