Job Application Process
Understand procedures for gaining employment.
The procedures to follow when
looking for a job include:
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Complete a résumé
Write a cover letter (or Letter of Application)
Complete a job application
Interview with the potential employer
Send a thank-you letter
The Résumé
Purposes of a Résumé
• Provide a summary of the applicant’s
qualifications
• Stimulate interest of an employer
• Save time in the interview process
Guidelines for Writing a Résumé
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Keep it to one page, if possible
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Showcase skills and qualifications, but
be honest
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Use reverse chronological order for
education and work experience
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Use “action verbs” such as, created,
designed
Guidelines for Writing a Résumé
• Use present tense in describing a current
job and past tense for others
• Get permission to use names as
references
• Make it neat and spell everything correctly
• Key and proofread carefully
Contents of a Résumé
• Personal data- Name, address, phone number
(where you can be reached), and e-mail address.
• Job Objective- the job you are applying for.
• Education background-list the schools you have
attended or are currently attending. Also, includes
any subjects or programs in which you are
specialized.
• Work experience/volunteer work- list your work
experience beginning with your most recent job.
Also, include volunteer work.
Contents of a Résumé
• Special skills and abilities- list any job-related
skills and abilities.
• Honors and Activities- List any honors or awards
you have received. Name activities you have
participated in that relate to the job you want.
• References available upon request- people who
will recommend you to an employer. Should not
be family members. Teachers, club leaders,
neighbors, and anyone you’ve worked for before
make good references.
The Cover Letter (or
Letter of Application)
Purposes of a Cover Letter
• Serves as a cover letter when mailing
the résumé.
• Sent in response to want ads
Guidelines for Writing a Cover Letter
• Neatly type it
• Address to a specific person
• Keep the letter brief, clear, and
businesslike (1 page)
• Use personal business letter format
Contents of a Cover Letter
1.
First paragraph tells the position you are interested
in and where you found out about the position.
2.
Middle or second paragraph stimulates interest in
your qualifications and refers to your résumé.
3.
Last paragraph should cause the reader to contact
the applicant to arrange for an interview
The Job Application
Purposes of a Job
Application
• Indicates an applicant’s abilities
• Determines how well an individual can
follow directions, understands questions,
and organizes answers
• Indicates neatness, thoroughness,
spelling, and writing abilities
Guidelines for Completing a
Job Application
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Have necessary materials on hand – pen,
social security number, résumé, names and
addresses of former employers and
references.
Read entire form thoroughly before
answering any questions.
Complete all blanks; write “NA” or draw a
line if an item does not apply to you.
Provide honest, complete and accurate
information.
Guidelines for Completing a
Job Application
• Be neat; ask for another form, if necessary.
• Spell words correctly and fully.
• Print legibly with black or blue ink. Keying
an application is also a professional way to
complete an application.
• Sign properly, if requested.
• Review form completely.