Job Tuition

6 Tips for Filling Out Job Applications

April 16th, 2007 by Andrew

If you’ve filled out many job applications, you know it’s a time consuming process. You’ll need lots of details about yourself, education, and work history. Fortunately, we’ve got some handy tips to smooth the process along.

Keep copies of old job applications

This might be putting the cart before the horse, but you’ll see why it’s useful. If you are applying for a job, and you have the completed application from your last job, you’ll have almost all the information you need, right at your fingertips.

If you have to fill an application out while in the employer’s office, getting a copy might not be an option. However, if you can take the application home, make a quick copy or scan the application into your computer. It will ease your life later.

Never leave a line empty

Employers want to know that you’re thorough. If your application is riddled with empty lines, an employer will wonder if you simply overlooked some things.

If something does not apply to you, simply fill in N/A. This means “not applicable.” If you are unsure of what to put in a blank, ask someone for advice. Don’t just leave it empty.

Proofread and check for errors

Good employees don’t make mistakes on important documents. Your job application is one of the first documents an employer reads about you. To have the best shot possible, make sure your application is error-free.

Fill it out neatly

If your application is unreadable, it’s no good. If you can print nice and clear, do so, using black or blue ink (no funky colors). Better yet, try using a typewriter to fill out the application. If you don’t have one, your local library might have one for public use.

To fill out your applications digitally, you can use PDF software. Some employers might have applications online, which you can fill out using Adobe Acrobat Reader. If the application is on paper, you can scan it into your computer and edit it using Acrobat Professional ($449) or Foxit PDF Editor ($99).

Return it timely

How long does it really take you to fill out a job application? If you take two weeks, the employer will likely fill the position before your application is even returned.

The best method is to fill out the application and return it ASAP. Don’t do it so quickly that you make mistakes. But make sure to return it promptly.

Dress nicely at all times

Just because you’re only picking up an application doesn’t mean you shouldn’t dress nicely. As a rule, you should dress at least as nice as the current employees. Present a consistent professional image, even while picking up and dropping off your application.