Employers tell us that many applications are rejected due to avoidable mistakes: eg incorrect spelling or grammar, wrong company name, questions not fully answered. Read this section to make sure that your application is viewed favourably.
Top tips for a successful application
- Do your research! Find out about the organisation and the role you are applying for (perhaps from their website and the job description) and be clear in your own mind about why you want this particular job
- Conduct a skills audit so that you are clear on your own experiences and knowledge
- Allow yourself enough time to complete your application and to error check
- Structure your answers clearly, use the STAR method illustrated below
- Use key words from the job description/person specification as some employers use software to scan for these
- If you have questions regarding your application, use the FAQs section or contact the company for clarification
- Proofread your application thoroughly. Ask someone else to check spelling, punctuation and grammar if you can
For further resources including books and e-books, as well as free publications available to you, see our Careers Resources and e-books pages. Additional information is also available in our How to write a Personal Statement and Top Tips for Effective Applications documents.
Additionally, we have created an online version of our Discover...Applications workshop below which will help you to understand the purpose of an application form as well as highlighting common questions which may be asked.
Video support (10 minutes approx.)
Our Discover...Applications workshop below will help you understand the purpose of an application form and highlight any common questions.
View it here