Application forms

• Make sure you know when the closing date is, and get it in well ahead of this date.
• Have your CV, certificates and any other achievements to hand to make sure you're entering the right dates and information.
• Research the company you are applying to, think about how you could demonstrate that research in your application.
• Read through the application first and make sure you have all the information that they are asking for.
• Read through the job description and make sure that you would be happy to carry out the tasks being outlined in it.
• Read the person specification and make sure that you write about each one of the skills or qualities that the company are asking for, giving examples of where you have developed these skills.

• Make sure every box is filled out with the information the company is asking for.  Don’t skip any of these as they will likely ignore your application if you have not taken the time to answer their questions.
• Have you written about every skill, quality and qualification they have asked for?  Make sure you are giving examples of how you have developed each of these. Think about what you have learned from previous experiences and write about this.
• Speak to the people you are asking to be your reference.  Make sure they know that you are giving their name and make sure they are okay with this. Tell them what it is you are applying for as well so that they can do their best for you with their reference.
• Get someone to check your spelling and grammar.  It's important that someone else can understand what it is you are saying.

On many application forms, there will be a section labelled ‘supporting information’. It is important that you take the time to fill this out. It would be a good place to talk about your skills and qualities, giving examples of where you have developed these. Don’t just leave this blank, it is an opportunity to really sell yourself!

You might be asked to send a cover letter or email with an application.  Here are some tips to make sure you are writing the right things:

• Keep it short and simple.
• Say why you’re writing and include the title of the job you are applying for.
• If you start with ‘To whom it may concern’ (or Dear Sir or Madam) then end your letter with ‘Yours faithfully’, but if you know the person’s name then end with ‘Yours sincerely’.
• Make sure that your email is professional, it is the first thing an employer will see when your application arrives in their inbox.