Filling out the application

Follow directions. You hear this all the time, but following directions is especially important when applying for a job.

• If an application asks you to submit it by fax, don’t mail it in.
• If a job posting asks you to email, don’t call and ask about the job.

Follow up. After you’ve submitted an application you may get a call for an interview, but if you apply and don’t hear back after a week, follow up.

• Call the business and simply say that you applied last week and wanted to follow up on the process.
• Many places receive so many applications that they cannot respond to everyone.
• Even if they’ve chosen not to interview you, you’ll know to scratch the place off your list!

Be Thorough. As you fill out your application it’s important to be thorough and fill out every piece of information accurately. Imagine turning in an application where you forgot to leave your phone number!

• Avoid simple mistakes by checking every blank in the application several times.
• Answer every question to the best of your ability and of course, be honest!
• There may be questions where you’re unsure of the proper way to answer or amount of detail to include. With these questions you might add, “Can provide further detail upon request.”
• Being dishonest or incomplete on a job application can take you out of the running before you even get your foot in the door, so check everything twice!