Preparing a Perfect Application Form

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Application Forms

Application Forms Guide

Perfect Application Form

Possibly one of the most daunting aspects of the job hunting process is the completion of an application form, but these are now increasingly used by employers to measure the suitability of candidates against a series of set criteria – so it is very important to be able to complete them effectively.  Most forms are designed in such a way as to allow prospective employers not only to establish the skills and experiences of the candidates but also to gain an insight into their character – something that a CV may not provide.

The Importance of Being Positive

Rather than being frightened of application forms, it is far better to approach them positively, because there is no doubt that this will reflect in the style of writing.  Perhaps you should consider the form to be more of a sales pitch where you are promoting yourself and selling your strengths to the recruiter, but be careful not to let the style of writing become too informal.

Planning and Preparation

Before starting to fill in the application form, it is essential to carefully read the job description and the person specification to make sure that you actually fulfil the requirements.  There really is very little point spending precious time applying for a job that you are not skilled or qualified enough to perform

Once you have established that you can do the job, there are a few things you can do to prepare:

• Research the company you are applying to so that you know the kind of people it employs
• Collate evidence of specific ways in which you fulfil the criteria
• Make a note of significant achievements that may help you to stand out

Read the Guidance Notes

The application pack, whether received by post or downloaded via the Internet, should include some guidance notes with instructions on how the form should be completed.  Some will need to be hand-written, others typed, and certain sections of the form will have word count restrictions which must be adhered to.  Whatever the instruction may be, it is of the utmost importance that these are followed to the letter because a simple mistake here can ruin your chances of selection for interview.

Completing the Form

Most application forms are made up of different sections, many of which are self-explanatory.  These include:

• Personal Details
• Formal Education
• Professional Training
• Work Experience
• Hobbies and Interests
• Referees

The Work Experience section can vary, with some forms wanting a simple list with dates, company names, job titles and reasons for leaving, whilst others request specific details of job roles, responsibilities and achievements.  In the latter case, it is useful to consider the person specification so that you can emphasise the duties you have performed which are most relevant and which suggest that you have the required transferable skills.

Competency Questions

Some application forms have a section of carefully worded questions designed to extract from you specific examples of how you have demonstrated the key criteria of the job role.  These may well have word counts and it is essential to read the question carefully to ensure that your response actually covers all aspects of the question.  The most important consideration when completing competency questions is to talk specifically about what you did, what you experienced and what you achieved rather than what other people did.

Personal Statement

Instead of competency questions, an application form may have a section requiring you to write a detailed explanation of how you meet each one of the criteria on the person specification.  Some forms ask for this statement to be divided up into headings taken from the person specification whilst others simply allow space for a “stream of consciousness”.  Either way, each criteria must be covered with a specific example, i.e. “I did this…” rather than saying what you would have done or, simply, that you possess the required criteria.  Again, read the wording carefully to make sure that you answer all parts of the question because some may also want you to incorporate in here the reasons why you are applying for this job in particular.

Top Tips

• If handwriting the form, make a copy first in case of mistakes and, obviously, use your best handwriting in the colour of ink stipulated in the guidance notes – normally black.
• Complete all sections of the form in full, taking every opportunity to sell yourself
• Read through the complete form to check for errors and to make sure that you have covered the person specification
• Keep a copy of the form so that you can refer back to what you wrote if you are called for interview
• Use strong, relevant “buzz” words but avoid over-using jargon
• Apply for as many jobs as you can – practice makes perfect and the more you complete and send off, the better your chances of being invited for interview

Above all, the application form may well be your only chance to sell yourself to the prospective employer so be positive, be specific and, most importantly, be honest.  Prospective employers can ask for verification of everything you write so don’t create a trap for yourself.

 

Adapted from Preparing the Perfect Job Application by Rebecca Corfield, published by Kogan Page, paperback, 128 pages, £6.99

To receive a 10% reduction on the cover price, readers should go to www.kogan-page.co.uk and add the book to their basket, entering coupon code MF314 at the checkout.