Friday, July 29, 2011

Employment Application - 7 Tips For Completing Employment Application Forms

Completing employment application forms can be a bit of a challenge. Unfortunately, they are not always as clear as they could be, and they require you to present your work history in a very specific format, one that may not be best for highlighting your suitability for the job. To make your job a bit easier when completing employment application forms, follow these guidelines:

1. Read the Entire Form Before You Start Writing

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Job application forms are not always written clearly, so it's not always obvious what information belongs in each section of the application. If you read the entire job application form through before you start filling out the form, you'll have a better understanding of what information is required in each section.

2. Your Resume Will Help You Find the Information You Need

Always bring your resume with you when you know you will be completing a job application form. Most of the information required on the form will be written on your resume. Your resume will help you to remember important dates as well as your on the job responsibilities and accomplishments. It will also allow you to check the spelling of any tricky words, assuming you've used the same phrases on your resume. You should be able to copy most of the information required on an employment application form directly from your resume.

3. Be Prepared to Make a Good Impression

Dress professionally and be friendly to everyone you meet when you go to fill out an employment application. Employers make decisions about your suitability for a job at all stages in the hiring process, and all staff who meet you usually have some input into the decision to hire you or not. Therefore, it's important to be ready to make a good impression even when you are simply picking up or completing a job application form.

4. Offer to Submit Your Resume

Application forms are structured in the way the employer chooses, and that structure may not show your skills in the best possible light. A well written resume will almost always be a better self marketing tool than a job application. Simply say to the employer something like, "I'd be happy to fill out this job application. I also have a copy of my resume here, could I submit that along with the application form?" Be polite, don't come across as though you don't want to fill out the application form, and then proceed based on the employer's response to your request.

5. Ask if You Can Complete the Application at Home

It's always easier to complete a blank employment application form at home. You'll feel less time pressure, and you'll be able to make a photocopy of the application form and do a practice run before you complete the original application.

Some employers, however, prefer to have candidates complete employment application forms on the premises. That way they know that you completed the form yourself; it's a way to determine whether you have good basic literacy skills. So, don't press the issue of filling out the form at home, but it's fine to ask politely if this is acceptable to the employer.

6. Don't Leave Anything Blank

If a section is left blank on an application form, the employer may think you were not careful when completing the form and you missed that section. Employers will view this as a reflection of the way you work and may assume you will be careless or not detail oriented on the job.

If a section on the job application form does not apply to you, simply write "N/A" or "Does Not Apply" in that section. That way the employer will know that you considered the question and completed the form carefully.

7. Proofread Carefully

Like your resume, an employment application form must be error free. Be sure to carefully review each section of the application before submitting the form to the employer.

Completing a blank employment application form does not have to be a daunting task, Simply plan ahead, take your time and you will be able to put your best foot forward on job application forms.

Employment Application - 7 Tips For Completing Employment Application Forms

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