How to make a great application

We’ve put together a guide to the application process here at Fairbridge – from completing a great application form through to performing at interview.

So what makes a great application form?

Make sure that you do:

  • Tailor your answers to the specific job description and criteria in the person specification.
  • Keep it short and factual, one page should be sufficient on ‘Why should Fairbridge appoint you to this post?’
  • Explain why you want the job, along with details as to why you feel you would be suitable.
  • If the job is in a different sector from your previous experience, draw links between the two.
  • Always check your spelling and grammar – you’d be surprised at how obvious they are!

Make sure that you don’t:

  • Waffle on for ages and pages – just the important and relevant information will do!

A great application form is your chance to persuade us that you are right for the post… it’s your ticket to that all-important interview.

By following some basic principles you will be able to present the information in a clear, concise and persuasive way. We will always expect to see the following information:

Personal details

Always include your name, address, phone numbers and email address. It's wise to highlight to us your preferred method of contact.

Work experience

Always list most recent work experience first. Describe your work experience in short sentences or bullet points highlighting your responsibilities, achievements and skills acquired.

Education

List details of any qualifications gained (GCSE, A-levels or degree) including your grades starting with the most recent and working backwards. You may also wish to include details of any additional qualifications (e.g. national governing body outdoor qualifications)or courses that you have attended which would be relevant to the role that you are applying for.

Skills

Highlight any other skills that you have including IT skills, additional languages any others that you feel are relevant to the post you are applying for.

Interests

You may want to include a very brief overview of your interests and hobbies outside of the workplace to give an employer a more rounded view of yourself. Again, please keep it concise and relevant.

Presentation

Presentation is the key to a great application. Make sure it is clearly laid out, highlights the most important information and is easy to read.

Make sure that you do:

  • Highlight your achievements and not just your responsibilities.
  • Keep your answers concise and relevant.
  • Make your most relevant experience and skills prominent to assist us in understanding your suitability.
  • Keep to the point and concentrate on the quality of your achievements, not the quantity.
  • List other skills that could raise you above the competition.
  • Check thoroughly for correct spelling and grammatical errors.
  • Get a second opinion.
  • Always include examples of what you have done and achieved at work.

Make sure that you don’t:

  • Use difficult to read fonts and colours. Always use a readable type face and select a sensible font size.
  • Leave any gaps in your experience. We will require full referencing to be completed in line with our vetting procedures.
  • Lie! All qualifications and work experience is rigorously checked through our referencing and vetting processes and we will only confirm employment once these processes are completed satisfactorily.

The Fairbridge selection process

Preparation is the key to a successful interview, so it’s worth doing your homework before the event… it’s really very obvious to spot the candidates who have done swatted up!

Preparation
  • Research Fairbridge and then research us some more. We like people that know lots about us!
  • Think of a few questions for the interviewer you would like to ask.
  • Dress appropriately. Although we are a fairly informal organisation it is always best to wear something smart to your interview. If in doubt reach for a suit…
  • Read through your application form and take additional copies with you
  • Make sure you know where you are going and avoid unnecessary stress on the big day. Check directions, parking or public transport timetables and leave plenty of time. Our contacts section has the addresses of all of our offices.

At the selection day

Most selection days at Fairbridge will involve an interview and some other selection activities. Depending on the job, this could be leading a warm-up session with young people, or giving a presentation, or a computer based exercise that is relevant to your job; it may even involve interview questions from a panel of young people. When we write to invite you to the interview we will also let you know whether there will be any other activities involved and if you need to prepare beforehand.

At the interview make sure that you do:

  • Turn up on time - ideally arrive 10mins early
  • Be aware of your body language – it’s not good to fold your arms for example – it might come across as being negative
  • Maintain good eye contact with all of the interviewers not just the person asking the questions
  • Make sure you talk to everyone if there is more then one interviewer – otherwise they might get bored
  • Always speak clearly and answer in detail but do not go on and on and on…
  • Be enthusiastic and motivated about Fairbridge and the role that you’re applying for – we like people that are passionate about working for us
  • Sell yourself… this is your one chance. But don’t boast… it’s not very attractive
  • If you don't know something or lack experience in a given area, admit it but show that you are keen to learn new skills.

Make sure that you don’t:

  • Be late – it does not give a good impression and will just make you stressed
  • Criticise current or previous employers
  • Interrupt the interviewers – you’ll get your chance to answer the questions
  • Get distracted - focus on the conversation and the people in the room.

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