Tell me about applications, resumes and cover letters.

Remember learning how your credit score is a picture of how you manage money and credit? Think of your job application or resume as a picture of what you can offer an employer. And remember how your credit report is used? People who know nothing about you read your credit report and decide if they will approve you for a loan. The same goes for your resume. People who know nothing about you read your job application and resume and decide if they want to call you in for an interview.

Employers read a lot of job applications and resumes. Your strategy should be to make your application and resume look as attractive and easy to read as possible.

Applications

Following are some tips for making a potential employer want to pick up your job application, read it, then call you for an interview.

Tips for Filling Out Job Applications
•	Prepare a fact sheet ahead of time. Job applications ask for your personal information, employment history, personal references, and if you’ve done any volunteer work. Prepare a personal fact sheet to carry with you on your job search. It will save you time and help prevent errors. Use this job application as a model to create your personal fact sheet. See the Job Application Worksheet >>
•	Follow directions on the application. This is important. Employers give employees directions on how to do their jobs. Because it makes their job easier, employers appreciate people who can follow directions. Show you can follow directions by filling out the application correctly.
•	Use your best handwriting. Your application will stand out if an employer can read it easily and quickly. Use an ink pen with black or blue ink.
•	Be honest. You can be fired for lying on a job application. Many employers do background checks and contact former employers to verify information you provide. If you ever need to truthfully state that you were convicted of a crime or felony, write “will discuss during interview.” Applications usually have a place where you can write comments. If you’ve had troubles in the past and are on the path to recovery, state the action you’ve taken, or are taking, to improve your life.
•	Be as specific as possible (except when it comes to talking about your wage or salary). Some examples: • For “Position Desired,” don’t write “any” or “will do anything!” Remember all that time employers spend reading resumes? A vague answer may send your application to the bottom of the pile. Write job titles for positions you want. You can write more than one job title. It may help to research job title names used at the company where you’re applying. • For “Salary,” write “open” or “negotiable.” You don’t want to lock yourself into a salary lower than what the employer is willing to offer. • For “Availability,” write “immediately” if you are able to start right away. Write “after two weeks notice” if you are currently employed. Why two weeks? It is a courtesy to give an employer two weeks notice if you’re leaving a job. Your employer will have time to find a replacement by the time you leave. This courtesy could pave the way for asking your current employer to give you a good reference to your new employer.
•	Be complete, but with some exceptions. Remember learning how important it is to safeguard your personal information. When asked for your Social Security number and birth date, write “as needed.” If an employer needs that information to check your credit, you can provide it at that time. For everything else, provide the information requested. If something doesn’t apply, write “NA” for Not Applicable.
•	List most recent jobs first. If you have a spotty work history, be creative. If you can, explain gaps with such explanations as, “in school” or “raising a family.”
•	Provide references. Your references do not all have to be former employers. Include people who know and appreciate your talents and skills. Examples include teachers and people you have volunteered with.
•	Check for spelling and grammatical errors.
•	Sign the application.

Your state employment office will have other good suggestions for filling out job applications. For starters, check out the California state employment office’s suggestions: Tips for Success—The Application.