Writing your application

Applying for a position in the HSU Election is like applying for any other job.

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As with any application, you should spend time doing your research and drafting your ideas before submitting your final version. The more effort you put in, the more likely it is that your application will resonate with students.

Your answers to some questions will have a word limit, so you should think about what you want to prioritise in each answer.

Remember, lots of students vote based solely on what they read in your application, so make sure it's engaging and well-written.

Let's take a look at what to expect from the application...

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Section 1: Personal information

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Section 2: Your Personal Statement

This is your opportunity to tell Hallam voters about yourself and why you think you'd make a good Officer. Everything you submit here will be visible to voters!

Take time and effort to ensure your statement is well researched and thought-out. You're trying to stand out to voters, so you should talk about what you think matters most to students.

We have plenty of online resources to help you identify what's important to students if you're unsure. You can read our:

• Student Voice Reports
• Strategy

You will be asked to submit a photo, and also to confirm some statements to indicate that you understand what we're expecting of you.

Then come the most important parts of the application...

1. Firstly, in no more than 100 words, explain why you want to be elected as an HSU Officer.

Explain why you're passionate about this role. Is there an issue you want to fix? Has a particular situation inspired you?

Tell voters who you are and try to get your passion across to them. Remember, inspiring students to vote for you is about 'hearts and minds' - voters will understand the facts you present, but will also feel the emotions you put across.

2. In no more than 100 words, explain what skills and experience you have that would make you a good Officer.

Explain to voters why you're the right fit for the job. What have you done in the past that's given you the tools to succeed as an Officer? This could include things like:

• Experience as a Course Rep, Society Committee member, or another SU role
• Volunteering roles
• Projects you've worked on in a job, volunteering role, or in your studies

Explain how these experiences will allow you to do well - if you're unsure, remember we're running a number of briefings explaining in more detail what Officers do and don't do in their job.

3. Which of the HSU Policies do you think are the most important?

As part of our new Democratic structure, we have a set of policies that describe our stance on issues that affect students. As part of the Officer team's job is to create and prioritise these policies, you will need to pick three to show voters which you think are most important.

4. What other two issues or topics do you think should be prioritised by your role?

Talk about two topics that aren't currently included on our policy list. These can be anything you like, but you should consider making them relevant to the role you're applying for. For example, if you're running for the Business, Technology & Engineering Officer position, you should talk about things that particularly affect students in that College.

You have 100 words on this too, so up to 50 words on each.

 

Strike the balance between specific and general. You don't need to go into extreme detail about your exact tactics to achieve your aims but avoid being too broad. For example, "listening to students" is a nice priority but describes the role of an Officer generally, rather than what you would specifically prioritise.

Base your choices on what students really want. Check out our research publications to see what students have told us is important. The Student Voice Report is a great place to start. Speak to other students to find out what they think the big issues are!

Section 3: Compliance

Provide information that will help us process your application and indicate you understand some of the key aspects of being an HSU Officer.

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Section 4: Candidate Briefing Attendance

We'll run two different briefings for candidates and prospective candidates. In order to be a valid candidate, you must attend one of each of the two briefings (as well as submitting your application before the deadline!).

The sessions are:

• Candidate Briefing - Covers Election rules and other essential information.
• What's an HSU Officer? - Explains what an HSU Officer does and what you can expect from the role if elected.

You can attend both sessions back-to-back on the same day, or you can attend the session at a separate time if that works better for you.

On the application form, you should indicate which sessions you plan to attend.

Session 1: Candidate Briefing

You'll select which Candidate Briefing session you want to attend on your application.

Session 2: What's an HSU Officer?

You'll need to book your What's an HSU Officer? session online.

Book your session

If you'd like to attend one of the three sessions being held immediately before Candidate Briefings, you cannot book these online. You'll need to select which session you want to attend on your application.

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All prepped? You're ready to apply!