James A. Rhodes State College
The Application Process
- Always have with you during your job search; a list containing all your references; their business title; business address; and business phone numbers. You will also need the dates of all your employment (month and year will be enough), the company’s location, your supervisor’s name.
We suggest you also have three “character” or “personal references” who can speak to your non-employment characteristics. Character references are most often people who have known you well for at least five years. People most often used as character references are teachers, coaches, next door neighbors or parents of friends.
Keep this list with you at all times during the job search and application and interview processes. You do not want to be asking to use the phone book to look up the info you should already have with you. Asking for a phonebook is a HUGE sign of not being prepared.
- Take with you a dependable pen and a sharpened pencil.
- When at all possible, take the application home. Ideally, make a copy of it and work through the copy first before you transfer info to the final application copy. A great way to return this is to ask the Human Resource office WHEN you might return the completed application and could an interview be arranged at that time!
- If you are going to just “drop in” to pick up an application – BE PREPARED FOR AN INTERVIEW! That means you must be dressed appropriately and have your research done on the employer. Often, when you least expect it, you’ll hear “well, why you’re here, let’s go ahead and do a quick interview.” That’s great if you’re prepared. But if you’re still back on what products they make or what is the purpose of the company, you’re sunk.
Know what they do, what they make, why you are interested in that company, where you think you “fit”. Have your questions ready ahead of time. Take copies of your resume. And….please do dressed as a job seeker and ready for an interview.
If asked to interview right then, you can always tell the folks, “I’m sorry, but I have several things already scheduled today. Could I come back tomorrow at this time or at a time that would be convenient for us both?” If you’re not prepared, this is the way to go!