Application forms: the ins and outs and ups and downs

Filling in application forms may seem to be a thankless and endless task, but they’re actually designed to make things easier for both applicants and recruiters. Used wisely they can be the perfect way to sell your skills.

Application forms for graduate jobs are designed to create a level playing field: each applicant is given the same opportunities to provide information and to answer the same questions. But it’s easy to succumb to application form fatigue, particularly if forms are long or involve difficult questions, so follow our advice below to make sure your application makes it to the top of the interview pile.

Application forms – why employers use them

Unlike CV and covering letters, application forms give recruiters the chance to ask for specific information from applicants. As well as finding out about candidates’ education and work experience, recruiters can ask questions about skills and achievements and the times applicants have demonstrated these. That’s why it’s so important to tailor each of your applications to the individual organisation to which you’re applying: check out ‘targeting your application’ for more help.

Recruiters can ask questions about skills and achievements and the times applicants have demonstrated these.

Dig deeper for application success

The key to a good application is knowing what graduate recruiters are looking for and then matching yourself to their specification. Doing your research at this stage will make all the difference: as well as looking at the job description and person specification for the role you’re interested in, find out about the organisation too. Is it somewhere you can see yourself working? Look at the organisation’s website and marketing literature and find out about recent and ongoing work – use our employer research sheet to track your findings. It’s also important to use your careers service to boost your chances of getting a job: for example, many have networks of alumni willing to offer advice about their roles and organisations.

Dealing with online systems

Many graduate recruiters have now jumped on the technological bandwagon and have opted for online application forms. They’re used to collect and store information on applicants, and many online systems are now used to book online tests and interview and assessment centre appointments. Most online systems also field out applicants who don’t meet recruiters’ basic criteria, so read our guide to online applications before you start.

A number of organisations’ online recruitment systems filter out applicants who indicate they have – or are predicted – a 2.2. If this is you, have a look at our advice for graduates with 2.2 degrees as there may be an alternative route into your chosen organisation, for example via a speculative application or work experience.

Practice makes perfect

It’s an old adage but it’s true – practice really does make perfect. So whether you’re filling in an online application form or a paper one make sure you leave time to practice first. Selectsimulator is a program specially designed to give you practice in completing online applications.

Practice for paper application forms calls for a little more preparation on your part. Your university careers service may have blank forms you can use for practice, but if not, before you start writing, photocopy application forms and write your answers in pencil to check they fit in the space provided. It’s worth making a few copies of the form in case you make a mistake later on.

Practical tips for applications

Whether you’re using a paper form or an online one, there are a few key dos and don’ts:

DO:

Write down your answers and proofread them before entering them into the form. Silly errors and typos are likely to send your application straight into the ‘reject’ pile. If you’re applying to more than one organisation, check you haven’t accidentally entered the wrong organisation name (recruiters often cite this as a reason for instant rejection).
Use the words and phrases the recruiting organisation has used in the job specification. Some online application systems are programmed to search for these terms; recruiters in any case will be looking for evidence that you are conversant with the kind of language they use day-to-day. Have a look at the top 10 skills that'll get you a job when you graduate for an idea of the kinds of words and phrases recruiters like to see
Consider asking for a paper form in a different format if this will improve your application. Many organisations will provide forms in large print or as word processing document or pdf if requested.
Use our sector-specific advice to find out what recruiters in different organisations are expecting to see in your application.

DON’T:

Hit ‘send’ or post your form without printing it out or reading it through carefully. Read it out loud or ask a friend or careers adviser to check it first.
Cut and paste generic responses into a form. Instead, tailor your answers to each individual employer.
Leave your application too late. Forms can take longer to complete than you might think, particularly if you need to contact referees or tutors.
Try to lower the tone. Attempts to be witty or informal in an application will not impress; likewise, ‘textspeak’ and chatty language are unlikely to convey the formal tone recruiters expect.

Sell your achievements

Besides filling in your name, address and academic achievements, you’ll need to include information about your skills and achievements. This is the part of the form where you can really sell yourself: look for the attributes recruiters are looking for and then match yourself to them using specific examples. The ‘STAR’ method can help here: think of a Situation; outline the Tasks involved; show what Action you took and clarify the Result of your contribution.

Finally, check out our advice on commercial awareness and further interests to find out how to sell all your skills and experience.

Further help and advice

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