Summary. Application forms are for employers to gather information about potential candidates that are interested in the position and company. Forms should gather information such as applicant name, work availability, and work history.
Creating an application form is the first step in the hiring and recruitment process. Employment applications are required by most employers, regardless of the job or position. This form will help an employer acquire the necessary information about an applicant before going further in the hiring process.
In this article, we will go over how to create an application form, provide an example of an application form, and explain the different types of application forms that you can use for your next application.
Key Takeaways:
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Your application form should allow the applicant to provide their name, work history or qualifications, and education.
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The different types of application forms are online, paper, and email applications.
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Consider the type of application form you are using to help format your application, and you should consider making the form mobile-friendly.
How to Create an Application Form
A job application form is a way for employers to gather information about potential candidates that are interested in a position.
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Information to include. When creating a job application form, there will be necessary information for the applicant to provide. This will help determine if they are a qualified candidate. Your application form should include the following:
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Name
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Address
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Phone number and email address
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Social security number
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Work availability
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Education
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Skills
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Previous employer names and contact information
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Previous titles and responsibilities
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References
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Highlight job requirements. You should have some job-specific questions on your application. This will help narrow down which applicants are qualified for the position and which are not.
Make a general job application form and tailor it to each job that you are posting it for. The keywords added to the application will help target the candidates that would be best suited for the position.
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Use proper formatting. It’s important to use the proper formatting for the type of application that you are using. This will help make it easier to read for applicants. You should also only include the necessary information that is required for the position.
Including unnecessary information can lead to excess text, which can make your application confusing to applicants. This can make you lose out on potential candidates.
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Make your application mobile-friendly. You should also take into consideration what type of format applicants will be filling the form out. If you offer your application in a paper form, as well as online, you should consider how the mobile user will see the application. You may have to adjust the formatting to make it mobile-friendly.
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Use placeholder text to further explain fields. You should include placeholders when your answer needs a specific format. This will also help the applicant fill out the application easier. For example, you should include a yes or no checkbox or include text like MM/DD/YYYY for calendar items.
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Allow for file uploads. A lot of applicants will already have documents created, such as a resume or a CV. Allow for a place for them to upload so they do not have to re-enter the information.
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Notify applicants about form errors immediately. If the applicant is filling out the application online, have the form site notify the applicant if there was an error or if they missed filling something out. This will help save time for you and the applicant later on.
You can also have a confirmation email sent to the applicant after they send in the form. In the confirmation email, you can have the applicant have the ability to review their application they just submitted.
Application Form Example
Personal information:
First name:
Last name:
Date:
Phone number:
Address:
City, state, zip code:
Email address:
Social security number:
Are you eligible to work in the United States: [ ] Yes or [ ] No
Proof of citizenship:
Are you over the age of 18? [ ] Yes or [ ] No
If you are under 18, do you have an employment certificate? [ ] Yes or [ ] No
Have you applied to [company name] before? [ ] Yes or [ ] No
Have you worked for [company name] before? If so, please explain [include dates]: [ ] Yes or [ ] No
Do you have friends or family who work or have worked at [company name]: [ ] Yes or [ ] No
If yes, please provide the name and relationship:
If hired, do you have transportation? [ ] Yes or [ ] No
Have you ever been convicted of or pleaded no contest to a felony within the last five years? [ ] Yes or [ ] No
If yes, what is the nature of the crime?
If hired, are you willing to submit to a controlled substance test? [ ] Yes or [ ] No
Position and Availability
Position applying for:
Salary or hourly rate desired: $
Date you can start:
What type of position are you applying for:
Temporary work or holiday work: [ ] Yes or [ ] No
Desired length of employment: Start date: MM/DD/YYYY End date: MM/DD/YYYY
Regular part-time: [ ] Yes or [ ] No
Regular full-time: [ ] Yes or [ ] No
Days/hours available to work:
Monday:
Tuesday:
Wednesday:
Thursday:
Friday:
Saturday:
Sunday:
Are you available to work overtime? [ ] Yes or [ ] No
Are you able to perform essential functions of the job for which you are applying, with or without reasonable accommodation? [ ] Yes or [ ] No
Education and Experience
High school
School name
Location:
Number of years completed:
Did you graduate? [ ] Yes or [ ] No
Degree/diploma earned:
College/ University
School name
Location:
Number of years completed:
Did you graduate? [ ] Yes or [ ] No
Degree/diploma earned:
Trade or vocational school
School name
Location:
Number of years completed:
Did you graduate? [ ] Yes or [ ] No
Degree/diploma earned:
Skills, qualifications, licenses or training:
Do you speak, write, or understand any foreign languages? [ ] Yes or [ ] No
If yes, please list which languages and how fluent you consider yourself to be:
Employment History
Please include each position that you have held within the last five years. If there are any gaps in your employment, please explain why.
Are you currently employed? [ ] Yes or [ ] No
If yes, may we contact your current employer? [ ] Yes or [ ] No
Employer one:
Name of employer:
Name of supervisor:
Phone number:
Address:
City, state, zip code:
Dated of employment:
Salary or hourly rate:
Position and duties:
Reason for leaving:
May we contact for references: [ ] Yes or [ ] No
Employer two:
Name of employer:
Name of supervisor:
Phone number:
Address:
City, state, zip code:
Dated of employment:
Salary or hourly rate:
Position and duties:
Reason for leaving:
May we contact for references: [ ] Yes or [ ] No
Employer three:
Name of employer:
Name of supervisor:
Phone number:
Address:
City, state, zip code:
Dated of employment:
Salary or hourly rate:
Position and duties:
Reason for leaving:
May we contact for references: [ ] Yes or [ ] No
References
Please give the name of two to three persons not related to you who have knowledge of your work performance within the last three years.
Person one:
First and Last name:
Phone number:
Email address:
Address:
City, state, zip code:
Occupation:
Years acquainted:
Person two:
First and Last name:
Phone number:
Email address:
Address:
City, state, zip code:
Occupation:
Years acquainted:
Person three:
First and Last name:
Phone number:
Email address:
Address:
City, state, zip code:
Occupation:
Years acquainted:
Certification
I certify that the information provided on this application is true and complete. I understand that any false information will be grounds for not hiring me or for immediate termination. I authorize the certification of any and all information that is listed above.
Signature:
Date:
Types of Application Forms
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Paper application form. Paper applications are the applications that a business will have on hand for a candidate to fill out in person.
This is the most common method for job applications, even though it is being phased out by most employers. The most common places that use this type of application are retail places, restaurants, and bars.
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Email application form. This type of application will have candidates answer questions and provide the necessary information through an email thread. There won’t be a physical form the applicants will have to fill out. An employer can also send any necessary paperwork for the candidate to fill out and return after being hired.
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Online application form. Online job applications allow an employer to fast-track the application process. This type is the second most common type of application. The information included in this type of application will typically be the same as a paper application form.
Many times online applications will have the ability to apply online using job sites. This allows for a company to reach a larger candidate pool.
Job Application Form FAQ
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When should you create a job application form?
You should create a job application form when you want to hire someone for an open position. Before creating your application form, you should consider what type of job it is and what kind of candidate you are looking for. This will help you determine what to include in your application form.
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Is it necessary to use an application form when hiring?
No, it’s not necessary to use an application form when hiring candidates. While they are not necessary, they are great for getting a lot of information about a candidate before they come in for an interview. They can also ask industry-specific questions that may not show on a resume.
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What type of questions should be on a job application form?
You should include questions about employment history, education, and any specific skills necessary for the position. Your application form can also include questions about availability and desired salary.
Final Thoughts
Application forms are a great way to sort out any unqualified candidates from the qualified candidates. Use the above steps and tips to help create your next employment application form to help find the best candidate for your position.
References
- Writing A Job Description
- How to Write a Job Description
- Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
- DOE Salary
- Job Posting Template
- How to Write a Job Description
- How to Write a Candidate Profile
- How to Write a Job Ad
- How to Post a Job
- Writing a Company Description
- Free Ways to Post Jobs
- How To Write A Compelling Job Description
- How To Tweak Job Descriptions For Better Talent
- Why You Shouldn't Misrepresent The Job
- Common Mistakes In Job Descriptions
- How To Qualify A Job Brief
- What Is A Job Description?
- Application Questions To Find The Right Candidate
- How To Make An Application Form
- Roles and Responsibilities Template
Author
Taylor Berman
Taylor is a freelance writer from Pennsylvania. Taylor got into writing because she enjoys writing articles that help people and loves creating stories that inspire. She earned a bachelor's degree in journalism and public relations with an interest in communications media from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
