Features : The application process

When the Real Prospects 2011 survey asked graduates to give their advice to students who are about to enter the world of work they came up with five top tips for applying for a job.

Apply early

If you want to join a graduate scheme start looking for opportunities and working out when you need to apply for roles sooner rather than later. Graduate schemes fill up really quickly and the deadlines for applications all come at once so make sure you leave yourself plenty of time to apply for everything you’re interested in.

Tailor your application

It may be time-consuming, but you really do need to tailor your CV, covering letter and personal statement every time you apply for another role. Employers can tell if applicants are copying and pasting the same CV for each role. They expect you to tell them why you are a good candidate for the role; don’t expect them to try to work it out for themselves.

One way of ensuring that the employer knows the application is tailored to them is to research the company and include something that is specific to them as a company. For example, referencing the work of a specific department, a particular project, or a deal that they have done.

Learn how to effectively market yourself with job application advice.

Make speculative applications

You can’t wait for jobs to come to you, you have to go out and find the opportunities. It is worth spending some time sending out speculative applications to employers you would like to work for. They may not have any vacancies at the time, but they’ll probably hold your letter on file and will remember you when a role becomes available. If they think you can offer the company something different they might even create a role for you.

Avoid mistakes

Employers have extremely sharp eyes when it comes to typos and spelling mistakes - they will assume you didn’t make the effort to proof-read your application before you submitted it. Use your careers service. Ask them for advice when you’re writing your CV or practising your interview technique. Get your friends and family to proof your applications for you - they’ll pick up mistakes that you are likely to miss. If you want to submit the perfect application then avoid these common mistakes.

Handle rejection

Everyone gets rejected at some stage and so you shouldn’t be discouraged. Just make sure that you don’t let it derail your job search - you need to remain motivated and enthusiastic. When an application is unsuccessful always ask for feedback so that you can improve the applications you send out in the future.