How to Fill Out A Job Application

If you're on a job search, maybe for the first time, you're usually required to fill out a job application form. Applications vary somewhat from business to business, but most of them require the same basic information. Here's how to streamline the process of submitting a job application.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• a convenient place to store all your information--a desktop document, your phone, index cards--so you can refer to it while you fill out the application.

1. If you have to fill out an electronic application or an on-line application in your job search, there's no room for error. You are often asked multiple-choice questions in these situations. These can be tricky and a couple of answers may seem to make sense--just remember that they're looking for ethical, customer-serving, team-playing people who can address common problems on their own, without constantly looking to co-workers or managers for help.

2. Make a list of past jobs with the most recent first. If this would be your first job, see Tips. Some applications want more information than others, so include everything just in case. For each one, have ready 1) the full name of the business or organization, 2) its address, including city, state, zip, and main phone number, 3) the type of business or organization it is, 4) beginning and ending dates of your employment, month and year only, and 5) the first and last names of your immediate supervisors.

3. You may be asked your reason for leaving past jobs. As we know, there are sometimes situations where an employee leaves on unpleasant terms, so say something like: "The job wasn't a good fit" or "Did not enjoy the work environment." Those are honest statements that show potential employers that you want to improve your situation and find a job that fits you and that you enjoy. It will pique their curiosity and open the door to conversation during interviews. If you left on good terms, say that you were offered a better opportunity, needed to earn more money, or whatever it was. A good employer understands. See Warnings if you tend to have a chip on your shoulder.

4. Come up with brief descriptions of your former job duties, emphasizing those areas where you were personally responsible and accountable. Example: "worked registers, did stock counts, helped train new hires" or "worked a 15 stop delivery route, kept detailed delivery log, helped clean and maintain truck." If you haven't had paid work before, be creative: potential employers appreciate an honest "I handled money and was on the clean-up crew of my church rummage sale," with the name of the lady who ran it for a reference.

5. Have at least three references to include, and get permission first: you'll need their first and last names and contact phone number(s). Don't include family members, friends of family, or your own friends. The best references are your past supervisors; a coach, teacher, school counselor, or pastor; and any non-family customers for whom you provided a service, such as someone you babysat or watched a dog for.

Tips & Warnings

• If this would be your first job, say so on the form. Simply write that you are "currently attending Big Town High School" or "carrying course loads at Big Town College" or "need summer employment." It is important, then, that you have a least two good references, and descriptions of how you are responsible and a team player (see Step 3), which you can write in at an appropriate place on the application, or paper clip as a separate document.
• Many people drift from job to job, relying on the gift of gab, specific ability or training, or just an open schedule to land the positions--then sooner or later quit or get fired, blaming everyone but themselves for their woes. They often find neurotic workplaces and bosses that reinforce their bad attitudes about work. This article is for people who want to draw an honest paycheck and really get along with their supervisors and co-workers in a healthy work environment, and build up a good application that will eventually support a good resume.

Resources

• How To Interview For A Part-Time Job

[durang77]

on 5/2/2009 great article

[ClareBZ]

on 3/8/2009 Thanks for the tips! As basic as it sounds, it's important to follow the application directions completely, and don't skip over questions.

[ljstraight]

on 1/30/2009 Thank you for this great advice. Jobs may come and go, so this is great information to know in planning for another. 5 stars

[Vanillatte]

on 1/20/2009 Excellent, detailed article on how to fill out a job application! 5*'s!!

[Kathymcbain]

on 1/19/2009 These are all great tips, thanks!