Theme: filling an application form

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How to fill out an application form
Follow these steps if you are interested in learning how to fill out an application form:
1. Prepare yourself
Preparing before filling out any job application is essential, and it makes the process much easier and more productive. You can prepare by studying the job description because this gives you a good understanding of the skills and qualifications the hiring manager prioritizes. Gather all the necessary information for filling out the form, like your employment history, reference contact information and details of academic achievement. In addition, ensure you study the instructions carefully to help ensure that you fill out the application form correctly.
2. Research the company
Potential employees who research the company can discover important information to increase the chances of a successful job application. Research a company and learn its ideals, mission, vision and history. You can then incorporate these pieces of information into your application and show the employer you're highly interested in working for the institution.
3. Plan your time allocation
Application forms ask for various details, so completing them takes some time. Creating a strategy before you start the application can help you efficiently address each application segment. This can also help in completing the application within the specified time if there's a time limit. Allocating time can ensure you complete the application in the best possible way.
4. Be honest
Filling out and submitting an application requires providing the correct information, especially in segments like education, employment history or criminal background. Employers usually conduct background checks on a candidate they consider suitable, and any untruthfulness they detect can severely reduce your chances of success. In addition, filling the form honestly is a great way to demonstrate integrity and self-respect, which is great for your professional reputation.
5. Add keywords
Employers typically use an applicant tracking system to filter through the numerous application forms they receive. These systems consider keywords when assessing application forms. This makes it essential to include such keywords on your application form. You can discover the keywords by searching through similar job postings and noting the words or phrases that appear most frequently.
Related: How to Use a Job Description Keywords Finder for Your Resume
6. Proofread your application
Many employers desire people with a proven trait of discipline and thoroughness, making it essential that your application portrays you in this manner. Ensure your application is free of errors by personally proofreading it, having someone do it for you or both. You can also use online or software tools to ensure your application is error-free.
7. Include your resume
Your resume is a document that provides more information to the hiring manager regarding your qualifications and expertise. Applications typically require that you submit your resume, but it's vital that you confirm by reading the instructions. Also, where the hiring manager provides instructions regarding how to send the resume, ensure you follow them.
Related: What Is the Standard Canadian Resume Format? (With 7 Tips)
8. Include your cover letter
A cover letter is a document you send alongside your resume when you submit a job application. It serves as a personal introduction to your application. Ensure your cover letter adheres to the hiring manager's preferred format or is in a standard format. For example, cover letters are usually three to five paragraphs and are within one page. Read through the application instructions to determine if it's necessary to send a cover letter.
Related: Writing a Cover Letter (With Tips and Examples)
Answering open-ended questions on an application form
Here are some of the open-ended questions you may encounter on an application form and examples of how to answer them:
Why are you the most suitable person for this job?
Answering this question requires you to explain to the employer why you believe you're the best candidate for the job. Ensure you answer honestly, confidently and concisely. Discuss your relevant skills and how they make you a suitable fit for the position. Revisiting the job requirements and aligning your answers to them is also helpful, as it customizes your suitability to the company's specific needs.
Why do you want this job?
Employers ask this question to understand your career-related goals and aspirations and how the opportunity fits into them. Discuss your career goals and explain how working in the role can help you achieve them. In addition, showcase your research skills by demonstrating you understand the company.
Read more: How To Answer "Why Do You Want This Job?"
What is your greatest strength?
When answering this question, identify strengths relevant to the application while describing instances of how you demonstrated those strengths. Ensure these instances involve your professional experiences rather than personal experiences. You can also explain how these strengths can help you excel in the new role if hired.
Read more: How To Answer "What is Your Greatest Strength?" (With Examples)
What is your greatest weakness?
This question requires you to discuss your professional weaknesses truthfully. Answer the question honestly, then explain that you're taking steps to remedy the weakness. It is essential to clarify that your weaknesses are unable to hinder the performance of your responsibilities.
Related: List of Weaknesses: 8 Things to Say in an Interview
Why did you leave your previous role, or why are you leaving your present role?
When answering, provide honest responses and accept responsibility regardless of the circumstances. For example, you can explain that you left the role because it no longer offered career growth if you quit the position. In contrast, if your previous employer dismissed you, explain how you learned from the incident. Likewise, you can explain that the previous role has helped you achieve what you set out to accomplish with it, and it's time to take the next step.
What do you love doing outside work?
Hiring managers ask this question to determine if an individual is a good fit for the organization's work culture and has interesting passions or interests. This is an opportunity to showcase your personality to the hiring manager. You can discuss your hobbies, favourite sports or your family. Ensure you opt for activities that demonstrate a relevant soft skill.
Related: How To Answer the Interview Question: "What Are Your Hobbies?"
What to do after submitting an application form
Here are some of the steps you can take after submitting an application form:
Review your social media accounts
Employers may do a background check on candidates they develop an interest in for several reasons. These checks include going through their social media platforms to discover your ideals and philosophy to determine if you are a right fit for the company. It's vital that you review your accounts to ensure they reflect you as professional and intelligent after submitting your application form.
Send a follow-up email
You can send a follow-up email to the company to make sure that they received your application. A follow-up is also helpful as it shows the company that you're passionate about the role. Ensure your email is brief, polite and identifies that you already submitted the application form.
Related: How To Follow Up on a Job Application (With Email Template and Examples)
Prepare for an interview
Interviews can come almost immediately after the application submission, leaving insufficient time to prepare for it. You can avoid this scenario by preparing for the interview immediately after submitting the application form. Preparing for an interview involves researching the company or the position. It also includes familiarizing yourself with the application you submit. Employees usually ask interview questions concerning your application, so it's helpful if you have a good understanding of what you submitted.
Check your email account regularly
This is important because it ensures you don't miss important updates regarding the recruitment process. Checking various folders such as spam and promotions is also essential, as your service provider can categorize the email there rather than in the traditional inbox folder. Also, confirm your email account is functional so that the hiring manager can contact you. Research the company
Potential employees who research the company can discover important information to increase the chances of a successful job application. Research a company and learn its ideals, mission, vision and history. You can then incorporate these pieces of information into your application and show the employer you're highly interested in working for the institution.
. Plan your time allocation
Application forms ask for various details, so completing them takes some time. Creating a strategy before you start the application can help you efficiently address each application segment. This can also help in completing the application within the specified time if there's a time limit. Allocating time can ensure you complete the application in the best possible way.
. Be honest
Filling out and submitting an application requires providing the correct information, especially in segments like education, employment history or criminal background. Employers usually conduct background checks on a candidate they consider suitable, and any untruthfulness they detect can severely reduce your chances of success. In addition, filling the form honestly is a great way to demonstrate integrity and self-respect, which is great for your professional reputation.
. Add keywords
Employers typically use an applicant tracking system to filter through the numerous application forms they receive. These systems consider keywords when assessing application forms. This makes it essential to include such keywords on your application form. You can discover the keywords by searching through similar job postings and noting the words or phrases that appear most frequently.
Related: How to Use a Job Description Keywords Finder for Your Resume
. Proofread your application
Many employers desire people with a proven trait of discipline and thoroughness, making it essential that your application portrays you in this manner. Ensure your application is free of errors by personally proofreading it, having someone do it for you or both. You can also use online or software tools to ensure your application is error-free.
. Include your resume
Your resume is a document that provides more information to the hiring manager regarding your qualifications and expertise. Applications typically require that you submit your resume, but it's vital that you confirm by reading the instructions. Also, where the hiring manager provides instructions regarding how to send the resume, ensure you follow them.
Related: What Is the Standard Canadian Resume Format? (With 7 Tips)
. Include your cover letter
A cover letter is a document you send alongside your resume when you submit a job application. It serves as a personal introduction to your application. Ensure your cover letter adheres to the hiring manager's preferred format or is in a standard format. For example, cover letters are usually three to five paragraphs and are within one page. Read through the application instructions to determine if it's necessary to send a cover letter.
Related: Writing a Cover Letter (With Tips and Examples)
Answering open-ended questions on an application form
Here are some of the open-ended questions you may encounter on an application form and examples of how to answer them:
Why are you the most suitable person for this job?
Answering this question requires you to explain to the employer why you believe you're the best candidate for the job. Ensure you answer honestly, confidently and concisely. Discuss your relevant skills and how they make you a suitable fit for the position. Revisiting the job requirements and aligning your answers to them is also helpful, as it customizes your suitability to the company's specific needs.
Why do you want this job?
Employers ask this question to understand your career-related goals and aspirations and how the opportunity fits into them. Discuss your career goals and explain how working in the role can help you achieve them. In addition, showcase your research skills by demonstrating you understand the company.