5 Tips to Complete the XUK Staff Application Form

Are you ready to join the vibrant team at XUK Camps? Working at XUK is an exciting opportunity to make a positive impact, gain valuable experience, and enjoy a summer full of unforgettable memories. Whether you're applying for a position as a pastoral & activity leader (camp counselor), sports coach, Manager or specialist staff member, nailing your application form is the first important step. Here are five top tips to help you complete the XUK staff application form successfully!

1. Read the Job Description Carefully

Before you dive into the application form, take the time to read through the relevant day camp or residential camp job descriptions thoroughly. This will help you understand exactly what XUK is looking for and ensure that your skills, experiences, and personality align with the role. Highlight any key responsibilities or skills mentioned and make sure you reference these throughout your application.

Top Tip: Tailor your responses to show that you are the ideal candidate for the specific role you're applying for. For a role looking for someone with strong leadership skills, make sure you give examples of your leadership experience!

2. Be Clear and Concise and show attention to detail

When answering questions on the form, clarity is key. Avoid long-winded answers that may lose focus. Keep your responses relevant, concise, and to the point while ensuring you answer the questions fully. We receive a lot of applications, so you want to make it easy for the recruitment team to see your strengths. Many of the questions are about availability & choices so these need to be accurate!

Top Tip: Use bullet points or short paragraphs to break up longer answers, making them easier to read. This also shows you can communicate effectively - an important skill at camp!

Read the questions and make sure you are giving accurate and honest answers.

3. Highlight Relevant Experience & Qualifications

Whether you’ve worked at a summer camp before or have other experience that fits the role, make sure you showcase it. This could be anything from working with children, coaching sports, running arts and crafts activities, or Managing a team. Show how your past experiences have prepared you for a position at XUK, even if they’re not directly related to camp. Qualifications are key to many positions and whether you are a teacher, coach or a Paediatric First Aider you really must tell us at this stage.

Top Tip: Don’t be afraid to include volunteer work, extracurricular activities, or any part-time jobs that demonstrate your teamwork, leadership, or communication skills. If you have a qualification, make sure you add it in the correct section and be clear what it is. For example 'teacher' is not useful but 'Primary teacher with QTS at John Smiths university'' is! And, of course, remember you will have to provide evidence of any qualifications you state you have.

4. Showcase Your Personality

At XUK, staff members aren’t just hired for their skills and experience—they’re hired for their energy, enthusiasm, resiliance and ability to connect with campers. Make sure your application reflects your personality! Let your passion for working with children, love for the outdoors, or excitement for creating memorable experiences shine through.

Top Tip: XUK is looking for staff who are fun, resiliant, approachable, and adaptable, so make sure to give examples that demonstrate these qualities. Be yourself and show why you’ll be a great addition to the team!

5. Double-Check Everything

Before hitting submit, review your application carefully. Check for spelling and grammar mistakes, ensure you’ve filled out every section, and make sure your answers are complete and clear. It’s a good idea to take a short break and come back with fresh eyes or ask someone else to look at it for you.

Top Tip: Accuracy and attention to detail show that you’re serious about the role. It only takes a few minutes to review, but it could make all the difference! We want people who really care!

Final Thoughts

Completing the XUK staff application form is your chance to make a great first impression, so take your time, be thorough, and let your enthusiasm for the role shine through. By following these tips, you’ll increase your chances of standing out and moving one step closer to a fantastic summer at XUK!

Good luck, and we hope to see you at camp!