… Take your time to read the job description and person specification and make sure your answers always reflect those needs and issues.

… Please don’t include CV’s or any other information other than a covering letter.

… Put your most recent position/work experience/qualifications first.

… Work experience. Experience and knowledge gained through a relevant hobby or voluntary work is just as important as experience gained ‘on-the-job’, so include it!

… Experience, skills and knowledge. It's important to clearly show how you meet the key areas of experience. This can be personal as well as career experience, gained through work, home, voluntary work and other activities.

… Referees. In this section you need to give the names and addresses of two referees. One should be your current employer or your last employer if you don't have a job at the moment.

… If you run out of space filling in a particular part of the form continue on a separate sheet. Make sure you state which section you are continuing from, and attach it to the back of the application form.

… Check the closing date for applications. With us all leading such busy lives, it can be hard to find time for applications. Just make sure you don't miss the boat!