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How to Succeed at: Writing Applications
4.7 (405 reviews)
276,711 enrolled on this course
This free three week course will help you produce a perfect CV, application and online profile when applying for a job or course.
Duration
3 weeks
Weekly study
3 hours
100%
online
Learn key business skills, from pitching your idea to writing a vision statement
Experts from The Careers Service here at The University of Sheffield share their top tips to help you write exceptional applications, CVs (or résumés), covering letters and personal statements.
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
How to Succeed at: Writing Applications
4.7 (405 reviews)
276,711 enrolled on this course
3 weeks
3 hours per week
Digital certificate when eligible
Open level
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Learning on this course
On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.
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.
Who will you learn with?
Stephen Davie
I lead the Information Team within the Careers Service. I strive to keep abreast of technological changes which enable the Service to develop a range of interactive & engaging resources for all users.
Gavin Smillie
I am a part of the Careers Service information team providing employability support.
Emily Smith (Mentor)
I am an Employability Project Assistant at The University of Sheffield Careers service. My role incorporates projects that help students from disadvantaged backgrounds enhance their employability.
Lucia Allen (mentor)
I work at The University of Sheffield Careers Service. I organise employment opportunities for students and graduates with a particular focus on those from underrepresented backgrounds.
Who developed the course?
The University of Sheffield
EC x FutureLearn