Access Application Info on the Go

How many times has this happened... You’re out and about having fun with friends or running errands and you see a sign somewhere you’d like to work that says “Now Hiring.” Fortunately you’re appropriately dressed so you slip in to grab an application and fill it out on the spot. Unfortunately, you can’t seem to recall most of the data the company is requesting.

Odds are you know approximate start and end dates of your last 3 jobs but can you really remember the extension of the boss you had so long ago? Street addresses are basically out and you flip through your contacts to see whose number you have on hand to list as a reference.

This can happen even if you’re expecting to go in for an interview. After sending in a resume and cover letter then calling or emailing back and forth it’s easy to forget that some companies still require an application as a formality and part of the process.

It might not make or break your chances but you will appear as a more organized and thorough candidate if your information is accurate, complete and consistent with your resume and cover letter. Be prepared to apply in an instant by keeping a record of your answers to typical application questions on your phone.

Since you probably know most of your identifying information by heart you can skip stuff like first, middle and last Name, Street Address (City, State, Zip Code), Phone Number (Home and Cell) and social security number. Store other info that is less likely to be used for identity theft in a password protected file on your phone.

Common questions you want to be able to answer quickly include:

PERSONAL INFORMATION

Driver’s license number

If you have been convicted of or pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor or felony within the last five years give date and explanation

POSITION/AVAILABILITY

Days/Hours Available

What date are you available to start work?

EDUCATION

Name and Address of School - Degree/Diploma - Graduation Date

Skills and Qualifications: Licenses, Skills, Training, Equipment, Awards

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY

Info on present or previous position at least 4 back:

Employer

Street Address

Supervisor (Name, Phone, Email)

Position Title

Employed From: ______________ To: ______________

Responsibilities/Duties

Starting and Ending Salary

Reason for Leaving

REFERENCES:

Name/Title Address Phone

If you’ve got all of the answers at your finger tips you’ll be more confident about instantly stopping to fill out an application. Who knows, your future boss may even be so impressed that you get hired on the spot.