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APPLICATION ESSENTIALS
APPLICATION
ESSENTIALS
Good advice on applications applies to every aspect of the process, from preparing your
CV and cover letters through to interviewing and assessment centres. And it is relevant
for any application, whether it’s for Further Study, a small charity, a graduate position
or an internship with a leading multinational.
SUCCESSFUL APPLICATIONS
Throughout the application process:
] Demonstrate that you have the
Desire to do the job.
Right mix of skills.
Potential to grow and learn.
] Explain clearly:
Why you want to join their organisation.
Successful applications therefore grow from enthusiasm for an
organsiation and knowing you would be happy doing the job.
Invest time in identifying your preferences, motivations and
skills. Research industry sectors to target your efforts better; try
to understand the culture and style of different organisations.
For more detailed advice on Developing Your Career Ideas,
see pages 12-28.
Good research is vital to any application and will help you
stand out. It lays the foundation for communicating clearly
organization. Before applying, analyse the advertisement or
] What the job entails.
] Which skills are most important.
] What excellence might look like.
All elements of your applications can then:
] Actively promote your strongest relevant skills and abilities.
] Present evidence showing where and how you have
developed and applied these skills and abilities.
] Persuade your audience of your interest, excitement and
motivation for the role and their organisation.
“Past behaviour is often considered the best
indicator of future performance.”
DEMONSTRATING COMMERCIAL AWARENESS:
Good candidates are able to demonstrate an understanding
of an organisation’s core activities, products and services;
the marketplace – including competitors; and how political
and technological change might affect their sector in future.
] Learn about the sectors you are targeting:
Attend company events and career fairs, talk to
alumni, join relevant student societies.
Read journals and websites dedicated to the sector.
Find and follow professional bodies and opinion
leaders as well as firms.
Be ready to discuss industry trends and how current
issues might affect a firm’s markets or strategy – and/
or their clients.
Read the (financial) news and follow one or two major
current affairs over time.
Consider how organisations in the sector compete
with one another.
] Become comfortable with business terminology and
financial measures relevant to the sector and role.
Gain first-hand experience and insight through our
Empolyability Programmes and work experience: for advice
on Gaining Experience see (pp.33-39).
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www.careers.ox.ac.uk