How to Fill Out a Job Application

See also: Skills | Traits

TIPS FOR FILLING OUT AN APPLICATION

Make sure you have all of your information together:

• Company names, past supervisors, references, addresses of past employers, references, schools
  *The application may ask for the location and that is the same as address.
• Complete address or locations means all information as if you were mailing a piece of mail to someone, city and zip codes.
• Dates employment, school or training, how many years you may have done sports, volunteering, etc.

Always complete an application in pen.

Neatness and completeness is the first impression when looking at an application
* If you have messy penmanship, have a friend who has good writing fill out the application for you.

Remember you are trying to screen yourself "in" for an interview not "out."

• Show your flexibility on the hours you can work, days available and start date. If you only put down your available to work 2 days a week, you're screening yourself "out" of a possibility to work. Most likely your application will be put aside, and you don't want to waste your precious time filling out applications that won't even be considered.

RED LIGHT ANSWERS: Avoid these responses, they reflect negatively on you!

• Fired
• Forced resignation
• Terminated
• Personality conflict
• Failure to receive promised salary
• Insufficient salary
• Better benefits
• Retirement
• Job misrepresented
• Resigned
• Tardiness/ late to work
• Mutual separation
• Dissatisfaction with employer or job
• Could not do the job
• Did not get along with co-workers or supervisor

YELLOW OR GREEN LIGHT ANSWERS: Be prepared to explain or discuss.

• Reorganization or Merger
• Better Opportunity
• Laid-off due to lack of work
• Returned to school
• Career change or Career growth
• Relocated
• Travel and broaden education
• Contract ended
• Reduction in force
• Temporary position
• Change of management
• Seasonal position
• Professional growth
• Job completed
• Raised a family