Applying for a job

Applying for a Job – What This Page Will Help You Do

Applying for a job, apprenticeship or training opportunity can feel daunting, especially if it is your first application. This page will help you understand the main stages of the recruitment process, including writing a CV, completing application forms, preparing a cover letter or email and getting ready for an interview. 

Employers are looking for evidence that you understand the role, can explain your skills and experience, and have taken care with your application. Students can ask for support from a parent/carer, teacher, the Careers Leader or a careers adviser when preparing applications or interviews. 

Applying for a job can be a scary prospect, but a good CV, application form, covering letter and interview skills, can help you get where you want to be.

Start with your CV

A CV is a short summary of your skills, achievements, education and experience. Its purpose is to show an employer why you may be suitable for a role and encourage them to invite you to interview. 

A CV should normally be clear, easy to read and no longer than around two sides of A4. It should be tailored to the job or opportunity you are applying for rather than sending exactly the same CV every time.

A CV should include:

• name and contact details

• short personal profile

• education and qualifications

• work experience, volunteering or part-time work

• skills and achievements

• interests or activities that demonstrate useful skills

• references, where appropriate.

Use examples from school, work experience, volunteering, clubs, sport or other activities to show evidence of skills such as teamwork, communication, problem solving and reliability. 

Keep personal information appropriate. A CV does not normally need to include information such as your date of birth, photograph, National Insurance number or other sensitive personal details unless there is a specific legitimate reason for the employer to request them later in the recruitment process. 

For further advice take a look at these links - CV Tips - Future you CV tips part 1 - Future you CV tips part 2 

Application form

Some employers ask applicants to complete an online or paper application form instead of, or alongside, a CV. Read every question carefully and make sure your answers relate directly to the skills, qualities or experience the employer is looking for. 

When you are asked to give examples, you can use experiences from school, work experience, volunteering, hobbies, sport or other activities. You do not need to have had a previous paid job to demonstrate useful skills. Application tips

The STAR method can help you structure examples:

Situation – what was happening?
Task – what did you need to do?
Action – what did you do?
Result – what happened and what did you learn?

Covering letter and Covering Emails

A cover letter or covering email introduces you to an employer and explains why you are interested in the role and why you may be suitable. 

It should be tailored to the specific job and employer. Avoid sending the same generic letter to every organisation. 

If you're applying to a number of similar positions, then it’s tempting to keep using the same cover letter.

A good cover letter should: 

• identify the role you are applying for

• explain why you are interested in the employer and the opportunity

• highlight the skills or experience most relevant to the role

• provide brief evidence or examples

• end professionally and include your contact details.

Always check the employer's name, job title and organisation details before sending your application. 

 Covering letter tips