Top tips for your application

If you’ve found a job you like, take a bit of time to prepare for the application form with the following:

• gather education details and job history
• do your research to help make a great first impression
• read the role's job description and person specification
• read any instructions carefully
• take note of the deadline

The application form is your way of selling yourself and includes:

• personal information like your name and contact details
• equal opportunities monitoring, which is kept confidential and measures if we're attracting all parts of our community
• employment history about your jobs, starting with your current or more recent role and main duties
• education, training and qualifications with schools attended, courses taken and qualifications gained
• supporting statement and cover letter showing how you’re right for the job, referencing the person specification

Save your work as you go and remember that you don't have to finish your application in one sitting. Writing your supporting statement or cover letter in a Word document will mean you can share it with others and run a spell-check.

Don't be afraid to sell yourself. Show your passion for working for us and give any past achievements that relate to the role.

The heart of your application will be in the supporting statement and cover letter, where you directly address the criteria needed to do the job as explained in the person specification.

The criteria in the person specification are a numbered list, so you can use these numbers to list out exactly how you meet each one. This makes it much easier for us to read and gives you a better chance of getting shortlisted.

Do:

• give evidence showing how you meet the criteria
• demonstrate enthusiasm for the role and London Museum
• check your spelling and grammar
• ask somebody else to read through your application form

Don't:

• rush, as this gives the impression that you don’t care about the role – a tailored, well-thought-out application will stand out
• provide personal information on your supporting statement or cover letter, as we operate an anonymised shortlisting process

Most people apply for lots of jobs before being shortlisted and interviewed. It can be disheartening, but remember that lots of people are in the same position.

Search the internet for tips on increasing your success in your job hunt, which might include volunteering or speaking to a trusted person for feedback on previous applications.

Good luck!