How to Fill out an Application

1. How to Fill out an Application

2. Vocabulary • Scan the application form for unfamiliar words.

3. Present and Permanent Address • Present address -where you are currently living • Permanent address - where employer may contact you in case you have moved, especially for important forms such as end of the year tax information. • Many times this is used for post-secondary students or those with temporary living circumstances

4. Course of Study In high school this could be “general education”, a certain program or pathway, like “Family Studies Certificate”, Apprenticeship, etc. Date you can start If you are currently employed, tell the new employer you must give at least two weeks, If you are not currently employed, you may write: immediately

5. Full -time/Part-time • Full-time is generally 32-40 hours. • Part-time is generally 31 hours or less. Have you graduated-Yes or no • If you are currently in school, check no but also add anticipated date of graduation next to check.

6. Subjects of Special Study or research work • List any special skills such as: CPR training, first aid (indicate level), “Serving it Safe”, Food Handler Certificate, welding cert. etc. Trade, Business or Correspondence School • List any special classes or courses you have taken, such as apprenticeship, courses at Louis Riel Art & Tech Centre, landscaping, culinary, agriculture, welding etc.

7. Position applied for: • You must do some research in this area to know for which jobs and job titles you are qualified (Essential Skills Profile) • Ask friends or relatives that may work there or know someone who does. Starting / ending wage • This is self-explanatory… unless no pay was received, then you may write something like intern, or volunteer, if that is appropriate

8. Social Insurance Number or SIN • Official government-issued (Service Canada) identification used only for tracking income tax, EI, banking, and credit (beware of identity theft). • When asked for this on application, only write: “available upon hire”, No reputable employer should have a problem with this. • Make sure you have access to this official document before you look for a job. You must present this upon hiring.

9. References • This should be people with a professional relationship with you, not your friends or relatives. • This could include teachers, coaches, religious or youth group leaders, bosses, scout leaders, volunteer co-ordinators, babysitting clients, club advisors, etc.

10. Do’s and Don’ts

11. Do: • Read the form thoroughly so that you put relevant information in the correct sections. • Follow the instructions carefully • Pencilorink color • printingvs. handwriting • Finish any continuation sheets

12. Do: • Answer the question with evidence from your experience which demonstrates you know what the job involves (you have done something similar on another job, team, activity etc).

13. Do: • If possible keep a copy of the application to prepare for the interview. • Keep everything positive.

14. Do: • Understand that most applications want you to list employment with the most recent first, and then go backwards with other experience. • Volunteer/internships count for experience if you do not have any or minimal experience.

15. Do: • If you have experience "babysitting", use the term "childcare" and for duties/responsibilities, write: engaged child/children in age appropriate activities. • Be truthful and make sure you sign it if there is a signature line, as this is a legal document.

16. Don’t: • Leave sections blank, write: n/a if something is not applicable. • Write illegibly or cross things out. • Fail to research the employer and/or type of work in which you are applying.

17. Don’t: • Leave time gaps between jobs or have reasons for these time periods.

20. Assignment: • Complete your second draft of your application following the above tips.