Online application forms are the first stage of most graduate, internship, and apprenticeship applications. They typically include a mix of motivational questions ("Why do you want to work here?") and competency questions ("Tell us about a time you led a team"). Recruiters spend less than three minutes on each form — your answers need to be specific, well-structured, and easy to read. This guide covers the most common question types with worked examples.
"Why this company?" — the most important question
This question is a filter. Generic answers ("your reputation for excellence" or "I admire your values") are immediately recognisable and score poorly. Strong answers reference something specific: a deal the firm worked on, a product they launched, a programme they run, a piece of research they published, a value they articulate differently from competitors, or a conversation you had with someone at the firm. The answer should be two to three sentences and include something the recruiter could not copy-paste for a different firm.
"Why this role?" — know the job description
Read the job description carefully. Identify the three most important skills or responsibilities mentioned. Your answer should connect your genuine interests and background to those specific responsibilities. Avoid restating the job description back to them. Instead, explain what specifically about the work appeals to you and why you are suited to it.
The STAR framework for competency questions
STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action, Result. Most competency questions should be answered using this structure. Situation: set the scene briefly (one to two sentences). Task: explain what you needed to do. Action: describe specifically what YOU did — this is the most important part. Use "I" not "we". Result: state the outcome, quantified if possible. Aim for roughly 200–300 words per answer. Spend about 60% of the word count on Action.
Common competency questions and how to approach them
Tell me about a time you worked in a team: choose an example with tension or challenge — a smooth team experience with nothing to resolve is less compelling. Describe a time you dealt with a difficult situation: show that you stayed calm, took a structured approach, and acted. Give an example of a time you showed initiative: pick something you started or changed without being told to. Describe your most significant achievement: choose something recent and quantifiable. Explain a time you failed or made a mistake: be honest, explain what you learned, and show you applied that learning.
Preparing your example bank
Before starting applications, prepare five to eight strong STAR examples from your experience — school, university, part-time work, volunteering, clubs, sports, or personal projects. Cover: leadership, teamwork, initiative, problem-solving, communication, dealing with failure, and a significant achievement. These examples can be adapted for multiple applications. Write them out in full at least once so you know the detail under pressure.
Presentation and proofreading
Use short paragraphs and clear structure even in free-text boxes. Avoid bullet points unless the format specifically invites them. Stay within word limits — going over signals poor editing judgement. Proofread each answer twice: once for content and once for grammar. Paste your answers into a separate document first so you do not lose work if a form times out.
Checklist
- "Why this company?" answer references something specific
- Competency answers follow STAR with a clear Result
- Prepared 5–8 STAR example stories in advance
- All answers within word limits
- Proofread for grammar and spelling
- Saved a copy of all answers before submitting
Common mistakes to avoid
- Generic "Why this company?" answers with no specifics
- Using "we" instead of "I" in STAR answers
- Results that are vague ("the team was pleased")
- Spending too long on Situation and not enough on Action
- Submitting without saving a copy