Quick guide to applications

As well as the factual information sections like "Education" or "Work experience", application forms usually include questions about you, your skills and motivations, and reasons for applying. The key to completing these well is to match what the selector is looking for, so if you haven't already done so, make sure you've read the section on demonstrating you meet the criteria.

Some employers also ask you to submit your CV and complete psychometric tests when you apply, but don't be put off. We've got expert advice on all of these on our website, and following our guidelines will help you get your application noticed.

Our top tips for success

To summarise, here are our top tips for applications:

• Follow all instructions carefully. If a question has a word limit, then stick to it. If you disobey instructions, you are virtually a non-starter; they will assume you can't pay attention to detail.
• Complete all sections of an application form, as they are important and should be filled in accurately. If a section is not applicable to you, write "N/A" (Not applicable) to acknowledge it.
• Draft your answers in a word processing document first, so you can check spelling and grammar.
• Make sure the spell check is set to UK English if you are applying for a job in the United Kingdom.
• Get someone else to check your application for you; many are rejected due to basic mistakes.
• Take your time. You need to provide information that shows you've thought about why you'd be good at the job, why you want it and why you'd like to work there.
• Keep a copy of the completed application form for future reference. If you are invited to an interview, you will need to remember what you wrote, as the employer will probably use that information as a basis for their questions.
• Don't cut and paste. Employers can often tell if your answers are taken from previous applications, as they look for different things in the questions they ask. People have even been known to leave a previous employer's name in their next application!
• Write positively about yourself. If you don’t, then they won't know about your good points. Using positive language isn't the same as being arrogant.