Reading

Date: 2015-10-07; view: 491.

In different countries, different conventions apply to the process of job application and interview. In most parts of the world, it's common to submit a laser-printed CV (curriculum vitae – British English) or résumé (American English). This contains all the unchanging information about you: your education, background and work experience. This usually accompanies a letter of application, which in some countries is expected to be handwritten, not word-processed. A supplementary information sheet containing information relevant to this particular job may also be required, though this is not used in some countries.

Many companies expect all your personal information to be entered on a standard application form. Unfortunately, no two application forms are alike and filling in each one may present unexpected difficulties. Some personnel departments believe that CV and application letter give a better impression of a candidate than a form.

Filling out the application.

Read the application carefully, follow the instructions, write neatly, and answer all the questions completely. Sometimes it is difficult to answer certain questions.

There are three kinds of questions that are difficult to answer:

1. Questions that do not apply (relate) to you.

2. Questions that you do not want to answer because you believe your answer will be misunderstood.

3. Illegal questions that you should not be asked.

Questions that do not apply to you are not really difficult to answer. All that you should do is to write “N.A” (Not Applicable) or make a short dash (-) in the answer space. For example, if a question asks about the validity period of your professional license and your occupation does not require a license, the question does not apply to you. If you make a short dash (-) in the answer space, the employer will know that you read the question, but it does not apply to you.

Questions that you do not want to answer because you believe your answer would be misunderstood are more difficult to answer. For example, consider a person who was discharged from a job but has an honest explanation that would be acceptable in a discussion with a prospective employer. However, the explanation is too long to write in the space provided on the application form. How should this person answer the question “Reason for leaving?” If this person writes, “I was fired”, that will probably end the possibility of his or her getting this job. If he or she doesn't write the truthful answer, it could mean being discharged from the new job if the truth is found out. We suggest that this person write, “Will discuss during the interview”, as the answer to that question.

We have included some sample job application forms. Study those forms. Look at the kinds of information they ask you to provide. Make sure you have all of that information available. If you have never filled out a job application form, you should have some practice before you fill out a real one.

It's important for your job applications to be complete, correct (no errors) and accurate. Here is the information you will need to complete an application for employment and tips and suggestions for writing applications that make a great impression. Regardless of whether you complete an online job application or apply in-person, make sure you have all information you need ready before you apply for a job.

Job Application Form Details:

Personal Information:

· Name

· Address

· City, State, Zip Code

· Phone Number

· Eligibility to work in US

· Felony convictions

· If under age, working paper certificate

Education:

· Schools/Colleges Attended

· Major

· Degree/Diploma

· Graduation Dates(s)

Position Applied For Information:

· Title of the job you are applying for

· Hours/days available to work

· When you can start work

Employment Information:

· Names, addresses, phone numbers of previous employers

· Supervisor's name

· Dates of employment

· Salary

· Reason for Leaving