Application forms
Completing application forms properly is hard work and takes time. So don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it.
Jump Menu:
- Why do recruiters and admissions officers use application forms?
- Why should you pay attention to detail?
- Why should you draft your answers first?
- Why should you ask someone to check what you've done?
- Why should you keep a copy of the completed application form?
- How can you speed up the process of filling in an application form?
Why do recruiters and admissions officers use application forms?
Everyone has to give the same information on an application form. This makes it easier for recruiters and admissions officers to compare candidates and see who best fits their requirements.
Why should you pay attention to detail?
Recruiters and admissions officers often get hundreds of applications so they're looking for reasons to reject candidates. A badly completed form is one reason for rejecting someone. Make sure you read and follow all the instructions carefully.
Why should you draft your answers first?
Every word counts on an application form. Drafting your answers first gives you the best chance of presenting yourself well. You can edit what you write to fit the space allowed and make sure that you don't miss out anything important.
Why should you ask someone to check what you've done?
It's easy to make mistakes or miss out something important when you're concentrating on filling in a form. Many people get their date of birth wrong for example. Ask someone you trust to check your draft and make sure you've followed the instructions properly.
Why should you keep a copy of the completed application form?
So that you don't forget what you said! You'll need the information on the form if you're called for interview. You can also use it to help you fill in other application forms and to update your CV.
How can you speed up the process of filling in an application form?
Completing an application form is never a quick job. But, you can speed things up a bit by keeping all your personal information together so that it's easy to find when you need it. It's why many people have a personal portfolio. It's also a good idea to keep your CV up to date as it contains a lot of the information you need when you're filling in an application form.
What next?
What should you do if you get called for interview?
Tool kit
Hot tip
Get more information about applications and interviews at Connexions Direct 
and in the 
'Work and Training' section of your Connexions Resource Centre or careers library.
