APPLICATION ESSENTIALS

Flathead Job Service427 1st Ave EKalispell, MT406-758-6200

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The Hiring Mind Set

“The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack of will."

Vincent T. Lombardi

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Agenda

Welcome! The Role of the Application General Tips for a good

Application Sections of the Application Summary

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THE ROLE OF THE APPLICATION

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Why fill out an application?

Initial screening of applicants. Federal and state hiring practices. Legal documentation.

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GENERAL TIPS

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Before you start

Research the company prior to completing the application.

Identify culture and buzzwords.

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Before you start

Read ENTIRE application. Follow ALL directions. Carry a COMPLETED application.

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Respond to all questions

Don’t leave blanks or say “See resume”.

Write “ not applicable” or draw a line in the answer space.

Be clear and concise in your response.– Date available? Immediately– Date available? Sometime after

the 7th of next month, if I can get my car running.

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Be positive

Present a positive picture of yourself.

Avoid negative information. Don’t complain about your former

boss or co-workers if asked why you left a job.

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Be neat

Pick up an application and take it home when possible.

Print using blue or black ink. Use typewriter or computer. Carefully select your words. Make a copy for a master.

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Be neat

Scan for errors in grammar or spelling.

Don’t “scratch out” errors. Avoid smears or stains. Use complete words, avoid abbrv.

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Be honest

Providing bad information on an application could result in the application not being considered or disciplinary action against you including termination.

Be sure all information you give is correct. Dates, addresses, and references will be checked.

Start a log.13

Special instructions

Honor sections that state “ Do not write below this line” or “For Office Use Only”

Look for ways to demonstrate you are the right person for the job.

Think of what you would look for in an employee.

Be honest.

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APPLICATION SECTIONS

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Work experience

Target your qualifications to the position.

Detail your experience. Use the space provided.– “Cook” or– “Short order cook with 10 years of

experience preparing a variety of dishes including 17 different ways to cook spam.”

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Education

Provide all information requested, including details of relevant exam results and grades.

Include all education which did not lead to an examination or qualification.

Add education or qualifications gained over seas or as part of employment training.

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Training and development

Knowledge, skills, or abilities gained through training and/or personal experience.

Identify how you have kept your skills up to date.

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Position desired

Never leave it blank or use the responses “Any” or “Open”. Employers will not try to figure out where you fit into their organization.

Enter that title of an advertised job, or the title of a specific position.

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Position desired

State the name of the department in which you wish to work.

Fill out an application for additional positions.

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Salary requirements

Give a salary range or respond with “negotiable”.

Salary range can be found by using Montana Career Information System– http://mtcis.intocareers.org/– Usename: fljspub– Password: public

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Reason for leaving

Instead of Terminated Laid off

Personal differences Quit Resigned

Use this Will discuss in

interview. Reduction in force Completion of contract Company out of

business Career change Seek career

advancement Seeking better

opportunity 22

Convicted of a felony?

If yes, write “Will discuss in interview”

Key term is conviction– Ourfactsyourfuture.org– Publications>Career publications>

Inside edition (for ex-offenders) Some employers will not hire

based on nature of their business.– Fraud or theft conviction and

banking23

Physical limitations

Answer appropriately so the employer can make suitable arrangements if called for an interview or a work-based exercise.

Reasonable accommodations.

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Membership of professional organization Provide current membership

relevant to position.– Professional– Occupational– Trade

May be required to provide proof. Avoid identifying a protected

class. 25

References

3 professional and 3 personal available. NO family members.– Name– Title– Address, phone, and email

Bob Smith, Supervisor (406) 755-1234 Crush n’ Quarry123 Main St., Kalispell, MTbsmith@crushnquarry.com

Bob 755-1234Kalispell

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Signatures

Sign and date with a legible signature.

Legal documentation and you affirm all info is correct.

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Illegal questions

Age or race. Gender. Disabilities; health. Marital status, Children. Use “Not Applicable” or a line (-). You may get screened out by

having too many of these responses.

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ONLINE APPLICATIONS

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Online Application Tips

Federal, State, Business, Jobsite. Home/other, kiosk. Will ask you to register.

– Ability to access for future use.– Must have email address.

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Summary

Bring “job file” with you. Read application before writing. Target the employer with your

qualifications. Be positive. Don’t leave blanks. Sign and date.

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Agenda

Welcome! The Role of the Application General Tips for a good

Application Sections of the Application Summary Questions??

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APPLICATION ESSENTIALS

Flathead Job Service427 1st Ave EKalispell, MT406-758-6200

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