1 The Application Form Careers Adviser Abi Sharma

2 Why use them? Decrease numbers of applicants Compare candidates more effectively Focus on the specific skills they are looking for – ‘competencies’

3 The Format Personal Details Education History Employment History Targeted Skills Questions Personal Statement/open ended questions Other questions

4 Motivational questions Why would you like to apply for this organisation? Why would you like to do this role? - understanding of the role & how it matches your strengths - knowledge of the company & how they match your values/interests

5 Targeted Skills Questions Give an example of a time when you have taken responsibility for doing something without being told? What is the most difficult thing you have had to explain to someone? How did you do it? Describe a complex problem you have faced. What steps did you take to solve it? What did you learn from the experience?'

6 Tackling them … 1.What skill are they looking for? 2.What examples have I got to demonstrate it? Choose the best example. 3.Draft an answer

7 C – A - R C – ontext15% A – ction70% R – esult15%

8 Good example Describe an occasion when you successfully persuaded a group or individual to accept an unpopular course of action or to do something they were reluctant to do. What was the outcome? (100 words) Working in a café/bar during my second year, I suggested hosting gigs by local bands to increase slow trade on Wednesday evenings. Initially, the manager was concerned about the expense and the hassle. I devised a more detailed plan, proposing that we used amateur student bands who might be willing to perform for free. I also explained how I would use my contacts to publicise the events in the University. I suggested that we try it for six weeks and he agreed. After four weeks we were making enough money to start paying the band and still make a profit. (100 words)

9 Personal Statement / Open Question Research criteria Show evidence of each criteria they’ve asked for through an example Explain why you want to work in that role Explain why you want to work for that company Explain why you have applied for this job function and offer evidence of your suitability. (600 words)

10 Other questions What’s your biggest achievement? What other extra-curricular interests do you have? Interests and activities Strengths and weaknesses

11 My advice… Photocopy blank form to draft Follow instructions exactly Try to work out what you’re being asked and why Use your CV to extract relevant information Refer to the JD and/or Person Spec Proof-read your final copy Don’t attach a CV (unless it asks for one) Don’t leave gaps (dates)

12 Finally… Any questions?