Recruiting and interviewing
The Application Process
You must make it clear in your advertisement, or your
brief to the recruitment agency, how you want candidates
to apply. Two key methods of getting information about
applicants are:
-
by providing an application form - designed by
the employer or bought from a stationery supplier
-
by requesting a CV with a covering letter or email
- a brief account of the person's education, qualifications
and previous work experience
Advantages of application forms
- You can decide exactly what information you need to know.
- It is easy to compare the skills and experience of different
applicants.
- You can re-use the form for future vacancies.
Disadvantages of application forms
- They are time-consuming and can be tricky to design as they
must be easy to fill in and have clear instructions.
- You pay the cost of producing and sending them out to applicants.
- A form can put some applicants off.
What to include in an application form
- Name and address of organisation
- Job applied for
- Name, address, telephone numbers and email address of candidate
- Educational and professional qualifications
- Work experience
- Other relevant information and skills, eg languages, clean driving
licence
- Names and addresses of referees
Be careful to avoid possible discriminatory questions, eg asking
them to indicate if they have childcare responsibilities. See our
guide on how to prevent discrimination and value diversity.
You may wish to ask for additional information, eg leisure interests.
Advantages of requesting CVs
- There's no need to produce and send out a form to every applicant.
- You can tell something about candidates' abilities by the way
they present their CV.
- A covering letter can give you a hint of their suitability for
the job.
Disadvantages of requesting CVs
- It is much more difficult to compare the skills and experience
of different
- andidates than it is using a standard application form.
- Gaps in education or work can be hidden more easily.
Subjects covered in this guide
 Print
This Page
Source - Business Link; Crown Copyright.
|
