Transcript JOB APPLICATION DOS AND DON’TS

JOB APPLICATION
DOS AND DON’TS
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FILLING OUT 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. Should you request a specific salary.
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 proofread with a partner?
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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
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ARRIVE PREPARED WITH
WHAT YOU WILL NEED
Black pens (have extras) not pencils
Pocket Dictionary or
Smartphone with
a dictionary app
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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
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COMPLETE THE
APPLICATION
THOROUGHLY & NEATLY
Print clearly – do not be in a rush
Think about your answers before
you write them in
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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.
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ANSWER TRUTHFULLY, BUT
DON’T PROVIDE NEGATIVE
INFORMATION
Turn “negatives” into “positives”
(such as “job ended” instead of “got
fired”)
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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TWO FINAL THINGS:
If using a computer, use spell check.
Sign and date your application.
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ANY QUESTIONS
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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 common to skip filling out an application
and say - see attached resume?
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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.
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