"Helping you gain
.control of your career"

In this issue we look at the best ways to keep control of a meeting; 10 tips for ensuring your job application form gets to the top of the pile and how to beat that proverbial thief of time – procrastination!

• Editor's Desk
• Bite 1
• Bite 2
• Bite 3
• Working Web
• Last Word

Ten Top Tips For Filling in a Job Application Form

1. Where you are asked to complete a form the advert usually tells you to phone, write or email for it. If you write/email for a form, keep the letter brief, but make it clear what the position is that you wish to apply for (there might be more than one job vacancy). If the form is already available online, read the instructions carefully about inputting information and saving it.

2. Before starting to fill in the application form, read it through very carefully.

3. Assemble the information about yourself that you would normally include in your CV (curriculum vitae). These are the personal details such as your name, age, address, education, qualifications, previous employment etc. Make a rough draft of your answers on a sheet of paper. In this way you will ensure that you can fit everything onto the form.

4. As with a CV, fill in your education and qualifications in chronological order but your work experience in reverse chronological order.

5. Most application forms will include a space for ‘additional information’ or ‘other relevant information’. Never leave this empty as it gives you the opportunity to show why you are particularly suitable for the job. It also gives you the chance to show what kind of person you are – your interests, reasons for wanting to change job and the achievements which you consider most significant in your career to date. But, only include what is relevant to the job and will help your application. Don’t waffle or include irrelevant information. Always check your first draft carefully before putting it on the actual form to ensure clarity and brevity.

6. If there is no space for information of this kind on the application form then include it in the brief covering letter or email that you send with the form – in exactly the same way as you would when sending a CV.

7. Always follow instructions carefully. If you are told to use black ink to complete the form, do so. If you are told to save the form in a specific format, do so.

8. When you’ve completed the form, read it through very carefully to check for mistakes. If you find any, correct them as neatly as possible.

9. Try to send in the application form as soon as possible (a closing date for applications will usually be specified). But don’t be in such a hurry that you send an untidy, incomplete form.

10. Remember that the objective of the information you give in the form is to get you an interview. It is that and nothing more. Nobody is ever hired on an application form alone. You are only hired after an interview. However, if your form impresses the selection team it will make the interview much easier. So give them all the relevant facts about yourself in relationship to the job and present these clearly. The best way to do this is to be as specific as you can. You will find this saves space and has more impact. The form should contain only important and relevant facts. Don’t spoil the impact by waffling!