Tips for a good job application form

You’d probably be surprised to know that a lot of people miss out on jobs because they don't fill in the application form properly. Don’t let that be you. Maximise your chances of being picked for a job interview by following our simple tips for writing a good job application form.

What is an application form?

So, what is an application form? Well, a job application form tends to have three or four main parts:

• Personal information. This is pretty basic. It’ll include your name, email address, phone number and your current role and employer (when applicable).
• Previous employment and education. You’ll be asked to list your previous employers, your education and your qualifications. You may also be asked to list any work-related training received or professional organisations that you belong to.
• Personal statement. This is the bit where you really get to sell your skills and qualities. Plus, you’ll have to explain why you want the job. It’s essentially the equivalent of a covering letter. So the same principles apply.
• Role-related questions or tasks. An employer may ask specific questions relating to the role. These are known as competency based questions. And they might even want you to undertake a short task.

There may also be an equality monitoring section, either as part of the form or as a separate piece of paper. And, this shouldn’t be too much of a shock, but they’ll probably want some references.

How to write a good job application form

Usually it’s a good idea to type the form. That way you can avoid any misunderstandings. That being said, if you’re gonna handwrite it then it’s worth photocopying the form a few times so you can practise filling it in.

Follow these steps to write a good job application form:

• Get a copy of the role description or person specification and write your answers based on what is listed;
• Take your time. You’re likely to make more mistakes if you rush;
• Read instructions carefully all the way through;
• Ask for clarification if you don’t understand something;
• Keep your CV handy for easy access to dates and facts;
• Be honest – just assume that you’ll be caught out sooner or later if you’re not. Remember, Employers can fact check your qualifications. Any errors (deliberate or otherwise) could result in you being sacked from your job.

If they ask you to fill out the application form online, it’s best to make a note of the questions and write them up on a word document, rather than try and complete it in the boxes on the web page. Luckily, employers generally provide ‘offline’ versions of online forms. That way you don’t have to work on it while being online and risk losing your answers.

Details of your previous employment and education

You’re gonna have to tell them EVERYTHING about your past. Your employment past we mean, not every medal you won in your primary school sports day: 

• For work experience and education sections, put the most recent things first and cover it in the most detail;
• If you don’t have much of an employment history, don’t panic. Just write about part-time jobs and work experience, and what you learned from them;
• If there are gaps in your employment and/or education, don’t let them go unacknowledged. Write a brief explanation, even if it’s slightly embarrassing. Unexplained gaps are a tell-tale sign that something fishy’s going on, and yours could be scrapped because of it.

How to write a personal statement

Selling yourself can be tricky. So here’s how to go about doing it: 

• Make a list of things the employer is looking for (work experience, qualifications, skills) and work out the best way to show them that you’re exactly what they want.
• Write about any duties or responsibilities you had, and what you achieved in your last place of work;
• Explain why you want this particular job, and what you can bring to the role;
• Make sure you let your personality shine. Mention out-of-work interests and hobbies. Just don’t list the less-than-impressive computer games, clubbing and surfing the net that usually fill up your weekend.

Proofreading your application

Proofreading your job application form may seem like a drag. But making multiple grammar errors will turn the employer off instantly: 

• Print off your form and read it through thoroughly. Double check your spelling and grammar. Make sure you’ve answered the questions correctly and matched your answers to the job specification;
• Get friends, family or the person you got career advice from to look through what you’ve written;
• If you are handwriting your form, do it very carefully with black ink, in your neatest writing. If you make mistakes, that’s okay. Just don’t cross them out, use correction fluid instead;
• Keep a copy of your completed form. That way you can look back at your answers if you are called for an interview;

If you’re sending it in the post, put the form in a large envelope. Avoid folding it more than once. This makes it easier for the employer to scan or photocopy.