Success with completing job application forms

Many people find completing job application forms daunting and it is hard to know what information employers are looking for.  What you need to remember though is that everyone has different skills and strengths that they can bring to a job role and these include single parents who have been raising a family.   Check out the article on transferable skills and qualities for more help and guidance on what these are.  

When applying for a job you are competing against a lot of other people so it is important that your application makes an impression and stands out from the others.  Some job adverts will ask you to fill in an application form and you may need to contact the employer to get a copy of this.  If you are applying online however then you can often download a copy or fill it out and submit online.  If you need to fill in a Jobcentre Plus application form, you can get this from your nearest Jobcentre Plus office.  In some cases they might ask for a CV as opposed to an application form.

Before you start, always check the instructions for filling in the application form and make sure you follow them.  If you’re filling it in by hand then we recommend that you prepare a draft of the application form and then transfer the information to the actual form.  

If there are gaps in your employment history say what you were doing during that time - for example: bringing up your children or working as a volunteer for a charity.   Make sure to bring out the positive skills that you have been developing and make the most of them.  Before you send it in, read over the job advert again and make sure the information you include on the form is relevant and answer all questions and fill in all the boxes.  

Make sure all spelling and grammar is correct and  ask a friend or relative to check your application form.  Check the closing date carefully to make sure you don’t miss it!

Most application forms will require similar information including:

• personal information
• your national insurance number and work permit details (if applicable)
• details of your qualifications (including dates awarded)
• details of any previous employment (including dates) 
• your supporting information - refer to the person specification in the vacancy to see what kind of information you need to provide that will demonstrate your suitability for the role
• at least two referees of which one should be your current employer if you are working.  Make sure you have asked their permission to give their  details 

Make sure you keep a copy of the information you put into the application form as you can reuse it for any future ones that you fill out.  Remember to tailor the information specifially to the job you are applying for.