| Filling
out job application forms can be time consuming
and seems a little old fashioned. However,
some employers, including the BBC and many
in the public sector, still insist on it.
From an employer's point of view, someone
taking the time to fill out a lengthy form
shows a certain level of commitment and
interest on the part of the jobseeker, and
allows the employer to extract more information
from the applicant than some people include
in their CVs. It makes it easier, for example,
for the employer to pick out gaps in employment
history or to spot that a box asking about
a criminal record has not been ticked.
Employers may hold your
application 'on file' for the purpose
of matching you up with any suitable vacancies
that may crop up in the future. Under
the Data Protection Act they are required
to keep the information held in your application
confidential, and used only for the purpose
of recruitment, and for no longer than
is necessary.
Do:
Read the instructions
before you fill in the form. It has been
designed to make life easy for the personnel
team who won't waste time trying to work
out where you have gone wrong.
Photocopy the form beforehand and use
the copy as a rough draft.
Take time drafting the section about what
you would bring to the job. This is your
chance to shine in only 300 words - you
need to be succinct. Concentrate on those
achievements that will be most relevant
to the job in question.
Write legibly if you cannot type in the
information. The form should be easy to
read, so keep your handwriting to a decent
size and don't be afraid to leave some
empty space - it looks better and is easier
to read - even it if means leaving out
that third prize you won in the annual
sales competition ten years ago.
Use black ink - it makes for clearer photocopies
at the other end.
Read your completed form carefully, checking
for grammar and spelling errors and, if
possible get a second opinion from someone.
Keep a photocopy of your completed form
for your own records.
Don't:
Leave any questions unanswered.
If a question is not applicable to you
then say so.
Include a CV as well, unless it has been
requested. However, a short covering letter
following some of the above guidelines
is probably worthwhile.
Lie - you'll be found out and the employer
will probably never deal with you again.
Many employers use information service
companies to check out facts included
in application forms.
Your CV
Covering letter
More advice on applying for jobs
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