helpyouchoose.org

Most companies like you to fill in an application form so they can look at the skills you have. The form is the same for each applicant, which makes it easy for employers to compare them.

The application form is your chance to show employers what you can do and what skills and qualifications you may of gained.

It is your chance to sell yourself, so you need to make sure your form looks good.

Before you fill in a form

• Read any instructions first.
• Read through the form to see which bits go where.
• Look at the job advert to see what skills the employer wants.
• If possible, take a couple of photocopies of the form. Use them for practice and do a rough version first – so you don't make your mistakes on the real application form.
• 10 minutes looking at the form can save you hours later.

This is your chance to show employers what you can do and what skills you may have gained

Completing a form

• Use black or dark-coloured ink.
• Fill in every box. Write “Not applicable” where a section doesn’t apply to you.
• Write neatly in the spaces provided.
• Make sure your spelling is correct. 
• Check what skills the employer wants and try to cover them in your answers.
• Check with your referees before you give their names.
• Ask someone to check the form before you send it off.
• Send the form in before the closing date.

You might be asked for a covering letter to go with your form – click Writing a letter for things to remember as you do this.