This document provides guidance on completing successful job applications. It discusses: - Why employers use application forms and what they are looking for in applicants, which is often employability skills rather than just academic or technical knowledge. - Tips for completing applications, including researching the employer and role, providing complete and relevant information for all sections, and structuring responses using the CAR (Context, Action, Result) method. - How to answer competency and motivation questions effectively by directly addressing what the employer is asking, using concrete examples, and showing research into the organization. - Common mistakes like poor spelling/grammar, not answering the question fully, or underselling accomplishments. - Additional resources for help

1. Successful applications, an interactive sessionVictoria HowardInformation & Advice Specialist

2. What do you want to get out of the session?

3. ObjectivesBy the end of this session you should: Understand who uses application forms & why they use themUnderstand what employers are looking forBe able to structure responsesUnderstand why applications sometimes fail

4. Why application forms?Graduate recruiters:

5. Why are we here? “64% of recruiters said recent graduates employability skills were more important to them than the specific occupational, technical or academic knowledge associated with the graduates degree.”

6. Prepare!TimeMake a photocopy Read the instructionsResearchThe job (job spec, description) The employer

7. Mandatory info & personal detailsGive contact numbers and email addresses that you check regularlyFollow the instructions and answer all the questionsDo not leave boxes blankIf not applicable, write N/A

8. Qualifications Work in reverse chronological order unless told otherwiseIf little space, summarise informationIf studied outside of the UK, state what the qualification is equivalent to (see NARIC)Could refer to a separate sheet if necessary

9. Work history Work in chronological order unless statedIf you didn’t have an official job title, think of one that fully describes your positionKeep duties & responsibilities relevant to the skills/qualities that the employer is looking forExplain gaps in history positively

10. Structuring your answers - CARContextAction Result

11. Motivation questions‘What appeals to you about working for…’ or ‘Outline your reasons for applying …’Show you have done your researchInclude facts about the employer, parts of the training that appeal to you or what you could bring to their organisationAvoid being too general

12. Motivation Questions Read the question and responses in handout 1.1 In groups, discuss what you think of the responseTry using the marking system to score the answer

13. Marking system Now see handout 1.2 for comments on the responses and possible marks. Do you agree?

14. Competency based questions‘Describe a time you have had to take the role of leader…’Consider the question; what is the employer trying to find out?Answer the actual question!Use various examples for different questionsRefer to a range of different scenarios http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dxvE_bNjkrM&feature=related

15. Competency based questionsRead the question and responses in handout 2.1Again, small groups, discuss what you think of the responsesNow see 2.2 for comments on the responses and possible marks. Do you agree?

16. Action wordsAssessed Analysed Created Coordinated Delegated ResearchedDeveloped EncouragedEvaluated Implemented Initiated OrganisedManaged Motivated Produced Supervised

17. Have a go! “Describe a time when you worked successfully as partof a team” (300 words)Swap responses with someone and give them some feedbackYou can always bring answer into Student Development for feedback

18. Common mistakes Spelling and grammarNot answering the questionsNot giving examplesUnderselling yourselfMotivation

19. Final tips

20. Further help?Bookable 1-1 appointments, email & telephone guidance0116 252 2004sdzhelpdesk@le.ac.ukStudent Development, University of Leicesteruolsd