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How to submit an application that gets you an interview


  • Craft business
  • Resources

  • Writing an application

An application form is often the first step in securing a job, a commission, a grant or a residency. Here we go through the basics of submitting an excellent application - either written or video.

  • Research. Have you researched fully into the opportunity before applying and ask yourself the question: ‘is your work right for this opportunity’?
  • Be curious. What information can you gather about this opportunity, the organisation and its previous projects.
  • If your application requires visuals (drawing, images, documentation), make sure they are of the highest quality. Poor visual representation shows poor professionalism.
  • Have an online presence. We recommend a simple structured website - think of this as a visual business card that will support your application.
  • Be ambitious. What can your application offer that stands out from the crowd as well as challenges your artistic/professional practice.
  • Make sure you have read and understood the application requirements. What are the deadlines, is there a word count?
  • If you are provided with ‘essential criteria’ to complete, copy and paste this in a Word document and then go through and make sure you have answered all of the requirements fully, concisely and with specific references.
  • Preparation is the key and preparation takes time, so set aside time to apply well in advance of the deadline.
  • Most applications require some format of written work. Prepare this in Word, once you are happy with your final draft, copy and paste into the application. Remember to save a copy of your application.

  • Interviewing

Once you have secured an interview how do you present yourself in the best possible way

  • Make sure you have read and understood all of the requirements of the presentation, including length of presentation. If you are not sure, ask, do not assume.
  • Always check with the organisers in what format the presentation should be sent in (file format) and what is the deadline.
  • If your presentation requires a Wi-Fi connection, double check this is available and have a back up plan for any potential tech issues.
  • Take a back up of your presentation on a memory stick.
  • Practice and time yourself.
  • Take in notes if you need to.
  • If it’s a 10 minute presentation, limit to just 5 high quality relevant images and minimal text.
  • Keep the presentation engaging – do not just read out the text on the slides.
  • If you are prepared, you are more likely to be confident.
  • Have prepared questions and stay focused on what’s being discussed.

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London N1 9BY

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