From a young age you will be faced with the completion of application forms in many different areas from Job applications to Grant application.

Career & Life planning will assist you in the most effective ways of completing these forms.
We will encourage you to look at 3 critical area’s when completing forms:

Preparation

  • List the skills sought by the employer so you can show how your skills and experience match these.
  • Identify your skills, values, interests and personality preference and clarify what you have gained from experience of all kinds.
  • Read the instructions carefully. If you are asked for an application form do not send a CV instead.
  • When completing the form on-line make note of your username and password to enable you to return to complete the form later.
  • Download the form and practice completing it off-line. NB: the amount of space allocated to a question reflects its importance.
  • Always give concise answers – avoid ‘padding’. Use a positive ‘telegram’ style with action words. Action words strengthen and enliven your application.
  • Promote your personal selling points – academic strengths, work skills, personal achievements.

Typical Questions/Headings that you will be faced with:

  • Personal details, be accurate, truthful and clear, remembering that initially each form will be read in two to five minutes.
  • Education and qualifications Highlight the content your degree/qualification, learning experiences and skills gained. Think again about what the employer is looking for.
  • Employment and work experience Think of the skills you have gained, i.e. dealing with people, communicating, taking responsibility, being trusted with money, etc. Be specific about your achievements. Focus on those most pertinent for the job to which you are applying.
  • Geographical location Be as flexible as possible, but if you have a location preference state it.
  • Personal interests/achievements Do your activities and interests show you as self-sufficient, confident, a good communicator, a team worker or an individual?
  • Additional information You could mention skills derived from unpaid or voluntary work here.
  • Referees Include either academic or employment references. Don’t forget to ask their permission.

Difficult Questions

All application forms contain ‘difficult’ questions – they often relate to your motivation and personal competencies. Use these to provide specific evidence of your skills and suitability for the job. In answering these questions it is important to think positive and to be confident in your abilities. You could also be faced with Competency-based Question & Sample Answers These questions require you to demonstrate qualities such as ‘leadership & planning’ & ‘organisation’.

Contact Us

Would you like to learn how our Career or Life Coaching can work for you? Please contact us for a free consultation.