Job Application Form: Types, Samples (30 Free Templates) – PDF

A Job Application Form is defined as a document that prompts job applicants or employees to provide specific information such as personal details, work experience, education, and employment history.

Job application forms are in a questionnaire format and usually are standard for all applicants of the same job. Once completed, it is submitted to the employers for review. A job application can be submitted online, physically, or via email.

A job application form is also referred to as an employment form or an employment application.

The types of job application forms differ based on how they are submitted. In most cases, applicants have to use the method specified by the potential employer. However, in some cases, applicants can use their preferred method of submission if the employer gives them that leeway.

Below are the various types of application forms:

Online job application

Online job applications are completed on different job sites where applicants can find open job vacancies and apply. Also, some companies have adopted online applications, and applicants can apply directly on the company’s website. Typically, the applicant will have to attach copies of their cover letter and resume.

In-person job application

Some companies opt for applicants to apply for jobs manually on site. Applicants are required to fill out application forms on the spot and submit them for review. In-person applications are typical in retail and hospitality establishments. Preparation is vital with this type of job application because sometimes applicants may have to be interviewed at the time of application.

Email job application

Job applications can also be submitted via email. This will often involve downloading the company’s job application, filling out, crafting a professional email, and attaching the application form and other relevant documents.

Paper job application

Paper job applications require applicants to complete physical application forms and send them to the employer through the mail. The application form will generally have to be attached to the resume and the cover letter.

Importance of Job Application Form

A job application form presents applicants with an opportunity to show that they are qualified and suitable for the position at hand. A job application form thus communicates the applicant’s qualifications and suitability for the position that enable the employer to set criteria for making a hiring decision by comparing applications from different applicants.

When an application form accompanies a resume or CV and other supporting documents, it is used to verify that the information provided in the application is true and accurate.  To this effect, a declaration is added in the form that an employee is required to sign.

A job application, in some cases, maybe a compliance document. The use of application forms can be a requirement by employment laws and company policy. Applicants can therefore use an application form as a compliant document if the potential employer (company) is limited to hiring applicants with a filed application form only.

Applicants use an application form to capture the attention of the hiring committee and make a positive first impression. An excellent first impression can significantly impact the probability of being invited for an interview or getting rejected.

Sample Job Applications

Following are sample job application forms for you:

Word Format

Considerations Before Writing Application  

Several things can be incorporated in the writing process of a job application form to make an application stand out and be effective as possible. First, consider doing the following before filling out an application form:

Gather information

Have all the relevant information and documentation close by such that it would be easy to write down accurate information and refer to the documents for specifics. For example, ensure that accurate academic achievement, employment history, and work experience are available.

Research

Research plays a vital role in tailoring a job application specific to a job position and company. First, find out the core values, vision and mission, and background history of the company. Such information can be obtained from their websites, social media profiles, or employees of the company. Also, research the key selling points of the particular position and incorporate them in the application. 

Study the job description

Carefully review the job description, which the employer will generally provide. Once it is clear what the employer expects from the applicants, an applicant can determine what information to prioritize as they complete the form.

Read the instructions

Always check the instructions given by the employer. Different employers have different formats, application methods, attachment documents, and submission guidelines. Ensure to follow the set-out instructions for the form to be accepted for review.

Note: Be keen when reviewing instructions, as some employers require applicants to undertake a talent assessment to establish an applicant’s suitability for the company. Follow instructions accordingly.

Job Application Form Samples

Here are some job application forms in PDF for you:

Ensuring the correct details are captured accordingly should be every applicant’s priority if they want to secure a job through an application form. Following the steps provided below, along with the practice, helps to streamline the writing process:

Step 1: Personal information

The first section will often require applicants to provide personal details such as official name, physical address, phone number, email address, SSN (optional), employment status, desired pay, etc. Personal information is essential for identification purposes and is helpful to employers in conducting background checks.

Step 2: Employment eligibility

Employers will generally want applicants to show they are eligible to work in the country or state they are applying to work in. Eligibility can be authenticated by age (over 18 years are eligible). Applicants under the legal age will usually be requested to produce an employment certificate. Also, previous or current felonies or convictions determine eligibility, depending on state laws provisions. 

Step 3: Education

Educational qualifications are normally part of an applicant’s suitability for most jobs. Details required in this section are the school(s) attended dates of enrolment and graduation, degrees, certifications, GPA, skills, qualifications obtained, extracurricular activities, and honorary mentions.

Step 4: Previous employment

The applicant then provides their employment history. This section includes names and contact details of previous employers, a designation held, responsibilities, supervisor, salary, term of employment, the reason for termination of employment, and consent to contacting the named employers or supervisors. This section can be detailed such that holiday and part-time jobs are mentioned. 

Step 5: Activities and interests

The next step is filling out interests, relevant skills, and activities. Finally, opt to prioritize skills, interests, and activities to improve an applicant’s suitability for the position.

Step 6: References

References are essential for verifying information in an application and can also vouch for an applicant. The application form then prompts an applicant to name a few individuals who can be contacted to authenticate the application. Details highlighted in this section are full name and title, relationship with the reference, company, and contact. At least two references are recommended. 

Step 7: Military Service

The job application form then prompts an applicant to declare their military service, if any. Next, the applicant declares if they have served in the military or not. If yes, details such as the branch, rank and period served in the army, and type of discharge should be stated. An explanation should accompany dishonorable discharge.

Step 8: Background check consent

After declaring military service status, consent for a background check should be provided. Ordinarily, the applicant can accept or reject a background check. Background checks are essential to employers but cannot be strictly imposed on applicants. However, applicants who do not consent to a background check might raise concerns among employers, thus reducing the applicant’s chances of securing the job.

Step 9: Reasons for applying

A personal statement is a section that allows applicants to sell themselves to the reviewing committee by providing persuasive information that shows an applicant is suitable for the position. Personal statement outlines:

• The reason why an applicant is interested in the specific position and company – for example, the culture or position of the company.
• An applicant’s qualifications, skills, and experiences and how they align with the position’s roles and responsibilities.
• How the job fits in with the applicant’s long-term goals and how those goals match the company’s vision and mission.
• The different ways through which the applicant intends to improve their skills and qualifications to fulfil their responsibilities better. 

Step 10: Competency questions

The subsequent section in a job application form will require an applicant to answer competency questions. Competency questions allow applicants to illustrate how they can translate skills, qualifications, and attributes into real-life scenarios.

An example of a competency question is

“Describe a time when you had to take the initiative or a leadership role in addressing an unprecedented event. Illustrate how this impacted the outcome.”

The STAR (Situation, Task, Action, and Result) method can be employed when giving answers.

Step 11: Disclaimer

Lastly, a disclaimer that states the information provided in the form is accurate is inserted. If it was later found that the details were misrepresented or false, the employee assumes full responsibility. To complete the form, the applicant writes their name, provides a signature and the date of signing. 

Warning: Providing false information can result in automatic disqualification for applicants or termination of employment for employees.

A job application form can determine if an applicant gets the job or not. It is therefore imperative to fill out the form correctly. In addition, using a job application form template gives applicants an idea of the basic information usually required by employers, which helps them prepare for future job applications. We have provided job application form templates for our readers.

They are freely downloadable and convenient. By using our templates, job applicants can produce up-to-the-mark applications that are persuasive to potential employers, thus boosting their chances of being hired.

Consider using the following tips to produce a job application that appeals to the recruiting committee or employer:

Emphasis on skills

Emphasize the abilities and skills that are most relevant to fulfilling the responsibilities associated with the open position. Exclusive skills and abilities that add value to the company are also worth mentioning. Use experiences where these skills and abilities were manifested.

Stay concise

Be brief and precise when filling out an application form. Avoid providing unnecessary or long sentences that do not add substance to the application. 

Proofread the application

Always go through the form after completing and before submitting. Ensure that points are fluently conveyed and correct the spelling and grammar errors.

Review the job listing keywords

Keywords can be a significant boost for applications, especially for automatically reviewed applications. These keywords can be obtained from job postings. However, use them sparingly in the application; too many keywords lower the value of the application.

Honesty and accuracy

Any information provided in the application must be valid and accurate. False or misrepresented information would negatively impact an applicant’s application and image.

Application for every position applied

It is advisable to send an application form for every job a person applies for. This is unless the employer has expressly stated that an application form should not be sent. An application form goes a long way in persuading employers to hire an applicant.