Application Forms

What is the purpose of an application form?

More applicants are weeded out at the application form stage than during any other part of the selection process. If you are really interested in a job and want to get on the shortlist, you need to take the time and trouble to complete the application form to the best of your ability. This section will show you how to do this.

Preparation

Tackling different questions

Top Tips

Getting Help

Preparation

Before you put pen to paper check what type of application the employer requires: do you have to complete one of their own application forms, apply online or apply with a CV. Make sure you use the correct method of application!

If you are completing an application form, always make sure you take at least two copies before you start it. Ask yourself two things:

One: What do you have to offer this employer. Take a blank sheet of paper and under the following headings list everything that you have done in your life, e.g.

• School/College/University
• Work
• Voluntary Experience
• Membership of Clubs/Societies
• Leisure
• Travel

If you are still struggling to think of your experiences positively, talk to your friends and family about the different activities you've been involved in, in different aspects of your life. Now the critical bit. For everything you have done think about what you can demonstrate as a result of that experience, i.e. what you have learnt about yourself, skills developed, personal achievements etc

For example, working as a sales assistant might have developed your ability to communicate with different people, work under pressure at busy times and handle difficult customers or complaints. Group project in your second year may have enabled you to demonstrate that you could work within a time-scale, set and meet objectives and work as a member of a team.

This knowledge about yourself will also be useful when preparing for interviews, so investing some time now will almost certainly pay off in the future. Work through the questionnaires in our Skills section to help you identify your key skills and give you some ideas of how you can promote these effectively to recruiters.

Two: Ask yourself what you know about the job and the employer. If the answer is 'not a lot', how can you persuade the employer you have the skills and qualities they are looking for? Too often students think researching the job and employer is something you do before an interview, but you may not get an interview unless you can match what you have to offer to what the job requires.

Read the vacancy/job advertisement carefully, and find out what you can about the company (and its main competitors). You should also research the occupation so you can make sure that you identify your relevancy for the job. Information on occupations is available in the Careers Service, and from the Prospects website.

Tackling difficult questions

Now you've got all the necessary information together, it's time to tackle the form itself. If possible, allow yourself several hours, and expect to have to come back to it. The first page of any application form asks for personal details. If you have an up to date CV you can copy information without having to rack your brains over dates and exam grades. Then comes the difficult bit.

Application forms are increasingly asking questions that relate directly to the competencies required to do the job. Sometimes these are stated explicitly; sometimes you have to read between the lines. Often the question has several parts to it, e.g. "Please tell us about a time when you have worked as part of a team. Describe the team and it's goals, your role within the team, any problems you encountered and what the team delivered." These questions are designed to let you 'sell' yourself, demonstrate that you possess the skills and personal qualities that the employer is looking for, and to interest or impress them enough to invite you to interview.

Some questions, e.g. "Describe your most significant academic achievement" have no right or wrong answer, and can make some people feel inadequate. This particular question is aimed at finding out what motivates you, or what you value, it is not the example that you give that is important but whether your answer is relevant and interesting.

There is more information on how to sell your skills and how to choose effective examples to describe yourself in the Skills section.

Make your application forms look good

Employers can receive hundreds, or even thousands, of application forms. Maximise your chances of getting your form read by making sure it is neat with clearly presented information, and interesting to read. Always send your application form with a covering letter stating what you are applying for, where you saw the position advertised, why you have chosen to apply for the job and emphasising those parts of the application form which particularly illustrate your suitability for the job. Send your application form in an A4 envelope (available from our Information Room at the bargain cost of 5p each), to ensure that it arrives in pristine condition.

Application form top tips

• Make several copies of the original form on which to practice.
• Read through the entire form before you write anything
• Follow any instructions, e.g. write in black ink, continue on a separate sheet if necessary.
• Don't cram too much text into a small space, or write several lines in a box obviously meant for more.
• Use short sentences, paragraphs or bullet points.
• Check spelling and grammar. If you make a mistake, use correction fluid discreetly.
• Don't waffle. Stick to what is relevant and never tell lies.
• Never leave a section blank unless it is obviously inappropriate to you. 'Not applicable' or a line through it is a good idea.
• Don't enclose your CV, unless asked to do so, and make sure any attachments have your name on them and are attached securely.
• Keep a photocopy of your form, or a draft copy. This will be essential if you get an interview.