Q: Is it necessary to complete an employment application if a resume was submitted?

A: Yes. A prospective employer may request an application for employment be completed and signed by the applicant. A completed and signed application ensures to the prospective employer that the information provided is accurate.

Checklist for completing a job application:
Read the entire employment application and ask questions if you do not understand the instructions prior to filling out the application.

Follow instructions.
Be complete—indicate a response or an explanation in all boxes on the application form. If the question does not apply write “Not Applicable” or “N/A” (not applicable), write DNA (does not apply) or draw a line.
Use a pen, preferably one which has erasable ink so you can correct mistakes.
Be neat and spell correctly.
Carry a completed sample application and/or resume with you so that you will have the necessary dates, references and information written down and available in order to be accurate.
Answer all questions truthfully. Rather than being untruthful, leave the question unanswered by drawing a line or writing “Will Discuss”.
Clearly state your personal qualifications and do not exaggerate—but do not be too modest either.
Notify references and obtain their permission before listing their names on an application.

Do not use abbreviations, but be concise and do not make long statements.

Do not state “See Resume”. It is acceptable to enclose a copy of your resume with the application, but the application must be completely filled out. The resume does not take it place.

When completing an application, be careful of the words used to describe previous employment history. Listed below are correct and incorrect terminologies that can be used when completing an employment application. Remember to always be truthful when completing an employment application. It’s not always what you say; it’s how you say it.

Filling Out Applications

When completing an application, be careful of the words you use to describe your situation. If the employer needs more information, be prepared to answer related questions in the interview.

Never Write Instead Write
• Fired •Will discuss during interview •Laid off or •Terminated. •Be sure to give your side of the story.

•Personality conflict •Company restructuring (if true)

•Personal/family problems •Growth opportunity

• Burn out •Career shift

•Injured or hospitalization •Career change

•Travel •Raise family, further education (if this is true before you returned to work), or seek employment with more career opportunities

Acceptable Reasons for Leaving a Job
Military service
Further education (one time in a work history unless you have several part-time jobs)
Raise family (one time in a work history)
Work for reduction (lay off)
Seasonal work (lay off)
Temporary employment
Relocated (not too often)
Self-employment (one time in a work history)
Seek salaried employment (when leaving self-employment)
Career change
Better growth opportunity

Use your completed resume when filling out employment applications so you will have your complete information with you to include full names, dates, titles and other facts.