Careers Service 1 Application Forms Master Class Katie Dallison Careers Adviser

Careers Servicewww.careers.qmul.ac.uk

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Application FormsMaster Class

Katie Dallison

Careers Adviser


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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


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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


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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


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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?


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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?


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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


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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


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Structure your answers

Situation

Task

Action

Result


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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


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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.


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Structure your answers

Situation

Task

Actions Why, Where, What

Result

Situation7%

Action71%

Result15% Task

7%


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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


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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


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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


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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


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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!


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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


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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

Careers Service 1 Application Forms Master Class Katie Dallison Careers Adviser