How to Fill Out a Job Application
How to Fill Out a Job Application (Step-by-Step Guide)
When you apply for a job, you are typically asked to complete an employment application. You may be asked to complete a job application even if you've already submitted a resume and cover letter. Asking all candidates for the same information standardizes the job application process.
Also, the employer will have a record of your personal and employment history, verified, and signed by you. When you sign the application, you are confirming that all the information on it is accurate, so it's important to be sure it's correct.
It's important for your job applications to be complete, error-free, and accurate.
Information Needed to Complete a Job Application
Regardless of whether you complete an online job application or apply in-person, make sure you have ready all the information you'll need in advance. The list below includes all the information you need to complete an application for employment.
Personal Information
Name
Address
City, State, Zip Code
Phone Number- Make sure you have a professional greeting for your voice mail. Employers will often call, everything about you will represent how you are perceived by a potential employer. In doubt, always use the carrier default message for voice mail.
Email Address- If you do not have an email address get one, most employers find email an easy and quick way to correspond. Email accounts are easy and free to setup.
Eligibility to work in the U.S.
Education
Include all schools, colleges, or training programs you’ve attended.
List degrees, certificates, and graduation dates accurately.
Make sure your resume and application match perfectly.
Employment Information
Names, addresses, and phone numbers of previous employers
Supervisor's Name
Dates of Employment
Salary
Reason for Leaving- This can be tricky to answer if not prepared to answer. You never want to list a negative as a reason for leaving.
Examples of appropriate answers
1. Career Advancement
2. Work Schedule
3. Upward mobility possibilities
4. Work life balance
Explaining a Termination:
Be honest.
Keep it simple.
Remain positive.
Demonstrate personal growth.
Promote your skills and experience.
1. Be honest
Always be honest about why you were terminated from a previous position. Because people are let go for a variety of different reasons, you should try to give the potential employer the most objective explanation that you can. Calmly explain the circumstances for why you were fired to demonstrate maturity.
2. Keep it simple
While an employer wants to understand the circumstances behind your termination, it's important to present the basic facts and keep your explanation as simple and brief as possible. Don't feel obligated to give details about what led to being fired unless necessary.
3. Remain positive
It's important to remain calm and positive and avoid saying anything negative about your previous employer. Because the hiring manager is evaluating whether you will be a positive addition to the team, be mindful of how you start and end the conversation.
4. Demonstrate personal growth
Once you have explained the basic circumstances behind your termination, use them to demonstrate what you have learned, both about your career and who you are as a person. Explain to the potential employer what you would have done differently, given the opportunity to revisit that moment. Accept responsibility for any mistakes you made. Describe any steps you've taken to prevent it from happening again.
5. Promote your skills and experience
Practice gracefully changing the topic of discussion to the value you have to offer a company. This helps you keep the conversation about your termination as brief as possible, and lets you transition to discussing your skills, experience, and the open position.
References
List of three references, including names, job title or relationship, addresses, phone numbers.
Note: Do not list a relative as a reference unless asked for a PERSONAL reference.
Position Applied for Information- Know the position and title of the position you are applying for.
Hours/days available to work- List the days and times you are available
When you can start work- Rather than list “immediate” provide an actual date.
How to Fill Out a Job Application Step by Step
Follow these step-by-step instructions to complete your application with confidence:
Review the job posting carefully. Understand qualifications and expectations.
Gather your documents. Resume, certificates, and reference list.
Use consistent information. Ensure names, dates, and titles match.
Follow all directions exactly. Incomplete applications are often discarded.
Proofread before you submit. Double-check spelling and contact info.
Application Questions You Don't Have to Answer
There are some questions that shouldn't be on a job application. You are not required to answer questions about race, ethnicity, religion, creed, national origin, public assistance, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, age, or disability.
How to Make the Best Impression
When You Apply In Person:
When you stop by to pick up or drop off a job application form, be sure you're dressed appropriately. You may end up speaking to the hiring manager, and it's important to look professional just in case you get an on-the-spot interview.
In-Person Job Application Checklist: If you review an in-person job application list beforehand, you'll avoid making any glaring errors during the interview process.
When You Apply Online:
Job application forms for many companies are often available online, so be ready to complete them. For example, a Walmart Employment Application can be completed online, and the same holds true for many other large national employers. In fact, some employers no longer accept paper applications, and applicants are required to apply on the company website or on the site where the company listed the job openings.
Always Follow the Instructions: Explicitly follow the instructions when completing both online and paper job applications. The slightest error could knock your application out of the running before an employer even gets a chance to look at it. You might also want to check the company website or the fine print on the job application form, to verify you've followed the directions as instructed.
Review Before You Submit:
Thoroughly read the instructions for applying for employment before you click the submit button or hand in your application. Make sure every field is filled in. Some companies refuse to accept an incomplete application.
Notify Your References: Let your references know that you've listed them on your application so that they can expect an email or a call.
Review Sample Job Applications and Letters
Remember, the more prepared you are, the better your chances of getting hired. It pays to review sample job applications to give you an idea of what will be asked of you. It also pays to print out one or two application forms and complete them, so you know you have all the information needed to complete actual employment applications.
If you need to mail a job application or follow-up on an application you've submitted, take the time to review some sample job application letters for examples of what to write and how to follow up.
Get Job Help Near You (For Eligible Members)
You don’t have to figure out this process alone.
LACA’s Career Coaching Program provides one-on-one job application help in Los Angeles, including:
Personalized guidance on how to fill out a job application step by step
Resume and cover-letter support
Interview preparation
These services are available to members with qualifying insurance coverage.
Who Qualifies for Support
We accept members covered by:
L.A. Care Health Plan
Anthem Blue Cross
Health Net
Molina Healthcare
Kaiser Permanente
Immigration status does not affect eligibility.
Bring your LACA eligibility card to access services.
Not sure if you qualify? Contact our team to confirm your coverage.
About LACA
LACA is a Los Angeles–based nonprofit focused on restoring families, rebuilding communities, and reducing poverty through employment support programs.Our mission is to equip individuals with career readiness programs and job coaching services that lead to long-term success.
Frequently Asked Questions
What information do I need to fill out a job application?
You’ll need your contact details, education history, employment background, and professional references. Being organized helps you successfully fill out a job application with confidence.
How do I fill out a job application online?
Visit the employer’s website or job portal and follow the listed instructions. Review every field carefully to avoid mistakes, knowing how to fill out a job application online increases your chances of success.
What are common mistakes to avoid when filling out a job application?
Avoid leaving sections blank, using unprofessional emails, or providing inconsistent information. Always double-check your online job application before submitting.
Where can I get help filling out a job application in Los Angeles?
You can get job application help in Los Angeles through LACA’s Career Coaching Program, available to eligible members with LA Care, Anthem, Health Net, Molina, or Kaiser coverage.
How can I make my job application stand out?
Be honest, highlight your strengths, and tailor your answers to the position. Preparation is key when learning how to fill out a job application step by step.