Job Application FormsPesewa

Presentat ions

Why do employers use application forms?

• Encourage you to self-select• Check if you have the skills, knowledge

and experience to do the job (and screen you out if you don’t)

• Compare you to other applicants (fairer system if everyone’s data is in same format)

• Basis for interview discussion

Typical application form structure

• Personal details• Education and qualifications• Work experience / employment• Competency questions• Career motivation questions

Steps to successful application forms

• Research – The organisation and selection criteria

• Reflect– Your skills and experiences that are relevant to the

employer• Sell– Present your answers positively to show what you

can offer

Competency questions

• Usually prefixed with “Give an example of when…”, “Describe a time when…”, Tell us about a situation when…”……you have demonstrated [competency]

• Typical competencies of interest to recruiters include: team work, leadership, problem solving, planning & organising, influencing….

1. Identify what the employer wants

• Situation• Action: What you did, how did you

contribute?• Result

“Please give an example of a time when you worked as part of a team. What did you contribute to the work of the team? What were the results of your work?”

2. Choose your example• Recent and relevant• Good illustration of the action they require• Difficult problems / challenging situations – find an

example that merits that description• Examples can come from any setting

“Please give an example of a time when you worked as part of a team. What did you contribute to the work of the team? What were the results of your work?”

3. Writing your example

• Be specific• Focus on the action• Address the points the employer has specified.

“Please give an example of a time when you worked as part of a team. What did you contribute to the work of the team? What were the results of your work?”

Career motivation questions

Typical example

What are your reasons for applying to **** (bank) and what is your understanding of the business area to which you have applied?

(250 words)

What do you think of this answer?

I would like to work for **** because it is one of the world’s largest banking and financial services organisations which believes in global scope and personal service. It also offers an exceptional training and global talent management strategy…….. I have chosen the Investments division because it is a very successful and fast growing part of the **** Group. In the role I will learn about many aspects of the commercial and client related aspects of the investment management industry and I will be providing solutions to meet client needs…….

…and this one? My objective is to apply my business knowledge and international

experience through a career with a leading international bank. **** stands out for a number of reasons, for example your strength in Asia as recently reported in ….. … and being voted Global Bank of the year by Banker Magazine ……etc etc

I enjoyed meeting **** staff at the recent Finance Fair at Birmingham and was particularly impressed by their enthusiasm for the opportunities they have had during the graduate programme and the strong team working culture they mentioned…

I have researched Investments Division through your website and also through talking to someone who recently worked in ****. My understanding of the division is ……..

Tips for career motivation questions

• Make sure you understand exactly what the role involves

• Don’t quote the website back at them – think about what genuinely motivates you and be specific

• Use a personal style – avoid jargon and buzz words

Do’s and Don’ts• Read instructions and questions carefully• Be accurate with spelling and grammar• Use positive/active words when describing your experiences – E.g. achieved, managed, persuaded, motivated, led,

organised……• Don’t cut and paste from one form to another without editing

the answer• Get feedback on your draft from Jane/Clare (but we won’t

write it for you!)