An application form is generally part of the recruitment process.

Different employers expect different things.  You need to write a different application for each job - unlike a CV where it stays relatively the same everytime you use it.

The key is to show your potential new boss that you're the perfect fit:

• Read the job advert thoroughly and make sure you understand what they're looking for.
• Research the job and company to get a good grasp of what they're about.
• Look at the skills and qualities the employer asks for.  This should be sent to you with the application form.
• Be realistic. If they want five years of experience and you don't have any, you'll probably end up on the reject pile.
• Give real examples of what you have done to prove you have the skills and qualities required for the job.
• Give a separate example for each skill and quality required.  This way you know you have covered everything.
• Make sure your examples are clearly matched to a skill or quality required - use the skill or quality required as a heading for your example, like this:

  Good Organisational Skills

  I use a diary system to book appointments and record deadlines. I also put reminders in my diary that instruct me to start a piece of work allowing plenty of time to complete a task before it's deadline.

  I use an in-tray to collect all new pieces of work and a pending tray for work currently being worked on.

  At the end of each day I write a to do list for the next day.

• It's helpful to read other people's ideas, and get your finished application checked by someone else.
• Use words you'd be comfortable saying if you were talking about yourself - but no slang.
• Be enthusiastic.
• Do justice to yourself - but don't exaggerate.

Other hints and tips:

• Don't send a CV unless the employer asks for one, this will be thrown in the bin and will make you look like you don't read instructions clearly.
• Take a photocopy of the application form and do a rough draft of your application before filling it in for real.
• Use the correct ink colour (usually black or blue) and use block capitals where instructed.
• Put the right information in the right boxes or sections - it's easier than you think to put information in the wrong place.
• Keep a copy of the application form, so you can refer to it if you get an interview.

Useful links

Get more information from 'CVs and Application Forms'.