# Application forms

**Source**: https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/careers/how-to-apply/application-forms/
**Parent**: https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/careers/how-to-apply/

You will sometimes need to complete an application form when applying for a job. Employers use application forms to decide whether you have the skills and experience to do the job. Most application forms are either online or downloadable documents that you send back by email.

You will sometimes need to write a [CV](https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/careers/how-to-apply/cv/) or [cover letter](https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/careers/how-to-apply/cover-letters/) to go with your application form. In other cases, you complete an application form instead of writing these.

## Application form essentials

You should allow plenty of time to complete an application form. Carefully answer the exact questions you have been asked, not the questions you would have preferred to have been asked. Your answers should be concise, and your spelling and grammar professional throughout.

You should also take note of the following points:

- Follow instructions carefully, such as on word and character limits and requests for attachments.
- Regularly save draft answers in a Word document– some online application forms can ‘time-out’, losing your progress. Keep a copy of your application form to read over before an interview.
- Before answering a question, work out what the employer is trying to assess.
- When answering questions, refer as much as you can to your most recent experience and achievements. Be specific and detailed in the answers you give.
- Vary your examples and take them from different areas of your life: internships, part-time jobs, volunteering, extra-curricular activities and academic study.

## Types of questions

Some application form questions will be straightforward and require factual answers, such as your personal details, education and work history.

Other questions require you to talk in-depth about your skills, experiences and suitability for the role. Questions like this can be divided into motivational, competency-based and strengths-based questions.

Open all

- ## Motivational questions
- ## Competency-based questions
- ## Strength-based questions
- ### Open-ended questions or supporting statements

## Disability-related resources

- [Resources for students with disabilities](https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/careers/career-options/disability/) - find out about disability-friendly employers and how to request reasonable adjustments during the application process.
- [EmployAbility](https://www.employ-ability.org.uk/) – a non-profit organisation that supports neurodiverse and disabled students and graduates into employment. Register to access free support and a range of opportunities.

## Additional resources

- [Write a successful job application (Prospects)](https://www.prospects.ac.uk/careers-advice/applying-for-jobs/write-a-successful-job-application)
- [The graduate's guide to job application forms (TARGETjobs)](https://targetjobs.co.uk/careers-advice/applications-and-cvs/271309-the-graduates-guide-to-job-application-forms)
- [Graduate attributes (Careers Centre)](https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/careers/improve-your-skills/graduate-attributes/)