• Check List for Job Application Forms

This article will teach you what you need to know to complete your job application form and will help you understand the job application form the employers prospective.

• The Employers View Point

Employers receive hundreds of applications for everyone job and often employers cannot commit to much time to reading each individual application form in full.

Due to this some employers will first request a CV to shift through suitable applicants asking successful applicants to complete an application form

Employers use the application form to assess qualities and skills, experiences, qualifications and to gain an idea of your motivation through a series of targeted questions. Successful applicants will then be invited to a job interview.

 

• Employers Mistakes

All too often employers will use a standard application form download from the internet rather then spending the time to write their own application form questions targeted to their specific vacancy.

This can result in job hunters not having an opportunity on the application form to highlight the skills and experiences require for the job position.

• How to Start Your Application Form

You first need to read and understand the job specification as this document highlights the essential criteria the employer requires, also spend time researching the company to get a fell for the workforce and company mission.

By matching your work experience to the company values, mission and job specification you will more likely to secure that all important job interview.

 

 

Remember the job application form is a chance for you to promote your relevant skills, qualities and experiences clearly, ensuring you are considered for the position.

• Personal Details and Education

All application forms will ask you for your personal details including your contact details, NI number and martial status, as well as asking you to complete the form in Black ink, which means you need these things to hand before you start your application, as getting up and down constantly will break your rhythm which can lead to a poorly filled out application form.  

You will also need a list of your education, qualifications and training certificates including dates achieved and governing bodies. If there is little space on this section add a separate sheet and record on the application form “please see attached sheet A1”

For non-UK qualifications, state their UK equivalency.

• Employment History

List your jobs in reverse chronological order. Include your job title and the name of the organisation        

Summaries your responsibilities and achievements as the profile section on the application form is the section where you can add more detail and really sell yourself (matching what is required on the job specification)

• Interests and Hobbies

Relate your extracurricular activities to the skills required; try to demonstrate relevant required skills than just listing hobbies and achievements.

• References

 

You will need your referees name, address, telephone number and e-mail address   

Ideally one of your referees should be work-related and one should be an academic at university. But in most cases employers will state what type of referee they require.             

Tell your referee every time you use them so they are prepared to give a reference when requested to; share your career aspirations and achievements with your referees so they can really sell you against the job specification

• Personal Profile

The personal profile section is the key to securing job interviews, you need to record your achievements, skills, qualities and experience on this section.

This section should be between 1 and 2 A4 pages long unless stated differently on the application form.

Start by highlighting your key selling point, as this will capture the interviewer’s eye and show your worth from the offset. Next record examples for each required skill using past real life work examples, explaining what you did to achieve results.

End with a summary of your employment history as a whole and add what you can bring to their organization

Re-write the profile 3 more times editing terminology and wording so the profile stands out from the other applicants

• Extra Tips

 

• Make a rough draft to check your text fits into the text boxes
• For online forms, print the form and check your work before sending it out.
• If required ask someone to check for spelling mistakes
• Keep a copy of your application form (and the job advert) to prepare for your job interview
• Be concise and avoid jargon
• Prepare and send your application within the required timescales

If you enjoyed reading this article you will also enjoy reading:

• The Secrets of Employment
• Use Stories on your Job Application Form
• How to Write a Personal Statement on a Job Application Form