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How to answer: Describing your strengths may come more naturally, but when it comes to your weaknesses, it is important to be honest and reveal things you are genuinely looking to improve on. Your answers need to be well-considered and tailored towards the role you are applying for. Show them that you are actively looking to learn and grow.

For example:

I'm a driven person who works hard to attain my goals. The ability to overcome obstacles and follow things through to completion has always been a strong point of mine, which is why I've managed to thrive in such a competitive degree subject. However, I am aware that as a perfectionist my delegation skills could be improved. I would welcome training in conflict management as well as any other opportunities to develop in this area.

Question 10: Tell me about a time when you failed to complete a project on time

How to answer: Your response should adequately justify the reasons for missing the deadline. While there are various ways to approach this, you'll need to give a good explanation and demonstrate that you've learned from this setback. The employer is looking to determine whether you'll manage your time effectively in the future.

For example:

In my first year, I failed to hand a history assignment in on time as I had underestimated how long it would take to complete the project. I got carried away with the gathering of information and left the write-up to the last minute. I lost marks on my final grade, but fortunately still managed to pass the year. This has never happened since, as I've made a point of allocating sufficient time to each task. I certainly learned a valuable lesson from the experience.

Please provide further information in support of your application

Placed at the end - if there isn't a personal statement - this is one of the most important sections of the application form, as it gives you the chance to show the employer why you are the best candidate for the job. You'll need to relate your skills directly to the role that you're applying for.

What skills do employers want?

With so many graduates applying for each role, you must demonstrate that you've developed the key skills that employers are looking for

While the knowledge and skills required will vary according to the job, it's imperative to convey how you've already gained the core attributes that would make you a worthwhile addition to an organisation.

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Good communication

How clearly you convey your ideas, plus your ability to listen to others, are of keen interest to employers. As well as building rapport, they'll also be looking at how well you persuade and negotiate with people too.

Use your CV to outline specific written and verbal examples of when you've put these skills into practice. Show how you tailored your message to the target audience.

Effective leadership and management

Even if you're not intending to work in a management position, you'll still need to demonstrate to employers that you've the potential to motivate and direct others in order to achieve common objectives.

For your CV, detail situations where you've had the opportunity to plan and coordinate tasks. The ability to solve problems and conflicts is always highly valued by recruiters.

Planning and research skills

To accomplish certain work tasks, you may need to come up with a suitable strategy and plan of action. This could involve seeking out relevant information from various sources. How you analyse, interpret and report these findings is what's important here.

Highlight the relevant skills that you've developed through your degree course.

Teamwork and interpersonal skills

Most graduates will have had the chance to work in teams during their time at university. Employers will be looking at your individual contribution towards achieving common goals.

Self-management

The specific activities of your job will always be viewed in the context of the business's goals and what it is trying to achieve. By successfully directing your work towards these objectives - prioritising your duties, working well under pressure and managing your time effectively - you can demonstrate that you're flexible, resilient and can be trusted.

Give examples of times when you've had to balance your university work in order to meet multiple deadlines.

Relevant work experience

This is becoming increasingly important in today's competitive work environment. However, students are having to be incredibly resourceful in gaining the type of experience that employers are after. In some sectors, such as media and the arts, it's

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necessary to network and make speculative job applications. Paid work is often restricted to large organisations.

For advice on how to make the most of the opportunities available to students and graduates see work experience and internships.

If you've limited or no relevant experience in the field that you're looking to work in, you might want to consider a CV that allows you to concentrate on the skills that you've acquired.

To find out how to write a skills-based CV take a look at our example CVs.

How to write a successful job application

Job applications forms, whether online or on paper, are the first vital step to getting a job interview. This step-by-step guide explains how to give employers the information they need to put you on the shortlist.

Although some graduate recruiters prefer CVs, the majority ask applicants to complete a job application form, either online or on paper. These forms generally include standard biographical information (eg about your education and experience), along with some open-ended questions that give you the chance to highlight your suitability for the job.

How employers use job application forms

Many recruiters prefer application forms to CVs because they help to standardise applications. This can be seen as fairer because recruiters can compare candidates easily. The downside is that this standardised approach also allows recruiters to filter out unsuitable candidates quickly (sometimes this is even done by computer), so it's important to include all the information necessary to make your case.

Employers use written applications to select candidates for interview, and may also refer to information on the form during the interview. It's a good idea to keep a copy so you can remember what you wrote.

What employers are looking for in application forms

When assessing an application for a job, recruiters want to know two things:

1. Do you meet their criteria? This information lets them filter candidates into a 'long list'. Make sure you check the job description and prove that you match the requirements.

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2. Do you stand out among the other applicants? This is what helps recruiters make their shortlist for interview. If other candidates have similar qualifications it may be your work experience or extra-curricular activities that reveal your employment potential.

How to complete a job application form

Step 1. Prepare yourself

Get all your basic information together: personal details, education etc.

Contact the people you want to use as referees, to get their permission and to confirm their contact details.

Think about why you want the job.

Think about what you have to offer and what makes you stand out.

Step 2. Find out what the employer wants

Check closing dates; if possible, apply before the deadline. Some employers start processing applications before the closing date – and they are usually deluged by lastminute applications – so if you submit yours early you may get more attention.

Read the job description and personal specification to find out what skills and experience they are looking for.

Research the organisation for more clues about the kind of applicant who would be successful.

Step 3. Write your application

Give yourself enough time: writing a good job application is likely to take longer than you expect.

Draft your answers first, before you start filling in the form.

Read the application form right through before you write anything. Follow all instructions and answer the questions asked (yes, it is a bit like an exam!).

If there is a question that does not apply to you, write ‘not applicable’ or ‘N/A’ in the appropriate box. This shows that you have considered the question and is better than leaving blanks.

Make your answers relevant, interesting and personal. Your aim is to write your own interview invitation, so you want to stand out.

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Step 4. Final checks

Spell check and proof read your application. If possible, ask a friend or careers adviser to check it too.

Check that you have included everything you’ve been asked for.

Keep a copy of your application, so you can go over it before the interview.

Sign and send!

Online application forms

Applying for a job online is similar to filling in a paper application form. The questions will be the same; only the format is different.

Allow plenty of time and make sure you won’t be disturbed. Some online forms allow you to ‘save and return’ but some have to be completed in one sitting.

If possible, print off the form so you can prepare your answers offline. This gives you thinking time and lets you check your answers before pasting the text into the form. Use a word-processed document to write longer answers so you can edit and spell check them first.

Write for online applications in the same way as you would for a paper form: beware of lapsing into the informal style you might use when sending emails to friends.

If you are asked to email your CV, it is likely to be electronically scanned. You may have to use standard typefaces etc so follow any instructions you are given. If a recruiter is using scanning software, you'll also need to ensure you include keywords for the specific skills and qualifications that they have asked for.

Some online application forms include built-in psychometric tests, so it’s useful to get some practice in first.

Keep a copy for reference: print out the form before you hit ‘send’.

The 'further information' section in job applications

Most application forms will include questions such as ‘Why are you suitable for the job?’, ‘What is your greatest achievement?’ and ‘What are your interests and hobbies?’

Don't ignore it: this is your chance to make an impact.

This gives you a chance to reveal something of your personality: aim to show that you’re more interesting than other candidates with similar work experience and grades. Use a range of examples from all areas of your life – college, work and other interests/activities.

Sometimes an application form will just have the heading ‘additional information': this is an open invitation to tell them what you want them to know.

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But never fear! We've compiled our Top 10 hints on how to show the world 'this is me!' and get that all-important interview.

1. Keep it real!

Usually a CV should be no more than two pages – and that's two pages of A4 paper! Employers spend, an average, just 8 seconds looking at any one CV, and a surefire way of landing yourself on the no pile is to send them your entire life story. Keep it punchy, to the point, and save those niggly little details for the interview.

2. Tailor it

We've all done it. Whizzed the same CV out to lots of employers to save time... Stop! Take the time to change your CV for each role that you apply for. Research the company and use the job advert to work out EXACTLY what skills you should point out to them. They will appreciate the obvious effort.

3. Include a personal statement

Don’t just assume an employer will see how your experience relates to their job.

Instead, use a short personal statement to explain why you are the best person for the job.

4. Don't leave gaps

We are a cynical bunch and leaving obvious gaps on your CV immediately makes employers suspicious – and they won't give you the benefit of the doubt. If you’ve been out of work it can be a worry but just put a positive spin on it. Did you do a course, volunteer work or develop soft skills such as communication, teamwork or project management? If so, shout about it!

5. Keep it current

You should keep your CV up-to-date whether you’re looking for a job or not. Every time something significant occurs in your career, record it so you don't later forget something that could be important.

6. The error of your ways

Employers DO look for mistakes on CVs and if they find them, it makes you look really bad. David Hipkin, head of recruitment and resourcing at Reed Business Information, warns, 'With most employers experiencing massive volumes of applicants right now, giving them the excuse to dismiss your application because of avoidable errors is not going to help you secure an interview.' If you're unsure then use a spellchecker and ask someone else to double-check what you've written.

7. Tell the truth

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Everyone lies on their CV, right? NO! Stop! Blatant lies on your CV can land you in a whole heap of trouble when it comes to employers checking your background and references. The last thing you want is to start work and then lose your new job for lying. You also may get caught out at the interview stage when you suddenly can't answer questions on what you claim to know. And that can be VERY awkward!

8. The maths

This may sound dull but by backing up your achievements with numbers it makes selling yourself much easier. When writing your work history, don’t just say that you increased sales; tell them you increased sales by 70% over a six month period. Get it? Big numbers are especially good (although don't forget point 7 of our list!).

9. Make it look good

We live in a world where image is everything, and that also goes for your CV. Take some time to pretty it up... Use bullet points and keep sentences short. Use the graphic design trick of leaving plenty of white space around text and between categories to make the layout easy on the eye.

10. Make it keyword friendly

If you’ve uploaded your CV to a job site so recruiters can find you, keywords are very important. Job titles and job buzzwords will help a search engine pick out your CV from the pile. Confused? Don't be. A marketing candidate might mention SEO (Search Engine Optimization), direct marketing and digital marketing among their experience and skills, for example... If you're not sure, have a search onl

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