job application

Meanings

1. 1nouncountable

   A formal request for a job, usually made by sending a form, letter, or online form.

   Grammar: Countable: you can say 'a job application' or 'job applications'.

   Patterns

   • submit a job application
   • fill out a job application
   • a job application for something

   She sent her job application to the hospital last week.

   Please complete the job application online before Friday.

   His job application was successful, and he starts on Monday.

2. 2nouncountable

   The document itself, such as a form or set of papers, that you fill in to apply for a job.

   Grammar: Often used with 'on': 'on the job application'.

   Patterns

   • on a job application
   • a job application form

   Write your previous experience clearly on the job application.

   I made a mistake on my job application and had to correct it.

   The job application asks for two references.

Word forms

Common combinations

submit a job application

You must submit your job application by midnight.

fill out a job application

He filled out a job application at the supermarket.

job application form

The job application form is available on the website.

online job application

Most companies now use an online job application.

Synonyms and how they differ

application

Shorter and often used when the context already makes clear it is for a job; 'job application' is more specific.

résumé

This is a summary of your education and work history, not the whole request; a job application may include a résumé.

CV

Similar to résumé but common in British English; it is one part of a job application.

Word family

apply verb

To make a formal request for a job: 'apply for a job'.

applicant noun

A person who applies for a job.

Commonly confused: job application or application form?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “job application”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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