The graduate’s guide to job application forms

Online applications are common place in graduate recruitment. They make the job application process more efficient and practical for both you and the recruiter. But despite advances in recruitment technology, the principles of completing an application form haven’t changed all that much from when candidates had to break out a pen and rediscover their best handwriting. So, take a moment to slow down and follow these top tips for making great job applications online.

1. Preparation is everything

Ask any careers adviser or graduate recruiter for their number one application tip and they’ll tell you ‘preparation is everything’. Recruiters want you to show evidence that you have done your research into their organisation, the job you are applying for and… yourself.

2. Practise some psychometric tests

Some online application forms have built in psychometric tests, so it’s a good idea to practise doing these before you start to tackle the job application. Find advice on psychometric tests here. And don’t forget to visit your university’s careers service to see whether it runs practice sessions.

3. Print off the application form and read through it carefully

The next step is to look through the application form and read through the instructions so that you know exactly what’s involved. Print it off or download it so that you can look through it in your own time without feeling any pressure. You can jot down some notes, and start thinking about responses to the questions that require longer responses.

Read through the instructions so that you know exactly what the job application involves.

4. Prepare longer responses before you paste them in

Prepare longer responses in a word-processing document so that you can edit them to your heart’s content. Decide what the question is asking and think of a suitable example that will demonstrate the skill or competence the graduate employer is seeking.

To keep your responses concise, try the STAR approach. This is where you describe briefly the Situation, the Tasks you had to do, the Actions you took and the final Results.

Once you’re happy with your response check your spelling and grammar carefully and make sure you’re within the word count.

5. Give yourself plenty of time to fill in the job application

Now you’re ready to return to the online form and fill it in. Give yourself plenty of time and make sure you won’t be disturbed, particularly if the form doesn’t have a ‘save and return’ facility as you will have to complete it in one sitting.

Don’t rush and don’t lapse into the informal e-mail habits when filling in online job applications. Think formal and professional, and don’t be surprised that an online application can take a couple of hours and a lot of concentration to fill in.

6. Check, check and check again

Once you’ve completed the application, read through everything carefully. Check you have supplied information accurately and that your contact details are correct. Do you need to give them term time and home contact details? Is your e-mail address appropriate and professional?

Poor grammar and spelling mistakes will blow your chances of creating a good impression. Check your job application very carefully to make sure nun have slipped in. It’s easy for the correctly spelt, wrong word to slip in.

If you can save your work and return to it later, then take a break. You’re more likely to spot mistakes when you return. Get another person to look through your application if you can.

7. Print off a copy of the application for your reference

Print out a completed copy of the form. Proofread it again and, assuming everything is perfect, keep it for future reference.

8. The point of no return: hit the send button

The moment of no return – click on the send button and keep your fingers crossed!

The online application form checking checklist

Before you press submit, check:

• Spelling and grammar: use a word processor’s spell check, but don’t rely on it.
• References to the employer’s name: is the name spelt correctly?
• All questions have a response: don’t leave blanks.
• Your personal details: check all is correct and accurate.
• Your contact details: do you need to include both term-time and home address and telephone contacts, and is your e-mail address appropriate?

Find more tips on graduate applications, interviews and assessments

• Writing CVs for different types of graduate job
• Cover letter essentials for graduate vacancies
• What to put in the 'further interests' section of graduate job applications
• Making speculative applications for graduate jobs
• Writing tips for graduate CVs and applications
• Dealing with gaps in your graduate CV
• Download an employer research checklist to structure your preparation
• Interview techniques for graduates
• Advice for graduate assessment centres
• Psychometric tests explained