The application is designed to show consistent data between applicants. By its uniformity, it can show weaknesses in work history or education. Your work history should show whether you are qualified for the job and if not, your education should show whether you can learn the job with out constant attention--in other words, "Do you have the initiative to progress without having your hand held constantly!" Below are a list of tips, not included in the Job Application Instructional Video, which can help you avoid common mistakes when filling out a job application.
Usually an application will ask if you have any relatives or friends working for the company. Choose your friends wisely. If your friend is a hard worker, go ahead and mention his/her name, if not--steer clear! You don't want a future employer thinking you are lazy, just like your friend or relative.
Okay...this can be a touchy subject. If you do have a mishap in your life, insist on dicussing it. In the space where it asks about your convictions write "Please see me." During the interivew you can explain what happened and what you have learned from the experience.
There should be absolutely no exaggeration in this section. Some people claim to have ceritificates or degrees, when in reality they have only taken a few courses in the degree. Remember, the employer has the ability to check your background. If you get caught, lying, it can not only cost you the job, but ruin your reputation.
Fired? FYI--Almost everybody has been fired once in their lifetime. Do not omit it from your application because it will leave a gap in your employment history. In the space provided to explain write "Please see me." During the interview you can explain what happened. Make sure the explanation turns the experience into a positive.
If you look to the right in the green section of this page, there is a list of questions you should not answer on a job application. However, there are exceptions. For example, if a job required you to lift something heavy, the employer may ask about your phsycial handicaps. But, don't worry--most employers know there are certain questions which are off-limits.
There are hundreds of sites where you can post your resume online and complete an online job application. Some sites let you upload an existing resume with the click of a button. On other sites, you can cut and paste or use a resume building wizard. There are also resume posting services that will post your resume to the top sites for you.
Once you have uploaded your resume, you will be able to search for jobs that interest you and submit your application or resume with a click of your mouse.
So...now that you have viewed the instructional video of the 10 Most Important Tips in Completing a Job Application, read through the text of this page, and compared good/poor examples, it's time to take a little quiz. Good Luck!
Next Step Your final task for this module is to complete a job application. Print off the job application provided. Use the tips and new knowledge you have gained to fill it out correctly. When finished, use the evaluation provided to grade your results. Turn your completed job application and evaluation into your facilitator. Next you will move onto the Interview Module to complete your training.
TYPICAL INFORMATION ASKED: Position being sought
Name, address, etc
Hours willing to work
Questions relating to job
Transportation
Travel
Relocation
Citizenship
Military History
Work History
Education
References
Signature/Date
NEVER ANSWER ILLEGAL QUESTIONS ABOUT: Height, weight
Age, sex
Marital Status
Family size
Religion, politics
Brithplace
Race or National Origin
Handicaps
Arrests or convictions
Military discharge
BACKGROUND CHECKS--an employer can do one!
Verification can include -Past employment
-Education
-Personal references
-Professional licenses
-Criminal convictions
-Sex offender registry
-Credit report
-Social Security Number
-Marriage/Divorce records
-Motor vehicle report
-Worker's Comp claims
-Terrorist search
-Address history
-Lawsuits
-Judgements and Liens
-Bankruptcy records
-News and media reports
Your resume will aid in filling out the job application quickly and accurately.
Read through the entire application before completing.. You will be more likely to avoid the common mistakes of listing items in the wrong box, space, or line.
