Application Forms

Everyone finds it difficult to fill in job application forms. Simply do your best to answer the questions in a straighforward, honest way and try to keep it as neat as you can. The main advantage of an application form from a recruiter’’s point of view is that it standardises the information. This makes it far easier to compare candidates.

Expert help
We are always available to provide help with those really difficult questions. Just write down your answer as it comes into your head and we will help you by putting it into the right words. Contact us if you would like to more about this service and how it can be of use to you. 

On-line application forms
Fortunately most job application forms are now available to be completed on line, which makes the whole process much easier, as you can edit as you go.  Much of the following information will be useful anyway, but some of the tips will only be relevant if you find you have to fill in a paper form

Make a copy
Make a photocopy of the form before you start, otherwise plan everything on a piece of paper. Write your answers on the copy so that you can be sure of how they will fit into the space. Keep the original form clean and unfolded

Read the whole form through carefully
This is vital, you must pay particular attention to what you are being asked to do. For example are you asked to list your career chronologically or reverse chronologically? If handwriting use black ink and be careful to use BLOCK CAPITALS if asked to do so

Filling in the form
If you are filling in the form online you can edit as you go, but otherwise do not start to fill in the form until you are sure of your answers. Write clearly and make sure everything fits into the available space. Do not cramp your answers. Keep your answers short and to the point. Use a separate piece of paper if necessary, but make sure that you clearly number the items on your separate sheet.

Handwritten
Paper forms should be neatly handwritten in black ink so that it can be easily photocopied. It is really not worth trying to use the computer to print onto a paper application form. It always lands up looking messy. You can waste spend hours trying to use a DTP to scan in the form and then put the answers in the right place, but it is really not worth it.

Tailor your answers
When answering individual questions you should bear in mind everything that you know about the Company and the job specification. Try to ensure that your answers fit the role you are applying for. Make sure that you include details of your relevant skills and experience and give examples where required. If you do not believe a particular question applies to you then fill in the space with the words ‘not applicable’ rather than leaving it blank.

Difficult questions
Remember that everyone is having the same difficulties. If you can answer difficult questions in a well thought out way this will give you a significant advantage over your rivals.  The best way to do this is to write down the answer just as it comes into your head.  Then go through it and try to organise the information, deleting any repetition or unnecessary words

Keep a copy
Keep a copy so that you can remember exactly what you said. Send your CV as well unless you are specifically told not to do so. Always send a short covering letter to accompany the form unless it is specifically states that you should not.

Read it through 
It is important to make sure that there are no typing errors and that the form is well presented. Try to make sure that it is neat and that the answers are within the required number of words.

Your email address
A point which is sometimes overlooked when making on-line applications is your e-mail address. It could be very offputting to an employer to be invited to contact someone with an inappropriate title. If your current e-mail address is something silly or familiar it might be better to set up a separate hot-mail account using a more appropriate name.

Professional CV writing services
If all else fails, don’t forget we can provide help with composing answers to difficult questions on your job application form.  For expert help in creating an interview-winning CV to support your application, you may also want to find out more about our Professional CV Writing Service. If you would like the opportunity to evaluate the quality of our advice please submit your CV for a no-obligation free CV assessment.

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