Many competitive grad schemes and jobs require you to fill in an application form, and these can be challenging and time-consuming to complete. That’s why we’re bringing you our best advice for submitting a successful application form! Here are our 7 top tips
#1 Stay ahead
Allow yourself plenty of time before the deadline, as thoroughly completing application forms can be more time-consuming than you expect. You may want to listen to our podcast on successful application forms to get informed early on.
#2 Do your research
It may seem obvious, but ensuring you thoroughly research the employer you are submitting an application to is vital! Get clued-up on what the job entails, what distinguishes the company from their competitors, and what you would bring to the role before you begin writing your application. You can read more about best research practice on our website.
#3 Have facts at your fingertips
Save time by keeping a reference document to hand which contains your basic information such as dates of employment/education, job titles, referees and grades. This will help speed up your application process and ensure that everything you submit is factually accurate. You can read about some of the key information most application forms require here.
#4 Provide evidence
When you talk about a specific project you’ve worked on or the difference you’ve made during work experience, a project, or in a team environment, be sure to back this up with a statistic or example of the impact you made. If you’re stating that you are especially interested in the sector in which the company sits, evidence this in an example of some complimentary experience you’ve actively sought, or any research you’ve done which aligns with the organisation or sector you’re looking to get into. And don’t be afraid to tell a story: see page 61 of the CVs & Applications Book to learn about the STAR technique and how to tell stories in your application.
the Careers Service offers interview practice sessions year-round, as well as Quick Query appointments with our career advisers
#5 Double-check your content!
Keep strictly to word limits and check every box for any spelling and grammatical mistakes before you submit the form. Make sure you send the right form to the employer: Employer A is not going to be impressed to receive your application for Employer B! If the application form is in document format rather than on the employer’s website, give the file title your name and the name of the organisation to avoid mixing your files up. Draft and then re-draft your content to ensure it is easily scannable – often your application form will be scanned and not read in full.
#6 Keep a copy
Copy and paste your written application before you submit the form if it’s typed directly onto the employer’s website. You will want to review your submission before attending an interview.
#7 Bookmark this page
For all our advice on successful application forms, this ^ is the best page to bookmark.
Best of luck, and don’t forget that the Careers Service offers interview practice sessions year-round, as well as Quick Query appointments with our career advisers