It's important to plan how you're going to complete the form. Make sure you read the instructions on the form carefully. If it asks you to put the information in a certain order then make sure you do!
Online application formsIf the form is online, draft your application offline first – in a word processing package like Word – and save it to your computer. This way you'll be able to run a spell check before you copy the info into the online system. It also means you'll have a back-up if there's a problem with the form.
More and more sites offer the option of storing your application online and coming back to it. If you do this in more than one sitting, keep a record of any usernames and passwords so that you can get back in!Online forms can be longer and more complicated than paper forms – follow the instructions carefully and check how many screens you have to fill in before you can submit your application.
Paper application formsIf you’re filling in a form by hand, write as neatly as you can in black ink and use block capitals if the form asks you to.A good way to avoid mistakes and crossings-out on the final form is to photocopy the original and practice filling in this copy first. Take care of the form – don’t spill anything on it or leave it in your bag to get creased!
Some important final checks…
Whether your form is online or on paper you should:
- read it over a few times to check for spelling and grammatical errors – these are one of the most common reasons applications are rejected
- someone else to proofread it for you
- Check you’ve filled in all of the boxes that are relevant to you – if you leave an empty box the employer may think your form is incomplete. If a box isn’t relevant, put ‘N/A’ (not applicable)
- Photocopy or print out the finished form, so you have a record of what you’ve put. You'll need to be able to refer back to it at the interview stage
- Take note of the closing date and send your application form to arrive in good time.
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