Successfully completing an application form
The prospect of filling out an application form can at first seem a rather overwhelming task. The number of pages can quickly dampen your enthusiasm to apply for a job but after you have read through slowly and carefully, it is normally not as daunting as it originally appears.
The following advice on how to successfully fill out an application form should make the task easier.
Read through the entire pack several times
There may be extra information enclosed with the application form. If included, the job description, person specification and background information on the relevant company provide clues as to what particular skills an employer is looking for. Reading through everything several times will ensure you have not missed anything important.
Follow all the instructions meticulously
You may be asked to 'write in block capitals' and/or 'use black ink'. You may also have to put your qualifications in a specific chronological order. Whether or not you agree with what you are being asked to do, you must adhere to the guidelines you are given. Failure to carry out simple instructions on an application form does not bode well for a job in which you will need to abide by daily instructions.
Make a draft
Never write straight onto the application form. A form covered in Tippex and smudges will not make a good impression. Think through what you want to write and see how it reads before you transfer it neatly to the real form. Use either a blue or black pen in the final copy.
Answer all the questions
Answer only what you are asked. Don't volunteer unnecessary information about yourself and don't include information that won't impress the employer. For example, if you failed one of your GCSEs simply leave this out. This is not the same as lying about hobbies, interests and qualifications which you don't have. Employers can often catch you out on this and it will almost certainly prevent you from getting the job. Where a particular question is not relevant to your background or experience make sure you write 'not applicable' or 'N/A' to show you haven't forgotten or purposely ignored it.
Choose appropriate keywords
You can find these in the original job advertisement, the person specification or the job description, which may be enclosed alongside the application form. You can access more of these words by exploring the company website and discovering their particular approach to business.
Make your personal statement original
This is the section that has the potential to set you aside from other applicants. Draw attention to some of the factual points on your application but elaborate them in such a way that they become exciting to read about and give you a bit of personality. You can highlight similarities between the skills you have and the skills that are essential for the job in question. Remain focused and re-phrase standard responses.
Give appropriate referees
Employers usually ask for at least two referees. Conventionally this should be your current and previous employer, although university lecturers/personal tutors are also suitable. You must ask before you use someone as a referee; if they are prepared they are more likely to give a considered and approving appraisal of your work than if they are caught off guard.
Proof-read the form
Whether you have hand-written your responses or you have electronically completed the form, read it through and check for spelling and grammar mistakes. Ensure that all questions are answered and you haven't forgotten to include any relevant qualifications. A good idea is to use the draft, pretend you're a potential employer, read it through and then decide whether - based on the information you have given - you would employ yourself! If not, keep re-working the draft until you produce an application which you think will secure you an interview.
Online applications
These are proving increasingly popular with companies with nearly two-thirds now accepting online applications. The form is usually designed with no spell-check device, often to catch you out, so make sure you check very carefully. It is a good idea to type your responses into Microsoft Word which will check your spelling and then cut and paste your answers on to the application form. Another drawback of online applications is the endless space you are given for your answers which then encourages you to ramble. Print off a copy before you send it and make sure your answers are concise. If you are sending the form via e-mail and have not received a confirmation e-mail in reply, it is a good idea to phone to ensure it has arrived.
