1. ASManager2_6.zip Driver
2. i_applic.txt File Contents

i_applic.txt Driver File Contents (ASManager2_6.zip)

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Job Search in Action: The Application

Applications are one of the necessary evils in obtaining a job.

The application is your "calling card." Turning in an accurate, completed application may make the difference in whether you are hired or not. Not only is it important to fill out the application accurately and completely, but also what you say on the application is extremely important. For example, think of the various "accurate and complete" answers one may have for the question, "Reason for leaving job?"

Here are some tips to help you present a "calling card" that you feel good about:

Tips on Completing the Actual Application

1. Read the whole form before you begin to fill it out.

Make sure you understand where the answers are to be filled in. Check if blanks are to be filled in above or below the line. Get a feel for the space that is provided for answers.

If space is slim and you have difficulty in writing in small spaces, you may want to type your answers or have someone fill in the form for you. If you must abbreviate because form space is tight, use standard abbreviations and periods. Omit unnecessary words.

2. Be accurate, particularly about dates.

For past employment, applications usually have you indicate the date you started a job with the word "from," and the date you finished the job with the word "to." If you do not know the exact dates that you worked at a job, the month and year will do. If it was a job that lasted only a few weeks, indicate that on the application. If it was a seasonal job, indicate that, too. If you are currently doing the job you should answer "present" where the application has you indicate the date you finished a job.

3. Give some thought to the questions. You want to answer with sensible and true answers.

The answer to such questions as "Reason for leaving job?" can reflect on you or on the situation, depending on what you say. If you say, "Didn't like work" or "Didn't like employer," for example, the answer will reflect on you. Some possible answers that reflect upon the situation are:

to go back to school
to take a better paying job
temporary job ended

You will also want to think about how you answer the question, "Major duties and skills developed?" Space is usually tight and you will want to be brief, yet let your prospective employer know what skills you have. There are also a lot of skills developed with various jobs that at first you may not realize. Do give this question some thought.

4. For your educational record, include any grade schools and high schools you have attended, unless the form indicates differently.

For degrees earned, you can answer "diploma" or "GED" if you have one. For course of study, you can answer "general," "college prep," or any vocational program or training you have participated in.

5. For your employment record, list all employment starting with your present employer unless the form indicates otherwise. Include summer, part-time, and temporary work. You may also include volunteer work unless there is space for this elsewhere on the application.

If there is not enough space for you to indicate all of your past employment, you may write the information on a separate sheet of paper and indicate, "See attachment for further employment."

6. When personal references are asked for, put down people other than relatives or former employers. Your references may be people that you have worked with and that know something about your performance on a job. They may be people who know you and can vouch for your character.

Always obtain approval of each person whose name you use as a reference.

7. Turn in an application that is neat and grammatically correct. If you do not trust your grammar and spelling, have someone check your application. Make any changes needed, but rather than turning in an application with corrections, copy the corrected information neatly on a new form.

8. Answer all questions.

After you have filled out the application, go back through it and check to make sure you left nothing blank. Reread your answers. Make sure your "calling card" is accurate and sensible, and presents you in a favorable light.

"Sample Job Application"

Your teacher can give a "Sample Job Application" handout, available on the CD where she or he retrieved this file. You'll find the practice you got with the parts of a typical application in the file Form Fears will assist you in filling it out. You may use that information for the "Sample Job Application" handout. 

Filling out the sample application will further ease "application anxiety" and be a good "keeper" to refer to when you fill out subsequent applications.


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