Job Application Skills

• Many employers use both paper based & online application forms rather than CVs so that they can ask questions and get information specific to their own needs and the job requirements

• When applying for a job you are competing against a lot of other people

• It is important that your application makes an impression and stands out from the others

• A properly presented and prepared cover letter and correctly filled in application form will help you

Letters and Job Application Forms

Application forms are designed to: • Gather key academic and personal information• Elicit evidence of the competencies/skills required for the job• Reveal attitudes or insights into current issues• Deter those who do not meet the criteria by making the process challenging

Letters and Job Application Forms

Job Application Paper or Online?

• If you are applying for a job with an Employer which recruits a large number of candidates in one recruitment cycle, you will usually be offered the option to apply Electronically. For some employers this is the only method they will allow you to use.

• Some employers still use paper forms, particularly in the not for profit or public sectors.

• Whether you are applying online or on paper, the same principles apply to completing any application form.

Preparation

Before starting on the application form find out what the employer really wants. You can discover the exact requirements by: • Analysing the job advert• Researching the organisation via their website/employer brochure• Meeting the employer at fairs and other careers events• Talking to careers advisers, tutors, alumni etc

Your task is to match your experience and achievements to the selection criteria. This sounds so simple, and with practice it does

become easier, but your first few applications may take a lot of redrafting to reach the standards required.

A Skills Audit will help you to harness all of your relevant experiences

and identify your competencies.

What have you done and what skills have you gained through these activities? Remember to consider all areas of your life - jobs,

interests, study, voluntary work etc.

How to prove you have what employers really want

Top tips for all applications:• Read the whole form before attempting to complete it• Take a copy and draft your answers on the copy so you can be sure your

answers fit into the space provided and draft your responses first• Give examples for all aspects of your life e.g. education, work, voluntary

activity, interests and hobbies• Make sure you answer all parts of the question• Don’t leave gaps in your life. Explain what happened honestly and positively.• Tell the truth - Remember recent, relevant and robust – your answers must

stand up to scrutiny.• Check for grammar and spelling mistakes (make sure your spell checker uses

English UK language)• Get your form checked by a friend or someone who knows about job

applications• Ask your referees’ permission before you use them• Keep a copy of your final version for interview preparation

Completing the Application Form

• Applying online may seem an easier way of making a job application as you fill in boxes, click and send

• Online applications actually need the same amount of care and preparation as a paper form

• The temptation is to apply for lots of jobs online because it’s easier – but you should only apply for jobs in which you are genuinely interested and for which you have the necessary qualifications and experience.

On-Line Applications

• Use a word-processing package to draft your application• Spelling and grammar are very important• Make sure you answer all the questions and complete all the

appropriate sections putting “Not Applicable” if necessary• Cut and paste wherever possible but be careful• Make sure you put the correct name of the employer• Save as you go to avoid losing hours of work• Print and think – Don’t press send until you’ve had it thoroughly

checked

On-Line ApplicationsHints and Tips

• Remember Username/Password• Time Out• Make sure you use accurate data the first time as you might not be

able to make changes later • Copy & Paste (but be careful) • Remember you have one chance, once it is submitted that’s it. • Keep a back up of what you wrote in a word file on your computer

On-Line Applications

What are Application forms designed to do?

• To provide all candidates with an equal opportunity to demonstrate their suitability for a position

• To gather key academic and personal information

• Elicit evidence of the competencies/skills required for the job

• Gather evidence on an applicants experience

• Reveal attitudes or insights into current issues

• Deter those who do not meet the criteria by making the process challenging

Collect 4 different job applications, at least one of which is on-line, and describe the

different types of information they ask for.

Task 1

Standard Questions On a Job Application Form

• Personal & Education Details• Employment History• Gap Years• Health Issues• Activities & Interests• Competency based or Skills Questions• Reason for Applying• Referees

Application Forms Checklist/Review

Before sending your form, ensure you've done the following:

• Read the job advertisement in-depth and made sure that you're clear about what skills are needed

• Researched both the job and the company• Photocopied the form so that you can practise filling it in• Followed any guidelines given on the form• Confirmed who your referees are• Filled in every section - even if it means putting 'not applicable‘• Checked and double-checked for spelling mistakes and errors• Clearly communicated your skills, qualities and experience• Made yourself sound positive and enthusiastic• Been honest - can you back up your claims in an interview?• Taken a copy of the form to refer to before an interview• Return the form before the closing date

Assessing Individual Prospects Against Potential Opportunities

It’s always good practice to assess whether or not you can meet the requirements of a job vacancy, by assessing your skills and experience against

the job specification .

In doing this you can also consider what further study or learning is required.

• Look at the vacancy or training opportunity in detail• Make a list of the essential requirements • Make a list of the desirable’s• Make a list of the skills required• Make a note of the training or further learning offered or required• Make a note of the knowledge , skills and attitude required

Area Essential Desirable My skills

Knowledge

Skills

Attitude

Qualifications

Experience

Sample Assessment Grid

For More Information

For more information about how we can help you apply for jobs, improve your

employability and secure interviews please:

Call: 0121 707 0550E-mail: info@pathwaygroup.co.uk