Apply yourself when completing application forms
Neal Lucas, Managing Director of leading executive search and recruitment business, Neal Lucas Recruitment reveals his advice and top tips on how to effectively complete application forms.
The job application process can be a laborious and daunting task, particularly nowadays when lengthy application forms, unseen tasks and very often not one but two interviews are the norm when it comes to landing the job of your dreams.
Although many organisations – mainly in the private sector or recruitment agencies – still ask for CVs, larger organisations or public sector use application forms, because it allows employers to compare candidates more easily in a structured format.
The application form itself is often part of a collection of documents along with an information pack, the job description and the person specification. It is not surprising therefore that the thought of wading through this information and then completing the form, can be a job in itself. However, if you want to get invited to the interview stage, then filling this important form out correctly is vital.
Remember, what you put on your application will determine whether the panel want to meet you, so primarily it should meet the criteria so you will be invited to interview. The second reason is that it should excite the reader so they are looking forward to seeing you.
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6 top tips on completing that all-important application form:
1. Take your time! Never rush an application form, or simply copy and paste elements of your CV or previous form into it, employers will know who has taken the time to fill out a lengthy form in detail and this demonstrates your commitment and interest, and allows the employer to extract more specific information from you than is included in your CV.
2. Preparation is key. Do not leave it to the last minute; write, review and amend. Ask others to read it for you to make sure you are addressing the criteria and not just shoe horning in a ‘good example’ that you think will impress the reader.
3. Use the STAR method. This is the easiest way to answer questions. Use the Situation, Task, Action and Result format and it will give your answer structure and clarity that will be lacking from most other applications.
4. Keep it short! Even if there isn’t a word or character limit, keep your answers short and to the point. If you are using the above format, this will come naturally. It is the easy option to right down lots of information, but this is simply akin to throwing a pile of mud at the wall hoping some will stick. It requires much more effort and skill to give a succinct answer which addresses the question asked than just writing down all you know about the topic. Use relevant examples and include clear dates of each of your employment start and end dates.
5. Take your time! Read the instructions and detail contained within the information pack so you can appreciate the context of the role. Very often there are interesting snippets on the challenges facing the organisation or their recent successes which could help you decide which examples you use to highlight your relevant experience. Read the job description thoroughly and ensure you have a good understanding of the role. Careless mistakes, including spelling errors, will definitely dent your chances. This suggests you rushed the form or did not take the time to review it properly, which indirectly says that you are not as enthusiastic for the position as other candidates.
6. Lastly, keep a copy of your completed form for your own records, you do not want to forget what you’ve written if you get to the interview stage.
So remember, follow the instructions in the information pack, familiarise yourself with the job spec, set aside sufficient time to complete and answer the questions asked succinctly and truthfully using the most relevant examples you can muster so the panel look forward to meeting you at interview.
Neal Lucas Recruitment specialises in the appointment of Director and Senior Management level roles (including Chair and NED positions). See the company’s current vacancies on NIJobs.com or contact the team on 028 9268 8818.
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