Application form tips

A job application may look like an innocent bit of paper, but don’t be fooled! It can be a
ticket to a promising career…or food for an employer’s waste bin. Much depends on
your attitude and creativity in filling out the perfect job application.

Apply for the right job.

That is not to say that you can’t stretch the walls of your experience and try something a
little outside your present job situation, but if you’ve been a retail store manager for ten
years with absolutely no background in IT, applying for a corporate IT position is
probably not your best bet.

How creative can you be with names, dates, and addresses?

Much of the information seems set in stone. But there are plenty of areas where you
can slant the odds to your favour. The trick is to interpret, brainstorm, and customise.
Show why you are a match for the job.

Before we get to the creative part, let’s look at the black and white. There may be fewer
of these parts than you think. Of course, you must write your name, address, and phone
numbers correctly. Be absolutely neat and clear. Give all requested information and
leave no blanks. When finished, you will proofread the whole form to be sure it is neat
and errorless. After all, you wouldn’t want to be eliminated for something silly–and
make no mistake, employers are all too ready to weed you out just to reduce the pile of
papers!

Now, for the creativity. You must show that you are eminently qualified for the job, and
to do this, you must customise your answers to any question that allows it. Make sure
you understand what is being asked. Just think about the employer’s real reason for
wanting the information. Don’t get carried away with data that is strictly red tape (e.g.,
for purposes of identification, etc.). The areas in which you have the most creative
freedom are open-ended requests, such as “Describe any skills that apply to the
position” or “Summarise any related experience.” On these, you can really capitalise on
your strengths. Some areas are partially open-ended. For instance, you may be required
to fill out an education chart, including schools, courses, and dates, as well as a similar
chart for previous jobs.
Customising your Job Application

Though you should always be honest on forms as well as in interviews, there are ways
to enhance your attractiveness to a prospective employer. In fact, often you will give a
much truer and multi-dimensional picture of yourself by following these customisation
steps. The problem is that we are so familiar with ourselves, we tend to downplay our
skills and experiences! Attempt to see yourself from another perspective, in terms
related to the requirements of this job.

1) Learn all you can about the job tasks. Read the job description and/or
advertisement. Look up the company website if they have one. This can give you
additional insight as to job expectations—ones that might not be explicit in the
ad. If you need more information, don’t be afraid to call the company. Just be
friendly and polite, and have clear questions when you call.
2) List all the necessary skills for this job. Include everything you have learned
about it. Put requirements in order of importance.
3) Brainstorm: Get a big piece of paper. Using the list of skills, think of all the
talents and abilities you have that match. Don’t censor yourself! Write everything
you’ve done that uses that skill or related skill. Think of all jobs, paid or volunteer,
and even personal activities that use these skills. If teaching is a preferred
experience, think of times you have instructed someone, on any level. Granted,
just showing your nephew how to tie his shoes probably won’t impress; for now,
write it anyway—it may jog other memories.
4) Organise: Now group the skills and experiences to see what best applies to the
job as a related skill. For example, if you have been an informational speaker in
any formal or semi-formal situation, especially multiple times, this can apply as
teaching experience. Let’s say you gave regular reports to your gardening group
and showed members how to pot plants.
5) Write: Word your description in a way that highlights the important job skill. If
the job requires experience teaching, mention that you have presented
informational workshops and given hands-on instruction. If there is room,
include evidence of favourable results or positive feedback. At first, write it out
without worrying about length and grammar. When you have all the important
information, cut it down to a clear and concise summary of your strengths in that
area. Do this for each skill.

After completing these steps, try adding the information to a disposable copy of the
application form. Make sure what you write in each section is proportional to the
amount of space you have and is a directly relevant to the given question. If possible,
forget it for a day. When you read it again, you should be in a better position to judge it
impartially. Pretend you are the employer under the gun to find the best applicant for
the job. Are there errors? Where could you improve it? Think about the kinds of
questions it will raise for the employer. (You will need to anticipate these and be
prepared with an answer, when you interview, that puts you ahead of the crowd.)
Blow your own horn, but do it politely
Stick to the facts. If you have won awards and commendations, by all means list them.
Writing that the boss told you he’d never seen a better mail-sorter is second-hand
information that the employer can get when he calls your references.

Leave no spaces blank

If a particular question doesn’t apply, draw a neat line through the empty space or write
“N/A”, but don’t give the employer the impression that you simply didn’t bother reading
every question.

…and Finally
Proofread your application and write or,
better, type the final information in the
appropriate areas. Give it a final once-
over and you are almost ready to fire it
off to the appropriate person. If you are
mailing it or e-mailing it, write a cordial
letter introducing yourself and stating
briefly what job you are applying for and,
why you want it, and why you are
qualified. Even if you must deliver it in
person, it never hurts to write a cordial
note of introduction.

The most important part of the job

application is your effort. The more
applications you file, the better chance
you have of getting a job. If you are in a highly competitive field, quantity won’t be as
important as quality. Find the one thing that sets you apart from the competition and
stress that clearly in every application. Be confident, be honest, and expect to spend as
much time looking for a job as you did working at your last one, and you will have the
success you have earned.

When you have double checked both the application and the letter, send them off or
deliver them in person. Now you will need to start preparing for the interview, which will
surely follow the employer’s receipt of your perfect application!
Application form – example questions
"Describe a situation where you worked as part of a team to achieve something"
What you have to remember here is that the main thing the reader is looking for is
team-working ability. Don't worry too much about the example you use, as long as it
shows you worked within a team to complete something.

"Describe a situation where you implemented change"

Again, it is not the question you have to concentrate on but ask yourself - what is the
reader looking for? With this example, they will be looking for good organisation,
planning and maybe analytical skills. If possible, try to aim your questions to fit these
areas.

"Give an example where you overcame a difficulty/problem" - this question is

looking for your problem solving abilities. When answering this question, attempt to
show the stages you went through to solve a problem and how you implemented the
solution - do not worry too much about the example you use - it is the problem solving
skills the reader is looking for.

"Where do you see yourself in 5 years?" Or maybe "what are your career goals?"
These questions are looking for your commitment and enthusiasm to the job. As we
mentioned in our interview tips, try to mention something positive but not too
unrealistic. For example; maybe you are considering training courses to help you
perform your job as effectively as possible and eventually progress within the company.

"Are you willing to relocate?"

Obviously your answer to this question will be dependent upon your individual aims
and needs but being flexible in your preferred location obviously hands you an
increased possibility of receiving employment. It may also be worth remembering that
you could always relocate later if it is not possible to do so now.

"Please provide further information in support of your application".

This section is your last chance in the form to tell the reader why they should select you
for an interview. Use this space to tell the reader what interests you about the position
and the skills you have that complement it. In addition to this, tell the reader of any
previous experience/achievements you have had that are in any way related to the job
you are applying for!

Application form equal opportunities

We often get asked if it is important to complete the Equal Opportunities form normally
located at the back of the application. This is primarily used to show the employer's
commitment towards equality and your answers on this form will not be used to decide
whether you get the job. If you feel uncomfortable answering this question just leave it
blank.