Help with
application forms...
So, you're faced
with a long, blank form and it stands to reason that if you don't
fill it in, you've not even a chance of getting the job.
Where to start?
First, take a
copy of the form so that:
If you can't take
a copy, write out your answers in rough before filling in the
form.
Getting
started...
-
Read the form
right through first, so you know what each section is looking
for.
-
Read through any
notes attached to the form. For example, do they want you to
fill it in in capitals, black ink?
-
Make sure your
handwriting is neat and can be read - it may be reduced and
copied. Check your spelling and grammar - or, better still,
get someone else to!
-
Jot down what
skills and abilities are needed to do the job you're applying
for.
-
Jot down how your
skills, abilities and interests match up to those
required.
-
If you have a CV,
keep this to hand, as you can transfer the information from this
straight to the relevant section of the application
form.
-
Don't forget that
while your CV is standard, to be used whatever the job you are
applying for, an application form isn't. You need to think
about what skills, abilities and interests the job requires all the
time you are filling in the form.
Section by
section guide
Not all
application forms follow the same pattern, but most will include
the following:
Vacancy
applied for and reference number - don't
forget to include this if you are asked for it - if it's a large
company, they could be advertising several different jobs - they
need you to tell them which one you're applying for.
Name,
address, date of birth - write clearly, in capitals if
they ask for them.
Sections
with dates, such as education and training, work
history:
-
always start with
the most recent first, unless you're
told otherwise.
-
only put in what
is relevant to the job you're applying
for- it's unlikely they will need
to know which primary school you went to!
-
if you haven't
had many (or any!) jobs, work experience and voluntary work all
count. Don't forget to include them, as long as they are
relevant.
-
avoid leaving
gaps in your education/training/work record. Account positively for
how you have spent your time.
Hobbies
and interests - don't just write a list, explain your
involvement. If you captain a netball team, tell them, rather
than just writing 'netball'. It shows leadership and
team-building skills. If some of your interests are relevant
to the job you are applying for, say so. For example, don't
just put 'computer games' if, as a result, you have other computer
skills. For instance, you might be able to type or do simple
programming - if so, say so.
Further
information to support your application - this is the
biggie! It may say something different, for example, 'space
is provided here for you to outline why you want to be considered
for the job', but the meaning is the same.
Use this section
to add information not mentioned elsewhere. Important items
here are 'full, clean driving licence' and 'keyboard skills'.
They want to know why they should consider your application over
others which may show equally good qualifications and
experience. This is where you must sell
yourself!
-
pick out key
words in the job description and match them to your work
experience, skills and interests.
-
point out what
you can do and the sort of person you are.
-
tell the
truth!
-
jot down the key
points you want to get across and then put them into clear English
afterwards.
References - who should you
ask? Usually someone who can talk about your school/college
work, and someone who can comment on your performance at work (or
on work experience). Always ask the people you wish to use
first.
Completed
it? Well done! Don't forget to take a copy -
it will help if you get an interview, and you can always refer to
it when completing other forms. Why not set up a file to keep
them in?
Lastly -
don't forget to post it on time! If you
can, don't fold it too much - it creates a much better impression
if it's not all creased!
