How to fill Job Applications
Employers use job applications to gather information about your qualifications, and to compare you to other applicants. They will screen out applicants based on various factors in the application. Here are some tips for completing applications successfully :
Follow directions
Fill it out neatly
Respond to all questions
Position desired
Salary requirements
Reasons for leaving
References
Illegal questions
Be positive and honest
Target your qualifications
Note: Not all employers require an application�some prefer that you submit a resume. I have already send out 2 articles related to resume writing.
1. Follow directions
Avoid having your application rejected because you filled it out wrong:
� Read the entire application before you complete it.
� Pay close attention to what is being asked and how you are expected to respond.
� Do not write in sections that say "Do Not Write Below This Line" or "Office Use Only."
2. Fill it out neatly
To make sure that your application creates the best impression and provides the information that the employer needs to determine your qualifications:
� Prepare a personal data sheet with information that might be required on an application: dates, names, addresses, telephone numbers, etc. You can refer to this data sheet as you fill out the application to reduce the potential for errors.
� Write out responses using a separate sheet of paper before completing the application. An alternative is to get two copies of the application and use the first one as a rough draft.
� Use black, erasable pen and write clearly avoiding any cancellations.
� Make sure that you have no grammar or spelling errors. If possible, have someone proof-read the application.
� Use correction fluid ("white out,") for fixing minor errors. Be sure to use it sparingly.
� Do not use abbreviations, except for "n/a" (not applicable).
3. Respond to all questions
If a question does not apply to you, use "n/a" to indicate that it is not applicable. This shows the employer that you did not overlook anything.
Here is more information about responding to specific questions:
a) Position desired
When answering the question, "Position Desired?", avoid leaving it blank. Also, do not use the responses "Any" or "Open."
� If the job is an advertised job, or if you are looking for a specific position, enter that job title. For more information on responding to ads, go to the company website to have more details.
� When you are not applying for a specific position, state the name of the department in which you wish to work.
� If you are interested in more than one job, fill out more than one application.
b) Salary requirements
Employers may use this question to screen out applicants. It is best to give a salary range or to respond with "negotiable." Use one of these responses even if you know the package offered. This leaves you room to negotiate for a higher package.
c) Reasons for leaving
Choose your words carefully when responding to this question. Avoid using the words "Fired," "Quit," "Illness," or "Personal Reasons." These responses may reduce your chances of being hired. Always look for positive statements to use in answering this question. Here are some possible ways to handle this question:
If you were fired:
� Do not use the terms "fired" or "terminated." Instead, use a phrase that sounds neutral such as "involuntary separation."
� You may want to call past employers to find out what they will say in response to reference checks. When contacting past employers, reintroduce yourself and explain that you're looking for a new job. Find out what they say when asked why you left their employ. Be honest that your termination hurts your chances of getting another job. Usually, past employers will agree to use the term "resigned." This response saves them potential headaches and even lawsuits.
If you quit your job, use the term "resigned" or "voluntarily separated." These responses indicate that you followed proper procedures in leaving the job.
If the application asks for a reason (or if you are asked in the job interview), you can respond as follows:
� Quit for a better job. This response includes: leaving for advancement potential, leaving to work closer to home, leaving for a better work environment, or leaving for a career change. If you quit for a better job, there should not be a long break in employment; your employment history should support the statement.
� Quit to move to another area.
� Quit for Further Education. If you use this reason, the education listed on your application and/or resume must reflect it.
� Other reasons, such as: took an extended vacation/sabbatical, did volunteer work, started own business, raised family.
If you were laid off from a job due to no fault of your own, indicate the reason for the lay off. Here are some possible phrases to use:
� Lack of work
� Lack of operating funds
� Temporary employment
� Seasonal employment
� Company closed
� Plant closing
� Company downsized
� Corporate merger
4. References
When you apply for jobs, you will be asked to provide references. Usually this means providing the names and phone numbers of people who can answer questions about your work history and qualifications. Having good references can make a difference in your job search, so you want to choose your references with care. For more information, go to these topics:
Types of references
Selecting references
Before giving out your references
Other sources
1. Types of references
There are four types of references. It is best if you can have several references representing the different types:
� Employment references include past employers and co-workers who can speak about your specific employment experience.
� Professional references are people who know you on a professional basis. They may include contacts from business, professional, or community organizations.
� Academic references are instructors and vocational counselors who can speak about your academic endeavors. These references are most appropriate for current students or recent graduates.
� Personal references are people who know you personally and can describe your skills.
2. Selecting references
Here are some guidelines for selecting the best references:
� Select people who honestly know you and will speak objectively.
� Avoid references where the potential employer may assume a bias in the relationship, such a family member or close friend.
� Avoid references that may be controversial or may concern the employer. Examples of these types of references are clergy, counselors, or social workers.
� Someone who is influential in the community or business may be an effective reference but select that person only if he or she meets the other criteria listed above.
3. Before giving out your references
Before you give the name of a reference to a potential employer, you need to contact the reference and:
� Get permission to give out his or her name and number.
� Find out if the reference would prefer to be contacted at work or home.
� Find out the best times to reach her or him.
� Discuss your job search goals and the specific employers who may be calling.
4. Other sources
Besides providing a list of references, you can provide copies of letters of recommendation from former employers. Copies of written performance evaluations may also be helpful.
5. Illegal Questions
Applications may contain questions that are illegal to ask before a conditional offer of employment. These include questions about the following subjects:
� race
� color
� religion
� creed
� national origin
� public assistance
� sex
� marital status
� sexual orientation
� age
� disability
You need to decide how you will respond:
� If the question does not bother you, answer it.
� If it does, you can use "N/A". But be aware that you may get screened out by having too many of these responses. If possible, you may also decide to choose a different employer.
6. Be Positive and Honest
During your job search, you want to present a positive, honest picture of yourself:
� Avoid any negative information. See Reasons for Leaving for more information about providing a positive response to questions about leaving your previous jobs.
� Honestly answer all questions. The information that you provide may become part of your permanent employment record. False information can become the basis for dismissal.
� Provide only the information that the employer is seeking or that is necessary to sell your qualifications.
7. Target your qualifications
Many applications have limited space to record your skills, experience, and accomplishments. Increase your chances of gaining an interview by carefully selecting what you will include on the application:
� Include only those qualifications that you feel meet the specific needs of the job. To help ensure that you include the appropriate information, research the company, its products or services, and the skills needed for the job. For more information, go to Company's website.
� Attach a resume that details your skills, experience, and accomplishments.
8. Examples of work samples
The work samples that you show in a job interview will depend on your occupation. Here are some ideas of what to include in your portfolio of work samples:
If you are looking for a job as:
You could include:
An artist
Photographs of your paintings, illustrations, sculptures, etc.
A photographer
Copies of your photographs.
A dancer, actor, musician
Video and audiotapes of your work.
A journalist, reporter, copywriter, technical writer, or other writer
Copies of your published works.
A chef or baker
Photographs of your culinary creations.
A tailor or seamstress
Pictures of the clothing that you have produced (and wear your own creations on the job interview).
Office support staff
Brochures, reports, newsletters, spreadsheets, and other examples of work that you have completed.
Facilitator or trainer
Copies of presentation or training materials, participant evaluations, and video tapes of your presentations
Multimedia specialist
Copies of multimedia programs that you have created
Hope this inforamtion would be of some use. Any suggestions kindly let me know
PoornimaNagendra
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