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JOB APPLICATION DOS AND DON ’ TS

JOB APPLICATION DOS AND DON ’ TS. FILLING OUT APPLICATIONS PRETEST. Is it ok to leave blank spaces on a job application? Should you use white-out on a job application? Should you request a specific salary. Does information have to be consistent with your resume?

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JOB APPLICATION DOS AND DON ’ TS

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  1. JOB APPLICATION DOS AND DON’TS

  2. FILLING OUT APPLICATIONS PRETEST • Is it ok to leave blank spaces on a job application? • Should you use white-out on a job application? • Should you request a specific salary. • Does information have to be consistent with your resume? • If unsure of an answer, it is ok to be vague? • Is it cheating if you proofread with a partner?

  3. What is a Job Application? • A job application is an employment form that requests personal information about an individual. • Purpose: • Shows applicant is legally eligible for work • Minor test of the applicant’s literacy, penmanship, and communication skills • May require information for use in a background check • Determine an applicant’s availability • Usually will require a resume and cover letter in addition to the job application.

  4. Application Sections • Personal Information • Name • Address • What about my Social Security Number? • Not required unless hired or you are applying for a position that will be conducting a background check or security clearance. • Type of employment desired • Educational Background • Employment History • Relevant Skills • School and Community Activities • References

  5. ARRIVE PREPARED WITH WHAT YOU WILL NEED • Resume, driver’s license, etc. • Names & addresses of previous employers, as well as starting dates & salary information • Names, addresses & phone number of references

  6. ARRIVE PREPARED WITH WHAT YOU WILL NEED • Black pens (have extras) not pencils • Pocket Dictionary or • Smartphone with • a dictionary app

  7. READ AND FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY • Review the entire application before you begin • Be sure to write your answers on the correct lines and in the right spaces

  8. COMPLETE THE APPLICATION THOROUGHLY & NEATLY • Print clearly – do not be in a rush • Think about your answers before you write them in

  9. COMPLETE THE APPLICATION ASTHOROUGHLY & NEATLY AS POSSIBLE • Don’t indicate a specific salary, • write “open” if the application asks you for an expected salary. • Keep your information consistent with your resume.

  10. ANSWER TRUTHFULLY, BUT DON’T PROVIDE NEGATIVE INFORMATION • Turn “negatives” into “positives” (such as “job ended” instead of “got fired”)

  11. Points to Consider • Criminal Record: If you have one, ask to discuss it, not just write about it. • Work History • Laid off: Take credit for the job you had • Fired: Ask to discuss it with the employer • “Job Hunting” is a legitimate reason for an employment gap • Job Hopping: If you’ve had more than 3 jobs in the past 5 years, have good reasons for leaving • No work history? List community involvement! • Bring your list of references with you to put on the application.

  12. Illegal Information to ignore on a job application • Height, weight • Age, sex • Marital status • Size of your family • Religion, politics • Birthplace • Race or national origin • Handicaps • Arrests or convictions • Military discharge

  13. Exceptions • An employer may ask you an off-limits question if that topic has to do with your ability to do the job. • Lifting requirements: physical handicaps can be asked about

  14. DON’T • DON'T leave blank spaces write N/A if the question does not apply. • DON'T be unclear. If the question calls for a specific answer, don't try to dodge it by being vague

  15. DON’T • DON'T use correction fluid. If you type your application, use a correctable typewriter or liftoff strips to correct mistakes. Better yet, fill out your application online • DON'T write in script.

  16. DO • DO make copies of applications, and practice filling one out before you complete the original • DO type or neatly print your answers, and then proofread the applications and essays several times for accuracy. Also ask someone else to proofread with you.

  17. DO • DO make sure that everything that is supposed to be included is enclosed • DO fill out your own applications. Type the information yourself to avoid crucial mistakes

  18. DO • DO start with the simple applications and then progress to the more complex ones • DO describe how you can make a contribution to the companies to which you apply

  19. TWO FINAL THINGS: • If using a computer, use spell check. • Sign and date your application.

  20. ANY QUESTIONS

  21. POST TEST • What items would you bring with you when filling out a job application? • Can you use white-out on a job application? • Is it wise to have some one other than yourself look over an application? • Should you make a copy of applications that you fill out? • Is it common to skip filling out an application and say - see attached resume?

  22. Assignment • I will be handing out an application for you to practice with – • Please fill it out and turn it in. • This application will be used as a practice. • Then we will complete a job application to keep in our career folder.

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