🏁 How to Ace Your F1 Industrial Placement Application

The industrial placement season is here, and application windows are now open. If you’re aiming for a role in F1, this exclusive guide from Formula Careers will help you move fast and apply smart. Applying can feel overwhelming, but remember, every professional started where you are now. So let’s go, you’ve got this!

⬇️ Download this guide as a PDF here: Industrial Application Guide 2024

1. Optimise Your CV 📝

Your CV is your first impression—make it count. Tailor it to each application by carefully reading the job description and highlighting the skills and experiences that match. This shows that you’ve taken the time to understand what the team is looking for and that you’ve got the relevant skills to offer.

👉 FC Tip: If you feel like your experience is lacking, highlight transferable skills from other areas. Employers appreciate problem solving, teamwork, and initiative.

2. Craft a Targeted Cover Letter 💌

Your cover letter is your chance to connect your story to the role. Explain why you’re excited about the opportunity and how your skills make you a great fit. Be sure to reflect on specific points from the job description that align with your background. Don’t worry about being perfect, just be genuine and clear.

👉 FC Tip: Teams aren’t expecting you to know everything. What they want to see is genuine interest, passion for the sport, and a willingness to learn. Show that you’re flexible, open to growth with fresh perspectives.

3. Customise Every Single Application 🎯

Each team and role is unique, so it’s important to tailor your application. Focus on different skills and experiences depending on the job description. This shows attention to detail and a genuine interest in the position.

👉 FC Tip: If you’re using tools like ChatGPT to help with your CV or cover letter, remember to customise, customise, customise! ChatGPT can provide great inspiration and structure, but if you don’t make it genuinely yours, your application could end up looking just like everyone else’s. Personalise your content to reflect your unique experiences and personality.

4. Mind the Deadlines ⏰

Deadlines can sneak up on you. Set reminders, plan ahead, and try to submit early. It’s okay to feel the pressure, just take it one step at a time.

👉 FC Tip: It’s better to submit a well-prepared application early than to rush at the last minute.

5. Complete the Online Forms Thoroughly ✅

Online forms can feel tedious, but they need to be done. Take your time to fill out every section accurately. This is your chance to show that you’re detail-oriented and committed.

👉 FC Tip: If you’re unsure about a section, take a moment to research or ask for advice. It’s okay to seek help.

6. Prepare for Interviews 🎤

If you’re invited to an interview, take a deep breath! Research the team, understand the role, and practice discussing your experiences. Interviews are as much about seeing if you’re a good fit for them as they are for you to see if the role is right for you.

👉 FC Tip: Practice answering common questions with a friend or mentor. It’s normal to feel nervous, but preparation helps build confidence.

Our Advice to You

Manage Your Expectations 🎢

F1 teams receive thousands of applications, so don’t be discouraged if you don’t hear back immediately – or at all. It’s a tough process, and it’s okay to feel disappointed, but use each experience as a stepping stone to improve your next application. That might be by gaining extra experience, skills and knowledge to enrich your CV, or tailoring your CV and cover letter more effectively.

👉 FC Tip: Remember, every application is practice for the next one. Each step, even a rejection, is progress.

Application Checklist 📋

Before you hit submit, use this checklist to ensure you’ve covered all the essentials:

• CV tailored to the specific role
• Personal statement included and polished
• Cover letter written, proofread, and aligned with the job
• Application form completed without errors
• Relevant attachments (portfolio, if applicable) uploaded
• Deadlines checked and application submitted on time
• Interview preparation done (if applicable)

Useful Resources 🔗

To help you on your way, here are some key resources:

• F1 Team Careers Pages
• Jobs in F1
• Jobs in Motorsport
• Motorsport Jobs
• Motorsport Careers Support Group on LinkedIn
• Motorsport Careers Support Group on Facebook
• Girls on Track

Remember to Stay Determined and Expand Your Horizons 🚀

Securing an F1 placement is really, really competitive. Sometimes there are thousands of applications for a single placement which is why enriching your CV with other projects and constant self development is so important. If you’ve exhausted all F1 options and haven’t landed a placement, remember that your career doesn’t have to start in Formula 1. There are so many valuable placements in other motorsport series, or even with motorsport-related companies like AP Racing for example. These roles offer fantastic opportunities to build your experience, develop your skills, and make important industry connections.

FC Tip: Don’t worry if you don’t start at the top. Every experience you gain will help you climb the ladder.

Best of luck with your applications!

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