THEME: FILLING AN APPLICATION FORM
PLAN:
1.What Is an Application Form
2.Why Are Application Forms Important
3.How to fill out an application form
1.1.What Is an Application Form?
An application form is an official document that a potential employer will require
candidates to complete when applying for a vacancy. The application form allows the
employer to pose a series of specific questions that every candidate must answer.
A standard form helps to speed up the application process and enables recruiters to
compare applications more easily. It also makes it easier to weed out unsuitable or
under-qualified candidates.
Application forms are also used where there is a continuous need for recruitment
or where a high volume of applicants is expected. You may be asked to fill out an
application form for jobs in the public sector, education and larger retail companies,
among others.
An application form will usually include sections on personal
information, education, work experience and employment history, as well
as competency-based questions and a personal statement.
Application forms are usually completed and submitted online, although paper
versions may be accepted in some cases.
2.Why Are Application Forms Important?
An application form is likely to be your first chance to make an impression on an
employer. It can spell the difference between being rejected outright or invited for
interview, so it's crucial to get it right.
The best application forms will use the questions asked to reveal the
candidate’s experience, qualifications, skills and attributes, while showing how these
are directly relevant to the role applied for.
Your application should grab the attention of the recruiter and leave them wanting
to find out more.
There is little point sending out lots of poor-quality job applications. Instead, find
a few firms that you have a strong desire to work for and focus on applying for those.
Time spent researching the company and preparing answers that are thoughtful,
intelligent and tailored to the specific role will give the recruiter a better insight into
your personality and suitability for the position, and make your application more
memorable.
How to… FILL OUT A JOB APPLICATION
If you are a job seeker, you will probably have to fill out one or more application
forms. You should know that employers do read the forms, and that the way you
prepare the application can make a big difference in getting an interview and being
hired for the job.
Be Prepared
Make sure you know the correct names, dates, places and other information you
will need. It may be helpful to create a sample application to bring with you when you
apply for a job, in case you must fill out an application form on the spot.
Ask If You May Take A Blank Application Home
Filling out the form at home can be easier as you are able to take your time and do
a good job. If possible, ask for an extra form, just in case.
Most organizations require candidates to fill out job application forms as part of
their recruitment process. This is an important process, as the hiring manager evaluates
candidates' suitability based on the details of their application form. Understanding
how to fill out an application form can help you successfully pass through this critical
step when job searching. In this article, we discuss the steps when filling out an
application form, explain how to answer open-ended questions, and highlight post-
application tips so you can find success in securing employment.
Related: What Is a Job Application Form? (With an Example)
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3.How to fill out an application form
Follow these steps if you are interested in learning how to fill out an application
form:
1. Prepare yourself
Preparing before filling out any job application is essential, and it makes the
process much easier and more productive. You can prepare by studying the job
description because this gives you a good understanding of the skills and qualifications
the hiring manager prioritizes. Gather all the necessary information for filling out the
form, like your employment history, reference contact information and details of
academic achievement. In addition, ensure you study the instructions carefully to help
ensure that you fill out the application form correctly.
2. Research the company
Potential employees who research the company can discover important
information to increase the chances of a successful job application. Research a
company and learn its ideals, mission, vision and history. You can then incorporate
these pieces of information into your application and show the employer you're highly
interested in working for the institution.
3. Plan your time allocation
Application forms ask for various details, so completing them takes some time.
Creating a strategy before you start the application can help you efficiently address
each application segment. This can also help in completing the application within the
specified time if there's a time limit. Allocating time can ensure you complete the
application in the best possible way.
4. Be honest
Filling out and submitting an application requires providing the correct
information, especially in segments like education, employment history or criminal
background. Employers usually conduct background checks on a candidate they
consider suitable, and any untruthfulness they detect can severely reduce your chances
of success. In addition, filling the form honestly is a great way to demonstrate integrity
and self-respect, which is great for your professional reputation.
5. Add keywords
Employers typically use an applicant tracking system to filter through the
numerous application forms they receive. These systems consider keywords when
assessing application forms. This makes it essential to include such keywords on your
application form. You can discover the keywords by searching through similar job
postings and noting the words or phrases that appear most frequently.
Related: How to Use a Job Description Keywords Finder for Your Resume
6. Proofread your application
Many employers desire people with a proven trait of discipline and thoroughness,
making it essential that your application portrays you in this manner. Ensure your
application is free of errors by personally proofreading it, having someone do it for
you or both. You can also use online or software tools to ensure your application is
error-free.
7. Include your resume
Your resume is a document that provides more information to the hiring manager
regarding your qualifications and expertise. Applications typically require that you
submit your resume, but it's vital that you confirm by reading the instructions. Also,
where the hiring manager provides instructions regarding how to send the resume,
ensure you follow them.
Related: What Is the Standard Canadian Resume Format? (With 7 Tips)
8. Include your cover letter
A cover letter is a document you send alongside your resume when you submit a
job application. It serves as a personal introduction to your application. Ensure your
cover letter adheres to the hiring manager's preferred format or is in a standard format.
For example, cover letters are usually three to five paragraphs and are within one page.
Read through the application instructions to determine if it's necessary to send a cover
letter.
Related: Writing a Cover Letter (With Tips and Examples)
Answering open-ended questions on an application form
Here are some of the open-ended questions you may encounter on an application
form and examples of how to answer them:
Why are you the most suitable person for this job?
Answering this question requires you to explain to the employer why you believe
you're the best candidate for the job. Ensure you answer honestly, confidently and
concisely. Discuss your relevant skills and how they make you a suitable fit for the
position. Revisiting the job requirements and aligning your answers to them is also
helpful, as it customizes your suitability to the company's specific needs.
Why do you want this job?
Employers ask this question to understand your career-related goals and
aspirations and how the opportunity fits into them. Discuss your career goals and
explain how working in the role can help you achieve them. In addition, showcase
your research skills by demonstrating you understand the company.
Read more: How To Answer "Why Do You Want This Job?"
What is your greatest strength?
When answering this question, identify strengths relevant to the application while
describing instances of how you demonstrated those strengths. Ensure these instances
involve your professional experiences rather than personal experiences. You can also
explain how these strengths can help you excel in the new role if hired.
Read more: How To Answer "What is Your Greatest Strength?" (With Examples)
What is your greatest weakness?
This question requires you to discuss your professional weaknesses truthfully.
Answer the question honestly, then explain that you're taking steps to remedy the
weakness. It is essential to clarify that your weaknesses are unable to hinder the
performance of your responsibilities.
Related: List of Weaknesses: 8 Things to Say in an Interview
Why did you leave your previous role, or why are you leaving your present
role?
When answering, provide honest responses and accept responsibility regardless of
the circumstances. For example, you can explain that you left the role because it no
longer offered career growth if you quit the position. In contrast, if your previous
employer dismissed you, explain how you learned from the incident. Likewise, you
can explain that the previous role has helped you achieve what you set out to
accomplish with it, and it's time to take the next step.
What do you love doing outside work?
Hiring managers ask this question to determine if an individual is a good fit for the
organization's work culture and has interesting passions or interests. This is an
opportunity to showcase your personality to the hiring manager. You can discuss your
hobbies, favourite sports or your family. Ensure you opt for activities that demonstrate
a relevant soft skill.
Related: How To Answer the Interview Question: "What Are Your Hobbies?"
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What to do after submitting an application form
Here are some of the steps you can take after submitting an application form:
Review your social media accounts
Employers may do a background check on candidates they develop an interest in
for several reasons. These checks include going through their social media platforms
to discover your ideals and philosophy to determine if you are a right fit for the
company. It's vital that you review your accounts to ensure they reflect you as
professional and intelligent after submitting your application form.
Send a follow-up email
You can send a follow-up email to the company to make sure that they received
your application. A follow-up is also helpful as it shows the company that you're
passionate about the role. Ensure your email is brief, polite and identifies that you
already submitted the application form.
Related: How To Follow Up on a Job Application (With Email Template and
Examples)
Prepare for an interview
Interviews can come almost immediately after the application submission, leaving
insufficient time to prepare for it. You can avoid this scenario by preparing for the
interview immediately after submitting the application form. Preparing for an
interview involves researching the company or the position. It also includes
familiarizing yourself with the application you submit. Employees usually ask
interview questions concerning your application, so it's helpful if you have a good
understanding of what you submitted.
Check your email account regularly
This is important because it ensures you don't miss important updates regarding
the recruitment process. Checking various folders such as spam and promotions is also
essential, as your service provider can categorize the email there rather than in the
traditional inbox folder. Also, confirm your email account is functional so that the
hiring manager can contact you.
References
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