Job Applications LM10598 Designed by Learning Materials

Job Applications Aim: To equip students with a background knowledge in how to prepare and complete job applications (electronically and on paper) and to develop their skills in writing personal statements reflecting relevant skills, strengths and experiences in a positive and professional manner. Objectives: By the end of the session, students will be able to: Understand how and why application forms are used in the selection process. Know how to prepare for completing an application. Know what is required by employers in terms of quality of information and evidence supplied on the application form. Feel more confident about preparing and writing personal statements and evidence to support their application.

Why Do Employers Use Application Forms? As a way of regulating the information given by candidates that it better matches the needs of the company/role. As a way of proving they have upheld Equality and Diversity, all candidates are asked for the same information. As way of filtering out the candidates not especially suitable or interested in the role (the more complex the form, it will put people off).

Pros and Cons for Applicants Pros: You know all candidates will have been asked the same thing. It makes you think about how you match the person specification and job specification and is therefore good preparation for interview. Cons: Time consuming. Sometimes forms are set up to suit people from certain backgrounds more than others (e.g. References – ‘Name of your current or most recent employer’ – you may not be able to provide this). You are often restricted on word count. You can only tell them what they have asked for, sometimes you don’t have any boxes in which to write additional information.

Preparing Your Application For both on line and paper based forms, you should prepare in a very similar way: Make sure you have somewhere quiet to work and have plenty of time. Make sure you have the job advert or the job specification/person specification to hand to refer to. Make sure you have read the ‘instructions to candidates’ carefully. Have your CV and certificates to hand for quick easy reference. Read all the way through the form first (if you can, some electronic forms won’t allow you to progress without completing the first page), check you know which boxes refer to what information. If it is a paper based form, make two blank copies so you can practice. Check if you have a word count for any boxes in particular. For large ‘text’ boxes where you are writing lots if information, plan what you want to write first on paper or in a word document. Save your work regularly (some electronic systems auto-time you out after so long).

Hints and Tips Follow the instructions, use black ink and block capitals if it tells you to (paper based). Do not leave anything blank (avoid using N/A unless you can help it – instead, address any potential knowledge or skill gaps in a positive way e.g. ‘I am currently learning to drive and hope to take my test in September’). Get someone to proof read your work, even a small typo could result in your application being rejected. If being sent electronically, put a ‘read receipt’ on it. If being sent by post, send it recorded/special delivery if time frames are tight. Do not fold your applications into envelopes that are too small, buy an appropriate size so it stays flat. Send a covering letter with it, if appropriate.

Personal Statements Usually, personal statements are to be prepared in line with the ‘person specification’ but check what the ‘instructions to candidates’ says. Reflect the requirements of the statement back in your introduction: ‘Please find below a summary of my skills and experiences relevant to the role of ‘Sports Development Officer’. Follow the order of the ‘Person Spec’ and address each piece of essential and desirable criteria; giving a brief example. You can use bullet points and headings if needed to separate paragraphs. In your examples, tell your employer what you did, how you did it and what the end result was so that you are giving supporting evidence. Avoid starting each paragraph with ‘I’, this can be repetitive and makes the tone of the statement ‘boastful’ rather than factual. Check you are within the word count if there is one. Address any skills / knowledge gaps positively as before.