Before you Apply and Application Forms
I've pulled together my top tips for application forms and how to actually go about finding companies to apply for.
Hope you find it useful!
Katie
TOP TIP!
Use your careers service as part of your job search. They offer a wealth of knowledge and practical advice as well as often being able to provide you with mock assessments to help you through the recruitment process.
Also speak to staff in your department as they may have links with the organisation that you are applying to.
Before applying
We really recommend that you think carefully about what the company is offering and the eligibility criteria to make sure that this is the company for you. Have a look at the company website, get a feel for their culture and the requirements that they are looking for - does this meet your needs and aspirations? We, for example, ask for our employees to be mobile and comfortable working in a challenging environment. Is this what you are looking for?
Speak to your careers advisers regarding people that they have met from that organisation or speak to friends - this kind of input really makes a difference.
Application Form
We receive a high volume of applications every year, and very clear themes have emerged as to why some applications don’t make it through the initial screening process. Make sure yours does by avoiding the following pitfalls!
• Ensure you meet all the specified eligibility criteria. This includes applying for a function that requires a specific degree discipline that you do not hold, and not having the current right to work in the UK.
'It is really important that you check your eligibility for the scheme and organisation before starting your application form. We cannot move you any further through the recruitment process if this criteria is not met'.
• 'This question does not apply to me'. The personal qualities questions are the heart of the application form and yet we do see a number of people who do not answer these questions at all as they feel that it does not apply to them.
'These questions are key as they tell us who you are and the experiences that you have had'. Think carefully and complete them to the best of your ability.
• Misreading the questions. The questions in the application form are looking for very specific information. It is really important that you read the question fully and answer the question concisely and accurately as possible.
• Don't Cut & Paste. With the use of on-line application forms it is very easy and tempting to cut and paste your answers from one application form to another…but beware. From our recruitment perspective it is very obvious when answers have been cut and pasted as the information does not answer the question set.
Uploading a CV
Our online application system allows you to upload your CV. Below are some tips that may help you:
Although the term 'curriculum vitae' literally means 'course of life', your CV is about much more. Your CV is a marketing tool to demonstrate your suitability for the job. A CV can tell an organization a lot about a candidate- are they interested in this job? Is there any experiences or education that makes this individual stand out form other applicants? Do their experiences and qualities match what we are looking for?
Experience All experiences count, whether paid, voluntary or shadowing. Aim to put your experience in reverse chronological order with rough dates to illustrate how long you were there. Focus on your responsibilities, what you did, details of any major projects and achievements in the role. Remember this is our first impression of you- we will only know what experience you have had previously if you have told us!
In or out?
Due to legislation in the UK we would ask that you remove the following pieces of information from your CV prior to uploading it and remember some other pieces of information:
Out:
Date of Birth
Gender
Ethnicity
Dates of Schooling
In:
Contact details
Address
Relevant experience
Academic results
Reason for applying – this is very important, it supports your application as to why you want our job
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