Tips for Filling Out Job Applications

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Posted on by Emily in Business, General

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This might sound ridiculous but the number of times I’ve filled out job applications and messed it up are far too many. In the past I had a tendency to be careless and unprepared and as a result I feel like I ended up not getting the job.

After all, there’s tough competition out there when it comes to employment. Even with easy, part-time summer jobs. The market is cutthroat and you need to stand out from the pack. Preferably not by having the worst spelling.

The following are some tips I feel like I sorely needed when I filled out job applications in the past:

#1) Do it right. The worst thing you can do when filling out a job application is to do it in a half-assed way. The less effort you visibly put into it, the less serious you will come across to your prospective employer. Come with your reference/employment information ready or take the application home.

#2) Start with pencil. I can’t tell you how many times I started filling out a job application in pen before realizing that I somehow really screwed it up, in pen! The worst is crossing something off in pen or even white-out looks kind of cheap. I say, start with light pencil you can either erase or write over. Or write everything out on a separate paper before putting in your final draft.

#3) Take your time. If you rush filling out an application it probably will appear so or you’ll get some information wrong. Take some time and do it right– it’ll pay off.

#4) Write legibly. Does your handwriting stink? Try writing slowly, or print as best you can when filling out an application. It’ll make you appear more professional. Or get someone with good handwriting to do it for you.

#5) If you’re not sure how to spell a word– look it up. There’s nothing worse than poor spelling to make you look unemployable. Get it right.

#6) Don’t lie. It’ll come back to haunt you.

#7) Double check your work. Take a few minutes to re-read everything and make sure you’re happy with your responses and that all your references are correct.

Once you’re done filling out your application, put in a folder so that it doesn’t get beat up or coffee spilled on it. Then head off to your prospective employer and hand it to someone in management. Ask for the manager, shake their hand and let them know that you’ll be checking in with them soon.

Congratulations! You’re one step closer to becoming gainfully employed.

Do You Have Any Tips for Filling Out Job Applications

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Tags: applying for jobs, job applications