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Thursday, October 14, 2010

Job Application Tips

Review Your Employment. You'll need your resume or a list of your employment and education history to make sure that you're listing the correct dates of employment, job titles, and education. Your resume should match the job application perfectly - discrepancies will be noticed.

Download a Sample Job Application. Download a job application sample and practice filling it out. That way you can be sure you have all the information you need, in advance.

Ask for an Application. If you are applying for a position in-person, ask for an job application, then take it home with you to complete. You can take your time filling it out so it will be neat and tidy, as well as accurate when you return to drop it off.

When You Apply In-Person. When you stop in to pick up or drop off a job application, be sure you are dressed appropriately. You may end up speaking to the manager and it's important to look professional, just in case you get an on-the-spot interview.

In-Person Job Application Checklist. Review this list of information you'll need to apply to complete an in-person job application.

Online Job Applications. Job applications for many companies are available online. For example, a WalMart Employment Application can be completed online for available positions with WalMart. Other large employers offer a similar service. In fact, some employers no longer accept paper applications and require applications to apply via their company web site or the site where they have posted job openings.

Follow the Instructions. Follow the instructions when completing both online and paper job applications. Check the company web site or the fine print on the job application form for instructions, because the most important rule to remember when completing a job application is to follow the directions.

Review Before You Submit. Thoroughly read the instructions for applying for employment - before you click the Submit button or turn in your application. The company will regard applications that are submitted correctly and accurately in a much better light than those from candidates who don't follow the instructions. In fact, some companies won't accept incomplete applications, so you'll be rejected before you even apply if you don't submit your job application correctly.

Be Prepared to Take a Test. Some companies test applicants for employment to determine if the candidate is a good match for the jobs they are hiring for. Companies who conduct pre-employment tests (talent assessments) are seeking applicants that match their hiring criteria. Review advice on taking employment tests, so you're prepared to respond to the employment-related questions you may be asked. Companies also may require drug tests for applicants for employment.

By Alison Doyle, About.com Guide