Writing a Resume

How to Complete Job Applications

 Introductions
 Tell us who you are….
 What line of work are you looking for?
Universal Parts of Job Applications

 Personal Information
 Name, address, citizenship
Universal Parts of Job Applications

 Work History
 Where you have worked before, what your job
skills are
Universal Parts of Job Applications

 Education
 Alleducation should be listed, including one
time workshops and technical schools, even if
not completed
Universal Parts of Job Applications

 Criminal History Question

Universal Parts of Job Applications

 Depending on the field, may include

specific questions
 availability (retail)
 References (professional)

 Licensing information (medical or casino)

Universal Parts of Job Applications
 Signature section
 Typically includes statement and signature
Additional Parts of the Application
Process
 May include personality tests
 May include specific demographic
information about race, ethnicity, etc.
 May include consent and release for drug
testing
Online Applications
 Generally based on
paper applications
 Complete all areas,
leave no blanks
 Put in N/A for not
applicable
Tips for Completing Job
Applications
 Be honest in your answers
 Come prepared – bring ball point pens (blue or
black), and your “cheat sheet”
 Be neat and legible
 Apply for a specific position, even if its not
currently open
 Leave no blanks – write N/A for “not applicable”
 Use complete sentences
Tips for Completing Job
Applications
 Explain lengthy gaps in work history
 Sign and date the application
 Be sure that the application gets back to the right
person/department
 Proof read your work before turning it in
 Bring your important documents – SS card, drivers
license, professional licenses
 If you have additional resume and references, hand in,
even if it is a repeat of information provided on
application
How do applications get into the
“no” pile?
 Applicant doesn’t follow instructions
 Misspelled words
 Crossed out writing or can’t be read
 Wrinkled or messy application form
 Incomplete or blank information
 Use of words such as quit or fired
 Application not signed
 Salary requirements not realistic
Tricky Application Areas
 Salary
 Try not to get boxed in
 Be broad in this area, or write “Open” or
“Negotiable”
 Only write within the salary range you know
they are offering (from previous ad, etc.)
Tricky Application Areas
 Health and Ability
 Legal vs. illegal
 Legal: “Can you lift 50 lbs. from the ground?”
 Illegal: “Do you have a disability?”
 Previous workers compensation questions are
legal
Tricky Application Areas
 Criminal Record
 Legal Question: conviction only
 Illegal Question: arrest or imprisonment
 Be honest! Be specific to what the question
that is asked.
Tricky Application Areas
 Work History
 List all jobs, even part time ones, so that gaps
are filled
 List self employment between full time jobs, if
applicable
 Volunteer positions in between full time jobs
Tricky Application Areas
 Why did you leave your last job?
 Plantclosed or relocation
 Moved
 Seasonal work ended
 Company downsized or reorganized
 Corporate merger
 Lack of work/lay off
 Avoid the word “fired,” if applicable, use
“terminated” or “irreconcilable differences”
Tricky Application Areas
 What led you to consider becoming an
employee of this company?
 “Good working conditions”
 “I’ve heard good things about the company”
 “I feel it is a great opportunity, with lots of
growth potential.”
 “Excellent work environment”
Tricky Application Areas
 References
 Use no more than three references
 Best, most recent, should be first
 best references are a previous supervisor if possible,
then co-worker, then friend or personal
 Ask the person’s permission to use as reference
 Don’t list anyone you’re not completely sure will give a
good reference
 Provide detailed contact information about reference
What is a cheat sheet?
 Pre-completed document with all your
information on it
 You will only have to refer to it for
information, not carry that info in your
head
 Never hand it in, still write out applications