How Do You Fill Out a Resume & Application Form?

Looking for a new job can be a frustrating experience, but when you find a job to which you want to apply it makes the process exciting. Many job positions, especially in restaurant or retail positions, will require a job applicant to submit a resume and application form. A resume and application form is a document you fill out containing your personal information, your previous work history, and your references. This is a necessary document in order to be considered for a job. You must make sure that you have all of the necessary information and that you fill out the form truthfully.

Things You'll Need

• Pen
• Resume

Instructions

1. Update your resume and gather any other required documents. It is best to gather as much of your personal information as you think necessary before you begin filling out a resume and application form so that you can return the form to your potential employer as soon as possible. Create or update a resume, listing all of your previous employment, employment addresses, and job duties starting with your most recent position. Also add your education information, including the name of the school, its address, your grade point average, class rank, and any other relevant activities in which you participated. You should also locate your Social Security card and write down the number if you don't have it committed to memory. Further, make sure you have a proper identification card, in case it is necessary, such as a driver's license, state identification card, a passport, or a school identification card.

2. Call potential references. When job hunting, it is a good idea to have references in case you must list them on a resume and application form. You should always call potential references before listing them on a resume and application form so that they can consent and so that they are not surprised by a phone call from a potential employer.

3. Read the entire resume and application form. You should always read the entire form before completing any of it so that you do not put down the wrong information. This is especially important if you are filling out an resume and application form by hand because if you discover the error, you should never use correction fluid on a resume and application form and you do not want to have to spend the time completing another form.

4. Complete the resume and application form. If you are filling out the form by hand, write clearly and neatly. Be sure to fill in all of the necessary information and do not leave any spaces blank. Always fill out the form truthfully and when you are filling out the resume portion of the application, try to highlight your skills when describing your duties by using active words and describing your duties with specificity.

5. Review your resume and application form. It is always a good practice to review your resume and application form before you submit it to your potential employer. Look for any mistakes, spelling errors, or illegible handwriting, then submit it to your potential employer.

References

• Quintessential Careers: A Guide to Successfully Completing Job Applications