This document provides guidance on completing job applications. It discusses the importance of applications in the hiring process and how employers use them to screen candidates. It identifies key sections of applications like personal information, education, employment history, and references. Tips are provided such as following instructions, writing neatly, tailoring answers to the job, and proofreading. Common mistakes to avoid on applications are also outlined.

1. Eng. Y. Kishanthan
C.Eng, B.Sc. Eng (Hons), MIE (SL), MIET (UK), MIEEE (UK)

2.  Developing listening competencies
 Introduction to Cover Letters and CVs
 Writing CV
 Completing the job application
 Cover letters
 Preparing for interview
 Meetings
 Summary writing
 Writing Short Reports

4.  For most jobs, employers use applications to
screen potential employees.
 They use the information from the
applications to determine who they are going
to call for a job interview.
 For other jobs, applications are simply the
paperwork the Human Resources department
requires of all job applicants.
 Employers often ask you to complete an
application after they have invited you for an
interview.

5.  Many employers use applications as a way of
standardizing the information they obtain from all
job-seekers, including some things that you would
not normally put on your resume.
 Your goal is to complete the application as
completely and honestly as you can -- all the time
remembering that the application is a key
marketing tool for you in the job-hunting process.
 Remember that some employers will use your
application as a basis for deciding whether to call
you for an interview.
Some companies require that you fill in the application while
you are there. They won’t let you take the application home
to fill out and then return to them.

6. PERSONAL INFORMATION
 Full Name
 Address
 City, State, Zip Code
 Phone Numbers
 Email Address
EDUCATION
 High School/Colleges Attended
 Degree/Diploma/Certificate
 Graduation dates(s) or dates
attended
REFERENCES
 List of three references - names,
job title or relationship,
addresses, phone numbers
POSITION APPLIED FOR INFORMATION
 Title of the job you are applying
for
 Hours/days available to work
 When you can start work
EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION
 Names, addresses, phone
numbers of previous employers
 Supervisor's name
 Dates of employment
 Salary
 Reason for Leaving
SPECIFIC SKILLS
 Software skills
 Keyboard skills
 Specific courses taken
OTHER
 Hobbies and personal interests
 Community involvement

7.  Be sure to bring your resume, National Identity
card, driver's license,, etc.
 You probably will also need addresses and phone
numbers of previous employers, as well as starting
and ending salaries for each previous job.
 It's always better if have too much information than
not enough.
 Have copies of transcripts, letters of
recommendation, and other documents ready to
attach to your application form.
 Keep a copy of your completed application so you
can review it before your interview.

8.  Read and follow instructions carefully
 Always take a few minutes to review the entire
application.
 Some applications ask for information differently -
- and all have specific spaces in which you are
expected to answer questions.
 Think of the application as your first test in
following instructions. Employers may use the
application form to judge how well you follow
instructions and how careful you may be as an
employee.
 Remember to sign and date the application.

9.  Complete the application as neatly as possible
 Tailor your answers to the job you are seeking
 Don't leave any blanks Don't fold, bend, or
otherwise mar the application
◦ "not applicable," or "n/a."
 Check for spelling and grammatical errors.
 Don't provide any negative information
 Always answer questions truthfully.

10.  Salary requirements
 Provide references
 Keep your application consistent with your
resume
 Proofread your application before submitting
it.
 BE PREPARED FOR ALL KINDS OF JOB APPLICATIONS

11.  If you arrive to pick up an application and the
administrative assistant hands you an unexpected
application and asks you to fill it out right then, do not
panic.
 Take your time to do this. Rather than turning in an
incomplete job application form, ask for extra time after
the interview has ended.
 If a particular question confuses you, ask the
administrative assistant or receptionist for guidance.
 Always remember to say “please” and “thank you”
because many employers ask these employees for
information about prospective candidates.
 Submit the application to the person in charge with a
smile, good posture, and a thank you.

12.  Online Job Applications
 Before you start completing online applications, it is suggested that you take a
few tests on company career portals where you don't want to work to gain
experience completing applications, taking tests, and increasing your comfort
level.
 Email Job Applications
 Proofread your email for grammar and spelling . Remember, this is your chance
to make a critical first impression; even an emailed note needs to be
professional and error-free.
 Be brief and to the point. Your cover letter should not be any longer than two or
three short paragraphs.
 Make sure you include an electronic signature with your full name, email address
,and phone number.
 Include the title of the position you are applying for in the subject line of your
message.
 Be sure that your email address/screen name has a professional tone.
 If the job posting asks you to send an attachment, send your resume as a Word
document.
 Many employers do not accept attachments. In these cases, paste your resume
into your email message.
 Use a simple font and remove the fancy formatting.
 Send the message to yourself first to test that the formatting works. If
everything looks good, resend to the employer.

13.  Personal Information
◦ Name, address, citizenship

14.  Work History
◦ Where you have worked before, what your job skills
are

15.  Education
◦ All education should be listed, including one time
workshops and technical schools, even if not
completed

16.  Behavioral History

17.  Signature section
◦ Typically includes statement and signature

18.  Generally based on paper applications
 Complete all areas, leave no blanks
 Put in N/A for not applicable

19.  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

20.  Fill out at least three applications and then
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