How to Succeed at: Writing Applications (FutureLearn)

You’ll also hear from employers and admissions tutors to find out what they really look for in a candidate. And once you’ve written that perfect application, prepare for the next stage with our course: How to Succeed at: Interviews.

What topics will you cover?

Understanding your skills

- Analysing job adverts and course descriptions

- Researching the organisation

- Promoting yourself through positive writing

- Mastering applicant tracking systems

- Creating a personal brand

- Dealing with gaps in your application

CVs and covering letters

- Making a positive impression

- Creating an effective CV

- Developing a professional online profile

- Selling yourself in your covering letter

- Exploring sample CVs and covering letters

Application forms and personal statements

- How to approach application forms

- Structuring your responses with the STAR technique

- Responding to competency-based, strength-based, motivational and situational judgement questions

- How to write a brilliant personal statement

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

- Improve your chances of success in getting a job or securing a place on a university course

- Apply best practice techniques when applying for jobs, apprenticeships, placements and university courses, from preparing to apply, to writing CVs and completing application forms

- Identify what recruiters are looking for by analysing job adverts and researching employers and institutions, to find out how to adapt your offer to suit their requirements

- Develop a better understanding of your strengths and skills to tackle applying for your dream job or course with confidence

- Improve the way you promote yourself effectively through positive writing and a strong personal brand, creating an identity that looks impressive to a recruiter, whether that's an employer or admissions tutor

Who is the course for?

This course is designed for anyone applying for jobs or courses. It will be of particular interest to those in the early stages of their career, or those who are out of practice and need to update their skills. No prior knowledge or expertise are needed.