Writing your application

Once you have found a position you wish to apply for, you need to make sure your application does you justice and provides you with the best possible chance of getting an interview.

• It is vital that you carefully read the job description and person specification, as your answers may be scored against the requirements listed here.

  For example: If the person specification lists 'insight into needs of patients and colleagues' as an essential criteria, use your written application to demonstrate how you have done this in a previous role, personal life or whilst studying. This can be an example of how you anticipated the needs or understand the routine of others, and how you responded to this.

  "I show insight into the needs of patients and colleagues by anticipating the needs of my elderly grandmother when I visit her. I tidy her house and pick clothes off the floor so that she can move around more easily and to prevent her having a fall. I check that the things she needs most are accessible to her and easy to reach. I make her a cup of tea that is not too hot so she doesn't burn herself if it spills, and I ask her questions about her favourite soap operas as it calms her down to talk about them. Before I leave, I check what time her nurse will visit and make sure she has everything she needs until then."

• Take your time over your application and make sure your answers demonstrate your skills and experience, as well as your values.
• Be concise in your application and keep your responses relevant to the role and the question.
• Complete every section and try not to leave areas blank unless they are not required.
• And finally, re-read your application before submitting and check for spelling and grammar.

Follow the below link for more guidance on how to submit an excellent written application, as well as what to include in your supporting information section, which is like a personal statement/cover letter.