Application Forms

An application form can be very off putting initially, especially if they are lengthy, the best thing to do is to break them down into small manageable sections. Below are three steps that you should take when completing an application form, and you may find that they aren't as difficult as you first believed.

Step 1 - Before you begin

• Take is slowly and make sure you have enough time to commit to completing the whole form without rushing it. Rushing it will only cause you to make mistakes.
• Real al the information you have been given to do with the job, you should have a job description that explains what the job will involve, a person specification that outlines the skills, experience and qualifications the ideal candidate will have. The more information you have the better prepared you will be to complete the application form.
• Make sure you read through the entire application form before you start writing anything down, you need to know that you know what the instructions are to ensure that the information is put in the correct place.
• Make a copy of the application form so that you can have a draft copy, or write up your answers on a rough sheet of paper before filling in the form. If the application form can by typed or completed online, you may be able to type your answers and make changes as you go along, before you send it.
• Make sure you keep the application form clean, it will not look good if you spill food or drink onto it, or you drop it etc.

Step 2 - filling in the form

• Make sure you use black ink, this makes it easier for the employer to photocopy. Write clearly and neatly—if you are worried about your handwriting, then write in block capitals. Some forms may allow you to type onto the application form.
• Make sure your spelling is correct as many employers reject applications where the spelling or grammar is poor. If you are worried about your spelling or grammar you can use a dictionary or use a free online dictionary such as www.webdictionary.co.uk
• Applications will normally have sections titled personal details, education, work experience etc. Very similar to what you have on your CV. This means having your CV close by will make these sections easier to complete.
• Make sure you fill in all sections of the application form, if there is a part that you have no answer for you can put N/A meaning not applicable.
• When you add your education details this is from secondary school onwards, it is not important which primary schools or nurseries you went to.
• Some application forms will ask for “any additional information”, this section allows you to sell yourself to the employer, showing them how well you match the needs of the job description and the person specification, the reason you want the job and what your long term career goals are.
• Keep to the point, giving real example of times when you have used your skills. Make sure that all your skills and relevant experience has been added to the application form.
• If there is not enough space for you then continue on a separate sheet of paper, but remember to add your name to the piece of paper and clearly show where in the application form it is linked to.
• Re-using information is a great way to save time and take some of the stress out of filling in an application form. This information can come from previous application forms you have completed and CV. However, it will work best if the jobs you applied for are similar to that job you are applying for, also don’t copy and past across as an employer wants to see you are interested in their vacancy, and their company, so you may need to change some facts to help keep it relevant and up to date.

Step 3 - when finished

• Make sure you sign and date the application form.
• Read through the application form, check your answers to ensure that all the information is correct, that there are no spelling mistakes.
• Make sure that you have stated which job your are applying for.
• Make sure you have a copy of the application form saved as it will come in handy to refer back to if you are invited to interview, or to help with new application forms.
• Some employers will ask for you to send your CV along with the application form, however unless they state this do not send your CV. Do not send your CV instead of the application form as they will likely reject it.
• Try not to fold the application form more than once, if at all, to get it into an envelope. Use an A4 envelope, or at the most an A5.
• When writing the address on the envelope check that you have the correct details, the right department it needs to go to, and make sure that it is written neatly so it is easy to read. Remember, first impressions count.
• Send it before the closing date as it is unlikely to be considered at all if it is late.

Online Application Forms

The internet is useful for not only searching for work and finding out more about the employer, but many employers also like employers to apply for their jobs online. This is normally done via their own website or through an agency.

Some company websites may have their application forms or their job packs online to download and print out. Other employers may ask for the application form or CV to be sent via an email.

Before you do anything make sure that you have read the advertisement for the job carefully as it will explain how you need to apply, whether by email, website or post. Some may allow you the opportunity to do all three leaving up to you to decide. Applying online via an email or website is a much quicker way to apply, and you can even check a box on your email to confirm they have received your application form by email.

Tips for completing an online application form

• Some online application forms get timed out (run out of time and close before you finish) so make sure you have done all the preparation before you start to enter details. If possible print out your CV to help you, also any application forms for similar jobs.
• Some online forms give you the chance to save your information, allowing you to come back to it and finish it at a later time. Check if the form you are completing allows this or needs to be completed in one go.
• Online forms are often scanned for key words, to help you with the application you should try and use some of the words in the job description, person specification or vacancy advertisement.
• The same rules need to be followed when applying online as applying on paper (Step 2).
• Only press the submit button when you are 100% sure your application form is ready, you have checked the information, checked spelling, grammar and punctuation etc. Once you are happy then press submit or send, you can’t get it back once it has gone.

If you want to practice filling in an online application form you can do so at www.selectsimulator.com the website also has a lot of tips to help with applying online.