JOB APPLICATIONS
When you are completing an application form, follow these
suggestions:
Make sure all names are spelled correctly and all addresses,
telephone numbers and dates are correct. If you can't follow basic
instructions on an application form, an employer may think you can’t follow
instructions on the job.
A neat application says that you take pride in your
work. A sloppy application with lots of crossed out information says
you are a sloppy worker.
Print, do not write. Printing is much easier to
read. Use your best penmanship.
Avoid using words like "some" or "a little."
On work experience section, be sure to list job-related and
transferable skills. The information you put on your application
form needs to be relevant to the job you seek. If there is a section
for additional information and skills, be sure to include something there.
If a question does not apply to you, write
N/A. Also, be thorough. Do not use
abbreviations. Be sure to state position for which you are
applying. If asked for a salary – state a salary
range. Do your homework so you will know the salary range and
skills for the position in that geographic location.
Use a black pen, maybe a blue pen, not a red, green or purple
pen! Never use pencil.
Friends and relatives – Many applications ask if you
have any friends or relatives who work for the company. Choose your
friends carefully. Who we have as friends could cause a potential
employer to form a certain impression of us. What type of an
impression will that be – negative or positive? If your friend is a hard
worker, you might mention his or her name. The manager may guess that, like
your friend, you are a hard worker. But, if your friend is a lazy
worker, do not mention his or her name – the manager may guess, that like your
friend, you are lazy.
Criminal record – In most states it is illegal to ask about
arrests. However, that is usually not the case if you have been
convicted. A felony conviction definitely can be a roadblock to
employment, but you must be honest on an application form. Some
employers are willing to give ex-offenders a second chance. Be
prepared to explain what happened, what you have learned from it and how you
have tried to make amends for your mistake. You do want to be able
to communicate that you have learned from your mistakes and will not make the
same mistake again!
Education – Do not exaggerate about educational
accomplishments. If you are working towards a degree, be sure to
state when you will complete it. If you do not currently have a
degree, do not state this in a way that makes it look like you already possess
that degree. Misrepresenting yourself would be a good reason to not
offer you a position – or to let you go from a position.
Lay-offs – If you were laid-off due to a business closing, downsizing,
merger, don't be embarrassed. There are tens of thousands of people
in that situation. Try to keep a positive attitude and do not say
anything negative about that employer on the application form (or anywhere else
in your job search).
Fired – If you were fired from your last job, don't feel
hopeless. There are many reasons for losing a job. Just
be careful not to say anything negative about a former boss or place of
employment. That will not get you anywhere! And again, if you made a
mistake that caused you to lose your job, make sure you learn from that so you
do not repeat that same mistake.
Job Hopping – Job-hopping is when you switch jobs often. If
you are a student or recent graduate, employers will probably expect you to
have had a few part-time or summer jobs as you work your way through
school. Otherwise, employers are not fond of job
hoppers. If you have had more than three jobs in the last five
years, you should have a good reason. Layoffs, health, relocation or
career exploration might be acceptable reasons.
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