Time is running out for some placement applications, as many larger organisations have early closing dates – get your skates on and brush up your application skills so you don’t miss out!

Managing applications

You can’t apply for all the hundreds of placements advertised on Gradcracker or Indeed, so be realistic and prioritise appropriately to help you manage making applications alongside your other commitments from work and studies. Check closing dates and try to categorise placements by preference to help you create a shortlist and application to-do list. Make good use of the directed study week next week to fit in a few applications.

Application skills

Depending on the employer, you may be asked to send in a CV and covering letter or to complete an online application form. To help you prepare for the application stage, the Careers Team offers a range of online and one-to-one support:

• CV360:
  Many larger employers now use applicant tracking systems, which machine-read and analyse your CV and de-select any CVs that don’t make the cut. To ensure yours makes it through this automated first stage, use CV360 to address any issues with your CV that might trip you up.
• Online guides and resources:
  You can download a range of useful guides from the Careers Team website on writing effective CVs and covering letters and acing application forms. Review the example CVs in the Career Planning Guide for the Faculty of Engineering and Technology for a better idea on how you can set out information effectively on your CV, depending on whether you have any relevant experience already or not.

• One-to-one support in the Careers Zone:
  After you have uploaded your own draft CV on CV360 and implemented any suggested improvements, you can also have this reviewed by an employability adviser in the Byrom Street Careers Zone for some advice on how to tailor this for individual applications you’re working on. You can either arrange an appointment by calling into the zone or phoning us on 0151 231 2048, or attend one of our drop-in sessions for some quick tips that can make all the difference!

Testing, testing…

Once you have made it through the initial application stage, many large organisations offering year-long placements and summer internships will ask you to complete a range of online tests. This could include a combination of verbal, numerical and logical reasoning tests as well as situational judgement tests or personality/work culture questionnaires. They look more scary than they are, and with a bit of practice, you should manage to jump through this particular hoop! Check out the tips in our psychometric test guide and start practising on our Careers Zone 24/7.

Check back tomorrow for part 3 of our FET placement special…