How to Complete
Job Applications
Erin O’Hanlon
Sharon Holtzman
How to Complete Job Applications
Introductions
 Tell us who you are….
 What line of work are you looking for?
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Universal Parts of Job Applications
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Personal Information
 Name,
address, citizenship
Universal Parts of Job Applications
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Work History
 Where
you have worked before, what your job
skills are
Universal Parts of Job Applications
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Education
 All
education should be listed, including one
time workshops and technical schools, even if
not completed
Universal Parts of Job Applications
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Criminal History Question
Universal Parts of Job Applications
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Depending on the field, may include
specific questions
availability (retail)
 References (professional)
 Licensing information (medical or casino)
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Universal Parts of Job Applications
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Signature section
 Typically
includes statement and signature
Additional Parts of the Application
Process
May include personality tests
 May include specific demographic
information about race, ethnicity, etc.
 May include consent and release for drug
testing

Online Applications
Generally based on
paper applications
 Complete all areas,
leave no blanks
 Put in N/A for not
applicable
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Tips for Completing Job
Applications
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Be honest in your answers
Come prepared – bring ball point pens (blue or
black), and your “cheat sheet”
Be neat and legible
Apply for a specific position, even if its not
currently open
Leave no blanks – write N/A for “not applicable”
Use complete sentences
Tips for Completing Job
Applications
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Explain lengthy gaps in work history
Sign and date the application
Be sure that the application gets back to the right
person/department
Proof read your work before turning it in
Bring your important documents – SS card, drivers
license, professional licenses
If you have additional resume and references, hand in,
even if it is a repeat of information provided on
application
How do applications get into the
“no” pile?
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Applicant doesn’t follow instructions
Misspelled words
Crossed out writing or can’t be read
Wrinkled or messy application form
Incomplete or blank information
Use of words such as quit or fired
Application not signed
Salary requirements not realistic
Tricky Application Areas

Salary
 Try
not to get boxed in
 Be broad in this area, or write “Open” or
“Negotiable”
 Only write within the salary range you know
they are offering (from previous ad, etc.)
Tricky Application Areas
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Health and Ability
 Legal
vs. illegal
 Legal: “Can you lift 50 lbs. from the ground?”
 Illegal: “Do you have a disability?”
 Previous workers compensation questions are
legal
Tricky Application Areas

Criminal Record
 Legal
Question: conviction only
 Illegal Question: arrest or imprisonment
 Be honest! Be specific to what the question
that is asked.
Tricky Application Areas

Work History
 List
all jobs, even part time ones, so that gaps
are filled
 List self employment between full time jobs, if
applicable
 Volunteer positions in between full time jobs
Tricky Application Areas

Why did you leave your last job?
 Plant
closed or relocation
 Moved
 Seasonal work ended
 Company downsized or reorganized
 Corporate merger
 Lack of work/lay off
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Avoid the word “fired,” if applicable, use
“terminated” or “irreconcilable differences”
Tricky Application Areas
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What led you to consider becoming an
employee of this company?
 “Good
working conditions”
 “I’ve heard good things about the company”
 “I feel it is a great opportunity, with lots of
growth potential.”
 “Excellent work environment”
Tricky Application Areas
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References
 Use
no more than three references
 Best, most recent, should be first
 best references are a previous supervisor if possible,
then co-worker, then friend or personal
 Ask the person’s permission to use as reference
 Don’t list anyone you’re not completely sure will give
a good reference
 Provide detailed contact information about reference
What is a cheat sheet?
Pre-completed document with all your
information on it
 You will only have to refer to it for
information, not carry that info in your
head
 Never hand it in, still write out applications
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Let’s try some applications!
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Fill out at least three applications and then
share for feedback.
Thank You.
Sharon Holtzman, Home to Work Program
 609-601-9925, ext. 202
 Erin O’Hanlon, Self Sufficiency Program
 609-601-9925, ext. 201
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