top of page

Completing Job Applications

Writer's picture: Shannon PhillipsShannon Phillips

For most job seekers, the job application is the first impression you make upon an employer. Whether the application is in person or online, there are a few general tips you need to follow.



1. Provide complete information – Read the entire application before you start writing. Make sure you’re writing in the right place. Do not leave areas blank if you can help it. Have a list of previous jobs, the dates you worked there, the manager who supervised you, the rate you were paid, and the relevant details of the work you performed. Prepare a list of references, their relation to you, and their contact information. Fill in all the fields you can.

2. Be honest about why you left previous jobs, but not too honest. The appropriate answers for why you left are quit, fired, lack of work (laid off or let go because they didn’t have enough for you to do), medical, or business closed. The employer does not need a detailed explanation of the personal reasons why you left. Keep it simple. If you aren’t sure what to say, come see us at the Career Center and we can help you plan your response.

3. Use language correctly – Capitalize your name, your address, your city and state. Even if you are typing an application, this matters! You know the rules, the hiring manager knows the rules. Not following them is lazy and it makes you look dumb. Those qualities will not help you get a job.

4. Any time you a job seeking, whether you’re visiting business to acquire a paper application, use the in-store application system, or coming into the career center, dress like you’re going to an interview. If you ask for an application looking like you just rolled out of bed, that’s likely to be mentioned to a manager. For all you know, you may end up talking to the manager. Don’t miss a chance to make a great first impression!

5. Follow all directions provided by the job advertisement or the person you speak to on site. If they tell you to come back at a certain time, go back at that time. If they tell you to call and follow up, do it. If they tell you not to call, they’ll be in touch, let two weeks pass before you call again. Following directions is essential at any job. If you cannot follow directions during the application process, employers will doubt your ability to do so on the job.



Job seeking can be a tedious process. You will fill out the same information over and over on applications. You will write and rewrite information you have on your resume. It doesn’t matter how annoying it is, and it is annoying, you have to do it if you want a job. If you need assistance completing job applications, please visit Cayuga Works Career Center or Cortland Works Career Center.

6 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comentários


American Job Center.jpg

Cayuga Works and Cortland Works provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Cayuga Works and Cortland Works offer equal opportunity programs.   Equal Opportunity Employer/Program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

This product was created by the recipient and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor. The Department of Labor makes no guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, express or implied, with respect to such information, including any information on linked sites and including, but not limited to, accuracy of the information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability or ownership. This product is copyrighted by the institution that created it.

© Cayuga Works, Cortland Works 2025

Cayuga Works Career Center

248 Grant Avenue

Auburn, NY 13021

(315) 253-1590

Fax: (315) 253-1135

Located at the Cayuga Community College Workforce Development Center

  • Facebook

Cortland Works Career Center

99 Main St.

Cortland, NY 13045

(607) 756-7585

Fax:(607) 756-5531


  • Facebook
  • Instagram
bottom of page