How to Complete a Job Application
What Job Seekers Need When Completing an Employment Application
Nov 13, 2009
All employers require candidates to complete a formal job application, whether during the interview process or upon an offer. Unlike the resume, the application sets forth legal terms such as “at-will” employment. In either case, job seekers need to be prepared with information regarding their previous work history, references, and other background data. Here’s how.
Complete Personal and Contact Information
The first part of every job application consists of personal and contact information including name, address, phone numbers, and email. The candidate is typically asked whether he or she has a criminal history, and whether the person is eligible to work in the United States. Educational background is also required, including college graduation date(s), degree, major, and schools attended.
Complete Position-Specific Information
The next part of the application tells the employer what position title the candidate is applying for. It also tells the company the person’s availability for full-time or part-time work, what days of the week the individual is available, and when the person can start. If currently employed, the person would say he or she can start two weeks from the date of offer. If not employed, the answer is typically ASAP (as soon as possible) or Immediately upon offer.
Complete Employment Information
Throughout their careers, candidates should keep a record of addresses and phone numbers of every employer. When interviewing, bring a copy of this information and use it to complete this section of the job application. Also keep record of salary history, supervisor names, dates employed, and the reason for leaving. For the latter, “layoffs” and “accepted a position with greater responsibility” are two examples of strong reasons for leaving.
List References
Another task candidates need to undertake during their careers is to gather references from trusted coworkers. Typically a job application requires three references from professional sources (not friends or family). Having trouble locating references? Register on Linkedin and search names of long-lost colleagues. Get back into contact with them and mutually recommend each other.
Tips for Completing the Job Application
Take time to complete the document and don’t rush it. Write clearly with no grammatical errors, using blue or black ink (the candidate should have come into the interview prepared with 2 pens). If the answer to a question is hanging in the balance, inform the hiring manager and tell him or her the answer is coming in an email as soon as possible.
Include certifications, training programs, classes, and volunteer work on the application. In the Employment Information section, list the most recent job first, then previous jobs (reverse chronological style). Sign and date the document.
The job application is a contract between the employee and the employer. Unlike the resume, it sets forth legal terms for the duration of the employment and provides more specific information regarding the candidate’s background. When the individual is prepared with a copy of previous employment information and a list of professional references, completing this document becomes a far simpler process.
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