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
Source: Flight International
