Application Forms

Forms can be used for:

• Application for educational courses.
• Application for jobs.
• Application for training opportunities.

Before you begin, take a look at our Sample application form

How you complete these forms is important. There are a few guidelines you should follow:

Hints and Tips
Skills
What Employers are looking for

Hints and Tips

• Find a quiet place to work in, sit at a table/desk and make sure you have plenty of time to fill it in.
• Read and carefully follow ALL the instructions
• Ask for help if there is anything you don't understand.
• Is there a closing date? Then return it on time!
• Practise on a photocopy of the form
• Keep it tidy and check your spelling and grammar
• Work out what kind of skills the employer will be looking for – see section on ‘What Employers Say They Want’ and also the job description in the advert, job application pack.
• There will be a course description and entry requirements in college/university prospectuses and websites.
• Don't give one word answers - for example "I am a member of a football club" tells the employer more about you than just "Football"
• Most application forms will ask for the name and address of a referee. This is someone who will comment on your suitability for a job
• Check you've completed all the relevant parts
• Get someone to check the form over for you before you send it or visit our Application Checklists
• Do not fold the application form, use the appropriate sized envelope
• ALWAYS TELL THE TRUTH – IF YOU DON’T, YOU MAY LOSE YOUR JOB AND ANY FUTURE REFERENCE.
• Think 'ABC' - Accurate, Brief and Clear 

Skills

Make a list of skills you have which will be useful in the job you are applying for. This might include things you have done in school subjects or projects, spare time interests or any kind of experience of work.

• Practical - keyboard skills, using tools, fitness (sports)
• Organising - planning activities, solving problems.
• Dealing with information - investigating and keeping accurate records.
• Dealing with people - talking to people, community work, socialising.
• Team work - football, school projects

Employers will be looking for someone who is:

• A good time keeper
• Willing to learn
• Reliable
• Able to listen and follow instructions
• Good at working in a team
• Honest
• Enthusiastic
• Hard working
• Good at writing and speaking clearly

Try to include some of these words and phrases when you are filling out your form. Remember you will need to prove each one you use by giving examples e.g.

• A good timekeeper – excellent timekeeping/attendance record at school.
• Honest – cash handling in a shop, collecting money on paper round or shopping for an elderly relative.