In part one of our placement special, you learnt about different ways of researching internship and placement opportunities. These schemes are very competitive, so submitting a strong application to catch employers’ attention early on in the selection process is crucial.

How do I apply for internships and placements?
Applications are usually made either via the company’s own website 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 to reflect the required skills, knowledge and interests. Apart from typos/errors on applications, one of the most common reasons employers state for rejecting applications is that candidates have not addressed their specific entry requirements.

You can’t apply for all the hundreds of placements out there, so be realistic and prioritise appropriately to manage 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. Make sure you avoid the most common CV mistakes, and 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. Follow any instructions and guidance provided on the company’s website and the form, for example regarding word counts.

What CV and application support can I access at LJMU?
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 draft CV on CV360 and implemented any suggested improvements, you can also have this reviewed by a careers and employability adviser for tips on how to tailor this for individual applications you’re working on. You can arrange a meeting by calling into the Careers Zone in the Student Life Building or at Byrom Street (ground floor of the James Parsons Building), phoning us on 0151 231 3719/2048, or by emailing careers@ljmu.ac.uk

Made it past the initial application stage? Check part 3 of our placement special and get your preparation for online tests, interviews and assessment centres started!