Employers use job applications to gather information about
your qualifications, and to compare you to other applicants. They will screen out
applicants based on various factors in the application. Here are some tips for completing
applications successfully; click on the links for more information:
Note: Not all employers require an application—some prefer
that you submit a resume. Go to Resumes for information about resumes.
Avoid having your application rejected because you filled it
out wrong:
- Read the entire application before you complete it.
- Pay close attention to what is being asked and how you are
expected to respond.
- Do not write in sections that say "Do Not Write Below
This Line" or "Office Use Only."
Fill it out neatly
To make sure that your application creates the best
impression and provides the information that the employer needs to determine your
qualifications:
- Prepare a personal data sheet with information that might be
required on an application: dates, names, addresses, telephone numbers, etc. You can
refer to this data sheet as you fill out the application to reduce the potential for
errors.
- Write out responses using a separate sheet of paper before
completing the application. An alternative is to get two copies of the application and use
the first one as a rough draft.
- Use black, erasable pen and print clearly, or use a
typewriter.
- Make sure that you have no grammar or spelling errors.
If possible, have someone proofread the application.
- Use correction fluid ("white out,") for
fixing minor errors. Be sure to use it sparingly.
- Do not use abbreviations, except for "n/a" (not
applicable).
Respond to all questions
If a question does not apply to you, use "n/a" to
indicate that it is not applicable. This shows the employer that you did not overlook
anything. Here is more information about responding to specific questions:
When answering the question, "Position Desired?",
avoid leaving it blank. Also, do not use the responses "Any" or
"Open."
- If the job is an advertised job, or if you are looking for a specific position,
enter that job title. For more information on responding to ads, go to ISEEK's Research
Jobs and Employers section, Job Advertisements.
- When you are not applying for a specific position, state the
name of the department in which you wish to work.
- If you are interested in more than one job, fill out more than
one application.
Salary requirements
Employers may use this question to screen out applicants. It is
best to give a salary range or to respond with "negotiable." Use one of these
responses even if you know the wage. This leaves you room to negotiate a higher wage.
Choose your words carefully when responding to this question.
Avoid using the words "Fired," "Quit," "Illness," or
"Personal Reasons." These responses may reduce your chances of being hired.
Always look for positive statements to use in answering this question. Here are some
possible ways to handle this question:
If you were fired:
- Do not use the terms "fired" or
"terminated." Instead, use a phrase that sounds neutral such as "involuntary
separation."
- You may want to call past employers to find out what they will
say in response to reference checks. When contacting past employers, reintroduce yourself
and explain that you're looking for a new job. Find out what they say when asked why you left
their employ. Be honest that your termination hurts your chances of getting another job.
Usually, past employers will agree to use the term "resigned." This response
saves them potential headaches and even lawsuits.
If you quit your job, use the term
"resigned" or "voluntarily separated." These responses indicate that
you followed proper procedures in leaving the job. If the application asks for a reason
(or if you are asked in the job interview), you can respond as follows:
- Quit for a better job. This response includes:
leaving for advancement potential, leaving to work closer to home, leaving for a better
work environment, or leaving for a career change. If you quit for a better job, there
should not be a long break in employment; your employment history should support the
statement.
- Quit to move to another area.
- Quit to attend school. If you
use this reason, the education listed on your application and/or resume must reflect it.
- Other reasons, such as: took an extended vacation/sabbatical,
did volunteer work, started own business, raised family.
If you were laid off from a job due to no
fault of your own, indicate the reason for the lay off. Here are some possible phrases to
use:
- Lack of work
- Lack of operating funds
- Temporary employment
- Seasonal employment
- Company closed
- Plant closing
- Company downsized
- Corporate merger
Most applications will ask for references. For
details about responding to this request, go to collect
References.
Applications may contain questions that are
illegal to ask before a conditional offer of employment. According to the
Minnesota Human Rights Act, at Minnesota Statutes, section 363.03, subdivision
1(4)(a), these include questions about the following subjects:
- race
- color
- religion
- creed
- national origin
- public assistance
- sex
- marital status
- sexual orientation
- age
- disability
You need to decide how you will respond:
- If the question does not bother you, answer
it.
- If it does, you can use "n/a". But
be aware that you may get screened out by having too many of these
responses. If possible, you may also decide to choose a different employer.
For more information, go to ISEEK's Interviews and Negotiations section,
Legal Interview Questions
or visit the website of the Minnesota
Department of Human Rights.
Be Positive and Honest
During your job search, you want to present a positive,
honest picture of yourself:
- Avoid any negative information. See Reasons
for Leaving for more information about providing a positive response to questions
about leaving your previous jobs.
- Honestly answer all questions. The information that you
provide may become part of your permanent employment record. False information can become
the basis for dismissal.
- Provide only the information that the employer is seeking or
that is necessary to sell your qualifications.
Target your qualifications
Many applications have limited space to record your skills,
experience, and accomplishments. Increase your chances of gaining an interview by
carefully selecting what you will include on the application:
- Include only those qualifications that you feel meet the
specific needs of the job. To help ensure that you include the appropriate
information, research the company, its products or services, and the skills
needed for the job. For more
information, go to ISEEK's Research Jobs and Employers section,
Research Employers.
- Attach a resume that details your skills, experience, and
accomplishments. For information on writing resumes, go to Resumes.
Source:
Creative
Job Search, Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic
Development and the Minnesota
Department of Human Rights.
Page last updated in August 2008.
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