Job Search Help
Job Search Links:
Be prepared to interview on-the-spot and even to get a job offer immediately.
Job Interview Tips
Have all your information available when applying for jobs:
Personal Information:
• Name
• Address
• City, State, Zip Code
• Phone Number
• Eligibility to Work in US
• Felony convictions
• If under age, working paper certificate
Education:
• Schools/Colleges Attended
• Major
• Degree/Diploma
• Graduation Dates(s)
Position Applied For Information:
• Title of the job you are applying for
• Hours/days available to work
• When you can start work
Employment Information:
• Names, addresses, phone numbers of previous employers
• Supervisor’s name
• Dates of employment
• Salary
• Reason for Leaving
References
• List of three references – Their names, job titles or relationship, addresses, phone
numbers
Bring Resume copies if available (LARA’s WorkOne Express site can help you create
one.)
Tips for Completing Job Applications:
- Complete all requested information. Don’t leave anything blank. If you don’t know the details, bring the application home and return it when it’s completed. Write clearly and neatly, using black or blue ink.
- Check for spelling and grammatical errors. Proofread your job application form before turning it in.
- List your most recent job first when completing employment information.
- List your most recent education first. Include vocational schools and training programs as well as college and high school.
- References don’t necessarily have to be professional. If you have volunteered you can use members of the organizations that you have helped or if you are a student use your teachers. In all cases, ask for permission prior to using the person for a reference.
- Don’t forget to sign your application!
- Dress appropriately. Have good hygiene and don’t be a slob. Candidates who are unkempt, disheveled and poorly dressed won’t get the job.
- Be polite. Pick up applications during regular business hours (9-5), preferably at a time that’s not too busy but when a manager might be available to talk with you.
- You’re more likely to be called in for an interview if they connect your application to a (pleasant) face.
- Don’t lie. Admit you made a mistake and that you’ve learned from the experience. We all make mistakes. It’s how we overcame it that matters.
- Do not insult your former employer. Even if your last job was horrible and your boss was an idiot, don’t mention it. Speaking poorly about former employers is never wise. How does your future employer know that you won’t talk about him that way, next time around?
- Don’t show your desperation. Are you almost out of unemployment? Don’t know where you next meal is coming from? Do you absolutely have to have this job? Don’t give an inkling of any of that away. You want employers to believe that you want this job because it’s a good opportunity and you can be an asset to the company, not because you need to buy groceries or make your car payment.
- Don’t Show Your Tattoos. Cover up your tattoos and remove some of your rings if you’re pierced in lots of places. They probably won’t impress most employers.
- Don’t Give Up. Regardless of how good the job market is, job searching isn’t simple, and it’s not always easy to stay positive and focused. When you’ve sent hundreds of resumes without much of a response it can be difficult to keep going. It’s important though to keep plugging away and to keep a positive outlook.
- Do Follow Up. It is important to follow up with the companies you have applied to or to the people that you interviewed with within a week or so. Inquire about the status of your candidacy and ask if you can provide any additional information.
- Finally, send a thank you letter within twenty-four hours of your interview. Thank them for taking the time to meet with you.