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By K. Wolfe and J. Carroll ^* (12/14)

Quick Facts…

• Practice filling out an application before you submit a final.
• Identify people to serve as references who know the quality of work you perform.

A selection process is used for many opportunities: a job, an award, a scholarship, a trip, or an educational experience. You may find that many of these opportunities require an application and references. A complete, good-looking application and useful list of references always gives candidates a competitive advantage.

Filling Out Job Applications

What is an application?

• A form prepared by the employer, award giver, school or college, etc.
• Asks information about you and your history of education, employment, and experiences.
• Usually 1 – 2 pages, hardcopy or available on the Internet.
• May include fill-in-the-blank, short answer and/or essay-type questions.

How do I complete an application?

• Print the application from the Internet, or get a copy from the employer, award giver, school or college, etc.
• Copy the application, or scan it into a computer, so you can make a draft or scratch copy of your answers.
• Complete your draft copy, then proof read it to be sure it makes sense and does not have any errors. Be sure every question is answered.If a question does not apply to you, mark the space “N/A” which means either not applicable or no answer. This shows that you did not ignore or skip the question.
• Be honest and do not exaggerate in your answers.
• Have a trusted friend or an adult read what you have written and make suggestions on how you can strengthen your qualifications to improve your application.
• Make a final copy on the computer or typewriter. If you must complete the application by hand, use a pen and print very neatly.
• Sign and date the application if asked.

Why do I need references?

Employers want to know if you will be a reliable employee with strong character traits. Award committees want to know if you are deserving and what sets you apart from other applicants. One way they make these determinations about you is by asking questions of people who already know you.

Whom shall I select as references?

Teachers, coaches, counselors, 4-H leaders, 4-H agents, previous employers, or people for or with whom you have done volunteer work. These are people:

• who are not related to you,
• who know you well enough to be able to answer questions about your abilities and personal characteristics,
• with whom you have had positive experiences.

How do I ask someone to be a reference for me?

• Before you list anyone’s name as a reference, it is important to get permission.
• Ask references in person, by phone, or by letter. An e-mail request may be acceptable, too.
• Share information with your reference about the application you’re making, your interest in being selected, and the characteristics you think best position you for success.
• State whether an employer or an award committee will contact your reference, or whether you need the individual to write you a letter of reference.

Requesting References

Below is a copy of an actual letter received by a 4-H Youth Development Agent. Note that it allows the agent almost three weeks to respond. It gives specific directions on addressing and returning the letter. A resume is included to inform or remind the reference of activities the applicant considers important. Your letter should be typed on good quality paper. Be sure to sign it and keep a copy for yourself.

If you haven’t received the letter in two weeks, you should call the reference with a very polite reminder. By changing this letter slightly, you could use it to request a letter of recommendation from any adult.

M. Y. Agent
County Extension Office
P.O. Box A
Anytown, State 01235

Dear Ms. Agent,

As an advisor, agent, and friend I have learned from you, and you have helped me become a better person. Now that my senior year in high school is almost through, it is time for me to seriously think about my future educational plans. I have decided that I will be attending Colorado State University to study biology. Afterward, I plan to continue my education to become a medical doctor.

In order to achieve my goals, I will need some financial assistance along the way. I have started to apply for scholarships, and I would like your help. If you could please write a letter of recommendation for me, I would be very thankful. There were no specific requirements concerning what the committee wishes you to include in the letter content. You can address it “to whom it may concern.” Since you may not be familiar with all of the activities that I am involved in, I have included a resume containing this information. Please return your letter of recommendation to me by May 19, 2003. Thank you so much for being an important part of my education.

Sincerely,

Kirby A. Student

Enc.

Be Prepared

Click here for an application that was actually presented to a 4-H member. Since it was completed at the job site, it was printed and not typed. The applicant had taken all the required information along, including references and their contact information, so no blanks were left empty. If you take the application home to complete, scan it and/or type it, and keep a copy for your records. By filling out this sample, you can have experience with a job application before you actually have one to complete.

^*K. Wolfe, Former Colorado State University Extension 4-H youth development agent, Larimer County; J. Carroll, Extension director, federal & civic engagement. 4/01 Revised 12/14.

Colorado State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Colorado counties cooperating. Extension programs are available to all without discrimination. No endorsement of products mentioned is intended nor is criticism implied of products not mentioned.

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