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Employment in High School

Locating Job Openings

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Complete The Job Application Form

Most employers see your job application before they see you; if you want to be interviewed, your application must make an outstanding impression. Messy, illegible or incomplete forms can easily end up in the waste basket. The way you fill out your application form has a great deal to do with whether you get the interview and the job. Employers often make assumptions about the quality of work you would do by the way you fill out an application. Always follow the directions for completing the application and check it carefully before submitting it.
  • A social security number or employment authorization document (EAD) will be required.
  • Letters of reference or recommendation are very helpful. They can be written by teachers, professors, employers, work associates, clergy, or counselors. Whenever possible avoid asking family members for references or letters of recommendation. Such letters are addressed “To Whom It May Concern” and copies can be attached to your resume, or taken to a job interview.
  • Documents verifying education or trainingmay be necessary: high school diplomas, transcripts, verification of apprenticeship or military training, or other certificates of training.Copies of special awards or honors can be included as well.

Hints On How To Present Information In Applications

  • When explaining your reasons for leaving a job avoid terms such as fired, terminated, dissatisfied, failed, or couldn’t get along. It is better to present a more positive picture – for example, company reorganized, better opportunity, career change, or returned to school.
  • Gaps in your work history may prevent your getting the interview unless they are made positive. Put considerable thought into your answers, and present a positive image of your desire to do a good job. Never falsify information on an application. It will eventually cause problems for you.
  • Before submitting your application, proof read it and ask questions such as, “Is it neat and clean, and free of smudges? Are words and abbreviations spelled correctly? Is all the information accurate? Were all of the directions followed?” One of the more common mistakes on an application is forgetting to sign your name. Most other mistakes are just as obvious and include a wrong phone number, incorrect dates, etc. So double-checking can ensure that the employer gets a positive picture of you.

Cover Letters Spark Employer’s Interest

A cover letter is just what the name implies. It is a letter that answers or spells out why that employer should use his time and money to interview you. It differs from a resume in that it targets in on a specific company and a specific position. The cover letter allows the applicant to stress certain abilities, skills, and experience that make him/her ideally suited for the position. A cover letter can also be used to explain certain questionable areas of the application or resume such as unsteady work history, health problems, etc.
 
Here are some tips to keep in mind:
  • Find out all you can about the company and let your letter reflect this knowledge. Call and ask for the Human Resources (HR) Manager’s name. Address your letter to her/him. In your letter state why you want to work for this particular company.
  • If possible, address your letter to the person who actually does the hiring.
  • Type the letter. In the case of an email cover letter be sure to list the position you are applying to in the email's subject line
  • Use simple, direct language.
  • Specify the position you are writing about in the first paragraph of the cover letter.
  • Mention how you heard about the job.
  • Know your skills, abilities, and experience, and state how you fit into the company. Tell them what makes you different from other applicants.
  • Give an example of personal aptitudes such as dependable, hard worker, etc. What in your work history proves that you are dependable? How was your attendance?
  • Keep in mind, the employer wants to know what you can do for them, not what they can do for you.
  • Keep it upbeat and positive.
  • Above all, check your spelling, punctuation, and sentence structure and be neat and complete.
  • In closing, express your desire to provide additional information either by letter or in person.
  • Email cover letters should include your name, full address, email address and phone number with your . Make sure your email address is work appropriate.