What is an application form?

Online application forms require you to answer questions on your education and experience.

You will also be asked to answer questions relating to what the organisation is looking for. For example:

• "Describe a situation when you overcame a substantial challenge."
• "Why did you apply for this role in particular?"
• "Explain how your extra-curricular activities will contribute to your success in this role."

Tips

• Research and understand the employer, the sector, the role and what the employer is looking for.
• Read the instructions and questions very carefully. Do exactly what they ask.
• Draft your responses in rough first. When complete book an appointment on the Careers Portal to get some feedback from an Applications Adviser.  
• Instead of making claims such as, "I have good communication skills", use specific examples and facts, such as "I made a one hour presentation to 45 students and won the class prize". Take a look at the resource “Competency questions and STAR in application forms” on Moodle for more information on this technique.

What next?

1. Read the application forms helpsheet on Moodle
2. Check our events page – there may be upcoming workshops on application forms.
3. Draft your application form answers and book an appointment with an Application Advisor to have them checked.