Job application forms should only be looked at once you have done your research on the company, spoken with some people who work in the organisation and have reached the conclusion that this is a company you could work for and be happy in.



In the words of George Bernard Shaw “take care to get what you want, or you'll be forced to take what you get”. These words have never been more relevant to the job search arena.

If you just want a job, you lack ambition and are happy to do anything, then that is okay for you. If, on the other hand, you are ambitious, know your strengths and have good skills set and are seeking a career as opposed to a job, then you really want to be taking as much time as possible to get the application forms for employment just right.

2 types of application forms for employment

There are 2 main types of application forms for employment and they are competency based (most common) and basic. The basic is as the title suggests where the employer is asking for basic but directly relevant experience. Competency application forms for employment are more in depth and the employer is looking for many other transferrable skills.

Here are my recommended tips for getting competency based application forms for employment right:

Tip #1

Read all the instructions, and then read again. If it states it is to be completed in capital letters and in black ink then do this exact thing. If it states the application must be completed online, do not print it off and send it hard copy. If the instructions state, DO NOT SEND A RESUME/CV then DO NOT do it. If it states 300 words of less for EACH competency, you are allowed + or – 10% for this, no more, no less.

Tip #2

If you are completing an online application, it is best to copy the actual competency required into a word document and compile your evidence this way. Once you are happy with it, just cut and paste back into the application form.

Tip #3

Always try and give examples of competencies from a work based perspective. If you find you are really struggling to come up with some evidence, then you can use something you do for a hobby or something you do outside of the workplace.

Tip #4

To structure your answers and avoid going off at a tangent, consider the acronym C A R which stands for Challenge, Action, Result. You would consider this before structuring your answer so it flows chronologically. For example:

Challenge

What was my aim/mission/task?

Action

How did I go about it? At this point, I would advise short bullet points outlining exactly what action YOU took; it must be actions by you and not about the team at this point.

Result

How successful was it? What would I do differently if I was approaching the same task tomorrow? What did I learn about myself in the process?

Tip #5

Once you have completed the application forms for employment, and presuming you are sending in hard copy, check it over at least twice then ask someone else to look over it for you. Ensure there are no spellings or grammatical errors and that you have answered all the questions and remained relevant throughout.

Tip #6

Write a covering letter to go with the application form, drawing out 3 or 4 main areas that you feel are worthy of mention and where your experiences are a direct match to what the employer is asking for.

Tip #7

Sign and date the form ensuring you are well within the closing date. If the date is looming and there is a possibility it could be held up in the postal system, then hand deliver it or ask someone who may be going in that direction to do it for you.

Tip #8

If the addressee on the application is the Human Resources Manager and there is no name, contact the company and ask for the name and address it to the person. This shows a bit of initiative and has a more personal touch and could easily make you stand out from other applicants.

Tip #9

Do not fold the application form for employment. It may sound silly, but make sure there are no coffee cup stains or any other form of embellishment on it and that it is in pristine condition. Read over the instructions again, ensuring your compliance with them all.

Tip #10

Put your application form along with your covering letter inside a large A4 hard backed envelope. If you can type an address label then do so, if your handwriting is not that neat, ask someone who can write better to address the envelope for you.

Tip #11

If you hear nothing after a few days, contact the company to ensure they have received your application form. This could indicate to them your real interest in the position.