Filling Out a Job Application For Success

By Timothy Mason

Traditionally, the majority of companies request both a cover letter and resume from all potential employees, however, it is becoming increasingly common for companies to also require a job application. It is widely believed that a job application can give a company the chance to ask pre-interview questions as part of the screening process and allow potential candidates the further highlight and showcase their skills and experience. Unfortunately, a poorly completed job application can result in damaging your application and may rule you out of the selection process entirely. When completing an application, please spend a considerable time developing your answers; the following points will provide helpful guidance and may ultimately make your application stand out from the crowd.

Ensure you are prepared for the application. Some companies may invite you to arrive early to an interview in order that you can spend time filling out their application paperwork. These forms can vary in length from one to fifteen pages and often include some complex questions. When attending an interview, make sure you take all the necessary materials to fill out an application form accurately and effectively. For example, companies often request information about your previous employment and as such you may need not only the name of your former supervisor, but details where they can be contacted in a variety of formats including telephone, postal address and email. In addition to this, it would be prudent to take along details of those who would be willing to provide a character reference and information that may be required in order to perform a credit check.

It is advisable to treat the application as if it were a medical history and do not leave anything out. As with doctors, hiring managers will expect you to answer every question accurately, if this is not possible, for example if you cannot remember your exact starting salary in your previous role, state a salary range as close as possible to what you remember. Potential employers want to see a neat and well presented application form; they do not want to see "N/A" or "see resume" as this often indicates a lazy candidate, and will instantly create a bad impression.

You should aim to treat your job application like your resume and make it great. If you are afforded the luxury of filling in the application online, ensure you utilize all the applications available to you, such as spell check and edit your answers to guarantee there are no grammatical errors. Where possible, ask a friend to proofread you application before submitting it. Should you be required to fill in an application on paper prior to an interview, make sure you use a dark pen and clearly print all answers. It is paramount that you do not frustrate the hiring manger by producing illegible script, being unable to read your answers will not encourage them to follow up your application by contacting previous employers and references.

Completing an application form is often a key requirement of an employer's selection process and it is not an area where you want to show weakness. By attending the interview prepared, your application will be the best it can be - neat, accurate and well presented and as such will create and excellent impression on the hiring manager.

The game has changed in a big way and now you must not only be able to deliver a complete package of skills and experience for the job but must also master additional skills to even land an interview for the job you want. Marketing has become a necessity for all job seekers and unfortunately marketing is a skill not easily mastered, especially if you work in a completely unrelated field.