Filling an application form plan: what is an application form?

The Structure of Application Forms

Most application forms consist of four main sections:

• 
  Personal Details
  
• 
  Education
  
• 
  Employment History
  
• 
  Activities and Interests
  

Application forms may also include sections that require you to provide answers to specific questions, such as:

• 
  Personal Statement/Reasons for Applying
  
• 
  Competency Questions
  

It is important that you complete each section of your application form without spelling or grammatical errors. Remember to answer the questions in front of you rather than what you may think is being asked – or the question you would like to answer.
For online forms, it is usually easier to type your answers into a Word document and then copy/paste them into the relevant field in the browser. If you are doing this, make sure that you have completed every section, and check the formatting as you go.

Personal Details

This is the most straightforward part to fill out. Make sure you input the right information in the appropriate places.

Education

You will be expected to list the names and addresses of schools or colleges you have attended, and may be required to give academic grades for qualifications you have received from secondary school through to university.
First-year grades may also be taken into consideration, even though these will not necessarily count towards your final degree classification.
You must meet or exceed the minimum academic requirements required for the job you are applying for. Some employers, particularly those using automated recruiting systems, will simply disregard applications that fall short of minimum academic requirements.
If you have a strong, valid reason why your grades do not meet the minimum requirements of the job you are applying for, then call the human resources department to discuss your application. Be prepared to include documentation to substantiate the reasons you are giving for your grades, such as a doctor's letter.