Applications

1. Applications Job Hunting Workshop 1

2. Introducing the job application Main parts of the job application Online applications Job application activity Common mistakes We will cover: 2

3. Introducing the Application Company’s Application or Generic Application Designed to help hiring managers spot your strengths and weaknesses quickly • How much experience you have • How reliable you are • Who you know • Whether you take pride in your work 3

4. Application Do’s Bring a pen to fill out an application. Dress appropriately to turn in the application. Read directions carefully. Fill out all fields and questions. Make copies and practice before you complete the original. Type or neatly print your answers in blue or black ink. Proofread the applications several times for accuracy. Carry a generic application with you for filling out employer applications. Have a copy of your resume to attach. 4

5. The five main parts: The job you want Your work history Your work education Your references Your signature 5

6. The first part asks about the job you want • Which position are you seeking? • Full-time, part-time, or shift work? • Do you have a friend or relative that works here? • Do you have reliable transportation? • Are you a veteran? • Have you been convicted of a felony? 6

7. The second part asks about your work history The month and year you began work The month and year you left that job Your job title Your duties The company’s name and address Your supervisor’s name and telephone number Your reason for leaving 7

8. Red Flag Words Reasons for leaving- Always look for positive statements • Fired or Terminated • Involuntary separation • Quit • Resigned • Voluntarily separated • Quit for a better job • Quit to move to another area • Quit to attend school • Incarcerated • Relocated • Will discuss at interview 8

9. Other Reasons for Leaving • Career change • Seasonal • Temporary • Relocated • Laid off • Job ended • Seeking advancement • Economy slowed • Business Closed • Reduction in work force • Health or injury (no longer a problem) • Family needed me (no longer a problem) 9

10. The third part asks about your education The years of study completed The degree, award, or certification earned The school’s name The school’s address 10

11. The fourth part asks for three references • People who can vouch for who you are & what kind of worker you are: • Previous employer, supervisor, teacher, coach, or coworker. You will need to know their: • Name • Address • Phone Number • How you know them or their title • Be sure to ask them if you can use them as a reference • Call or visit and ask for a “positive recommendation” • Example: “Nate, I am trying to set up some job interviews. Would you be able to give me a positive recommendation?” 11

12. The final part asks you to read a closing statement You will be asked to sign your name showing that you understand the following key points: • All the information you submitted in the application is true • Any omission is sufficient cause for termination if you are hired • Simply submitting the application does not mean that you will be hired • In some instances you will agree to a background check or a physical examination 12

13. Online Applications More and more employers are using online applications • Quicker and cheaper for the employer • Computer program screens the application for keywords, gives it a score, and sorts the applications by their scores • Some applications do not make it through the screening process if there is an error 13

14. Tips for “winning” Online Applications • Read and follow the directions carefully • Write down your login and password • Watch the clock, some systems are timed • If possible print the questions and come back • Include keywords from the position requirements • Be specific about your career history 14

15. Tips for “winning” Online Applications (continued) • Add “comments” or “additional information” to show you researched the company and industry • Take the assessment if one is offered • Attach your resume in Word (.doc) or Rich Text • Print a copy for your records 15

16. Tips for “winning” Online Applications (continued) • Don’t leave areas blank, even if you don’t have what they are asking for: Which makes the candidate stronger? Which gets more keyword hits in an honest, ethical way? 16

17. Job Application Activity What is wrong with this application? • Misspelled words • Scratched out items • Cursive writing instead of printing • Messy • Incomplete information and unanswered questions • Red Flags • Unsigned 17

18. Most Common Mistakes • Misspelled words • Scratched out items • Cursive writing instead of printing • Messy or illegible writing • Incomplete information and unanswered questions • Writing “see resume” in the work history section • Unsigned • Not following directions • Large unexplained gaps in employment history • Using red flag words such as “quit”, “fired” or “personality conflict” 18

19. Important Final Tip Become the solution to the hiring manager’s needs. • Who is the employer? • What does the employer need? • How can you help the employer? 19

20. Resume Class • Next Wednesday at 2:30 20

21. Any Questions? • We are here to help! 21