Job Applications and You, Part 1

 

 

Okay, so you have a pile of job applications in front of you; what do you do next? Although they may be for a sales job, a service desk job or even a hostess, they all have one thing in common: to be filled out correctly. “Really?” you say, “that’s the easy part!” You may be surprised, so read on.

 

The most important thing to do first is to read the entire application before filling it out. Make sure you read and understand all the instructions. This is the your first introduction to your prospective employer and you want to make a good impression. How the application looks and whether the directions were followed closely gives the employer a clue to the quality of your work. Also make sure you have your fact sheet on hand. This sheet lists employment history, personal references, personal information and any community organizations or volunteer work. You will need names, dates, addresses and phone numbers for all.

 

Next make sure to see how the name goes. Do they want your first name last or your first name first? Print neatly. Use an address where you receive your mail. You may also be asked how long you’ve lived at the address. Make sure your phone number is current and without a cute message on it. When the application asks about schooling, list the city and state. List your education level and any special courses, degrees or professional certification. List any hobbies or interests. This will reflect your interest and abilities. If any club activities or volunteer work with an organization that you belong to relate to the job you’re applying for, write them down. If you would happen to have any misdemeanors or felony convictions, give the information carefully and truthfully. You can add “will discuss at interview” and be prepared to do so.

 

To answer the question about position desired, well, don’t write down “any” or “will do anything”. You need to do some research so you at least know the job titles at the company you’re applying for. Under salary you can write “open” or “negotiable”. This way you won’t put down a salary too high or too low. The employer will get an idea of your salary range from your previous jobs. If you can start immediately, write that down. If you’re working somewhere else, write down you can start in two weeks. This shows the potential employer that you’re just not going to quit but give the standard two week notice.

 

Under job experience, you’re asked for your previous job titles and dates of employment. It will want names, addresses and phone numbers of the previous employers. It will ask what duties you performed, your salary and supervisor’s name. Include all part time and full time work in this listing. Make sure the dates don’t overlap or conflict. Don’t lie or stretch dates.

 

In part two, we’ll go over the things not to do on a job application that will get you noticed in all the wrong ways!

 

Comments, as always, are welcome!

 

By Linda Lee Ruzicka

 

 

Linda Lee Ruzicka lives in the mountains of Western PA , happily married and with her 7 cats and three dogs. She has been published in Twilight Times, Dark Krypt, Fables, Decending Darkness, Writing Village, June Cotner anthology, The Grit, Reminisce , the book, Haunted Encounters: Friends and Family. She is a Affiliate member of the Horror Writers Association. She also does freelance work for Beyond and for CSJobs.com. More of her blogs can be found at CSJobsblog.com.