Filling in application forms

I've had a number of people ask me why some employers insist on getting them to fill in an employment application form when they've already provided their CV which contains all of the relevant information.

"Is the employer just too lazy to read my CV?" is one specific question I was asked.

Each employer is different and will have their own reasons for wanting the application form filled in.  It may also be requested at different stages of the recruitment process depending on the employer.  Some may do it just because that's their process, but others may use it as an additional shortlisting test.  You may not know either way, but here are some reasons why employers have application forms:

• Applicants format their CV's in many different ways.  Some employers like the application form filled in so that they can view all of the relevant information for each applicant in the same format that suits their recruitment process

• There is often a lot of information that needs to be gathered about an applicant, including eligibility status for employment and other such criteria.  The application form can be a way to have all of the relevant information about the applicant collected on one form

• When an application form says please do not write "refer to CV", this can be away to test who will actually take the time to follow the instructions and fill it in clearly and fully as requested.  (I've had many instances where the candidate has still written "refer to CV attached".  What does this say about their ability to follow even basic instructions?)

• For some employers, if they have asked for it to be hand written, it is an opportunity to see how legible the applicants hand writing is (particularly important in roles such as in hospitality where written information has be read and understood by another person e.g. from waiter to chef)

I realise it can be an extra time consuming step in the process and may seem annoying, but it shouldn't take more than 5-10 minutes, so my advice is to just fill it in as neatly and clearly as possible and always double check that you haven't missed any fields (including signing and dating it if required) before you hand it back to the employer.

Hope this helps

Shannon :)