Job application: Am I a bad person if I don't have these?

Question

Sub-questions:
References. Are you just required to list names and numbers of your references - or do you need letters from them? What if I have zero references? Please explain what would make my references better than yours etc. What are they for - just to prove that I exist as a person; to prove that I am a good person; a popular person?

Hobbies and club memberships? Are they looking for the most conventional, conservative answers? Should I fake them? Am I a bad person if I am not a club member or a socialite?

Old office name cards/ telephone numbers. Are they necessary for the application form? What if I have a habit of throwing away old cards?

Popularity. Is it necessary to prove that you were/ are a popular person? What if I'm not one of the 'in' crowd?

Lying. Should I lie to exaggerate my abilities or to hide my flaws? Do most people become best candidates because they lie (to get the edge)?

My questions may seem over the top, but they are honest questions. Thanks.

Answer 1

Professional References are typically required to find out if you were easy to work with, did you show up to work, did you actually work there... things like that. Personal References are used to determine if you are responsible, if you will stick around for a while and if you can develop relationships with people. Good people to use for these are clergy, scout masters, teachers, family friends.

Hobbies and clubs are important to some companies because they pride themselves on hiring people with a social conscience. It also shows you are well rounded with interests outside of work. Don't make these things up or they will come back to bite you - it may turn out that your future boss' nephew also is a member of the Society to Free Incarcerated Squirrels.

Old office namecards usually aren't requested. I imagine that some offices, if they are lax in their hiring process might consider a card as a confirmation of employment, but most make that telephone call to personnel and ask did so and so work there, when, and would you rihire them. Telling people you throw the cards away could be good, because it means you aren't a clutter bug. Often people keep them for sentimental reasons so it just depends on the interviewer as to if it is good or bad. (Unless you mean a desk placard, which just means the company doesn't want to buy another.)

Popularity could be important if your job is in sales, or if you are a cruise ship director or if you have to work in a lot of teams. But it isn't something you write on an application, it is something you are during the interview.

Lying... bad! always bad! those who lie to get the job, usually find themselves jobless (for lying) and unable to get a reference (because they lied).

Good luck with your job search! Remember a firm handshake, a welcome smile, intelligent answers and good eye contact win the job as often as having the best piece of paper.

Answer 2

No, not having these things doesn't make you a bad person. However, I have NO idea who you are or what kind of person you are. Why would I hire some guy I don't know for a job? Probably because something about him makes me think he'd be a good guy, a good coworker, someone responsible and dependable. It's possible these good qualities would come through in your interview, but the goal of filling out the application would be to get yourself into an interview in the first place. You've got to make yourself look as good on paper as possible.

I don't know where you are applying, but I'll assume it's a good job that you really want. You have to assume that there are a hundred or so other people who also really want the job. When the big boss flips through that big pile of applications, why will he stop at yours and dial your phone number to have you come in for an interview? What can you plug (honestly, if possible) into one of those spaces that will intrigue someone enough to make him want to meet you?

Um, I'm realizing I'm not exactly answering your question. Probably because every employer is actually looking for something different, and if the boss was a total geek in college, he might not be looking for someone who was the football quarterback. Or vice versa or whatever.

Your goal is to sell yourself as well as you can, so keep that in mind, think about the type of people they are probably looking for, and try to tailor your application to fit. Good luck!

Answer 3

You should keep two or three references on hand, phone numbers and info. This is in case you need someone to provide you with a good letter of reference on short notice.

Don't fake anything. Just be honest about any past activties/clubs/hobbies in which you have participated. If it relates to the job, even better. If not, you can say, "Taking piano lessons caused me to develop patience and self-discipline." You get the idea.

Again, have your old contact #'s on hand, or find them.

Popularity? I can't see what that would prove in a job interview.

Don't lie. Just "accentuate the positive", don't point out the negative. Best of luck.

Answer 4

The employer is looking for what experience you have and what work history you have to see if you can do the job.. Your main job at this point (especially if you don't have much experience) is to sell yourself. You can then prove your value to the employer after you get a job by doing it well.

Answer 5

Mind if I edit a little? Your current passage is inappropriate for a job application. "As for my previous jobs, I was a receptionist (you should mention for what sort of company. My duties were (insert duties and responsibilities here), however, I was laid off due to downsizing in my section of company employment. Following that, I was unemployed for three months, but was rehired to do maintenance within the same building. My cleaning duties suited me just fine; however, I was laid off again due to the company being unable to sustain itself." Hope this helps.

Answer 6

Its always better to have an answer than no answer at all. Most jobs I've ever worked at never checked references. And yes if you have to "stretch" the truth about it a little so be it.

Answer 7

You need references....
Previous employ numbers, you need them
and yes most do exaggerate there qualifications...

Answer 8

Tell them that you invented the Cobb Salad.