Tips for Answering the Basic Job Application Form

You already have a resume. Why do you need to fill out a job application form? The hiring company isn't actually making things difficult for you – they're only trying to standardize things so it will be easier for them to store and find the most basic information about their applicants and future employees. Here are tips on how to answer the basic application form efficiently:

Follow instructions.
This is the most important thing you should consider when answering a job application form. If it says 'Print Name', use block letters. If it says, 'Use black ink', then don't insist on your favorite color.

Avoid too many mistakes or cross-outs.
Your job application form should be neat. Read the questions or fields indicated carefully before writing your answers. By giving the form a once-over, you'll avoid (or at least minimize) any mistakes or wrong entries.

Abbreviate only if necessary.
It's perfectly all right to abbreviate common stuff like 'Co.' for Company or 'Inc.' for Incorporated. But for other information, abbreviations might not always work. Don't assume that the people who will be reading your application form will understand your lingo. Write the words or terms in their proper spellings. And please do not use text or online chat-style language.

Fill out all the blank spaces.
Go over the application form carefully and fill out all the spaces. If the question is not applicable for you, write NA. For example, if you're being asked about your spouse's name and you're single, print out 'NA' to indicate that it's not applicable to you.

Make your handwriting legible.
Try to make your writing easy to read. Remember that the information you are providing is important. Your employer has to know who you are and what you can offer. If your cursive writing is really bad, consider writing in block letters. This is quite acceptable.

Avoid too much information.
When it comes to answering the basic job application form, there is such thing as too much information. Try to go into the details but don't give away too much. Give only the most basic information asked of you. You can always elaborate later during the interview.

Take your time.
If you hurry too much, you might miss some required fields or questions or write the wrong answers. Once you're done, proofread what you've written, make the necessary corrections and fill out the blanks that ought to be filled out. And yes, please check your spelling.

Be honest.
Never give false information on your job application form. You will get into trouble later if you do. Remember that you will be signing that job application form to indicate that the information you provided are 'true and correct to the best of (your) knowledge'. Deliberately putting false information on that form and signing it is considered perjury.

When in doubt...
Ask. Your friendly HR staff will be more than happy to help you.
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