Filling in your application form

•  Once you receive it, take a copy or two of it to draft your responses. You will want the form that your prospective employer receives to be immaculate and not have any blots, rubouts or scribbles on it!

•  Read all the instructions contained upon it carefully and comply with them.

•  Do not be tempted to try to put a form through your computer printer and have your typed words line up into the boxes – it will take you forever!

•  Never, ever, EVER write in any of the boxes ‘See enclosed CV.’ It is a guaranteed way to have your application rejected. Employers use these forms for a reason; they do not take too kindly to someone who is too lazy to be bothered to fill them in.

• Boxes on application forms tend to be small. Choose your words carefully. If the box simply is not big enough for what you want to tell them, attach a piece of plain paper with your script and refer to it on the form.

• When listing your previous employers, ensure there are no unexplained gaps.

• Try to adopt a positive attitude throughout the form. Stress achievements if you can.

•  If you are asked to name referees, ensure that you have sought their permission first, or if you do not want them contacted until you’ve been made an offer, indicate this on the form.