5 key tips to help you manage with plain text formatting: • Left align as much text as possible and adhere to a single column layout; Underline major headings using the equal (=) character; Underline minor headings using the hyphen (-) character; Start bullet points using the hyphen (-) character; and Use white-space to give the text a spacious feel (i.e.two lines before each heading etc.) How can I be sure my application was sent successfully? Firstly, the cvMail system will not let you proceed to send your application unless all the required fields have been completed on the form. Secondly, upon sending your application, you are provided with a unique receipt number. This is always evidence of a successful submission. Lastly, you will receive an automatic courtesy e-mail from cvMail, stating your application has been sent. The particular firm you are applying to may also send you a courtesy acknowledgment e-mail as well. NB: You should always save a copy of your application to your PC for your reference, before sending your application. Can I tell which firms I've applied to and when? Yes. The cvMail Application Manager records the date you applied to each firm and displays your unique receipt number for each submission. When will I hear from the firm? The firm will receive your application instantly. Different firms may acknowledge your application at different times. Also, particular firms may not contact you until they have fully considered your application. NB: Each firm has a profile available on the system, so feel free to refer to firms' contact details in case you wish to enquire about your application directly. Who has access to my CV? Only the specific firms you apply to will receive your application. No other firms or organisations will be able to view or access any part of your application. Any other useful tips? For long questions, it’s a good idea to draft your responses in a word document, then copy and paste them into the form; this way you can both spell-check and fully consider your answers, in addition to having a backup working copy on your computer. A word of warning Not all firms use cvMail. Make sure you check a firm’s website, or if in doubt telephone their Human Resources department to determine how they would like you to apply. Similarly, if a firm would prefer you to submit your application via cvMail (or their own website), they may not be impressed if you send a hard copy of your application through the post. • • • • How do I attach my CV document? To attach your CV, simply follow the brief steps below: 1. Click the "Browse" button and navigate to the CV document via the popup window that appears. When you have found the file, simply highlight it and click the ‘Open’ button. When you've pointed to the document you wish to upload, simply press the ‘Next’ button at the bottom of the page to save/upload the file. When you have attached your CV document, a link will appear on the same page so that you can click to view it. If you are not happy with the attachment and would like to make changes, simply amend the document then re-attach the file using steps 1-3 above. 2. 3. 4. NB: Documents that have been attached cannot be removed; you can however replace the current attachment with another. When should I apply? Beat the rush and apply as early as possible. Although it is tempting to wait until the last minute, you may discover you have questions you weren't expecting or troubles that you did not foresee. Give yourself sufficient time to complete and send the application, and allow extra time to obtain technical support if required. Is there a time limit when filling in my application? When completing the form, you have up to 90 minutes to provide responses to all available questions. Due to account security measures, the system is designed to automatically log you off if you have been using the site for more than a 90-minute period. To ensure you have adequate warning before your session time out, you will receive a popup message approximately 3 minutes prior. This gives you enough time to save your data and send the form, or if you need more time, save and exit so you can continue at a later stage. Clerkship Guide 2013 23