Georgia DOL Job Search Handbook - Chapter 6 - Applications - Everything anyone ever wanted to know about you..and asked? - Applications come in all shapes, sizes. There are 2 purposes for an application. The purpose depends upon which side of the desk you are sitting.
If you're the employer, you use the application to quickly screen out those people who don't fit your needs. If you are the job hunter, you use the application to get your foot in the door..to that all important face-to-face interview. With your purpose in mind, consider: In your absence, your application is you. Is it neat, accurate, easily read? Is it complete? What does it say about your work, skills and ability to follow instructions? Will it screen you in ... or out?
As an example...The Georgia Dept of Labor recently helped a large firm select 800 applicants who would be tested for 200 jobs. More than 7,000 applications were received! Based solely on their applications, 6,200 people were quickly screened out on the first out. Why?
Most of them.... failed to follow application instructions submitted an incomplete or unreadable application requested salary higher than that publicized left gaps in their work history had been "fired" from several jobs had an unstable work history failed to describe skills
This type of screening is not unusual.
Following are employers' most frequent complaints about the applications they receive: Application completed sloppily: Could not read due to messy or illegible handwriting, Items crossed out, Crumpled up, Application incomplete (Do not say "See Résumé") Name and address incomplete or unreadable Indicated "anything" for type of work sought Work history reversed; did not put most recent job first Vague descriptions of skills, experience, and accomplishments Left important questions blank. Gave no indication as to whether the blank was an oversight/omission or not applicable (N/A) to the individual. Failed to sign and date application
Helpful Hints for Completing Applications Have information readily available. Don't erase, scratch out or leave blanks. Answer questions as fully as possible. Leave no blank spaces. For questions that do not apply to you, draw a line or write N/A. Use only positive information. If the response is negative or requires an explanation, write "will discuss in interview." Avoid negative words such as "quit" or "fired." Be prepared to use ink or pencil. Be completely honest. Misrepresenting yourself on a job application may result in being fired at a later date. Résumés do not substitute for applications unless an employer specifies this is acceptable.
MORE HELPFUL HINTS Pick up two copies of the application if possible, one to practice on and one to complete and return. Ask if you can take the application home to complete. If this is not possible, use your Personal Data Book as a guide. When picking up or returning an application, make sure you are dressed and groomed appropriately - because the employer may interview you "on the spot" or may later ask the receptionist's impression of your appearance. Do not fold or crumple the application. Read the application completely before starting to fill it out. Note whether the application is to be completed in pencil or in a specific color ink. Print the application neatly or type it. The neatness of your application is an indication of your work. Make sure you have a good message phone number. Make sure the address you use is one where you can be reached for several months. If you will be moving soon, give a message address or permanent address of a relative or friend. Know specific jobs within the company for which you want to apply. Many applications that say "anything" are often thrown out. When writing down your work history, start with present or last employer first and work backward. Know address, telephone numbers, supervisors' names, dates of employment and a thorough job description saying what you did, to what, using what skills and tools or equipment. Use action words in your job description, such as "supervised," "implemented," "increased," "operated.", etc. In the "Salary Desired" block, ask for a salary that will match your experience, training, and education or write "will discuss" or "negotiable." Salary must also match what the employer is willing to pay. For "Organizations and Associations," provide only non-controversial activities unless you are required to list all memberships. For "Hobbies and Leisure Time Activities," avoid potentially controversial activities. For "Honors or Awards," keep them recent and relevant. Sign and date the application. Re-read it twice before giving it to the employer. Did you complete everything? Does it reflect you and your abilities?
