Application form, CV and letter of application

When a business advertises a vacancy, it uses several documents to help it choose the best person. Some are produced by the business, while others are produced by the applicant.

Documents produced by the business

An application form is produced by the business and completed by the applicant, who returns it to the business. It asks every candidate for the same details, such as contact information, qualifications and previous experience. This standardises applications, so the business can compare candidates fairly and quickly instead of comparing CVs laid out in many different ways. For example, a garden centre recruiting a trainee supervisor for its busy spring season could use its own form so that every candidate's details appear in the same order, making shortlisting quicker.

The business also produces the job description and person specification before recruiting. After a successful appointment, it may send a contract of employment, which sets out the terms of the job.

Documents produced by the applicant

A curriculum vitae (CV) is written by the applicant. It summarises their skills, experience and achievements, often in a short, easy-to-read format, so an employer can quickly see what the candidate has done before. A letter of application may be sent with a CV. It is also written by the applicant and presents why they are suitable for that particular vacancy, linking their skills and experience to the job.

Applicants may send a CV, a letter of application or a completed application form to the business, depending on what the business asks for.

Who produces each document