Simplify hiring with online job application forms
Online forms are the easiest way to accept and organize applications. SurveyMonkey can help.
Looking for ways to optimize your hiring process? If you aren’t using online application forms, it’s time to join countless companies that have discovered the value of having a professional, branded online form for job applicants. Switching from a paper-based application process to an easy, online format will make recruiting and hiring easier for candidates and hiring staff.
Even more, services like the one provided by SurveyMonkey can help you easily collect and store the important information you require from your job applicants. Read on to find out how you can streamline your hiring process with an online form.
Why use online job application forms?
There are various reasons to integrate an online job application form into your hiring process. One of the most important reasons is accessibility. Forget asking your candidates to complete paper forms and return them to you in person or by snail mail. It’s much easier for them to complete and submit an online application. And no more shuffling through paper applications and differently formatted resumes to find the candidate information you need. It’s all at your fingertips online. With an online job application, everything is convenient and easily accessible for your candidates—and your recruitment and hiring staff.
In addition to overall accessibility, here are a few more reasons you’ll benefit from using online job application forms.
Simple distribution to candidates
Cast your recruiting net wider by sharing your online job application form on social media, via email, and embedding it on your website. SurveyMonkey forms are easily shared so that you can get your application in front of more candidates than ever before.
Easily manage candidate data
If your job listing is attractive to candidates, and you’re getting your job application form out to more people, you could conceivably receive thousands of applications. You won’t have to worry about being organized with an online application. All of the candidate information you receive via your form can be fed into a spreadsheet or other database solution—which makes it easier to organize data and compare candidates.
Notify hiring managers when applications are received
You’ve got your recruiting and hiring processes optimized. Keep the efficiency flowing with automatic notifications. Your hiring manager or other HR professional will appreciate alerts letting them know when your company has received new online job applications.
Creating an online job application form
Wondering where to start? It’s simple to create an online job application form. Just remember these tips for the best experience for your candidates and your company.
Ask for all necessary information
Avoid having to reach out to candidates for the information you need to properly assess if they’re a fit for the job and company. Make sure to ask for:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Address
- Contact information
- LinkedIn profile link
- Referral information
- Education
- Employment history
- Skills and certifications
- First date available to work
- References
Request any other information you may need to decide whether the candidate is viable and should proceed with the next steps in the hiring process.
Ask questions beyond the resume
Your candidates may have amazing resumes and CVs, but sometimes you need to know more about them before advancing them to the next steps. Will they be a good fit for your company culture? Do they have any skills that set them apart from other candidates?
An online form allows you to ask questions that give you a broader look at each applicant, such as:
- Why do you want to work for our company?
- Why did you leave your last job?
- What are you looking for in terms of salary?
- What skills do you have that make you the best candidate for this position?
- What are some key motivators that inspire you to perform your best at work?
Give applicants the ability to upload documents
There are times when you need to verify information or simply require documentation outside of what’s requested in your actual online application. An upload function is a necessity for obtaining those documents.
Your applicants can be asked to upload their resumes, work samples, diplomas, certifications, or other documents as part of the hiring process. With SurveyMonkey, we make it easy for candidates to upload their documents directly within the job application.
Use skip logic for more personalized applications
Tailor your job application with skip logic to streamline the application experience. Skip logic works by changing the next question an applicant sees based on their answer to the current question.
Examples of split logic in an online application:
- If a candidate indicates that they are currently a student, you can use skip logic to show a field for the expected graduation date next.
- If a candidate indicates that they were referred by a current employee, skip logic can present a field for the name of the employee.
- If an applicant is asked if they have a particular certification and they answer “no,” the application form would skip the question that asks for the certificate number.
Confirm application when complete
Facilitate the best possible candidate experience with a confirmation message upon application submission. We suggest an on-screen confirmation when the candidate submits their form, followed by an email confirmation with information about the next steps.
Confirmation gives the applicant peace of mind that their application has been received and serves to inform them of what to expect.
Using online application form templates
SurveyMonkey offers a job application form template that makes it easy to create your own form. Leverage the existing template questions to save time on coming up with them on your own.
Our templates are all completely customizable. Add your company logo and other brand assets to give your form a look that is aligned with your branding. Customize existing and add new questions to gather the specific information you need. Make the template uniquely your own.
Make the move to online job application forms today!
Create online job application forms with SurveyMonkey to enhance both your candidate and hiring team experience. Find out how easy it is and get started now.
Sign up for a SurveyMonkey account today, or choose the forms plan that’s best for you. Our plans allow you to create an unlimited number of forms, embed forms on your website and much more.