How To Fill Out An Employment Application.Mar 16 '01 Write an essay on this topic.
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The Bottom Line The application process is more important than filling out a piece of paper. Be prepared and complete.
As a college graduate, you more than likely will not be a pavement pounding, job searcher. Job Fairs, Headhunters, responses to your resume, and networking will most likely be your main sources of securing interviews. Most of the time your interviewer will have your resume before you meet to talk about the job. But, you still will most likely have to fill out an application. WHY? There are a number of reasons. If you understand them, it will enable you to complete your application correctly and help your chances in securing the job you want. Information Applications reveal more information about you than your resume. Including things like specific dates of employment, prior wages, supervisor's name, phone numbers for prior employers and references, indication of criminal history, and how you were referred to the company. Some applications may also ask you about your ability to complete certain physical tasks or work extended hours. This information is crucial to an employer both before and after the offer of employment. Be prepared with addresses and phone numbers of prior employers and personal references. Permission to complete necessary steps in the employment process Most applications contain signed releases for the company to complete a background check, contact your previous employers and your personal references. They might ask you to consent to a drug screen or submit to other tests such as lie detector or driving skill evaluation. You might feel like you are applying for a Top Secret Government Clearance (and maybe you are). But certain discrimination laws demand that employers be consistent when applying standards of employment. Observation You may be screened for how you treat the office staff. How long it takes you to complete the paperwork. How thorough you are and if you pay attention to detail. Red Flags on your application *If your prior residences do not match your education or employment history, RED FLAG. I mean how could you have been in college in Florida and worked through the school year in Ohio. It happens a lot. Make sure you give the correct information so that where you live matches up with what you were doing at the time. *If you write "See Resume" in the work history section, RED FLAG. As I mentioned above, there is additional information that your employer may need to complete the interviewing process. You do not want to be embarrassed by being asked to complete it after you have turned in the application. It could also be demonstrating a laziness, or callous attitude on your part. It takes 5 minutes. Better safe than sorry. *If there are gaps in your activities of more than 90 days, RED FLAG. You graduated in May. Worked from July to January. It's now June. What have you been doing? Were you in jail. Were you mooching. Were you out partying with friends on mom and dad's bill? Don't let your interviewer think these things about you. Be complete. Don't leave out activities you think are not pertinent on your application. Remember, they already have your resume it will not take away from the skills you have already presented. (that is unless you were in jail) :) *If you do not know or can't remember a bunch of information, RED FLAG. Incomplete information on your application is not good. Proves you to be unprepared. Bring phone numbers, addresses, specific dates and other pertinent information so that you can complete your application. _____________________________________________________ Keep in mind that times are changing. Companies can now complete comprehensive background investigations very inexpensively. For highly compensated positions and positions of responsibility in companies, the bar has been raised. Interviewing has now become a "process". Employee selection almost a science. Put your best foot forward and be prepared. If you need additional help, please read my other reviews: A Resume? I don't have any experience! Resume Power. Tips from a hiring professional Be Prepared! I could be interviewing you Or check out my website at http://resumepower.s5.com Good Luck!  |
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