Job Applications

Job Applications How to Complete a Job Application

Introduction • You may be asked to complete a job application even if you have already submitted a resume and cover letter • Employer has a record of your personal and employment history, verified and signed by the applicant • Important to be complete, correct (no errors) and accurate • Here is the information you will need to complete an application for employment and tips and suggestions for writing applications that make a great impression.

Overview • Greet the receptionist politely when requesting or submitting an application – the receptionist's impressions are often passed along • Be honest in your answers • Use blue or black ink pens – erasable pens are also helpful • Have all the information on hand that you might need to fill out an application • Print clearly and legibly • Fill out the form neatly and accurately

Overview • Apply for a specific position – not "anything," or "open" • Leave no blanks • Write "Does Not Apply" (or "N/A" for Not Applicable) in the space if the question does not apply to you • Explain lengthy gaps in your work history, for example, "attending school" • Read and check the application for completeness • Be sure to sign and date the application • Mail or turn the application into the correct person or place

Personal Information • Name • Address • City, State, Zip Code • Phone Number • E-Mail • Eligibility to Work in US • Felony convictions • If under age, working paper certificate

Position Applied For • Title of the job you are applying for • When you can start work • Hours/days available to work • Referred By • Have You Applied Here Before? • Are You Currently Employed? • May We Contact Your Current Employer?

Education • Up to Three Different • Names of Schools/Colleges Attended • Address (City & State) • Major • Did You Graduate • Graduation Dates • Degree/Diploma

Employment Information • Up to Three Different • Company Name • Address (City & State) • Supervisor Name • Phone Number • Position • Description of Duties • Start Date (MM/YYYY) • End Date (MM/YYYY) • Highest Salary • Why Did You Leave?

Military Service • Veteran? • Branch of Service • Start Date (MM/YYYY) • End Date (MM/YYYY)

References • List of three references • Name • Job title or relationship • Address • Phone number • Ask ahead of time if the person will give a great reference

Verification • Confirm that all facts are true • Signature implies permission to check • Sign & Date

Tips for Completing Job Applications • Complete all requested information • Don't leave anything blank • If you don't know the details, bring the application home and return it when it's completed • Write clearly and neatly • Use black or blue ink • Check for spelling and grammatical errors • Proofread your job application form before turning it in

Tips for Completing Job Applications • List your most recent job employment first • List your most recent education first • Include vocational schools and training programs as well as college and high school • References don't necessarily have to be professional • If you have volunteered you can use members of the organizations that you have helped • If you are a student use your teachers • In all cases, ask for permission prior to using the person for a reference • Don't forget to sign your application

Misteaks to Avoid • Not following directions • Misspelled words • Crossed out writing • Not printed • Wrinkled or messy application form • Incomplete information or unanswered questions • Not applying for a specific position • Incomplete work history, or large unexplained gaps in work history • Overlapping or conflicting employment dates with no explanation • Application not turned in by the deadline • Use of troublesome words, such as "quit" or "fired“ • Forgetting to sign the application

Summary • Complete • Correct • Accurate

Source • http://jobsearch.about.com/cs/jobapplications/a/jobapplication.htm • http://www.worksmart.ca.gov/tips_application.html

Job Applications