How to Format a Job Application

Application screening is an effective pre-interview tool.

When you need to hire someone to work for you, it can be difficult to weed through piles of job applicants. Having a detailed job application can make it easier to identify top candidates that you will want to interview in person. The more information you can gather up front, the easier it will be to see the applicants who have the right skills for your position. Using any word processing program, you can create a custom job application that you can edit any time you have a new position open in your business.

Instructions

1. Open your word processing program and create a new document. Give the document a title such as "Employment Application" or Job Application" and insert your company's contact details at the top of the page.

2. Create a table under the title with boxes for the applicant to enter basic personal information like their name, address, phone number, email address and Social Security number for background-check purposes. Also include a space for the applicant's date of birth and the position for which they are applying.

3. Add a section header under the table called "Employment History" and begin a new table with spaces for the applicant to enter information about their last three jobs. The table should include spaces for the previous company name, their direct supervisor or manager's name, the title they held at their previous position, contact information for the company and the dates they were employed there.

4. Add a section header under the "Employment History" section called "Education" and begin a new table to collect data on the job applicant's education and qualifications. This table should include space to capture details on their high school education, any college degree they hold or certificate in a specialization. Add a line item for "Additional skills and qualifications" where the applicant can add extra details they think make them qualified for the position.

5. Add a section header under the "Education" section called "Applicant Information" and begin a final table with spacing for longer answers. This is the section where you can ask questions that relate to the position, and gain information about the applicant's personality and work habits. For instance, if the position requires the individual to work closely with someone else, you might ask the applicant to describe a time he or she successfully completed a project working with a team. If the job requires flexibility, like working on weekends, you might ask the applicant, "Are you able to work overtime on nights and/or weekends? What restrictions do you have?"

6. Create a paragraph below the "Applicant Information" section that contains an agreement that all the information the applicant has provided in their application is true. Also add any disclaimers that your legal team deems necessary. Lastly, add a signature line at the end of the job application for the applicant to sign and date the application.

References

• Inc.com: Fix Your Employment Application
• Customizable Employment Application Templates