General Tips
- Dress as if you are ready to go to work. Greet the receptionist politely. First impressions are important!
- Be prepared by bringing blue/black ink pens, resume, social security card, driver’s license, addresses & phone numbers of previous employers, starting/ending salaries of previous jobs, & past duties performed.
- Complete the application as neatly and legibly as possible. The application is a reflection of you.
- Leave no blanks. Write “n/a” if the question doesn’t apply to you. Do not write “see resume”.
- Proofread your application before submitting it. Check for spelling errors and completeness.
- Be sure to sign and date the application before turning it in to the employer.
Personal Information on the Application:
- Note what order the employer wants your first and last names. If applicable, make note of any name changes since a previous application with this employer.
- Use an address where you can receive mail. Also know how long you’ve lived there- you may be asked.
- Provide a current telephone number where you can be reached or leave a message number. Ensure that everyone at this number knows how to respond if the employer calls. Ensure your voicemail message is professional and appropriate.
- Be prepared to list the schools you attended, including the city and state as well as degrees earned.
- If you have any certifications, licenses, or registrations list them.
- If possible, avoid entering birth dates or school graduation dates on an application. If you’d like to avoid sharing your age you can write in all zeros, and say in the written section that you'll be happy to supply those numbers if your application reaches the point of a background check.
- If the application requests information about past convictions, answer truthfully and add “will discuss at interview”. You can be fired for lying on a job application.
Work-related Information on the Application:
- Always complete the “position desired”, never writing “will do anything!” You can list multiple positions.
- When asked about desired salary, write “open” or “negotiable” rather than putting in a figure.
- In the availability section you can write “immediately” if you can start right away or if you’re currently employed it’s best to give your employer two weeks’ notice.
- You will usually be asked for past job title, dates of employment, the name, address, and phone number of your employer, and a description of your job duties. You may also be asked for your salary and supervisor’s name. Include part-time and full-time jobs beginning with the most recent.
- If asked for a reason you left a job, be honest but use positive phrases such as “took a job with more responsibility”, “moved”, “temporary work”, “career change”, “returned to school”, etc.
- List any special skills, abilities, experience, or training related to the position. Also highlight any club activities, volunteer work, or organizational involvement that may reflect your interests and abilities.
- Always request permission to use your references’ names, addresses, & phone numbers on an application.
Common Mistakes
- Not following directions
- Wrinkled/messy form
- Late application
- Misspelled words
- Incomplete information
- Use of "quit" or "fired"
- Crossed out writing
- Not listing position
- Not signing application
- Not printed
- Gaps in work history
- Conflicting employment dates with no details