advice on filling out job application form

Annasopra

hi

I'm just looking for some advice

I'm applying for a job and have downloaded an application form for it from the companies website

What I want to know is; which is better; to fill in the application form by typing it or to handwrite it (my handwriting is a little sloppy)

kjbsrah

Johnnymcg wrote:

hi

I'm just looking for some advice

I'm applying for a job and have downloaded an application form for it from the companies website

What I want to know is; which is better; to fill in the application form by typing it or to handwrite it (my handwriting is a little sloppy)

I don't know if there is a right or wrong answer to this, but personally i have always filled out my forms by hand. Use rough paper to practice writing your answers (this will also help your handwriting). Always use black pen (unless specified otherwise). Maybe print or photocopy the application form a few times so won't ruin your one application form with your initial attempt.

Perhaps there are some employers on this board who could give their opinion?

JayV

Unless they have indicated specifically that they want it filled out by hand, you should type it, if at all possible. You will be making the HR person's job a lot easier and they will be able to spend more time looking at why you are a suitable candidate as opposed to trying to figure out your handwriting.

Jail8ird

Last week was the first form I had to hand write and it was
a pain. The application form was downloadable but only read-only
Adobe. I asked if the Co. could make a .doc copy but they said no.

Jail8ird

I've applied to a number of mostly public sector jobs and last week
was the first I had to write by hand. It was a right pain. 15 years
on a keyboard doesn't have make your handwriting look like a doctor's
subscription. The application form was downloadable but only
read-only Adobe. I asked if the Co. could make a .doc copy but
they said no. Don't think they have their own IT dept.

projectmayhem

write carefully in block capitals. block caps always tend to come out neater anyway

DOLEMAN

Type it.

Check your spelling and grammar.

Double check everything. Get someone else to read over it.

Use proper capitalisation. No text speak!

Sleepy

DOLEMAN wrote:

Use proper capitalisation. No text speak!

Isn't it amazing that we've gotten to the point where you feel you have to point this out if you don't know anything about the person asking advice?

DOLEMAN

Sleepy wrote:

Isn't it amazing that we've gotten to the point where you feel you have to point this out if you don't know anything about the person asking advice?

Yup. I see hundreds of cover letter and CVs each day (I work part-time in recruitment) and it's gotten to the stage that I'm shocked when I see a well written cover letter. Text speak and terrible spelling/grammar is now the norm. What's happened to people...

stepbar

Would you be able to put up an example of a good cover letter and a terrible one? (With names and other personal details omitted obviously)

DOLEMAN

stepbar wrote:

Would you be able to put up an example of a good cover letter and a terrible one? (With names and other personal details omitted obviously)

Hey stepbar,

A good cover letter is fairly easy to write. Off the top of my head, let's pretend I'm applying for a waitress (!!) position -

Dear [Company Name / Person Who Posted The Job],

I would like to apply for your vacant waitress position as advertised on [Job Website].

I have been working as a waitress full-time during the summer and part-time during college for the past two years. I've recently finished my college course so I'm looking to work full-time as a waitress for the foreseeable future.

I'm a very polite, happy, well presented girl and I have fluent English. I love interacting with customers and I'm confident I would make a great addition to your waitressing team!

I live quite near your hotel, so coming to work early or leaving late wouldn't be a problem for me.

If you'd like me to drop in for a chat please send me an e-mail or ring me on [My Mobile Number].

Thanks for your time!

[My Name]

All cover letters should look something like the above. You're selling yourself and you want to stick out from the crowd... positive, happy, non-difficult sounding!

Most cover letters unfortunately look like this -

please looking my cv

...

stepbar

Are you serious? People write that? They may as well not send in their CV.... Thats just lazy. Any of the Cover letters I send are at least a page long. I must put up a Cover letter that I wrote out recently and see what you think.

DOLEMAN

Yes! Most cover letter are a few words.

What really pisses me off is the text speak cover letters and when the employer asks a question like "Why are you applying for this job?" they write "Answered on CV" or "Look at CV".

Really, if you make a little bit of effort, your application will stand out...

irlrobins

Yea I'd keep my cover letter short and sweet, unless I was asked for it to contain specific info. It's purpose is to let the reader know why you have written to them, what job you're applying for, and a brief summary of your skills and your availability (as you often don't put that on your CV).

If the reader has hundreds of other letters to read through you don't want to bore him/her. Key points to get their attention, that's all. If it's well written and presented they'll look at your CV. If it's shite, they won't.

Our man in Havana

Why do some employers insist on a hand written application?

irlrobins

Saw a prog on TV about how they have hand writing experts who can tell what sort of person you are from your writing. Not sure if that's true for all companies though.

Maybe they ask for it to be hand writeen so they know the person has made an effort to apply and is geniuenly interested in the job, instead of just printing out their standard cover letter they have on file.