COMPLETING A JOB APPLICATION
https://www.livecareer.com/quintessential/job-applications
Many employers use applications as a way of standardizing the information they obtain from all jobseekers, including some things that you would not normally put on your resume. Your goal is to
complete the application as completely and honestly as you can all the time remembering that the
application is a key marketing tool for you in the job-hunting process. Some employers will use your
application as a basis for deciding whether to call you for an interview.
Ins and outs for successfully completing job applications
Arrive prepared with the information you need. Be sure to bring your resume, social security card,
drivers license, etc. You probably will also need addresses and phone numbers of previous
employers, as well as starting and ending salaries for each previous job. Its always better if have too
much information than not enough.
Read and follow instructions carefully. Always take a few minutes to review the entire application.
Some applications ask for information differently and all have specific spaces in which you are
expected to answer questions. Think of the application as your first test in following instructions.
Complete the application as neatly as possible. Remember how important handwriting was in
school? Neatness and legibility count; the application is a reflection of you. Consider typing it if you
have access to a typewriter. If completing it by hand, be sure to use only a blue or black pen.
Dont fold, bend, or otherwise mar the application.
Tailor your answers to the job you are seeking. Just as with your resume and cover letter, you
want to focus your education and experience to the job at hand. Give details of skills and
accomplishments, and avoid framing your experiences in terms of mere duties and responsibilities.
Show why you are more qualified than other applicants for the position. Include experience
from all sources, including previous jobs, school, clubs and organizations, and volunteer work.
Dont leave any blanks. One of the reasons employers have you complete an application is because
they want the same information from all job applicants. However, if there are questions that do not
apply to you, simply respond with not applicable, or n/a. Do not write see resume when
completing the application (but you can certainly attach your resume to the application).
Dont provide any negative information. As with any job search correspondence, never offer
negative information. Your goal with the application is to get an interview. Providing negative
information (such as being fired from a job) just gives the employer a reason not to interview you.
Always answer questions truthfully. The fastest way for an application to hit the trash can is to
have a lie on it, but that doesnt mean you need to give complete answers either. For example, many
applications ask your reason for leaving your last job. If you were fired or downsized, you should try to
be as positive as possible and leave longer explanations for the interview; some experts recommend
writing job ended as the reason you left your last job.
Do not put specific salary requirements. It is way too early in the job-seeking process to allow
yourself to be identified by a specific salary request. You dont want to give employers too much
information too soon. In addition, employers often use this question as a screening device and you
dont want to be eliminated from consideration based on your answer. Its best to say open or
negotiable.
Provide references. Employers want to see that there are people who will provide objective
information about you to them. Pick your references carefully and make sure you ask if they are
willing to be a reference for you before you list them. Where do you get references? From past
employers, to teachers, to family friends. Most young job-seekers have a mix of professional and
character references, while more experienced job-seekers focus on professional references who can
speak of your skills and accomplishments.
Keep your application consistent with your resume. Make sure all dates, names, titles, etc., on
your application coincide with the information on your resume. Dont worry if the application is based
on chronological employment while you have a functional resume.
Proofread your application before submitting it. Once youve completed the application, sit back
and take a moment to thoroughly proofread the document, checking for all errors especially
typos and misspellings.
One final word. Be prepared for all kinds of job applications, from simple one-page applications to
multi-page applications; and some will be clean and crisp copies while others will appear to be
photocopied a few too many times. Regardless, take your time and do the best you can, always
keeping in the back of your mind the goal of the application getting you an interview.
If you have not heard from the employer within a week of submitting your application, you should
follow-up with the employer. Theres truth to the squeaky wheel cliche. Ask for an interview and
ask to have your application kept on file.
