MORSE Society Writing winning applications

This session explores: How you market yourself effectively How to write a winning application The importance of tailoring your CV and Cover Letter for each new employer CV reviews (time permitting) Further support from Careers Centre

Marketing Yourself!

The need to stand out Last year a leading investment bank received 15,000 applications for 150 places A bank hiring 200 graduate trainees will interview around 1,600 people (8 per vacancy) High Flyers Research – ‘The larger banks predict they will attract applications for every graduate job’ Accountancy 10 applications per vacancy – similar ratio for Actuarial profession

Understanding the job Typical Information: Day to day duties Hours Typical clients Career Progression Required skills & competencies Professional study Industry trends Why your chosen division Resources: Company & Competitor Websites – job profiles Alumni Former interns Careers Fairs/Employer presentations Graduate Directories Sector specific Journals Vault Guides

What are employers looking for? Specific SkillsPersonal QualitiesLanguageWork Experience TechnicalCommercial Awareness Good EnglishPart-time Team-workingEnthusiasmWrittenFull-time InitiativeDrive / AmbitionVerbalInternships Problem SolvingGetting on with people Other Languages Volunteering AnalyticalCulturally aware Thirst for learning

Your Unique Selling Points (USPs) The combination of interests, skills, motivation and experience which makes you different from (and more attractive than) your competitors in the eyes of your market. Competitors: other graduates, other candidates internal and possibly external! Your market: potential managers and departments It summarises who you are, and what you want

What do I have to offer? WORKING: What kind of work have you done outside of the course? (e.g. part-time, volunteering, internships) LEARNING: What have you achieved on your Masters course? PLAYING & GIVING: What type of extra-curricular activities and interests do you have? (at Warwick and at previous university)

Examples of skills & Qualities ExperienceSkills & Qualities Demonstrated Working part-time whilst studying Time Management Ability to Prioritise Ability to cope under pressure President of Chinese Society Leadership Teamwork Ability to run a business (budgets, decision making, planning) Member of Banking & Finance Society Commercial awareness Commitment and interest in finance Research Project or Dissertation Research and analysis of data Ability to formulate opinions Interest in finance

Increase Your Employability Use your time at Warwick to: –Join student societies –Attend skills workshops/the Warwick Skills Certificate –Get involved in local voluntary work –Organise student events –Network with employers…………..

Tailoring Your Application

Employers Ask Themselves: Can you do the job? Are you focused and committed? Will you fit in? Do you have the potential to progress?

Making the right impression! Your application may be one of hundreds The clock is ticking …..30 second rule! Your CV or application must make you stand out Prime purpose is to secure you an interview

Application - Top Tips Take your time and tailor Think of a range of activities and experiences to use as examples Always be specific – explain the situation, your role and how you influenced the outcome. The key is to say what you did, not go into detail about the situation Always read your answers and check spelling before you submit Do not copy and paste answers

CV Dos Pay attention to overall presentation…first impressions count! Use punchy sentences and bullet points use reverse chronological order use bold text to highlight key points be consistent in presentation – use distinctive headings check for spelling and grammar use ‘action’ words include your interests and skills

CV Don’ts hand write your CV extend your CV beyond 2 sides of A4 detail your entire life history! use too many font types send a CV without a covering letter include explanations in your CV (e.g. why you achieved lower grades than expected.) – Save for the cover letter lie… you are very likely to be caught out!

The Covering Letter Introduces yourself and why you are writing Signposts key aspects of the CV Gives further evidence of your suitability Explains your interest in the job/occupation Is short and to the point (two thirds of a page)

Cover Letter No, No’s Unsubstantiated Statements “ I am a self motivated person with plenty of initiative.” Vague statements about the company “I would like to work for a reputable global company like xyz plc.” Grovelling and flowery statements “ I would be delighted if you would humbly accept my application and my desire to begin an illustrious career with abc co”

Why Many Applications Fail Failure to identify and demonstrate what employer is really looking for Underselling yourself Failing to provide the right evidence to support competency questions Not tailoring your CV to the role Silly mistakes!

Support from the Careers Centre Skills Workshops Mock Interviews Employer events – presentations & careers fairs Short guidance appointments Application Advisers Careers Hub: student feedback/drop-in 2:00-4:00 every day