Application Forms Master Class

Careers Servicewww.careers.qmul.ac.uk

1

Application FormsMaster Class

Katie Dallison

Careers Adviser


2

Why do companies use them?

• Enable consistent and transparent selection standards

• Focus on information that is relevant to the employer

• Help you figure out if you’re a fit for the job


3

Important basic rules

ALWAYS:– Read everything carefully and answer the

question– Do a draft version– Stick to the word count– Take a copy

NEVER:– Lie– Substitute a CV for parts of the form


4

General Layout

• Personal Details• Education – including results• Work Experience• Skills – linked to key selection criteria• Activities and Interests• Health and Criminal Convictions• References• Diversity form


5


6


7

The skills part…

• Criterion-based questions– Relate competency to the job– Brainstorm examples and choose the best– Write a draft

• Supporting/personal statements– What you have to offer? What does the employer

want to hear?– Why you want it?– Have you done the research?


8

Figure out what the employer wants to hear

Be the employer:1. Why does this person want to

work in this job? 2. Do they match the key criteria I

have set for this job?3. What makes this person unique?4. Why do they want to work for

me?


9

NHS Management Scheme

Impact and Influence: Describe an occasion when you successfully persuaded a group or individual to accept an unpopular course of action or to do something they were reluctant to do. What was the outcome?

100 words


10

First attempt

During the second year of my course I worked part time in a café/bar near to the University. On various occasions I had to use my skills of persuasion to influence the owner of the bar to accept innovative ideas I had about new ways of brining in customers on quiet Wednesday evenings. Often he was reluctant to try out my ideas, such as hosting gigs by student bands. I had to present my arguments clearly and with impact in order to get him to agree to my plans for a trial period.

93 words


11

Structure your answers

Situation

Task

Action

Result


12

Second attempt

During the second year of my course I worked part time in a café/bar near to the University. I noticed that Wednesday nights were always a bit quiet. I knew a student band who were looking for a venue to perform in and thought that, if we let them do a session it might bring in some more student trade on that night. When I first mentioned the idea to the owner of the bar, he was reluctant, but after I explained the idea in more detail, he agreed to a trial period. The Wednesday evening gigs became very successful.

100 words


13

Second attempt

During the second year of my course I worked part time in a café/bar near to the University.

When I first mentioned the idea to the owner of the bar, he was reluctant, but after I explained the idea in more detail, he agreed to a trial period.

The Wednesday evening gigs were very successful.

I noticed that Wednesday nights were always a bit quiet. I knew a student band who were looking for a venue to perform in and thought that, if we let them do a session it might bring in some more student trade on that night.


14

Structure your answers

Situation

Task

Actions Why, Where, What

Result

Situation7%

Action71%

Result15% Task

7%


15

Third attempt

Working in a café/bar during my second year, I suggested hosting gigs by local bands to increase slow trade on Wednesday evenings. Initially, the manager was concerned about the expense and the hassle. I devised a more detailed plan, proposing that we used amateur student bands who might be willing to perform for free. I also explained how I would use my contacts to publicise the events in the University. I suggested that we try it for six weeks and he agreed. After four weeks we were making enough money to start paying the band and still make a profit.

100 words


16


17

The Personal Statement

Unless covered elsewhere in the application you should answer:

1. Why this job?

2. Why this organisation?

3. How you fit the person/job description


18

Motivation questions

Why do you want this job?Why this company?

• Talk about the past – initial interest, research, reality testing

• Be specific – stories, examples• Don’t parrot back website information• Talk about the future – your plans and

goals


19

Negative questions

What is your biggest weakness? Outline a time when you failed• Explain situation truthfully• Don’t make excuses/whine• What have you learnt from the

experience• Finish positively – no experience is bad


20

Top Tips

• Talk about I – make it specific to you

• Simple Language

• Don’t clutter your answers – less is sometimes more

• Tell the employer what they want to hear

• Focus on the action – what you did

• Spell check!


21

Further support

www.careers.qmul.ac.uk – Online and books in the Careers Service– How to complete an application form– We can check applications for you

www.careers.lon.ac.uk/sortit– Implementing and Self Marketing

www.prospects.ac.uk – Jobs & Work → Applications & Interviews


22

How we can help

Mock Interviews

CV Clinics

Job boards and folders

Advice

Open Monday – Friday

10.30 – 5pm (4pm on Friday)

Drop in sessions

Monday - Thursday

10.30 – 12.30 and 2 – 4.30

Documents

Application Forms Master Class