Applying for a Job

When applying for jobs, always make copies of application forms, your CV or a letter - so that you know what you said if you get called to an interview.

Always get someone to check your application, CV or letter for you - your Personal Adviser can do this.

Application Forms

Before you start:

Read the instructions! You may be asked to write in CAPITALS and even in a certain colour of ink

Photocopy the blank form before you start and do a practice run. Ask someone to check it for you before you do it for real, making sure the spelling and grammar are correct.

Watch out for testing questions. Some forms may ask questions to find out much more about your personality and what makes you tick (these sorts of questins are called psychometric questions and can be asked as part of an entrance test, an interview, or an application form.) An example of this type of question may be "Give an example of when you have worked under pressure - what was the situation and what did you do?"

You need to think about these questions very carefully as they can reveal a lot about you, how you work and deal with situations, as well as your attitude to work, ability to work on your own, or in a team etc. Try and come up with solid examples such as how you dealt with a series of projects and/or course work deadlines. Did you prioritise them? Did you panic? Did you meet the deadlines? Did you ask for help?

Filling in the application form:

• Write neatly and clearly and keep the form tidy
• Do not use any abbreviations - write words out in full
• Don't leave any sections blank - if a question isn't relevant to you, write N/A (this means not applicable)
• Read the job specification and match your skills/abilities to those that the employer is looking for
• Make sure to give your full address, postcode and telephone number. Include your mobile number if you have one.
• Under 'Education',don't list your primary school - just put your only secondary school(s) and colleges or universities.
• Under 'Qualifications', you should put any exams you have taken or are due to take, and the grade you were awarded or grades you expect to gain. (Be honest - you may be asked to provide evidence.)
• Under 'Employment' put down any jobs you have done, including any part-time and voluntary work

Before you send the form back:

Take a photocopy! This will come in handy if you get invited to an interview as you can refer back to your answers.

Online Application Forms

Many employers now ask that you fill out an application form online. If you need to do this, make sure you are prepared by having your CV to hand. Follow the instructions very carefully and be aware that you might get ‘timed out’ of your session.

Follow the instructions very carefully. Remember too that, even though you are filling out a form online, you still need to follow the same rules as when you're applying on a paper application - see the tips on this page.

Before you submit the form take a copy! You may be able to save the form to your computer or print off a hard copy for checking and to look at if you are offered an interview. Don't click on the submit/send button until you are 100% happy with your online application.

Curriculum Vitae (CV)

What is a CV?

A CV is a way of advertising yourself so that employers will want to meet you.

Remember, you can send your CV out to companies who aren't advertising jobs - they may put your details on file and then call you when a suitable job does become available - but always include a covering letter - see covering letters on this page.

What should a CV include?

CVs include:

• Name, address and telephone number (you can also include a mobile number and e-mail address)
• Skills and work experience
• Education and qualifications
• Information concerning particular skills, e.g. a full driving licence or first-aid qualification
• Hobbies and interests

If you haven't done much paid work, highlight any relevant skills you've gained through work experience, voluntary placements or your own interests. See Volunteering and Personal Development for more info.

If you are responding to a job advert, make sure you show how you meet the things they want, and highlight any relevant skills and experience in the CV or the covering letter you send with it.

How should a CV look?

Your CV should always be typed (this way you can also keep a copy and adjust/update it as necessary)

• Keep it short - no more than 2 sides of A4 paper
• Keep it neat and tidy, with good spelling and grammar
• Stick to a simple font style, i.e. Arial. Font size 11 is a good size to use
• Bullet points are a good way of presenting information

Connexions can provide help on writing CVs. Call in at your local centre.

Remember, CVs can be sent out speculatively to a company even if they aren't advertising jobs.

Click here to download an Example CV in word format

Letters

If you are writing to a named person, then finish the letter with 'Yours sincerely'.

If you do not know the name of the person you are writing to, start the letter with 'Dear Sir/Madam' and end with 'Yours faithfully'.

Always include your full address and do get the spelling and grammar in your letter checked. (your Personal Adviser can help you with this)

Print your name underneath your signature

Covering letter

This is the letter to send out with your CV. Keep it short and simple, remembering that most of the important info is already in your CV

Remember that most of the important information is already in your CV.

Requesting Information Letter

If a job advert asks you to write for more information or an application form, remember to mention the title of the job you're writing about (include the reference number on the advert if there is one) and where you saw the vacancy advertised.

Also, check the advert to see who you should write to for information. Make sure to include this person's name at the beginning of your letter and on the envelope.

Speculative Letter

Not all vacancies are advertised. You can try writing to a company or organisation that you are interested in working for. If there is no vacancy, they may keep speculative letters on file and contact you when one comes up.

Try to get hold of the name of the relevant person to contact, so that you can send out a personally addressed letter, You can telephone the company to find this out. Otherwise address the letter to the Human Resources Manager.

Keep the letter clear and simple, including details of the type of job you're interested in. Also, remember to send a copy of your CV with the letter.

Enclose a stamped self-addressed envelope.

Telephone Calls

If a job advert asks you to call the employer for more information:

• Before you even pick up the phone to an employer, think very carefully about the sort of questions you may be asked. Sometimes employers use telephone calls as a way of screening out some applications - so be prepared! For example they may ask you about your qualifications, or what qualities you will bring to the job.
• Make sure you have all of the information you need with you before you make the call i.e. details of the job you're calling about, the name of the person or department you want to speak to.
• Try to ring from somewhere private and keep a pen and paper ready.
• If you're using a mobile make sure you have a good signal and that you've got plenty of credit on your phone.
• Have a list of your qualifications and/or your CV to hand.
• Speak clearly and keep to the point.
• Before you finish the call, make sure you know what you've got to do next, i.e. if you've been invited to interview, check you have the date, time and location noted down.
• Thank the person you spoke to for their help.
• If you are put through to an answering machine voicemail, make sure you leave a clear message including your name, contact details and details of the vacancy you're interested in.