Applications / 141STEP 1: Prewriting—Scanning the Document
Before putting pen to application paper, read the entire document to get an overall
impression of what your potential employer is trying to learn about you. Typically,
such forms ask for personal information, employment history, education, and skills.
Most potential employers want to know that if you’re hired, you will report to work
on time every day and work diligently and cooperatively at all times. Even though
many job applications offer little space to elaborate on experience, plan to use what-
ever space is offered to put your best foot forward.
STEP 2: Prewriting—Gathering Information
Job applications require certain information from government-issued documents.
Have necessary documents ready. They may include:
-^ Social Security card
-^ driver’s license
-^ birth certificate
-^ immigration papers
-^ school records
-^ medical records
-^ employment record (including dates of employment, company names, and
company addresses and phone numbers)
-^ names, addresses, and phone numbers of persons willing to vouch for your
ability and reliability (Be sure to receive permission from anyone whose name
you cite as a reference.)
STEP 3: Prewriting—Reading the Instructions
Read the application carefully and follow instructions in detail. For instance:
- Does^ the^ application^ request^ that^ you^ print?^
- Does^ it^ ask^ for^ last^ name^ first?^
- Does^ it^ ask^ for^ a^ list^ or^ a^ sentence?^
- Does^ it^ demand^ black^ ink^ rather^ than^ blue?^
Be sure to read and follow instructions to the letter no matter how insignificant
or irrelevant they may seem. Neglecting or ignoring such details tells a potential
employer that you may be careless or sloppy in the workplace.
STEP 4: Prewriting—Thinking before You Write
After noting what the application asks, think about what you want to say and how
you want to say it, perhaps making notes on a separate page before you respond.