Expert Tips for Successful Job Applications

Making Successful Applications

Exercise Steps to making an application In groups, spend two minutes thinking about what you should do before making a job application

What makes a good CV / Application Form? Tailor it; Research which skills your employer is looking for. Use examples that show off these skills Keep it concise, specific and relevant: be specific about the roles you have done. Employers won t want to know about your 5m swimming badge aged 6 . Keep it relevant! Format: make it look simple and stylish by using a template widely available. List sections in reverse chronological order (most recent first). Check your spelling and grammar and / or ask someone to check if for you 3

Your application Initial application: Personal details Educational history Additional information (hobbies, sports, awards) Employment (part-time, Saturday jobs, unpaid) Referees

But I dont have anything to put on my application You d be surprised by how many valuable skills you have that are very attractive to employers, even if you don t have work experience Don t worry if you don t have any relevant work experience: if employers were looking to hire someone with lots of experience, they wouldn t be looking for an Apprentice You need to make the most of what you ve got: think about your activities and hobbies in school and outside. There are loads of ways of developing employability skills outside a work environment 5

Activity 3: What do I put on my application? Brainstorm the skills that these activities have allowed you to develop Brainstorm activities and experiences you could put on your CV 6

Application forms: The long answer questions Purpose is to see how your experience and skill-set lend themselves to the job Prepare a S T A R example... Situation set the scene Task what were you required to do? Action how did you go about this? What did you do, what skills did you show? Result what was the outcome? Emphasise how your actions resulted in a positive outcome 7

Activity 4: Explain how you have exhibited leadership Situation set the scene Task what were you required to do? Action how did you go about this? What did you do, what skills did you show? Result what was the outcome? Emphasise how your actions resulted in a positive outcome. Example: I have shown team working skill when I lead a group of 6 people on our 48 hour orienteering task, as part of the Duke of Edinburgh Award. When we became lost, I needed to select a new course of action for the team to take. After listening to all suggestions, I practically weighed up each option , discussed them with the group and we got back to the starting point safely. 8

Activity 5: Describe a time when you have explained something complicated to a group or individual Have a go at drafting an answer to this question taken from an application form. Remember to STAR your answer: Situation set the scene Task what were you required to do? Action how did you go about this? What did you do, what skills did you show? Result what was the outcome? Emphasise how your actions resulted in a positive outcome 9

Summary Preparation Self assessment Research Read the questions Take your time Good luck!