Mastering Job Applications | Efficient Tips for Success

1. Job Applications

2. Come Prepared • Need information to fill out • Social security number • Driver’s license • Address and phone numbers • Previous employers • References • Starting/ending dates and salaries for previous jobs

3. Follow Instructions • Read through entire application before writing • Make photocopy to have a blank if you make a mistake

4. Be Neat • Neatness and legibility count • Type it, if possible • Use only blue or black ink • Use white-out to correct errors • Don’t bend, fold, or tear form

5. Don’t Leave Blanks • Make it look complete • Write N\A (not applicable) in blanks that do not apply to you • Do not write “See Resume” • Can attach a resume, but fill out information on application as well

6. Be Honest • Lying will lose you the job • You don’t have to tell the whole truth • If you were fired, be positive about the experience • Some experts recommend writing “job ended” as the reason for leaving.

7. Do not request salary • Appropriate place for salary negotiations is AFTER you are offered the job • Always write “negotiable” or “open” • Employers use this as a screening tool • Don’t offer too much info too soon.

8. Provide References • Ask people to be a reference first • Choose people for character and professional references • Relatives are not typically accepted • Provide person’s name, phone number, and title (relation to you)

9. Proofread • Typos and misspellings tell the employer that you are lazy, stupid, or both. • Take your time!