Careers - GUIDE TO APPRENTICESHIPS

Never leave blank spaces on the application form when you are required to complete all sections. If there are sections that don’t relate to you simply write or type “Not applicable”. Otherwise, answer all other sections as required.

When completing an on-line application form via the employer’s website never alter the size or format of the form unless you are given that option.

Try not to waffle - be concise in your style of writing.

Don’t be tempted to cut and paste answers from other application forms – start afresh with each job you apply for.

Do not you repeat yourself within different questions. Try and draw from a range of your experiences e.g. college course, part-time job, volunteering or hobby/ interest, rather than referring to examples from just one aspect of your life.

Open Questions Some job application forms have an open page for you to complete, this can seem quite daunting to start with. Try to structure the space using key headings, where appropriate. If no guidance is provided you may want to include evidence of the following: • Relevant skills and qualities. • Information about your career motivation and how you may have researched the job/career so far. • Personal achievements. • Details of work experience – emphasise transferable skills such as being an effective communicator, reliability and customer service etc. • Hobbies and interests (remember nothing which could be seen as controversial) Do any of your outside interests demonstrate the different employability skills which employers will be looking for e.g. team working or learning a new skill?

Don’t forget to support what you say by giving examples. It is very easy to list all your skills and abilities, but you will need to provide supporting evidence as to where and how these have been demonstrated.

References Where references are requested, ensure you have permission from the person giving the reference to include their details. Provide full contact details for each reference.

– 27 –

APPLICATION FORMS