Filling Out Job Applications

If you're looking for a job, then somewhere along the line you're going to need to fill out a job application. Some employers require applicants to fill out an application early in the process; others might ask you to fill one out while you're visiting for an interview. Either way, filling out a job application is an important step in being hired; here's why.

Why is Filling Out a Job Application Necessary?

Job applications are just one of the tools that an employer can use to gather the same exact information for each job applicant. In other words, the application itself makes the information gathering process consistent for all potential employees.

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In fact, large companies that might be hiring unionized workers, blue collar workers, or professionals, will normally use the same job application for all workers - regardless of the position they are seeking to fill in their organization. Using this approach also makes filling out an application a fair process.

How Do Companies Use Job Applications?

For some jobs, typically what might be considered blue collar jobs, the job application itself might be used as a substitute for a resume. That means the application needs to be structured to screen applicants prior to any formal job interview.

Other companies might use the job application to gather information after a job interview. In other words, the resume is used to screen job applicants, and the application is used to standardize the information known about each applicant.

Information Gathered Via Job Applications

We're going to provide you later on with some hints on how to fill out job applications, but right now we're going to address the types of information gathered via these applications. The following list contains some of the more popular types of information gathered via a job application:

Present and past home addresses
Telephone numbers
Emergency contact information
Social Security number
Driver's license number
Information concerning criminal and/or civil convictions
Available for work date
Military service dates, including date of discharge and type of discharge
Education and training dates
Schools attended, dates of attendance
Class rank, grade point averages
Prior work locations, job titles, responsibilities
Work references

If you have the above types of information readily available, then you're pretty much on your way. If you're asked to fill out a job application, and you have your Social Security number, driver's license, and a copy of your resume, then you have 95% of all the information you need with just these three pieces of information.

Tips and Hints for Filling out Applications

It pays to keep in mind the basics. Don't forget to arrive on time, bring a black ink pen, dress appropriately, print as neatly as possible, and try not to leave any information on the application blank. When you think the application is complete, take a few minutes to proofread what you just wrote.

Application Instructions

Remember to read all the instructions on the form thoroughly. In fact, read the entire application before starting. This way if a part of the instructions is not clear, then you might find hints later on in the document. Pretend the application is like a test; you want to take your time and score 100%.

Tailoring Responses

If you're seeking a specific type of job at a company, then there is nothing wrong with tailoring your responses to that job. In fact, this is the exact same approach you'd take with your resume and cover letter. Emphasize job skills and work experiences that are aligned with the position you're after.

While your goal here is to tailor your responses to a particular job, you also need to make sure your application is consistent with your resume.

Blanks / Unanswered Questions

Try to avoid leaving blanks or questions unanswered on the job application. If a question on the application does not apply to your situation, then simply use a "not applicable" or "N/A." If you have to leave a question blank, then provide an explanation as to why.

Never fill out a job application by using "see attached resume." You might be viewed as being lazy. The application is a separate document from your resume, treat it as such.

Answering Questions Truthfully

Always answer questions on a job application truthfully. Employees have been fired for falsifying job applications - sometimes years after they've been hired. You can be almost certain that a lie on an application will eventually be found by the human resources department of that company.

That's not to say you need to fill your application with potentially negative information. For example, if you're a victim of downsizing, you can simply state that the job ended on a certain date. That's the complete truth, and gives you an opportunity to explain exactly what happened later on during an interview - if the question comes up.

Salary Requirements on Applications

If a job application asks you for salary requirements, which many do, then you'll want to avoid getting too specific. This is a negotiating point that should happen much later in the process, you don't want to start negotiating a starting salary via your job application. Besides, you may be eliminated from consideration because of your response.

The standard way of answering this question is to put down the truth - "Negotiable."

Job References

As part of the job screening process, potential employers may want to talk to someone that you've worked with in the past. This can include former teachers, bosses, peers, coworkers and direct reports. If you're going to list someone as a job reference on your resume or application, then make sure you have their permission first.

If you've recently applied for a job, and you suspect they are going to contact one of your references, then it's a good idea to contact your references and tell them that a call might be coming their way from a potential employer.

Successful Job Applications

Job applications will run the spectrum from simple one-pagers to complex multi-page electronic documents. For some companies you might have to go to a keyboard, other applications might look like they've been photocopied too many times, and are merely attached to a clipboard.

No matter what the job application looks like, filling it out neatly and accurately is still important. Bring with you all the information you need to do a thorough job filling out the application. And remember, a job application is often used to screen out a candidate. So think of the application as your doorway to a job interview, and you can't go wrong.

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