How to Fill Out a Job Application

Education and Training

list academic, vocational, and professional education and schools attended; be prepared to attach copies of certification or other documents; if your planning to attend college, write "Plan to attend XYZ College" and when

Job Application

a form of that ask questions about a job seeker's skills, work experience, and education

Resume

a summary of a job seeker's personal information that includes career objective, education, skills, work experience, recognitions, etc

Work Experience

always list the most recent employer fist give complete and accurate names, dates, addresses, phone numbers, job titles, dates of employment, etc; use your resume as a guide; make sure the information presented in the application agrees with the information in your resume; and explain gaps in your work history

Fill in the Blanks

answer all questions; fill in the blanks completely, accurately, and truthfully; when something doesn't apply to you, write N/A for non-applicable; check your answers for correct spelling, grammar, punctuation, completeness, and accuracy

Position

avoid the word "anything;" put a specific job down to show you're not desperate and that you have a goal

Reasons for Leaving

be careful when you give your reason for leaving a previous job, even if your previous boss was rude, you should never be negative; acceptable answers include "school conflict," "conflicting hours," "better opportunities for advancement," "lack of work," and " seasonal employment"

Salary Expected

employers may use this question to screen out applicants; it is best to give a salary range to respond with "negotiable;" use one of these responses even if you know the wage

Job Interview

formal meeting about a possible job between a job seeker and employer

Body Language

gestures, posture, and eye contact used to express yourself

Personal Information

if you don't have a phone, give a number where messages can be left for you

References

most employers will call references, but they may also request a written evaluation by mail; many employers can only tell dates worked and of they would re-hire you, therefore, you may want to use teachers, counselors, principals, coaches, ministers, etc as references but DON'T USE RELATIVES; be sure to ask for their permission and verify where they can be reached; provide complete and accuate information about 3, or more, people who can speak highly of you

Read Carefully

read the entire form carefully. Know what is being asked before filling out the form. Employers may use the application form to judge how well you follow instructions and how careful you may be as an employee

Last Details

sign your name and include the current date, check carefully that you have completed the application; once you fill out an application, it's a binding document; any misinformation could be grounds for termination; if your asked when can you begin work, be sure to allow enough time to give at least 2 weeks' notice to your current employer

Special Job-Related Skills

use action verbs to list your special job-related skills, training, licenses, and accomplishments; list the types of equipment/tools that you can use; this will make you stand out from the applicants; the job description can provide clues about important skills

Ink/Type

use blue or black ink or type the application; print clearly; no funky colors

Picking it Up

when you pick up or drop off an application, be prepared for an interview; you never know if they will have a few minutes and are in a hurry to hire someone; also, dress appropriately because even though you may not get an interview that day, the secretary or person who takes the application may be asked by the interviewer what they thought of you; first impressions are important; you only get one time to make it