Employment application forms

When you are hiring someone, there are many things to consider. Finding the right person for the job is certainly one of them. But just as important are taking steps to protect yourself from charges of discriminatory hiring practices and ensuring that your job offer does not somehow imply a contract of employment, which means that you could end up having to pay damages if you try to fire the employee. These sample application forms will help accomplish all of these goals.

These sample application forms are designed to help gather the relevant information at hand to pick the best applicant. Use these samples as a guide; then create a customized version that meets your own organization's needs.

A note about Social Security numbers (SSNs). While the SSN has traditionally been a requested piece of information on a job application, some employers no longer ask for it (or make it optional) due to concerns about identity theft. Consider whether this information is really needed during the application phase. If not, the SSN may be obtained when getting consent for a background check or after making a job offer. Note, also, that some states have laws that restrict employers’ use of SSNs.

Sample 1 is a two-page form.

Sample application form
Application Form_Page1.pdf

Application Form_Page2.pdf

Sample 2: Narrative. Please provide a full accounting of your work experience since high school. If job-related, include military service and volunteer work. If you were known by another name at a previous place of employment, please state the other name and date of use.

Sample 3: Question and Answer. Please provide a full accounting of your work history. Include periods of time for the past 10 years, whether employed or unemployed.

1. Present employer.

1. Name.

2. Address.

3. Reason for wanting new job.

4. Can present employer be contacted?

5. Job, pay rate.

1. Past employers.

1. Name.

2. Address.

3. Describe jobs, pay rates.

4. Names of supervisors.

5. Reasons for leaving.

1. Skills.

1. Describe the skills you have that you believe are of value to the position applied for (for example, machines operated, programming languages, typing speed, etc.).

2. [Note: Ask about whatever particular skills you need in the position to be filled.]

1. Bonding.

1. Have you ever been refused or forfeited a surety bond?

2. [Note: Ask if an applicant has ever been refused or forfeited a surety bond only if the position that is being applied for requires a bonded employee.]