1. Application Forms

2.  Has anyone ever filled out an Employment Application Form?  Did you feel that you were fully prepared?  Were there any questions on the Application Form that you were unable, or unwilling, to answer? Discussion:

3. Application Forms What information should you be aware of BEFORE you fill out the application or submit your resume?  Job responsibilities  Job hours  Required skills  Required education  Required experience  Whether an application is necessary  Closing deadline if you have to send in a resume

4. Application Forms Many employers required that all Employment Applications Forms be filled out personally by the job applicant on the business premises.  Why would they ask you to do this? Wouldn’t it be easier for you to fill out the application at home? Discussion:

5.  What potential signals are you sending to your prospective employer if you have to ask for a pen to fill out the application, or if you need to ask for 2 or 3 more applications because you keep making mistakes? Application Forms

6. Discussion:  Besides the information contained on the application form, what else can the employer learn about you based on how you complete the form? Remember, you must assume that you are constantly being observed, and assessed, from the moment you enter the company’s premises!

7. Filling Out Application Forms Be Prepared! What do you need?  Pen, spare paper (for rough notes)  References (their name, position, company, address, phone)  Social Insurance Number (SIN) card – you don’t legally have to provide them your SIN number until after you are hired.  Health Card number (depending on the job)  Dates available  Days/hours available (for some kinds of work)  Emergency contact information

8. References References help the employer make a final hiring decision. Who can they be?  Teachers, Coaches, Volunteer Supervisors, Previous Employers, etc. Wise ideas:  Keep at least 3 references current.  Get permission first!  Do not use relatives or close, personal friends.

9. Employers are prohibited from asking certain questions on job application forms or during interviews. Federal and Provincial human rights legislation prohibit questions relating to: Exact age Citizenship Colour Gender Marital status Race Religious beliefs Human Rights

10. These questions are prohibited in order to prevent discrimination on the basis of these factors. Note: After you are hired, of course, your employer will need to know some of this information to fill out Benefits Forms, Emergency Contact Forms, etc. Human Rights

11. Application Form Questions They are NOT allowed to ask: What country were you born in? How old are you? They CAN ask: Are you legally allowed to work in Canada? Are you between the ages of 18 and 65?  Specific questions must be linked to competencies required for the job.  For example, “Do you have a valid driver’s license?” should only be asked if you need to be able to operate a motor vehicle as part of the job.

12. Finding a “Good Fit”  A good fit for a potential employee and a prospective employer is necessary  Starbucks vs Tim Hortons