The Big Picture
Job application forms often ask for detailed information about your education, work skills, employment history, and references. Employers also look at how carefully you complete the form.
Online applications and social networking sites need the same professional care as paper forms. Accuracy, truthful answers, privacy, and professional presentation all matter.
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Start Here If You’re Overwhelmed
Focus on these core ideas:
- Answer every question on a job application truthfully.
- Complete every section and check your spelling and grammar.
- It is a good idea to attach your resumé to the application, even when the employer does not require one.
- Give online applications the same careful attention as paper applications.
- Manage your personal information, privacy settings, and professional appearance on social networking sites.
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Course Notes: Key Ideas You Need to Know
Why Employers Use Job Application Forms
Some employers use preset application forms to collect specific information from applicants.
Institutions sometimes use these forms to test an applicant’s reading, comprehension, and writing skills.
A resumé is a concise one- to two-page summary of your experience, education, work-related skills, and personal qualities. It is a good idea to attach your resumé to the application form even when the employer does not require one.
Information You Should Expect to Provide
Most job application forms ask for information about:
- your legal eligibility to work in Canada
- your education
- your work-related skills
- your employment history
- the names and phone numbers of employers
- your reasons for leaving previous jobs
- the names and phone numbers of three references
A reference is a person who speaks to a potential employer about your skills, abilities, and personal qualities.
Complete the Form Carefully
Your completed application form gives the employer an impression of you. Keep it professional and complete.
Your form should have:
- no spelling mistakes
- no grammar mistakes
- no unfilled columns
Do a thorough job when filling it out.
If possible, take two copies of a paper application home. Use one as a rough copy and the other as your final copy.
Ask someone reliable to read and check the final copy. If you make an error on the final paper copy, use correction fluid or correction tape.
Answer Every Question Truthfully
Application forms often ask for detailed information. One example is your reason for leaving a previous job.
Key fact: You must answer every question truthfully.
If you were fired or have an inconsistent work history , consider attaching a note that explains the situation.
Give Online Applications the Same Attention
Some employers require an online application form.
Treat an online application as carefully as a paper application. Ask someone reliable to read it before you send it.
Using Social Networking Sites for Employment
People commonly use Internet social networking sites to apply for jobs or post their work availability.
Pay attention to your online presentation because employers will read your social media page or personal website.
Manage Your Identity
Employers need a way to contact you, but think carefully about the identifying information you post.
Some people might misuse identifying information such as a personal address.
Control Your Privacy Settings
Use privacy settings to restrict the information that gets distributed through your social networking accounts.
Keep Your Online Presence Professional
Pay attention to what appears on your social media page or personal website.
For example, photos showing you and your friends drinking at a party might make some employers decide not to contact you.
Avoid:
- spelling errors
- grammar errors
- slang terms
Some potential employers might interpret these as unprofessional.
Exam Clue Words
- Must: You must answer every question on the application truthfully.
- If possible: Taking two paper copies home is suggested when this option is available. One serves as a rough copy and one as the final copy.
- Consider: If you were fired or have an inconsistent work history, consider attaching a note of explanation.
- Avoid: Avoid spelling and grammar errors and slang on social networking sites because some employers might view them as unprofessional.
Fast Review
Keep these points in mind when you need a fast review:
- Job application forms collect specific information about applicants.
- Most forms ask about education, work skills, employment history, previous employers, reasons for leaving jobs, and three references.
- It is a good idea to attach your resumé even when the application does not require one.
- Complete every part of the form and check spelling and grammar.
- You must answer every application question truthfully.
- Give online applications the same careful attention as paper applications.
- Use privacy settings to control the information distributed through social networking sites.
- Employers might read your social media page or personal website, so keep your online presentation professional.
Final Pep Talk
There are several details to remember here, but they connect to two main habits: complete applications carefully and present yourself professionally online. Review the words must, if possible, consider, and avoid so you remember which points are requirements and which are suggestions.