Goal: Fill Out

A Job Application
Contributed by
Valerie Reinke

Introduction
No matter what kind of job you are searching for, there will probably come a time when you are
asked to fill out a job application or employment application. In fact, you may be asked to
complete a job application even if you have already submitted a resume and cover letter. In this
way, the employer has a record of your personal and employment history, verified and signed by
you, and can use the application to ensure that there is consistent information from everyone who
applies.
If you are applying for a position in-person, ask for a job application then take it home with you
to complete it. You can take your time filling it out so it will be neat and accurate when you
return to drop it off.
Sometimes retail stores, like Target and WalMart, having hiring kiosks where you complete an
on-line version of the application in the store. The kiosk is a computer on-site that is dedicated to
job placement.
Of course many companies now post their job applications online. In fact, some employers no
longer accept paper applications and require job-seekers to apply at their company website or at
the job-match website where they have posted their job openings.
In spite of all this variation, the good news is that job application forms are pretty standard.
Once you have worked through this curriculum you will have a written record of your
employment and school history and you can copy this information onto any job application -whether paper or on-line -- as often as needed.

GOAL: Fill Out A Job Application

Getting Started
Before you complete a job application, it's important to gather all of the information you will
need and have it in one place, ideally on a sample application form (see the example, below,
starting on page 10) that you can copy from as needed.
You'll need to begin by assembling the following:

the names and locations of the schools you have attended (starting with high school
through to the current day)

the dates you attended those schools

the names and locations of the companies where you have worked (up to 10 years back)
the job titles, the starting and ending dates of employment, and salaries for each position
the full address of your previous employers, along with your supervisors names and
contact phone numbers and/or e-mail addresses

You can also prepare yourself by having office supplies, equipment and identification materials
ready to go. Here's a basic checklist:

Pens and highlighter

Calendar

Blank notebook for documenting where and when you have applied

Answering machine and/or voice mail

Access to a computer and printer (use the computer lab at your library and/or literacy
services if you don't have one at home)

Internet access

Access to a fax machine

Copies of certifications, diplomas, licenses

Social Security card (or immigration papers)

Drivers license or ID card

Books & Materials

Books
Filling Out Forms -- Uses a hands-on approach to help students understand and fill out
common forms. Chapter 5, "Education and Employment" covers the job application form and
has a sample form to practice on. Published by New Readers Press.
Challenger, Book 6 -- This book in the Challenger series also provides a sample blank job
application in Lesson 9 along with a job-search related reading passage and other activities.
Published by New Readers Press.
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GOAL: Fill Out A Job Application

Websites
Craigs List. According to Wikipedia, Craigs List receives over one-million new job listings
each month, making it one of the top job boards in the world. Go to: www.craigslist.org. First,
search for your region, for example San Francisco Bay Area and then narrow into a certain
area if you wish; South Bay, for instance. Under the heading Jobs, look for fields that might
be interesting, such as "Food/Beverages/Hospitality" or "Nonprofits." The first jobs listed are
the ones that have been posted most recently. Jobs posted earlier are listed farther down on the
page. It might be useful to focus only on jobs from the last two days. The day and the month are
shortened. For example, Wed Apr 29 means Wednesday, April 29.
Other Job Search Websites.
Monster.com www.monster.com, HotJobs
http://hotjobs.yahoo.com and CareerBuilder www.careerbuilder.com are sophisticated job
match sites that can help you cut through hundreds of jobs to the ones that fit you the best. To do
a standard search, just enter the title of the job you are looking for and the region in which you
would like to work and the site will list any jobs that fit your requirements (if they dont find
any, you may need to broaden your search). You can also search by company, by industry, by
occupation (they list the most common), and by job type (full-time? part-time? etc.). Another
good feature of these sites is that you are given the opportunity to up-load or send your resume to
the website so potential employers can search through all the resumes that have been submitted
and find you if your background matches the job available.
California Career Zone. This is a career development website hosted by the California
Department of Education. If you're not quite sure what kind of job is for you, this site will help
you research various options based upon your interests and strengths. Go to
www.californiacareers.info.
US.jobs. US.jobs posts thousands of jobs from company websites and state job banks. The site
lists both public and private sector jobs. Users can search for jobs by keyword, location, industry,
company, and posting date. While you do not need to create an account to search for jobs,
creating an account allows you to post your resume, save job searches, and receive updates on
new job listings. The site also includes resources for specific types of job seekers, including
seniors, students, veterans, and people with disabilities. According to the website, all job
openings are unduplicated, currently available, and from vetted employers.
Employment Development Department. www.caljobs.ca.gov This is California's web-based
system for linking employers and job seekers. You will log-in with your Social Security Number
and date of birth and then will be able to create and store your resume and browse job listings. If
you find something you like, you can post your system-generated resume for on-line viewing by
employers.

Key Vocabulary
s available/availability
s chronological order
s N/A - Not Applicable
s position
s responsibilities
s salary
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s employee/employer
s references
s supervisor

GOAL: Fill Out A Job Application

Reading & Writing Practice

 Chronological Order. When you arrange events in chronological order you put them into the
order that they happened over time. For instance, someone's personal time-line in chronological
order might look like this:

1962 - Born

1980 - Graduated from High School

1985 - Married

1989 -- First child born

1991 -- Second child born

Etc.!

However, when you're preparing a job application or a resume, you need to put your job history
and your educational history into REVERSE chronological order which means the event at the
top of your list will be the one that happened the most recently. The last event will be the one
that is in the most distant past.
To practice putting things in chronological order, cut out the following dates (or select 10 dates
that are important in your life and write them on slips of paper). Mix them up then arrange them
in chronological order, from oldest to most recent. Mix them up again and then arrange them in
REVERSE chronological order, from the most recent to the oldest.

"
January 10, 2002

November 21, 2011

August 31, 2012

May 5, 2004

May 6, 2004

October 21, 2011

September 9, 2008

February 28, 2005

December 20, 2007

January 4, 2008
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GOAL: Fill Out A Job Application

 Part I - Action Words. As you fill in your work history on a job application, you will be
asked to tell what you did at your jobs; what your duties" or "responsibilities were. When you
describe your work you will want to use action words, verbs that make your job history come
alive. On the table below there are many different words to describe what a person might do at
work. Review these action words and then circle or highlight those that apply to you. Think of
your own action words to describe your work if you do not find the words you need here.
Communication Skills
Advertised
Called
Discussed
Instructed
Showed

Cooperation Skills
Agreed
Consulted
Facilitated
Provided

Creative Skills
Authored
Created
Established
Formulated
Invented
Wrote
Produced
Drafted
Designed
Compiled

Results Words
Changed
Earned
Marketed
Reduced
Clerical Skills
Filed
Ordered
Sorted
Organized
Summarized

Administrative Skills
Administered
Budgeted
Enforced
Hired
Signed
Supervised
Defined
Monitored
Maintained
Developed
Selected
Verbal Skills
Lectured
Delivered
Chaired
Counseled
Participated

Managerial Skills
Collected
Delivered
Guided
Inspected
Trained
Worked
Problem-Solving Skills
Solved
Discovered
Negotiated
Manual Skills
Installed
Fitted
Coded
Fixed
Built

 Part II - Action Phrases. The following is a sample list of skills found in a cross-section of
careers. Circle or highlight every skill that applies to you. Think about situations in your working
life that demonstrate this skill.
administering programs

planning
agendas/meetings

updating files

advising people

planning organizational
needs

setting up demonstrations

analyzing data

predicting futures

sketching charts or diagrams

assembling apparatus

rehabilitating people

writing reports

auditing financial reports

organizing tasks

writing for publication

budgeting expenses

prioritizing work

expressing feelings

calculating numerical data

creating new ideas

checking for accuracy

finding information

meeting people

classifying records

handling complaints

evaluating programs

coaching individuals

handling detail work

editing work

collecting money

GOAL: Fill Out A Job Application

imagining new solutions

tolerating interruptions

interpreting languages

confronting other people inventing new ideas

dispensing information

constructing buildings

proposing ideas

adapting new procedures

coping with deadlines

investigating problems

negotiating/arbitrating conflicts

promoting events

locating missing information

speaking to the public

raising funds

dramatizing ideas

writing letters/papers/proposals

questioning others

estimating physical space

reading volumes of material

being thorough

organizing files

remembering information

coordinating
schedules/times

managing people

interviewing prospective employees

running meetings

selling products

listening to others

supervising employees

teaching/instructing/training
individuals

relating to the public

enduring long hours

inspecting physical objects

entertaining people

displaying artistic ideas

distributing products

deciding uses of money

managing an
organization

delegating responsibility

measuring boundaries

serving individuals

mediating between people

counseling/consulting people

motivating others

persuading others

operating equipment

reporting information

summarizing information

supporting others

encouraging others

delegating responsibilities

determining a problem

defining a problem

comparing results

screening telephone calls

maintaining accurate
records

drafting reports

collaborating ideas

administering medication comprehending ideas

overseeing operations

motivating others

generating accounts

teaching/instructing/training
individuals

thinking in a logical
manner

making decisions

becoming actively involved

defining performance
standards

resolving conflicts

analyzing problems

recommending courses
of action

selling ideas

preparing written communications

expressing ideas orally to

conducting interviews
individuals or groups

performing numeric analysis

conducting meetings

setting priorities

setting work/committee goals

developing plans for

projects

gathering information

taking personal responsibility

thinking of creative ideas

providing discipline when

necessary

compiling statistics

GOAL: Fill Out A Job Application

maintaining a high level of activity

enforcing rules and

regulations

developing a climate of enthusiasm,

teamwork, and cooperation

interacting with people at picking out important

different levels
information

meeting new people

creating meaningful and challenging taking independent

work
action

skillfully applying professional

knowledge

maintaining emotional control under knowledge of concepts

stress
and principles

providing customers with

service

knowledge of
community/government affairs
Copyright 1995-2012 by The Writing Lab & The OWL at Purdue and Purdue University. All
rights reserved. Used with permission.
 Part III - Putting Action Words & Phrases to Work for You. With your tutor, recall all of
the different jobs you have held over the last ten years, these could either be jobs where you were
paid or they could be jobs where you volunteered. Write down the job title (you can use the
form on page 8 for this exercise). Under the job title, write down three action words or phrases
(selected from the tables above or others) that describe what you did at that job. Try to focus on
what you accomplished rather than just what was required of you. Finally, create three sentences,
starting with those action words and phrases, that more fully explain what you did. Use numbers,
percentages, and words like "increased" or "improved" etc. to illustrate your achievements.
Finally, transfer these sentences to your sample job application (below) under "Employment
History."
Sample:

Job Title

Administrative Assistant
Action Word/Phrase #1

Filed

Action Word/Phrase #2

Called

Action Word/Phrase #3

Purchased

Sentence #1

Filed documents for an office of 20 employees.

Sentence #2

Called vendors to follow-up on orders, ensuring on-time delivery in

95% of transactions
Sentence #3

Purchased supplies, furniture and computers on behalf of the

entire office

GOAL: Fill Out A Job Application

Fill out one of these for every job you've held in the last ten years:
What did you accomplish?
Job Title
___________________________________
Action Word/Phrase #1
_________________

Action Word/Phrase #2
__________________

Action Word/Phrase #3
_________________

Sentence #1
_________________________________________________________________
Sentence #2
________________________________________________________________
Sentence #3
_________________________________________________________________

What did you accomplish?

Job Title
___________________________________
Action Word/Phrase #1
_________________

Action Word/Phrase #2
__________________

Action Word/Phrase #3
_________________

Sentence #1
_________________________________________________________________
Sentence #2
________________________________________________________________
Sentence #3
_________________________________________________________________
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GOAL: Fill Out A Job Application

 Set-Up an E-mail Account. Use your library's computer lab to set up your own e-mail
account if you do not have one already. Yahoo! www.yahoo.com and G-mail www.google.com
and other places have free e-mail accounts available for your use. Choose one of these and then
follow the prompts to create your own e-mail address and a password. Once established you will
be able to send and receive e-mail. You will also be able to access your account from any
computer with internet access. Once you begin applying for jobs on-line, potential employers
will contact you through your e-mail address.
 Filling Out A Sample Job Application. Now it's time to put all of the information about
your job history and your education into one place. What follows is a sample job application
with most of the questions you will be asked on a typical application. With your tutor, read
through the questions and make sure you recognize all the words and understand what is being
asked. Highlight any words that are unfamiliar and put those words on flash-cards for practice.
Once you've filled in this sample, you can use it as a template for filling out any other job
application.

Tips for Completing Job Applications...

 Complete all requested information. Don't leave anything blank. If you don't
know how to answer something, bring the application home and return it when
it's completed. Complete every section. Write N/A (not applicable) when an
area does not apply to you.

 Be honest. Lying is not O.K.

 Write clearly and neatly, using black or blue ink.
 Check for spelling and grammatical errors. Proofread your job application
form before turning it in.

 Follow the instructions when completing both online and paper job
applications. Check the company website or the fine print on the form for
instructions before you submit it! The company will regard applications that are
submitted correctly in a much better light than those from candidates who don't
follow the instructions.

 Attach a resume (if you have one), but still fill in the application completely.
Make sure everything on the application matches your resume.

 Keep a copy of the completed application form, if possible

 Follow up a few days to a week later to make sure your application was
received. Identify yourself and the position you applied for. Ask if the employer
received everything you sent and then ask when a decision might be made and if
the employer needs anything else from you.
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GOAL: Fill Out A Job Application

JOB APPLICATION

SAMPLE
PERSONAL INFORMATION:
First Name _____________________________
Middle Name ___________________________
Last Name _____________________________
Street Address _______________________________________________________
City, State, Zip Code _______________________________________________________
Phone Number (__________)_________________________________
E-mail ______________________________________________
Are you eligible to work in the United States? Yes ______ No______
If you are under age 18, do you have an employment/age certificate? Yes ______ No ______
Have you been convicted of or pleaded no contest to a felony within the last five years?
Yes______ No ______
If yes, please explain: ___________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

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GOAL: Fill Out A Job Application

POSITION/AVAILABILITY:
Position Applied For: ________________________________________
Days/Hours Available
_____ Monday

From: __________ am/pm

To: ___________ am/pm

_____ Tuesday

From: __________ am/pm

To: ___________ am/pm

_____ Wednesday

From: __________ am/pm

To: ___________ am/pm

_____ Thursday

From: __________ am/pm

To: ___________ am/pm

_____ Friday

From: __________ am/pm

To: ___________ am/pm

_____ Saturday

From: __________ am/pm

To: ___________ am/pm

_____ Sunday

From: __________ am/pm

To: ___________ am/pm

What date are you available to start work? ________________________________________

Desired Pay Range/Salary Requirements: ________________

One option is to put "will

discuss," "open," or
"negotiable," if you would
rather not put a dollar amount.

Are you currently employed? _________________

Hourly Wage or Salary ______________________________

How did you learn about our company? ___________________________________________

How many hours do you work per week at your current job? _______________

How many people do you supervise? _______________

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School Name

List as many special skills and

qualifications as possible. Read the job
description, determine the equipment and
skills it requires, and then show you have
those qualifications and more.

(High School, College, Specialized

Training, Trade School, etc.)

EDUCATION:

Diploma/
Degree/
Certificate
Classes/
Major
Start Date

End Date

Graduation Date

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

Other Skills and Qualifications: Licenses, Special Skills, Training, Awards

Location
(City & State)

Remember to list your

most recent education first
and then go back in time.

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY:
Current Or Last Position:
Position Title: ______________________________

Remember to list your

most recent or current job
first, then go back in time.

Start Date: ____________ End Date: ______________

Employer (Company Name): _______________________________________________
Address:_______________________________________________________________
Supervisor: ____________________________________________________
Phone: _____________________________ Email: ___________________________
Tasks Performed/Responsibilities/Achievements: ________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Salary: _______________
When stating why you left,
Reason for Leaving: _______________________________________________________
be as brief as possible, stay
positive, and emphasize
what you hoped to gain by
leaving. Don't disparage
Previous Position:
your former employer.
Position Title: ______________________________
Start Date: ____________ End Date: ______________
Employer (Company Name): _______________________________________________
Address:_______________________________________________________________
Supervisor: ____________________________________________________
Phone: _____________________________ Email: ___________________________
Tasks Performed/Responsibilities/Achievements: ________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Salary: _______________
Reason for Leaving: _______________________________________________________

GOAL: Fill Out A Job Application

Previous Position:
Position Title: ______________________________
Start Date: ____________ End Date: ______________
Employer (Company Name): _______________________________________________
Address:_______________________________________________________________
Supervisor: ____________________________________________________
Phone: _____________________________ Email: ___________________________
Tasks Performed/Responsibilities/Achievements: ________________________________
Describe what
you actually
________________________________________________________________________
accomplished,
not just your
________________________________________________________________________
official duties.
Salary: _______________
Reason for Leaving: _______________________________________________________

Previous Position:
Position Title: ______________________________
Start Date: ____________ End Date: ______________
Employer (Company Name): _______________________________________________
Address:_______________________________________________________________
Supervisor: ____________________________________________________
Phone: _____________________________ Email: ___________________________
Tasks Performed/Responsibilities/Achievements: ________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Salary: _______________
Reason for Leaving: _______________________________________________________
[Print more copies of this page as needed.]
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GOAL: Fill Out A Job Application

May We Contact Your Present Employer?
Yes _____ No _____
References don't have to be from a
workplace. If you volunteer, you can
use members of the organization that
you have helped, or, if you are a
student, use tutors, teachers, and/or
literacy staff members. In all cases,
ask for permission first.

References:
Name/Title or Relationship/Address/Phone

______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
I certify that information contained in this application is true and complete. I understand that
false information may be grounds for not hiring me or for immediate termination of employment
at any point in the future if I am hired. I authorize the verification of any or all information listed
above.
Don't forget to sign
your application!

Signature______________________________________________
Date___________________________

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GOAL: Fill Out A Job Application

Independent Practice
 Apply for a Job In-Person. It's time to set out and hit the pavement! If you walk into a place
you wish to work, keep an eye out for a 'help wanted' or 'now hiring' sign. Not all places will
have an easily visible sign, so it's O.K. to approach someone and ask if they are hiring. Practice
saying something like this:
"Hi, my name is __________ and I was wondering if you're hiring or will be hiring soon?"
Usually, an application will follow, but if the person doesn't hand you one, just ask. Sometimes
you will be directed to fill out an application online; in which case they will give you the steps
for doing so. Remember to make eye contact and, if appropriate, be prepared to shake hands as
you introduce yourself. Even if the company isn't hiring, ask if you can submit an application
anyway, which they may keep for future consideration when they do begin looking for new
employees.
Dress appropriately. You may end up speaking to the manager and it's important to look
professional. Just in case you get an on-the-spot interview, be prepared to answer 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.

Milestones
s Initial Effort - Gather the information you need about your job history and education history to
fill out your job application. Do the research necessary to track down all of the details that are
requested on the form: searching through old documents and pay stubs, and even making
phone calls to former employers and schools. Begin lining up your references, asking three to
five people if they are willing to recommend you for the jobs you are seeking. Set-up your own
e-mail account if you don't have one already.
s Making Progress -- Fill-in the sample job application included here to use as a template for
real job applications. Role-play asking for applications in-person. Begin or continue your online job-search.
s Accomplished -- Actively look for job applications on-line and in person. Using your job
application sample, carefully fill in the forms and submit them. If there is a question you don't
recognize or understand, ask your tutor or literacy staff for help. Add that question (and your
response) to your sample form so you will have it for future reference. Good luck on your job
search!

Contributor's Biography
Valerie Reinke has worked in the field of adult and family literacy for over 20 years at the
Riverside City & County Public Library (as it was then called), Orange Public Library, Corona
Public Library and the California State Library. She currently works from her home as an
independent consultant to libraries.
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