Application Forms

APPLICATIONS

WHY DO WE USE THEM AND WHAT IS THE PURPOSE?

An application form is just another way of gathering as much information about the individual that is applying for the job.

ISN’T A RESUME AND APPLICATION THE SAME THING?

They are very much alike; the employer designs one, the other is designed by the individual who is applying for the job. Applications cost the employer money; the other is at your own expense.

IF A RESUME AND APPLICATION ARE THE SAME THING, WHY CAN’T I JUST SIMPLY WRITE SEE RESUME AND ATTACH MY RESUME TO THIS APPLICATION?

If the resume and application get separated, then there is no resume to see anymore. Also if you do not take the time to fill it out the application properly employers can see this as an act of laziness, in any case it is always better to take the time and fill it out carefully and completely.

IF I AM ASKING FOR AN APPLICATION, HOW MANY SHOULD I ASK FOR?

Always ask for two, one for rough copy one to hand back in. By asking for only one and if you make a mistake, you really do not want to mark it out or trying to correct the mistake it will leave the application messy and this is not a good reflection on you. Keep the second application as a record of you application to that company. When you make application to another employer bring this old application with you. All the information that will be requested in a new application is rate there in front of you and will save you the hassle of asking for a telephone book so you can get the same information (phone numbers, addresses etc.).

WHEN ARE YOU AVAILABLE TO START?

If are available immediately write in immediately or the current date, if you are currently working and would like to give a 2 week notice, (2 week notice is not mandatory, however is a good idea, as any employer would appreciate the notice, they may also assume if you give no notice to your current employer, you may do the same to them) then date the start date, 2 weeks from current date.

WHAT DO I DO IF THERE IS A PART OF THE APPLICATION THAT DOES NOT APPLY TO ME?

If there is part of the application that does not apply simply mark N/A in the blank box. This stands for not applicable, and by marking the N/A in this field lets the employer know you have read it, acknowledged it and moved on. By leaving it blank and open the employer may think you just simply missed this section.

WHAT SHOULD I SAY WHEN THEY GIVE THE CATEGORY OF POSITION DESIRED?

If you do not have the exact title of the position, give the department name or a rough job title.

Ex. Home Electronics – Sales

WHAT ARE THEY LOOKING FOR WHEN THEY ASK FOR MY MAJOR SKILLS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS?

There is never enough room on an application to put in sentence form the information they are looking for. Keep your answer in point form and relevant to the position you are applying.

ARE YOU LEGALLY ELIGIBLE FOR EMPLOYMENT IN CANADA?

They are looking for a yes or no answer. You know your own status better than anyone. If there have been restrictions placed upon you omitting you from certain types of employment you must comply with these restrictions. So your answer is yes, but be sure to be applying for the job that falls within you restrictions.

WHAT DO I DO IF I’M ASKED QUESTIONS THAT ARE ILLEGAL?

When posed with a question you know is illegal, simply address with the previously mentioned N/A, again showing the employer you have read the question and not missed it. Some application forms are outdated and do not meet with the standards of today.

WHAT SHOULD I SAY WHEN I COME TO THE QUESTION OF BONDABLE OR HAVE YOU EVER COMMITTED AN OFFENCE TO WHICH A PARDON HAS NOT BEEN GRANTED?

No criminal record – BONDABLE – yes, COMMITTED OFFENCE – NO

Yes criminal record – BONDABLE – yes, COMMITTED OFFENCE – NO

Explanation – Everyone is bondable, a bond is simply an insurance policy, by answering yes (if you have a criminal record) means you are assuring you will not commit an offence and you are willing to take out your own insurance policy to prove so.

The committed offence option is a little trickier. If you have never applied for a pardon, then one has not been granted, answer is NO, now if you applied, it was denied then the answer has to be yes. Most employers will give you a chance to explain the circumstances s they can judge the relevance. If you were charged with theft over 5000 for example and you were applying for a job with Brinks Security, the only option you would have would be to explain and offer they insurance aspect, however the final decision is still with the employer.

If you are going to apply for a pardon, keep these things in mind. You can apply for a pardon after three years for a Summary conviction and after five years for a Indictable offence.