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Be More Prepared: How To Make A First Class Application Barclays Skill Session
Be More Prepared: How To Make A First Class Application Barclays Skill Session
Contents
The changing world of graduate applications The selection process Research How are competencies used in the application process
The selection processes currently in the market are highly challenging and require much more input than a CV and covering letter
With graduate recruiters receiving thousands of applications each recruitment round, you need to ensure your application stands out.
The Selection Process what you will encounter before assessment centre
Just getting to the assessment centre often requires you to pass many key stages:
ASSESSMENT CENTRE
Research
Online Testing
Telephone Interview
Research
Nothing will switch off an employer more than a candidate who knows nothing about the organisation/business area/graduate programme they are applying for It is imperative you research these areas in depth either online; at careers fairs, by talking to contacts in the industry, reading the financial press and any company literature The question of why are you applying to this organisation/for this scheme will come up, rehearse your answer in depth. If you have not done your research, you wont be able to submit a decent application form
Employers will automatically disregard your application if you cannot answer the simple question of why you have applied and answer it well. You would be surprised how many candidates fall at this first hurdle
There are several different competencies that can be developed dependant on the graduate skill set, the recruiting organisation and the industry. Some examples of competencies can include influencing skills, planning and organising, decision making and judgement, problem solving, time management, building rapport. Some employers will post their competencies on their graduate website so it is always worth checking. You should familiarise yourself with each competency and what is expected of you.
Competency questions in the application process tend to feature on the application form and the telephone interview. You may be tested on all or a select few of the competencies required.
The Application Form On your application form, you will be asked to provide some factual information around academic records; work experience, extra curricular activity. What makes your application stand out is the competency questions you may be asked. When answering a competency question, make sure you put all the relevant information and sell yourself. Identify your achievements and talk about them openly. You may be asked questions asking why you are interested in the organisation or referring to a recent development in the financial markets or the industry to which you are applying. Make sure you research this answer. Dont rush this, employers will need to see strong, concise arguments for why they should be hiring you. Always check your spelling and grammar on any part of the application process. Any mistakes will automatically stand out. Do not transfer the information from your CV to your application form. The form often looks for more content and your own opinion therefore lifting and shifting information will not work.
Your CV As part of your application, you will most likely be asked to attach a CV with your application
Many employers today will ask for a one page CV with all your relevant information
As your CV is read in conjunction with your application form, it needs to be concise, accurate and well laid out Make sure the information you include on your CV also sells your abilities, it is factual but also needs to sell you to the organisation.
Brainstorm the below under the key headings. Keep in mind the role and the company you are applying for
Education History & Academic Achievements Achievements
YOUR CV
Work Experience Volunteer experience
Positions of Responsibility
How do I target my CV to the potential employer, and why is it so important? It is very important to be focused with your CV, and tailor it for your target audience i.e. for Financial Services, what experience or knowledge do you have in this area? What commercial awareness can you demonstrate? Your CV must meet the requirements of the job you are applying for so if for a Leadership programme, what leadership skills can you display i.e. captain of a sports team.
For graduate roles, your CV has to stand out therefore your work experience in McDonalds might not be relevant but I introduced a new customer service process to improve the waiting times for customers whilst at McDonalds is more effective.
The lesson here is that one CV will not suffice for every application. You must review your CV, and make appropriate changes, for each application you make
Analytical Testing
Several online applications will include analytical testing in their structure These are multiple question tests that are timed and form a key part of the initial application process Your scores on these tests will go towards your final overall mark for the application Analytical tests will often be used as a pass or fail at application stage. Examples of tests include: - Online Numeracy Test (ONT) - Online Verbal Reasoning (OVR) - Situational Judgement Tests (SJT) You can practice the tests online which is a good tip. Also bear in mind you will be re-tested if you get to assessment centre stage therefore ensure you are used to these tests The SHL website offers practice tests and it is always a good idea to go online and practice: www.shl.com
Telephone interviews are often outsourced due to the high level of applications an employer will receive.
Telephone interviews are harder to build a rapport with your assessor as you cant see what they are doing. There will often be some pauses or silences as they are taking notes, dont let this distract you.
Dont be afraid to ask the assessor to repeat a question if you didnt hear it correctly and ask for clarification of a point if you need it
Telephone interviews are often competency based and will therefore be rated. Before the interview, make sure you prepare your answers and think of good examples to give.
This will give you a broad overview of the business, a deep customer insight and a clear sense of where your strengths and your prospects lie.
2. Functional Leaders Programmes You can chose from one of our functional programmes that will prepare you for a top-level career in one of the following: Human Resources, Marketing, Products & Analytics, Credit Risk, Operations, Technology Process and Product Development, Finance or Tax. We have opportunities for first years with our Spring Insight programme; Summer Internship opportunities for students in their penultimate year and our Future Leaders programmes for finalists.
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