ADD ADVICE TO FAVMaking applications
No idea where you are heading career-wise? Having trouble writing applications? Check out Hobsons’ various websites and visit your careers service for advice and info.
Resources
As you are already on the GET website, you have obviously considered the internet as a useful source of information. Why not pay a visit to other Hobsons education and careers sites. These include:
Although you are only in your first year of study, it is never too early to visit your careers service. Careers advisers will be on hand to offer you expert advice and information. This might include the GET Directory of Graduate Employment and Training, a calendar of careers events at your university, or a list of local employers whom you can approach for part-time jobs.
It is also a good time for careers professionals to take a good look at your CV and any application letters and offer constructive feedback. Why not read on for some top application tips in the meantime?
Targeting employers
Whether you are looking for part-time work, an internship or work placement, or are already looking around at what graduate jobs are out there, it is useful to have a number of sources to check for vacancies.
As well as using the GET careers search, you can look for jobs using the following:
- your university careers service
- national newspapers (look out for supplements, such as the Media Guardian on Mondays)
- local newspapers
- contacts from work experience
- employment agencies
- specialist publications, such as New Scientist.
You could also consider making speculative applications to firms you are interested in. Sending off your CV with an enthusiastic covering letter shows initiative and can lead to work experience or an interview offer.
Covering letters
Your first point of contact with your potential employer may be a covering letter. It’s important to include the right information, but also ensure it’s no longer than one page.
- Who you are and what you’re applying for.
- What relevant skills, experience and education you have.
- Why you want to work in this particular sector.
- Why you are applying to this particular organisation.
Applications for work experience and jobs
First impressions count. That’s why your application is the most important part of the recruitment process. After all, if you don’t put together a great application, you might never get the chance to show what you can really do.
The most important thing you can do when applying for any job or placement is to read the vacancy advert carefully.
In addition, read between the lines of the advert. Think about the skills, experiences and personal qualities the job might require, then think of ways to demonstrate them.
Common application mistakes
Not answering the question
This may sound flippant, but often questions have several parts, all of which need to be dealt with properly.
Being too general or vague
Answers need to be specific, concise and illustrated with concrete examples.
Poor presentation
If you only have one hard copy of an application form, make several copies so you can practise filling it in.
Poor time-management
Set aside a decent portion of time, even if you are facing the pressure of academic coursework or exams.
