► APPLICATION FORMS

Application Forms

Completing application forms
• Certain positions require you to complete an application form rather than submitting your CV.  In this scenario do not send in an application half filled in with an attached CV, as your CV will not be counted. 
• Always read and follow the application process the employer has outlined!

Presentation
• Find out how you are required to complete the form.
• Is there a specified colour/type of pen?
• Should you use BLOCK CAPITAL letters?
• Make sure that your writing is clear and legible.

Education
• Education should be completed with the most recent first, unless otherwise stipulated.

Employment/work experience
• Here you will be asked to list your previous employment along with your duties.  You may also be asked to provide a reason for leaving. 
• You need to demonstrate to the employer that you have the skills, personal qualities and experience that they have specified in the job advert or person specification, try to identify these in any previous work experience you have. 
• Don’t ignore menial low skilled jobs, skills can be developed from all work and it also shows you have motivation and perseverance.

Information supporting your application
• You might be asked to write a statement supporting your application.  Use the Person Specification and or Job Description.  Look at each skill that is required and demonstrate where you have used those skills in those areas of your experience – education, work, and social life.
• Even if you do not have any relevant work experience you can still provide examples of where you have used relevant skills.  For example, have been on a committee of a student society and during meetings you have had to communicate effectively with other committee members?  Identify your skills and think about how you can explain their value to your potential employer.
• This is your opportunity to tell the employer why you are right for the job.
• Structure your paragraphs and answers well.  The simplest structure is often the best.  Make sure you follow a logical path and that it is easy to read.
• Only add additional sheets of paper to your application if the form specifies that this is acceptable, otherwise the additional information may not be considered.

References
• You will be asked to provide the name and contact details of two referees.  Commonly you will be asked to provide your most recent employer and a personal reference.
• If you do not have any work experience ask one of your university tutors if you could put them on your CV as a reference.
• You must always ask an individual before providing their details for a reference.

Final check
• Once you have finished your CV ask a friend or the Student Job Shop to check it again for you to ensure there are no errors you have missed. 
• Have you filled in as much as you can, have you left any gaps?
• Have you checked your spelling and punctuation?
• Have you signed and dated the form?
• Have you used the correct coloured ink?

For a printable version of this information please click here.