Applications & interviews

Deciding what sort of role you want and searching for a job that's right for you are just the start.

Once you've found a job you would like to apply for, we can help make sure you get it. Follow our advice on how to make your application stand out and then ensure a successful interview. Tailored, one-to-one career consultations covering interviews and applications are available for our Associate members (AMRSC), Members (MRSC) and Fellows (FRSC).

On this page

Getting your application together
Your covering letter
Preparing for interviews

Getting your application together

For most roles, an application involves sending a curriculum vitae (CV) and a covering letter. The purpose of these documents is to get you an interview and so they need to be strong. Our top tips are:

• make them easy to read
• check your spelling and grammar carefully
• describe your skills and how you use them, with key examples of what you have achieved

You should also consider the length of your CV (not too long), the format it is in (make it easy to read) and tailor it to the role you are applying for. You can achieve this by closely reading the job role or person specification, identifying the key skills and experience they are looking for and then demonstrating how your relevant expertise and skills match their requirements.

To access more useful tips, CV templates, and a how-to video on effective CVs login to the member area.

Our members can get CV reviews, help and more in-depth advice by contacting us.

Your covering letter
The covering letter is your chance to sell yourself to your future employer and like the CV its only purpose is to secure you an interview. Keep it to one page of A4 but make sure you include the following:

Application forms

Application forms are used primarily for graduate schemes and NHS roles.

Your covering letter

The covering letter is your chance to sell yourself to your future employer and like the CV its only purpose is to secure you an interview. Keep it to one page of A4 but make sure you include the following:

• Who you are: what your current or recent roles have been that are relevant to the role you’re applying for
• What you bring to the role: match your skills and experience to the job spec/person specification
• Why you want the job and why you will make a success of it.

Visit the member area for more tips and advice. We can also help our members by reviewing and helping with covering letters via email. 

Preparing for interviews

Interviews work both ways. They provide an opportunity for:

• the organisation to find out about you and what you can do
• you to find out about the organisation, department and the job.

They can take different forms – including general, technical, one-to-one or panel – but the key to a successful interview is preparation.

If you've secured an interview, here's a few tips to make the most of the opportunity.

• Research the organisation and the role
• Consider the questions you may be asked during the interview and what behaviours and attributes the employer is looking for
• Practice your answers to these questions and have a range of examples ready
• Prepare some appropriate questions for you to ask the interviewer(s)
• Dress smartly – suit for men, suit/smart for women
• Read all the interview instructions given to you

To access all our information about how to prepare for interviews including tools and additional advice on video interviews and assessment centres login to the members area or become a member.

Members of our professional categories (AMRSC, MRSC and FRSC) can book mock interview practice with a career and professional development adviser. Use the careers contact form on the left to book.