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How to Make an Online Application Form Google Simple Step-by-Step Guide

Creating an online application form with Google Forms simplifies data collection and streamlines processes for various purposes. Google Forms offers a user-friendly platform to design custom forms for job applications, event registrations, surveys, and more. Users can create professional-looking forms quickly by selecting from a range of question types, customizing layouts, and adding branding elements.

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A computer screen displaying a web browser open to Google's homepage. The cursor hovers over the "More" option in the top right corner, revealing a drop-down menu with the "Forms" option highlighted

Google Forms provides flexibility in form design, allowing creators to tailor questions to their specific needs. The platform supports multiple question formats including short answer, multiple choice, checkboxes, and file uploads. This versatility enables organizations to gather comprehensive information from applicants efficiently.

One notable advantage of using Google Forms for online applications is its seamless integration with other Google Workspace tools. Responses can be automatically collected in Google Sheets for easy analysis and collaboration. Additionally, AI-powered features in Google Forms can suggest question types and help optimize form structure for better user experience.

Creating an Online Application Form with Google Forms

A computer screen displaying a Google Forms page with various input fields and a submit button

Google Forms provides a user-friendly platform for creating online application forms. This versatile tool offers customizable templates, various question types, and design options to streamline the recruitment process.

Setting Up a New Form

To begin, navigate to Google Forms and click “Start a new form” or select a template from the gallery. Give your form a clear title like “Job Application Form” and add a brief description outlining the position and application instructions. Customize the theme to match your company branding by selecting colors and fonts that align with your visual identity.

Enable the collection of email addresses in the settings to verify applicant identities. Consider activating the progress bar feature to help applicants track their completion status. Organize your form into logical sections such as “Personal Information,” “Education,” and “Work Experience” to improve navigation and readability.

Designing the Form Structure

Structure your application form to gather essential candidate information efficiently. Start with basic details like name, contact information, and current employment status. Include sections for education history, work experience, and skills relevant to the position.

Use a mix of question types to capture diverse data. Short answer fields work well for names and brief responses. Paragraph fields allow applicants to provide detailed information about their experience. Multiple choice questions are ideal for preset options like education levels or language proficiency.

Add a file upload option for resumes and cover letters. Include a linear scale question to assess applicants’ proficiency in specific skills. Consider using a multiple-choice grid to efficiently gather information about availability or willingness to relocate.

Advanced Question Types

Leverage advanced question types to collect more nuanced information. Use checkbox grids for skills assessments, allowing applicants to indicate proficiency levels across multiple areas. Implement conditional logic to show or hide questions based on previous responses, creating a dynamic form that adapts to each applicant’s profile.

Include a section for references using short answer fields. Add a linear scale question to gauge applicants’ interest in specific aspects of the role. Utilize the “date” question type for important dates such as availability to start work. Consider adding a multiple-choice grid for applicants to rate their experience with relevant software or tools.

For creative positions, incorporate a file upload question to allow submission of portfolios or work samples. Formifyr can enhance form functionality by offering additional customization options and advanced data analysis features for a more comprehensive application process.

Customizing and Publishing the Form

A person customizes an online application form on a computer, then clicks a "publish" button

Google Forms offers robust customization options and multiple ways to distribute your online application form. These features allow you to create a tailored experience for applicants while efficiently managing responses.

Personalizing the Application Experience

Google Forms provides various design elements to enhance the visual appeal of your application. Select a theme that aligns with your brand or choose a custom color palette. Add your company logo to reinforce brand identity. Use section breaks to organize questions logically, grouping related items like personal information, work experience, and qualifications.

Incorporate different question types such as multiple-choice, dropdown menus, and file uploads to collect diverse applicant information. For a more engaging experience, include images or videos to showcase company culture or job-specific details. Enable page branching to create conditional paths based on applicant responses, streamlining the process for different positions or experience levels.

Collecting and Managing Responses

Set up response collection to suit your hiring process. Choose between collecting responses in a Google Sheets spreadsheet or within the form itself. Enable email notifications to receive alerts when new applications are submitted. Use the summary view to quickly assess overall application trends and statistics.

For data security, activate settings to require applicants to sign in with a Google account. This helps verify identities and prevents duplicate submissions. Set response limits if you have a cap on the number of applications you’re accepting. Utilize Google Forms’ collaboration features to share access with hiring team members, allowing for efficient review and feedback on applications.

Alternative Distribution Methods

Beyond sharing a direct link, Google Forms offers several ways to distribute your application form. Embed the form on your company website or career page for seamless integration with your existing online presence. Generate a QR code for the form, useful for in-person recruiting events or print materials.

For targeted outreach, use Google Forms’ email invitation feature to send personalized links to potential candidates. This method allows you to track who has responded and send reminders if needed. Consider using URL parameters to pre-fill certain fields, streamlining the process for applicants referred from specific sources. These distribution methods enhance accessibility and can help attract a diverse pool of qualified candidates.