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Filling in a Job Application Form

Always popular in the public and voluntary sectors, private companies are increasingly using application forms as a way of acquiring behavioural information about candidates.

For the job-hunter, application forms are a pain in the butt. You spend hours honing and refining your CV so that it makes your optimal business case for an interview only to find that your next potential employer isn't interested in seeing it.

However, from the point of view of many recruiters, advertisements that invite CVs these days are more likely to attract too many applications. In contrast, advertisements that ask for an application form to be completed typically have a lower response rate. So, from an organisation's perspective application forms can be a nifty way to reduce the time and money spent on the vacancy-filling process.

There's a shadow side to this, of course, namely that fewer applicants can mean a lower quality field. This means that if you can face the prospect of completing an application form without losing the will to live, you'll find that you'll typically be up against a smaller field of competition.

Here are some reasons why organisations like application forms:

Application forms ask all candidates for the same information and are regarded by the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service et al. as good equal opportunities practice.
They allow the company to specify the information that applicants need to provide.
They allow a readier comparison between candidates because every candidate is completing the same form. Not literally the same form - that would be an administrative nightmare obviously!

TIPS ON COMPLETING APPLICATION FORMS

Unless you have the drafting skills of a Benedictine monk, it makes sense to take a photocopy of the form so that you can draft out a rough version first. Multiple crossings out and handwriting that becomes increasingly smaller as you desperately try to squeeze your doubtless brilliant prose into a tiny space on the form are great ways to demonstrate that you're as human as the rest of us, but they don't go down a bundle with the personnel department.
Use a black or dark blue pen - light turquoise ink may hint at your creative side, but it's a bugger to read and just as bad to photocopy.
Ask yourself what the recruiting organisation is looking for in the right candidate. Then tailor the information you provide accordingly.
Answer the questions as fully as possible, but don't waffle. Show that you can organise and express your thoughts clearly.
There's normally a section of the application form that gives you an opportunity to make a personal statement. Use every last inch of it (and continue on a separate sheet if you need to). This might be your least favourite part of an application form, and it will almost certainly take the longest to complete, but it's a major opportunity to distinguish yourself from the competition. Highlight some relevant achievements and show that you've taken the time to find out something about the company ('Given your recently announced plans to launch a new product.').
Before popping the original in the post, remember to take a copy for yourself.
Knock up a short covering letter to go with the application form. Remember to quote the reference number and say where you saw the advert.
Go to the post office and splash out on some A4 envelopes so that the application turns up uncrumpled at the other end. Alternatively, liberate a few from the office stationery cupboard.


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