Application guide for STEP

24 February 2021

Before you start:

• Read the all the information, including the placement descriptions

• Have a think about which strand is right for you – take our quiz!

• Attend an online information session if you want to chat it through

• Decide if you want to submit your answers as text, or a video or audio file

• Make a new word or google document and prepare your answers

• Submit your answers (either as text, video or audio) online via the application form

How to answer the main questions

1. What excites you about STEP? (max. 300 words)

We would love to know what drew you to STEP and it would be great to hear about your understanding of the programme and which aspects you are particularly excited by. This could be anything from training, programme, the opportunity to get a mentor, chance to take on a leadership role in the group project or the creative organisations involved – we want to know about your motivations for applying.

2. What would you bring to STEP and what do you want to learn? (max. 300 words)

We’re really keen to learn about what you have to bring to STEP, and what you want to gain from it. We’re not just interested in your professional experience or education, but also things like the issues you care about, your goals and ambitions, your values and mindsets.

STEP challenges you to step outside of your comfort zone, learn new things and develop skills across a range of creative sectors and organisations, so we’re looking for people who embrace new experiences and who want to try things out.

3. Please tell us which STEP placement you’re interested in

Choose which placement you’re interested in; you can read more about the placements here.

4. Why did you choose this placement and how are your skills and experience relevant? (max. 300 words)

Make sure you read the placement descriptions carefully. Tell us why you want to work with the organisation and what interests you about their work. It’s helpful to mention specific projects here, to show you’ve done your research. Highlight your relevant skills or experience and why you’re interested in learning and developing in this area. Remember to always give examples and be specific with your answers.

6. Please upload your CV. 

Your CV is a great way to let us know what you’ve done previously. Make sure it is up to date with you most recent experience and qualifications. Your CV is also great for listing achievements outside of work and school such as any volunteering, creative side-hustles. Limit your CV too two pages. We accept both Microsoft Word Documents and PDFs. Ensure you title the file with your name. If you prefer to email this to us, please send to createjobs@anewdirection.org.uk

Top tips on recording your answers as audio or video

1. Plan out your answers to fit into the time limit (you can usually fit about 100 to 150 words into a minute, but everyone is different!)
2. Make sure there’s no background noise or visual distractions, against a plain background is best
3. Don’t worry about the quality, we’re not so interested in your filming or editing skills, we’re going to be most interested in the content of your answers
4. Remember to save your files (most types accepted), and include your name in the file title