Job Hunter's Tip of the Week #16 -

Filling out an application form

Sometimes an employer will request that you fill out one of their application forms, instead of providing them with a resume. You may ask “Isn’t this the same thing?” Well sort of. The resume and the application are both going to include your personal information (name and how to contact you), and a listing of your employment history. But often an application form will ask questions that you wouldn’t necessarily put on your resume. Some examples are: “Are you legally able to work in Canada?”, “What languages do you speak?”, “What type of work are you willing to accept?”, and “What geographic area are you available to work in?” It’s important to answer these questions with all honesty. After all, if you are called for an interview, the employer isn’t going to be very happy if it turns out that how you answered your “where are you are willing to work” question isn’t really where you want to work. Sometimes the application form will ask you questions that may not make you look so favorable. Such as: “Reason for leaving last job?” If you were fired from you last job, this can be a question that can make or break you. In all instances, honesty is the best policy. So if you were fired, tell them truthfully. They will probably check with that employer, and are going to find out anyway. So, in a nutshell, answer all the questions truthfully and completely. If they ask you to list more work experience than you have, that’s OK. If you have some volunteer work, and there is no where to list that on the application, you can include it with the work experience. Just be sure to indicate that it is a volunteer position, and that you were not a paid employee.

One major difference from the resume to the application forms is the References. It is not acceptable to write “available upon request” on the application form where they ask for references. Consider it requested. Make sure you always have at least three up to date references to use on an application form. And it is EXTREMLY important that you have the correct phone numbers for your references. If possible, attach your resume to the application form when you hand it back. And make sure to sign and date the bottom!

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