Have all of the information you are going to need ready (on a fact sheet or master application), including dates of each employment, name, address, and phone number of each company and names of each supervisor. If possible, take an application away from the place of business. Make copies of it to practice on. Then fill out the original and return it to the business. Always ask before doing this, since some businesses will not accept an application that has been removed from the building.

Follow directions completely. If you don’t understand a questions ask for help.

Answer every question fully. Give as complete a description of your previous jobs and education as possible in the space provided. The employer may see an application that lacks some information as someone who only does his or her work halfway.

Do not leave any blank spaces. If an answer is “none” or “not any”, write that. If a question does not apply to you, write “N/A” or "not applicable. If you prefer not to answer a question, write, “will discuss”.

Use black ink or type it, unless instructed to do otherwise.

Avoid abbreviations completely if possible or use only acceptable ones such as Dr., Mr., Mrs., Jr., etc. Be sure to write out addresses with Road, Street, Avenue, etc.

Apply for a particular job or occupation, never say you will do anything, and relate information to qualifications of the position. Prioritize duties that relate to present goal.

Print answers and make sure they are legible.

Write “open” or “negotiable” for salary unless you already know the salary range. Avoid asking for a specific salary. If you ask for too much, you might lose a good job. If you ask for too little, you might get it.

Use action verbs to describe duties. Keep verb tense consistent (present “ing” or past “ed”).

Refrain from negatives as reasons for leaving a job, put your best foot forward, but be honest.

If there is a space for comments or additional information, use it to help sell yourself, personality traits, hobbies, etc.

If the application asks for your signature (most do), sign your name, as you would endorse a check. Do not print it.

Have your references ready. You may need to list up to 5 references, people who can vouch for your character, and their address and phone numbers. Usually these must be persons other than your family or former employers. Get permission before giving someone’s name as a reference.

If possible, list two telephone numbers where you can be reached. If you give a friend’s, relative’, or neighbor’s phone number, make sure everyone in that household knows about it and agrees to take messages for you. Then check with them at least once per day.

Check the application for mistakes or have someone else check it before you submit it. If you did it, you should be able to spell it.

Have a good attitude, smile, and use good manners.

Indicate interest and sincerity in employment and/or 
in response to a job opening.

Specify/highlight skills and other pertinent information relative to qualifications for a job.

Prepare for an interview.

Get an interview.

Create a positive impression with potential employers.

Obtain appropriate information about job applicants.

Screen applicants depending on information provided and how it is presented. Employers usually screen applicants out using applications.

Create a pool of qualified candidates for their selection process.

Provide a basis for the interview (along with the resume and other information provided).

Keep a file for a specific period of time for future use.

Honesty is not only the best policy; it is the only policy.

Your signature on an employment application is a certification that the information you have provided is true.

Misrepresentation of information on the application is normally grounds for dismissal from employment.