CV, Further Education and Masters Application Tips

Hello everyone!

As a current History of Art finalist, most of my time recently has been dedicated to researching and writing applications in relation to my future career plans. With that in mind, I have compiled a list of some tips to help out anyone else who is in the same position as me and needs a helping hand.

• Give yourself enough time to formulate an application so that you can research properly and be sure that you want to continue on your planned career path. Researching early will also allow you to gain any experience or qualifications that you may need so that you will not be rushing to submit your application.

• Make sure that any application you make is specifically tailored for the organisation and role that you are applying for, avoid generic and generalised statements and read the job requirements so that you can adapt your submission accordingly.

• Proof read your text to ensure that there are no spelling mistakes or grammatical errors, especially if the role requires attention to detail and precision. Have another person read your application too, as they might spot inconsistencies or mistakes that you may have missed.

• Format your document so that it is clear, concise and easy to read because an employer will only spend around ten seconds reading your application. Use bullet points, keywords and short sentences to make the most of the short amount of time that you have to make an impression.

• Do not, under any circumstances, lie or exaggerate your experiences on an application. You will most likely be found out before you even get an interview or you will be questioned about it and be unable to give an answer. Your time is better spent highlighting the skills and knowledge you do have.

• Don’t include experiences or skills that are not relevant to the company or role just to flesh out your application. You need to prove why you’ve done the things that you have, how they are pertinent, and how you and your skills have developed from such experiences.

• Stand out from the pack by being yourself. You are selling to an employer what YOUR specific skills, knowledge, and qualities are so try to include what your own interests and reasons are for wanting to pursue a certain sector, company, or role.

Thanks for reading! Kristie

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