subject: How To Complete Application Forms [print this page] How To Complete Application Forms How To Complete Application Forms
Job application forms can be notoriously difficult to pass. In fact, over 75% of application forms are rejected at the first hurdle simply due to a lack of details and attention on the applicants behalf. Let us take a look at a sample Job Application Form question and how you can answer it effectively.SAMPLE QUESTION 1Please explain why you are applying for this post and what you have to offer.This is a very common question. I have read many different responses to this question in the past and many of them fall at the first hurdle; they fail to respond to the questions that are being asked. If you read the question carefully you will note that there are actually two questions as follows:Q1. Why are you applying for this post? Q2. What do you have to offer?I have seen people time and time again fail to answer the second part of the questions. When responding to this question split your response into two parts. The most effective way to achieve this is to start each part as follows:Part 1 - I am applying for this post becausePart 2 - I have to offerIf you follow this piece of advice you will be ensuring that you actually answer the questions that are being asked. Always read the question very carefully before answering it.SAMPLE RESPONSE TO QUESTION 1Please explain why you are applying for this post and what you have to offer."I am applying for this post because, having studied the person specification and job description, I believe that I am very well suited to the position. I have over five years experience in a similar role, which I excelled in. I am fully aware of the requirements for this role and believe that the skills and attributes I posses would be of extreme benefit to your organisation. For example, whilst in my previous role I assisted the organisation in achieving Investors in People status. This was achieved through meticulous preparation, planning and organisation. My role was to provide the assessors with evidence of where we the organisation met each assessable criteria.I have to offer many qualities, skills and experiences. I am a hard working, driven, ambitious and a flexible person who can be relied upon to achieve any given task. For example, in my previous role I was often asked to work late hours so that the company could meet tight deadlines. I always made sure that I was available to assist and fully realised how important these deadlines were. To summarise, I believe that I have all of the necessary skills and qualifications to perform exceptionally in this role. I have many years experience in a similar role and can be relied upon to achieve the organisations aims and objectives."IMPORTANT TIP: If you make reference in your application form to the company's aims and objectives, make sure you learn them before you go to interview!
