Writing last-minute applications
You’ve seen a job you want to apply for but the closing date is tomorrow. You’ve got an assignment due, you haven’t got time to plan a detailed application and you’re worried your recruitment chances will suffer. Never fear: we have some time-saving strategies to help your most rushed applications impress graduate employers.
The more time you have to research and finesse your CV or application form, the better it will be. You avoid silly errors and you have time to gather and select the best information to sell yourself. But when life gets in the way, following our time-saving tips will help ensure that you meet the deadline. But note: they are specifically designed for ‘application emergencies’ rather than ‘standard operating procedure’.
‘Here’s one I made earlier’
The easiest way to submit a good application quickly is to follow the example of Blue Peter and use one you made earlier. This doesn’t mean building a rocket out of a washing-up liquid bottle nor copying previous applications verbatim; rather making efficient use of work you’ve already done.
Keep an updated CV and list of your essential biographical details (educational details, work experience dates, referees etc) on file. This allows you to copy and tweak when necessary: you can then focus on customising it to the role and the employer rather than laboriously typing out the basics. Setting up your browser to autofill online fields is another way to input information quickly.
Keep an updated CV and list of your essential biographical details on file.
Borrow and tailor good phrases
Application form questions are centred on similar competences so you can borrow good phrases and examples from your earlier applications, a work experience tracker or even your UCAS personal statement if you still have it. Be sure to read the questions thoroughly and actually answer what has been asked. If the question asks you how you have used your communication skills in a team environment, for instance, and you select an example of teamwork from another application, focus on how you applied your communication skills rather than how you worked as a team.
Always read through your application thoroughly to ensure that it makes sense and that you have referred to the correct employer, job role and sector. Knock on a friend’s door and get them to read it through too: you’ll return the favour!
Let the job description be your guide
When time is short, find the job description first. The job description outlines the role’s requirements and differentiates the essential from the merely desirable. You need to demonstrate evidence that you have all the essentials and as many of the desirables as possible: include them as key words occasionally. Always ask yourself whether you have fulfilled one of the job description’s criteria when writing a sentence. You can also use the competences listed to focus your application and keep to the point.
Be selective in your research
Employers expect you to know what the company does, what the job involves and something about what has been happening to the company and in the sector. Again, the job description is a good place to start. Then widen your research to the rest of the company website, searching out explanations of its main areas of business, its press reports and its company reports. You can sprinkle this information into your application in appropriate places.
Structure is key to good applications and CVs
A well-structured form or CV and covering letter combination looks well prepared, so getting this right makes all the difference. Sticking to a structure will also help you focus, reducing the time you spend dithering about what to write.
When answering application form questions, cut waffle by remembering the STAR technique: describe the Situation; detail the Tasks you had to complete; explain the Actions you took; and outline the Results of those actions.
Some application forms include a large box asking for ‘further information to support your application’, which can be daunting. Use headings such as ‘Why I want the job’, ‘Relevant skills and experience’ and ‘My interests’ to structure this information. Making judicious use of bold formatting and bullet points are good ways to highlight key points, break up the text and make it easier to read – something recruiters will appreciate!
How you structure your CV and covering letter is one of the ways that employers gauge your organisational skills – so structure is key to selling yourself well. Take a look at our example CVs. While you should always personalise your CV, these will give you an idea of what to include where – a good starting point when in a hurry.
In each section of your CV, find ways to highlight your skills and experience that is directly relevant to the job you are applying for. Your covering letter should stick to an introduction, saying which post you applied for; why you are the ideal candidate; why you want to work for them; and a close that refers to your CV and lets them know when you’d be unavailable for interview.
More tips and tools to help with your CVs and applications
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