standard application form - filling in and completing

The standard application form is your opportunity to promote your achievements, experiences and skills. Your aim should be to make connections between what you have done (at university, in a club/society or in work) and the employer's description of their ideal applicant. For example, you can't expect the selector to know that having a degree means you are a good communicator, you have to give examples of how you have used your communication skills in a way that comes alive to the reader. A successful applicant will have thoroughly researched the organisation and job and prepared reasons why they match the relevant job description.

• read the form thoroughly so that you put relevant information in appropriate sections
• follow the instructions accurately - eg. ink colour/continuation sheets/block capitals
• make a draft on a copy of the form which you can discuss with a careers advisor
• answer the questions with evidence from your experience which demonstrates you know what the organisation does and what the job on offer involves
• keep a copy of your form so that you can use it to prepare for an interview or complete other forms
• write using active words and 'I'/'me' statements
• put a positive emphasis on your experiences

• leave any sections blank
• write illegibly or cross things out
• fail to research the employer and the type of work for which you are applying
• leave gaps in your employment/study record
• repeat the wording of the brochure back to the employer.