Application Forms - A CV Centre Guide

Application Forms - introduction

Whilst a CV can be used by an employer to assess whether or not you possess the qualifications and experience to fulfil a role, an application form can reveal a lot more about your personal skills and abilities. To enable this, specific sections throughout the application form will request that you provide evidence to show exactly how you have demonstrated these attributes through either studies, work experience or with your interests and activities. Because all applicants will be answering the same questions, the employer should easily be able to shortlist the candidates based on their skills, experiences and abilities.

Application forms can either be completed in writing or online depending on the preference of yourself or the employer. Whichever method is used, most application packs will include a job description, person specification and guidance notes to assist with the completion of the form. It is absolutely essential that you read this information carefully to ensure that you understand any specific requirements for the role and any instructions such as word count and application deadlines. Make sure that you are able to provide enough evidence to support the essential criteria of the person specification otherwise it may not be worthwhile completing the application.

Paper-based application forms

Paper-based application forms normally require completion in black ink; you should also be aware of whether or not to use capital letters throughout. Either way, your neatest possible handwriting should be used to ensure that the application form is easy to read. It is useful to photocopy the blank form before you complete it as this will allow you to practice filling in the form to make sure that your answers fit in the spaces available. You should also read the application form carefully and photocopy it for your own records before submitting it.

Online application forms

Online application forms often require you to register your information before completing the form and it is important to carefully record your registration details to ensure that you are able to return to your information at a later date if required. Also, never submit your application until you have read through it and, if possible, print it off as well. By doing this, you are able to remind yourself of the answers to the questions if you are called for interview.

Before you start

Before you start to fill in an application form, it is useful to research the company you are applying to. Some employers will want to see that you have an understanding of what the company does and what type of people they employ. The Internet is possibly the most useful source of information but you can also contact the company directly with any questions you may have.

Education details

Most application forms will ask for your education details which can include grades and specific modules undertaken. Overseas applicants need not try to convert their qualifications into a UK format as many employers now use a qualification conversion table. This section of the form is usually self-explanatory and should be completed honestly as education information is easy to verify.

Work experience

The section requesting information on work experience usually requires completion in reverse chronological order and will want you to provide job descriptions for all or some of the jobs you have undertaken. There may be a word restriction for this section or limited available space and, as with all other sections of the form, these guidelines must be adhered to. Some forms specifically request information on part-time and voluntary work so it is important to include anything relevant.

Although the wording may vary depending on the employer, most application forms will set specific questions asking you to elaborate further on why you are applying for the role and to the company in particular and what skills and experiences you have that match the person specification. This may take the form of a series of competency questions or a personal statement but, either way, this is probably the most important part of the application form and must be completed carefully.

If set questions are used, it is important to make sure that the information you give actually answers the question and that evidence is provided as proof of your experience in each particular area. Both set questions and personal statements usually have word restrictions and, once again, it is essential that you comply with this as extra words may simply be ignored.

Before you start, have a good look at the person specification and highlight the essential criteria the employer is looking for. You can then start to prepare a list of any specific events and achievements from your persona, professional or academic background that will support your application as well as making a note of the skills or qualities you developed as a result. Once you have this information, you can start to structure your response in such a way that is clear, concise and directly related to the original question and the person specification.

If you are asked why you are applying for the job

If you are asked why you are applying for the job, you can utilise the research you have carried out on the role and the company before emphasising what you think you can offer and what you hope to gain from the role. It is important to remember that many people will be applying for the same job as you and, if you are to stand a chance of being offered an interview, it is essential that you make this section of the application form stand out from the crowd.

If there are criteria that you don't meet

If there are certain criteria of the person specification that you cannot provide evidence for, highlight other areas in which you can add value and also express your willingness to learn new skills and undertake further training, thus turning a potential negative into a positive. Some employers even use a set list of “buzz” words that they look out for in this section of the application so you should try to use terminology that is both professional and relevant to the work environment. Remember, though, that you will have to back this up if you get asked for interview so try not to overreach yourself here.

The final stages

The final stages of the application form will generally be the references, data protection and equal opportunities monitoring sections. Make sure that you get permission from the people you choose to be your referees and also be careful to choose people that are likely to give you a positive reference! The remainder of the form should be completed honestly and in full and, for paper-based applications, signed in the appropriate place.

When you have completed the application form, make sure that you read through it carefully to check for spelling errors and other mistakes. With paper-based forms, correct any mistakes as neatly as possible using correction fluid or one line through the word. Keep a copy of the form for your own records and make sure that it is submitted before the deadline.

Further help

Completing application forms can be a demanding process. Let us put in the necessary time and effort for you. As part of our CV Writing Service, simply provide us with a copy of an application form and we will detail exactly what you should write on it and where, ensuring that your application will stand right out from the rest.