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JOB APPLICATION JOB APPLICATION DOS AND DONDOS AND DON’’TSTS

ERWC Career Unit

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APPLICATIONS PRETESTAPPLICATIONS PRETEST

1. Is it ok to leave blank spaces on a job application?

2. Should you use white-out on a job application?

3. Is requesting a specific salary necessary?

4. Does information have to be consistent with your resume?

5. If unsure of an answer, it is ok to be vague?

6. Is it cheating if you have a partner proofread the application for you?

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ARRIVE PREPAREDARRIVE PREPARED

Resume, social security card, driver’s license, etc.

Names & addresses of previous employers, as well as starting dates & salary information

Names, addresses & phone number of references (put cheat sheet

in your phone)

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ARRIVE PREPARED WITH ARRIVE PREPARED WITH WHAT YOU WILL NEEDWHAT YOU WILL NEED

Black pens (have extras)

Pocket Dictionary (get an app for your phone)

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READ AND FOLLOW READ AND FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLYINSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY

Review the entire application before you begin: look for tricky questions and space/size issues

Be sure to write your answers on the correct lines and in the right spaces

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COMPLETE THE COMPLETE THE APPLICATION APPLICATION

THOROUGHLYTHOROUGHLY & NEATLY & NEATLY

Print clearly – do not be in a rush

Think about your answers before you write them in

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COMPLETE THE APPLICATION COMPLETE THE APPLICATION ASAS THOROUGHLYTHOROUGHLY & NEATLY & NEATLY

AS POSSIBLEAS POSSIBLE

Don’t indicate specific salary requirements

Keep your information consistent with your resume

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ANSWER TRUTHFULLY, BUT ANSWER TRUTHFULLY, BUT DON’T PROVIDE NEGATIVE DON’T PROVIDE NEGATIVE

INFORMATIONINFORMATION

Turn “negatives” into “positives” (such as “job ended” instead of “got fired”)

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DON’TDON’T

DON'T leave blank spaces.

DON'T be unclear. If the question calls for a specific answer, don't try to dodge it by being vague

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DON’TDON’T

DON'T use white-out. If you type your application, use a correctable typewriter or liftoff strips to correct mistakes. Better yet, fill out your application online

DON'T write in cursive. Print.

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DODO

DO make copies of applications, and practice filling one out before you complete the original

DO type or neatly print your answers, and then proofread the applications and essays several times for accuracy. Also ask someone else to proofread with you

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DODO

DO make sure that everything that is supposed to be included is enclosed

DO fill out your own applications. Type the information yourself to avoid crucial mistakes

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DODO

DO start with the simple applications and then progress to the more complex ones

DO describe how you can make a contribution to the companies to which you apply (…it’s not

about you; it’s about the

company…some companies

see teenagers as cheap

disposable labor)

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ONE FINAL THING:ONE FINAL THING:

If using a computer, be sure to use spell check

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ANY QUESTIONSANY QUESTIONS

Review the main points with your

quad group. You will have

a test on applications

and resumes this week.

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POST TESTPOST TEST

1. What items would you bring with you when filling out a job application?

2. Can you use white-out on a job application?3. Is it wise to have some one other than yourself

look over an application?4. Should you make a copy of applications that you

fill out?5. Is it okay to skip filling out parts of an

application and say - see attached resume?

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AssignmentAssignment

I will be handing out an application for you to practice using –

Please fill it out and return it to me in tomorrow’s class.

This application will be used as model for class discussion. Please use fake personal information: fake cell #, fake home address, fake social security #. Use real work experience, volunteer experience, etc.