The employer may ask you to submit a job application even if you have applied for a position with a resume and cover letter. This way the employer will have consistent data on file for all applicants. Employers want to be sure they are adhering to employment laws and avoiding discrimination. Especially at larger organizations, company policy may require having a job application on file for each candidate and maintaining a copy of the application in the employee’s personnel file. Providing inaccurate information can be grounds for termination of consideration for hiring or termination of employment if the erroneous information is discovered after the individual is hired.
The Purpose of a Job Application Form
What is a job application form, and when is one used? Job application forms (also called “employment forms”) are part of the formal hiring process companies sometimes use in order to ensure that they have gathered comprehensive, accurate data from all applicants. These forms often request certain information that is not always included on resumes and CVs, such as professional or personal references, the names of former supervisors, and/or a complete educational background. If you decide to submit your resume as a supplement to the job application form, cross-check it with your application to ensure there are no discrepancies.
Types of Job Applications
If you’re looking for a job, how will you apply? It depends on the employer. A job application can be completed in several ways. There are online job applications, which are typically completed at an employer’s website, at a hiring kiosk in a store or business, or on a mobile device using an app. In some cases, simply submitting a resume and cover letter online will be considered your application; you will not always be required to fill in a digital application form. Online Job Applications. There are thousands of sites where you can post your resume online and complete an online job application. Sometimes, you can apply online on job sites like Monster.com or Indeed.com. Other times, you can apply directly on the company’s website. In-Person Job Applications. Many companies, especially retail and hospitality employers, expect applicants to apply in-person or at a kiosk in the business. It’s not as complicated as applying online, but you will need to be prepared to apply and maybe even interview on the spot. Email Job Applications. When you are using email to apply for jobs, it’s important that all your communications are as professional as they would be if you were mailing a paper application. Here’s advice on how to submit job applications via email. Paper Job Applications. There are paper job application forms that you fill out if you apply in person for a position. See below for a sample job application form.
Information Required for an Employment Application
You will generally be required to provide your contact information, your work history (including companies worked for, positions held, salary, and length of employment), and your educational background. Some companies will also ask you to provide references with your job application. You may also be asked about your availability for work.
Personal Information
The following is a list of the information you may be asked to provide when you apply for a job.
Name Address, city, state, zip code Phone number Email address Social security number (state laws regarding providing social security numbers vary) Are you eligible to work in the United States? If you are under age eighteen, do you have an employment certificate? Have you been convicted of a felony within the last five years? (information about convictions varies based on state law and may not be legal to ask in your location)
Education and Experience
School(s) attended, degrees, graduation dateCertificationsSkills and qualificationsGrade Point Average (G.P.A.)Extracurricular activities where you held a leadership roleHonor societies
Employment History
EmployerAddress, phone, emailSupervisorJob title and responsibilitiesSalaryStarting and ending dates of employment (month, day, year)Reason for leavingPermission to contact the previous employer
References
NameJob titleCompanyAddress, phone, email
Job Application Form Sample
The following is an example of a paper job application. It also includes the information you’ll be required to input if you apply for a job online. Instructions: Print clearly in black or blue ink. Answer all questions. Sign and date the form. Personal Information First Name: _____________________________ Middle Name: ___________________________ Last Name: _____________________________ Street Address: __________________________ City, State, Zip Code: _____________________ Phone Number: ()__________________ Email Address: __________________________ Have you ever applied to / worked for [Our Company] before? [ ] Y or [ ] NIf yes, please explain (include date): ________________________ Do you have any friends, relatives, or acquaintances working for [Our Company]? [ ] Y or [ ] NIf yes, state name & relationship: ________________________________ If hired, would you have transportation to/from work? [ ] Y or [ ] N Are you over the age of 18? [ ] Y or [ ] N If you are under the age of 18, do you have an employment/age certificate? [ ] Y or [ ] N If hired, would you be able to present evidence of your U.S. citizenship or proof of your legal right to work in the United States? [ ] Y or [ ] N Have you been convicted of or pleaded no contest to a felony within the last five years? [ ] Y or [ ] N If yes, please describe the crime - state the nature of the crime(s), when and where convicted, and the disposition (final settlement) of the case: ________________________________________________________________ If hired, are you willing to submit to a controlled substance test? [ ] Y or [ ] N Position and Availability Position Applying For: ___________________________ Desired Salary: $________ Are you applying for:
Temporary work – such as summer or holiday work? [ ] Y or [ ] NRegular part-time work? [ ] Y or [ ] NRegular full-time work? [ ] Y or [ ] N
If applying for temporary work, indicate your desired length of employment below: Start date: ___ / ___ / ___ End date: ____ / ____ / ____ Days/Hours Available Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday ____ Hours Available: from _______ to ______ Are you available to work overtime? [ ] Y or [ ] N If hired, on what date can you start working? ___ / ___ / ___ Are you able to perform the essential functions of the job for which you are applying, either with / without reasonable accommodation? [ ] Y or [ ] N If no, describe the functions that cannot be performed:_____________________________________ Education, Training and Experience High School:School Name: ________________School Address:School City, State, Zip: Number of years completed: _______________Did you graduate? [ ] Y or [ ] NDegree / Diploma earned: _______________ College / University:School Name: __________________School Address:School City, State, Zip: Number of years completed: ________Did you graduate? [ ] Y or [ ] NDegree / Diploma Earned: __________________ Vocational School:School Name: ________________________School Address: ______________________School City, State, Zip: ________________________________ Number of years completed: ________Did you graduate? [ ] Y or [ ] NDegree / Diploma earned: __________________ Military:Branch: ______________________________Rank in Military:________________________Total Years of Service: ________Skills/Duties: __Related Details: Skills and Qualifications: Licenses, Skills, Training, Awards
Do you speak, write or understand any foreign languages? [ ] Y or [ ] N If yes, list which languages(s) and how fluent you consider yourself to be: ____________________ Employment History You should be prepared to detail each position for the past five years and account for any gaps in employment during that period. Are you currently employed? [ ] Y or [ ] N If you are currently employed, may we contact your current employer? [ ] Y or [ ] N Name of Employer:_____________________________________Name of Supervisor:____________________________________Telephone Number:_____________________________________Business Type:________________________________________Address:_____City, State, Zip: Length of Employment (Include Dates): _____________ Salary/Hourly Rate of Pay: ____________Position & Duties: _______________________________________________________Reason for Leaving: _____________________________________________________ Name of Employer: _____________________________________Name of Supervisor: ____________________________________ Telephone Number:_____________________________________Business Type:________________________________________Address:_____City, State, Zip: Length of Employment (Include Dates): _____________ Salary/Hourly Rate of Pay: ____________Position & Duties: _______________________________________________________Reason for Leaving: _____________________________________________________ May we contact this employer for references? [ ] Y or [ ] N Name of Employer:_____________________________________Name of Supervisor:____________________________________Telephone Number:_____________________________________Business Type:________________________________________Address:_____City, State, Zip: Length of Employment (Include Dates): _____________ Salary/Hourly Rate of Pay: ____________Position & Duties: _______________________________________________________Reason for Leaving: _____________________________________________________ May we contact this employer for references? [ ] Y or [ ] N References List below three persons who have knowledge of your work performance within the last four years. Please include professional references only. First and Last Name: _____________________________________Telephone Number: ______________________________________Email Address: __________________________________________Address:_______________________________________________City, state, zip:__________________________________________Occupation: ____________________________________________Number of Years Acquainted: ______________________________ First and Last Name: _____________________________________Telephone Number: ______________________________________Email Address: __________________________________________Address:_______________________________________________City, state, zip:__________________________________________Occupation: ____________________________________________Number of Years Acquainted: ______________________________ First and Last Name: _____________________________________Telephone Number: ______________________________________Email Address: __________________________________________Address:_______________________________________________City, state, zip:__________________________________________Occupation: ____________________________________________Number of Years Acquainted: ______________________________ Certification I certify that the information contained in this application is true and complete. I understand that false information may be grounds for not hiring me or for immediate termination of employment if I am hired. I authorize the verification of any and all information listed above. Signature: ______________________________ Date: ______________
Make a List of the Information You Need to Apply
Before you start filling out the application, make a list of all the information you need in order to apply. Have your work history and other information on hand to make it a more straightforward process. To get started, review these tips on how to complete an employment application.
Pre-Employment Testing and Job Applications
Some employers may have you take a talent assessment to see if you are a strong fit for their organization. If an online test is part of the application, they will provide instructions on how to complete it.
Important to Know: Application Legalities
It is important to know that providing inaccurate information on an application can result in termination of consideration for hiring. If the employer discovers the erroneous data after hiring the individual, it is grounds for termination of employment. In fact, applicants must sign the paper or electronic application to verify that the information they have provided is accurate. So, be sure to triple-check your application after completion to ensure everything is correct. Make a match: Be sure that the details, including company names and dates of employment, you list on the application match your resume. Print a copy: If you’re applying in-person, print out a job application and fill it in. That way you can use your copy as a guide for completing the employer’s application.
