How to write a job application form
Writing a job application form can be harder than writing a CV, because, with an application form, the requirements are not always obvious. For example, what level of detail is expected? And, should you include all criteria? If so, where?
Application forms are sometimes used instead of CVs. This applies in particular to larger organisations and the public sector.
Here is my guidance based on 12 successful years as a writer of job applications in all formats and additional years as a recruiter, business manager, business owner and employer, as well as being a researcher and consultant.
Job application form advice and guidance
Some key points about application forms:
- Take the time to get hold of and analyse the Person Specification. This will often be contained within a pack of details about the organisation and the role, including a detailed job description. The Person Specification is the most important.
- Match details about your experience to these criteria.
- Judge the appropriate length and level of detail in each answer. If the question says ‘Tell us everything’ then you should do that, but edit to within the word limit.
- Write persuasively and in an appropriate style. It should be clear (not wordy), confident, and positive about your achievements in an objective way.
- Use the space provided. If there is only a small space for details about each job, then focus on what is most important based on the Person Specification. It may be an outline of the size and scope of your responsibilities. It should not be a list of tasks from your job description.
One big question on a job application form
Most job application forms have one big question at the end. It may be written something like:
“Please give details of how your skills and experience match the requirements of the role”
Whatever you do, don’t mistake this for additional or optional information. Even if it is labelled ‘additional information’. It is, in fact, crucial. It’s likely to be the main evidence that they use to decide whether or not to shortlist you.
The question sometimes references the Person Specification by name. Whether it does or not, this question is asking you to give evidence against every point on the Person Specification.
Of course, doing it this way takes some time. But, if you are going to apply for a job, you may as well give yourself the best chance of success.
So, the three key rules for application forms are:
- Follow the instructions.
- Give examples.
- Write the last question as if it were the only thing that the recruiter was going to look at.
Online job applications
The format of an application form is likely to be either complete a document and attach it to an email or complete a web-based form. Your role is the same either way. Answer the questions in a way that matches you to the Person Specification.
Some people are sceptical about online applications. I’d suggest there is no need to be. If you don’t trust a company, of course, don’t apply to join them. But, there is no reason to believe online job applications should give you any less success than others.
One challenge recruiters have with online applications is they get a large number of wholly unqualified applications that have not even attempted to match the criteria. That’s their problem to deal with, not ours. Our job is to stand out from those. But, there is no reason to believe a good job application will not be read by a human.
Whatever format the employer requests, your best chance of getting selected is to follow it. And, we can all be the solution to the ‘application SPAM’ issue by only applying for jobs we are a good fit with and doing these applications well. If you are writing effective job applications, you won’t have time to do 100 of them.
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