Application Tips

Whether this is your first step into the working world, or if you are planning your next career move, applying to a job can be unnerving.

We want to help you present yourself in the best possible way, so we’ve collected our top tips for you.

Preparing your CV

  • Put yourself in the reader's shoes.
  • Your CV layout and content should be easy to read.
  • Bullet points are helpful.
  • Check you are suitable for the job you are applying for, and         have the essential skills and requirements listed.
  • Include these skills and requirements under the roles where          you gained that experience.

Answering the application questionnaire

  • Our online application has a mandatory questionnaire.
  • Answer the questions as thoroughly as you can, as you                   would in a cover letter.
  • A thoughtfully answered questionnaire can help your                     application really stand out.

Preparing for your interview

  • Familiarise yourself with Oxford Biomedica through recent           news, our website, LinkedIn and Twitter.
  • Review the job description for key responsibilities and                   accountabilities
  • Ensure you are well informed about the job and its                         responsibilities
  • Familiarise yourself with Competency and Behavioural based       interviewing. 
  • Consider five different scenarios from your past experience         that you can adapt to suit the interviewers' questions.
  • Think about what you would like to ask the interviewers.

 

Preparing your CV

  • Put yourself in the reader's shoes.
  • Your CV layout and content should be easy to read.
  • Bullet points are helpful.
  • Check you are suitable for the job you are applying for, and have the essential skills and requirements listed.
  • Include these skills and requirements under the roles where you gained that experience.

Answering the application questionnaire

  • Our online application has a mandatory questionnaire.
  • Answer the questions as thoroughly as you can, as you would in a cover letter.
  • A thoughtfully answered questionnaire can help your application really stand out.

Preparing for your interview

  • Familiarise yourself with Oxford Biomedica through recent news, our website, LinkedIn and Twitter.
  • Review the job description for key responsibilities and accountabilities
  • Ensure you are well informed about the job and its responsibilities
  • Familiarise yourself with Competency and Behavioural based interviewing. 
  • Consider five different scenarios from your past experience that you can adapt to suit the interviewers' questions.
  • Think about what you would like to ask the interviewers.

 

 

 

 

 

Preparing an interview presentation

  • If asked, prepare a presentation on the topic provided. 
  • Review and edit your presentation until it is the right length.
  • Practise your presentation in front of a mirror, or even in front of a friend or relative.
  • Email the final version to the Recruitment team to share with the panel ready for your interview.

At the interview

  • Listen to the question carefully
  • If unsure what is being asked, ask for clarification.
  • Take a moment to consider your response before replying.
  • Use the STAR technique.
  • Use a different example for each question where possible.
  • Speak clearly and keep your answers to the point.
  • If you are given a facilities tour, you should ask your guide any relevant questions as you are still being assessed during the tour.