Applying for a job

Some of jobs will require you to fill out an application form, the questions that they ask you are to be designed to find out:

• personal information
• educational background
• work experience
• competency

This is very similar to your CV, the only difference here is the questions they ask you may be designed to understand your knowledge and passion about the company and the sector you are looking to work for.

Prospects have a useful guide you can read about writing application forms.

Cover letters are very common you will find yourself writing one at some point. These are designed for you to express your interest freely about why you want to apply for the job, what you think you can bring to the role and your understanding of the job you’re applying to do.

It’s a good challenge to learn how to write them and here are some points that will help and guide you:

First paragraph

The opening statement should set out why you’re writing the letter. Begin by stating the position you’re applying for, where you saw it advertised and when you are available to start.

Second paragraph

Highlight relevant experience and demonstrate how your skills match the specific requirements of the job description. Summarise any additional strengths and explain how these could benefit the company.

Third paragraph

Cover why you’re suitable for the job, what attracted you to this type of work, why you’re interested in working for the company and what you can offer the organisation. This is a good opportunity to show off your knowledge of the company.

Last paragraph

Use the closing paragraph to round up your letter. Reiterate your interest in the role and indicate your desire for a personal interview. Now is the time to mention any unavailable dates.

Prospects have guidance on how to write cover letters.

Everyone will have an interview for a job, it’s an opportunity for you to meet with the employer and discuss the job.

Some of the types of interviews you will have are:

• face-to-face
• telephone
• video

Some of the things you might be asked are:

• Tell me a little about yourself?
• Why do you want to work here?
• What are your strengths/weaknesses?
• How do you prioritise work?
• Tell us when you have dealt with a difficult a situation?
• What are your goals?
• What would you bring to this role?
• What do you want to take from this role?

Although the employer will be asking you most of the questions, you will have chance to ask questions yourself and we would recommend that you do this as it shows you’re interested. Some good questions to ask them are:

• Can you tell me about the day-to-day responsibilities?
• How could I impress you in the first 3 months?
• Are there opportunities for training and progression?
• How would you describe the culture of the organisation?
• Can you tell me about the team I will be working with?

Visit Prospects for more interview tips.

Everyone has set backs. This is a normal part of life and will happen more than once. If you are unsuccessful in your job application this can feel disappointing. Being unsuccessful doesn’t mean that you are not good enough or that you couldn’t have done the job well.

It can be easy to allow this to knock your confidence and put you off applying for other jobs, we don’t see it like this, we see it as an opportunity to ask for feedback, learn what you can do differently and develop yourself based on the feedback.

Questions you could ask are:

• Can you give me some feedback on my interview?
• What could I do differently next time?
• What were my strengths?
• Can you consider me for future positions?

This shows you’re willing to deal with setbacks with resilience, take positive learning opportunities from them and it will leave a good impression on the organisation you wanted to work for.