Job application tips
During your studies, you will acquire a number of skills that will be important once you join the work force. You can develop more of these skills by doing extracurricular activities, for example:
- Volunteer for a year in administration;
- Have a part-time job;
- Take part in a challenge, where you work on an actual problem in the business community or society. For example from the Alliance TU/e, WUR, UU, UMC Utrecht or the Utrecht Challenge Alliance;
- Follow Career Services workshops.
A good resume shows potential employers all the things you've done that are relevant to the job you're applying for. Is your resume any good? That depends on the job opening, but if you get your resume checked, at least you'll know the basics are in order.
Job application and interview tips
When applying for jobs, it's important that you are well prepared.
Clearly structure your resume
Your curriculum vitae, or resume, shows potential employers who you are and what you have done in terms of education, work, and extracurricular activities. A clearly structured and well-formatted resume makes a good first impression. Always tailor your resume to the job and its requirements. Build a database for yourself containing all your experience and select relevant elements from it for each application you send out.
Structure of a good resume
- Resume structure (pdf)
- Intermediair.nl offers examples of relevant resumes (Dutch).
- Carrieretijger.nl has information about skill-based resumes (Dutch).
How to write a powerful resume: watch the video below.
Employability Skills
Employability Skills', or also referred to as 'transferable skills', can be defined as the skills that you require in the basic sense to be considered 'employable' across practically any sector. Along with good technical insight and professional knowledge, employers often specify a number of skills they require from an employee. The more you possess of these skills, the more employable you are, and therefore the greater your chances of obtaining a job and development opportunities. It is important to develop these core skills during your studies and to highlight them on your CV. Examples of these skills are:
- Critical thinking / problem solving skills
- Communication skills (written / oral / presentation)
- Co-operation
- Social and intercultural skills
- Leadership
- Professional attitude / work ethic
- Adaptability / Resilience
- Digital skills
Do you want to explore what skills you already have, what skills you can still develop and how you can express them well on your CV and in a job interview? Then have a look at our transferable skills workshop.
Write an attractive application letter
It is important that you use your letter to show why you're highly motivated to work for the organisation you're applying to and to argue the case for why you are the best candidate. Download our tips for a good application letter (pdf).
Links (in Dutch)
How to write an attractive application letter: watch the video below.
Do well on the interview
The job interview is an opportunity for you and your prospective employer to meet and get acquainted. The following tips will help you prepare for that interview.