Job Applications Tips PEP Talk *Pre-employment Preparation *

Do you already know… Why you need to prepare? What employers want? What information do you need to have? How to deal with difficult questions (honestly) about your inconsistent work history, criminal record, firings, illnesses…? Any job application tips?

Why do I need to prepare for a job application? Avoid embarrassment! Beat the competition! Market yourself! Employers make decisions using your application.

What employers want to know… Honest, accurate facts about you! Legal docs: birth certificate, SSN, CDL, certifications, proof of citizenship, right to work Education and training record Military record Criminal and financial record Work history, skills, abilities

Employers want to know: Work History Reasons for leaving past jobs Paid (temp,full-time) Non-paid (volunteer, military, work done for others relating to position you’re applying for) Find reasons to screen out

Work History-Red vs. Green Flag Red flag “Fired, quit, personality conflict, dissatisfied, personal problems, fight with supervisor, fight with coworker, terminated, arrested..” Green flag “Mutually agreed to leave, relocated, resigned, temporarily employed, differing ideas or… ”

Employers want to know: Job Qualifications Prove that you can do the job. Skills, personality, reliability Action words to describe duties Qualifications/skills that match the job announcement

Information ready to use.. Job References vs. Verification Who can be your reference? How do you ask someone to be your reference? Details, details, details Dates, names, addresses, salary…

Hard questions to answer Applications force us to unveil past events (results = gaps in employment history) Greatest challenge: not to be screened out Résumé – offers ways to minimize gaps due to felonies, illnesses, schooling/training Try to schedule face-to-face to explain reason for gaps in work history, “issues” and to build rapport Remember: application is legal document, can be used as reason for dismissal

Your application represents you! Five Questions in Review… Can you read it easily? Is it error free? Did I read and follow the directions? Did I give true and accurate facts? Did I answer every question?

Helpful tip s Complete a “sample application” or “fact sheet” as guide to filling out actual application Have counselor or instructor check your application “before” submitting it Ask employer if you can fill out the application at home…if not make sure you have the sample app with you

 Have your Social Security Card / know your #  Have your driver’s license, or picture I.D. card  Have a black ink with you at all times  Prepare a “master application” to take with you when you complete a “real” application.  Always read the application/forms before writing.  Always print or type (unless asked otherwise).

 Be complete. If a question does not apply, print “NA” or “not applicable.”  List all education and training.  Put the last high school that you attended.  Be specific about the position desired.  Putting “anything” for “Position Desired” means that you will get nothing, not that you are “flexible”.