Information on

 

Why do employers use them?

To enable the employer to ask a series of questions in a standardised way, making comparison between candidates easier;

Differ from a CV in that the employer chooses the type of information they wish to find out about you.

Online applications

View the AGCAS video Your Job's Online. Please note that this video can only be accessed on networked computers on the University campus. This is due to the terms of our licensing agreement.

Watch the video about online application forms on Destinations. Please note that Destinations can only be accessed on networked computers on the University campus.

Need some practice? Why not try out Select Simulator, an online applications training package.

Preparation 

• Analyse the job description and consider how your skills/personal qualities and experiences match up to the employer's requirements;
• Think about why they have asked a particular question: they are usually looking for evidence of certain competencies (such as teamwork, communication and problem solving skills);
• Remember to provide examples from all areas of your life from age 16-18 onwards;  
• Make notes on all your positive achievements (personal, academic, work). 

General guidelines 

• Read through the form and all the instructions first;
• If you're using a paper application form, work on a photocopy first and keep the original safe;
• Use black ink or type face;
• If you're using a paper application form make sure handwriting is easy to read;
• Pay attention to spelling and grammar -  don’t just rely on spellcheckers;
• Keep a copy - an interviewer is very likely to ask you about your application form responses.

View top tips about completing application forms on Destinations. Please note that Destinations can only be accessed on networked computers on the University campus.

Personal information

Name address, telephone number, etc; education and work experience. When giving dates the month and year is sufficient (except for birth date). 

Administrative questions

Information on health, disabilities; monitoring form about gender, marital status and ethnic origin (not used as part of the selection process).   Have a look at the skill website if you have a disability and are not sure how to disclose it.

References 

Usually at least two referees.  One should be an academic referee, particularly if you are a recent graduate or have not worked since graduating. The second referee could be an employer (choose someone from a relevant work placement if you can). Don't forget to ask referees' permission before naming them.

Asking for examples of how you have demonstrated particular competencies (teamwork, problem solving...). Not as bad as they look: the employer is identifying clearly the competencies they are trying to measure and offering you a guide on how to respond to the question.  Here's an example of how to approach these questions:

Describe a situation which you think shows best your ability to work well as part of a team. What role did you take? What did you do? why? Was the outcome a success? What did you learn from it? 

Analyse the question: the employer is trying to measure several competencies:  

• Teamwork
• Negotiation
• Compromising
• Leadership
• Analytical ability. 

You should:

• Find an example (from your personal, academic or work life), which allows you to answer this question fully;  
• Answer the whole question: address each aspect of the question.  Within a short paragraph or specified word count this is difficult;  
• Use short punchy sentences to address each point sufficiently.  Click here for a list of useful words to include

Have a look at some more examples

Get hints on how to answer questions on the Destinations website. Please note that Destinations can only be accessed on networked computers on the University campus.

Supporting statement

Some forms also ask for this.  There are two messages which are vital to communicate: 

• Why you want the position;
• How you match the requirements for the post (what relevant skills, experience and knowledge you possess). 

Both should show evidence of understanding the job and the company, and will require research.

We run seminars on applications as part of our termly programme of careers events and our Careers Advisers provide booked appointments where you can get some feedback on your work.

Booklet

• Free copies of the AGCAS booklet Applications, CVs and Covering Letters are available from the Careers Centre.

Destinations Website

• Look at Application Forms: Make the Right Impression on Destinations. Please note that Destinations can only be accessed on networked computers on the University campus. This is due to the terms of our licensing agreement.

Online

• The Assessment Centre video is available to view from our website. Please note that this can only be accessed on networked computers on the University campus. This is due to the terms of our licensing agreement.
• Try the Prospects pages on CV design