Материалы по написанию CV / Making_Applications_2005

Frequently, employers prefer graduates to apply using their own application form. Many forms are now online, although some employers also use a standard template, known as a standard application form, which is available from careers services and www.prospects.ac.uk/links/SAF. The principles for marketing your skills and experiences effectively for CVs and covering letters also apply to application forms. The good news is it can be easier to determine the qualities sought by the employer from their questions. The bad news – it’s not always easy to capture the breadth of your experiences in this set template. That is where an applicant’s prioritising and concise, effective communication can be put to the test.

When completing forms, a tried and tested strategy is to plan ahead. It is vital to understand fully what each question is looking for, how to provide a spread of evidence from across your work, life and study in your answers, and note all the word restrictions and instructions. The temptation to cut and paste answers from previous forms can sometimes backfire if, for example, the question is slightly different or your career focus is no longer relevant. Employers often notice and are rarely impressed.

Do not be tempted to cut corners and send a CV as a substitute for some questions, unless the form explicitly states this as an option. The organisation is looking for you to interpret your experiences to meet the needs of the question yourself and should be able to compare applicants’ responses fairly. A covering letter is not usually required with an application form. However, if the form does not allow you to include information about why you are attracted to this career or organisation, or you need to explain any personal circumstances, then a letter may be an advantage. Take your lead from what the employer has stated is, or is not, possible.

Education - some forms are short on space for listing all your qualifications or modules. It may be

possible to summarise key results or modules and refer to a fuller listing on a separate sheet, in the additional information box or as available upon request. If in doubt, contact the employer to confirm. Similarly, if your qualifications do not translate into UCAS points and there is no room for explanations, contact the employer to confirm how to proceed. The UCAS website has a section on the comparability of international qualifications, which may help.

Employment/work experience - list your jobs in reverse chronological order by job title. If you did not have an official job title, try to think of one that describes your position well. Full addresses are not usually required. Describe responsibilities or achievements in the role bearing in mind the skills that the employer is seeking. It is possible to group together or prioritise some experiences if space is limited. Chapter 7 ‘What makes an effective application?’ has some useful suggestions for terminology.

Interests/achievements - similar principles apply as for your working experiences. Focus upon key words that demonstrate evidence of your skills. Focus upon demonstrating appropriate behaviours rather than seeking to impress an employer with an amazing achievement.

Open questions - some forms simply have an open page for you to complete. Try to structure the space allocated using key headings in accordance with what is requested. If no guidance is given, then, depending on what has already been asked, this section could include evidence of:

•relevant skills and qualities;

•information about your career motivation and how you have researched this career so far;

•achievements;

•extenuating circumstances.

References - the same rules apply as for CV content, although you will need to state full contact details for your referees here, if requested.

APPROACHING DIFFICULT QUESTIONS

There is only one strategy - ensure that you understand the question, provide relevant

evidence, use concise language and perhaps key words if there is a chance the form will be electronically scanned.

Example questions

‘Give details of your main extracurricular activities and interests to date. What have you contributed and what have you got out of them?’

‘Give an example of a problem requiring analysis. What methods did you use and what conclusions did you reach?’

‘Give an example of when you set yourself a demanding goal and overcame obstacles to achieve it.’

‘Explain why you have applied for this position.’

Suggested strategies

These activities provide opportunities to develop skills that would be useful in the workplace and your answers should show you recognise this.

Give examples of how your interests/hobbies have developed your skills, for example, in teamwork, business awareness. Try to show results in terms of objectives set and improvements achieved.

Concentrate on the process through which you worked to solve the problem, rather than giving an account of the problem itself.

Perhaps highlight examples of initiative taken, creativity shown in solving the problem, or approaches to drawing on the contributions of others.

Be clear about your behaviours and quantify where possible.

For example, ‘I was a committee member of our local charity. We had a target of raising £20,000 for a new children’s play area. I recognised the opportunity for gaining sponsorship from local companies and set a personal target of £10,500. I developed a personalised letter to the firms offering them the chance to sponsor pieces of play equipment. I followed up each letter with a visit to present my proposal. I raised £13,000 towards the target.’

The answers you give here need to show awareness of the skills and qualities needed in the job. You should show how you have developed these and give specific examples. Include reference to why you want to work for that particular organisation too.

This is where any research you have undertaken related to the job or organisation will pay off.

Before you lick the stamp or click the submit button:

•check it again - by now, you are probably immune to what you have written – you have seen it so many times. A fresh pair of eyes can work wonders;

•print a copy and keep it with the job advertisement details - when it comes to interview preparation, a copy of what you said on the form and what you have actually applied for is indispensable;

•look for gaps - the next person who reads it will do!

•think about the whole package - will it arrive on time and is it in a professional looking envelope, labelled correctly?

TIPS FOR ONLINE APPLICATIONS

Try not to be fooled by suggestions that it is quicker and easier to apply online. It can be easy but a good, tailored application requires the same advance preparation as a targeted CV or a hard copy form, although it is more forgiving for those with the handwriting of a drunken spider!

Access - a registration password will allow repeated access to some forms before they are completed and sent, although some require

completion in one sitting. Plan your answers in Microsoft Word (or similar) instead. Give yourself enough time in advance too - Internet connections can fail at the last minute.

Style - formality in your application is still a must. Make time to check it over. Is it effectively targeted to the position and employer? It is often possible to copy the questions into MS Word and get them checked over by a careers adviser in advance.

Accuracy - grammar and spelling again! Even if you cannot access spell-check facilities on the site, you can download the text into MS Word and access it there.

Personality questions - some application forms include a set of multiple-choice questions about your likes, strengths and preferences. These can be used to identify whether your preferred style of working fits with the culture of the organisation and the skills they require. Try to be as honest as possible – there can be repeats of questions to ensure your answers are consistent and some questions to check if you are trying to present a favourable impression of yourself.

Leave yourself sufficient time with minimum distractions, sometimes there are no options to go back and redo these sections.

6 Applications FAQs

‘Is it the same process if I want to work in another country?’

Preferred application styles vary across countries. For example, some CVs emphasise factual information or personal details more than others. References and exam transcripts may also be required in advance. Consult AGCAS Country Profiles (www.prospects.ac.uk/links/Countries) for information pertaining to over 50 countries around the world. Some countries will require two CVs, one accurately presented in the language of the country and perhaps one in English too.

‘I’m going for technical jobs, how do I use the technical content of my degree?’

You will need to place greater emphasis on providing evidence of your specialist knowledge. Perhaps use a targeted or skills-based approach that is ‘technical skills’ focused describing how you have used your technical ability in employment and academic projects. Focus more upon your degree content and be more specific about your level of

expertise (advanced, extensive or basic) in your section for the technical applications/packages/ techniques you are familiar with or project work undertaken.

‘I am applying for postgraduate study, is it the same process?’

Universities often have a specific postgraduate application form for you to complete and their guidance notes usually make it clear what information they would like on it. The principle is the same - targeting your application content to meet the perceived interests of the reader. If you are unclear, possible areas to include are:

•why you are interested in this area of study, research ideas/proposals, experience of relevant study to date;

•evidence of academic attainment including prizes and awards;

•how you hope to benefit from this study and how it fits into future career plans;

•evidence of relevant research or related skills

such as use of initiative during projects, project management, report writing, familiarity with techniques or equipment;

•any relevant practical or work experience gained can show motivation for study or an intended future career. Similarly, work shadowing, speaking to other postgraduates or having a mentor could be useful.

If in doubt, speak directly to the academic department you are applying to or your own tutors for suggestions. If attaching additional information sheets to your application, about one A4 sheet is usually sufficient.

‘I’m a mature applicant, how will it affect my applications?’

As a mature student, you have a broad range of previously acquired skills and experiences that will be of value to potential employers. The trick is to interpret them using terminology that the recruiter will understand and to provide evidence of the qualities they are seeking. Qualities such as the ability to deliver results, the use of initiative and adaptability are also valuable. Capitalise on your experience prior to your qualification and offer evidence of behaviours and achievements that demonstrate such personal qualities and skills. You need to persuade the interviewer that you are worth interviewing.

Employers can vary greatly in their attitudes towards age and recruitment. As a potential applicant, it can be useful to identify the possible prejudices of an employer and seek to address them. Concerns may include perceived mobility, salary expectations or flexibility.

For more information on marketing your experiences, see the AGCAS information booklet

Mature Students - The Way Forward.

'Will my personal circumstances, such as my sexuality, ethnic origin, age or gender, affect my application?’

Your personal circumstances or preferences should not affect your ability to do the job for which you are applying and should not be taken into account by a prospective employer. However, some people feel that unfair discrimination can and does still take place despite legislation.

One of the best ways to reduce the risk of unfair discrimination is to market yourself so effectively that employers cannot ignore your suitability for the post. Research the company and the key

attributes required. Consider ways in which you meet these and the evidence you might present, and where you will place it on the application so that it makes the greatest impact. Give concrete examples to present your case. It is important to think positively. Concentrating on your strengths can help to counter any negative stereotypes and provide clear evidence of your suitability for the job.

If you have been actively involved in a particular group, such as a religious or sexuality rights organisation that you do not wish to disclose, this is your choice. You may choose to anonymise the nature of the group to allow you to focus upon the skills you have demonstrated rather than the aims.

Some people find it useful to choose potential organisations to apply to selectively. For example, this includes organisations with publicised equality and diversity statements covering existing policies and practices, and organisations that openly target minority groups for positions or are listed by civil rights organisations. For example, the National Mentoring Consortium annual career fair in London targets ethnic minority finalists and recent graduates, and Stonewall has listings of organisations actively committed to challenging sexuality discrimination.

For further information, see the AGCAS publication

A Level Playing Field (www.prospects.ac.uk/links/discrimination).

‘I’m a student with a disability; should I disclose it to an employer and if so, when?’

You may find it helpful to identify organisations that have a demonstrated commitment to being disability-friendly. Check whether the company recruitment literature includes a policy statement on disability, whether its job advertising carries the Department for Education and Skills (DfES) ‘two ticks’ symbol and whether it is a member of the Employers’ Forum on Disability. However, do not limit your application to companies of this kind: always make your applications on the basis of opportunities available. Further information can be found in the AGCAS publication A Level Playing Field (www.prospects.ac.uk/links/discrimination).

You may feel that your health or disability does not affect your ability to do the job for which you are applying and you may feel that the employer will not view you objectively if the disability has been declared. This is your choice. At the same time, disclosure can be positive where it shows how you

have developed skills in adverse circumstances or have overcome significant obstacles reaching your current level of achievement.

Example covering letter entry:

‘My enthusiasm and determination can be demonstrated by voluntary work. As a member of the National Diabetic Association, I help to raise funds to increase awareness. Having diabetes and achieving high academic grades, working part time throughout my studies and raising large amounts of money through organising sponsored events, has developed my flexibility and ability to meet targets and manage my work effectively’.

Disclosure also improves your access to equal opportunities and the training schemes in place under current legislation on any discrimination. There may be a health and safety implication, eg a requirement for workplace adaptations, which the employer needs to know from the outset. A failure to disclose the truth on an application form when asked, or on a medical form, could give rise to dismissal later on. Refer to the information sheet

Looking for Work: Disclosing Disability.

‘I’ve a track record as an activist, will it affect my application?’

If you have been active in organising events, standing for election as a member of a political,

ethical or sexuality rights organisation, your involvement can be used to demonstrate commitment and constructive time management and the development of a range of other transferable skills. This can be positive and the skills gained may be easily transferred to a variety of work areas. All employers, however, may not share your views and this may not be the right time to seek to convert them.

Choose your potential employers with care, perhaps applying where your political or ethical background will be an asset. The Institute of Business Ethics’ (IBE) list of supporters could be a helpful source along with researching companies’ ethical codes, environmental management, equal opportunities policy, policy towards suppliers, etc.

‘I have a criminal record.’

If you have concerns about this, it always pays to seek advice. Your university careers adviser will be able to give you information referring to disclosure of criminal records. Additionally, there is information in the AGCAS publication A Level Playing Field (www.prospects.ac.uk/links/discrimination). If your convictions are not ‘spent’ it is advisable to be upfront about them.

The professional touch is a powerful influence. Whether it is about developing a professionallooking layout with a careers adviser or seeking advice from the relevant professional body about application styles preferred by employers in a particular sector or career area, try to make use of all the help and support that is available to you. Effort and preparation tend not to go unnoticed.

Professional language

The words that you use in your application can help to convey your understanding of the work environment and an ability to communicate in an appropriate professional language if recruited to the position. However, be careful with the thesaurus – you can go too far.

These words and phrases may be useful, where relevant, in job applications:

Experience:

•More than…years’ extensive and diverse experience in

•Demonstrated skills in

•Extensive academic/practical background in

•Experienced in all aspects of

•Knowledge of/experienced as/proficient in

•Provided technical assistance to

Ability:

•Extensive training/involvement in

•Proficient in/competent at

•Initially employed to/joined organisation to specialise in

Success:

•Promoted to

•Succeeded in

•Proven track record in

•Experience involved/included

•Successful in/at

•Instrumental in

SOURCES OF HELP

Most university careers services run sessions to provide feedback on your CV, covering letter or an application form. These are worth a visit and can generate new suggestions, strategies or a fresh pair of eyes. If you no longer have access to your service, the Prospects.ac.uk website has a section for graduates, including feedback on how you fill in your CV template. Alternatively, comments from employers in the field you are applying to or just the eagle eye of a friend are valuable. By now, you may be immune to noticing spelling mistakes or style errors in such a familiar document.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

AGCAS and Graduate Prospects products are available from higher education careers services.

AGCAS

Information booklets:

Going for Interviews; Job Seeking Strategies; A Level Playing Field; Mature Students - The Way Forward; Your PhD…What Next?

Videos/DVDs:

Looking Good on Paper; Selection Success in One; Your Job’s Online.

Graduate Prospects

Prospects Directory

Prospects Finalist

Prospects Postgraduate Directory

Prospects.ac.uk

What Do Graduates Do?

Other publications

The Art of Building Windmills: Career Tactics for the 21st Century, Graduate into Employment Unit, 1999

Essential Managers: Creating a Successful CV,

Dorling Kindersley, 1999

The Global Résumé & CV Guide, John Wiley & Sons Ltd, 2000

The Graduate Career Handbook, Pearson Education, 2000

How You Can Get That Job, Careers Advisory Service, University College Cork, 1999

How to Complete an Application Form, Careers Advisory Service, University of London, 1999

How to Write a Curriculum Vitae, Careers Advisory Service, University of London, 2000

Job Applications and CVs, Careers Advisory Service, University College Cork, 1999

Job: The Windmills Guide to Finding a Job, Graduate Into Employment Unit, 2004

Looking for Work - Disclosing Disabilities, Skill: National Bureau for Students with Disabilities

Making Wizard Applications, GTI/The Independent, 1997

Moving On in Your Career - A Guide for Academic Researchers and Postgraduates, Routledge, 2000

The Perfect CV, Century Business Books, 1999 The Perfect CV, Random House, 2003

The Perfect CV: Today’s Ultimate Job Search Tool,

Judy Piatkus (Publishers) Ltd, 2005

Readymade CVs: A Source Book for Job-hunters,

Kogan Page, 2004

Readymade Job Search Letters, Kogan Page, 2004 The Student Guide to Career Planning and Job Search, AGCSI (Association of Graduate Careers Services in Ireland), 2000

Successful CVs in a Week, Hodder & Stoughton, 2002

The Times Graduate Job Hunting Guide, The Times, 2001

The Ultimate CV Book, Kogan Page, 2002

Your Job Search Made Easy, Kogan Page, 2002

WEBSITES

Black and Asian Grad, www.blackandasiangrad.ac.uk

Guardian Unlimited Jobs, www.guardian.co.uk/jobs Monster, www.monster.co.uk

Select Simulator, www.selectsimulator.com Stepstone, www.stepstone.com

Total Jobs, www.totaljobs.com

UK Grad Programme, www.grad.ac.uk Universities and Colleges Admissions service (UCAS), www.ucas.com

ADDRESSES

Employers’ Forum on Disability, Nutmeg House, 60 Gainsford Street, London SE1 2NY

Tel: 020 7403 3020 www.employers-forum.co.uk

Institute of Business Ethics (IBE), 24 Greencoat Place, London SW1P 1BE Tel: 020 7798 6040 www.ibe.org.uk

The National Mentoring Consortium, Mentor Unit, Romford Road, London E15 4LZ

Tel: 020 8223 4343 www.uel.ac.uk/nmc

SKILL (National Bureau for Students with Disabilities), Chapter House, 18-20 Crucifix Lane, London SE1 3JW Tel: 020 7450 0620 www.skill.org.uk

Stonewall (Lesbian, gay & bisexual civil rights group), 46 Grosvenor Gardens, London SW1W 0EB Tel: 020 7881 9440 www.stonewall.org.uk/students