Job Applications

Basic principles 

• CVs for the UK job market are typically no longer than two sides of A4 
• Use a professional font eg Arial, size 10-12
• Use clear section headings 
• Avoid too much text; don't adjust margins 
• Keep sentences concise and factual. Bulleted points make it easy to read 
• List education and employment in reverse chronological order 
• Proofread carefully to check no grammatical or spelling errors 
• Include a covering letter, unless the job advertisement says differently 

How to make your CV stand out 

• Avoid using the same CV for every job application. Tailor to the specific job by highlighting relevant skills and experience  
• Incorporate key words from the job description - this is important if the recruiter uses screening software
• For speculative applications, focus on the skills the employer is likely to need
• Show how you delivered results; don't just describe your responsibilities
• Use strong action verbs eg, coordinated, achieved, liaised, initiated
• Highlight your degree with relevant modules, projects and dissertations 

 Choosing the right format 

There are different ways you can arrange your experience, skills and achievements, so consider which CV format will suit your current circumstances and career aims.  

Learn more here:

Best CV examples | Boost your job search | Prospects.ac.uk 

Useful resources

How to write a CV | Transform you job search | Prospects.ac.uk 

How long should a CV be? CV FAQs for graduates | targetjobs 

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Unless the job adverts states otherwise, always include a covering letter with your CV.

The purpose of your letter is to explain: 

• What job or placement you are applying for 

• Why you are applying 

• Why you are suitable 

If you are making a speculative application, see below. 

Writing your Letter – Key Points 

• Aim for one side of A4 

• Use standard business letter formatting 

• Tailor your letter to the job and employer. Don’t send a generic letter! 

• Write to a named person if you can. If not, use a generic term such as ‘Dear Hiring Manager’ 

• Focus on how you developed your skills rather than just stating that you have them 

• Convey your enthusiasm for the job and what you can bring to the organisation 

• Show you have researched the company and understand what they do 

• Avoid repeating sentences from your CV 

• Use the same font style and size as your CV 

• Proofread carefully 

• Save your letter as a pdf file 

For more information including what to include in each paragraph 

How to write a cover letter | Transform you job search | Prospects.ac.uk 

Covering letter essentials for graduate vacancies 

Four covering letter blunders (and how to avoid them) 

CVs and covering letters: convince engineering recruiters you're perfect for their graduate job 

Writing a covering letter for a graduate job in IT 

Speculative Letters 

Approaching employers speculatively can be an effective strategy as not all jobs, internships or placements are advertised. This is referred to as the ‘hidden job market’. Here are some resources to help you get started; 

Speculative cover letter | Prospects.ac.uk 

Making speculative applications for graduate jobs 

How to write a speculative application for an internship 

 

Prefer an Interactive E-Learning Course?

Click on the image below to set up your Targetjobs account and access this and other Pathway courses

Getting Started

• Check the instuctions so you are clear what you've been asked to submit
• Read the job desciption and person specification, so you are clear what the job involves
• How much do you know about the employer? What are their aims and priorities? Do your research

Completing the Form

• Draft your answers in Word, then paste onto the form 
• Be concise and use key words from the job description
• Use active verbs to highlight skills and achievements
• List education and experience in reverse chronlogical order
• Use correct qualification titles eg BA (Hons) Outdoor Leadership

Tailoring your Supporting Statement to the Job

• Link your answers to the job description and person specification
• Use their words and key phrases 
• Show understanding of the job's core responsibilities
• Back up your claims with specific examples 
• Show that you are someone who always does a job well 
• Show genuine enthusiasm for the role

Before You Submit

• Proof-ready carefully
• Save a copy for your own records
• Send as a Pdf

Useful Resources 

Write a successful job application | Prospects.ac.uk 

Applying for a job? How to fill in a job application form | targetjobs 

 

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly being used by employers in their recruitment processes and many applicants are now using it too. This section shows you how to use it responsibly, the pitfalls to be aware of, and the advantages it can bring. 

About generative AI

For a quick overview of whether you can use AI to write your job application, watch this short recording on Prospects: 

 

VIDEO "CAN I USE AI TO WRITE MY JOB APPLICATION"

Prospects also have a useful guide Using Generative AI in job applications.

For a more in depth guide to the pros and cons of AI we have put together this presentation: 

 My Cumbria 2025 - Intro to AI Pros, Cons, and how do I use it.pptx 

Using generative AI for research 

A strong job application shows a good understanding of the role and company. AI can be helpful for research purposes. You can use it to find out background information. However, you would still need to verify what it tells you.   

Using AI to help proofread your course or job application 

AI can be a useful proof-reading tool. These slides explain how: 

Using Copilot (AI) to help proofread your job or course application.pptx