Applications

I first published this post in 2015, but I've given it a little refresh for 2020, based on my experience of having read many personal statements for academic jobs, and heard academic recruiters talking about what helps to make a...

If you have created a CV and feel that it is a little on the sparse side, you can add more detail by writing about your transferable skills. You do not need to have completed paid work experience to have...

I’ve seen quite a few students in the last few months applying for master’s courses, where a CV was a required or optional part of the application process. Yet a quick Google search throws up very little in terms of...

Why the post Covid-19 world will need your leadership skills I’ve been thinking for some time about writing a blog to help students write in a more compelling way about their leadership skills. “Leadership” as a required core skill is...

We are living in challenging and uncertain times, but for some students who have a long term health condition, a physical or an invisible disability such as dyslexia, ADHD, depression and anxiety, this can then create some additional concerns when...

It is perfectly acceptable to have gaps in your CV. Just be aware that if you ignore them, the employer might assume you are hiding something shameful. Instead, go in with an open and honest attitude and be willing to...

Communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills are mentioned on almost every cover letter and personal statement we see. You can imagine that recruiters get the same déjà vu. Meeting their criteria is essential but sometimes it isn’t enough to keep them...

Gone over the word limit? Don’t know which sentences to sacrifice? This article has been written for those of you who are concerned that you might compromise your work with the delete button. Whether this is a job application or...

When it comes to application writing, you might be surprised about what you're able to do. Let’s get your applications ready for 2020. 1. Omit your home address if you don’t think it’ll benefit your application. 2. Leave out your...

You might have heard of Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) or "Resume Robots" as they are sometimes called. These are commonly being used by larger companies to screen applications before they get to a human. Unfortunately, this makes the process easier...