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Acing The Appication

Fill An Application?

Easy Steps For It!

If you have been fired or laid off, avoid connecting the company that let you go with any potential employers, unless you’re sure your manager will provide a glowing reference. This would likely only apply if you have been laid-off due to budget cuts or company restructuring.

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When you start job searching, the job description, responsibilities, and requirements will tell you more than the title alone, as titles and roles tend to vary between companies. It can also be a helpful exercise to write a sample job description outlining your ideal position.

Find What and Who Is Hiring

Before you apply for jobs in person, it's important to check out who is hiring. Take the time to research potential employers prior to applying for jobs.

Start by checking Craigslist and your local newspaper's online help wanted ads. If your city or town has a Chamber of Commerce website with job listings, check that, too. Use the job search engines to find jobs in your town by searching by zip code.

Also take the time to walk around town or the mall to see which stores and businesses have "now hiring" or "help wanted" signs in the window. You may be able to get hired right away if the employer has an immediate need.

Get the Application Form

When you apply for a position, you will need to provide all the details of your prior work history. You'll need your resume or a list of your employment and educational history to make sure that you're listing the correct dates of employment, job titles, and education on the job application.

One way to be sure you have all the information you need is to download a sample job application form and complete it prior to applying for jobs. Print and fill it out so you know exactly what information you will need to complete an in-person job application.

Then use the completed sample job application as a guide when you're completing your own job applications

Watch For Your Clothing

When you are applying for a job in person, business casual attire is usually appropriate. It is always important to be neat, tidy, and well-groomed and to present a positive image to the employer.

Don't wear jeans or shorts, tank tops, crop tops or anything especially low cut (shirt or pants) or too short (skirt). Make sure your hair and fingernails are well groomed. Wear moderate shoes. Don't wear spike heels, platforms, flip flops, or your favorite pair of old ratty sneakers.

Remember, this isn't just filling out an application. You may get the chance to meet the manager, and you will want your first impression to be a great one.

List of Things to bring For Meeting In Person

When you apply for jobs, bring a copy of the sample job application you downloaded complete with all your personal information, employment and education history. You'll need to know:

  • Schools and dates attended.

  • Names and addresses of previous employers, if you have worked before.

  • Dates of employment for each employer.

  • A list of three references.

  • Your resume if you have one.

  • Your schedule - know what days and hours you are available to work.

Also bring a notepad to keep track of where you have applied, a pen to complete job applications, and, if you have one, a nice portfolio to hold all your job application materials.

Always Be Ready For Any On-Spot Interview You Get

When you are applying for jobs in-person, it's important to be prepared for a quick interview to take place as soon as you hand in your application.

Be prepared to answer interview questions about your employment history and education, including questions about why you want to work at the company and why you are qualified for the job.

When you apply for jobs in person, see if you can get a business card from the store manager or hiring manger. Then follow up with a thank you note or email message thanking them for considering your application.

If you were able to interview when you applied, say thank you for the interview, as well.

Now Test Your Skills - About The Application

Always Follow Up Then

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