Job Applications and You, Part II

In Job Applications and You, Part I, we discussed how to fill out a job application for a job in customer service or for any job, for that matter, correctly. In Part II, we’re going to go over what NOT to do on a job application.

When you pick up a job application, dress appropriately. This means your open-mouthed, dripping fang T-shirt isn’t what you should be wearing. Make sure your shirt or blouse isn’t wrinkled and you don’t look like you just rolled out of bed. If you have piercings, take them out; if you have tattoos, cover them up. Sometimes a manager will interview the applicant on the spot if they aren’t busy. You want to look neat and professional, ready to work. Don’t apply for a job during peak business hours. Always apply in person, don’t call about an available job over the phone.

Make sure you follow the all the directions correctly. Do not cross out words. Use a black or a blue pen, preferably an erasable one. Print neat and legibly. Do not write anything but your signature. Print “Does not apply” or “N/A” if the question does not apply to you. Do not leave anything blank.

Never put down negative information. If you’re trying to get an interview, giving out negative information won’t accomplish this. Give the answer a positive note. If you have to explain something, leave it for the interview where you have a better chance of explaining it in person. Trying to fit a big long explanation in that little space just isn’t going to work.

Make sure you’re consistent. You need to make sure your information matches what is on your resume. If you’ve stretched your dates to cover a short job date, make sure it matches. If you worked a job for less than three months, you don’t need to list it at all. If you have unemployment gaps in your history, emphasize what you did during that time to better yourself during your time away from the workforce.

Before you turn in your application, go over it and make sure you didn’t miss anything. Check your spelling and for any mistakes or wrong dates. Make sure it’s neat and not wrinkled. Make a point to turn it in on time and to the correct person and place.

By being polite, having a neat appearance and being thorough with your application, it may give you the edge over the other applicants. You do want to be the one called for the interview, don’t you?

Comments, as always, are welcome!

By Linda Lee Ruzicka

Linda Lee Ruzicka lives in the mountains of Western PA , happily married and with her 8 cats and three dogs. She has been published in Twilight Times, Dark Krypt, Fables, Decending Darkness, Writing Village, June Cotner anthology, The Grit, Reminisce , the book, Haunted Encounters: Friends and Family. She is a Affiliate member of the Horror Writers Association. She also does freelance work for Beyond and for CSJobs.com. More of her blogs can be found at CSJobsblog.com.