Why Good Forms Help the Right Candidates Shine
We’ve all been told to keep application forms short. Remove friction. Get more candidates through the door.
But more isn’t always better – especially if it means more noise, more screening time, and more people who were never serious to begin with.
Sometimes, a well-designed form isn’t a barrier – it’s a filter.
Here’s how to rethink application forms as a way to attract commitment, not just clicks.
1. Ask better questions, not just more of them
A longer form isn’t better by default. But asking meaningful, thoughtful questions signals that you take hiring seriously – and that you’re looking for candidates who do the same.
Examples:
What excites you about this role?
What would success look like for you in your first six months?
Tell us one thing you’ve learned from a setback.
These aren’t designed to catch people out – they’re there to surface alignment, intention, and thought.
Venn’s platform supports this with flexible form fields and role-based templates, so hiring teams can tailor the process based on seniority, skillset or strategic importance.
2. Make time an indicator, not a deterrent
Yes, a longer form may reduce volume. But what you lose in numbers, you often gain in fit.
Candidates who are genuinely interested will make the effort – particularly if your messaging, EVP and culture content give them good reason to.
The right form says:
"We respect your time – and we’re serious about this hire. If you are too, we’d love to hear from you."
3. Use the form to reinforce what matters most
Your questions can do more than filter – they can reinforce your values.
If collaboration is key, ask about how candidates have worked in teams. If growth matters, ask about learning. If culture fit is critical, include a values check.
Fernly supports clients in defining what those values are – and how to reflect them in tone, structure and messaging. That way, even the application process starts to feel like a cultural fit exercise.
4. Let the cream rise - and show your process has integrity
Candidates know when they’re being rushed. And they know when they’re being taken seriously.
A thoughtful, well-structured application process – supported by a clear EVP, honest messaging, and a user-friendly platform – builds trust from the start.
Venn’s platform enables just that: structured workflows, flexible content blocks, and a seamless candidate experience that doesn’t cut corners.
Final thought
Short forms may fill pipelines.
But smart forms build teams.
If you want commitment, ask for it – thoughtfully, respectfully, and with purpose.
The people you want to hire won’t be put off. In fact, they’ll probably thank you for it.
This blog is part of a nine-part series designed to help employers attract, engage and convert better talent.
If you'd like support applying these ideas, you can enquire directly about our core package – and build from there. That might include strategy, content, or even video and photography through our creative partners.
