Job application templates toolkit

Job applications are formal documents or online forms that individuals submit to apply for employment opportunities within an organisation. These applications typically serve as the initial point of contact between the job seeker and the employer, providing essential information about the candidate's qualifications, skills, experience, and interest in the position.

A typical job application includes several components:

1. Personal Information: This section requests basic details about the applicant, such as their full name, contact information (address, phone number, email), and sometimes demographic information like date of birth or gender.

2. Education: Applicants are asked to provide information about their educational background, including degrees earned, institutions attended, and any relevant certifications or qualifications.

3. Work Experience: This section allows applicants to outline their professional history, including previous job titles, employers, dates of employment, and key responsibilities or achievements.

4. Skills and Qualifications: Applicants may be asked to list specific skills, competencies, or qualifications relevant to the position they are applying for. This could include technical skills, language proficiency, or certifications.

5. References: Some job applications request contact information for professional references who can provide insight into the applicant's character, work ethic, and abilities.

6. Cover Letter or Personal Statement: In addition to completing the application form, applicants may be required to submit a cover letter or personal statement expressing their interest in the position, highlighting relevant experiences, and explaining why they are a suitable candidate.

Job applications serve as a screening tool for employers to evaluate candidates and determine which individuals to invite for further assessment, such as interviews or skills tests. It's important for applicants to carefully review and accurately complete job applications to present themselves in the best possible light and increase their chances of being considered for employment opportunities.

It is important to acknowledge an application, to give a good impression to the candidate, and comfort that they are being managed in a professional manner.

• The Equality Act 2010: This legislation prohibits discrimination on the basis of protected characteristics such as age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. Job application templates must be designed to avoid any discriminatory language or questions and to ensure that all candidates are treated fairly and without bias.

• The Data Protection Act 2018 and the GDPR: These regulations set out requirements for the collection, use, and storage of personal data. Job application templates must be designed to collect only the personal data that is necessary for the recruitment process and to ensure that all personal data is handled securely and in compliance with these regulations.

• The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974: This legislation sets out the rules for when criminal convictions must be declared on job applications. Job application templates must be designed to comply with these rules and to ensure that all applicants are treated fairly and without discrimination.

• The Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006: This legislation requires employers to carry out right to work checks on all job applicants before they are employed. Job application templates must include questions to collect the necessary information to conduct these checks and to ensure that the employer is compliant with this legislation.

• The National Minimum Wage Act 1998: This legislation sets out the minimum hourly rate that employers must pay their employees. Job application templates must be designed to ensure that the employer is compliant with this legislation and that all applicants are informed of the hourly rate that will be paid.

Here are some complex but often common Job application-related workplace scenarios that I have successfully helped to resolve, using the resources in this toolkit alongside some direct advice.

• Helping a client spot recruitment red flags and strengthen their hiring process