Application Forms

• Research both the job and the company.
• Read the application instructions thoroughly and follow them through.
• Complete all the relevant sections – name, address, education & training, employment history, details of referees (always ensure they are aware that you have used their details), etc.
• It is essential that you address the ‘Personal Specification’ which will be located in the Job Pack. To be short-listed you must demonstrate how you satisfy the ‘essential’ criteria. Read the job advertisement and made sure that you are clear about what skills are needed.
• Do not submit an application form which contains alterations / crossing out and check the spelling of words which you are unsure.
• Make a copy of the application form so you can make a rough draft or your application before completing the original form.
• Check and double-check how the finished document looks.
• Do not include any information which is incorrect – if you are appointed it is a serious matter if you have deliberately included false information on your application form.
• The application form must be signed and dated.
• Send it to the address on the application form within the timescale.
• Do not use the same application form for every post – you will need to ensure that your application ‘fits’ the post for which you are applying – this might mean just making small changes, but this could make all the difference!

Interview Tips

• Before the day make sure you know exactly where the interview is being held.
• Give yourself plenty of time to arrive at the interview (at least 20 minutes) – this will give you time to relax and prepare.
• Learn as much as possible about the organization and the post for which you have applied for. Try to anticipate some of the questions and prepare appropriate answers for these.
• Think positively – you get an interview only if it looks from your application form as though you can do the job - think of all the reasons you should get the job.
• Practice before the interview, practice talking out loud about yourself and your achievements
• Always tell the truth.
• Prepare a statement about yourself that you can use if you are given the opportunity – your strengths, what you can bring to the role, your career aspirations, etc.
• Look the interviewer in the eye – and remember to smile!
• Make sure you give the very best information about yourself.
• Do  not be afraid to ask the interviewer to repeat a question or ask the interviewer to clarify a question if you have not fully understood the question.
• Do not rush your answers to questions, think about what you are going to say before responding.
• Do not dress too casually – an interview is a formal event.
• Do not lie at interview – it is a serious matter if you are appointed and it is later proved you lied during the interview.
• Do not leave the interview without finding out what happens next – how you will be told of the outcome.