Tips for Filling out Applications

• When picking up the application; dress as you would for an interview; the employer may take the opportunity to speak to you right then and there.
• Get two applications if possible; one to practice on and one to turn in.
• Carry extra copies of your resume with you.
• Read the application thoroughly; know what you are being asked.
• Use a dictionary if you don’t know how to spell a word.
• Make sure your contact information is accurate (especially your phone number).
• When asked about salary requirements; write negotiable. Do not over or under price yourself.
• Employment History: begin with your most recent job and work back in time.
• Reason for leaving: be honest, but if you have issues in your past you may want to write “to be discussed”. Be prepared to explain, briefly what happened and what you learned from the experience.
• Be specific about job duties; include any tools, equipment, software, etc. that you have used and have experience with.
• May we contact your employer? If you have concerns about what your current employer might say, or if they might react negatively to the fact that you are seeking employment elsewhere; you may want to respond: “only if offered the job”. Be sure you give the hiring team as much information about your education, skills and abilities to make the best possible decision about you.
• Be honest; lying on your application can lead to immediate dismissal.
• If delivering the application; dress as you would for an interview; they may interview you on the spot.
• If mailing the application: invest in large envelopes so that you don‛t have to fold the application and be sure you put enough postage on it to get it to its destination.

Date, sign, and keep a copy for your records. This helps you track your job search efforts.