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Many employers require all applicants for employment, regardless of the job they apply for, to complete a job application form. Depending on the employer and the job, you may be required to complete an online application, a paper application, an application at a store kiosk, or you could be asked to apply via email.
The employer may ask you to submit a job application even if you have applied for a position with a resume and cover letter. This way the employer will have consistent data on file for all applicants. Employers want to be sure they are adhering to employment laws and avoiding discrimination.
Especially at larger organizations, company policy may require having a job application on file for each candidate and maintaining a copy of the application in the employee's personnel file.
A signed (paper or electronic) application for employment also serves as your verification that the information you have listed on the application is true.
Providing inaccurate information can be grounds for termination of consideration for hiring or termination of employment if the erroneous information is discovered after the individual is hired.
What is a job application form, and when is one used? Job application forms (also called “employment forms”) are part of the formal hiring process companies sometimes use in order to ensure that they have gathered comprehensive, accurate data from all applicants.
These forms often request certain information that is not always included on resumes and CVs, such as professional or personal references, the names of former supervisors, and/or a complete educational background. If you decide to submit your resume as a supplement to the job application form, cross-check it with your application to ensure there are no discrepancies.
If you’re looking for a job, how will you apply? It depends on the employer. A job application can be completed in several ways.
There are online job applications, which are typically completed at an employer’s website, at a hiring kiosk in a store or business, or on a mobile device using an app. In some cases, simply submitting a resume and cover letter online will be considered your application; you will not always be required to fill in a digital application form.
In many cases, though, digital applications will require you to input your data directly into their system (while frequently providing you the option to attach copies of your resume and cover letter as well).
Online Job Applications: There are thousands of sites where you can post your resume online and complete an online job application. Sometimes, you can apply online on job sites like Monster.com or Indeed.com. Other times, you can apply directly on the company’s website.
In-Person Job Applications: Many companies, especially retail and hospitality employers, expect applicants to apply in person or at a kiosk in the business. It's not as complicated as applying online, but you will need to be prepared to apply and maybe even interview on the spot.
Email Job Applications: When you are using email to apply for jobs, it's important that all your communications are as professional as they would be if you were mailing a paper application. Here's advice on how to submit job applications via email.
Paper Job Applications: There are paper job application forms that you fill out if you apply in person for a position. See below for a sample job application form.
You will generally be required to provide your contact information, your work history (including companies worked for, positions held, salary, and length of employment), and your educational background.
Some companies will also ask you to provide references with your job application. You may also be asked about your availability for work.
The following is a list of the information you may be asked to provide when you apply for a job.
The following is an example of a paper job application. It also includes the information you'll be required to input if you apply for a job online.
Instructions: Print clearly in black or blue ink. Answer all questions. Sign and date the form.
Personal Information
First Name: ____________________________
Middle Name: ___________________________
Last Name: ____________________________
Street Address: _________________________
City, State, Zip Code: ______________________
Phone Number: (___)_____________________
Email Address: __________________________
Have you ever applied to / worked for [Our Company] before? [ ] Y or [ ] N
If yes, please explain (include date): ________________________
Do you have any friends, relatives, or acquaintances working for [Our Company]? [ ] Y or [ ] N
If yes, state name & relationship: ________________________________
If hired, would you have transportation to/from work? [ ] Y or [ ] N
Are you over the age of 18? [ ] Y or [ ] N
If you are under the age of 18, do you have an employment/age certificate? [ ] Y or [ ] N
If hired, would you be able to present evidence of your U.S. citizenship or proof of your legal right to work in the United States? [ ] Y or [ ] N
Have you been convicted of or pleaded no contest to a felony within the last five years? [ ] Y or [ ] N
If yes, please describe the crime - state the nature of the crime(s), when and where convicted, and the disposition (final settlement) of the case: ________________________________________________________________
If hired, are you willing to submit to a controlled substance test? [ ] Y or [ ] N
Position and Availability
Position Applying For: ___________________________
Desired Salary: $________
Are you applying for:
If applying for temporary work, indicate your desired length of employment below:
Start date: ___ / ___ / ___ End date: ____ / ____ / ____
Days/Hours Available
Monday ____
Tuesday ____
Wednesday ____
Thursday ____
Friday ____
Saturday ____
Sunday ____
Hours Available: from _______ to ______
Are you available to work overtime? [ ] Y or [ ] N
If hired, on what date can you start working? ___ / ___ / ___
Are you able to perform the essential functions of the job for which you are applying, either with / without reasonable accommodation? [ ] Y or [ ] N
If no, describe the functions that cannot be performed:
_____________________________________________________________
Education, Training, and Experience
High School:
School Name: ________________________
School Address: ________________________
School City, State, Zip: ________________________________
Number of years completed: _______________
Did you graduate? [ ] Y or [ ] N
Degree / Diploma earned: _______________
College / University:
School Name: __________________________
School Address: ________________________
School City, State, Zip: ________________________________
Number of years completed: ________
Did you graduate? [ ] Y or [ ] N
Degree / Diploma Earned: __________________
Vocational School:
School Name: ________________________
School Address: ______________________
School City, State, Zip: ________________________________
Number of years completed: ________
Did you graduate? [ ] Y or [ ] N
Degree / Diploma earned: __________________
Military:
Branch: ______________________________
Rank in Military: ________________________
Total Years of Service: ________
Skills/Duties: __________________________________
Related Details: ________________________________
Skills and Qualifications: Licenses, Skills, Training, Awards
Do you speak, write, or understand any foreign languages? [ ] Y or [ ] N
If yes, list which languages(s) and how fluent you consider yourself to be: ____________________
Employment History
You should be prepared to detail each position for the past five years and account for any gaps in employment during that period.
Are you currently employed? [ ] Y or [ ] N
If you are currently employed, may we contact your current employer? [ ] Y or [ ] N
Name of Employer: _____________________________________
Name of Supervisor: ____________________________________
Telephone Number: _____________________________________
Business Type: ________________________________________
Address: _____________________________________________
City, State, Zip: ________________________________________
Length of Employment (Include Dates): _____________
Salary/Hourly Rate of Pay: ____________
Position & Duties: _______________________________________________________
Reason for Leaving: _____________________________________________________
Name of Employer: _____________________________________
Name of Supervisor: ____________________________________
Telephone Number: _____________________________________
Business Type: ________________________________________
Address: _____________________________________________
City, State, Zip: ________________________________________
Length of Employment (Include Dates): _____________
Salary/Hourly Rate of Pay: ____________
Position & Duties: _______________________________________________________
Reason for Leaving: _____________________________________________________
May we contact this employer for references? [ ] Y or [ ] N
Name of Employer: _____________________________________
Name of Supervisor: ____________________________________
Telephone Number: _____________________________________
Business Type: ________________________________________
Address: _____________________________________________
City, State, Zip: ________________________________________
Length of Employment (Include Dates): _____________
Salary/Hourly Rate of Pay: ____________
Position & Duties: _______________________________________________________
Reason for Leaving: _____________________________________________________
May we contact this employer for references? [ ] Y or [ ] N
References
List below three persons who have knowledge of your work performance within the last four years. Please include professional references only.
First and Last Name: _____________________________________
Telephone Number: ______________________________________
Email Address: __________________________________________
Address: _______________________________________________
City, state, zip: __________________________________________
Occupation: ____________________________________________
Number of Years Acquainted: ______________________________
First and Last Name: _____________________________________
Telephone Number: ______________________________________
Email Address: __________________________________________
Address: _______________________________________________
City, state, zip: __________________________________________
Occupation: ____________________________________________
Number of Years Acquainted: ______________________________
First and Last Name: _____________________________________
Telephone Number: ______________________________________
Email Address: __________________________________________
Address: _______________________________________________
City, state, zip: __________________________________________
Occupation: ____________________________________________
Number of Years Acquainted: ______________________________
Certification
I certify that the information contained in this application is true and complete. I understand that false information may be grounds for not hiring me or for immediate termination of employment if I am hired. I authorize the verification of any and all information listed above.
Signature: ______________________________ Date: ______________
Before you start filling out the application, make a list of all the information you need in order to apply. Have your work history and other information on hand to make it a more straightforward process. To get started, review these tips on how to complete an employment application.
Use CareerOneStop's Practice Job Application to learn what questions employers ask applicants, gather the information you need to apply, and practice applying for jobs online.
Some employers may have you take a talent assessment to see if you are a strong fit for their organization. If an online test is part of the application, they will provide instructions on how to complete it.
It is important to know that providing inaccurate information on an application can result in termination of consideration for hiring. If the employer discovers the erroneous data after hiring the individual, it is grounds for termination of employment.
In fact, applicants must sign a paper or electronic application to verify that the information they have provided is accurate. So, be sure to triple-check your application after completion to ensure everything is correct.
Make a list. Creating a list of the information you need to complete the application will make it easier to apply.
Make a match. Be sure that the details, including company names and dates of employment, you list on the application match your resume.
Print a copy. If you're applying in person, print out a job application and fill it in. That way you can use your copy as a guide for completing the employer's application.
