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A Job Application

Objective:
The student will complete a sample job application accurately and neatly.

Comments:
Most job searches begin with an application. This requests information regarding the applicant's education, work experience, and personal information. A student should be prepared when entering the world of work to have the necessary information. Also, an application should be filled out completely, honestly, and neatly. All of these are factors in making a good first impression--which is often what the application serves as. In this lesson, students are to work on completing a job application.

Introductory Activities:

  1. Ask students how many of them have ever walked into a place of business, threw out their arms and yelled, I m ready to work! When do I start? and have gotten a job?
  2. Ask students to explain why filling out a job application is usually the way many companies begin their search for employees.
  3. Ask students to list what information they think is generally included on a job application.

Activity:
Students are to complete the sample application for employment on the worksheet A Job Application. They will need to know or obtain their social security number, names and phone numbers of references, and dates of previous employment.
Discussion: Have students ask for clarification about any parts of which they are unsure. They may need a day to get missing information such as their social security number. Encourage students to write as legibly as possible. Also inform them to be honest and accurate on the application.

  1. Why is it very important to write legibly on the application? (the reader needs to know how to contact you or the references, has to be able to read the information)
  2. What else can help make a good first impression on the application? (using one color of ink or even typing it, staying within the lines, overall neat appearance.
  3. Why would an employer want to know of any physical defects? (they need to know if you can perform the job you are applying for)
  4. What are some jobs that require someone to be over 18? (serving alcohol)
  5. Why would they want to know your hobbies or interests? (to see what kinds of activities you are involved in)
  6. Why would they want to know if you have a criminal record? (the job may involve handling money or checks, involve some sort of security, etc.)
  7. Why are you not to include activities that indicate your race or religion? (should not be a factor in getting the job)
  8. Why is it important to have good references from your previous employers? (they probably will be contacted)
  9. Why would they want to know how many days were lost from work? (they want to know if attendance will be a problem)
  10. What factors are prohibited from being discriminated against as written on the top of the application? (race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, physical or mental handicaps, etc.)

Extension Activities:

  1. Collect and bring in examples of applications for employment from several businesses or organizations. Have students check them out and figure out what things are similar about each.
  2. Have students prepare a personal information sheet they can use to complete applications.
  3. Have them record references, names and addresses of previous employers, etc.

Evaluation:
How would you revise the following responses to an application for employment:

  1. What interests you in working for our company? I am hoping to get free food and be able to talk to my friends while I am working.
  2. What are your hobbies or special interests? I have no hobbies. I am interested in boys.
  3. What is your reason for leaving your last job? My boss was a jerk.

Uploaded by: Jessica Soltesz/Kent State University/Deaf Education Major