Application forms: the basics

Employers like to use application forms because:

1. They are in control
2. They can ask complicated questions
3. Application forms are more systematic and objective than a CV

Employers want to find out from applications forms:

1. What have you done?
   • Academics
   • Work
   • Leisure
   • Voluntary
2. How have you doen it?
   • Skills
   • At what level?

Preparation

Before you start filling in your application form:

• List everything you have done
• Decide what skills you gained from these experiences
• Delete any that might be tricky if probed further
• List what the employer is looking for
• Create a match

Types of questions

• Biographical questions, e.g. what grades you got at 'A' level
• Tricky questions, e.g. what is your favourite animal and why
• Why us? questions - be precise
• Anything else to add? questions - be careful!
• Competency questions, e.g. give an example of a team you have been in
• What was your role? How did the team work together? What was the outcome?

Competency-based questions

Common mistakes made when answering competency-based questions:

• Going over the word count
• Not answering all the parts of the question
• Messy structure
• Drawing all your examples from one event
• Getting the emphasis wrong

Emphasis should be on explaining:

• Situation - 10%
• Task - 10%
• Action - 70%
• Result - 10%

Personal statements

• Answer all the sections
• Structure it clearly
• Analyse your experience rather than just list it
• Match yourself to their requirements

Online application forms

• Essentially the same as paper-based application forms
• Read all the instructions
• Print off a blank form
• Word process your answers
• Paste answers on to application form
• Keep a printed copy
• Know when to stop!

Common reasons for rejection

• Don't meet minimum criteria
• Irrelevant information
• Not concise
• Instructions not followed
• Grammar and spelling mistakes
• Messy appearance
• All talk and no substance!