JOB APPLICATION DOS AND DON’TS

FILLING OUT APPLICATIONS PRETEST Is it ok to leave blank spaces on a job application? Should you use white-out on a job application? Should you request a specific salary. Does information have to be consistent with your resume? If unsure of an answer, it is ok to be vague? Is it cheating if you proofread with a partner?

What is a Job Application? A job application is an employment form that requests personal information about an individual. Purpose: Shows applicant is legally eligible for work Minor test of the applicant’s literacy, penmanship, and communication skills May require information for use in a background check Determine an applicant’s availability Usually will require a resume and cover letter in addition to the job application.

Application Sections Personal Information Name Address What about my Social Security Number? Not required unless hired or you are applying for a position that will be conducting a background check or security clearance. Type of employment desired Educational Background Employment History Relevant Skills School and Community Activities References

ARRIVE PREPARED WITH WHAT YOU WILL NEED Resume, driver’s license, etc. Names & addresses of previous employers, as well as starting dates & salary information Names, addresses & phone number of references

ARRIVE PREPARED WITH WHAT YOU WILL NEED Black pens (have extras) not pencils Pocket Dictionary or Smartphone with a dictionary app

READ AND FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY Review the entire application before you begin Be sure to write your answers on the correct lines and in the right spaces

COMPLETE THE APPLICATION THOROUGHLY & NEATLY Print clearly – do not be in a rush Think about your answers before you write them in

COMPLETE THE APPLICATION AS THOROUGHLY & NEATLY AS POSSIBLE Don’t indicate a specific salary, write “open” if the application asks you for an expected salary. Keep your information consistent with your resume.

ANSWER TRUTHFULLY, BUT DON’T PROVIDE NEGATIVE INFORMATION Turn “negatives” into “positives” (such as “job ended” instead of “got fired”)

Points to Consider Criminal Record: If you have one, ask to discuss it, not just write about it. Work History Laid off: Take credit for the job you had Fired: Ask to discuss it with the employer “Job Hunting” is a legitimate reason for an employment gap Job Hopping: If you’ve had more than 3 jobs in the past 5 years, have good reasons for leaving No work history? List community involvement! Bring your list of references with you to put on the application.

Illegal Information to ignore on a job application Height, weight Age, sex Marital status Size of your family Religion, politics Birthplace Race or national origin Handicaps Arrests or convictions Military discharge

Exceptions An employer may ask you an off-limits question if that topic has to do with your ability to do the job. Lifting requirements: physical handicaps can be asked about

DON’T DON'T leave blank spaces write N/A if the question does not apply. DON'T be unclear. If the question calls for a specific answer, don't try to dodge it by being vague

DON’T DON'T use correction fluid. If you type your application, use a correctable typewriter or liftoff strips to correct mistakes. Better yet, fill out your application online DON'T write in script.

DO DO make copies of applications, and practice filling one out before you complete the original DO type or neatly print your answers, and then proofread the applications and essays several times for accuracy. Also ask someone else to proofread with you.

DO DO make sure that everything that is supposed to be included is enclosed DO fill out your own applications. Type the information yourself to avoid crucial mistakes

DO DO start with the simple applications and then progress to the more complex ones DO describe how you can make a contribution to the companies to which you apply

TWO FINAL THINGS: If using a computer, use spell check. Sign and date your application.

ANY QUESTIONS

POST TEST What items would you bring with you when filling out a job application? Can you use white-out on a job application? Is it wise to have some one other than yourself look over an application? Should you make a copy of applications that you fill out? Is it common to skip filling out an application and say - see attached resume?

Assignment I will be handing out an application for you to practice with – Please fill it out and turn it in. This application will be used as a practice. Then we will complete a job application to keep in our career folder.