by Christa Joyce

Created on: January 01, 2007   Last Updated: April 17, 2007

An Employers' perspective on the job application

It is my woeful duty as a service manager to recruit staff for vacant positions within our organisation. At the start of my managerial career I entered the process with naive enthusiasm; nowadays I begin the process with dread, tinged with vague hope.

What are employers looking for?
It's simple really. We want super beings who will transform our businesses with their innovative ideas and work ethics, making us overnight market leaders but in reality we will happily settle for human beings; reliable, capable people who will turn up at work when they are supposed to and will do a half decent job for reasonable pay during their prescribed hours of work.

The application form is a multi-purpose document, providing a way for employers to get information from the job seeker and forming a part of the binding contract in the event of a successful application.

How can you make sure your job application at least gets you an interview?

DO make sure that:
The form is completed as per the instructions - if it says use block capitals or black ink then do so.
All required sections are fully completed.
You know the position you are applying for and you have read the person specification and job description for the post. Tailor your answers to the information provided giving specific examples of any relevant experience you may have, even if this was not gained in a paid employment capacity.
You present yourself in the best possible light. Think about all your skills and experience both in work and outside. If you are a homemaker for example you will have experience of time management, multi-tasking, managing a household budget. Your choice of leisure activities could be just what you need to prove you are a team player or an effective communicator. If it is positive it may be worth including, especially if there are gaps in your work experience.
Information is true do not lie on your application, you will be found out. Employers expect you to present yourself in the best possible light and building up positive aspects whilst down-playing the less positive ones is perfectly acceptable (and expected). Lying however is not acceptable and demonstrates that you are definitely NOT the kind of person any reputable business is looking for and if discovered after appointment could lead to you losing your job. This is usually mentioned somewhere in the small print on the application document, read it and take heed.
You sign and date the form

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