Personal Advancement
Avoiding the application trapSchool's out and for many young people that means one thing: it's time to find a summer job. SUN WIRE SERVICES |
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 [ 2007-07-18 ] |
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Yet too often, the search for summer work leads young job seekers on exhausting drives from one employer to the next, only to leave them with a fistful of blank job applications at the end of the day. Not to mention the harsh reality that rarely do these applications do anything but collect dust in a filing cabinet.
"Many people think that filling out an application is the same as applying for a job -- it isn't. Most employers use applications to screen people out, not in," say Michael Farr and Marie A. Pavlicko, Ed.D., co-authors of Young Person's Guide to Getting and Keeping a Good Job.
Whether it's paper or electronic, job applications should not be the obstacle that keeps a young job seeker from getting his foot in the door with employers. To avoid this trap, Farr and Pavlicko offer the following guidelines:
PICKING UP AND DROPPING OFF APPLICATIONS
- Dress appropriately when you pick up, fill out, or drop off applications.
- Do not bring anyone else with you when you apply for a job or go on interviews.
- If possible, complete applications at home so you can fill them out with the greatest care.
- Be sure to proofread your applications to correct any errors.
- Try to meet employers to hand in applications directly and ask for interviews. If unable to do so, be sure to call each employer after a few days to make sure the employer received your application.
Tell the employer you are still interested in the position and would like to set up an interview.
- Allow extra time in your schedule when you return an application -- just in case the employer asks you to stay for an interview.
COMPLETING THE APPLICATION
- Have all the information available you'll need to fill out the application (such as phone numbers, addresses, references, etc.)
- Follow the instructions. Read each section carefully before completing it.
- Use an erasable black pen.
- Take your time, avoid crossouts.
- Be accurate. Do not guess at an answer.
- Fill in every blank. Use N/A (not applicable) or a short dash when something does not apply to you.
- Write clearly and neatly. You can only make one impression, so make it a good one.
- Emphasize your skills and accomplishments. Find a place to mention your strengths even if the application does not ask for them.
- If you are short on paid work experience, mention your volunteer work and related hobbies under the "Former Employers" section.
- Get permission before using a reference.
- Sign the application if requested.
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