Application Instructions (2024)

FAQs

How should you answer application questions? ›

Tips for answering job application questions

Use the STAR technique (AKA “show don't tell”) to answer where possible. Provide concrete examples, not just statements. Write original answers – don't copy and paste from resumes or cover letters. Avoid plain “yes” or “no” answers.

These questions require thoughtful and considered answers and, typically, you'll be allowed no more than 250 words to write each one.

Some things you may consider including are computer, technical and/or language skills, any leadership roles you've held outside of your employment, awards or honors you've received, community organizations or projects in which you were involved, volunteer activities, and hobbies or activities that are related to your ...

In your responses be specific. It is better to give one specific example of a skill than answer generally. Make sure that your answers refer to what you did. The reader is looking to employ you, not the team you worked on a project with. Answers are more powerful when they are supported by evidence.

Some applications require short answers of 100 to 200 words regarding your experience, skills and motivations for applying to a particular school or fellowship.

In a 3 mark explain question, state a drawback/advantage/benefit and provide two logical linked strands. Make sure the answer is not vague however, and does in fact answer the set question. It is often useful to write three separate sentences when doing this rather than condensing an answer into two sentences.

So, instead of giving vague answers like "I'm not good at everything," pinpoint a particular area where you need improvement. For example, you might say, "I sometimes struggle with delegating tasks because I'm a perfectionist and I want to make sure I do everything correctly."

How to ace a job application? ›

If there isn't much you can add to your experience, additional information sections such as volunteering, internships, or continuing education are great examples. When you apply for non-experience or junior roles, employers look into your personal attributes and qualities rather than qualifications.

Additional comments are a chance to provide more information about yourself or your qualifications that didn't fit your resume. However, it's important to be concise and clear.