Welcome to Issue 20 of English Review. With the celebrations for Eid now behind us, we’ve already started the long run-up to Christmas in the UK.

Many towns and cities have switched on their Christmas lights and shops are staying open longer even though it’s only the beginning of December. I always feel sorry for the people who work in shops and have to listen to Christmas carols and songs being played for weeks before the big day. Many of them must feel like trying to find new jobs. And that’s what we’re going to look at in this issue – filling in job application forms.

Many firms like you to complete an application form rather than sending your CV (Curriculum Vitae) because they feel it helps to simplify the process. By using an application form, they secure all the information they want about the candidate, presented in a way that is easy to assess. This helps to speed-up the recruitment process.

So, I hope you find the tips that follow useful.

Regards,

Diana.

STUDENT SUCCESSES

Jennifer Rose Welonna from Guyana says:

"Before joining Business Training I was a student who had just finished college looking for a job. After I completed my Diploma I applied at an insurance company. On hearing that I am a student with Business Training I was accepted as a Clerical Officer. When I was asked to present my Diploma the Personnel Officer was surprised to learn about the quality of work that I have covered and my achievement. Six months later I was promoted to Accounts Clerk.

Because of my Business Training I am also a part-time teacher at a college and I am helping out children in my community with their spelling and grammar.

I must extend my sincere thanks to you and your staff for the knowledge and information I have gained. I must say it put me a step further up the road of achievement. A million thanks!"

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And Al-Bakri Mohammed Mohammed Madkour from Saudi Arabia says:

"I am an Egyptian citizen and before I joined Business Training I was working in the import and export field as Executive Administrator in a medical and industrial gases company which is located in Saudi Arabia. Since enrolling with Business Training my language has improved and all my colleagues observed that – even the General Manager. So the management has decided to promote me to Planning and Procurement Manager and my salary has increased by 120% with family status, private car and two air tickets to Egypt every year.

I now visit overseas companies to negotiate the commercial terms, long term agreements and to improve some of our potential suppliers. Recently I have visited China, India and UAE. It was a productive business trip."

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TOP TEN TIPS FOR...

Filling in a Job Application Form

1. Where you are asked to complete a form the advert usually tells you to phone, write or email for it. If you write for a form, keep the letter brief, but make it clear what the position is that you wish to apply for (there might be more than one job vacancy).
   
   
2. When you receive the application form, read it through very carefully before starting to fill it in.
   
   
3. Assemble the information about yourself that you would normally include in your CV (Curriculum Vitae). These are the personal details such as your name, age, address, educational qualifications, previous employment etc. Make a rough draft of your answers on a sheet of paper. In this way you will ensure that you can fit everything onto the form neatly.
   
   
4. As with a CV, fill in your education and qualifications in chronological order but your work experience in reverse chronological order.
   
   
5. Most application forms will include a space for ‘additional information’ or ‘other relevant information’. Never leave this empty as it gives you the opportunity to show why you are particularly suitable for the job. It also gives you the chance to show what kind of person you are – your interests, reasons for wanting to change job and the achievements which you consider most significant in your career to date.
   
   But, only include what is relevant to the job and will help your application. Don’t waffle or include irrelevant information.You should be able to fit it in the space provided but if not, continue on a sheet of plain paper and attach it firmly to the application form. Always check your first draft carefully before putting it on the actual form to ensure clarity and brevity.
   
   
6. If there is no space for information of this kind on the application form then include it in the brief covering letter that you send with the form – in exactly the same way as you would when sending a CV.
   
   
7. Always follow instructions carefully. If you are told to use black ink to complete the form, do so. Never use pencil – it looks unprofessional.
   
   
8. When you’ve completed the form, read it through very carefully to check for mistakes. If you find any, correct them as neatly as possible.
   
   
9. Try to return the application form as soon as possible (a closing date for applications will usually be specified). But don’t be in such a hurry that you send an untidy, incomplete form.
   
   
10. Remember that the objective of the information you give in the form is to get you an interview. It is that and nothing more. Nobody is ever hired on an application form alone. You are only hired after an interview. However, if your form impresses the selection team it will make the interview much easier. So give them all the relevant facts about yourself in relation to the job and present these clearly. The best way to do this is to be as specific as you can. You will find this saves space and has more impact. The form should contain only important and relevant facts. Don’t spoil the impact by waffling!