39+ Basic Job Application Forms (Free Templates) | Word, PDF

A Basic Job Application is a document that job applicants use to provide the information required when applying for a given job position.

After the application form is sent by an applicant, the hiring managers use it to obtain crucial information to help them make informed decisions when considering the applicant’s eligibility for the position they have applied for. Information collected in a basic job application form includes the applicant’s personal information (such as their name, age, gender), employment eligibility, employment history, education background, etc.

A basic job application form is a document that is used to assist applicants in providing hiring managers with a completed job application. The form contains sections for the applicant to fill in their name, contact information, the position they are applying for, availability, education background, work history, signature, and date of application.

A basic job application form is also referred to as:   

• Employment application
• Application for Employment form
• Job application letter

A job application is used to furnish the employer/hiring manager with all the information they need to determine if the applicant is the best fit for the position they have applied for. A signed job application also serves as a verification that the information provided in the document is authentic and accurate.

Following are some free downloadable templates for you:

Although most organizations prefer applicants to send in their resumes or CVs, job application forms are still important as they help provide a lot of information about the employee in a standardized format.

Job applications are used for various reasons.

Some of the common instances that may prompt the use of a basic job application include:

• When creating a standardized format for basic job application
• To make the scanning and application process effective
• When you want to sign and attest that the information you are providing is true and accurate
• When it is a requirement listed in the job advertisement
• To prove the background check from any criminal or drug abuse-related query required by the employer in particular States

Job application forms are more accessible to review than CVs and resumes and provide the employer with an opening to state what the employee would not have otherwise stated in their resume or CV. As such, it is essential to take your time to consider the words, tone, and format of the job application, as these are the things that will help the hiring manager/employer make a decision on whether you are their ideal candidate.

Go through your job application and proofread to ensure that it is free of errors or mistakes before submitting. Also, ensure that you provide accurate information as providing inaccurate information may result in automatic disqualification.

Another important thing you should do when submitting your application is to check if the employer will conduct a background check on you and consent to that. Unfortunately, without your consent, some States do not allow employers to conduct background checks on applicants.

There are different types of job applications that you should know of before applying for a job.

The type you choose will depend on how the employer/hiring manager requires all job applications to be submitted:

Online job applications

Online job applications are applications done and submitted online either at the employer’s website, hiring center, or on a mobile device using a specified application. Some employers usually specify how one should apply for the job, while others don’t specify.

In-person job applications

This is one of the most common types of job applications. It involves personally submitting your job application at the company’s offices or at a specified place. Although in-person job applications are usually not as complicated as online job applications, it is important that you still prepare yourself adequately as you may be required to take an interview when submitting your application.

Email job applications

It is common to find a job where you are required to submit your application via email. It is important that you use a professional email and avoid using overly long emails or ones that contain funny or unimpressive words. It is essential that you maintain the utmost professionalism to establish yourself as a strong candidate for the position.

Tip: When applying for a job, take your time to compile the basic job application form materials and go through your work to ensure that it is free of errors. If you are sending the application via email, send it to a friend or colleague first and have them go through it to check and ensure that it is devoid of any mistakes. After sending your application, keep a copy for your records so that you can follow up with the employer.

Paper job applications

When applying for a job opening at an organization, you may be given a form to fill out. This is referred to as a paper job application. In most cases, paper job applications will be issued for in-person applications.

Tip: In most cases, digital applications will require that you key in your data into the system directly. Some of the systems will provide you with an option to attach copies of the cover letter and resume. Ensure that when applying for a job, you have both copies ready to attach.

As we have already established, a job application form provides employers information about you- the applicant to help them determine if you are the best fit for the position. Before you apply for a job position, It is an excellent practice to know how to efficiently fill a job application form.

Information that you will be asked to include in the basic job application form includes but is not limited to:

Personal information

Personal information that you may be required to provide in a basic job application includes:

1. Your name
2. Home address including your city, state, and Zip Code
3. Your phone numbers
4. Email address
5. Social security number
6. Your eligibility to work in the US
7. Your date of birth

The position you are applying for

Employers/hiring managers usually get hundreds of job applications every day after advertising an open position. When applying for a job, you will be required to mention the position that you are applying for. It is important not to assume that the position you are applying for is the only vacant position and that the employer will automatically know which position you have applied for. Failing to mention the position you are applying for may set you up for automatic disqualification as the employer may not know where to categorize your application.

Work shift

When applying for a job that employees work in shifts, you may be required to state your availability. If your schedule is flexible, make sure to state that your schedule is flexible. Also, if you have other commitments that may require that you only work a particular shift, make sure to mention in the application form to provide the employer with enough information so as not to create inconvenience for yourself if you have qualified for the position.

Eligibility to work

If you are applying for a job in another country, you may be required to state whether you have a work visa. For instance, when applying for a job in the US, the employer will want to know if you are eligible to work, considering your age, so as not to violate any government policies. The employer may also want to know if you have been convicted of a felony within the last five years. This information may be required to help them understand who you are before considering your job application.  

Education

Employers/hiring managers usually require job applicants to provide their educational background including, the schools they attended, the degree they attained, their graduation date, certificates they received during their studies, and their grade point average. Applicants may also be required to provide skills that make them suitable for the job and mention any extracurricular activities they undertook. In contrast, in school, that makes them suitable candidates for the job. When filling out the basic job application form, you may be required to provide this information and more. Ensure that the information provided is true and accurate, as the employer may contact the schools you have listed to verify the information.

Experience

When filling out a basic job application form, you will, in most cases, be required to fill in your level of experience, especially if the job requires applicants to have some level of experience, such as when applying for a leadership role. You may, however, not be required to fill out your level of experience when applying for an entry-level position.

Employment history

Just like job experience, employment history will not be required if you apply for an entry-level position. However, for more complex jobs that require you to have some experience, you may be required to mention where you had worked before, who your employer was, their address, phone number, and email as well as your job title, responsibilities, the reason for leaving, the start and end dates of your employment, and permission to contact your previous employer.

Desired salary

Some employers require that job applicants mention their desired salary to gauge whether the applicant is confident in their skills. If you mention a lower-than-expected salary range, the employer may question your confidence in your skills. If you mention a higher-than-expected salary, the employer may not be able to afford to hire you. Make sure that you check the salary range offered by the organization before sending in your job application.

Consent (signature and date)

A basic job application form will have a section where you sign and include the date of signing. This is to ensure that you acknowledge that the information that you have provided is true and accurate. Make sure that you sign a basic job application form, as, without your signature, you may be automatically disqualified.

References

Employers may require that you provide at least two references in your job application. A reference person is simply anyone who can vouch for you. This can be your previous employer, colleague, supervisor, or anyone with a title, just not your friends or family. Information that may be required about the references includes; their name, job title, company, email, phone, and company address.

Getting everything right when applying for a job can help set you up as a strong candidate for the position you are applying for.

Therefore, you should consider the following when preparing your job application:

1. Prepare a list of information beforehand: Before filling out the job application form, start listing all the information you need. You may consider writing a draft application to give you an overview of what to include.
2. Double-check the details with the resume: The information you provide in your job application should be genuine and accurate and should reflect what you have included in your resume. Make sure to double-check your work to make sure that it is free from errors and incorrect information.
3. Print a copy: Ensure that you print out a copy of the job application and fill it in when applying in person. This way, you will be able to use the copy as a guide for completing the application.
4. Be ready for a talent assessment: Some employers may give you a test during the application to verify if you have the skills you have mentioned in your resume. For instance, if you are a software developer, you may be given a simple task to do or a bug to fix within a given period to ascertain if you are competent enough for the role.
5. Add a cover letter: A cover letter is a one-page document that will give the employer an overview of who you are and why you are applying for the position. Ensure that your cover letter is well crafted to invite the employer to review your job application.

Basic job application forms are usually easier to review for hiring managers than CVs and resumes are and provide you with an opening to state what you would have otherwise not stated in your resume or CV. As such, it is important that you take your time to consider the words, tone, and format of the job application, as these are the things that will help the hiring manager/employer decide on whether you are their ideal candidate. Make sure to proofread your application to avoid being disqualified for minor mistakes.