Approaching your first job application can feel like a hurdle. The forms may seem formal, asking for information and history you may not think you have. Breaking the process into manageable steps can simplify the task and build your confidence. A well-prepared application is your first opportunity to present yourself clearly and professionally.
Gather Your Information Before You Start
A helpful step to a stress-free process is preparing everything you need before you begin. Having your information organized will save you from the frustration of stopping and starting. This preparation ensures you can complete the application accurately and efficiently.
You will need several specific pieces of information.
- Your Social Security number, as this is a standard requirement for payroll purposes.
- The complete name and address of your high school.
- Work permit documentation if you are under 18 and your state requires one.
- A list of your references, including their full names, official job titles, and current phone numbers or email addresses.
Navigating Common Application Sections
Personal Details and Contact Information
This section requires careful attention to detail. Double-check the spelling of your name, address, and phone number. When providing an email address, ensure it sounds professional. An email like “firstname.lastname@email.com” is more appropriate than a casual handle, as it contributes to a mature first impression.
Education
In the education section, list the schools you have attended, starting with the most recent. This means your high school comes first. Include the school’s full name, city, and state. If you have a strong GPA or have received academic awards, this is the place to mention them as evidence of a strong work ethic.
Work and Volunteer Experience
This section can cause concern due to a lack of formal job history, but experience comes in many forms beyond a paid position. Think about informal jobs like babysitting, lawn mowing, or pet sitting. These roles demonstrate responsibility and time management. When describing them, use action verbs and focus on the duties you performed, such as “Managed care for two children” or “Maintained neighborhood lawns on a weekly schedule.”
Volunteer work and extracurricular activities are also valuable experiences. Participation in a school club, especially in a leadership role, shows you can handle responsibility. Being part of a sports team highlights your ability to work collaboratively and your dedication. Frame these experiences to showcase the skills you developed.
Skills
Employers look for both hard and soft skills. Hard skills are teachable abilities, such as proficiency with Microsoft Office, knowledge of specific software, or a certain typing speed. If you have experience with cash registers from volunteering at a school event or know a second language, list those here.
Soft skills relate to your personal attributes and how you interact with others. These include communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and time management. Instead of just listing these words, think of a brief example. For instance, you could mention how you used communication skills to coordinate a group project or how managing homework and a sport taught you time management.
Availability
This section is important for employers, as they need to match your availability with their scheduling needs. Be honest and specific about the days and hours you are available to work. Consider your school schedule, homework, and any other commitments. Filling this out accurately prevents scheduling conflicts later on.
References
Employers contact references to get a third-party perspective on your character and work ethic. Choose adults who know you in a professional or academic capacity, such as teachers, coaches, or supervisors from volunteer work. Always ask for their permission before listing them on an application.
Best Practices for a Standout Application
A polished and professional application can set you apart. Thoroughly proofread your entire application before you submit it. Spelling and grammatical mistakes can give the impression that you are careless or lack attention to detail. Reading your answers aloud can help you catch awkward phrasing or typos.
Honesty is important throughout the application process. Never exaggerate your experience or skills, as this can be discovered during an interview or reference check. If you are filling out a paper application, use a pen with blue or black ink and write as neatly as possible. An employer cannot fairly consider you for the position if they cannot read your handwriting.
Final Steps for Submission
After you have filled everything out and proofread it, the final step is submitting the application. If you are applying online, double-check that you have uploaded any required documents, like a resume, in the correct file format. Ensure all fields are complete before clicking the final submit button, as you often cannot make changes afterward.
If you are submitting a paper application in person, your presentation matters. Dress neatly to show you are serious about the opportunity. When you arrive, be polite and ask if you can speak with the hiring manager. Handing the application directly to the manager can make you more memorable and demonstrates initiative.