Job Application Form

Toni Ross is the Senior Editor of Betterteam. Her interests include developing resources that help build and grow value-oriented, connected teams, both personal and professional.

A job application form is used to gather information from job applicants during the hiring process. This form covers essential personal data and information to help make a hiring decision. Also known as an employment application or application for employment form.

Download Job Application Forms:

Tips for Using an Application for Employment Template:

• Make a generic application available to applicants to download, fill out and email back, print and return physically, or print it out yourself and hand it to potential applicants.
• If you’re using free job posting sites to advertise your job, allow the candidates to do everything electronically, via download and email.
• Compare the answers you receive on the generic job application directly to your job description, to be sure that applicants meet your needs.
• Scan completed applications quickly to make sure they’re filled out, and that candidates meet the essential requirements.
• Compare your favorites side-by-side before deciding who to interview.
• Be sure to keep good applications on file, even if you can’t hire the applicant right away - it’s always good to have a group of potential employees for a hiring emergency.

Next Steps:

You may also find our employee information form and timesheet template useful at this stage.

FAQs:

What needs to be on a job application form?

A basic job application form should include the applicant's name, contact information, the position they are applying for, education, work history, and a place for them to sign and date the form. If you need applicants to work particular shifts, ask for availability too.

How do I write a job application form?

Unless you've got some very specific questions that need to be answered during the initial application process, you should be fine using a generic application for employment template. If need be, you should be able to edit any sample employment application we've provided in Word.

When should I use a job application form?

• When you want application forms that are standardized and easy to compare.
• When you want something that is easy to scan.
• If you want to make the application process easier.
• If you need to get information people don’t usually put on resumes.
• If you want applicants to sign and attest that the information provided is accurate.

Why should I use a job application form?

Standardization is one of the main advantages of employee application forms. If you give the same application to everyone who applies for the job, it creates a very fair process for applicants and gives you a way to compare them side-by-side.

Do employers need to use application forms when hiring?

They're not necessary and many companies opt for CVs or resumes instead. They are, however, a good way to take in a lot of information about employees in a standardized format.

Can employees fill out the job application on their computer?

Yes, all the applications we've provided can be filled out using a computer.

Is it appropriate to use a general job application with management hires?

It depends on the management job. In some industries, like retail, filling out a generic application for employment is normal at many levels. Generally, though, you can accept resumes or CVs for positions like this, and give applicants a form to fill out that supplies the information you need from an application later in the process.

What types of questions are on a job application?

Aside from general questions about location, employment history, and education, a job application can contain questions specific to the role that the applicant is applying for, e.g., specific skills, availability for shift work, desired salary, and extracurricular activities.