What is an Application Form?

When you are applying for a job some companies will ask you to email them a CV with cover letter but others may ask you to fill out a specific Company Application Form. This will either be posted out to your address or more likely will be available to fill in online. Many of your answers to the Application Form’s questions will have been given in your CV but it is important to fill out the form in detail (even if you have to repeat what you have already put in your CV.

The employer uses a Job Application Form to compare candidates like for like and to find out the information they need to know that may not be found on a candidate’s CV e.g. current salary, criminal convictions, medical history, specific qualifications, references. Make sure you understand the application form before filling it out. Read the instructions very carefully, and then follow the directions on how to fill in the application form and what to include. The employer is more likely to offer an interview to a candidate who has submitted the application form correctly and accurately than one who hasn’t.

Typical Format of an Application Form

• Personal Details
• Personal statement
• Education
• Employment/work experience
• Competency based questions
• Interests and Achievements
• References

Click here to get more tips and advice on how to fill out a Job Application Form correctly.