In part one of our placement special, you learnt about different ways of finding internship and placement opportunities. To help you impress prospective employers during the initial stage of the selection process, we answer your frequently-asked questions around CVs and applications.

How do I apply for internships and placements?
For the majority of internships and placements, you will need to apply via the company’s own website, usually by completing an application form, or you might be asked to submit a CV and cover letter by email. Always check (and follow!) application instructions on the job advert and further application guidance on the company’s website to make sure that you submit all the required documents and don’t spend time preparing unnecessary information.

How many opportunities should I apply for?
As many as you can, while at the same time ensuring that you have researched each company and tailored your application accordingly. You can’t apply for all the hundreds of placements out there, so be realistic and prioritise appropriately to help you manage making applications alongside your other commitments from work and study. Check closing dates and organise placements by preference to help you create a shortlist and application to-do list.

What makes a good CV?
There isn’t one single thing, but it’s a combination of a clear structure, professional language and presentation, and a strong focus on the requirements of the role as outlined on the job advert. Download our CV checklist to help tailor your CV to different opportunities.

How can I impress an employer with my application form?
Like an effective CV, a strong application form is usually based on several factors, including well-written and well-structured responses to the different application questions (e.g. using the STAR technique – see our application forms guide for further advice), as well as clear evidence of your research into and understanding of the company and role.

What help and support with my applications can I get from the Careers, Employability and Enterprise Team?
You have access to digital support and a wide range of online resources to get you started with your CV, cover letter and application forms:

• CV Builder and CV360:
  If you don’t have an existing CV you could update and tailor for internship or placement applications, use our CV Builder to help you write up an initial draft.
  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 gets past 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 our website on writing effective CVs and covering letters and acing application forms. Review the example CVs in the career planning guide for your school or faculty for a better idea on how to set out information effectively on your CV, depending on whether you have any relevant experience already or not.
  Also check out our step-by-step guide to transforming your CV.
  
• One-to-one support:
  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 for some advice on how to tailor this for individual applications you’re working on. You can arrange an appointment by emailing careers@ljmu.ac.uk

Check part 3 of our placement special for our answers to your questions on online tests, virtual interviews and assessment centres.