Attention all civil and structural engineers: ace a graduate job application in five steps
In this technological age, online applications are rising in popularity but that doesn’t mean that paper application forms have vanished altogether. The fundamentals of successful job applications are the same no matter how you apply – you just need to take it step by step.
Recruiter's tip
'When assessing applications we look for a passion for engineering in general, as well as genuine enthusiasm for our firm.'
Jon Sexton, HR officer, graduate recruitment, Arup
1: Prepare
Recruiters want to see evidence that you’ve done some research into their organisation and the position you’re applying for – and they can spot a badly prepared application a mile off. ‘The best way to prepare is to read up on the company and get as much information as possible about the work they do, the sectors they operate in and what they’re looking for,’ advises Jon Sexton, HR officer,graduate recruitment, at Arup. You’ll find lots of valuable research tips here.
2: Practise
Print off an online form so you can practise on it. Prepare any long answers to make sure they’ll fit the space – use the size of a space as a guide to how much detail you need to provide. For an online application, type your answers in a word processing program and use the spellchecker to avoid mistakes.'Basic spelling mistakes and poor grammar can really let some applications down,' says Jon. 'We’re looking for graduates who have an eye for detail and simple mistakes make a bad first impression.'
3: Answer
Demonstrate your abilities by answering the questions fully, with well-structured and specific answers.'Remember to make your answers specific to the company and the role you are aiming for. All too often we see generic answers from people who could be applying anywhere,' Jon warns.
Match your skills to the selection criteria you found during your research. Provide evidence through examples drawn from a variety of areas – academic courses and projects, work experience and placements, hobbies and extracurricular activities. Organise your material and keep it relevant and punchy. Make sure your responses are about what you did, not what we did – recruiters aren’t interested in anyone else.
Avoid the reject pile!
Online applications make sure you reach the minimum criteria: if a job description specifies a minimum of a 2.1, and you have a 2.2, you might be rejected automatically.
If special circumstances mean you don’t meet the requirements, it’s wise to call and speak to a recruiter directly.
4: Check
It’s essential to check your application for mistakes, such as only filling in half your e-mail address. A form full of mistakes will go straight in the bin. If an online form has a save-and-return option, save your answers and take a break. You’re far more likely to notice any mistakes with fresh eyes. Even better is to get someone else to check – you could ask a friend or take it to your careers service.
5: Send
Once you’re certain you’ve answered all the questions and left no mistakes, hit ‘send’ or pop the form in the post. Make sure you keep a copy so you can refer to it when you’re invited for an interview.
