Making a good first impression – the importance of job application forms

In today’s ultra-competitive world, employers are competing to hire the top talents in their market or industry. That’s why employers need to use a screening tool in the form of an employment or job application form. Not only does an application form help to speed up the application process and enable recruiters to compare multiple applications, it also makes it easier to weed out unsuitable or under-qualified candidates. When applying for a pilot position, 9 times out of 10 you’ll be required to fill in an application form along with your CV as well as documentation such as your passport, licence, medical record, LPC and logbook.

More Reliable Than A CV

Used to collect the data required from a candidate, an application shows simple skills such as following instruction, literacy and communication. While the application should mirror your CV with no variance, many employers consider application forms more reliable because unlike a CV where the applicant can choose what information to include in the document, application forms can quickly provide a clearer picture about the suitability of the applicant for the role.

While there are various formats used in job application forms, they all basically cover the same grounds. If you are applying to many different airlines you will need to fill out different application forms for the different positions available.

A typical application form asks for the following information:

• Name

• Date of birth

• Email

• Telephone number

• Passport details

• Licence details

• Medical Details

• English Level

• Previous employment details

• Hours broken down (total time, total PIC time, Total P2 time): They will also want to break this down by each aircraft you have flown. Remember to ensure that these hours match your logbook.

• Notice period

When completing your application, ensure that all information you provide is accurate. In some countries, you’ll also be asked to fill out an autobiography. For helpful assistance, read the article on Airside entitled, How to Write a Pilot Autobiography.

Application forms for employment are the best tool that the hiring party can use in the initial applicant screening process. So remember, the better your application is filled out, the better your chance of getting to the next round - the interview!