Help with Application Forms
When you're applying for a vacancy, you may be asked to fill in an application form. You need to request a form as soon as possible and make sure you send your completed application back before the closing date.
It is not necessary to send a CV when you send an application form, but it is a good idea to send a short covering letter with your application form.
Some employment agencies ask you to fill in an application form when you register. You might also be able to apply for some jobs on-line, using an electronic application form.
Application forms can be laid out in different ways but they usually have sections that ask for:
Details of the job you are applying for
The title of the job will be included in the advert. The job may also have a reference number, especially if you are applying to a large organisation or through an agency. Make sure you enter these details correctly.
Your personal details
You need to give your name, address and contact details. The employer could use this information to ask you to come for an interview, so make sure that you include contact details such as a mobile number or an e-mail address which you check regularly. Use a suitable e-mail address - don't use wording that an employer might find offensive.
Education and experience
Most employers want you to list details of your education and any work you have done in date order, starting with the most recent. If they want you to fill in this information in any other order they will make that clear in the instructions. You should include any work experience placements you have done. Make sure you also include any courses or work that you are doing at the moment. Don’t forget part-time jobs, Saturday jobs and voluntary work.
Personal Statement
No matter what the heading for this section, it is the part of the application form where you need to show the employer why you are applying for the vacancy and what makes you the best person for the job.
Study the job description or person specification of the post that you are applying for. Think of what type of work is involved and the skills that may be required for the job. Compare yourself, your skills and experience and show the employer how you can fit into the position and the company. If you think you are inexperienced, don't worry. You can tell the employer how keen you are to learn new skills, how quickly you learn because you are flexible and adaptable, and that you will work hard, given the chance.
Show the employer that you can prove what you have just said, by giving examples from your experience at work, in training or school. You might be able to use examples or information from your Progress File, Record of Achievement and your work experience diary, or from social activities to show what you can do.
Most jobs involve communication, teamwork and IT skills. Give examples of your experience and skills in these areas. Outside interests or hobbies can be used to back up your application. Playing team sports can impress. Being involved in an organised youth group or similar organisation, especially if you have held some position of importance, can also give a favourable impression and may make all the difference. Do not be frightened to tell the employer that you are impressed by the company and that you would like the opportunity to work there and hopefully progress to other more responsible duties if the situation arose.
References
Referees are people who know you and can tell an employer whether they think you could do the job well. Employers often ask for a reference from school or college or from someone you have worked with, for example, on a work experience placement or as a volunteer. You should not give family members as a reference but you can give the names of family friends or other adults you know. You need to ask permission of anyone you give as a reference before you put their names on your form.
Further information
This section is for anything you can do which does not fit in anywhere else on the form. Here you can tell the employer if you have other skills, for example, if you speak a second language, have a First Aid certificate, a full clean driving licence or have good keyboard skills.
You might also be asked for information about your availability, any accessibility needs or your criminal record.
Employers will use the information you give on the form to decide whether to ask you to come for an interview. You need to be positive about the things you can do, but don’t make anything up.
Treat your application form with respect and give it the attention that it deserves.
If you need help, ask your Connexions Personal Adviser or call into your nearest Connexions Centre, but don't expect someone to complete the form for you - that is your responsibility. Although a good application form is no guarantee that you will get the job, it will help improve your chances of getting an interview.