Job Applications: Types, Forms, and Samples

Required Employment Application Information

man filling out job application
Photo: Westend61 / Getty Images

Many employers require all applicants for employment, regardless of the job they apply for, to complete a job application form. Depending on the employer and the job, you may be required to complete an online application, a paper application, an application at a store kiosk, or you could be asked to apply via email.

The employer may ask you to submit a job application even if you have applied for a position with a resume and cover letter. This way the employer will have consistent data on file for all applicants. Employers want to be sure they are adhering to employment laws and avoiding discrimination.

Especially at larger organizations, company policy may require having a job application on file for each candidate and maintaining a copy of the application in the employee's personnel file.

Note

A signed (paper or electronic) application for employment also serves as your verification that the information you have listed on the application is true.

Providing inaccurate information can be grounds for termination of consideration for hiring or termination of employment if the erroneous information is discovered after the individual is hired.

The Purpose of a Job Application Form

What is a job application form, and when is one used? Job application forms (also called “employment forms”) are part of the formal hiring process companies sometimes use in order to ensure that they have gathered comprehensive, accurate data from all applicants.

These forms often request certain information that is not always included on resumes and CVs, such as professional or personal references, the names of former supervisors, and/or a complete educational background. If you decide to submit your resume as a supplement to the job application form, cross-check it with your application to ensure there are no discrepancies. 

Types of Job Applications

If you’re looking for a job, how will you apply? It depends on the employer. A job application can be completed in several ways.

There are online job applications, which are typically completed at an employer’s website, at a hiring kiosk in a store or business, or on a mobile device using an app. In some cases, simply submitting a resume and cover letter online will be considered your application; you will not always be required to fill in a digital application form.

Note

In many cases, though, digital applications will require you to input your data directly into their system (while frequently providing you the option to attach copies of your resume and cover letter as well).

Online Job Applications. There are thousands of sites where you can post your resume online and complete an online job application. Sometimes, you can apply online on job sites like Monster.com or Indeed.com. Other times, you can apply directly on the company’s website.

In-Person Job Applications. Many companies, especially retail and hospitality employers, expect applicants to apply in-person or at a kiosk in the business. It's not as complicated as applying online, but you will need to be prepared to apply and maybe even interview on the spot.

Email Job Applications. When you are using email to apply for jobs, it's important that all your communications are as professional as they would be if you were mailing a paper application. Here's advice on how to submit job applications via email.

Paper Job Applications. There are paper job application forms that you fill out if you apply in person for a position. See below for a sample job application form.

Information Required for an Employment Application

You will generally be required to provide your contact information, your work history (including companies worked for, positions held, salary, and length of employment), and your educational background.

Some companies will also ask you to provide references with your job application. You may also be asked about your availability for work.

Personal Information

The following is a list of the information you may be asked to provide when you apply for a job.

  • Name
  • Address, city, state, zip code
  • Phone number
  • Email address
  • Social security number (state laws regarding providing social security numbers vary)
  • Are you eligible to work in the United States?
  • If you are under age eighteen, do you have an employment certificate?
  • Have you been convicted of a felony within the last five years? (information about convictions varies based on state law and may not be legal to ask in your location)

Education and Experience

  • School(s) attended, degrees, graduation date
  • Certifications
  • Skills and qualifications
  • Grade Point Average (G.P.A.)
  • Extracurricular activities where you held a leadership role
  • Honor societies

Employment History

  • Employer
  • Address, phone, email
  • Supervisor
  • Job title and responsibilities
  • Salary
  • Starting and ending dates of employment (month, day, year)
  • Reason for leaving
  • Permission to contact the previous employer

References 

  • Name
  • Job title
  • Company
  • Address, phone, email

Job Application Form Sample

The following is an example of a paper job application. It also includes the information you'll be required to input if you apply for a job online.

Instructions: Print clearly in black or blue ink. Answer all questions. Sign and date the form.

Personal Information

First Name: _____________________________

Middle Name: ___________________________

Last Name: _____________________________

Street Address: __________________________

City, State, Zip Code: _____________________

Phone Number: (___)_____________________

Email Address: __________________________

Have you ever applied to / worked for [Our Company] before? [ ] Y or [ ] N
If yes, please explain (include date): ________________________

Do you have any friends, relatives, or acquaintances working for [Our Company]? [ ] Y or [ ] N
If yes, state name & relationship: ________________________________

If hired, would you have transportation to/from work? [ ] Y or [ ] N

Are you over the age of 18? [ ] Y or [ ] N

If you are under the age of 18, do you have an employment/age certificate?  [ ] Y or [ ] N

If hired, would you be able to present evidence of your U.S. citizenship or proof of your legal right to work in the United States? [ ] Y or [ ] N

Have you been convicted of or pleaded no contest to a felony within the last five years?  [ ] Y or [ ] N

If yes, please describe the crime - state the nature of the crime(s), when and where convicted, and the disposition (final settlement) of the case: ________________________________________________________________

If hired, are you willing to submit to a controlled substance test? [ ] Y or [ ] N

Position and Availability

Position Applying For: ___________________________

Desired Salary: $________

Are you applying for:

  • Temporary work – such as summer or holiday work? [ ] Y or [ ] N
  • Regular part-time work? [ ] Y or [ ] N
  • Regular full-time work? [ ] Y or [ ] N

If applying for temporary work, indicate your desired length of employment below:

Start date: ___ / ___ / ___ End date: ____ / ____ / ____

Days/Hours Available

Monday ____
Tuesday ____
Wednesday ____
Thursday ____
Friday ____
Saturday ____
Sunday ____

Hours Available: from _______ to ______

Are you available to work overtime? [ ] Y or [ ] N

If hired, on what date can you start working? ___ / ___ / ___

Are you able to perform the essential functions of the job for which you are applying, either with / without reasonable accommodation? [ ] Y or [ ] N

If no, describe the functions that cannot be performed:
_____________________________________________________________

Education, Training and Experience

High School:
School Name: ________________________
School Address:________________________
School City, State, Zip:________________________________

Number of years completed: _______________
Did you graduate? [ ] Y or [ ] N
Degree / Diploma earned: _______________

College / University:
School Name: __________________________
School Address:________________________
School City, State, Zip:________________________________

Number of years completed: ________
Did you graduate? [ ] Y or [ ] N
Degree / Diploma Earned: __________________

Vocational School:
School Name: ________________________
School Address: ______________________
School City, State, Zip: ________________________________

Number of years completed: ________
Did you graduate? [ ] Y or [ ] N
Degree / Diploma earned: __________________

Military:
Branch: ______________________________
Rank in Military:________________________
Total Years of Service: ________
Skills/Duties: __________________________________
Related Details:________________________________

Skills and Qualifications: Licenses, Skills, Training, Awards

_____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

Do you speak, write or understand any foreign languages? [ ] Y or [ ] N

If yes, list which languages(s) and how fluent you consider yourself to be: ____________________

Employment History

You should be prepared to detail each position for the past five years and account for any gaps in employment during that period.

Are you currently employed? [ ] Y or [  ] N

If you are currently employed, may we contact your current employer? [ ] Y or [ ] N

Name of Employer:_____________________________________
Name of Supervisor:____________________________________
Telephone Number:_____________________________________
Business Type:________________________________________
Address:_____________________________________________
City, State, Zip:________________________________________

Length of Employment (Include Dates): _____________

Salary/Hourly Rate of Pay: ____________
Position & Duties: _______________________________________________________
Reason for Leaving: _____________________________________________________

Name of Employer: _____________________________________
Name of Supervisor: ____________________________________

Telephone Number:_____________________________________
Business Type:________________________________________
Address:_____________________________________________
City, State, Zip:________________________________________

Length of Employment (Include Dates): _____________

Salary/Hourly Rate of Pay: ____________
Position & Duties: _______________________________________________________
Reason for Leaving: _____________________________________________________

May we contact this employer for references? [ ] Y or [ ] N

Name of Employer:_____________________________________
Name of Supervisor:____________________________________
Telephone Number:_____________________________________
Business Type:________________________________________
Address:_____________________________________________
City, State, Zip:________________________________________

Length of Employment (Include Dates): _____________

Salary/Hourly Rate of Pay: ____________
Position & Duties: _______________________________________________________
Reason for Leaving: _____________________________________________________

May we contact this employer for references? [ ] Y or [ ] N

References

List below three persons who have knowledge of your work performance within the last four years. Please include professional references only.

First and Last Name: _____________________________________
Telephone Number: ______________________________________
Email Address: __________________________________________
Address:_______________________________________________
City, state, zip:__________________________________________
Occupation: ____________________________________________
Number of Years Acquainted: ______________________________

First and Last Name: _____________________________________
Telephone Number: ______________________________________
Email Address: __________________________________________
Address:_______________________________________________
City, state, zip:__________________________________________
Occupation: ____________________________________________
Number of Years Acquainted: ______________________________

First and Last Name: _____________________________________
Telephone Number: ______________________________________
Email Address: __________________________________________
Address:_______________________________________________
City, state, zip:__________________________________________
Occupation: ____________________________________________
Number of Years Acquainted: ______________________________

Certification

I certify that the information contained in this application is true and complete. I understand that false information may be grounds for not hiring me or for immediate termination of employment if I am hired. I authorize the verification of any and all information listed above.

Signature: ______________________________ Date: ______________

Make a List of the Information You Need to Apply

Before you start filling out the application, make a list of all the information you need in order to apply. Have your work history and other information on hand to make it a more straightforward process. To get started, review these tips on how to complete an employment application.

Note

Use CareerOneStop's Practice Job Application to learn what questions employers ask applicants, gather the information you need to apply, and practice applying for jobs online.

Pre-Employment Testing and Job Applications

Some employers may have you take a talent assessment to see if you are a strong fit for their organization. If an online test is part of the application, they will provide instructions on how to complete it.

Important to Know: Application Legalities

It is important to know that providing inaccurate information on an application can result in termination of consideration for hiring. If the employer discovers the erroneous data after hiring the individual, it is grounds for termination of employment.

In fact, applicants must sign the paper or electronic application to verify that the information they have provided is accurate. So, be sure to triple-check your application after completion to ensure everything is correct.

Key Takeaways

Make a list: Creating a list of the information you need to complete the application will make it easier to apply.

Make a match: Be sure that the details, including company names and dates of employment, you list on the application match your resume.

Print a copy: If you're applying in-person, print out a job application and fill it in. That way you can use your copy as a guide for completing the employer's application.

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Sources
The Balance uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. HG.org. "Can I Be Fired for Lying on My Job Application?”

  2. CareerOneStop. "Online Applications."

  3. CareerOneStop. "Job Applications."

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