Job Application Forms
What is a Job Application?
It is often the initial ‟get-to-know-you‟ tool which, like a resume, will result in you getting or not getting an interview. Like a resume it is a record of your past work history and summarizes your skills, training, and education. Unlike a resume, you are „stuck‟ with the form you‟re given and it may not showcase your suitability for the position as deliberately as a well-constructed resume will.
Why complete a Job Application?
Job Application Forms are required by most employers, even if you have already given them a resume and maybe even if they have hired you before you fill one out. It gives them a record of your work and personal history, verified and signed by you. Fill out a sample application and take it with you when you apply for jobs so that you can carefully and efficiently transfer your information onto the employer‟s application form and the information will be consistent and accurate each time.
What should an application include?
Your completed application should include truthful answers to each and every question asked on the form. Do not leave blank fields. Place „N/A‟ (does not apply to me) or a slash mark on the line to show that you have read through the entire application and have good attention to detail. Job Applications are legal documents. Do not falsify (lie on) a Job Application, as it is grounds for termination. Be prepared to list your: Personal Information: name(s), address, phone, SSN Employment History/Military: past twenty years, begin with most current Education/Training: school, years attended, degree earned References
TIPS FOR COMPLETING A JOB APPLICATION
1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) Fill out a generic sample application and take it with you. Follow the written instructions at the top of the application. Print. Use a black erasable ink pen. If you make mistakes that are not cleanly correctable, ask for a new application and start over. Take your time. If possible, ask to take the application home to fill out. When asked what position you are applying for, list one or more. Do not write “ANY”. On your sample application record the current contact information for your past employers as well as your references. Use the internet, phonebooks or other sources for correct information. Enter a response for each question. If is does not apply to you, write N/A or put a line through it. Answer questions truthfully and completely. Be specific about your job duties and relate them to the job you‟re applying for.
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10) If asked why you left a specific job, stay positive and non-blaming. „Will explain at interview‟ can cover an awkward cause for termination. 11) For questions about expected pay, state „negotiable‟ or state a wage range if you are willing to accept that when offered. 12) If asked for your wage history, you must provide it. Then look for an „Additional Information‟ section on the application to explain why you are willing to accept a lower wage if that applies to you. 13) Read your completed application carefully to check for blanks and errors in spelling/grammar. Read it as though you are doing the hiring. 14) Ask for the business card or the name and contact information for the person who takes your application. Determine what comes next in their hiring process, and how your application will be kept on file for possible review.
ONLINE APPLICATIONS
As part of THEIR process, many employers will want you to fill out an online application instead of, or in addition to, the paper version. Do it! Completing an online application will get you into the employer‟s system faster, eliminate excess paper tracking and perhaps, get you a quicker response. Do not be surprised if you visit with an employer in person, such as at a Job Fair, and they refer you to their website to apply.
ILLEGAL QUESTIONS
The law is set up to protect you. Applications are not supposed to contain questions related to: age, sex, race, religious preference, handicaps, and other personal information unless it directly impacts the job, for example, modeling gender specific clothing. Some outdated applications may contain questions related to those protected classes and the applicant can opt to put a line through the answer field or state on the application that you „prefer to complete that information after the interview‟.