How to Fill Out a Job Application

How to Fill Out a Job ApplicationHow to Fill Out a Job ApplicationWhen you apply for a job you are typically asked to complete an employment application. You may be asked to complete a job application even if you have already submitted a resume and cover letter. That way, the employer has a record of your personal and employment history, verified and signed by you. What You Need to Complete a Job Application Its important for your job applications to be complete, void of errors, and accurate. Regardless of whether you complete an online job application or apply in-person, make sure you have all the information youll need at your disposal. Next, make sure you do all of the following Review Your Employment HistoryYoull need your resume (or a list of your employment and education history) to make sure that youre listing the correct dates of employment, job titles, and education. Your resume should match the job application perfectly because discrepancies will be noticed. Download a Sample Job ApplicationDownload ajob application sampleand practice filling it out. That way you can be sure that you have all the necessary information, in advance. Ask for an ApplicationIf youre applying for a position in-person, ask for a job application, then take it home with you to complete. You can take your time filling it out so it will be neat and tidy, as well as accurate when you return to drop it off. Applying In-PersonWhen you stop by, to plattl up or drop off a job application, be sure youre dressed appropriately. You may end up speaking to the hiring manager and its important to look professional, just in case you get anon-the-spot interview. In-Person Job Application ChecklistIf you review anin-person job applicationlist beforehand, youll ensure not making any blatant errors during the interview process. Online Job ApplicationsJob applications for many companies are often available online. For example, aWalmart Employment Applicationcan be completed online and the sa me holds true for many other largenational employers. In fact, some employers no longer accept paper applications and applicants are required to apply on thecompany websiteor the site where the company listed the job openings. Follow the InstructionsExplicitly follow the instructions when completing both online and paper job applications. The slightest error could knock your application out of the running before an employer even gets a chance to look at your application. You might also want to check the company website, or the fine print on the job application form, to verify youve followed the directions as instructed. Review Before You SubmitThoroughly read the instructions for applying for employment before you click the submit button (or hand in your application). Make sure every field is filled in. Some companies refuse to accept an incomplete application. Be Prepared to Take a TestSome companies test applicants for employment in buchen to determine if the candidate is a good m atch for the job. Companies who conductpre-employment tests(such as talent assessments) are seeking applicants that match their very specific hiring criteria. Being prepared foremployment testswill help you respond better to employment-related questions. Some companies requiredrug testsfor applicants seeking employment. Know Whats IncludedThe list below includes all the information you need to complete an application for employment. Information Most Applications Ask For Personal Information NameAddressCity, State, Zip CodePhone numberEligibility to work in the USFelony convictionsIf underage, working paper certificate Education Schools/Colleges attendedMajorDegree/DiplomaGraduation dates(s) Position Applied For Information Title of the job you are applying forHours/days available to workWhen you can start work Employment Information Names, addresses, and phone numbers of previous employersSupervisors nameDates of employmentSalaryReason for leaving References List of three refere nces including names, job title or relationship, addresses, phone numbers Resume (If you have one) Sample Job Applications and Letters Remember, the more prepared you are, the better your chances of getting hired. It pays to review sample job applications to give you an idea of what will be asked of you. It also pays to print out one or two applications and complete them, so you know you have all the information needed to complete actual employment applications. If you need to mail a job application or follow-up on an application youve submitted, take the time to review some samplejob application lettersfor examples of what to write and how to follow-up.