1 JOB APPLICATION DOS AND DON ’ TS ERWC Career Unit

2 APPLICATIONS PRETEST 1.Is it ok to leave blank spaces on a job application? 2.Should you use white-out on a job application? 3.Is requesting a specific salary necessary? 4.Does information have to be consistent with your resume? 5.If unsure of an answer, it is ok to be vague? 6.Is it cheating if you have a partner proofread the application for you?

3 ARRIVE PREPARED Resume, social security card, driver’s license, etc. Names & addresses of previous employers, as well as starting dates & salary information Names, addresses & phone number of references (put cheat sheet in your phone)

4 ARRIVE PREPARED WITH WHAT YOU WILL NEED Black pens (have extras) Pocket Dictionary (get an app for your phone)

5 READ AND FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY Review the entire application before you begin: look for tricky questions and space/size issues Be sure to write your answers on the correct lines and in the right spaces

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

7 COMPLETE THE APPLICATION AS THOROUGHLY & NEATLY AS POSSIBLE Don’t indicate specific salary requirements Keep your information consistent with your resume

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

9 DON’T DON'T leave blank spaces. DON'T be unclear. If the question calls for a specific answer, don't try to dodge it by being vague

10 DON’T DON'T use white-out. 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 cursive. Print.

11 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

12 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

13 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 (…it’s not about you; it’s about the company…some companies see teenagers as cheap disposable labor)

14 ONE FINAL THING: If using a computer, be sure to use spell check

15 ANY QUESTIONS Review the main points with your quad group. You will have a test on applications and resumes this week.

16 POST TEST 1.What items would you bring with you when filling out a job application? 2.Can you use white-out on a job application? 3.Is it wise to have some one other than yourself look over an application? 4.Should you make a copy of applications that you fill out? 5.Is it okay to skip filling out parts of an application and say - see attached resume?

17 Assignment I will be handing out an application for you to practice using – Please fill it out and return it to me in tomorrow’s class. This application will be used as model for class discussion. Please use fake personal information: fake cell #, fake home address, fake social security #. Use real work experience, volunteer experience, etc.