How to submit the best application

In a sea of applications – what will make yours stand out?

What can you do to ensure your application gets noticed?

With only limited positions for apprenticeships on offer, when you see the role, you feel is perfect for you, how do you ensure you can feel confident your application is going to make the next stage?

Want to showcase yourself in the best way possible?

Here are some hints, tips and advice to help you on your journey

1. Invest Your Time 

Always take time to read the job advert/description fully– look at what the role entails – is it what you are looking to achieve? is it interesting?  Can you see yourself doing this?  Does it excite you?

Check out the following

• What are the qualifications needed for the role?
• What qualifications will you gain from the role?
• What qualifications can you go onto achieve if you want to at the end of the apprenticeship?
• Do you understand the role fully or do you need to do some more research on it to really understand it? 
• What are the career path options by undertaking this apprenticeship and what will the natural progression pathway be?
• Are there any special requirements attached to the role- i.e., will you need to drive?
• Where is the position located?  How will you get there if you are successful? – use google maps and note this down
• How long is the duration of the apprenticeship?
• What is on offer – what are the company benefits listed – if the salary states competitive you know it is going to be competitive within the marketplace.
• What is the recruitment process involved & timetable attached – note down any closing dates.

2. Knowledge is Key  

Researching a company is easy and doesn't take much time. But why research a company at all? Here are some of the reasons why it's crucial to your application process before, during, and after applying for your apprenticeship!

Not only does it make sure Tilbury Douglas is the company you want to work with and be part of, but it will also….

• Help you answer some of the pre application questions fully demonstrating you have taken the time and effort to gain a better understanding about who we are and what we do.
• Help you list the most relevant achievements, any relevant experience or highlight the attributes you can bring relevant to the role and make the most impactful opening statement at the top of your CV.
• Help you prepare for the interview stage.

What you can do?

Visit our website https://tilburydouglas.co.uk/ and understand who we are and what we do.

There is a page dedicated to Early Careers – have a look – there may be additional information for you to gain – check out the video – read the case studies to get a better understanding about the people and culture.

Whilst you are there – how about exploring the information on offer: 

• About Us
• Who we help?
• Projects
• News & Insights
• Look at our company values

Go onto LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/tilburydouglas

If you don’t thoroughly read the website, you won’t really understand the job you are applying for and, worst of all, you may demonstrate a lack of interest in who we are and what we do.

This lack of knowledge will be apparent in your application, or glaringly obvious at the time of interview – so take the time out to make sure you read the web pages on offer, understand the company; what it does, where it came from and where it’s going.

Don’t just scan it, get as much information as you can and make sure you can impress the hiring manager every step of the way right from the moment you apply!

3. It’s all about you!

As there are pre application questions for you to answer as part of our application process, you don’t have to worry about submitting a cover letter as part of your application

The questions asked just want to find out as much information about you in conjunction with your CV- so make sure you answer them in full in letting us know why you are the best candidate for the role

• Why have you applied for this apprenticeship?
• What have you done regarding your education which is relevant – why do you want to continue your learning pathway? Why is this the ideal opening for you?
• Why have you applied to us – why Tilbury Douglas?
• Is it our values, what we do, how we do it, who we work with, our ethics and consciousness of people, planet and performance or the modern methods of construction we use? What impresses you about our company which makes you excited to be part of our team?
• What is your understanding of the role you have applied for?
• What makes you passionate & motivated about the potential this opportunity could bring?
• What can you bring to the role?
• What make you stand out from the crowd? Why are you the best candidate for the role? Personal attributes/skills/knowledge/passion/motivation/teamplayer? - why you?
• Do you have any industry related experience or what work experience have you done – paid or unpaid? 
• Even if it’s a weeks’ worth of work experience – share this with us – what did you do – why did you choose this – what did you learn from it?
• What do you do in your spare time – any hobbies or interests?
• We all like downtime to do things we enjoy – what’s yours?

4. Eye for Detail – Final checks

Before you submit your pre application questions check your grammar and for any spelling mistakes – does everything make sense – are you happy with everything?

Summary

You have done it – submitted the best application – be pleased and be proud of what you have achieved! No matter what the outcome, you are now set up with a structured thorough approach in applying for a job and now the hardest part of all is to wait until the advert closing date is here and keep checking your inbox!

We look forward to receiving your application!