The problem with Google Forms for hiring
Google Forms is a quick way to build an application form, but its File upload question requires every applicant to sign in to a Google Account (Google Help). Many candidates don't have one, or are browsing on a device where they're signed in with someone else's.
A ready-made application form
Suggested setup
- Questions
- Full name · Email · Phone · Role applied for (dropdown) · Upload your CV (Short answer → upload) · Cover letter (Short answer → upload, optional)
- Allowed file types
.pdf,.doc,.docx- Files per question
- 1
- Folder name
{Role applied for} – {Full name} – {date}- File name
{Full name} – {question}
Result: each application lands in its own folder such as Product Designer – Thandi Smith – 2026-10-19, with Thandi Smith – Upload your CV.pdf inside. The answers and Drive links appear in your form's linked Sheet, so you can shortlist from one spreadsheet.
Tips for a better application form
- Limit file types to documents. It keeps submissions consistent and readable. Executable files are always blocked.
- Put the role in the folder name. When you hire for several roles from one form, sorting by folder name groups candidates automatically.
- Embed it on your careers page. Copy the two-line snippet from your dashboard; the form resizes itself to fit.
- Tell applicants how their data is used. CVs contain personal information. Add a short note to your form about who sees applications and how long you keep them, in line with the privacy law that applies to you (for example POPIA in South Africa or the GDPR in Europe).
On the Free plan you get 20 responses a month and files up to 25 MB each. Pro ($4/month billed yearly, or $6 month-to-month) removes the response limit and allows files up to 1 GB each. Files always count against your Google Drive storage – we don't store them. See pricing.