Career Guidance
Application Guide
Here are some tips when you're preparing your application for your next job.
They'll help you make the most of your time by finding out exactly which methods potential employers use to recruit. For instance, criminal justice and public sector employers will only accept applications by application form. So you’ll save time by not needing to get a CV together if you’re targeting a job in this sector. However, a CV can be a very useful tool for changing jobs, even careers.
Commercial sector organisations, as a rule, request CVs. We provide advice with writing your CV to help you get to the interview stage.
Application forms
Completing an application form is a process which, like a CV, you need to take great care over.
Employers tend to prefer you to complete and submit your application online as it makes the process more cost-effective and immediate.
Whether you plan to apply online or on paper, you should first complete the questions in draft form. Make sure you spell check the draft, then leave it and come back later to check and edit when your mind is fresh.
Application forms, in the main, ask you to evidence you have the competencies, usually detailed in the ‘person specification’ section, for the particular job you’re applying for. This means the employer has broken the job down in to its separate tasks and questions give you the opportunity to evidence your competence and abilities to complete tasks, duties and responsibilities. When answering this style of question, make sure you use examples from across your employment history and work experiences.
You shouldn’t leave any question unanswered on the form and, if it’s your only paper version remember to take a photocopy.
