JOB APPLICATION

The application is a screening devise, it must make a good impression to lead to an interview. The application asks questions about your skills, work experience, education and interests. Always fill out a job application completely and accurately. (Only 1% of the applications completed actually lead to an interview)

FACTORS FOR AN EFFECTIVE JOB APPLICATION:

1. APPEARANCE - make it neat, clean, complete and accurate.
   
   
2. DEPENDABILITY - attention to detail, fill out the application completely.
   
   
3. SKILLS - list your skills, (typing, word processing, filing, teamwork, attention to detail, people skills, telephone skills, etc.)
   
   
4. BE PREPARED
   Prepare any lists of information, such as schools attended, employers, in advance.
   Erasable black, fin-tip pen
   Small not pad or sample application
   White out
   Pencil and eraser (for tests)
   Small dictionary (to check your spelling)
   Resumes (to leave with your perspective employer)
   
   
5. FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS
   Read the instructions before filling out the application (print in ink, type)
   Read and follow directions exactly.
   Employers will not have a high regard for your dependability skill if you cannot follow instructions on the application
   
   
6. FILL IN ALL BLANKS
   Even if this means using N/A or (-)
   Leave blank only if you are unsure of an answer.
   (write "Will explain in interview")
   
   
7. MAKE EVERY WORD COUNT
   There is only so much space available.
   Make your statements positive. If you believe that answering a question might disqualify you, write "Will explain in interview."
   
   
8. DO NOT USE LAZY RESPONSES
   "See attached resume"
   "See above" or "Same as above"
   
   
9. NEVER WRITE NEGATIVE INFORMATION
   If you must write a statement that might be take in a negative way make sure that you counterbalance that statement with a positive one that shows that you are able to do everything necessary to get the job and do it well.
   
   
10. KEEP YOUR OPTIONS OPEN
    Do not state the salary you want. Write "negotiable". If you are asked whether you will work nights, you can write "Will consider".
    
    **Options for handling negative statements.
    1. Lie and try to get away with it. Not advisable.
    2. Use a dash, then discuss during the interview.
    3. Tell the truth and use a positive counterbalance.
    
    
11. READ THE APPLICATION FRONT TO BACK BEFORE COMPLETING
    "Do not write below this line"
    
    
12. REFERENCES
    Include people who are willing to give you a good reference. Employers trust teachers or former employers the most. Make sure you ask permission to use people as references.
    
    
    
    IF POSSIBLE, RE-DO POORLY DONE APPLICATIONS
    
    

PARTS OF THE APPLICATION

1. NAME - don't use nicknames, sign your application
   
2. SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER - have your card with you
   
3. ADDRESS - have any address changes available to you (more than one address and length of time)
   
4. PHONE NUMBER - a number that will be answered during the day (give more than one number if available, i.e. cell phone)
   
5. DATE OF BIRTH - include the information, they can not discriminate against you because of your age.
   
6. CITIZENSHIP - are you a U.S. citizen?
   
7. EMERGENCY INFORMATION - in case of an emergency.
   
8. MARITAL STATUS - may ask, but can not discriminate.
   
9. WORKER'S COMPENSATION - have you had an accident in which the employer paid for medical expenses. (on the job injury)
   
10. EDUCATION & FORMAL TRAINING - High school education Others: vocational schools
    
11. FUTURE SCHOOLING - classes that will benefit the employer
    
12. TITLES - use the job titles as they are listed by employer
    
13. TRANSPORTATION - vehicle may be needed for employment
    
14. WORK EXPERIENCE - This is the most important part!! Most recent job first
    Don't leave gaps in your work history.
    
15. MILITARY EXPERIENCE - include any training time and special schooling
    
16. CERTIFICATION, REGISTRATION, AND LICENSES - medicine, law
    
17. PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS - organizations which compliment your career choice.
    
18. CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS - 4-H, BOEC, BPA, BSU, Track Member etc.
    
19. HOBBIES, INTERESTS, AND LEISURE-TIME ACTIVITIES
    one of your hobbies may be closely related to the job
    you may have same interests as your employer
    "what you are all about"
    
20. OTHER SKILLS - typing, word processing, bookkeeping, dictaphone, calculator, filing.
    
21. REFERENCES - list at least 3. No relatives, no peers Use: past employers/supervisors
    counselors, friends of parents. Someone who thinks highly of you and will give you a good recommendation.
    
22. CONVICTIONS - Anything short of a felony is not required. If conviction did take place, leave a space and discuss in the interview (where you can be heard) Be prepared to discuss it.