HOW TO COMPLETE AN APPLICATION FORM
Get help to complete paper and online application forms.
Before you start
Gather together all the details you’ll need to fill in the application form, for example:
your qualifications
your work history
references
Read the job description and instructions on the application form to understand what the employer wants. Research the employer to find out who they are and what they do. Using this information, you can start to plan what you're going to add to your form.
Provide your personal details
You'll usually need to include your:
full name
date of birth
address
phone number - give a number you'll be available on during the day
email address
Depending on the job, you may also need to add your:
driving licence details
national insurance number
permission for a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
work permit details
Provide your education history
Fill in your education history, starting with the most recent first.
You'll need to list:
your qualifications
the name of the organisations you studied with
other training courses you have completed
the dates you attended
Provide your work history
You'll add your employment history here, starting with the most recent. You can include work experience and volunteering activities. It's usual to go back about 10 years, though earlier if you have relevant experience beyond this.
You will need to include:
the name of organisation you worked for
what role you had
when you started the job
when you left the job
Responsibilities
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Explain work history gaps
When you have a gap in your work history you should give a brief explanation and say what you did during that time. You can also add more detail in your cover letter.
Breaks from work
State why you took time off from work. The employer can ask for more information in the interview. Reasons might include:
raising a family
contract came to an end
caring for a relative
receiving medical treatment
decided to retrain
Redundancy
On your application form you can state, 'made redundant between [insert the dates]'.
Employers will understand redundancy is a business decision. If they want more details, they'll ask in your interview.
Conviction
If you have a gap because of a conviction, you need to check whether your conviction is spent.
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If it is spent:
you do not need to tell employers about the conviction, unless it is relevant to the job
If it is not spent:
write an honest statement in your cover letter.
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Dismissal
It is better to explain a dismissal in your cover letter. When talking about a dismissal, explain briefly:
the circumstances at the time
what you have learned from the situation
how you have improved since
Show your skills match the job
Application forms often include this section where you give examples to show that you have the skills and knowledge the employer is looking for.
You may be asked questions on the form set by the employer, or have to explain how you meet the job requirements laid out in the person specification that comes with the form.
For example:
describe a time you have been under pressure at work
explain a situation where you've worked in a team
You can use examples from the workplace, from home, social activities or volunteering, as long as you highlight skills relevant to the job.
How to choose references
You'll usually need a work-related reference and a personal one. Make sure you check with people first that they’re happy to provide one.
You should include the person's:
name and job title
relationship to you
contact details
If you do not have any work experience or do not want to use your last employer, you can ask other people to give a reference, including:
an older employer
a teacher or college tutor who knows you well
a team leader from a volunteering group, a society or sports team
a faith leader from your place of worship
After you complete your form
Once you have completed your application form, make sure you:
check the spelling and grammar
sign and date it
save a copy for use with future applications, and in case you're asked about it at interview
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Now that you have the knowledge, go and use it to discover the dream roles that you have put off because of completing application forms.