The following section is designed to help you throughout the entire application process; from researching companies and submitting applications to preparing for your first day at work. We provide information about how to complete an online application, how to write a successful CV, and how to answer the trickiest interview questions. We offer hints and tips and give clear examples all designed to help you when writing your own applications. Read on to find out everything there is to know about applying for an internship, trainee program, or a permanent job.

Getting onto the graduate career ladder is never easy – it requires planning, preparation, and often lots of job applications. It also demands motivation, commitment, and a great deal of research. The job market is highly competitive – companies want the best representative for their company and will therefore invest a great a deal of time in selecting and interviewing suitable candidates. Therefore, it does not come as a surprise that applying for a job is often a lengthy process that can be divided into different stages:

1. Submitting your application – there are different application types – responding to job adverts or applying speculatively. And of course you can complete your application online or send it via email or post. When completing an online application, filling in one or more application forms is often all it takes. In contrast, writing a professional CV/resume and cover letter is key for a successful application via email or post.
2. Awaiting response – the time you wait to hear back about your application depends on many things – the type of job you’ve applied for, the number of applicants, the number of positions available and the size of the company (a big company may be carrying out large-scale recruitment and so you may wait longer to hear back about your application)
3. Confirmation – you will normally receive confirmation of the outcome of your application via post, but you can also be contacted by telephone and email. If you’re application is unsuccessful then you should seek feedback if it isn’t provided. This is an important part of the application process because it means you can learn from the experience and change the way you approach future applications, if necessary.
4. Interview – if you’re successful in your application then you will be asked to attend an interview so the company can meet you in person and assess whether or not you fit in with the organization. We provide a comprehensive guide to preparing and attending an interview.
5. Start job – while your first day at the job can be very stressful, it is still essential to leave a good impression with your colleagues. We offer some tips and hints to make the day pass by more smoothly.