Relevance

• Keep the information on the application short and to the point. Depending on the company size, employers may screen dozens, if not hundreds, of applications weekly. Employers look for key facts written in the most succinct form. Keep the information about your work history pertinent to the position you're seeking. Information about your hobbies and extracurricular activities belong in the section provided for such information if applicable. Additionally, do not make the screener pore over paragraphs filled with descriptive prose to get to the subject matter.
  
  

Goals, Strengths and Weaknesses

• If the job application has "goals," "personal strengths" and "weaknesses" sections, briefly detail your career goals and how the company fits into the plan. Explain your strengths pertaining to the job based on personality and experience. Use examples of how your strengths assisted you with problem-solving in previous jobs or life experiences. Again, keep the information straightforward and avoid generic adjectives designed to impress. Demonstrate self-confidence and your ability to deal with various situations. When noting your weaknesses, keep the tone upbeat and explain steps you took to overcome the weakness. Do not leave a "weakness" section blank. Everyone has something they need to work on, and employers look for this.
  
  

Job History and Education

• Avoid gaps in job history when documenting previous employment experience. In the case of unavoidable gaps, briefly explain the reasons. Keep the reasons for leaving previous employment positive and avoid blaming employers, coworkers or anyone else for your unemployment. Be honest about your work history and education. Many employers perform background checks and sometimes modified credit checks prior to employment. Intentionally leaving something out or making something up may cost you the job. If you stretch the truth, you may be asked to clarify some information during the interview.
  
  

References

• Always supply references. When choosing personal references, ask the person first and let him know he may be called and by whom. You obviously want references that will speak on your behalf, but the reference section is not for your mother, father, siblings or any other family member. Consider colleagues, former employers, teachers and friends. Additionally, if the application specifically asks if it is acceptable to contact your current employer, the best answer would be "yes." If you prefer that your former employer not be contacted, briefly explain the reason.