| Are you new to the job hunting scene? Do your | | | | your answers to suit it. Focus your education and |
| hands get all sweaty when you go to pick up a | | | | experience to the job you are applying for. You |
| pen to fill in job application forms? Do you start | | | | want to show your employer why you are more |
| shaking like a leaf just at the thought of such a | | | | qualified for this position than any of the other |
| stressful event? If you fit this description, then | | | | applicants. Be sure to include background |
| this article is definitely for you! | | | | experience when appropriate. |
| First of all, if you have a resume or CV, all the | | | | - Don’t leave anything blank on your |
| information you need should be already there. If | | | | application. Employers give out job application |
| you lack a resume or CV, it may be time to | | | | forms because they want similar information from |
| create one. | | | | all applicants. If a question does not apply to you |
| When are job application forms used by an | | | | simply respond with an “n/a” or “not |
| employer? They are commonly used for | | | | applicable”. |
| entry-level, part-time and blue collar positions in | | | | - Answer truthfully. You certainly do not want to |
| order to screen potential employees. | | | | put lies on your job application. Lies can be |
| For other kinds of jobs, the application is simply | | | | discovered and you can get fired for these. |
| the paperwork that the Human Resources | | | | - Stay away from any specific salary |
| department makes all its applicants fill out. Many | | | | requirements. Employers will often use this |
| times an employer will ask you to submit an | | | | question as a screening device. It would be better |
| application after they have interviewed you. | | | | to say that you are “open” to the kind of |
| Here are a few tips on completing job application | | | | salary you get or that it is “negotiable”. |
| forms: | | | | - Provide references. Choose your references |
| - Be prepared with all necessary information. Be | | | | carefully. Make sure you ask a person if they are |
| sure to have your drivers’ license, resume, | | | | willing to be a reference for you. Most young |
| social security and names, addresses and | | | | job-seekers today have a nice mix of professional |
| telephone numbers of previous employers. | | | | and character references. |
| - Read and follow all instructions carefully. Review | | | | - Proofread your job application before you |
| the entire application form before filling it out. You | | | | submit it. After you finish your application, sit |
| should think of this application as your first real | | | | back, try to relax and proofread the application |
| test in following directions. | | | | checking for all errors. |
| - Neatness counts! Be as legible and as neat as | | | | One final word. Your goal in completing an |
| you can since the application form reflects you. If | | | | application is to get an interview. Take your time |
| you have a typewriter available, consider typing it. | | | | and do the very best that you can. |
| If you are filling in the application by hand be sure | | | | There’s more on completing job application |
| to use only blue or black ink and use some | | | | forms here including job application guidelines on |
| “white-out” for little mistakes. | | | | completing the free-format section on why do |
| - If you are seeking a certain kind of job, tailor | | | | you want the job. |