Guidelines to follow when completing an application form
Following are some hints and tips to assist you, should you ever be required to complete an employment application form:
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Read the entire document before you commence answering questions.
This will help to ensure that you provide the information required in the correct place on the form. For example, you may decide to write about some of your employment related achievements when answering a question about your employment history, only to find that there is a separate question on the form about major achievements in employment. Unfortunately reading the entire document may not always be possible in some electronic documents where you complete and then submit answers on a page by page basis. -
Always tell the truth.
An employment application form can be deemed to be a legally binding document. You may need to sign a clause which states that the information you have provided is accurate. So beware of making mistakes, as this could be interpreted as dishonesty. This could lead to your dismissal. -
Maintain a personal information folder.
This will contain the type of information you may be asked to supply on an application form. For example a copy of your resume should be in the folder so that you can accurately provide details of your previous employment history. Other types of information could include your tax file number, details of your previous residential addresses, the name and address of your doctor, names and contact details of your referees. -
Take your information folder with you to interviews.
Sometimes you may be required to complete an application form immediately prior to, or following an interview. Having relevant facts, figures and other information at your fingertips will better enable you to provide complete answers, and where appropriate to tailor your responses to meet the requirements of the role. -
Answer all the questions.
One of the reasons employers use an application form is to enable them to compare candidate responses. Answer all the questions. If however you are unable to do so, or, the question does not apply to you, respond with 'not applicable' or 'n/a'. This gives the employer an indication of your abilities with regard to thoroughness and attention to detail. -
Take particular care with neatness and accuracy.
Some organisations require handwritten completion of application forms. Be aware that the neatness of your handwriting, and also the general neatness and accuracy with which you complete the form will contribute to the overall impression the organisation has of you. -
Do not provide negative information.
Remember, your objective is to use your answers to get to interview stage of the selection process. Saying for example that you had a fight with the boss or a customer as reason for leaving a part-time job role is unlikely to impress your prospective employer. -
Ensure your answers are consistent with other information you supply.
Your resume and application letter often will contain the same type of information you will need to complete on the application. Make sure dates, names, titles and other information is the same on all your documents. - Proof-read the finished
form.
When you have completed the application form take the time to thoroughly check for errors. Ensure your spelling is correct.