1. Apply Yourself: Top Tips for Online Applications Presentation by: Apply Yourself Student Peer Presenter

2. This Session: What are Application Forms? Researching the role Identifying your skills Analysing the questions

3. What are application forms? Education and Work Experience breakdown Can include specific questions set by the employer or space for personal Statement May ask for a CV or Cover Letter as part of process and can be preceded or followed by online tests.

4. Researching the role Photo credit: milos milosevic via Visualhunt / CC BYmilos milosevicVisualhuntCC BY Photo credit: Lotus Carroll via Visual Hunt / CC BY-NC-SALotus CarrollVisual HuntCC BY-NC-SA Photo via Visual huntVisual hunt What does the role entail? What skills, behaviours or strengths will you need? What is important to the organisation?

5. Researching the Role Family, Friends, Careers Social Media Credible Sources …and specialist publications

6. Identifying your Skills Identify the skills/qualities and experiences they are looking for Gather your examples and choose which ones you think best match your employer Create a ‘Skills Audit’ you can use across your application forms

7. Creating a Skills Audit Application Form Education Background Personal Interests Paid or Unpaid Work Ex Activities/ Societies What is the example? Retail Assistant Starbucks How will this help? Work under pressure & good customer care

8. Analysing the Questions Motivation Questions Encourage candidates to showcase interest and research Why have you applied for this role? Competency Questions Call for examples from past in support of key skills Describe a time when you have shown initiative. Personal Statement Questions Look for evidence that you can sell your skills and write clearly Tell us what we should know to further your application.

9. Career Motivation This type of question is designed to test candidates awareness of the role they are applying for and the depth of research undertaken. It is important to address the key words in the question and have 1 or 2 points in your answer that link to your interest in these areas. Remember that this is about you! Don’t just copy and paste from the website try to tailor each point to match your values or interests. Why are interested in pursuing a career in law? (250 words) Allen & Overy LLP internationalcommercial you

10. Competency Questions Tell me about a time you had to take charge? L′oréal Can you provide an example you have provided excellent customer service? What was the situation? What did you do and what was the outcome? TK Maxx Tell us about a time when you successfully communicated with and influenced others? NHS

11. The S.T.A.R Technique ituation ask ctions esults Note: The STAR technique works best when answering competency based questions. Briefly set the situation/setting for the example you are discussing. What was the task/problem/challenge where you showcased the skill? What actions did you take? What were you responsible for? & Why? What was the outcome? Did you get feedback?

12. S.T.A.R in Practice Describe a situation when you worked as part of a team to achieve a shared goal. What was the aim of the team and how did you contribute? I have been in numerous teams, and working with other people is one of my strengths. I really enjoy interacting with others. Last year I organised a ‘tour de Cornwall’ with some friends in order to raise money for a local hospice which my grandmother had recently stayed in. We cycled the complete coastal route in 4 days, despite appalling weather and other obstacles. We collected over £700 which was a great achievement. To raise money for a local hospice, I persuaded some friends to join me in a sponsored cycle around Cornwall. Our target was £500. As well as planning the route, I took responsibility for securing business sponsorship. I achieved this by writing to and telephoning local companies, approaching employer associations and negotiating publicity with the local radio station. The final sum raised was £750, and our achievement was profiled in the local press.

13. Personal Statement Qus Please detail below what you feel we should consider in order to progress your application further (this should be based around your and ). (500 words) DLA Piper Design a clear structure to ensure you cover the key questions and still have some word limit left over to talk about why you are a good fit for the role. Try to think in the planning stage of some short examples from your experiences that show you doing well in environments that are similar to the role applied for. Think about if it is relevant to look ahead to a longer term goals. reasons for becoming a lawyer why you want to join DLA Piper

14. Quick Fire Tips Use positive action driven language to help yourself stand out Triple check instructions before you start – do you need to upload a CV? Are there word limits? Check spelling, grammar thoroughly – don’t just rely on spell check! DO

15. Careers Network Resources

16. Apply Yourself: Approaching Application Forms Presentation by: Apply Yourself Student Peer Presenter