Application forms, letters and CVs

Keep a record of all the application forms and CVs you send including any online job applications. Note down dates, name of company, job details and the outcome. It's useful to keep copies as a reference if you are invited to attend an interview.

Whether you are writing a CV or completing an application form, remember...

• be honest about your qualifications and experience; you might be asked for evidence
• Get permission from people before you use their details for reference purposes
• Make sure you don't make spelling/grammar mistakes or note down the wrong dates

CVs

You can always send your CV to an employer you'd like to work for, even if they haven't advertised - some employers will respond, others may store your CV for future reference, others will do nothing.

• Ideally, CVs should be no longer than 2 sides of typed plain white paper
• A straightforward presentation with bold headings is usually the most effective
• Include your name and contact details, educational experience / qualifications, work experience and any skills, abilities, and positions of responsibility that might be relevant

Application forms - make sure you....

• have been sent everything (such as a job description and a person specification)
• know the deadline to return the form
• allow enough time to complete the form
• take a photocopy of the form to practise on
• read through the form and make sure you understand what it is they're asking you
• treat online application as seriously as paper ones and don't rely on spell checkers to notice any mistakes. It might be useful to set up a separate email address for job applications.

Letters

If you're sending a CV in response to a job advert or 'on spec', write a covering letter to:

• let them know the job/advert you're responding to
• Highlight the best bits of your CV
• Tell them when you are free for an interview

For more advice on writing CVs see the Directgov site ('Getting your first job').

You might find it helpful to look at some application forms - online forms can often be found on the websites of large employers (such as Councils, hospitals, etc.).