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    teen filling out job application

    Get ready to make a good impression

    Filling out an application is often an important step in the job search process. It can be an online or paper form requiring information about your career, education and qualifications. Many employers require you to submit an application before they will look at your resume or cover letter.  

    Completing and submitting an application can be a tedious process without the right preparation because an applicant needs to provide a great amount of detail, from dates of employment to employer addresses and supervisors’ contact information.  

    Applications will be compared with those of other job seekers by human resource personnel, hiring managers and other decision makers. They provide an opportunity to sell yourself to potential employers and offer a good first impression. 

    Online job applications are popular with employers because they are easier to manage. Employers can pre-screen applicants by using automated assessments done by applicant tracking system (ATS) software to identify those candidates who best meet qualifications.  

    Whether you’re completing a job application online or on paper, it pays to be prepared. Make sure to pull together all the information you need before you start completing the application. If you’re filling out the application in person, bring along all the information you may need.  

    Online job application on mobile device

    Tips for submitting a successful application


    Ensure you take enough time to avoid simple mistakes and make a good first impression 
    • Submit the application online on your own time or ask to take the paper application home so you aren’t rushed and can make your application look as good as possible. 
    • Ask the employer for two paper applications and use one as practice before completing the application you give to the employer. 
    • Answer all application questions completely and accurately. Complete all information fields on the application; if a field doesn’t apply to you, write in N/A—don’t just leave it blank. 
    • Outline your work history with position title, dates of service and correct name and contact information for previous employer(s). 
    • Answer “reason you left previous position” accurately and appropriately; you need to be truthful, but you shouldn’t go into detail or make negative comments about your former employer.  The term “involuntary separation” can be used if the reason you left wasn’t your choice. 


    The basics 
    • Spell all words correctly. 
    • Avoid abbreviations, slang and emojis. 
    • Use black or blue ink if completing a paper application. 
    • Use correction fluid (Wite-Out) sparingly to fix any errors neatly on a paper application. 
    • Proofread your application thoroughly before you submit it. 
    • Sign and date a paper application before handing it in OR make sure you receive confirmation that an electronic application was successfully submitted. 
    • If there is a question on the application about your salary requirements, respond with a range or write “negotiable”. 


    Provide good contact information 
    • Note current contact information for yourself; this usually means a phone number and an email address. 
    • Use a professional-sounding email address (YourName@email.com, for example) not a current employer’s email address or one that uses your nickname. 
    • Make sure your voicemail is professional and appropriate-sounding—be sure to check your voicemail regularly after submitting the application. 


    Target your application to the job for which you are applying  
    • Reference the exact job title in the job posting when applying for a posted position 
    • Make sure you highlight the skills and experience you possess that make you a good fit for the position you are applying for 
    • Emphasize technical skills developed at previous work experiences that match up with the required skills of the position you’re applying for. 
    • Stress soft skills like punctuality, having a positive attitude and communicating well with fellow employees and customers. 
    • If you're submitting a resume with the application, make sure that work experience, education and other information on your resume matches the information you enter on the application. 
    • Do not write “see resume” in application fields because this will not showcase your skills in applicant tracking software and it is an inconvenience for anyone reviewing a paper application. 
    • Some applications will pre-fill fields based on an uploaded resume. Make sure to carefully review the information that is populated, as it won’t always be placed correctly. 


    Prepare for impactful references 
    • Use references from teachers or other school leaders, former employers or other professional references, not family members or friends. 
    • Ensure you have accurate contact information for your references. 
    • Inform references what position(s) you are applying for and let them know they may receive a reference call.