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How to fill out an application form (Personal Statement :check: (Some…
How to fill out an application form
Personal Details :check:
This is the most straightforward part. Make sure you include all the relevant information in the correct sections – that includes your name, email address and phone number.
Education :check:
You will need to fill in all your qualifications from secondary school (often including grades) up to degree level and beyond, if relevant. However, if you’re a more seasoned professional and are applying for senior positions, you can summarise your school achievements in a short sentence.
It’s important that you have the minimum educational requirements outlined for the job – many companies now use applicant tracking systems (ATSs), so if you don’t meet the asking grades, your application may be instantly rejected.
Employment History :check:
It’s important to include your complete employment history, starting with your most recent job and working backwards – not forgetting any internships, voluntary or unpaid jobs and even holiday jobs.
If you have taken a gap year, make sure you include the details, outlining what you did and where you went, what jobs or volunteer work you undertook during that time and any skills you acquired along the way.
Activities and Interests :check:
When it comes to your personal interests and hobbies, include only those that may be relevant to the job you’re applying for – but remember to think outside the box. If you’re a member of a local amateur dramatics society, for example, and are applying for a job that requires any level of public speaking, ensure you demonstrate how one can benefit the other.
If that’s not applicable – or possible – make sure you include someone who has worked with you in a permanent position, or someone who worked with you during a volunteering stint or internship.
References :check:
Ideally, you should have two references. One should be from your current employer, the other can be from a different employer, or a character reference from a current colleague.
Personal Statement :check:
Some application forms require you to write a personal, or supporting, statement. This is where you need to outline your reasons for applying for the job and how you meet the required criteria. Take time to put this together – it will allow you to demonstrate your suitability for the job.
Include what made you apply for the job, how your experience and skills make you the ideal candidate for this role and how your personality would make you an asset to the company. You should also provide examples from your current or previous employment to support your case.
Finally, don’t forget to include why this job would be a good move for your career and your long-term goals – but keep this part brief. The main aim of your personal statement it to showcase your suitability for the role and show how you can bring value to the employer.
Competency Questions :check:
These questions outline common work-based situations and ask how you would resolve them, using examples from your experience. It may be as straightforward as demonstrating when you worked as part of a team and what part you played in it. However, competency-based questions can occasionally be a bit trickier – they may involve describing a situation in which you implemented change, for example, and ask you to link it back to a time when you used certain key skills.
Common Mistakes :forbidden:
Spelling and grammar errors
Addressing the application to the wrong person
Not following instructions on the form
Not tailoring the application form to fit the job you are applying for
Leaving gaps in your employment history
Missing the deadline