Essential Tips for Completing Job Applications in Kalispell, MT

1. APPLICATION ESSENTIALS Flathead Job Service 427 1st Ave E Kalispell, MT 406-758-6200

2. 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

3. Agenda • Welcome! • The Role of the Application • General Tips for a good Application • Sections of the Application • Summary

4. The Role of the application

5. Why fill out an application? • Initial screening of applicants. • Federal and state hiring practices. • Legal documentation.

6. General Tips

7. Before you start • Research the company prior to completing the application. • Identify culture and buzzwords.

8. Before you start • Read ENTIRE application. • Follow ALL directions. • Carry a COMPLETED application.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. Be neat • Scan for errors in grammar or spelling. • Don’t “scratch out” errors. • Avoid smears or stains. • Use complete words, avoid abbrv.

13. 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.

14. 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.

15. Application sections

16. 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.”

17. 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.

18. Training and development • Knowledge, skills, or abilities gained through training and/or personal experience. • Identify how you have kept your skills up to date.

19. 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.

20. Position desired • State the name of the department in which you wish to work. • Fill out an application for additional positions.

21. 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

22. Reason for leaving Instead of Use this Will discuss in interview. Reduction in force Completion of contract Company out of business Career change Seek career advancement Seeking better opportunity • Terminated • Laid off • Personal differences • Quit • Resigned

23. 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 banking

24. Physical limitations • Answer appropriately so the employer can make suitable arrangements if called for an interview or a work-based exercise. • Reasonable accommodations.

25. Membership of professional organization • Provide current membership relevant to position. • Professional • Occupational • Trade • May be required to provide proof. • Avoid identifying a protected class.

26. References • 3 professional and 3 personal available. NO family members. • Name • Title • Address, phone, and email Bob Smith, Supervisor (406) 755-1234 Crush n’ Quarry 123 Main St., Kalispell, MT bsmith@crushnquarry.com Bob 755-1234 Kalispell

27. Signatures • Sign and date with a legible signature. • Legal documentation and you affirm all info is correct.

28. 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.

29. Online Applications

30. 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.

31. 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.

32. Agenda • Welcome! • The Role of the Application • General Tips for a good Application • Sections of the Application • Summary • Questions??

33. APPLICATION ESSENTIALS Flathead Job Service 427 1st Ave E Kalispell, MT 406-758-6200