Answer to Question 1
An application form is a form used by potential employers to request specific information from
someone seeking employment. Most companies require prospective employees to complete
an application form. Some companies require it to be completed before the interview; others
want it after the interview. You may be asked to complete the form at the company office, or
you may be asked to take the form home to complete. A few companies have their application
form online. If you take the form home with you, you should photocopy it and do a rough draft
on the photocopy, then transfer it to the original form. Completing a rough draft helps you think
about your responses and do a better job.
When applying for a job, take with you the information you will need to complete an application
form. Most application forms ask for details about your education, work experience, and
references. You should have this detailed information with you, along with a copy of your
rsum and a list of your references. These documents will help you complete the application
form accurately and completely. These tips will help you be prepared:
a) Read the application form before you start.
b) Take two working pens, preferably black.
c) Write legibly.
d) Follow any directions given on the application form. If the instructions say print, don't use
cursive writing.
e) Take your social security card with you.
Answer to Question 2
Increasingly, companies review rsums using databases and computer scanners to reduce
the cost and time involved in assessing job applicants. Besides the traditional method of
submitting rsums by mail, job applicants now have the opportunity to post rsums on the
Internet. These postings can be viewed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and they are
available to users in the United States and more than 100 other countries. Many online
services offer tips for writing a rsum that can be scanned or searched for keyword.
To take advantage of all the employment opportunities available today, job applicants must
consider the preparation of a rsum to be stored and viewed electronically. Rsums may be
scanned by a computer, entered in a database, posted on the Internet, sent via e-mail, or
faxed.
Computers are programmed to scan rsums posted on the Internet for specific keywords
associated with a particular industry and specific positions within that industry. If a rsum
contains enough keywords to match an advertised job opening, the rsum is selected for
further consideration.
Today's business organizations are trying to be efficient as they strive to identify people who
can do specific jobs. Computersnot human resource peoplescreen rsums to identify
potential employees.