Application Tips from Top Employers
Want to know exactly what it takes to stand out in your applications? We spoke with recruiters from top employers to get their insider advice on what actually makes applications shine. The good news? It’s all super easy to do. Here are their top tips.
Application Tips
Complete your application and respond quickly to invitations for tests or assessment centres to secure your place. Put the effort in at assessment centres; whether it’s for your dream job or you’re not 100% certain it’s right for you, treat the experiences exactly the same. Craig Cobb, Early Careers Manager at Computacenter
Give examples of your skills/qualities and how they could relate to the role rather than just adding a bullet point list. Expand on any project work, volunteering or extra-curricular activities/hobbies. This helps you come across as a more experienced, rounded individual and can allow employers to see your transferable skills and your commitment to activities. Learn a little about the company you have applied to, particularly ahead of an interview. Knowing a bit of background about the company, its values, products, culture, etc., can help you stand out in an interview and build a rapport with interviewers. Grace Welford, Talent Acquisition Specialist at Cummins
Invest time in doing your research to try and find out about roles that are available. Don’t make any assumptions, and try and attend employer events (either in person or virtual). Make sure you come to events prepared with questions and think about what you want from your future employer. Regardless of what anyone tells you…don’t try and cheat the system! Integrity is a key attribute of every employer, and employers have sophisticated ways of tracking what you’ve done during the process. Do your research in advance of your interview and assessment day – make sure you know about the organisation and role you’ve applied to. Consider the skills that the organisation and role require and ensure you keep these in mind at all times. Andrew Bargery, Talent Acquisition Early Careers Senior Manager at PwC
Expand: It’s important to have a real conversation with the interviewer where you expand on your answers and allow them to get to know you, rather than just answering the questions with single-sentence answers. When hiring an intern, hiring managers are looking for potential, someone who can use their pre-existing knowledge to help them adapt to their new role. Speak up: In Assessment Centres, don’t be afraid to speak up. The hiring managers are there to assess you and want to watch how you communicate within a team. How you perform in the group tasks is equally as important as how you perform in the interview. Interview Prep: It’s great to know key details about the role and company, but a way to stand out is to research about company values, look into what matters the most to the company. Find elements of the internship program you are interested in and talk about them in your interview. Interviewers want to see that you specifically want a placement year with their company! Aisha Hawkins, Talent Acquisition at Travelport
Personalise both your CV and Cover Letter to the company and role you are applying for. This should go beyond just changing the company name, as the motivations and skills required for the role will be different depending on where you are applying. Do your research! Make sure that you have a good understanding of the company, its goals and accomplishments, as well as an expectation of the role itself. Make sure to advertise your strengths. Use your experiences and interests to illustrate the skills that you have, which can help you in the role. Holly Diamond, Early Careers Analyst at Rothschild & Co
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Expand: It’s important to have a real conversation with the interviewer where you expand on your answers and allow them to get to know you, rather than just answering the questions with single-sentence answers. When hiring an intern, hiring managers are looking for potential, someone who can use their pre-existing knowledge to help them adapt to their new role. Speak up: In Assessment Centres, don’t be afraid to speak up. The hiring managers are there to assess you and want to watch how you communicate within a team. How you perform in the group tasks is equally as important as how you perform in the interview. Interview Prep: It’s great to know key details about the role and company, but a way to stand out is to research about company values, look into what matters the most to the company. Find elements of the internship program you are interested in and talk about them in your interview. Interviewers want to see that you specifically want a placement year with their company! Aisha Hawkins, Talent Acquisition at Travelport
Personalise both your CV and Cover Letter to the company and role you are applying for. This should go beyond just changing the company name, as the motivations and skills required for the role will be different depending on where you are applying. Do your research! Make sure that you have a good understanding of the company, its goals and accomplishments, as well as an expectation of the role itself. Make sure to advertise your strengths. Use your experiences and interests to illustrate the skills that you have, which can help you in the role. Holly Diamond, Early Careers Analyst at Rothschild & Co
Ready to make your applications stand out?
You’ve officially got the insider knowledge; now it’s time to put it into practice.
There are only a few weeks before applications close. Take what works for you from the above advice and make it yours. Whether it’s taken the extra time to research a company or thinking deeper about how you can use real examples to answer questions during your interviews, these are all valuable insights that will boost your applications.
Need a little more help? Explore our application advice; we have lots of it. Good luck.
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Our Top Employers have schemes for school leavers, university students and graduates alike. Find the perfect first step in your career here with us at Higherin.
Network Operations Analyst Placement 2026 (Sandwich Degree) - Central London
at G-Research
- Placement (10 Months+)
- London
Summer Internships - Audit, Accounting, Tax and Finance
at PwC
- Internship (1 Month+)
- Aberdeen, Belfast, Edinburgh, Glasgow
I'm Grace, Marketing Executive here at Higherin! I recently graduated with a Business Degree from Bournemouth University, and have returned as a graduate after completing my placement year with Higherin. I'm here to share real insights into placements, student struggles, and now graduate life. I've been there, so I know how to ensure you get the help and support you need to achieve your career goals.
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