Applications

Application forms enable you to show employers what you have done and to indicate your potential for the future. But how can you get maximum value from these forms?

Firstly, you should think through what you have to offer; your skills, experience, achievements, personal characteristics and interests.Employers select students and graduates based on what they will be able to contribute to the organisation, initially, and over the longer term.
Secondly, you need to understand what the employer is looking for. This then enables you to match your abilities to what the organisation requires for a specific role.

Keep in mind the following

Try to think of the reason for the question before you construct your answer.
Think of the best examples you can use to reinforce your answers and where possible use different examples for each question.
Make sure that your answers clearly show what you did. Interviewers will often ask questions about the answers on an application form, so remember to keep a copy and reread it before going to an interview.

Many applications are competency based

Use the STAR framework to structure your answer.
Put the emphasis on what you did (rather than "we") and the outcome.
Prepare several strong examples for each competency. You will need different examples for the application form and the interviews you may be required to attend.

Lunctime Workshops

Lunchtime workshops exploring how to complete application forms take place throughout the year. Careers Consultants and Applications Advisers can also provide one-to-one feedback on your application forms but it is better to attend a workshop first.