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A good application form can take several hours to complete so make sure you give yourself enough time. Employers tend to select applications that: • Successfully highlight and substantiate relevant experience and outstanding achievement • Differentiate themselves from other applications • Demonstrate the applicant’s ability to construct an answer • Are well presented, easy to read and filled in precisely to the employer’s instructions. Before You Begin: To complete an application form effectively, you will need to undertake some research and reflection first. Before you begin, think about the following: • What does the career actually entail? • Why am I interested in the role? • How do my strengths, experience and qualifications measure up to their requirements? • What evidence can I present that illustrates I have the qualities required? Once you have worked out the answers to these questions you will find it easier to complete some of the more testing questions on application forms. Your evidence will not only come from your academic studies but also from the other activities in which you have been, or are, involved. These could include: • work experience – remember jobs in different areas can still demonstrate that you are reliable and have developed good communication skills • outside interests, eg sporting activities which can show that you can operate as a member of a team and commit yourself to something regularly • other skills you've built up such as familiarity with various computer packages. General Tips: • Make sure you understand the requirements of the position and all about the employer. Read brochures and other literature plus information online. • Keep to word limits. Avoid large blocks of text – make your answer attractive and easier to read with headings and paragraphs. Bullet points can be a useful way of minimising text and highlighting salient issues. • When faced with a scenario question think about why an employer may be asking the question. What do they want to know? What skills are they looking for? • If they ask for examples of situations that demonstrate your skills, they don't have to be ‘big things’. Everyday examples drawn from either your work experience, your extra-curricular activities or your studies are fine. • Always support claims of skills with evidence. • Include key words in your answers that the organisation is likely to be looking for such as communication skills, initiative, teamwork, commitment, motivated, attention to detail, time management, etc. • Avoid jargon, waffle and clichés. • Do not leave any empty boxes, if a question is not applicable, say so. • Check that you have answered the specific question being asked, particularly if you have copied and pasted from a different application form. • Check for spelling mistakes and grammatical errors. • Avoid casual language, abbreviations and email or text talk. • Get a friend or Careers Consultant to proofread your answers. Completing the Form: In your answers you will need to convince the employer that you: • Have a strong interest in the work / organisation • Possess the key skills that the employer requires • Have a good insight into the nature of the job and the sector • Have included examples to provide evidence that you have the knowledge and skills required for the position and have highlighted your unique selling points.
Article Source: http://www.largedirectory.info
BPP Business School London specialises in providing qualifications required to become a Business Professional, including MBA, undergraduate and postgraduate business degrees.
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