Tips for completing your application on Trac
- Some sections, such as qualifications, can have multiple answers. Use the add another button to add more answers
- It is possible to save your application form without submitting it, then return to it later by logging into My Account
- We recommend that whilst completing the form, you save it every ten minutes in case of internet problems. There is a 'save' button at the bottom
- Make sure your application is written in mixed case. Applications written in all lower case or all capital are harder to read
- If you leave your application in draft, it will be available on your account for up to 90 days after the closing date. After that time, it will be deleted automatically. You can also log in to delete it at any time
- Some Equal Opportunities questions may be obligatory because large employers have a legal duty to monitor recruitment and selection processes to ensure that all applicants are treated fairly. The information is used for statutory monitoring only and is never used in the selection process
Filling in your application form
Applications are assessed by a scoring system based on the requirements listed in the person specification for the role. Make sure you include examples of how you have experience of meeting these requirements on your application in order to score highly and be shortlisted for an interview. The section for ‘supporting information’ is an opportunity for you to include how you may meet specific requirements from your experience in voluntary roles, training, qualifications hobbies or other life events.
Employment history
This part of the application allows for a maximum of 10 previous employers.
For this section, start with the most recent job role you have held and work chronologically backwards - that means, start with your most recent occupation!
When describing your duties and responsibilities, think about what you did or achieved that may help you with the role you are applying for now.
If there are any gaps in your employment when you were not in education or training, you will be required to account for this time. Example may be ‘taking care of my children’ or ‘unemployed during this time’.
Supporting information
The supporting information section of the application is one of the most important sections to describe how you meet the job requirements. This is your opportunity to explain your best attributes, detail any skills that you may have not yet had the opportunity to mention and convince the recruiter why they should want you on their team.
To fill this section, refer to the personal specification attached to all job adverts (often found at the end of the job description attachment).
Explain how you possess each of the qualities, skills and experience that are both essential and desirable. It is very important to give examples of when you have displayed these skills, not just say that you have them. Give examples of how your previous experiences have given you the ability to do the job you are applying for.
Double check what you have written to make sure it is easy to read and understand. You have a 1500 word maximum on this section, so use it wisely!
Top tip:
Write the heading from the person specification and then complete underneath how you meet it. For example:
Experience of taking accurate minutes at meetings.
I have regularly taken minutes at meetings and then typed them up in Microsoft Word to be circulated to the attendees. I ensured they were accurate by using spell check and proof reading everything closely.
A technique that may help structure your answer is called the STARR Method.
SITUATION
Explain the situation you found yourself in, think of this as setting the scene. Provide the interviewer with a bit of background and context.
TASK
What did you need to do? Build on the background you have already provided and explain the task, specifically your involvement. What were the major tasks you needed to do?
ACTION
What specific action did YOU take and how did you do it? Remember this is about you and the actions that you personally took.
RESULT
What was the outcome? What difference did this make?
REFLECTION
What did you learn from the situation? What would you do differently next time? Don’t be afraid of including difficulties or failure; all jobs involve difficulties, the key is to explain how you handle them.
References
These references should cover the past three years ideally. If during the last three years, you have any periods in which you have not been in either employment or full-time education, please provide details of someone who can provide a character reference for you to cover this period. Character references should be provided by a person of standing in the community such as a teacher, health care professional (for example a doctor, physiotherapist, registered nurse), minister of religion, police officer or solicitor. Character references should only be used in exceptional circumstances to cover periods of time when you have not been in either employment or education.
Finishing your application
At any time you can save your application without submitting it. Once you have completed your application form and are ready to submit it, simply click the submit button.
Don’t forget, your application form is always saved. So the next time you come to complete one for another role, the majority of the work will already have been done!