How you could be asked to apply for a job

When there is a job vacancy, the employer needs to recruit the right person to fill that vacancy. To get an insight into what a potential employee could offer a company, the employer prefers to read about the competencies and qualities of a person and how they meet some or all of the requirements detailed in the job description and specification.

An employer may ask you to fill in an application form

An application form details information about the applicant and how they meet the demands of the job description and specification. Application forms for the same job usually take the same format as this makes it easier for the employer to compare applicants. An application form is the first impression an applicant will make on their potential employer so the form needs to be completed in full, accurately, neatly and with no errors.

An employer may ask you to complete a CV and Covering Letter

CV stands for Curriculum Vitae. This is a succinct, clear and interesting way of the applicant presenting details about themselves. It includes personal details like name and address and qualifications and experience that the applicant has that would be relevant to the job that they are applying for. It allows the employer to see what skills, qualities and interests the applicant has and how this may make them relevant for the job that they are applying for.

A CV should not be longer than 2 A4 pages and should be specific to the job that is being applied for. A CV should be completed with accuracy and include names and signatures from 2 referees who will write about the applicant's suitability for the job, if they were asked.

The CV is usually accompanied by a covering letter that sets out how the applicant feels they are suitable for the job they are applying for.

An employer may ask you to use email

An employer may enquire that applicants email the company for further details about a job vacancy. They may also ask applicants to send or receive the application form or CV and covering letter via email. The employer may use email to inform the applicant about the time of interview or if the application form was successful for interview or not.

An employer may ask you to use telephone

An employer may ask someone interested in the job available to call the company for an informal chat or conversation to see if the person is suitable for the job. A formal interview may take place over the phone, particularly if the job is in another country or the applicant is too far away to travel in a short time.

QUESTIONS YOU COULD BE ASKED:

Explain two reasons why a job applicant would research a job before applying. (4marks)

A job applicant may research to check the salary to make sure it meets their financial needs. If the salary is too low, they might decide it’s not worth applying. (2marks)

They may also want to know where the job is based. If it’s too far away, travel costs and time might be too high, which could affect their decision to apply. (2marks)

Explain two reasons why a job applicant would research an employer before applying for a job. (4marks)

A job applicant may research the employer to learn about the company’s background. This helps them answer questions more confidently in an interview and show they are genuinely interested in the role. (2marks)

Applicants may want to know if the employer is socially responsible, such as caring about the environment. If the company’s values don’t match their own, they might decide not to apply. (2marks)

Explain one reason why employers use application forms to assess candidates' suitability for a job. (2marks)

Application forms ask for specific information, making it easier to compare candidates. This helps employers quickly see who meets the job requirements and who doesn’t, saving time and making the selection process fairer and more efficient.

Explain one reason why an employer would use a Curriculum Vitae (CV) to assess a candidate's suitability for a job. (2marks)

An employer uses a Curriculum Vitae (CV) to assess a candidate’s skills and qualifications. This helps the employer decide if the person has the right abilities and knowledge to do the job. It also shows if the candidate meets the job requirements before inviting them for an interview.

You should also read:

How to find a job

How to write a successful Job Application form

How to write a successful CV and covering letter

How Employers Assess Candidates' Suitability