essay questions on job applications

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• Job Application Documents

How to Write a Job Application Essay

Last Updated: September 24, 2023 References

This article was co-authored by Shannon O'Brien, MA, EdM and by wikiHow staff writer, Jennifer Mueller, JD . Shannon O'Brien is the Founder and Principal Advisor of Whole U. (a career and life strategy consultancy based in Boston, MA). Through advising, workshops and e-learning Whole U. empowers people to pursue their life's work and live a balanced, purposeful life. Shannon has been ranked as the #1 Career Coach and #1 Life Coach in Boston, MA by Yelp reviewers. She has been featured on Boston.com, Boldfacers, and the UR Business Network. She received a Master's of Technology, Innovation, & Education from Harvard University. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 195,019 times.

Many employers now require a writing sample, or job application essay , to accompany all applications or résumés — even if writing is not a significant part of the position. The goal of the job application essay is to ensure that applicants have the right communication skills for the position offered. Sometimes, potential employers will provide a specific topic or series of questions for your essay to respond to. However, you may also be asked to provide an essay with no guidance whatsoever. Either way, approach the essay seriously so that it highlights the skills and assets you could bring to the company. [1] X Research source

Outlining Your Essay

• If you don't know much about the company, do a little research on it before you start writing. You might look at their website or do a general internet search with the name of the company to see if any news articles or other reports come up. Go beyond the four corners of the job listing so that you understand who will likely be reading your essay.
• If there's anything in the job listing or essay requirements that you don't understand, contact the employer and ask about them. Employers are often impressed by applicants who clarify the employer's intent rather than making assumptions.

• For example, if you're applying for a position in sales, you might want to write an essay about your ability to tailor your pitch to specific clients and close the deal. If you have the ability to be more creative, you might tailor your essay to "sell" yourself directly to the employer.

• For each of your points, think of a specific example you can relate briefly that illustrates the point. For example, if you've described yourself as a "team player," you might include an example of how you came in on your day off to complete some of the more monotonous tasks that no one else wanted to do so a project could be completed ahead of schedule.
• It's a good idea to have more than one example in your outline for each point, even if you only end up using one. That way, if you start writing something and it ends up not working as well as you thought it would, you'll have a back-up handy.
• Brainstorming can be difficult. If you find yourself churning over the same thoughts, stand up and take a break for a few minutes. Step outside or go for a walk to clear your head, then come back to it.

• For example, if you want to describe how you increased sales in a specific quarter, you would want to state specifically how much you increased sales. Your former employer may have sales figures that you could ask them for. You might also have that information in your records.
• Wherever possible, use specific numbers and dates rather than making general statements. It's okay to estimate, but make sure your estimate is conservative. Saying you led your sales team to the highest sales in a quarter is impressive — but only if it's true.

Completing Your Rough Draft

• Think of this paragraph as telling the hiring manager what you're going to tell them in the essay. Outline the points you're going to elaborate on in the essay that back up your theme or thesis statement.
• Sometimes it's best to go back and write your introduction after you've written the body of your essay. That way, you can make sure the introduction provides an outline that matches the body.

• If the employer listed specifically what should be included in your essay, follow their order, since that's what they'll be looking for when they read the essay.
• Write in the first person and make yourself the star of any anecdote you include as an example. Use action verbs to focus on what you did rather than focusing on what happened and how you reacted to it. [7] X Trustworthy Source University of North Carolina Writing Center UNC's on-campus and online instructional service that provides assistance to students, faculty, and others during the writing process Go to source

• For example, if you're writing about your skills as a team player, you might note that you discuss doing routine work that others found monotonous so they had time to work on other parts of a project. You could use that detail to move on to a section describing how you're detail-oriented.

• For example, you might write "My business school education, skills as a team player, and focus on detail make me the best candidate to lead your sales team."

Finalizing Your Essay

• For example, you might start by looking solely at punctuation, then read through again focusing on spelling.
• If you find that you tend to repeat a particular error, go through your essay looking for that error specifically.
• If your grammar isn't particularly strong or you're writing in a language other than your native language, have someone else read over your essay as well.

• If you find that you stumble over a sentence while reading aloud, that's a sign that your writing could be clearer. Work with your text until you have something that you can read aloud with ease.

• If the prospective employer did not specify a length, try to keep your essay under 2 double-spaced pages. Remember that hiring managers are busy and don't have a lot of time to read a long, rambling essay.
• Eliminate all unnecessary words or sentences that aren't relevant to the subject of your essay. The majority of your sentences should be short, declarative sentences with action verbs.
• Apps such as Hemingway ( http://www.hemingwayapp.com/ ) or Grammarly ( https://app.grammarly.com/ ) can help you identify portions of your essay that are more difficult to read. Both of these apps have a free version that you can use to edit your text.

• Working backward is particularly helpful for noticing spelling mistakes, especially hard-to-catch homophone errors, because you're seeing the word out of context.

• It may also help to print your essay in a different font or font size than what you used to type it. This breaks your brain's familiarity with the text, which can make typos and other errors more noticeable. Just remember to change the font back after you print it.

Job Application Essay

Expert Q&A

• Give yourself plenty of time to work on your essay. Ideally, you should plan to work on it over the course of at least two days, so you have the time to set it aside after writing before you move to the editing and proofreading stage. [15] X Research source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

• Unless you're applying for a position in a political or religious organization, avoid including anything in your essay that identifies your political or religious preferences or beliefs. [16] X Research source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Avoid using humor, especially sarcasm or ironic humor, as it can be misconstrued in text. Additionally, humor may lead the hiring manager to believe that you aren't serious about the position. [17] X Research source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://www.monster.com/career-advice/article/writing-sample-job-application
• ↑ https://www.insidehighered.com/advice/2012/04/30/essay-how-write-good-applications-jobs-or-grants
• ↑ Shannon O'Brien, MA, EdM. Life & Career Coach. Expert Interview. 25 May 2021.
• ↑ https://www.govloop.com/community/blog/government-job-application-essays-made-easy/
• ↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/application-essays/
• ↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/editing-and-proofreading/
• ↑ https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/education/grammar/proofreading-tips
• ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/career-transitions/200906/the-dreaded-writing-sample

About This Article

Job application essays can seem scary, but they’re really just an opportunity for you to highlight your skills and explain why you’re suitable for the role. Read the job listing to find out what traits and skills the company is looking for, like time management, working under pressure, and leadership. If you don’t know much about the company, read through its website and do an online search to find articles about its work. In your introduction, you’ll want to to describe yourself and introduce the main points you’ll be making. Then, write a paragraph for each trait or skill. Use real life examples from previous jobs, your recent studies, or extracurricular activities to support your points. For example, you could highlight your leadership skills by talking about a time you led a group project that exceeded your targets. For more tips, including how to write a compelling conclusion for your job application essay, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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List of Questions Asked on a Job Application

• Why Employers Require Applications

Questions Asked on a Job Application

• Information You'll Need to Provide

Tips for Completing a Job Application

Getty Images / Christopher Badzioch

One of the ways job seekers apply for available positions is by completing a job application. This can be done online or in-person, according to how the employer wants to receive applications. Depending on the position, job applications may take many different forms and include a wide range of questions about your education and  employment history .

Employers will often use an online or paper application for part-time, entry-level, retail, hospitality, and blue collar jobs, as a way to decide which candidates they want to interview. For professional jobs, an application may be required in addition to a resume and cover letter.

The signature (either pen or electronic) on the application attests that the information provided by the candidate is accurate and truthful.

Why Employers Require Job Applications

Having every candidate complete a job application provides the employer with consistent information for each person in the applicant pool. Employers use applications to compare applicants and decide which candidates to interview.

When companies use  applicant tracking systems  (ATS) that means an automated system is in place to collect all the applicant's information and to ensure consistency in the hiring process.

Signing the application, either by pen or online, attests that  all the information provided by the applicant is truthful .

Below is a list of some of the types of information which you may need to supply, though not all of these will be required for every application.

• Name, address, telephone number, email
• Desired job
• Desired salary
• Previous positions, including titles, duties, employers, locations, and dates of employment
• Salary history (in locations where it is legal to ask)
• Names of previous supervisors
• Permission to contact your current employer
• Reasons for leaving prior jobs
• Educational background, including majors, degrees, schools, locations, dates of attendance/graduation, GPA, honors, awards
• Extracurricular activities
• Military experience
• Volunteer work
• Specific skills related to the job 
• Essay with topics such as why you're interested in, or qualified for, the job
• Hobbies/Interests
• How you learned about the job
• Employees you know at the company
• References (typically three references with their contact information) 
• Licenses/certifications
• Whether you have access to an automobile for work purposes
• Driving record (with limits on what can be released)
• Whether you have the  authorization to work in the U.S.
• Times and days you're available to work
• Start and end dates you're available for seasonal and temporary jobs
• Social Security Number (only legally required in some states and by the federal government: you may want to say "Will furnish prior to employment offer" or "Please contact me to discuss")
• Whether or not you have been convicted of a crime and, if so, what crime and when ( only legally required  in some states )
• Certification that all the information you have supplied is accurate

Information You'll Need to Complete an Application

In-Person Applications: When you're applying for a job in-person, bring a  list of your employment details with you . It will be much easier to complete the application if you have the information with you, and don't have to rely on memory.

Another option is to pick up a copy of the application form in advance, and return the completed application form when you apply. You can also  download a sample job application form, complete it, then use the information to complete the employer's application onsite. Most companies ask for similar information.

Online Applications: For online job applications, have a copy of your resume available so you can upload a copy or copy and paste information directly into the employer's application form.

Supplemental Documentation: Some organizations may request supplemental documentation along with your application. For example, you may need to provide references, transcripts, writing samples, or copies of your certification. Be prepared to provide this  supporting documentation  with your application.

Use CareerOneStop's Practice Job Application tool to review what questions employers ask, learn about the information you need to apply, and practice applying for jobs.

Bring the necessary information or have it ready to input online.  That includes your resume details, identification (including a social security card and driver’s license), proof of citizenship, and contact information for previous employers.

Follow instructions precisely.  Read and review the entire application form first before you fill it out, and then do so legibly. Consider your application as a reflection of your work ethic. Don't leave any questions blank (write "N/A" for answers that aren't applicable) and don't write "See resume" instead of answering a question. For online applications, check for typos before you submit them.

Shape your answers to fit the job.  Avoid writing a laundry list of your education and experience. Instead, offer details about skills and accomplishments rather than a list of duties. To substantiate your experience, draw on your school work, extracurricular activities, and  volunteer work . Try to craft an application that sets you apart and details why you're not only qualified but bring uniqueness to the role.

List references.  Provide  professional references , if you have them. If you don't have a long work history, include  character references  in addition to (or instead of) past employer references. If your work history is more robust, choose references who can attest to your skills and accomplishments relevant to the position.

Avoid specifying salary requirements.  Employers often use this question to screen applications, and you don't want to be ruled out before getting an interview. The best answer is "Negotiable" or "Open."

The Bottom Line

Be prepared to complete a job application:  Many employers require formal job applications. 

Make a list:  Have a list of your credentials ready or use your resume as a guide, so you have all the information you need available when you apply.

Be honest:  Be truthful, accurate, and honest. False information on a job application can be grounds for not hiring an applicant or for termination after hiring.

Chron. " How to Sign an Application Online ."

CareerOneStop. " Ready to Apply for a Job? ."

SHRM. " Employers Adjust to Salary-History Bans ."

New York State. Department of Motor Vehicles. " Drivers Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) ."

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. " Working in the US ."

USAJOBS. Social Security Number Request ," Accessed Oct. 30, 2019.

USAJOBS. " Signature and False Statements ."

CareerOneStop. " Job Applications ," Accessed Oct. 30, 2019.

CareerOneStop. " Online Applications ," Accessed Oct. 30, 2019.

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How to answer essay questions for a job interview.

Some employers use essays during the job interview process to assess an applicant's writing skills and ability to communicate effectively. They also show how an applicant works under pressure and time constraints. Job interview essays are often only one or two paragraphs long and usually require you to write about subjects pertaining to that particular job. A good essay can be the difference between getting the job and the employer pursuing other candidates.

Read the essay topic or question. Make sure you completely understand what you need to write about before you begin the essay. Ask the interviewer for clarification if necessary.

Introduce the topic with a strong sentence about how much experience you have in the subject of the essay or an interesting bit of personal or professional information about the subject. This grabs the reader's attention and makes them want to read the rest of the essay. Do not write "This essay is about (blank)" or any other simple introduction.

Give an example of how you handled a situation that pertains to the subject of the essay in a previous position. Be specific about how your skills helped you overcome the situation and how you can relate that experience to the new job.

Keep the essay concise to make sure you get your point across while staying within the space provided on the page. Do not add information that does not pertain to the subject of the essay, even if it pertains to other aspects of the job.

Read the essay when you are done and revise for spelling, punctuation, grammar, clarity and length.

Related Articles

Interview questions & answers for a paraprofessional job →.

How to Write a Persuasive Essay on Getting a Raise →

How to Answer Questions in Narrative Form →

How to Write Personal Information on a Resume →

How to write job application letters →.

How to Write a Cover Letter for a Job →

Lauren Treadwell studied finance at Western Governors University and is an associate of the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors. Treadwell provides content to a number of prominent organizations, including Wise Bread, FindLaw and Discover Financial. As a high school student, she offered financial literacy lessons to fellow students.

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10 Most Common Application Essay Questions

Your college application essay is your ticket to college. So don’t lose the chance of showing what makes you different from other applicants. There are thousands of applications submitted to admission officers each year, so don’t write something as other applicants would and try to make your application stand out. So below are some common application essay questions.

Sample Application Essay Questions

1.  Academic Plans

• How will your area of specialization contribute to your long-term career plan?
• Explain the significance of your major to the society 10 years from now.

  2.  Social Issues

• If you’re given the chance to change the curriculum of your school, what changes will you make?
• Cite a controversial issue on college campuses and propose a solution.

  3.  Personal Success

• How did you express your leadership both in and out of school?
• Describe your personal success and how it relates to your chosen field.

4.  Background Information

• How has your family upbringing affected your views in life?
• Pick a past experience in your life and explain how that particular incident has changed you.

5.  Future Goals

• Where will college education bring you 10 years from now?
• Describe your long-term perspectives for your long-term goals.

  6.  Financial Needs

• From your financial standpoint, what will be the impact of this scholarship on your education?
• Mention family or personal circumstances that have affected your financial status.

  7.  Random Questions

• Who is the person you admired the most and why?
• What book has influenced you deeply?

  8.  Other Related Questions

• Describe a significant incident that has changed your viewpoints in life.
• How does high school change you intellectually and personally?
• What is the biggest risk you have ever taken?
• Why have you chosen this college?
• If given the chance to meet a famous person, who would it be and why?
• What movie has greatly affected you?
• What particular music has inspired you and why?

9.  Strange Questions

• Are we alone?
• How do you feel about Friday?
• How would your room describe you?
• Who would be your biggest fan?
• What would be your greatest problem?

Common application essay questions can be nerve-wrecking. But some universities try to reduce the tension by raising odd questions. While most of the questions are unpredictable, knowing some of the commonly asked questions will help you win your application. So start brainstorming and begin writing down your thoughts as early as you can. Don’t let an application essay deter you from getting the quality education you deserve.

Author Bio: Rachel who is working at EssayTask.com can help you with writing an application essay. EssayTask.com provides quality writing services as well as examples of essays written by other students.

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Job Application Questions & Answers

So, you’re applying for a job and there’s a question and answer section? This is a common way of sorting people out, and has proved to be a tricky obstacle to manoeuvre if you’re not aware of the pitfalls it can offer. So here’s a handy AllAboutCareers guide to getting through the application in style.

What are you applying for?

One of the most common mistakes in filling in application forms is that candidates lose sight of the requirements of the role that they’re applying for. If it’s a marketing role, you need to tailor your answers to show your skills in a marketing sense, and use the questions to demonstrate your abilities and experience.

Look at the job advert and note down the things you think would be key skills in doing such a role – then base your answers around these skills and you’ll be right on track.

What do the questions say?

The application itself will give you a good idea about what they’re looking for – bear in mind that these questions have been specifically created to allow them to pick the best candidates and fine-tune their selections, so it would be mad to ignore them!

Make sure you read every bit of every question, break them down and think about what they’re trying to glean from the answers you’re giving. If you play to your strengths and work them into what the company are looking for, you’ll have no problems!

Bespoke is beautiful!

Don’t even think about copying your answers from another application or straight from your CV or cover letter, because that’s a trick that will get picked up straight away – make sure you are writing these answers specifically for the company you are applying for!

Your answers should be concise without cutting anything out, specific without being boring and highlight the best bits about you so they can’t help but want to meet you for interview!

For a few words that no application is complete without, check out our application buzz words article!

Basics are brilliant!

In all the complexities of answering the ‘essay’ questions, you need to remember that doing the basics well is a key component of the test.

Data answers like your A-Level scores need to be checked and given the same attention to detail as anything else – not presenting these things correctly can be a fatal mistake!

The Big Kahunas

So you’ve got all the basics down and now you’re into the big hitters. The best advice we can give is to make everything relevant and back every skill or talent up with examples of how you’ve displayed this in a role in the past, whether that is during work experience, at school or at University.

By doing so you alleviate any danger of coming across as all talk and no substance, which is very reassuring to anyone who’s looking for new employees, as well as showing that you’re committed to things that you are a part of!

You want to show that you are unique and have a genuine passion for what you’re applying for, as well as for the company itself – if you can do this successfully then how could anyone refuse you?

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Application Essays

What this handout is about.

This handout will help you write and revise the personal statement required by many graduate programs, internships, and special academic programs.

Before you start writing

Because the application essay can have a critical effect upon your progress toward a career, you should spend significantly more time, thought, and effort on it than its typically brief length would suggest. It should reflect how you arrived at your professional goals, why the program is ideal for you, and what you bring to the program. Don’t make this a deadline task—now’s the time to write, read, rewrite, give to a reader, revise again, and on until the essay is clear, concise, and compelling. At the same time, don’t be afraid. You know most of the things you need to say already.

Read the instructions carefully. One of the basic tasks of the application essay is to follow the directions. If you don’t do what they ask, the reader may wonder if you will be able to follow directions in their program. Make sure you follow page and word limits exactly—err on the side of shortness, not length. The essay may take two forms:

• A one-page essay answering a general question
• Several short answers to more specific questions

Do some research before you start writing. Think about…

• The field. Why do you want to be a _____? No, really. Think about why you and you particularly want to enter that field. What are the benefits and what are the shortcomings? When did you become interested in the field and why? What path in that career interests you right now? Brainstorm and write these ideas out.
• The program. Why is this the program you want to be admitted to? What is special about the faculty, the courses offered, the placement record, the facilities you might be using? If you can’t think of anything particular, read the brochures they offer, go to events, or meet with a faculty member or student in the program. A word about honesty here—you may have a reason for choosing a program that wouldn’t necessarily sway your reader; for example, you want to live near the beach, or the program is the most prestigious and would look better on your resume. You don’t want to be completely straightforward in these cases and appear superficial, but skirting around them or lying can look even worse. Turn these aspects into positives. For example, you may want to go to a program in a particular location because it is a place that you know very well and have ties to, or because there is a need in your field there. Again, doing research on the program may reveal ways to legitimate even your most superficial and selfish reasons for applying.
• Yourself. What details or anecdotes would help your reader understand you? What makes you special? Is there something about your family, your education, your work/life experience, or your values that has shaped you and brought you to this career field? What motivates or interests you? Do you have special skills, like leadership, management, research, or communication? Why would the members of the program want to choose you over other applicants? Be honest with yourself and write down your ideas. If you are having trouble, ask a friend or relative to make a list of your strengths or unique qualities that you plan to read on your own (and not argue about immediately). Ask them to give you examples to back up their impressions (For example, if they say you are “caring,” ask them to describe an incident they remember in which they perceived you as caring).

Now, write a draft

This is a hard essay to write. It’s probably much more personal than any of the papers you have written for class because it’s about you, not World War II or planaria. You may want to start by just getting something—anything—on paper. Try freewriting. Think about the questions we asked above and the prompt for the essay, and then write for 15 or 30 minutes without stopping. What do you want your audience to know after reading your essay? What do you want them to feel? Don’t worry about grammar, punctuation, organization, or anything else. Just get out the ideas you have. For help getting started, see our handout on brainstorming .

Now, look at what you’ve written. Find the most relevant, memorable, concrete statements and focus in on them. Eliminate any generalizations or platitudes (“I’m a people person”, “Doctors save lives”, or “Mr. Calleson’s classes changed my life”), or anything that could be cut and pasted into anyone else’s application. Find what is specific to you about the ideas that generated those platitudes and express them more directly. Eliminate irrelevant issues (“I was a track star in high school, so I think I’ll make a good veterinarian.”) or issues that might be controversial for your reader (“My faith is the one true faith, and only nurses with that faith are worthwhile,” or “Lawyers who only care about money are evil.”).

Often, writers start out with generalizations as a way to get to the really meaningful statements, and that’s OK. Just make sure that you replace the generalizations with examples as you revise. A hint: you may find yourself writing a good, specific sentence right after a general, meaningless one. If you spot that, try to use the second sentence and delete the first.

Applications that have several short-answer essays require even more detail. Get straight to the point in every case, and address what they’ve asked you to address.

Now that you’ve generated some ideas, get a little bit pickier. It’s time to remember one of the most significant aspects of the application essay: your audience. Your readers may have thousands of essays to read, many or most of which will come from qualified applicants. This essay may be your best opportunity to communicate with the decision makers in the application process, and you don’t want to bore them, offend them, or make them feel you are wasting their time.

With this in mind:

• Do assure your audience that you understand and look forward to the challenges of the program and the field, not just the benefits.
• Do assure your audience that you understand exactly the nature of the work in the field and that you are prepared for it, psychologically and morally as well as educationally.
• Do assure your audience that you care about them and their time by writing a clear, organized, and concise essay.
• Do address any information about yourself and your application that needs to be explained (for example, weak grades or unusual coursework for your program). Include that information in your essay, and be straightforward about it. Your audience will be more impressed with your having learned from setbacks or having a unique approach than your failure to address those issues.
• Don’t waste space with information you have provided in the rest of the application. Every sentence should be effective and directly related to the rest of the essay. Don’t ramble or use fifteen words to express something you could say in eight.
• Don’t overstate your case for what you want to do, being so specific about your future goals that you come off as presumptuous or naïve (“I want to become a dentist so that I can train in wisdom tooth extraction, because I intend to focus my life’s work on taking 13 rather than 15 minutes per tooth.”). Your goals may change–show that such a change won’t devastate you.
• And, one more time, don’t write in cliches and platitudes. Every doctor wants to help save lives, every lawyer wants to work for justice—your reader has read these general cliches a million times.

Imagine the worst-case scenario (which may never come true—we’re talking hypothetically): the person who reads your essay has been in the field for decades. She is on the application committee because she has to be, and she’s read 48 essays so far that morning. You are number 49, and your reader is tired, bored, and thinking about lunch. How are you going to catch and keep her attention?

Assure your audience that you are capable academically, willing to stick to the program’s demands, and interesting to have around. For more tips, see our handout on audience .

Voice and style

The voice you use and the style in which you write can intrigue your audience. The voice you use in your essay should be yours. Remember when your high school English teacher said “never say ‘I’”? Here’s your chance to use all those “I”s you’ve been saving up. The narrative should reflect your perspective, experiences, thoughts, and emotions. Focusing on events or ideas may give your audience an indirect idea of how these things became important in forming your outlook, but many others have had equally compelling experiences. By simply talking about those events in your own voice, you put the emphasis on you rather than the event or idea. Look at this anecdote:

During the night shift at Wirth Memorial Hospital, a man walked into the Emergency Room wearing a monkey costume and holding his head. He seemed confused and was moaning in pain. One of the nurses ascertained that he had been swinging from tree branches in a local park and had hit his head when he fell out of a tree. This tragic tale signified the moment at which I realized psychiatry was the only career path I could take.

An interesting tale, yes, but what does it tell you about the narrator? The following example takes the same anecdote and recasts it to make the narrator more of a presence in the story:

I was working in the Emergency Room at Wirth Memorial Hospital one night when a man walked in wearing a monkey costume and holding his head. I could tell he was confused and in pain. After a nurse asked him a few questions, I listened in surprise as he explained that he had been a monkey all of his life and knew that it was time to live with his brothers in the trees. Like many other patients I would see that year, this man suffered from an illness that only a combination of psychological and medical care would effectively treat. I realized then that I wanted to be able to help people by using that particular combination of skills only a psychiatrist develops.

The voice you use should be approachable as well as intelligent. This essay is not the place to stun your reader with ten prepositional phrases (“the goal of my study of the field of law in the winter of my discontent can best be understood by the gathering of more information about my youth”) and thirty nouns (“the research and study of the motivation behind my insights into the field of dentistry contains many pitfalls and disappointments but even more joy and enlightenment”) per sentence. (Note: If you are having trouble forming clear sentences without all the prepositions and nouns, take a look at our handout on style .)

You may want to create an impression of expertise in the field by using specialized or technical language. But beware of this unless you really know what you are doing—a mistake will look twice as ignorant as not knowing the terms in the first place. Your audience may be smart, but you don’t want to make them turn to a dictionary or fall asleep between the first word and the period of your first sentence. Keep in mind that this is a personal statement. Would you think you were learning a lot about a person whose personal statement sounded like a journal article? Would you want to spend hours in a lab or on a committee with someone who shuns plain language?

Of course, you don’t want to be chatty to the point of making them think you only speak slang, either. Your audience may not know what “I kicked that lame-o to the curb for dissing my research project” means. Keep it casual enough to be easy to follow, but formal enough to be respectful of the audience’s intelligence.

Just use an honest voice and represent yourself as naturally as possible. It may help to think of the essay as a sort of face-to-face interview, only the interviewer isn’t actually present.

Too much style

A well-written, dramatic essay is much more memorable than one that fails to make an emotional impact on the reader. Good anecdotes and personal insights can really attract an audience’s attention. BUT be careful not to let your drama turn into melodrama. You want your reader to see your choices motivated by passion and drive, not hyperbole and a lack of reality. Don’t invent drama where there isn’t any, and don’t let the drama take over. Getting someone else to read your drafts can help you figure out when you’ve gone too far.

Taking risks

Many guides to writing application essays encourage you to take a risk, either by saying something off-beat or daring or by using a unique writing style. When done well, this strategy can work—your goal is to stand out from the rest of the applicants and taking a risk with your essay will help you do that. An essay that impresses your reader with your ability to think and express yourself in original ways and shows you really care about what you are saying is better than one that shows hesitancy, lack of imagination, or lack of interest.

But be warned: this strategy is a risk. If you don’t carefully consider what you are saying and how you are saying it, you may offend your readers or leave them with a bad impression of you as flaky, immature, or careless. Do not alienate your readers.

Some writers take risks by using irony (your suffering at the hands of a barbaric dentist led you to want to become a gentle one), beginning with a personal failure (that eventually leads to the writer’s overcoming it), or showing great imagination (one famous successful example involved a student who answered a prompt about past formative experiences by beginning with a basic answer—”I have volunteered at homeless shelters”—that evolved into a ridiculous one—”I have sealed the hole in the ozone layer with plastic wrap”). One student applying to an art program described the person he did not want to be, contrasting it with the person he thought he was and would develop into if accepted. Another person wrote an essay about her grandmother without directly linking her narrative to the fact that she was applying for medical school. Her essay was risky because it called on the reader to infer things about the student’s character and abilities from the story.

Assess your credentials and your likelihood of getting into the program before you choose to take a risk. If you have little chance of getting in, try something daring. If you are almost certainly guaranteed a spot, you have more flexibility. In any case, make sure that you answer the essay question in some identifiable way.

After you’ve written a draft

Get several people to read it and write their comments down. It is worthwhile to seek out someone in the field, perhaps a professor who has read such essays before. Give it to a friend, your mom, or a neighbor. The key is to get more than one point of view, and then compare these with your own. Remember, you are the one best equipped to judge how accurately you are representing yourself. For tips on putting this advice to good use, see our handout on getting feedback .

After you’ve received feedback, revise the essay. Put it away. Get it out and revise it again (you can see why we said to start right away—this process may take time). Get someone to read it again. Revise it again.

When you think it is totally finished, you are ready to proofread and format the essay. Check every sentence and punctuation mark. You cannot afford a careless error in this essay. (If you are not comfortable with your proofreading skills, check out our handout on editing and proofreading ).

If you find that your essay is too long, do not reformat it extensively to make it fit. Making readers deal with a nine-point font and quarter-inch margins will only irritate them. Figure out what material you can cut and cut it. For strategies for meeting word limits, see our handout on writing concisely .

Finally, proofread it again. We’re not kidding.

Other resources

Don’t be afraid to talk to professors or professionals in the field. Many of them would be flattered that you asked their advice, and they will have useful suggestions that others might not have. Also keep in mind that many colleges and professional programs offer websites addressing the personal statement. You can find them either through the website of the school to which you are applying or by searching under “personal statement” or “application essays” using a search engine.

If your schedule and ours permit, we invite you to come to the Writing Center. Be aware that during busy times in the semester, we limit students to a total of two visits to discuss application essays and personal statements (two visits per student, not per essay); we do this so that students working on papers for courses will have a better chance of being seen. Make an appointment or submit your essay to our online writing center (note that we cannot guarantee that an online tutor will help you in time).

For information on other aspects of the application process, you can consult the resources at University Career Services .

Works consulted

We consulted these works while writing this handout. This is not a comprehensive list of resources on the handout’s topic, and we encourage you to do your own research to find additional publications. Please do not use this list as a model for the format of your own reference list, as it may not match the citation style you are using. For guidance on formatting citations, please see the UNC Libraries citation tutorial . We revise these tips periodically and welcome feedback.

Asher, Donald. 2012. Graduate Admissions Essays: Write Your Way Into the Graduate School of Your Choice , 4th ed. Berkeley: Ten Speed Press.

Curry, Boykin, Emily Angel Baer, and Brian Kasbar. 2003. Essays That Worked for College Applications: 50 Essays That Helped Students Get Into the Nation’s Top Colleges . New York: Ballantine Books.

Stelzer, Richard. 2002. How to Write a Winning Personal Statement for Graduate and Professional School , 3rd ed. Lawrenceville, NJ: Thomson Peterson.

You may reproduce it for non-commercial use if you use the entire handout and attribute the source: The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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Application Questionnaires, Essays and Other Materials

A federal resume isn’t likely to be the only information you’ll have to provide when applying for a federal job. You’ll also probably find yourself answering multiple-choice questionnaires and writing essays all about you, you, you. What you’ve done. How you’ve excelled. You know the drill.

Some agencies may request even more information. For example, the State Department, requires applicants who want to become a foreign service officer to take the Foreign Service Exam—to prove they know a whole lot about world affairs and foreign leaders. (Interested? A Gen Z edition of Trivial Pursuit could be a fun starting point.)

Application Questionnaires and Essays

How to answer application questionnaires Questionnaires can be long. They can be short. And anywhere in-between. Typically, they have some combination of yes/no, true/false, multiple-choice and short essay questions. The questionnaire might appear in the job posting but usually you fill it out with your application.

Responses should mirror your resume. That is, if you’re asked to rate your experience with doing certain tasks, you should give the same or similar information that’s in your resume. Do the same thing when answering interview questions in person. You don’t get dinged for writing or saying the same thing. Think of it as a great way to reinforce your resume information.

Application essays Each job announcement lists certain qualifications, knowledge, skills and abilities the agency is seeking. If someone mentions “KSAs,” that’s what they’re talking about. Here’s the trick to writing essays describing yourself: Succinctly describe your experiences in a way that matches the qualifications listed in the opening. Focus on your direct contributions to your workplace and avoid acronyms in your descriptions.

An important point: Don’t use synonyms for the requested qualifications because you think it’s better not to parrot what the position description says. The opposite is true. The best thing you can do is repeat the “key words” and phrases found in the description. In fact, many organizations use computer programs to look for exactly those words and may skip over the synonyms and assume you don’t have the qualifications the agency seeks. Repetition rather than rephrasing is, well, the key here.

Include as much information as possible pertaining to each qualification, even if the information is already in your resume, same as mentioned above for the questionnaires. Tell great stories by explaining the challenges you faced, what you did to address them and what results you achieved. Use real-life examples to describe the experiences, education and activities on your resume. Be the hero of your story!

Other Common Application Materials

You may need to submit several documents or forms with your applications, including college transcripts, professional certifications or proof of noncompetitive status —a term that refers to jobs that are open only to certain applicant pools, such as veterans, people with disabilities or current or former federal employees. If your documents are not digital, you can mail or fax them separately in most cases.

Agencies may also request cover letters, letters of recommendation, writing samples or other materials. You should make sure each of these documents reinforces the knowledge, skills and abilities requested in the position description.

Transcripts You may need to submit college transcripts to verify your degree or special coursework or superior academic achievement you describe in your resume. If you can’t get an official transcript, check with the HR contact on the job posting to see if the agency will accept unofficial documents.

Verification of status If you claim veterans preference or another type of “noncompetitive status,” you must submit documentation to verify your status. The forms required are usually listed in the job posting. USAJOBS also provides links to many forms.

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Example questions and answers

If you need a bit of inspiration to help you answer some of the trickier job application form questions take a look at our example responses to get you started

While some sections of a job application form only need straightforward, factual answers, such as your personal details or education history, others will demand you work a little harder.

You may be asked to write a personal statement, or be asked competency-based questions . These require you to discuss specific times when you've demonstrated the essential skills and qualities for the role, referring to the job description and person specification outlined in the advert.

For more information on completing a form and what to include, explore how to  write a successful job application .

While the precise wording of questions may vary between job application forms, they tend to cover similar ground. Here are ten typical application form questions and answers to help you.

Why do you want to work here?

The employer is trying to figure out your motivations and whether you've given serious consideration to your application. You need to show that you've done your research and understand exactly what the job entails. Explain how it fits into your long-term career plans.

Example answer:

Your company stood out when I was researching the leading electronics companies in the country. I am aware of your dedication to the development of innovative consumer products and I believe that this role would be the perfect fit considering my strong design background.

Why do you think you are suitable for this role?

You need to describe how your skills, knowledge and experience match the job outline, while also explaining your motivation and goals.

I have always wanted to work as an exhibition designer for a museum that embraces cultural changes and provides a sensory experience for its visitors. My degree helped me to develop key artistic and organisational skills, while the experience that I gained from working at my local museum has been the ideal preparation for a career in this field. I would relish the opportunity to be part of the team that works on the concepts for your upcoming exhibits and collections.

Briefly outline your relevant skills and experience

Even if you haven't had any direct experience, you can still highlight any transferable skills that relate to the role. Turn your answer into a positive one by making it clear that you want the job to gain experience in the area.

Although I haven't had the chance to gain work experience at an advertising agency yet, I have already created high-level concepts that have been used by leading brands such as Marks & Spencer. At university, I was the copywriter for a number of students' union marketing campaigns and have generated interest in my work through my website, which I designed myself.

Give an example of when you have worked under pressure

You need to prove that you've handled deadlines successfully in the past. Describe how you overcame obstacles you had no control over.

During my work placement last year, I faced various conflicting demands on my time due to the fact that my role was inter-departmental. One particular week, the pressures did threaten to get overwhelming as a number of key staff members were off sick. However, this allowed me to show that I could rise to the challenge. I left the company with praise from my peers as I always gave my best no matter what.

What is your greatest achievement?

Choose something outside of your academic life that's uniquely significant to you. This is an assessment of your attitude and motivations, to find out whether your values are compatible with those of the organisation.

When my mother was diagnosed with a serious illness last year, it was obviously a traumatic and stressful time for the whole family. Even though I hadn't done any sport since school, I decided to sign up for a run and raise money to increase awareness of the disease. I trained hard for a number of months and kept to a strict eating regime. I managed to raise nearly £3,000 for the charity and finished the race in a time I could never have dreamed was possible.

Give an example of how you made a positive contribution to a team and what the outcome was

The employer is checking that you have experience of working in a cohesive team environment. Describe a scenario where you had to draw on strengths and qualities to accomplish a group task. Explain your particular role, how weaknesses were overcome and what you learned.

During my time in the university film society, we decided to run a series of workshops for the local community. My role involved planning the daily activities, ensuring that the intensive course covered everything we wanted to include. While some tasks did overrun, the event was a resounding success with attendees remarking on how well it had been organised.

Describe an occasion when you've had to communicate complex information

This is a test of your ability to analyse complicated information effectively, and communicate it in a way that the audience can understand. Set the scene and describe your thinking process in a step-by-step way.

For my scientific research project, I had to present the ideas behind my thinking to the rest of the class. While presentations were common at university, this was a particularly complex proposal. I had to filter the relevant information and summarise my work, delivering this at a level the other students could appreciate and understand.

What is the biggest challenge you've faced and how did you handle it?

The employer will be looking to find out about your attitude to challenges, as well as your ability to problem-solve and overcome obstacles, so you need to provide a significant example that demonstrates your adaptability in this area.

In my summer job working in a busy aftersales department, I inevitably had to deal with some tough customers. This was my first real job, and I had to learn to successfully negotiate and interact with many people throughout the working day. On many occasions, I was the only staff member manning the desk, so I had to cope with the pressure that this role demanded. I now feel that I am better equipped to handle whatever challenges come my way.

What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?

Describing your strengths may come more naturally, but when it comes to your weaknesses, it is important to be honest and reveal things you are genuinely looking to improve on. Your answers need to be well-considered and tailored towards the role you are applying for. Show them that you are actively looking to learn and grow.

I'm a driven person who works hard to attain my goals. The ability to overcome obstacles and follow things through to completion has always been a strong point of mine, which is why I've managed to thrive in such a competitive degree subject. However, I am aware that as a perfectionist my delegation skills could be improved. I would welcome training in conflict management as well as any other opportunities to develop in this area.

Discuss a time when you failed to complete a project by the deadline

Your response should adequately justify the reasons for missing the deadline. While there are various ways to approach this, you'll need to give a good explanation and demonstrate that you've learned from this setback. The employer is looking to determine whether you'll manage your time effectively in the future.

In my first year, I failed to hand a history assignment in on time as I had underestimated how long it would take to complete the project. I got carried away with the gathering of information and left the write-up to the last minute. I lost marks on my final grade, but fortunately still managed to pass the year. This has never happened since, as I've made a point of allocating sufficient time to each task. I certainly learned a valuable lesson from the experience.

Please provide further information in support of your application

This will usually be placed at the end of the form and is similar to a personal statement, making it one of the most important sections to get right. Never leave this section blank, thinking that it's enough to just answer the questions. It is an opportunity for you to show the employer why you are the best candidate for the job, kind of like a cover letter . You'll need to relate your skills directly to those outlined in the job description.

Find out more

• Discover what skills employers want .
• Get advice on CVs and cover letters .
• Explore how to answer interview questions .

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Hiring process

50 application questions to find the right candidate for every job

Copy and paste these unique, ready-to-use questions to your job application forms to get to know your potential hires.

Alessia Musso

Last updated: 

The job application form plays a huge role in your job hiring process. When the questions work for you, you get the information you need from candidates to make a sound and insightful hiring decision.

Besides helping you narrow down your candidate list, an application form also adds to a memorable candidate experience. The best way to do this? Ask bias-free, fun and effective application questions on your application forms . And keep it short. 😉

Here's a list of 50 thoughtful job application questions that'll inspire you to create a great application experience for candidates.

With an easy no-code builder you can tailor every job application form with custom fields, questions and assignments.

TL;DR — Five unique, go-to job application questions to ask candidates

These are the top five job application questions we always turn to in our job applications. Choose the ones that would work best for your company and each specific job role:

• What was it about this job post that enticed you to apply? 
• What do you consider to be your greatest strengths and weaknesses?
• What are you looking for in a new role?
• Could you briefly describe your work background?
• Why are you interested in working at this company?

📣 How to make a job application form that’s a joy for candidates to fill in (and a solution to your hiring chaos).

Job application questions to get to know your candidate's personality

Strong, thoughtful job application questions can give you insight into who your candidate really is — besides what their qualifications and job experience might be. Gain a full picture of who they are by adding one of these personality-focused questions to your next job application form :

1. Who inspires you in your work and why? ‍ 2. What is an unusual habit or an absurd thing you love? ‍ 3. What are you reading right now? ‍ 4. What was the last thing, personal or professional, that you nerded out on?

5. Send us your favorite meme. 6. What's something outside of your work that you're passionate about? 7. Describe your character in a couple of sentences. 8. What do you listen to, if anything, while you work? 9. What do you work towards in your free time?

📣 Further along in your hiring process? Get smart tips here on how to conduct a job interview.

Application questions to find out if your candidate is a value fit

A good hire not only has the right skills and qualifications, but also the right values. Narrow down your candidate list by including application questions that aim to evaluate a candidate's values, ambitions and beliefs. Include any of these questions on your job application to dig deep and make sure your candidate’s values align with your company values:

10. Which one of our company values do you identify with the most and why? ‍ 11. What type of role do you see yourself in in the future? ‍ 12. What does your ideal work environment look like? ‍ 13. What's one of the most valuable lessons you've learned in your career? How would you apply it in this role? ‍ 14. What should we absolutely know about you? ‍ 15. What’s something you’re good at that you don’t really want to do anymore? ‍ 16. What motivates you to do your best work? ‍ 17. What's the biggest mistake you've made in your career and how did you handle it? ‍ 18. Among the people you've worked with, who do you admire and why? ‍ 19. Looking back on the last three years of your career, what’s the highlight? ‍ 20. What do you think you can achieve in this role that you can't at other companies? ‍ 21. What do you think you would add to our company culture? ‍ 22. When was the last time you changed your mind about something and can you explain the situation? ‍ 23. What's the most important thing you've learned from a co-worker? How do you apply that in your work? ‍ 24. In your opinion, is it better to do work that's perfect but late, or good and on time? ‍ 25. What feedback have you received that was difficult to hear and why? ‍ 26. Give an example of when you took initiative when it wasn't expected of you. ‍ 27. What makes you the most excited about potentially working here?

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Skill set and experience-focused job application questions

Before you can send a candidate to a phone screen interview stage, you first need to understand their abilities. Use these job application question examples to find out if your candidates’ experience and skills align with those of the role you're hiring for: ‍ 28. If anything was possible, what would you do to improve our company? ‍ 29. What's something you’ve worked on that you’re especially proud of and how long did it take to complete? ‍ 30. What skills would you want to develop in this role? ‍ 31. What would be the first thing you would change about our business? ‍ 32. What is it about this role that makes it a good fit for you? ‍ 33. What's the greatest achievement in your career up until now? ‍ 34. What would you like to do differently in your next role? ‍ 35. What does your next ideal role look like? ‍ 36. What impact do you think you would have on the company in your first year? ‍ 37. What's your superpower? ‍ 38. What do you excel at? ‍ 39. What challenges are you looking for in your next position? ‍ 40. What's a goal you set that you didn't meet and can you explain what happened? ‍ 41. What would you do in your first 30 days in this role?

📣 Check out these stunning job post templates you can customize and publish in minutes.

Application questions to test candidates' industry knowledge

When you’re weighing up your candidate pool, industry knowledge might just be the deciding factor between your top candidates. These questions can help to dig into what your candidates know about the field and who is most suited for the role:

42. How do you like to keep up with trends and industry knowledge? ‍ 43. What interests you about our industry? ‍ 44. What recent industry developments are you excited about and why? ‍ 45. What magazines/blogs/publications do you like to read?

Important practical job application questions

Don't forget the practical stuff! If there are deal-breakers — like not being eligible to work in the country your company is located or not having a driver's license — ask these questions early on in the job application form. This ensures you don’t waste your time and you don’t drag your candidate through a hiring process they never had a fair shot at.

46. What are your salary expectations? ‍ 47. Are you eligible to work in the country we're located? ‍ 48. Could we contact your current or former employer as a reference? ‍ 49. When would you be able to start? ‍ 50. Do you have any questions for us about the role or the company?

Frequently asked questions

Why is it important to have candidates complete a job application.

Job application forms are an easy way to get the high-level, must-have information from a candidate in a digestible format. They help you narrow down a candidate list so that you can easily assess and compare candidates and decide who makes it to the next stage.

A job application form is also the first impression you give your candidates. When done right, a well-designed and thoughtfully put together application form can elevate the candidate experience. All to help give candidates an idea of if they’d like to work at your company.

Why use an online application form instead of asking candidates to email a CV and cover letter?

Getting candidates to email a CV and cover letter is not great for your candidate experience or your hiring process. Here’s how an online application form can help. 

• Improve your hiring process:  An online application form allows you to ask candidates for the information you’re looking for in a digestible format. This way you don’t have have to sift through endless email threads, docs and pdfs. It’s also easier to compare the answers to an application form than it is to compare candidates’ CVs — each one with a different format and structure. Use it to evaluate candidate’s more objectively with less bias.
• Level up your candidate experience:  When you use an online application form that’s short and easy to fill out, you show your candidates that you’re a forward-thinking business with a thoughtful hiring process. A well-designed application process reflects well on your company and helps to attract the right talent for your team.

What questions should you avoid including on job applications to avoid hiring bias?

Certain job application questions could lead to  hiring bias  and even dissuade candidates from applying to your company. To avoid hiring bias, steer clear of including these topics in your job application forms:

• Age (unless it’s a legal requirement of the job, for example, to serve alcohol)
• Disabilities or medical conditions
• Gender, sex or sexual orientation
• Race, color or ethnicity
• Family or marital status, or pregnancy
• Arrests or criminal convictions

Always be mindful of why you’re asking certain questions in an application form. Stick to the information you really need to be able to evaluate whether candidates might be a fit for the job and no more than that. Save lengthy, more extensive questions for a first interview.

Make the right first impression with Homerun’s job application forms

Now that you have a selection of application questions to choose from, you’re ready to create a job application form that actually attracts talent. But how can you make sure you’re impressing candidates while also giving them a top-notch hiring experience?

That’s where the application form comes in.

Attract the right talent with a modern, user-friendly and customizable application form in Homerun (our free 15-day trial let's you test out our free job application form creator ).

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What Is the Proper Format for Job Supplemental Questions?

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How to Complete a Job Application After Being Fired

Job fair questions students need to be prepared to answer, strategies for responding to situational interview questions.

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Job applications can be short and to the point, or employers may want more lengthy additional information filled out. Asking for additional information is a prevalent practice, and supplemental questions for job applications examples might include a request for descriptions of specific work experiences, why you consider yourself a team player and why you want to work for the company. Naturally, it is easier to type responses on online job applications, but you should be prepared for supplemental interview questions that could put you on the spot.

Supplemental Questions for Job Applications Examples

There is no basic format for supplemental questions on job applications. Some applications might have them in the very beginning to screen people out, while others place them in the middle or end. The team at Workable shares some supplemental questions for job applications examples, grouped into different categories. For instance, employers will often start with easier ones that are related to the terms of employment.

Essential questions are more subjective and can relate to how soon you can start, what days and hours you are available and your salary expectations. The company will also ask about your skills and qualifications, like experience with specific software programs. They may ask you to describe a few projects relevant to the position, along with a sample of published work.

Supplemental objective questions are more complex and designed to see how applicants fit in with company cultures. Employers will want to know why you applied for a position, how the position aligns with your long-term goals and why you want to work there. They might also inquire how you started in that line of work and how you can contribute to their objectives. The last part of the application may ask for references and how you learned of the job and require you to complete skill tests.

Supplemental Interview Questions

Those open-ended questions can cause even the most seasoned interviewees to stumble, and preparation will help you sail through them more smoothly. The team from Learntobecome.org shares some common ones, including the dreaded ice-breaker: “Tell me about yourself.” The reflex answer might be to start with where you grew up and attended college, but what they really want is a concise, professional rundown of who you are, what you offer and what you hope to accomplish – a sales pitch, not a bio.

“Why should I hire you?” is also challenging, but don’t explain why you are better than the other applicants. Instead, have ready a robust and concise answer explaining why the employer needs you. Companies also ask interviewees how they dealt with past situations that involved making ethical decisions. Do not mention company or employee names; instead, describe a problem and your efforts to deal with it in an honest way.

Examples of Career Success

Interviewers will also want to hear examples that highlight your career success and leadership skills, so think about those and review them ahead of time. If your previous boss suddenly quit and you had to run the department and were promoted, that story is worth sharing. Job seekers also dread what is usually the final question: “What salary are you looking for?”

Also consider this before interviewing. You can research what others get paid for the same kind of position and determine a range that is acceptable to you. It is less likely that you will be offered a job on the spot but when you are, consider the entire package if it includes benefits; also think about commuting time, employee perks and any other factors.

• Workable: Application Form Questions
• Learntobecome.org: How to Answer Tough Job Interview Questions Expert Insights, Tips and Tools to Sell Yourself

Danielle Smyth is a writer and content marketer from upstate New York. She has been writing on business-related topics for nearly 10 years. She owns her own content marketing agency, Wordsmyth Creative Content Marketing, and she works with a number of small businesses to develop B2B content for their websites, social media accounts, and marketing materials. In addition to this content, she has written business-related articles for sites like Sweet Frivolity, Alliance Worldwide Investigative Group, Bloom Co and Spent.

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Tips for Writing an Effective Application Essay

How to Write an Effective Essay

Writing an essay for college admission gives you a chance to use your authentic voice and show your personality. It's an excellent opportunity to personalize your application beyond your academic credentials, and a well-written essay can have a positive influence come decision time.

Want to know how to draft an essay for your college application ? Here are some tips to keep in mind when writing.

Tips for Essay Writing

A typical college application essay, also known as a personal statement, is 400-600 words. Although that may seem short, writing about yourself can be challenging. It's not something you want to rush or put off at the last moment. Think of it as a critical piece of the application process. Follow these tips to write an impactful essay that can work in your favor.

1. Start Early.

Few people write well under pressure. Try to complete your first draft a few weeks before you have to turn it in. Many advisers recommend starting as early as the summer before your senior year in high school. That way, you have ample time to think about the prompt and craft the best personal statement possible.

You don't have to work on your essay every day, but you'll want to give yourself time to revise and edit. You may discover that you want to change your topic or think of a better way to frame it. Either way, the sooner you start, the better.

2. Understand the Prompt and Instructions.

Before you begin the writing process, take time to understand what the college wants from you. The worst thing you can do is skim through the instructions and submit a piece that doesn't even fit the bare minimum requirements or address the essay topic. Look at the prompt, consider the required word count, and note any unique details each school wants.

3. Create a Strong Opener.

Students seeking help for their application essays often have trouble getting things started. It's a challenging writing process. Finding the right words to start can be the hardest part.

Spending more time working on your opener is always a good idea. The opening sentence sets the stage for the rest of your piece. The introductory paragraph is what piques the interest of the reader, and it can immediately set your essay apart from the others.

4. Stay on Topic.

One of the most important things to remember is to keep to the essay topic. If you're applying to 10 or more colleges, it's easy to veer off course with so many application essays.

A common mistake many students make is trying to fit previously written essays into the mold of another college's requirements. This seems like a time-saving way to avoid writing new pieces entirely, but it often backfires. The result is usually a final piece that's generic, unfocused, or confusing. Always write a new essay for every application, no matter how long it takes.

5. Think About Your Response.

Don't try to guess what the admissions officials want to read. Your essay will be easier to write─and more exciting to read─if you’re genuinely enthusiastic about your subject. Here’s an example: If all your friends are writing application essays about covid-19, it may be a good idea to avoid that topic, unless during the pandemic you had a vivid, life-changing experience you're burning to share. Whatever topic you choose, avoid canned responses. Be creative.

6. Focus on You.

Essay prompts typically give you plenty of latitude, but panel members expect you to focus on a subject that is personal (although not overly intimate) and particular to you. Admissions counselors say the best essays help them learn something about the candidate that they would never know from reading the rest of the application.

7. Stay True to Your Voice.

Use your usual vocabulary. Avoid fancy language you wouldn't use in real life. Imagine yourself reading this essay aloud to a classroom full of people who have never met you. Keep a confident tone. Be wary of words and phrases that undercut that tone.

8. Be Specific and Factual.

Capitalize on real-life experiences. Your essay may give you the time and space to explain why a particular achievement meant so much to you. But resist the urge to exaggerate and embellish. Admissions counselors read thousands of essays each year. They can easily spot a fake.

9. Edit and Proofread.

When you finish the final draft, run it through the spell checker on your computer. Then don’t read your essay for a few days. You'll be more apt to spot typos and awkward grammar when you reread it. After that, ask a teacher, parent, or college student (preferably an English or communications major) to give it a quick read. While you're at it, double-check your word count.

Writing essays for college admission can be daunting, but it doesn't have to be. A well-crafted essay could be the deciding factor─in your favor. Keep these tips in mind, and you'll have no problem creating memorable pieces for every application.

What is the format of a college application essay?

Generally, essays for college admission follow a simple format that includes an opening paragraph, a lengthier body section, and a closing paragraph. You don't need to include a title, which will only take up extra space. Keep in mind that the exact format can vary from one college application to the next. Read the instructions and prompt for more guidance.

Most online applications will include a text box for your essay. If you're attaching it as a document, however, be sure to use a standard, 12-point font and use 1.5-spaced or double-spaced lines, unless the application specifies different font and spacing.

How do you start an essay?

The goal here is to use an attention grabber. Think of it as a way to reel the reader in and interest an admissions officer in what you have to say. There's no trick on how to start a college application essay. The best way you can approach this task is to flex your creative muscles and think outside the box.

You can start with openers such as relevant quotes, exciting anecdotes, or questions. Either way, the first sentence should be unique and intrigue the reader.

What should an essay include?

Every application essay you write should include details about yourself and past experiences. It's another opportunity to make yourself look like a fantastic applicant. Leverage your experiences. Tell a riveting story that fulfills the prompt.

What shouldn’t be included in an essay?

When writing a college application essay, it's usually best to avoid overly personal details and controversial topics. Although these topics might make for an intriguing essay, they can be tricky to express well. If you’re unsure if a topic is appropriate for your essay, check with your school counselor. An essay for college admission shouldn't include a list of achievements or academic accolades either. Your essay isn’t meant to be a rehashing of information the admissions panel can find elsewhere in your application.

How can you make your essay personal and interesting?

The best way to make your essay interesting is to write about something genuinely important to you. That could be an experience that changed your life or a valuable lesson that had an enormous impact on you. Whatever the case, speak from the heart, and be honest.

Is it OK to discuss mental health in an essay?

Mental health struggles can create challenges you must overcome during your education and could be an opportunity for you to show how you’ve handled challenges and overcome obstacles. If you’re considering writing your essay for college admission on this topic, consider talking to your school counselor or with an English teacher on how to frame the essay.

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