Advice in Filling Out Job Applications
Filling out an application correctly can often mean the difference between getting an interview or having your application filed away for future consideration. Although the information requested on an application is important, how you complete the form is equally as important. Illegible words, blanks or incorrect information can tell a potential employer a lot about your personality and attention to detail.
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Prepare
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Job applications are typically designed to gather generic background and professional information into a common format for easy reference. Taking time to gather this information in advance can help speed the process and eliminate errors. Prepare an informational sheet that includes previous employer addresses and contact information, reference information, work history summary, educational details and other pertinent information. Use this sheet as a reference when completing an application.
Be Neat
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Employers are scanning applications into a computer database for future reference and to ensure that a hiring agent can easily read your application. Although a human may be able to read sloppy handwriting or illegible words, a computer may not have the ability to properly scan this information. Employers may also use your application as a way to evaluate your neatness and attention to detail.
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Don't Leave Blanks
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Never leave blanks on a job application. Even though the information requested may not apply to you, leaving it blank may lead the employer to believe that you simply skipped the section or left it blank on purpose. If a particular section doesn't apply to you, mark it as "not applicable" or "does not apply." This tells the employer that you didn't just skip the question.
Don't Lie
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Although it may seem easy to lie or exaggerate information on a job application, this can lead to a disqualification of your application or even loss of your job in the future. Because potential employers may take the time to verify the information on your application, exaggerating your previous job responsibilities, changing your length of employment or fabricating educational details can be easily detected.
Keep It Short
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As anyone who has ever completed an application knows, space is usually limited. When answering questions or completing information, keep responses short and to the point. If the employer is interested, he may ask for more detail during an interview or followup contact. Don't include personal opinions about previous employers or information about your pets or marital status, as this can be detrimental to the professional appearance of your application.
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References
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