Oh, the dreaded job application. I am surprised how many companies still use these even for higher salaried positions. Regardless of where you are on the scale, you need to be prepared to fill these out. I have seen many good candidates get tripped up on the job application. I am going to provide you with the same job application tips that I have given out to candidates over the years.
Handling a job application properly is so very important. You want to make sure that you give out the information that they need without compromising your position or potential salary. This is especially true when dealing with human resources. They will more often than not read over all your answers carefully.
If possible, never write down the salary information. I know this sounds counter-productive, but you instantly lose power and control in negotiating your salary if you provide all of the information without having a conversation. It is much better to have an open discussion about salary the to write something down on a piece of paper. I have had instances where companies have offered low- balled salaries and come to find out it was low-balled because of something the candidate put on their job application. Placing a number too high can also drastically hurt your chances as well.
Fill out the application with your resume. One of my favorite job application tips is to mirror what is on your resume. It is funny how many job applicants fill in the dates and times from the top of their head and then it becomes an issue later when the dates do not add up. Even worse, is when there are extra positions added to the job application that were not listed on the resume. Do not rush filling out a job application and make sure you are not doing anything to hurt your chances. some have even put “see resume” when it comes to the work section.
Be careful of listing reasons why you left your positions. You also want to watch out for what you are putting under the “reasons why leaving” after each job listed on the application. Downsizing and laid off are easy to list but others that require an explanation might be better left blank to be honest. When in doubt, don’t list is the. Philosophy that I like to use. Sure, they may come back and let you know that you skipped a section. Maybe that can turn into an easy conversation so that you can explain yourself.
Apply these job application tips the next time you fill out the dreaded application. If you do not get anything else from this post, remember this: read through it slowly and carefully choose your answer. Do not rush to just get it done because what you list could come back to hurt you.
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