Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. 34 CNC Manufacturing Technology 2.4.3 Job Application Forms A prospective employer may ask you to complete a job application form before having an interview. The job application form highlights infor- mation the employer needs to know about you, such as your education and prior work experience. Employers often use these forms to screen applicants for the skills needed on the job. You might complete a form in a personnel or employment office. Sometimes you may get the form by mail or online. When filling out an online application, it is extremely important to include key terms for which the employer may search. This will help you stand out from the many other applications the employer will receive. The appearance of the application form can give an employer a first impression of you. Fill out the form accurately, completely, and neatly. How well you accomplish that can determine whether you get the job. When asked about salary, write open or negotiable. This means you are willing to consider offers. Be sure to send or give the form to the correct person or department. This information often appears on the form. Tips for completing the job application appear in Figure 2-18. When preparing your application online, be sure to save it in the appropriate format. If a preferred format is not given, it is best to save the application in document or pdf file format. This will enable the employer to find specific search terms in your document. Be sure to complete all the fields of the application. Many job-search sites have sample forms on which you can practice before attempting a real application. 2.4.4 The Job Interview The interview gives you the opportunity to learn more about a company and to convince the employer that you are the best person for the position. Goodheart-Willcox Publisherr Figure 2-18. Tips for completing a job application. Goodheart-Willcox Publishe Tips for Completing a Job Application ✓ Follow the instructions for fi lling out the form. If you are asked to print, type, or use black ink, be sure to do so. Be as neat as possible. ✓ Complete every question in the form. If some questions do not apply to you, draw a dash or write “NA” (not applicable) so the employer knows you did not overlook it. ✓ You may wish to omit your Social Security number and write “will provide if hired.” ✓ You can write “open” or “negotiable” for any question regarding salary requirements. ✓ For each former job, there may be a question asking your reason for leaving the job. Avoid writing any negative comments about yourself or a former employer.