Job application form - any tips?

Good luck with your application. I sit on interview panels and we don't want to see an essay - if we did we'd ask for it. Job application forms are quite formal, follow the advice in the previous post. Your additional sheet should contain all the stuff which fits with the essential and desirable requirements which hasn't been covered anywhere else in the form - for instance voluntary work that evidences you are responsible, secretary - fund raiser - chair. The additional sheet is exactly the place to gather under the headings the evidence that you fill that heading's requirement so for instance under team working this is your opportunity to tell them how you do it. Are you a team leader? Are you the creative one in the team? Are you your team's completer/finisher? I prefer prose to bullet points, but only because I feel I'm being machine gunned by them, and of course that's the purpose of bullet points!
I would expect a hand written application form with the additional sheet(s) typed - shows the person can do both! Check your grammar, check your spelling, check your facts before you write anything on the form. I like to see which subjects applicants passed at GCSE level, shows what interested them as well as what they are educated in and can be quite illuminating! List every qualification you've got - they're facts. Except your brownie badges! Although if a candidate has a Queen's Award for a scouting activity I'd certainly like to know about it. If you can't fill any of the essential requirements you won't be shortlisted for interview and if you do get shortlisted start thinking now about what you want to ask them when you're asked at interview if you have any questions and make sure your questions show you're interested in the organisation and have done some research and would like to explore/clarify a couple of things. This is not your opportunity to find out what the annual leave, pension, social opportunities are.
Finally, and this may not be for you, I would be utterly impressed if a candidate actually said at interview that they really wanted the job! No-one ever does!
Good luck

Simple! :j

Look at the person specification

Take each element of the person specification and use this as the heading for a paragraph. In the paragraph which follows, demonstrate how you meet the PS. If you can relate this to the tasks mentioned in the job description, so much the better. (Although strictly this shouldn't happen, most shortlisters appreciate a form which makes THEIR job easier - candidates who demonstrate clearly that they meet the PS without the shortlister having to read an extended essay get 'brownie points' for being skilled!)

For example, the PS might say 'strong financial skills - must have GCSE maths and be IT literate' and the JD might say 'prepare monthly budgets and spreadsheets': you would say 'I enjoy working with figures and have an HND in abstract algebra. In my present post I prepare weekly spreadsheets for consideration by the board'.

Remember that the application form is the vehicle for getting you an interview. So what you are trying to do on this form is show them how closely your previous experience (work and life!) matches what they are looking for. An equal opportunities employer (and the police will be aiming to be EO) will shortlist on this basis. In the interview itself you will have an opportunity to expand on this and show them what a wonderful person you are.

So remember, you are aiming to be one of the people who best fits their person specification. Show that you have experience of the JD where you can, but this should actually be less important than the PS at shortlisting level.

DO NOT use Comic Sans MS - it is unbelievable how many people use this font for formal documents - use Arial or Times New Roman, size 12.

Totally agree - wrong typeface for this kind of written work, it would give me the impression the candidate is 'fluffy' - not what the police are seeking.
I'd like to see GCSE subjects passed: maths, physics, chemistry, english give a very different impression to art, religion, history. Don't be 'creative' with factual stuff, be sure your sins will be found out! Also explain any unemployment gaps: pregnant and childrearing, travelling, etc.
Not sure if you are a graphic designer or work for a graphic design organisation, if the former you'll need to spell out very clearly at interview why you are seeking a serious career switch. If the latter emphasise all the non creative and design stuff you are experiened in: admin skills which supported the success of the organisation(s) you've worked for.

Re "handing in of fire arms.... training provided", you need to state your willingness to undertake any training necessary also how you are a responsible person, there must be some examples.

Wishing you the best of luck, read job description and relate that to your experience, keeping it short and to the point. If your duties now are varied from one end of the scale to the other ie making tea to chairing board meetings let them know you are versatile (sp?) then main point is that you are willing to embrace new challenges and if at interview you can't do something they ask don't reply no I can't, you should reply I have not had previous experience of ...... but would be willing to learn/go on a training course/ if you could show me.
I have just applied for a job and was told we are keeping your details on file etc etc, only to receive a phone call as another position has arisen that they thought would suit me, full time though could I pop in for interview. Went along told them that hours were not suitable but I could do x hours and they have contacted me today I have them job on my terms brilliant. So hang in there be positive keep it brief professional and you can do it. All the best