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.

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.

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.

Curriculum Vitae (CV)

What is a CV?

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

A CV should be sent out with a covering letter (wherever asked for - see Letters).

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 are not writing to a named person, 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)

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

Include the title of the job vacancy, details of where you saw it advertised

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.

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.

Telephone Calls

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

• Before you even pick up the phone - make sure you have all of the information you need with you, 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, in case you have to write anything
• Have a list of your qualifications and/or your CV to hand
• Speak clearly and keep to the point
• Before you hang up, make sure you're clear on what 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 get through to an answer phone, make sure to leave a clear message including your name, contact details and details of the vacancy you're interested in.