Application forms – what to write

If you’ve read Application forms – what employers want, you’ll have a good idea about what information you need to get across when answering behavioural questions. So now the problem is, how?

A few tips to start
Using the STAR approach to plan answers
Sample questions and answers
A few more sample questions and answers

A few tips to start

It won’t matter what you say if your answers are badly written. Is writing not your strong point? Then keep the structure simple (using the STAR technique below will help) and get a friend to proof your work.
Where a question has multiple parts, make sure you respond to all of them.
Although dry questions may not lend themselves to entertaining responses, if you can bring your answers to life, you’ll catch the attention of a form-weary reader.
Don’t make stuff up. You’ll be quizzed on your examples should you be invited to an interview and any holes is your story will be obvious.
Make sure your answers reflect the level of seniority required by the role you are applying for.

Using the STAR approach to plan answers

The STAR approach will help you structure your response and provide the information employers are looking for. Here’s how it works…

Situation – Around 20% of your answer should be used to set the scene. What was happening?

Task – 10% should explain the task either set by yourself or another.

Action – This is the most important part: 50% of your answer should describe what you did and the skills you used to do it.

Result – Use the last 20% to tell give details of the outcome. This should include a good dose of self-analysis. Consider what impact your behaviour had on the result – Perhaps you learnt something about yourself or it altered your thinking.

Sample questions and answers

Describe a situation where you have worked as part of a team to achieve something. How were you involved and what did you learn?
Describe a situation where you implemented change.
Provide an example of where you overcame a problem. Given the chance, what would you do differently?
Describe an achievement that you are proud of and tell us why. What did you find challenging?
Tell us about the biggest change you have had to deal with. How did you adjust to it?

Q: Describe a situation where you have worked as part of a team to achieve something. How were you involved and what did you learn?

What they’re looking for:

Evidence you can work as part of a team
Evidence you’re able to make a contribution on an individual leve
Analytical skills. Reflecting on a work-based task, can you learn from the experience and apply this to your career?

What you might say:

“During peak season at Dixons I worked with my store colleagues to meet branch sales targets set by head office. It was important that all members of the team were positive and remained enthusiastic even though the shop was very busy. I contributed by meeting all of my personal targets and helping my colleagues close sales. I learnt that helping out team members rather than simply focusing on my own goals improves productivity and makes for a happier work environment.”

Q. Describe a situation where you implemented change.

What they’re looking for:

They might not have spelt it out, but this isn’t just a matter of describing a situation – you need to link it back to your key skills.
Evidence of some of the following skills: planning and organisation, working with people, diplomacy, negotiation, communication, analytical, people management, problem solving.
Evidence you’re a pro-active employee who wants to make a contribution to the business. Show them you take your work seriously and care about the companies who employ you.

What you might say:

“I implemented and managed a formal work experience programme at my last company. As a result, we attracted young talent and found new recruits for junior roles which saved the company the high costs of advertising and wide interviewing. The scheme gave young people the experience to help them make career choices and improve their CVs while providing us with good quality work at a very low cost. I used my organisational skills to plan a busy summer placements schedule and put together a welcome pack to make sure the individuals were well-looked after and to promote the benefits of the company to them.”

Q. Provide an example of where you overcame a problem. Given the chance, what would you do differently?

What they’re looking for:

Details of your problem solving skills.
Evidence you can analyze a situation, come up with the right solution and implement it well.
Don’t get carried away with how well you performed. Good problem solvers should be able to learn from their experience and recognise that there’s always room for improvement. Show them you’re good but also that you can be even better.

What you might say:

“I was responsible for sending the company’s new brochure to print but our managing director requested significant changes to the design at the last minute and I knew that it would not be possible to meet the printers’ deadline. I had built a strong relationship with the printing company so my first move was to give them a call and explain the situation. It was agreed they would hold off for a few hours but I knew this would still not give the designers enough time. I then spoke to the designers and together we worked out what had to be changed and what was quick to change. I approached my managing director and explained that certain amends should be left as their significance was disproportionate to the late fees we would incur. Having secured his sign off, the designers focused on the main issues and we were able to send the brochure to print without being penalised.”

A few more sample questions and answers

You should have the gist of how to answer competency-based questions now. But just to make sure, here are a few more questions you may encounter. We’ve included a couple of insights to get you started but so long as you stick to referring everything back to your key skills and the STAR approach, your answers will impress.

Describe an achievement that you are proud of and tell us why. What did you find challenging?
Tell us about the biggest change you have had to deal with. How did you adjust to it?
Tell us about a time when you went against company policy? Why did you do it and how did you handle it?
Tell us about a time when you had to deal with a conflict within your team.
Please provide further information in support of your application.

Q: Describe an achievement that you are proud of and tell us why. What did you find challenging?

What they’re looking for:

An idea of what motivates you and what you value.
You might think you lack the awards and prizes necessary to impress but remember examples in your private life can be relevant. The scale of your achievement will also reflect your level of work experience.

Q: Tell us about the biggest change you have had to deal with. How did you adjust to it?

What they’re looking for:

Evidence that you’re comfortable with change. The significance of your example will be important here.
Evidence of adaptability

Q: Tell us about a time when you went against company policy? Why did you do it and how did you handle it?

What they’re looking for:

If you’re happy sticking to company rules
Evidence you can deviate from the rules in a professional way
Throw in communication, diplomacy and negotiation skills if possible!

Q: Tell us about a time when you had to deal with a conflict within your team.

What they’re looking for

Team skills, diplomacy, empathy, conflict management…
To know if you back away from arguments or take a leading role in resolving them

Q: Please provide further information in support of your application

What they’re looking for:

Even if this section appears to be optional you should always fill it out.
This is your last chance to sell yourself: Use the space to cover off what you feel hasn’t been adequately covered elsewhere, such as relevant experience or achievements.
Tell them why you’re the best candidate – how does your skill set and experience match the role?
Explain why you’re interested in their company. Perhaps you admire the work they produce, agree with the company culture or respect the way they do business.

Good luck tackling the tricky questions on your own!

Application forms – what to write