Application Forms

SallyUK

Why, oh why do they make these forms with very little space to write in.

How do they expect you to give them the information they want, when there's only a tiny space to write it all in?

And as for asking for a photograph, is this the norm? It's been ages since I had to fill in an application form?

Why can't they just ask for someone's CV first, and then if they think the person is suitable, ask them to complete the application form afterwards??

Sally
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annie-c

Hi Sally

What sort of jobs are you applying for?

In my sector (public sector) app forms are usually available electronically so you can write as much as you want in theory - the amount of space given is generally a guide to how much the employer wants to know though. Usually they will invite you to add additional sheets if necessary.

The reason most employers don't invite CVs is because they want to look across the pool of candidates and compare them on issues that they find important.

I don't know about the photo thing - I've never come across it before.

SallyUK

Hi Annie

One is for a post within a police station and the other one is for an administrator post in a care home (that's the one that asked for the photo).

I'd never came across that before either, but then again, it's been a long time since I had to look for a job! lol

Sal
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Zazen999

SallyUK wrote: »

Why, oh why do they make these forms with very little space to write in.

How do they expect you to give them the information they want, when there's only a tiny space to write it all in?

And as for asking for a photograph, is this the norm? It's been ages since I had to fill in an application form?

Why can't they just ask for someone's CV first, and then if they think the person is suitable, ask them to complete the application form afterwards??

Sally
x

Because they want the important stuff and not a load of waffle which you sometimes, get with CVs.

Because they want you to just give them the information pertinent to the job you are applying for and not a generic CV

Because, in gvt agencies, the person screening the application may be working with a checklist and no actual common sense; so cannot pick out the detail

It all increases the chances of the right person getting the job, and standardises the approach making it harder [but not impossible] for managers to give jobs to mates, as the application form is usually sent to HR and if they are up to speed they will make checks on that sort of behaviour.

The photo is obviously a security thing [we hope]

Good luck

cazziebo

by using application forms, employers get the opportunity to compare candidates on a like for like basis. CVs can hide a multitude of sins, and can also hide real talent.

The application form can also fit in with the rest of the HR documentation so it can become part of the person's HR file. CVs are not standardised.

Not sure why the photograph. When I was working on large scale recruitment campaigns I'd ask for a photograph because it helped me remember the candidates.

Good luck with the jobs!

RosaThorne

I'm filling loads out at the moment - I HATE the things! Worse than the small spaces is the the section that reads: "Tell us why you've applied for this position" - Apparently, you can't say "cus I need the money"!!

Good luck with the jobs, it'll be worth the hassle in the end

LittleVoice

Photos are a bad idea - it gives rise to thoughts of the suspicion of unfair discrimination.

They may need a photo for security but only at the point you have accepted an invitation to an interview, and probably not even then.

RosaThorne

LittleVoice wrote: »

Photos are a bad idea - it gives rise to thoughts of the suspicion of unfair discrimination.

They may need a photo for security but only at the point you have accepted an invitation to an interview, and probably not even then.

It's mainly just to make sure you don't have a tattooed/pierced face - Terrible, but apparently, it could "scare" some people!

Not many jobs ask for them, I don't think - I only had that request for hotel work

SallyUK

Thanks for the replies, I just had never seen an application form before that asked for a photograph! lol

Sal
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Savvy_Sue

RosaThorne wrote: »

Worse than the small spaces is the the section that reads: "Tell us why you've applied for this position" - Apparently, you can't say "cus I need the money"!!

:rotfl: Look at that space as your chance to shine for them! I know it's hard work, but make sure that whatever they're asking for you're demonstrating in that bit of the form!

Stephen_Leak

SallyUK wrote: »

Why, oh why do they make these forms with very little space to write in.

How do they expect you to give them the information they want, when there's only a tiny space to write it all in?

You should try applying for IT jobs, where the form is online and can't be saved as well! :mad:

One day, I have promised myself, I am going to answer "Describe yourself in 10 words or less" by just putting "Concise".