Applications for Job Forms (With Template and Sample) [Updated for 2022]

Reviewed by Brendan Sullivan, Indeed Recruiter
4+ years of experience, 150+ roles filled

A standardized employment application form helps you learn about applicants, maintain better personnel files and compare candidates, as information is entered in the same template.

This article includes tips and steps for creating simple job application forms, answers to frequently asked questions and job application samples. Once you’ve decided to hire, create a job description and start attracting applicants, consider streamlining your recruitment process even further by reviewing the employment application samples provided in this article.

Common types of job applications

Applicants may complete solicited or unsolicited applications for jobs. Typically, employers use these methods to obtain applications:

Online: Applicants complete job forms on company websites and job sites.
In-person: Candidates complete a paper application form on-site or at a job fair kiosk. Candidates should be prepared to interview afterward.
Email: The applicant emails a cover letter and resume to the employer, rather than an application form.

Important things to include in a job application

This list includes important information you may want to request on your company’s job application:

Name
Address
Phone number
Email address
Social Security number
Work eligibility
Information on criminal or felony convictions
School(s) attended
Degrees obtained
Graduation date
Skills
Extracurricular activities
Previous employer names and contact information
Previous titles and responsibilities
Reasons for leaving
Permission to contact the previous employer
References

Related: How to Post a Job on Indeed

Purpose of job application forms

The primary purpose of a job application form is to request verifiable information from potential hires. These job forms function as an efficient method for screening job candidates to quickly narrow down the application pool. With simple job application forms, an employer can quickly scan for any red flags before moving on to the more detailed cover letter and resume.

Job application form template

Access simple job application forms here and below:

Important: Learn your state laws regarding the types of information you can ask applicants. For example, some states prohibit employers from inquiring about current salaries or past felony convictions. Here is an example of a job application form that you can modify and use in your own business:

Personal information
First name:
Last name:
Street:
City, state, zip code:
Phone number:
Email address:
Have you applied before?
Have you worked here before?
Do you have transportation?
Are you over 18?
If you’re under 18, do you have an employment certificate?
Proof of citizenship?
Convicted of a felony in the last 5 years?
If yes, what’s the nature of the crime?

Position and availability
Position applying for:
Desired salary:
Available start date:
If temporary work, end date:
Days of availability (if applicable):
Hours of availability (if applicable):
Available for overtime?

Education and experience
High school:
Address:
City, state, zip:
Did you graduate?
Degree/diploma earned:

College/University:
Address:
City, state, zip:
Number of years completed:
Did you graduate?
Degree earned:

Military experience:
Branch:
Rank:
Total years in service:
Skills/duties:

Skills and qualifications:
Do you speak a foreign language?
Which language? Proficiency?

Employment history
Currently employed?
Name of employer:
Name of supervisor:
Phone number:
Address:
City, state, zip:
Dates of employment:
Salary/hourly rate of pay:
Position and duties:
Reason for leaving:

Name of employer:
Name of supervisor:
Phone number:
Address:
City, state, zip:
Dates of employment:
Salary/hourly rate of pay:
Position and duties:
Reason for leaving:
May we contact for references?

References	List three people who can provide feedback on your workplace performance in the last four years.
First and last name:
Phone number:
Email address:
Address:
City, state, zip:
Occupation:
Number of years acquainted:

First and last name:
Phone number:
Email address:
Address:
City, state, zip:
Occupation:
Number of years acquainted:

First and last name:
Phone number:
Email address:
Address:
City, state, zip:
Occupation:
Number of years acquainted:

I certify that the information provided in this application is true and complete. I acknowledge that false information is grounds for not hiring me or immediate termination. I authorize the verification of any information listed above.

Signature:

Date:

Job application form sample

While there are many examples of job applications, we’ve included a simple yet comprehensive job application sample below:

Personal information
First name:	Sally
Last name:	Smith
Street:	123 Main Street
City, state, zip code:	Anytown, CA 94123
Phone number:	415-555-1212
Email address:	Sally.Smith@email.com
Have you applied before?	No
Have you worked here before?	No
Do you have transportation?	Yes
Are you over 18?	Yes
If you’re under 18, do you have an employment certificate?	N/A
Proof of citizenship?	Yes
Convicted of a felony in the last 5 years?	No
If yes, what’s the nature of the crime?	N/A

Position and availability
Position applying for:	Project Manager
Desired salary:	Negotiable
Available start date:	March 15, 2021
If temporary work, end date:	N/A
Days of availability (if applicable):	All
Hours of availability (if applicable):	All
Available for overtime?	Yes

Education and experience
High school name:	Ossining High
Address:	123 Main Street
City, state, zip:	Ossining, NY 01234
Did you graduate?	Yes
Degree/diploma earned:	HS Diploma
College/University:	California State University
Address:	789 Golden Way
City, state, zip:	Sunny Beach, CA 94123
Number of years completed:	4
Did you graduate?	Yes
Degree earned:	BA, Biology

Military experience:	N/A
Branch:	N/A
Rank:	N/A
Total years in service:	N/A
Skills/duties:	N/A

Skills and qualifications:	Project management, MS Office, User design experience


Do you speak a foreign language?	Yes
Which language? Proficiency?	Spanish, Conversational

Employment history
Currently employed?	Yes
Name of employer:	ABC Incorporated
Name of supervisor:	Deborah Jones
Phone number:	555-777-1212
Address:	444 Sesame St
City, state, zip:	Monterey, CA 94789
Dates of employment:	3/2018 – present
Salary/hourly rate of pay:	55.00 per hour
Position and duties:	Project Management
Reason for leaving:	Company closing

Name of employer:	DEF Incorporated
Name of supervisor:	Jed Kelly
Phone number:	555-888-1212
Address:	888 Elm Street
City, state, zip:	Piptown, CA 94788
Dates of employment:	2/2014 – 3/2018
Salary/hourly rate of pay:	45.00 per hour
Position and duties:	Project Management
Reason for leaving:	To work at ABC Incorporated
May we contact for references?	Yes

References	List three people who can provide feedback on your workplace performance in the last four years.
First and last name:	Don Sterling
Phone number:	555-999-1234
Email address:	Don.Sterling@email.com
Address:	1234 Cherry Lane
City, state, zip:	Soquel, CA 91111
Occupation:	Writer
Number of years acquainted:	6

First and last name:	Joan Olson
Phone number:	555-222-1234
Email address:	Joan.Olson@email.com
Address:	1234 Apple Court
City, state, zip:	Sonoma, CA 93333
Occupation:	Producer
Number of years acquainted:	7

First and last name:	Roger Romano
Phone number:	555-777-1234
Email address:	Roger.Romano@email.com
Address:	1234 Grape Road
City, state, zip:	Napa, CA 92222
Occupation:	Artist
Number of years acquainted:	5

Signature: Sally Smith

Date: March 1, 2021

Frequently asked questions about job application forms

Should I request a cover letter with the job form?

Ultimately, it’s up to you whether you’d like to review a cover letter or not. Many employers request both a resume and cover letter. This is because a cover letter often fills in details of an applicant’s job experience that a job form or resume cannot. Often, job candidates will include a cover letter whether it’s requested or not.

When should I use a job application form?

Once you’ve decided to hire, consider using a job application form. This way, you’re prepared to supply job candidates with the job forms. Since a job application form is based on a template, it can be easier to compare the job forms of multiple applicants over resumes.

Brendan Sullivan is an Indeed recruiter based in Austin, TX with 4+ years of experience. You can usually find him enjoying one of the several amazing coffee shops in Austin or organizing his record collection.

Applications for Job Forms (With Template and Sample)