Application Forms: Presenting Yourself Effectively on Paper

Career Development Centre

University of Ulster

Learning Outcomes Understand why employers use application forms as part of

their selection process

Know broadly the types of application forms commonly used

Recognise the importance of preparation and research in advance of completing application forms

Develop confidence in ability to demonstrate skills and suitability in writing

Be aware of common errors to be avoided

Types of Application Forms

Standard Application Form

Employer Application FormSee sample application form

Online Application Form

Why application forms?Employers use application forms to assess if a candidate:

Can do the job

Will do the job

Will fit in

Why an application form rather than a CV?Simon Reichwald, CEO, Graduate Successhttp://gradnav.ulster.ac.uk/units/unit-af018.shtml

Before getting started… Study the job description & specification – what is the employer

looking for? Do you meet the essential criteria? (UCAS points / experience etc)

What is the closing date? How much time do you have?

Reflect on your education / skills / experience. What examples will you use to demonstrate your suitability for the post?

Research the company & job role in full

Make a copy of the blank application to work on a draft

Completing Forms: The Basics Follow the instructions!

Can a CV be attached? Is black ink to be used? etc

Personal DetailsEnsure all details are completed in full (dialling code/postcode etc). Does your email address make an appropriate impression?!

Education

Work ExperienceImportance of language: Power wordshttp://gradnav.ulster.ac.uk/units/unit-cv042.shtml

Tackling Longer Questions Open ended questions regarding supporting information:

Add structure by linking directly to criteria outlined in job specification

Make reference to: Your interest in the position / company Relevant experience you have attained Skills / attributes and qualities you can bring

Comments from Kevin Thompson, Careers Adviser, Universityof Readinghttp://gradnav.ulster.ac.uk/units/unit-af023.shtml

Situation - describe the situation Task - what were you asked to do? Action - what steps did you take to complete the task? Result - what was the outcome?

Example of the technique in practicehttp://gradnav.ulster.ac.uk/units/unit-af035.shtml

STAR Technique

Disclosing Personal Information

Equal Opportunities Monitoring FormGender

ReligionDisabilityCriminal Convictions

Why do employers ask for this information and how should it be approached?

Providing references

Errors to Avoid Spelling / Grammar mistakes - ensure you proof read / spell check

Avoiding the question – be careful to answer question asked

Underselling yourself – make the most of your studies / work experience

Being too generic – employers will want to see you have made an effort to tailor your application to the company / job role

Common errors: Louisa Porter, Graduate Resourcing Manager, Corus Group http://gradnav.ulster.ac.uk/units/unit-af025.shtml

Action to be taken:

Review ‘Top Tips’ (Destinations Hand Out) http://gradnav.ulster.ac.uk/units/unit-af025.shtml

Practice online application formwww.selectsimulator.com

Advice and information available from Career Development CentreRoom 2F01http://careers.ulster.ac.uk