Job Application Form PDF: Free Downloads & Filling Guide
Need a job application form? Whether you're an employer looking for templates or a job seeker filling one out, this guide covers everything—where to get free PDFs and how to complete them correctly.
Free Job Application PDF Templates
These sites offer free, legitimate job application forms:
General Employment Forms
eForms (eforms.com/employee/application/) Two free job application templates in PDF and Word. Clean, professional format. No signup required for basic download.
Legal Templates (legaltemplates.net/form/employee/job-application/) Customizable job application form. PDF and Word formats. Includes sections for work history, education, and references.
Jotform (jotform.com/pdf-templates/employment-application) 30+ free employment application PDF templates. Various styles from simple to detailed. Online fillable and downloadable.
Handypdf (handypdf.com/cat/job-application-form) Fillable and printable job application forms. Multiple templates available for different industries.
PDFRun (pdfrun.com/form/job-application) Standard job application template with sections for personal info, work history, and background information.
Industry-Specific Templates
Restaurant applications — Food service positions often need availability schedules and food handling certification info.
Retail applications — Include customer service questions and flexible scheduling sections.
Warehouse/Labor applications — Focus on physical requirements and equipment certifications.
Office positions — Emphasize computer skills and software proficiency.
Search the sites above with your industry keyword to find specialized templates.
Standard Job Application Sections
Most job application PDFs include these sections:
Personal Information
- Full legal name
- Current address
- Phone number and email
- Social Security Number (for background checks)
- Work eligibility status (US citizen, visa holder, etc.)
Position Information
- Position applying for
- Desired salary or wage
- Available start date
- Full-time, part-time, or seasonal preference
- Hours/days available to work
Education History
- High school (name, location, graduation date)
- College/university (degree, major, graduation date)
- Vocational training or certifications
- Relevant coursework
Employment History
- Previous employers (typically 3-5 positions)
- Job titles and responsibilities
- Dates of employment
- Supervisor names and contact info
- Reasons for leaving
- Permission to contact
References
- 2-3 professional references
- Names, relationships, and contact information
- Not family members
Background Questions
- Felony conviction disclosure (varies by state)
- Previous terminations
- Drug testing consent
- Availability for overtime/travel
Certification
- Signature confirming information accuracy
- Date of application
How to Fill Out a Job Application PDF
If the PDF Is Fillable
- Download the form (don't fill in-browser for best results)
- Open in Adobe Acrobat Reader (free)
- Click each field and type your information
- Tab to move between fields
- Add signature using Fill & Sign
- Save before closing
If the PDF Isn't Fillable
Many job applications are flat PDFs without form fields:
Adobe Fill & Sign:
- Open in Adobe Acrobat Reader
- Click Fill & Sign in the right panel
- Click anywhere to add text
- Position text in each field area
- Add your signature
- Save
Online Tools: Upload to Smallpdf, iLovePDF, or PDFgear. Add text and signature, then download.
AutoFillPDF: Upload the job application, provide your information once, and let AI place text accurately—even on non-fillable forms.
Information to Prepare Before Applying
Gather this before starting any job application:
Contact Information
- Current address (including apartment number)
- Phone number you check regularly
- Professional email address (firstname.lastname@email.com)
Employment History (Last 3-5 Jobs)
For each position:
- Company name and full address
- Your job title
- Start and end dates (month/year)
- Supervisor's name and phone number
- Duties and responsibilities
- Reason for leaving
- Starting and ending salary
Pro tip: Create a master document with all this information. Copy and paste into each application.
Education Details
- School names and addresses
- Dates attended
- Degrees or certifications earned
- GPA (if requested and above 3.0)
References
- Contact 2-3 people before listing them
- Get their current phone numbers and email addresses
- Confirm they'll give positive references
- Choose former supervisors or colleagues when possible
Tips for Completing Job Applications
Read the entire application first. Understand what information you'll need before starting.
Follow instructions exactly. If it says "last 5 years of employment," include all jobs from that period—even short ones.
Never leave fields blank. Write "N/A" (not applicable) if a question doesn't apply to you. Blank fields look like you skipped them.
Be honest. Employment verification is common. Discrepancies can disqualify you or lead to termination later.
Use "open" for desired salary. Unless forced to provide a number, keeping it open leaves room for negotiation.
Explain employment gaps. Brief gaps are fine. Longer gaps should have brief explanations (school, family care, etc.).
Proofread before submitting. Spelling errors and typos suggest carelessness.
Keep copies. Save filled applications for reference during interviews.
Common Job Application Mistakes
Using an unprofessional email Create a simple email with your name. Avoid nicknames, numbers, or inappropriate words.
Inconsistent dates Make sure employment and education dates don't overlap impossibly. Review your LinkedIn to ensure consistency.
Vague job descriptions Don't just list job titles. Include specific responsibilities and achievements.
Wrong contact information Triple-check phone numbers and emails. One wrong digit means no callback.
Forgetting to sign Unsigned applications are often rejected. Digital signatures are usually acceptable.
Negative reasons for leaving "Fired" or "conflict with manager" raises red flags. Use neutral language like "seeking new opportunities" or "position eliminated."
Filling Multiple Job Applications
Job searching often means filling the same information into dozens of applications. This is tedious and error-prone.
Time-saving strategies:
- Create a master document — Store all your information in one place for copy/paste
- Use PDF form filler tools — AutoFillPDF can fill multiple applications using saved data
- Save completed applications — Reuse information from previous applications
- Track what you've submitted — Maintain a spreadsheet with companies, dates, and status
Job Application PDFs vs. Online Applications
Many employers now use online application systems (Workday, ADP, Greenhouse). PDF applications are still common for:
- Small businesses
- Local employers
- In-person applications
- Government positions
- Union jobs
The information required is similar regardless of format. Having your details organized makes either process faster.
Fill Any Job Application with AutoFillPDF
Stop typing the same information into every job application. AutoFillPDF handles:
- Any PDF format — Fillable, flat, or scanned forms
- Accurate placement — AI detects fields and positions text correctly
- Multiple applications — Enter your info once, fill unlimited forms
- Signatures included — Add your signature automatically
Upload your job application PDF, provide your details, and download a completed form ready to submit.
Try it free: AutoFillPDF
Related Guides
FAQs
Where can I get a free job application PDF? eForms, Legal Templates, Jotform, and Handypdf offer free job application templates in PDF and Word formats. Most don't require signup for basic downloads.
How do I fill out a job application PDF on my computer? If fillable, open in Adobe Acrobat Reader and click fields to type. If not fillable, use Adobe's Fill & Sign feature or an online tool like PDFgear. AutoFillPDF can fill any job application automatically.
What should I put for "reason for leaving" on a job application? Use neutral, professional language: "seeking growth opportunities," "company restructuring," "relocation," or "returned to school." Avoid negative statements about former employers.
Can I use "N/A" on a job application? Yes. "N/A" (not applicable) is better than leaving fields blank. It shows you read the question and it doesn't apply to your situation.
Should I include all jobs on a job application? Generally, include jobs relevant to the position and those from the timeframe requested (usually 5-10 years). Very short positions or irrelevant jobs can be omitted, but be prepared to explain any gaps.
How do I fill multiple job applications quickly? Create a master document with all your employment history, education, and references. Use this for copy/paste into each application. For PDF forms specifically, AutoFillPDF can fill multiple applications from your saved profile.