How To Avoid Common Mistakes Made On Employment Applications

Should filling out an application be a stressful event? No. If you have a solid, basic ATS Friendly resume in place, a lot of the work is already done -- your resume can guide you through a lot of the answers you'll have to provide in a job application. 

Why do employers use job applications?

Many employers use applications as a way of standardizing the information they obtain from all job-seekers, including some things that you would not normally put on your resume. Often, you will be asked to complete a job application even if you've already submitted a resume and cover letter. 

Your goal is to complete the application as completely and honestly as you can -- all the time remembering that the application is a key marketing tool for you in the job-hunting process. Remember that some employers will use your application as a basis for deciding whether to call you for a telephone interview or video interview.

Also, the employer will have a record of your personal and employment history, verified and signed by you. When you sign the application, you are confirming that all the information on it is accurate, so it's important to be sure it's complete and correct.

From your first contact with an employer via the application to the thank-you note that you send after your in-person interview, everything matters. The hiring managers want to find that needle in the haystack that is the perfect person for the job, but it can be incredibly tedious to go through a pile of applications. Let's make sure yours stands out!

This image started circulating the social media universe, leaping from Twitter to Instagram and Facebook, and people are resonating with it. With thousands of likes and hundreds of comments from people tagging friends and stating “I was thinking the same thing,” or “this is me,” this example of one job seeker's frustrations went viral. But do you know why these job applications require that you fill out your information again?

Why You Need to Fill Out Your Resume Information … Again

It all comes back to a piece of software known as the applicant tracking system (ATS). Recruiters and employers use ATS software to collect, scan, and rank the job applications they receive. The ATS parses the content of each resume into categories, scanning it for specific keywords to determine if the job application should be passed along to the recruiter.

But, what does that have to do with the little boxes you're being forced to fill out?

The answer is simple: Either the ATS is unable to "read" the information in your resume due to its format or the company is taking steps to ensure all of your information is accurate before evaluating your application.

10 Top Job Application Tips

1. Have the right documents with you

You need a copy of your latest resume, your job reference list, the job posting or description, your social security card, addresses, and contact numbers of previous employers and salary details to complete the job application properly.

2. Read and follow the instructions carefully

Almost half (50%) of all job applicants don't follow the directions. Take the time to read all the instructions and review the full application before you start to fill it out. This prevents repeating information or putting it in the wrong place.

Following directions is a fundamental skill employers look for, by following the application directions carefully you are immediately demonstrating this job skill.

Always take a few minutes to review the entire application. Some applications ask for information differently -- and all have specific spaces in which you are expected to answer questions. Think of the application as your first test in following instructions.

3. Write legibly and check details for accuracy

In-Person: Complete the application neatly and legibly. Check that you have written down the right contact numbers and email addresses. Use correct spacing and capitalization.

Online: Copy and paste the application template into Word or similar, if possible. Complete it, print it, and check it, then transfer the details to the online job application. It is easier to check spelling and other errors on a printed page rather than on a screen. Once your resume is ATS Friendly, online job applications become a whole lot easier. Instead of spending hours answering seemingly-endless questions about the information that's already stated in your resume, you should just need to check the fields to make sure all the information was pulled correctly by the ATS.

4. Make sure your employment history is accurate

Follow the instructions for filling in the fields for your work history. This is where your plain-text, ATS Friendly, resume comes in handy. Copy and paste sections from your resume into the appropriate fields or upload your plain-text resume so the system can parse your information into the appropriate fields. Avoid getting the wrong information into the application fields by copying and pasting or typing your descriptions in the right boxes. Ensure that you're maximizing the space in your application by providing full descriptions in your work history.

This is critical: Double-check that the names of your former employers, their addresses, your dates of employment, and other employment details are all correct.

5. Fill in all the details

When asked for information, such as employment history, do not write "refer to resume", this comes across as lazy. Complete the details on the application as requested.

Make sure the information you provide in your job application is consistent with the information in your resume, as well as with whats online with LinkedIn.

Take time to answer the questions, ensuring you are giving the right information while demonstrating why you are a good match for the job opportunity.

6. Write your qualifications out in full

Just as with your resume and cover letter, you want to focus your education and experience to the job at hand. Give details of skills and accomplishments, and avoid framing your experiences in terms of mere duties and responsibilities. Tailor your answers to the job you are seeking. Describe your qualifications fully. Don't assume the employer knows what an acronym stands for.

7. Don't leave out questions and Don't leave any blanks

Complete all the required sections or your application may be rejected. Fill out everything. One of the reasons employers have you complete an application is because they want the same information from all job applicants. However, if there are questions that do not apply to you, simply respond with "not applicable," or "n/a." Do not write "see resume" when completing the application (but you can certainly attach your resume to the application).

Always stick with the truth - you will have to defend your answers in the interview.

The fastest way for an application to hit the trash can is to have a lie on it, but that doesn't mean you need to give complete answers either. For example, many applications ask your reason for leaving your last job. If you were fired or downsized, you should be short and concise, and try to be as positive as possible. Leave longer explanations for the interview.

As with any job search correspondence, never offer negative information. Your goal with the application is to get an interview. Providing negative information (such as talking negatively about a former boss, colleague, or employer ) just gives the employer a reason not to interview you.

Also, explain any large gaps in your employment history.

Many if not most companies will use a third-party company to verify this information, including employment, and education. By signing the job application you are verifying the information is accurate.

8. Salary requirements

If you would rather not give a specific salary requirement, do provide a range, but don't skip this question or put negotiable. This is a red flag and might cause you to be declined.

9. Provide references if requested

Have your reference list ready to include in your application, if asked for.

10. Check your application for mistakes

Once you've completed the application, sit back and take a moment to thoroughly proofread the document, checking for all errors -- especially typos and misspellings -- carefully a couple of times before you submit it. Each manager has his or her list of pet peeves, and often these include spelling and other mistakes that are likely to sabotage your chances.

One final word. Be prepared for all kinds of job applications, from simple one-page applications to multi-page applications.

Regardless, take your time and do the best you can, always keeping in the back of your mind the goal of the application - getting you an interview, either telephone, in-person, or video!