Employment Application
Do's and Don’ts

On average only 2 out of every 10 applicants fill out their job applications completely and correctly. That's an educated estimate based on my 17+ years in hiring. (And I'm being generous.)

It doesn't matter whether you're at home working on-line or sitting in a Human Resources department. Demonstrate a "whatever it takes" attitude by taking the time to fill out the employment application properly.

Employment Application Do's and Don’ts

• Don't baulk at having to fill out an application. On the contrary, once you understand why employers need applications you will expect to fill one out.
  

• Do fill out the application completely. You'll be providing your prospective employer with what she needs. Being thorough will also demonstrate your attention to detail.
• Do fill out the application accurately and honestly. You can frame unfavorable information in the most positive way possible. But be honest!

  I always hated to reject a candidate because of false information on her application. That was especially true when the honest answer would not have kept the person from being considered for the opening.

• Do be prepared with all the information you need to fill out the application. Consolidate all of the commonly asked for information on one sheet of paper and carry it with you. Then you can quickly transfer information to the appropriate spot on an application.

• Don't write "See Resume" in the employment history section. Believe it or not...people have been known to misrepresent themselves on their resumes. The employer wants to have your work history spelled out on the application so you can sign off on its accuracy.
• Do make sure the dates on the application match the dates on your resume. If they don't this will be a major read flag to the hiring authority. You can use your resume as a guide for filling out the employment history. Just make sure you have all the additional information needed as well.
• Do be prepared to answer a free form question about why you are a good candidate for the position. Many applications will ask this or a similar question. You can ace this question by paraphrasing your career profile.
  
  
• Do write clearly. If your handwriting is hard to read print! Use blue or black ink and never pencil.

Remember that unless you're interviewing for a position in Human Resources, HR can't hire you. They can only knock you out of contention.

Taking the time to give Human Resources everything they need will also move you through the hiring process quicker than 80% of the other applicants.

Adopting a whatever it takes attitude will give you an employment edge.