The job application is important because it provides a first impression of what you have to offer. Employers will see some general information about you and your employment history. They will also gain some insight into your ability to follow instructions and communicate. Treat the application seriously, and take time to fill it out carefully and completely. Remember: it is illegal for a job application to ask about marital status, height, weight, age, handicaps, race or national origin, religion, or political information.
Rules for filling out a job application:
- Write or print clearly in blue or black ink
- Always use correct grammar, standard capitalization, and punctuation.
- Organize your thoughts before writing or typing them. If responses on an application are unclear or messy, you will not make a good impression on the interviewer.
- If there is something on the form that you do not understand, you should leave the space blank or write “please see me” in the space.
- Write “n/a” if a question is “not applicable” (does not apply). Later, you can ask the person who handed you the application to explain any questions, or you can discuss your questions with the interviewer.
- When answering questions about money on the application, write “negotiable.”
- You might be asked to state how much money you earned on previous jobs. Be honest. Do not exaggerate.
Even if you have no work experience, you still may have qualities and skills that are needed in the workplace. List any volunteer work, babysitting jobs, or school or religious activities that show experience, such as contributing efforts to projects. This is where using the job description to direct how you present yourself is vital.
Applicants are asked to sign their name on the application form to state that they have answered all questions and given information that is true and accurate to the best of their knowledge. An online application will also require some sort of similar acknowledgment. Being dishonest on a job application can be a reason for immediate termination (firing). Employers do check on educational and work background, as well as contacting references.
All job applications are basically the same, so once you have completed one form, you will know what to expect on others. Here are some of the specialized terms that are commonly found on job application forms:
| TERM | MEANING |
|---|---|
| Employment | Work; a job |
| Personal information | Facts about self |
| Date graduated | The day, month, and year the applicant finished school; if still in school, the applicant can write an expected graduation date |
| Related | From the same family |
| Activities or hobbies | Things an applicant does-especially for relaxation or fun |
| Employment desired | The kind of job wanted |
| Former employers | People for whom the applicant used to work |
| References | People who know the applicant and will tell an employer about the applicant-generally not a relative or family member |
| Position | Job; area an applicant wants to work in |
| Business | The kind of work a person does |
| Salary desired | The amount of money, or wage, the applicant will accept to do a job |
| Years acquainted | How long the applicant has known a particular person |
| Inquire | To ask |
| Physical conditions | Level of health or fitness the employer states is needed for the job |
| Education | School experience; degrees and certifications |
| Emergency | An unexpected situation calling for fast action |
| Location | Where something is; a department or division |
| Detail | A small item or piece of information |
| Permanent address | The location of the applicant’s permanent home |
| Notify | To inform |
Employment-Job-Application