| Home |
| Career Assessments |
| Career Pathways |
| Career Resource Center |
| College Exploration |
| Counselors |
| Financial Aid |
| High School Planning |
| Scholarships |
| Standardized Testing |
| Trade Schools |
| Volunteer Activities |
|
Employers use job applications to gather information about your qualifications, and to compare you to other applicants. They will screen out applicants based on a variety of different factors in the application. Therefore, follow the tips below to complete a successful application! |
|
Follow Directions |
| *Read the entire application before you complete it. |
| *Pay close attention to what is being asked and how you are to respond. |
| *Do NOT write in sections that say "Do Not Write Below This Line" or "Office Use Only". |
|
Fill it out Neatly |
|
*Complete the application in ink unless given other instructions. |
| *Print the required information, rather than writing. |
| *Make sure that you have no grammar or spelling errors. |
| *Prepare a personal data sheet with information that might be
required on an application, such as, dates, names, telephone numbers, addresses, etc. |
|
*Give your complete name, address and city and zip code. Do NOT use
nicknames or improper abbreviations. |
|
Respond to all Questions |
| *Answer each question on the application that applies
to you. If a question does not apply, write "n/a" meaning "not applicable". This shows the employer that you did not overlook anything. |
| *When answering the question "Position Desired", do NOT leave it
blank. Also, do NOT use the responses "Any" or "Open". |
|
*If the job is an advertised job, or you are looking for a specific position, enter that job title. |
| *When you are not applying for a specific position, enter the name of the department in which you wish to work for. |
|
*If you are interested in more than one job, fill out more than one application. |
|
Salary Requirements |
| *It is best to give a salary range or answer with "negotiable". |
|
Reasons for Leaving |
|
*Do NOT use the term "fired", "quit", "Illness",
"terminated" or "Personal Reasons" but instead use a more neutral |
|
*If you quit your job, use the term "resigned". If you were fired, use the response "involuntary separation". |
|
*If asked for a reason for leaving, respond by "leaving for a better job;
advancement; closer to home; attend school; or |
| *If you were laid off, respond by "lack of work; operating funds;
seasonal employment; company closed; downsizing; or corporate merger". |
|
References |
|
*Be sure to have correct names, addresses, telephone numbers, etc. |
|
Be Honest and Positive |
|
*Avoid any negative information. |
| *Answer all questions honestly. The information you provide
may become part of your permanent record. False information may be grounds for your dismissal. |
| *Provide only the information that the employer is seeking. |
|
Target Your Qualifications |
| *Most applications have limited space to record your skills,
experience and accomplishments. Carefully select what you want to include in your application. |
| *Attach a resume with details of your skills, experiences, and accomplishments. |