Applying for Jobs and Courses

Your application is your opportunity to show an employer that you meet the selection criteria for the job, and is to help you to get to the next stage in the selection process.

Top Tips on drafting your CV

• Keep to 2 pages  (Separate rules apply if you are applying for an academic post - see below)
• Put your name at the top. There is no need to write 'Curriculum Vitae.'
• Make it relevant to the post or course you are applying for.
• Keep it simple - avoid fancy formatting, boxes and colours
• Give clear contact details, but do not take up lots of space with this information.  Avoid informal e-mail addresses, such as hunnybun@ hotmail.com
• Use consistent formats - don't write some dates as 10/6/2010 then others as 9 Feb 2010.
• Consider whether or not to add a Profile after your contact details. A Profile should summarise within a few lines your relevant strengths.
• Consider which format is most appropriate. Most CVs are in a traditional or chronological format, but a skills-based CV might suit some situations better.
• List your Education and Qualifications next, with the most recent first - and don't forget your current/most recent programme, even if you are still a student.
• List GCSEs and A Levels across the page to avoid taking up lots of space.
• Provide examples of skills, knowledge and experience relevant to the post or course you are applying for throughout the CV. Do not rely solely on your work experience or education.
• Give details of work experience after Education, with most recent first.  Give details of paid and unpaid work experience.
•  Provide a section on 'IT and Language Skills' and give details.
• Add a section on 'Other Activities and Achievements' to focus on extra-curricular activities, which have helped you to develop relevant skills for the job or course.
• If space is limited, or you have not yet confirmed your referees, it is acceptable to write 'References available on request' at the end of the CV. However, be prepared for the employer/university to call you to ask for details of your referees at any time.
• Take your time to ensure your CV is appropriate and targeted at the job/course you are applying for.
• Check your spelling and grammar.
• Draft a covering letter to support your CV.

Use one of the examples below to draft your CV.

An example CV in traditional or chronological format

An example CV in a skills-based  format

An academic CV format   - appropriate for academic posts ( such as Lectureships, research assistantships) only.

• Need help with understanding some of the words used?  View a jargon buster.
• Still have queries?  Check out the FAQs on applications and CVs
• Need to write a personal Statement?  Get advice - Tips on writing Personal Statements
• Not sure who to provide as your referees? View more information about references and referees

Covering Letters

A covering letter outlines your intention, and also provides an opportunity for you to market your skills, knowledge and experience, and to demonstrate your motivation.

Use the format in the examples given below to help you structure your covering letter.

Use one of the examples below to draft a covering letter. There are two -one to accompany CV and (scroll down) one for use in making speculative approaches 

View covering letter examples 

Top Tips for Completing Application Forms

• Complete all sections of the form - do not leave blanks.
• Answer the questions fully and accurately.  If the form asks for one example, give one example only.
• Take your time to thoroughly answer each question, but be concise.
• Save your work as you progress. There's nothing more frustrating than spending ages on an application form, then losing it just before submission or whilst trying to submit. 
• Make a note of your user-name and password to enable you to return to an incomplete or saved application.
• If possible try to see the whole form before starting to complete it so you can plan your answers. 
• Cut and paste in answers where appropriate. It is often easier to produce your answers in Word and you can use the spell check facility.  Also you may be able to use some of your answers, with modifications, on other application forms, and you won’t lose your answer if the programme crashes.
• Do use the “Any other points of relevance” box,  or the ' Is there anything else you want to tell us' box, if present, to bring out points not covered elsewhere in the form. It could include, for example, reasons why you have not got the A level or degree grades that are being requested.
• Print out a copy of your completed application form.
• Target your application to ensure that you provide evidence of the relevant skills, knowledge and experience the employer, or provider wants.
• Use appropriate language. Certain words will lift your application, and show that you understand the need for business-like formality. Use the link below for examples of words to use.
• Be concise. Ask yourself if you need to go into considerable detail.
• Use 'STAR' to structure your answers where appropriate. Find out more about STAR.
• Don’t submit your application unless you are completely satisfied with it and you have answered all the relevant questions.
• Don't leave it until the closing date to submit your application.
• Check your spelling and grammar

Things to Do Next

Go to Events to find out dates of CV and Application Workshops.

Gain feedback on your CV by attending a drop-in session in the Careers Service.

View the 'Making an Impact' DVD online to hear employers talking about what they look for from application forms - (Log in required - Hull students and alumni only.)  Go to DVDs page

Find out more about selection criteria - what is it and how is it devised?  - Selection criteria

Not sure what employability skills are or whether you have any? Find out more - employability skills- find out more.>

• Need help with understanding some of the words used?  View a jargon buster.
• Still have queries?  Check out the FAQs on applications and CVs
• Need to write a personal Statement?  Get advice - Tips on writing Personal Statements
• Not sure who to provide as your referees? View more information about references and referees

Wondering how PDP can help?  Use the opportunity to review and reflect on your skills and career plans - PDP (Personal Development Planning) - find out more.>

Still have questions about CVs and applications?  Go to our Frequently Asked Questions section to see if the answer is there go to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Considering working abroad? CVs vary from country to country.Some countries ask for a short, one-page resume, whilst others are similar to CVs in the UK.  Use the link to find out about application procedures in different countries. Working Overseas - click on Country profiles. select your country and go to 'Applying for jobs.' 

Already had a career before coming to university? It can sometimes be difficult to incorporate this into your CV without lengthening it.  However, your previous employment and other activities can be valuable sources of relevant skills, knowledge and experience. For further information, view the Diversity Page on Age.

Interested in the skills you are likely to be developing as part of your degree? View QAA benchmarks for your subject - QAA Subject Benchmarks 

View Guardian Careers advice on how to optimise your CV -How to optimise your CV for an online database