OK, here's the next stop... you go and fill out an application. How hard can it be, right?? You'd be surprised.
First of all, READ the application all the way through and follow the directions PERFECTLY. If the application says you must attach proof of something (for instance, a copy of your high school transcript), then do it. Don't think you'll bring it in later or if you think that you don't have to do it. They will throw your application into the "No way" pile. If you can't follow instructions while you are trying to impress them, chances are you are going to suck at following them when you've been there a while.
Do NOT leave a blank, unless it is absolutely necessary. Write "not applicable" or even the short form "NA" if you have to. If there is something less than favorable you have to list, such as reason for leaving and you were fired, Do not give into the temptation to write something there such as "I'll explain later" or "I'll explain in person". When I see these, ti is never a good sign. Usually I get some completely insane explanation to go with it. Or, I figure out within 2 seconds why they got fired. Due to this happening often, you start to assume when you see those phrases that you are dealing with a loser. People get fired more than you know. It doesn't automatically throw you out of the running. List that you were fired and maybe put something to the side as a short (but again,honest) explanation. Fired: did not meet sales quota or Fired: not related to performance. At least it shows you are honest and aren't hiding the whole firing thing. Chances are you can explain during your interview.
Make sure your application is legible and that your information matches that of your resume (sometimes I saw people with totally different dates of employment from their resume). Always make sure to bring your resume to fill out the application, that way they match. Make sure to list your phone numbers and emails that are the best and easiest ways to contact you.
If there is a place to put your work history (and there almost always is), do not think attaching your resume will cover that. Yes, it's duplication of information, but you're trying to impress. If you are too lazy to fill in 3 blanks about where you worked, you're way too lazy for me to hire. Ditto if it says to use a separate sheet listing other jobs (for example when you have 3 blanks on the application and have had 6 jobs). Do it!
As with your resume, be honest. Make sure that you are honest. If you will absolutely, positively NOT willing to do night shift, do not list "available for all shifts." You will just waste the interviewer's time if they are hiring for nights. Specify in the cover letter of your resume (you did send a cover letter, didn't you??) that you are willing to work weekends or holidays, etc. to make up for your ability to only work a certain shift. If you look flexible, they are more likely to remember you the next day shift opening they have!
If you are allowed to fill out the application somewhere other than on-site, take advantage of that. Take it home, take your time and have someone proof-read it. Do not turn it in until you have everything they ask for attached. Do not attach extras (you can bring anything pertinent to your interview). Do exactly what the application says and don't add things.
Use a black pen to fill out your application (or a blue one, if you must. But never, ever, ever use a red or colored pen. It's like the colored paper. Bad idea). Make sure you sign it.
Oh, and don't come in and ask me for an application and then ask me for a pen. Seriously, you're there to get a job and know you're going to be filling out an application. If you didn't figure that would involve a pen, then I'm putting you in the mental midget category, even as a smile and hand you the pen. Trust me, I'll use the pen later, to mark your app as unacceptable!
Next up: Interviewing!
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