Students need to be aware that they will face a great deal of competition when looking for jobs. They should know that employers use job applications as a way to screen applicants and decide who is worth their time to schedule for a job interview. A classroom is an ideal setting to discuss effective techniques to complete job applications and to talk about important job-seeking tips.
Step 1
Explain the importance of job applications to students. Let them know that employers use information on applications to decide if they would make a good job candidate. When they fill out applications neatly and correctly, it makes a good first impression.
Step 2
Give students a blank information list that you prepared before class. It should request all the data they need to complete applications such as their Social Security Number, education information, work history, volunteer and community service information and personal references. Give them a homework assignment of gathering all the information on the list to bring to class the next day. Tell them that they must have correct dates and accurate contact information.
Step 3
Discuss how the students should prepare before visiting employers to complete applications. Engage the class in a discussion by asking them for ideas. Topics covered in the class discussion should include wearing proper work attire, bringing black or blue ink pens and having all the necessary information on hand. If students have already created a resume, they should bring a resume to submit with the application and to ensure it matches the application.
Step 4
Hand out at least two copies of blank applications to each student. Give overall tips regarding neatness, use of proper spelling and the importance of reading instructions thoroughly before writing answers. Tell students you will go over each section of the application and complete them together. They will need to answer all questions and write "N/A" or "not applicable" in blanks that do not pertain to them.
Step 5
Go over the personal information section and tell the students to complete that section. Stress that they need to pay attention to details such as where to write first and last names on the application. If they provide an e-mail address, it should be professional. Make sure they list an address and phone number where an employer can reach them directly. If the application asks about prior convictions, students must answer truthfully, but they can state that the matter can be discussed further during an interview.
Step 6
Fill in the work experience section as a class. Tell the students to refer to the information sheet they completed to get employer names, dates of employment and brief descriptions of job duties. Instruct the class to use positive statements to explain why they left a job such as "to accept a more challenging position," "moved" or "temporary position." They should avoid negative phrases including "I quit" or "fired for absenteeism."
Step 7
Complete the section about the desired work position. Tell the class they should always write one or more actual job titles, not something vague like "any position." They should write "negotiable" or "open" if there is a question about desired salary. If the application asks when they are available to start work, they should write "immediately" if they are free to start any time. If students are working at a current job, they should leave a remark explaining they are available after giving their current employer a two-week notice.
Step 8
Closely review each student's application. Note responses that are sloppy, misspelled or incomplete. Write down questions a potential employer might have after reading some of the information. Give positive feedback for good responses.
Step 9
Pass the applications back to the students, and ask them if they have any questions. Assign the class to complete practice applications on their own to make sure they understand important concepts.
Tips and Warnings
- Remind students they should always ask before using someone's name as a reference. Explain to students that they should also be ready to fill out online applications. They should prepare for online applications the same way as paper, but they may need an electronic copy of their resume saved to a disk or flash drive to upload to the company's system.
- Tell the class to be professional and courteous when requesting and submitting applications to receptionists. They are likely to share their opinion about job applicants with those who make the hiring decisions.
