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OxfordGuideToCareers2017
OxfordGuideToCareers2017
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D<br />
APPLICATION ESSENTIALS<br />
APPLICATION<br />
ESSENTIALS<br />
Good advice on applications applies to every aspect of the process, from preparing your<br />
CV and cover letters through to interviewing and assessment centres. And it is relevant<br />
for any application, whether it’s for Further Study, a small charity, a graduate position<br />
or an internship with a leading multinational.<br />
SUCCESSFUL APPLICATIONS<br />
Throughout the application process:<br />
] Demonstrate that you have the<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Desire to do the job.<br />
Right mix of skills.<br />
Potential to grow and learn.<br />
] Explain clearly:<br />
<br />
Why you want to join their organisation.<br />
<br />
Successful applications therefore grow from enthusiasm for an<br />
organsiation and knowing you would be happy doing the job.<br />
Invest time in identifying your preferences, motivations and<br />
skills. Research industry sectors to target your efforts better; try<br />
to understand the culture and style of different organisations.<br />
For more detailed advice on Developing Your Career Ideas,<br />
see pages 12-28.<br />
Good research is vital to any application and will help you<br />
stand out. It lays the foundation for communicating clearly<br />
<br />
organization. Before applying, analyse the advertisement or<br />
<br />
] What the job entails.<br />
] Which skills are most important.<br />
] What excellence might look like.<br />
All elements of your applications can then:<br />
] Actively promote your strongest relevant skills and abilities.<br />
] Present evidence showing where and how you have<br />
developed and applied these skills and abilities.<br />
] Persuade your audience of your interest, excitement and<br />
motivation for the role and their organisation.<br />
“Past behaviour is often considered the best<br />
indicator of future performance.”<br />
DEMONSTRATING COMMERCIAL AWARENESS:<br />
Good candidates are able to demonstrate an understanding<br />
of an organisation’s core activities, products and services;<br />
the marketplace – including competitors; and how political<br />
and technological change might affect their sector in future.<br />
] Learn about the sectors you are targeting:<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Attend company events and career fairs, talk to<br />
alumni, join relevant student societies.<br />
Read journals and websites dedicated to the sector.<br />
Find and follow professional bodies and opinion<br />
leaders as well as firms.<br />
Be ready to discuss industry trends and how current<br />
<br />
<br />
issues might affect a firm’s markets or strategy – and/<br />
or their clients.<br />
Read the (financial) news and follow one or two major<br />
current affairs over time.<br />
Consider how organisations in the sector compete<br />
with one another.<br />
] Become comfortable with business terminology and<br />
financial measures relevant to the sector and role.<br />
Gain first-hand experience and insight through our<br />
Empolyability Programmes and work experience: for advice<br />
on Gaining Experience see (pp.33-39).<br />
40<br />
www.careers.ox.ac.uk