Filling Out a Job Application Business Communications

Filling out a Job Application Job Application – A form, provided by an employer, that a person seeking employment must fill out to apply for a job. Example: 06/28/2010

Purpose of Applications To obtain information about you Name Phone Number Address Employment To test your literacy, penmanship, and communication skills. A careless applicant might be disqualified because of a sloppy application May require the disclosure of a criminal record. May ask for information for a background check. Education References Other Skills

Education Specify formal education from colleges/universities and high school Specify licenses or certificates earned Use reverse chronological order (most recent first)

Previous Employment Specify previous employers, job titles, and responsibilities Use reverse chronological order (most recent first)

Application References List people that know you, or who have known you for a while, people who can tell a potential employer about your skills and work habits. Include contact information for your references. Ask the people first if you can use them as a reference on applications/resumes

Helpful Hints Read the instructions first. Use black ink or type Read carefully whether to write your first or last name first Make sure to fill in all blanks. If some information isn’t relevant put – NA (not applicable) When asked about salary, put open or negotiable Include your contact information. (phone number, email address, etc.) Always pick up two applications Before you write, read the entire application.

Top 10 Mistakes Incomplete information Misspelled words Unanswered Questions Incomplete work history Late – miss the deadline Forgetting to sign Misspelled words Crossed out writing Failure to print Wrinkled application Folded application