Features: Work experience: Application advice

Written by Rachel Shepherd, November 2012

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Get ahead of the competition by making your work experience application stand out for all of the right reasons

Your application form is often the first contact you have with an organisation - and first impressions count.

As the importance of work experience resonates through universities, competition for placements is at an all-time high, so it's important to create a targeted application for that specific employer.

Below are some tips on how to boost your chances of securing that coveted placement or internship...

Research the company

Start by researching the organisation, and, if there is an exact role being advertised, the position for which you are applying.

Many employers will ask why you want to gain experience with them, so it's essential to study the organisation's history, ethos and the topics currently affecting it.

Ask yourself why you want to work for this firm specifically. You need to find out enough about it to show that your interest is genuine.

Demonstrating that you have researched the company will help to display your passion and commitment to your chosen career. But you also need to be clear about what you want to do, why you want to do it and what skills and knowledge you have to offer, with evidence.

Research the role

In order to find a placement that suits you, you need to have a thorough knowledge of what's involved.

Do you really understand what the role entails and the skills you will need to use? If so, make sure this is clear throughout your application. If not, carry out more research before you apply.

Application forms

Whatever the format of the application, prepare a rough draft first.

Follow the instructions and read all of the questions carefully so that you can provide appropriate examples of your interests and experience where required.

Be sure to answer all the questions asked - not the questions you would prefer to answer. Once complete, check through your application and ask someone else to do the same.

Covering letters and CVs

Covering letters are vital and should entice the recruiter to read your CV. Again, it goes without saying that your spelling and grammar must be perfect.

Begin with why you are writing, naming the placement for which you are applying. State where you saw the position advertised and anything else you have sent to the employer, such as your CV or examples of past work.

The two or three central paragraphs should achieve two key aims: highlighting the ways in which you meet the job specification and emphasising your skills, qualifications and experience that are relevant to the role. This is your chance to grab the reader's attention.

Don't repeat everything you have written in your CV, instead emphasise your main strengths in relation to that specific post.

In addition, demonstrate why you are singling out that employer in particular - explain what attracted you to it, for example, the work it does, its client base or its ethos.

Conclude on a positive note, explaining that you look forward to hearing from the organisation and perhaps indicating your availability for interview.

Online applications

Recruiters expect the same level of formality and accuracy in an online application as they do on paper.

Follow the instructions precisely. Check whether you can save and return to the form as and when you wish to - this will help you fight the urge to rush yourself and mean you can tackle the application in bite-sized chunks.

If you are required to sit online tests as part of the initial application, check to see if they are timed and whether or not practice tests are available beforehand.

Before submitting, check over what you've written, looking for typos or grammatical errors.

What's more, you should make sure you have included keywords and phrases that relate to the job description and will be sure to pique the employers' interest.

You should also take note of how the recruiter will communicate with you - is it by email or do you need to check your online application regularly?