Career Strategies

Before or after you are interviewed, you may be given a job application to fill out. It’s a good idea to bring several copies of your resume with you to the interview. Use one to supply the factual information the application calls for, such as previous job specifics. Be as neat as possible as you’ll probably be writing with pen and should not have to ask for another application because you made a mistake. Write in readable, printed letters, not cursive or script. A good, legible application indicates the ability to follow directions and pay attention to detail, as well as provide evidence of how interested you are in the job.

While the interview itself is the main way an employer gets to know job candidates, the application stands as a physical record of your interest in a job, so you want to be as professional as possible when filling it out. Be able to provide the appropriate information, present it honestly and concentrate on being legible when filling out the application in order to make the best first impression that you can.

When you hand in the application, ask when it would be possible for you to come in for an interview. If they are unsure, call back in a few days and inquire as to the progress of the applications, letting them know that you are seriously interested in the position. This may be the contact you need to get your foot in the door.