Information Common to All Employment Applications

One of the things you'll notice as you fill out employment applications is that all of them ask for the same or similar information. Being prepared with this information will reduce the amount of time you spend on this sometimes irritating but always necessary function.

Virtually every employment application asks for information in the following areas:

Personal contact information.

In addition to your legal name this will include your social security number, address, phone number and email address. You may also be asked for the name, address and phone number of the person to be contacted in case of an emergency.


Personal reference information.

All job applications want information about your former managers. This information will be needed for job references. (See below)

Many also ask for personal references. If you're an entry level candidate with no work history, this section will be especially important. Bring information for at least three personal references.

Include their name, their relationship to you (former professor, neighbor, clergy person, community service supervisor, former study group partner or colleague etc.), their place of employment, professional title, address, phone number, and if possible email address. Remember to first call the people you list as references so they will be prepared to speak well of you!

Work history and job reference information.

Most applications will ask you to start with your current or most recent position and work backwards through your employment history. Be sure to read the instructions carefully and do what is wanted.

For each employer you will need the company's name and address; your direct supervisor's name, phone number and email address; the month and year you started with the company along with the month and year you left. Your supervisor is generally the person who will be called for a job reference..

You may be be asked to give a brief list of job duties (list those most relevant to the job you're applying for). And you'll be asked why you left each position. If this question isn't on the application (and even if it is) it will come up in an interview.