By Jack Wignall, BA Business Management with Employment Experience
To undertake a placement year, you will have to go through an application process the same way you would if you were applying for a full time or graduate job. Although the process of applying for a placement is a very time consuming one, it will hold you in good stead when it comes to applying for graduate jobs in your final year and if you apply early enough, you can get them done before any major coursework deadlines or exams.
Applications Steps
Every placement application is different but they all follow roughly the same pattern of application steps. These are:
- Online ApplicationThis initial stage usually comprises of uploading your CV and Cover Letter. However, many companies also take this opportunity to ask some suitability and competency based questions.
- Psychometric and Situational Judgement Tests (SJT)The psychometric tests are designed to examine your all round ability and they usually include numerical reasoning, verbal reasoning and logical analysis tests. The SJT tests put you in a situation within the company you are applying for and is intended to test how you would respond.
- Phone InterviewAn interview which takes place over the phone with the recruitment department.
- Video InterviewAn interview using a computer or laptop where a question comes up on your screen and you present an answer using your webcam. Treat this like a real interview in how you present yourself and how you prepare for it.
- One to one interviewA traditional interview with members of the recruitment department at the company.
- Assessment CentreA screening process where several potential employees are evaluated on individual and group tasks in order to showcase specific skills and attributes.
During the whole process, it is important to keep track of a company’s business and social activities. This keeps you up to date on their dealings as well as ensuring you develop some understanding of their marketplace. On top of this, you can keep a record of the questions and answers you have made so far, so you can refer back to previous experiences when preparing for the next stage.
My 5 top tips for applying:
- Apply early – many companies advertise early in the year, so apply before coursework/exam stress comes calling.
- Stick at it – it is a time consuming process so keep going even if you feel like giving up!
- Take advantage of the Careers Service – they are very helpful, and give you advice and showcase events.
- Tailor applications – make each application specific to the company you are applying for.
- Prepare for all types of questioning – competency based, experience based, fun and quirky
It is a gruelling process that needs a lot of time and effort, but if you work hard and – more importantly – be yourself, then some success may well come your way.
Good luck!