Graduate Careers

Graduate employers receive approximately 25 applications for each graduate position (AAGE 2008 Employer Survey). As each employer is competing with every other, the selection process at each is often designed to identify the most suitable candidates in the shortest possible timeframe.

Most graduate selection processes follow a similar structure with several stages spanning a number of weeks.
The first stage for many employers typically requires candidates to complete an online application form. Given
the high applicant:job ratio, often it is here where the bulk of applicants are reviewed and deemed unsuccessful,
with only a minority likely to go on to the next selection stage. Whilst an application form may appear straightforward, completing it accurately and properly is therefore critical to ensure you have every chance
of success.

The length and detail of application forms varies from employer to employer yet most will use them to make an initial assessment and decide who is shortlisted for the next selection stage.

Application forms are considered more objective than resumes as they follow a standard form, requesting the same information from each applicant, thus allowing quick and fairer comparisons of multiple applicants.

The construction of the application form may also reflect essential selection criteria (attributes) that the employer is seeking in their eventual graduates. Commonly, these criteria focus on an applicant’s ability to do the work, their drive, behavioural style and likely fit with the organisation.

To help make such an assessment, application forms may ask questions about academic performance (school and university achievements), extracurricular participation and achievements (clubs, societies, community involvement etc.), career aspirations and motivations, using a
mixture of closed and open questions.

Key points to remember

The application form is the first impression you make with an employer and you may not get a second chance.

If your form is poorly completed, chances are it won’t make the cut. For success:

• avoid spelling mistakes and get a friend to proof your form
• avoid merely cutting and pasting answers from another application form—they may appear generic or, worst still, mention the wrong employer
• always answer the question set, not the answer you wish to give. You may lose points if your answers are too generic
• complete all questions properly. Omitted, incomplete, unnecessarily long or poorly worded answers may lose you marks too
• tailor your answers to each employer, look at their website or speak to them directly to find out what competencies and attributes they look for in graduates. Most should be happy to tell you as it will enable you to better judge your suitability and prepare a high quality application accordingly.

Back to top