North Carolina Bar Association Women In The Profession

Applying For A Job

CHECKLIST OF INFORMATION NEEDED WHEN APPLYING FOR A JOB Your Contact Information Your Contact Information Identification Identification Education Information Education Information Job Experience Job Experience References References Qualifications Summary Qualifications Summary

Applying For A Job Your Contact Information Your Contact Information Mailing address Mailing address address (only if you check it regularly) address (only if you check it regularly) Home telephone and/or cell phone numbers Home telephone and/or cell phone numbers Identification Identification Drivers License Drivers License Social Security Number Social Security Number

Applying For A Job Education Information Education Information School name, street address, city, and state School name, street address, city, and state Months and years of attendance Months and years of attendance Highest grade completed Highest grade completed Diploma or degree awarded Diploma or degree awarded

Applying For A Job Job Experience – Paid and Volunteer Job Experience – Paid and Volunteer For each job include For each job include Job Title (type of work that you did) Job Title (type of work that you did) Name and address of employer Name and address of employer Dates of employment Dates of employment Be able to briefly describe your work Be able to briefly describe your work Ex. Provided friendly service to customers during check out Ex. Provided friendly service to customers during check out

Applying For A Job References References You should have three references ready in case they are requested. You should have three references ready in case they are requested. Good references are: Good references are: Former employers, co-workers, teachers, and/or anyone else who can describe your abilities. Former employers, co-workers, teachers, and/or anyone else who can describe your abilities. You will be asked to provide contact information for each reference. You will be asked to provide contact information for each reference. Because providing contact information may be required, you may want to get permission before using a person as a reference. Because providing contact information may be required, you may want to get permission before using a person as a reference.

Applying For A Job Qualifications Summary Qualifications Summary Be prepared to give a brief description of your best skills and experience in just a few sentences. Be prepared to give a brief description of your best skills and experience in just a few sentences.

Employment Application

Please print and fill out all sections Applicant Information: Applicant Name: ____________________________ Phone: __________ Cell Phone: _______________ Address: _____________________________ Street Address: _____________________________ City: ______________________________________ State & Zip Code: ___________________________ How did you hear about position? _______________

Employment Application Employment Positions: Position(s) applying for: ________________________ Are you applying for: Temporary work (summer or holiday work)? [ ] Y [ ] N Regular part-time work? [ ] Y [ ] N Regular full-time work? [ ] Y [ ] N What days and hours are you available for work? ____

Employment Application Employment Positions: If hired, on what date can you start working? _______ /________ /__________ Month Day Year Can you work on weekends? [ ] Y [ ] N Can you work evenings? [ ] Y [ ] N Are you available to work overtime? [ ] Y [ ] N

Employment Application Personal Information: Personal Information: Have you ever applied to or worked for Company before? [ ] Y [ ] N If yes, please explain (include date) __________________________ Do you have any friends or relatives working for Company? [ ] Y [ ] N If yes, state name and relationship: __________________________ If hired, would you have transportation to and from work? [ ] Y [ ] N If hired, would you be able to present evidence of your U.S. citizenship or proof of your legal right to work in the United States? [ ] Y [ ] N

Employment Application Personal Information: If hired, are you willing to submit to and pass a controlled substance test? [ ] Y [ ] N Are you able to perform the essential functions of the job for which you are applying either with or without reasonable accommodation? [ ] Y [ ] N If no, describe the functions that cannot be performed _____________ Have you ever been convicted of a criminal offense (felony or misdemeanor)? [ ] Y [ ] N If yes, please describe the crime (state the nature of the crime(s), when and where convicted, and the nature of the case. ___________________________________________________

Employment Application Education, Training and Experience High School: School name: _________________________________ School address: _______________________________ School city, state, zip: ___________________________ Number of years completed: ______________________ Did you graduate? [ ] Y [ ] N Degree/Diploma earned: _________________________

Employment Application Education, Training and Experience College/University: School name: _________________________________ School address: _______________________________ School city, state, zip: ___________________________ Number of years completed: ______________________ Did you graduate? [ ] Y [ ] N Degree/Diploma earned: _________________________

Employment Application Education, Training and Experience Vocational School: School name: _________________________________ School address: _______________________________ School city, state, zip: ___________________________ Number of years completed: ______________________ Did you graduate? [ ] Y [ ] N Degree/Diploma earned: _________________________

Employment Application Education, Training and Experience Military: Branch: _____________________________________ Rank in Military: ______________________________ Total Years of Service: _________________________ Skills/duties: _________________________________ Related details: _______________________________

Employment Application Additional Information Do you speak, write or understand any foreign languages? [ ] Y [ ] N If yes, describe which language(s) and how fluent of a speaker you consider yourself to be. ________________

Employment Application Employment History Are you currently employed? [ ] Y [ ] N If you are currently employed, may we contact your current employer? [ ] Y [ ] N Below please describe past and present employment positions, dating back five years. Please account for all periods of unemployment. Even if you have attached a resume, this section must be completed.

Employment Application Employment History Name of Employer: _______________________________ Name of Supervisor: ______________________________ Telephone Number: ______________________________ Business Type: __________________________________ Street Address: ________City: _______ State/Zip _______ Length of Employment (Include Dates): _______________ Position and Duties: Reason for Leaving: ______________ May we contact this employer for references? [ ] Y [ ] N

Employment Application References List three people who have knowledge of your work performance. Please include professional references only. Name: _________________________________________ Telephone Number: ______________________________ Street Address: ________City: _________ State/Zip _____ Occupation: _____________________________________ Number of years acquainted: _______________________ Relationship to you: _______________________________

Employment Application CertificationCertification I hereby certify that all entries and attachments are true and complete, and I agree and understand that any falsification of information herein regardless of time of discovery, may cause forfeiture on my part of any employment. I understand that all information on this application is subject to verification and I consent to criminal history and background checks. I also consent that you may contact references, former employers and educational institutions listed regarding this application. ______________________________ Applicant Signature ______________________________Date

Employment Application Please print and fill out all sections Applicant Information: Applicant Name: Phone: Cell Phone: Address: Street Address: City: State & Zip Code: How did you hear about position? Susan M. Smith Grove Avenue Sunny Town NC Workshop

Employment Application Employment Positions: Position(s) applying for: Are you applying for: Temporary work (summer or holiday work)? [ ] Y [ ] N Regular part-time work? [ ] Y [ ] N Regular full-time work? [ ] Y [ ] N What days and hours are you available for work? Store Clerk X X M-F 7:00 am – 10:00 pm, Saturday 7:00 am – 9:00 pm, Sunday 11:00 am – 10:00 pm

Employment Application Employment Positions: If hired, on what date can you start working? Can you work on weekends? [ ] Y [ ] N Can you work evenings? [ ] Y [ ] N Are you available to work overtime? [ ] Y [ ] N 9/23/2009 X X X

Employment Application Personal Information: Personal Information: Have you ever applied to or worked for Company before? [ ] Y [ ] N If yes, please explain (include date) Do you have any friends or relatives working for Company? [ ] Y [ ] N If yes, state name and relationship: __________________________ If hired, would you have transportation to and from work? [ ] Y [ ] N If hired, would you be able to present evidence of your U.S. citizenship or proof of your legal right to work in the United States? [ ] Y [ ] N I applied in October of 2007, but was not selected for employment X X X X

Employment Application Personal Information: If hired, are you willing to submit to and pass a controlled substance test? [ ] Y [ ] N Are you able to perform the essential functions of the job for which you are applying either with or without reasonable accommodation? [ ] Y [ ] N If no, describe the functions that cannot be performed _____________ Have you ever been convicted of a criminal offense (felony or misdemeanor)? [ ] Y [ ] N X X X

Employment Application Personal Information: If yes, please describe the crime (state the nature of the crime(s), when and where convicted, and the nature of the case. In 2002 I was charged with possession of a controlled substance. I plead guilty to the charge and successfully completed my probation period and a rehabilitation program. I am currently drug free, and have been since my conviction in 2002.

Employment Application Education, Training and Experience High School: School name: School address: School city, state, zip: Number of years completed: Did you graduate? [ ] Y [ ] N Degree/Diploma earned: Happy High School 123 High School Lane Sunny Town, NC X Diploma

Employment Application Education, Training and Experience College/University: School name: School address: _______________________________ School city, state, zip: ___________________________ Number of years completed: ______________________ Did you graduate? [ ] Y [ ] N Degree/Diploma earned: _________________________ Not Applicable (n/a)

Employment Application Education, Training and Experience Vocational School: School name: School address: School city, state, zip: Number of years completed: Did you graduate? [ ] Y [ ] N Degree/Diploma earned: Radford Technical College Nash Street Wilson, NC X

Employment Application Education, Training and Experience Military:Branch: Rank in Military: Total Years of Service: Skills/Duties: Related details: Army Sergeant 15 Infantry Cook

Employment Application Additional Information Do you speak, write or understand any foreign languages? [ ] Y [ ] N If yes, describe which language(s) and how fluent of a speaker you consider yourself to be. ________________ X

Employment Application Employment History Are you currently employed? [ ] Y [ ] N If you are currently employed, may we contact your current employer? [ ] Y [ ] N Below please describe past and present employment positions, dating back five years. Please account for all periods of unemployment. Even if you have attached a resume, this section must be completed. X X

Employment Application Employment History Continued Name of Employer: Name of Supervisor: Telephone Number: Business Type: Street Address: Length of Employment (Include Dates): Company 1 Mary Martin Restaurant 333 Food Lane, Sunny Town, NC April 2006 to present

Employment Application Employment History Continued Position and Duties: Reason for Leaving: May we contact this employer for references? [ ] Y [ ] N Team Member: Provided prompt and friendly service to restaurant guests, handled cash register functions, and occasionally took drive through orders. I am currently employed, but I am looking for additional work. X

Employment Application References List three people who have knowledge of your work performance. Please include professional references only. Name: Telephone Number: Street Address: Occupation: Number of years acquainted: Relationship to you: Bruce Briant Point Place, Sunny Town, NC Team Member at Company 1 year Co-worker

Employment Application CertificationCertification I hereby certify that all entries and attachments are true and complete, and I agree and understand that any falsification of information herein regardless of time of discovery, may cause forfeiture on my part of any employment. I understand that all information on this application is subject to verification and I consent to criminal history and background checks. I also consent that you may contact references, former employers and educational institutions listed regarding this application. ______________________________ Applicant Signature ______________________________Date Susan M. Smith 9/10/09

Answering Difficult Questions

Prior Terminations, Incarcerations, and Criminal Convictions* Prior Terminations, Incarcerations, and Criminal Convictions* There is really only one rule when it comes to answering difficult questions about prior terminations, incarcerations, and criminal convictions. You must be honest. Having a criminal record will not prevent you from being hired, but lying might. Employers will be impressed if you can show that you have learned from your experiences. If you are asked a difficult question regarding your past, make sure to put a positive spin on your story. It will demonstrate maturity and strength of character if you are able to admit past wrongs while also explaining how those experiences made you a stronger person and a better candidate for the position.

Answering Difficult Questions Example Questions and Answers Q: I see you were terminated from your last position. Can you explain what happened? Possible Answers: 1.I was terminated for failing to show up to work several days in a row. However, I have learned from my past mistakes, and can guarantee you that I will be at work on time. 2.I was terminated for inappropriate behavior. However, at the time I was struggling with substance abuse, and that is no longer a problem. I have been through a wonderful rehab program, and have really gotten my life together. I have been drug free for over a year, and know that I have the maturity to handle this position in a professional manner. 3.I was let go along with several other employees because of downsizing in the company.

Answering Difficult Questions Example Questions and Answers Q: I see that you have been convicted of a crime. Can you explain what happened? Possible Answers: 1.I was convicted of possession of narcotics. I struggled with substance abuse as a teen and young adult, but with the help of family and friends I have been able to break free from my addiction. 2.I was convicted of theft, but I can guarantee that I will never commit such an act again. When the incident occurred I was struggling to support myself and my young son. I attempted to steal some baby formula and was caught. I was young, not very wise, and desperate. I now know I have resources to help me in times of trouble.

Answering Difficult Questions Example Questions and Answers Q: I see that you have been convicted of a crime. Can you explain what happened? Possible Answers Continued: 3.I was convicted of battery. I was in an unstable relationship, and my boyfriend was verbally abusive. The stress of the relationship got to be too much, and one day I hit him with a frying pan. I know my actions were wrong, and I have taken steps to make sure nothing similar occurs in the future. I have been taking anger management classes and have also joined a support group for abused women.