Don't leave anything blank on the application. Treat it as if it were a written test: Read it over carefully before filling it out, and follow all directions. If a space or line doesn't apply to your situation, write "N/A." Usually, you will be asked to print your responses. If Personnel allows you to, take the application with you rather than completing it there. We all make mistakes, so it is smart to go to the nearest copy machine and make one or two copies of it. Then spend some time completing a copy as carefully as possible. Only when you are sure you have filled in each space correctly, completely and beneficially should you transcribe the information on to the original application. This is more work, of course, but now your application will work for, rather than against, you. Second, it will provide you with a reason to return to Personnel. The more times they see you, the greater the chance they'll get to know, and like, you.
There are usually some questions on the application that may be tough or tricky to answer. Here are a few ideas on how to complete the most ambiguous.
Position: Already the ambiguities begin. Even if you are not applying for a specific job opening, be as specific as you can here. My rationale is that if Personnel finds your application desirable, it will want to forward it to the appropriate department. So you'll have to, at the very least, indicate a department or function. If there is a specific opening, clearly identify it here.
Date You Can Start: Tell the truth. Since you presumably are not working, chances are you would like to start as soon as possible. Therefore: "ASAP," "Immediately" or "Flexible" are all appropriate answers. Don't worry about the employer perceiving you as too anxious. If you are seriously seeking employment, let it show.
Salary Desired: Downplay the money issue. Write either "Negotiable" or "Open." If you are changing occupations, you may have to begin your new career at a lower salary. Of course, your new career might pay more than your last position. In either scenario, it's best not to label yourself in terms of money.
May We Inquire of Your Present Employer: If you are not working, write "N/A." If you are working, write "Only if job offer is pending." That way, you protect your present position until the last possible moment-and until you have received a conditional offer from the new employer.
Date Graduated: Because employers are not allowed to practice age discrimination, the application will not out-and out ask your age. But it can easily be calculated when you fill out this line under the "Education" portion. You have two choices here: You can write "N/A" or you can insert the actual date, telling yourself if this organization discriminates, you don't want to work for it anyway. I strongly suggest you do the former because, once again, the sole purpose of the application is to get you an interview.
Hobbies, Clubs and Activities: Think about the type of position you are applying for and figure out which hobbies, clubs and activities would enhance your credibility. For example, salespeople need to be people-oriented. Therefore, if you are applying for a sales position, list organizations you belong to (or will soon join) and indicate you have a competitive nature and enjoy the good things in life: "Am active in three sales leads clubs, Rotary, and the Chamber of Commerce. Belong to Fair Oaks Country Club and play golf there every Saturday." On the other hand, if you are applying for a teaching position, indicate you are well-read, enjoy research and all aspects of teaching: "Am a Hemingway buff and active member of Friends of Hemingway Foundation. Tutor in a community literacy program and am writing a book on local folklore for Springtown's Historical Society." Although you can stretch the truth a little here, don't go overboard. If your interviewer turns out to be a real Hemingway aficionado, you'd better be able to back up what you wrote.
Why Would You Like This Job: Think back on Features-Advantages-Benefits and write out a statement that translates your qualifications, experience and skills into a benefit for the employer. Your aim here is to convey a win-win scenario: The employer wins because you can solve his or her need; you win because you want to work for the very best in the industry.
Salaries in Former Positions: Go with the highest monthly salary you ever grossed in that position. If you wish, add the value of the benefit package to your monthly salary. If you suspect the position you're applying for offers considerably less money than what you were making, however, you may wish to write "N/A" instead.
Reason for Leaving: Always word this in a positive manner. Never use negative statements like: "Was fired" or "Disagreement with boss." Instead, use "Returned home to care for family," "Corporate merger," "Career change," "Returned to school" or "Left for a higher-paying position."
References: Use the strongest references you have, preferably professional people. Make sure you check with them before you use them as references, though. Use colleagues and associates when appropriate. If you know someone well within the company you are applying to, use that person's name-but first check out his or her reputation there! Use solid local people as a first choice because Personnel people are less likely to make long-distance calls to check on references.
Physical Record: If you have a health or physical impairment that would hinder your ability to do the job, you really should mention it here. But if you have a handicap or a condition that is not relevant to this job, don't. Use the most upbeat phraseology possible: "Am in great physical health!"
